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Royall Tyler to Mildred Barnes Bliss, June 27, 1939

The Sulgrave

Park Avenue and 67th Street

New York

27.VI.39

Precious Mildred—you’ll laugh when I tell you the effect on me of the Acquacade [sic].The Aquacade, a music, dance, and swimming show produced by Billy Rose (1899–1966) which was part of the 1939 New York World’s Fair. The synchronized swimming show was held in the 11,000-seat amphitheatre at the north end of Meadow Lake at Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, New York. I dreamt (during the 6 or 7 minutes sleep I got last night) that I was about to be shot, and was being taken to confess to Unamuno! And then, after a blank corresponding to the confession, Unamuno having given me absolution, I was given the sacrament in the form of two poached eggs, which I had to eat with my fingers, there being no utensils provided.

I don’t know what FreudSigmund Freud (1856–1939), an Austrian psychoanalysist. would make of this dream—but my lamb, it was borne in upon me, as I tried in vain to sleep last night that we’re crazy to strapazieren“To overtax.” in such a way. My treasure, I beg you to be careful of yourself, and to avoid every sort of strain that can by hook or crook be avoided.

And if you can just write me 2 lines, before leaving for California (c/o Bill, Duxbury, Mass.) reassure me about the effects of last night, plus journey plus the coming days in Washington. . . .

Bless you for all the days and all the good you’ve given me.

Love to Robert

Yrs

R. T.

 
Associated People: Miguel de Unamuno