T. E. Lawrence to Mrs. Thomas Hardy

Clouds Hill

31.VII.24.

[38 lines omitted] The Greek play was a tragedy here as well as in the Orestes family! The Staff Sergt. knew I wanted to get off promptly from work, and so he put me on to job after job, from 3.30 onward, till I was too late. This was his revenge for my having been clever a day or two before. The business was so sickening that I went away and had a feast of eggs and bacon, and pretended to be happy without spiritual food.  

The Staff Sergt. has had a bad life since, and is sorry. Says I can get off early any day I like: I don't like… now.

Yours sincerely

T. E. Shaw