The life and letters of Benjamin Jowett, M. A., master of Balliol college, Oxford.

Letters, 1865-1870

415

other operator). The force of the international commercial
principle will be much greater on the continent than in
England, because there is no insularity.
I should like to see two rough calculations made: (i) the
present cost of the standing armies of Europe, (2) the loss
(incalculable really) that the nations of Europe incur from
Protection. (i) would probably be much above Ioo millions
sterling per annum; (2) would probably be much above Iooo
millions sterling per annum. Subtract (i), add (2). When
we think of these things and think of the evils of caste, priesthood, petty princes, oppressed nationalities, &c., does not
Europe seem to be at the beginning and not at the end of
her politics?
I am fond of dreaming of a millennium, not in the superstitious sense, but of one which we may make, and which
you may help to make-when you have reached the higher
diplomatic position many opportunities will occur.
I am delighted at the C.B. I never thought you would be
the 'fat knight'; that is the only thing wanting to complete
the parallel.
You kindly ask me to write to you about myself, but that
subject will soon come to an end. For I have had no adventures; only carrying on pupils and the everlasting book which
has now got into four or perhaps five volumes, including
a complete translation of Plato. I keep on hand also notes
for sermons, which I mean to work up when Plato is finished;
in one respect I am glad to have held my tongue about
Theology, for I begin, as I fancy, to see my way clearer.
Five hundred a year additional is certainly a great comfort.
Thou wilt come to me yet to borrow a thousand pounds-and
thy love, Jack, is worth a thousand pounds'.
I have made two new friends during the last year-one,
Mr. Browning, whom 1 like extremely; he is a man of great
genius and power without the faults of genius-the other,
R. Lowe, whom I also like; he is a very honest man and very
clear and able; it is only in politics that he is a cynic, for in
his natural character he is a kindly, genial man, having a great

1 Shakespeare, 2 Henry IV, i. 2.