Letter from Edward Thomas to his wife, Helen Thomas. Archival reference: 424/1/1/1/1/172
17 Worcester Place
23.5.1900
My dearest friend,
Mrs B Shelby is my landlady’s name, and she would like to be paid by cheque at once. The character sketch is absurd in its facile and impudent inaccuracy. I have burnt it.
I am longing to see

Of the Oxford city band, an uncommonly good one. I fancy it is pleasing for me, for its dominant note is a wild and amiable despair, worth here and there a little tearful rejoicing that suggests my recollections of Oxford in future life, if I live.
The anticipation of my wholesale intelligence,
The proofs: so best to send them as soon as possible.
I am now working 6 or 7 hours a day at revision. A hopeless task, for it cannot all be got into the short remaining interval. I will have a few slack days before the exam; for Haynes is coming up on June 2nd and staying till the 5th. He is also coming up to carouse with me after schools, about June 16th. I am at present in a fearful despondent state, positively speechless about the imminent trials, of which, however, I do not count the examination a serious one. Almost my only relief is the morbid enjoyment
Literary, sentimental and sensual, after schools, is becoming a perfect passion, and helps to keep me going.
By the way for God’s sake begin serious operations rather before the due time, say on June 1st, reports progress to
Me. A blind child would be a horrible comedy.
With love to all, kisses for Merfyn, I am, my own sweet little one
Yours and wholly yours
Edward
Will you send my sweater with mother’s neat cake at the end of the week?