7 P.V.E.
December 19/56

    My dear Nicholson,

.  .  .  .  .

        Dr. Barth, the African traveller, has been re-seducing [me]* into the Lingua Amazighana, which I had forsworn. I am not sure that something will not come of it—to me at least. I have already built a castle in the air, that sometime hereafter I shall become "Professor of Libyan" to U. C.

.  .  .  .  .

        How dreadful is it that we should be able to get into a war with Persia, proclaimed at Bombay on November 1st, and nobody here knows why it is or what it seeks after; and the country's honour is committed while Parliament is not even sitting. And for this we throw up Italy and . . . Switzerland? Have you seen Cobden's recent letters on Maritime War? I rejoice much in them, and think adversity has improved his tone. With hearty regards to Mrs. N. and all,

I am, ever yours,        
F. W. N.            

    *Sieveking's needed editorial interpolation.