The Henson Journals

[88]

Friday, December 14th, 1923.

You were all brutally mistaken about Shelley, who was, without exception, the best and least selfish man I ever knew. I never knew one who was not a beast in comparison.

Byron to Murray. Aug: 3rd 1822 (vi.99)

I wrote to Arthur consenting to contribute £50 towards a second "loan" to G. It is a hopeless business, but there is nothing else to be done.

I wrote letters, & worked at the charge for the Ordinandi all the morning. After lunch I walked in the Park with the dogs: and then, after an early dinner, accompanied Ella & Fearne to the Theatre to see Sir Frank Benson's company perform "The Rivals". After the performance, we went behind the curtain, & talked with Sir Frank Benson. He is a taller and more impressive man that his brother Ld Charnwood, but was too much disfigured by his "make–up" to permit of a positive judgement on his appearance. I asked him how he liked North Country audiences, and whether he preferred them to Southerners. He answered that he preferred them, & spoke rather contemptuously of London. During the afternoon some of his company were shown over the Castle by Alexander, on whom they left a very favourable impression.

That worthless wastrel Lord Alfred Douglas has been sentenced to six months imprisonment for his impudent libels on Winston Churchill, & obstinate persistence in them.

---