T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 289

24 71/3/42 Lieut. White, R.N. lo vi 3( -e- I will never be a sailor, I'm afraid; born too late, though my father had visions and used to take me with him from my fourth year; but my attempted accompaniment is motor-boating, a very different art, and as difficult. Sailing has only wind and water, and the two party system is simple to work. With power all manner of complications enter and the art becomes exquisite, and subtler. Only it is sailing ! Last week we ran down from Southampton here in . . . hrs in one of the new R.A.F. boats; and this morning (it being most rough and horrid) we chased the Keppel out beyond Ramp Head, till she took over too much water for 20 m.p.h. and turned back to the Sovt'd. We turned back, willingly, and kept station till within the breakwater : then home; but the poor keppel has to wait out there. My own boat is in the shed, till I finish these R.A.F. tests. Almost sick of speed boating, I am, now. What is the Viscount ? It sounds like an unarmoured ship, and should not be the smallest of its class, or rank, or shouldn't it be the Viscountess ? "She" says the inarticulate sailor, stroking the gareway of the Iron Duke, can be a perfect bitch in a cross-sea". "He surely" I suggest, but the inarticulate deny it. What am I here airman say ? Yours sincerely, T B Shaw. I should, properly, have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient Servant: but the proprieties have been observed with the Lieut. at the top. Unless you are Commander now. I hope so. so.