Pestered

Sunday, December 27th., Cadogan Square, London.

 

Another Xmas more or less over with. Thank goodness! But today was another fine, clear winter day and I had a good walk before lunch. I am deep in "Imperial Palace" and got some ideas for the next chapter, which I am now keen to get on with.

 

Eugene Goossens is pestering me for a libretto for "Don Juan". I have had to tell him that, though I would like to oblige, I cannot turn aside from my novel to do anything else creative. I said that I hope to finish the novel in April, but frankly I think the summer is more likely. He tells me that an opera is not the same as a play! I think I knew that the convention of an opera is quite different from the convention of a play, but I didn't say anything, not wishing to alienate him. Also he wishes to change quite a lot and I am perfectly willing to adopt all his suggestions, but I must have time. For example he wants the opera to end with the death of Don Juan. There is no reason why it shouldn't, though I am personally not sure that it would be a good thing, but he knows better than I what is what. So I await his formal response. I hope he will be patient.

I am sleeping better at the moment which is surprising considering that my diet comprises mainly oatcakes and mince pies.