‘My honoured Friend,—I am convinced with Machiavel or some unlucky fellow, ’tis no matter whether I quote true, that the world is generally governed by words. I perceive the name of a quadrangle will carry it with those whom you say may possibly be your benefactors, though it be much the worse situation for the chambers, and the beauty of the college, and of the particular pile of building. If I had skill in enchantment to represent the pile, first in one view, then in another, I should certainly make them of my opinion; or else I will appeal to Mons. Mansard or Signor Bernini, both of which I shall see at Paris within this fortnight.
‘But, to be sober, if anybody, as you say, will pay for a quadrangle, there is no dispute to be made; let them have a quadrangle, though a lame one somewhat like a three-legged table.’...
Some technical details for the builder follow, and then:
‘You need not use any apologies to me, for I must beg you to believe you can command me in things of greater moment, and that I love to serve you as your most faithful and affectionate Friend and Servant,
‘Christopher Wren.’
The College was repaired by Sir Thomas Pope, it having been left in a very ruinous condition, but the ornamental part is due to Dr. Bathurst, aided by munificent Archbishop Sheldon and other old members of the College.
He was making considerable additions to Trinity College at Cambridge: to this date belongs the library, which he added to the beautiful western Quadrangle known as Nevile’s Court.
‘A building,’ said Wren, in a letter to the Master of Trinity, ‘of that consideration you go about, deserves good care in the design and able workmen to perform it; and that he who takes the general management upon him may have a prospect of the whole, and make all parts inside and outside correspond well together.’
Very full directions and six drawings follow, explaining the plan and its details.