January 22nd. 1937.

Mr. Selden Rodman

315-Fourth Avenue

New York, N. Y.,

My dear Selden:–

I just returned to New York and found a situation which I did not quite expect. I have found out that Ellis Roberts, who has been my friend for years and for whom I have a feeling of deep gratitude, would feel very much hurt if I should use your translation in his book. There is even a possibility that by so doing the publication of “Look Through the Bars” would have to be abandoned.

I feel certain that you will have every understanding for this situation. Difficult as this is for me, I feel compelled to tell you that there is no possibility of printing your version. As Messrs. Farrar & Rinehart have written you, there does not seem a possibility of incorporating your version in your collection of poems either.

What more can I say? Your first letter showed me definitely that the creative work which you accomplished in the seventeen hours of translating the work, gave you infinite pleasure. I need not tell you that very often in life the only thing left to us in our work is the great creative joy we experience while doing it. Of course, there will be no change in the matter of your honorarium of $ 100.00, which Farrar & Rinehart have paid you. I have advised Farrar & Rinehart that I shall pay the amount personally.

Hoping to see you soon I am with kindest regards,

Yours sincerely,

Ernst Toller.