The Nation and the Athenaeum, 40 (18 Dec 1926) 418 1
Sir, – I was not aware of “Kappa’s” contribution to Mr. J. M. Robertson’s birthday party until I read Mr. Middleton Murry’s letter in The Nationof December 4th. 2 If it is not too late to intervene, I should be glad to express my cordial agreement with Mr. Murry’s protest. “Kappa’s” original comment appears to have been in indifferent taste in the choice of an occasion: but he now carries the controversy beyond the limits of his sneer at Mr. Robertson. 3 The “Kappa” programme, in fact, seems to comprehend a sweeping out of the temple of Shakespeare of such insignificant insects as Professor Pollard, and Professor Dover Wilson, and anyone who has attempted to clear up any of the problems of that bewildering epoch. 4
No more than “Kappa” do I profess “to have an expert’s acquaintance,” but at least I have studied these problems. I write as a literary critic who has, like Mr. Murry, paid some attention to this period of English literature; and I am convinced that no literary critic who is concerned with this period to-day can afford to neglect the work of such scholars as those I have mentioned. “Kappa” is, on the other hand, a true Conservative: he likes things to be left as they are. That is to say, since we cannot proveto his satisfaction who is responsible for Titus Andronicus, we should continue to dishonour the name of Shakespeare with the ascription. 5 “Kappa” may have reason to be satisfied with his own “aesthetic instinct.” I refuse to surrender myself to the mercy of the “aesthetic instinct” of Coleridge who can talk glibly about Richard IIand Richard IIIwithout mentioning the name of Marlowe. 6
Yours, etc., t. s. eliot russell square, london, w. c. 1.
