T. E. Lawrence Correspondence – Page 352

To Sir Evelyn Wrench, F'rton Crloy. 119, Clarence Road, East Cowes, Isle of Wight. 16th June, 1933. Dear E.W. I have faced your letter with despair for days. "The Duke's House", you say. Surely not ? I do now I think hard, dimly remember you in some Old Honour's List ... but I fancied you probably went for a C.H., ... one of those honours-that-do-not- increase-hotel bills-or-waiters'-tips for a . . . . . . . Duke of What ? How can I address an envelope ? I don't care; it is going to E.W. Esq., and forgive me if you are a peer. My life passes in out-of-the-way places and amongst people who are not "in" with things. Your instructional won't Jerusalem ? My opinion? But I am eleven years in the R.A.F, and have never once thought about the Dead in all that time. Have pity on the dead and let their bones rest. My runs to London are usually on a Saturday night, and end at noon on Sunday - which does not serve for paying calls. All polite people are out of town. This reads an ungracious and unhopeful letter. If there is anything within my compass, of course I'll do it - but please remember how my compass has shrunk! Yours, T.E. Shaw.