| Description | Herschel's communication reached him when he was very busy, and Arnold could not give it the attention it deserved. He has a profound respect for Herschel, from whose works he has received much instruction. He has been able to read Herschel's translation [of 'The Iliad]' this week, comparing it with the original. The hexameters 'seem to read themselves perfectly', a great matter and in this respect he is much more successful than [Joseph Henry] Dart or the others. Arnold hopes that Herschel will get rid of the italics in any published version, which shows honesty, but which interferes with the reader's pleasure. He suggests that here and there the rendering is 'too plain and level for poetry', giving examples. He also thinks that dactyls are a little too preponderous for his taste, but gives examples where the verse is very successful in rhythm and diction. Arnold thinks it impossible to predict the public success of a hexameter version of Homer, but he thinks its chances are improving. He writes that he will return the preface and Book 1 to Herschel, but may retain the second book as a memorial. A postscript states that 'I am not in orders'.
With a note by Herschel: 'Ansd. Dec. 30/65'. |