T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 539

ground level, and have even been able to at intervals to buy books of his production : of course I've never met him:- but you know, and he knows that he's the ideal of all those who have tried to produce books. Or perhaps I should say, of all who have gone far enough in the direction of producing books, to know what a job it is. It would be an awful thing if my share in the Homer did not justify its setting, in my own judgment. So let me make stiff terms, in the hope of being refused an honour which I feel too great for me to carry off successfully. I cannot refuse so profitable an offer bluntly. The-translation-would- 1. I should need two years in which to complete the translation, after I began work on it. 2. I do not feel capable of doing it as well as Homer would have liked; and shall feel unhappy if it turns out botched. 3. I could not sign it with any one of my hitherto names. It must go out blank, or with a virgin name on it. 4. I would do the first book, within six months of having concluded the agreement with the publishers; and if they were not satisfied with it, I would agree to let the contract go, upon their paying me the fraction of £300 which the first book bears to the whole. Notes 1. Because it is long and difficult. Probably I'd write on above it twice or three times before it felt right. Also I can't begin right off. I must get several of the older translations by me, to compare with.