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About Hesperian student / (Lincoln [Neb.]) 1872-1885 | View Entire Issue (Jan. 5, 1883)
SKtM'i THE HESPERIAN STUDENT. at 01 B( 'y V U "'I h U t pool's finest graces, linn fallen into aboyanco, Iiiib becomo Iho bnckgrouutl on which nro projected the elevated thoughts of a Wordswor'h, tlio mlglity pnssions of a fjlhnkespcaro. Tlio ntcliincholy winds Hint shrieked mid wailed In tho dismal finest depths; the tempest that drove Uie rnln-torronts violently, pitilessly ngainstllio nged form of a houseless, friendless wanderer; tho lurid glare- of heaven's electric power, and the roar and crash of Urlnn's nwful thunder were- overawed, dimmed, silenced by tho hurncano of passions Hint swept through tlio soul of Lcnr. That the moro excellent types of poetry should flourish in a highly civilized society is not in accordance with tho laws which relate to tho growth of tho flno arts; yet that there should be individual instances oi rare poetic genius in modern times mid that thero will bo such in stances in tho future is not of all anomalies the mr.st in explicable. Elegiac poetry, philosophical, contemplative is at present predominant. The Christian era 1ms pro duced not more than four or fivo lyric poems that can compare with those of the ancients, while tho many abor tjvc attempts to create tho opic seem only to remind man tmt the worlu's buoyant youth his been overcome by de crepit age. In one quarter only linyo tho grey mists that were poured over the poetic heaven been dispelled by tho sun beams of our unique genius, and tho expectant observer beholds in the combination of the epic and dramatic tho noblest ouspring of tho mind of man; an aerial flight above the Parnassus of antiquity; an earnest of still high er advancement in literature and art. TJie author of this combination was John Milton, "the poet, the statesman, tho philosopher, tho glory of English literature, the champion and martyr of English liberty." The literatures of the three grcnt nations of antiquity poured their treasures lavishly into his soul. With every classic landscape ho had the familiar acquaintance of a present observer. He seems in person to travel sc far-oil India's golden strand, where the sacred Ganges (lows, to' wander o'er the divine hills of Palestine and Imtho in Pharlar and Abana, lucid streams that ripple in their course through the fields of fair Damascus. Ho nhalcs tho nard nnd cassia borne on the winds of far-famed tempe. In imagination ho passes through the sireets of the Eternal City, "queen of the seven hills," and lingers where tho Tiber pours his storied waters through the rich land of heroes. Every language of modern civilization with its treasures of science; every country, rich in the memories ol the past and in tho glory of living natuie, contributed to the building up of his great mind; yet so far was this mountain of knowledge from oppressing him by its weight that it was rendered translucent, nay, even radiant, with the fervor of his imagination. Paradise Lost, the product of this mind, is epic, since it portrays action in nature, and dramatic in that it re. veals to us the hell of passions that burn in the soul of Satan. It is not an imitation of any poem ol the ancients, but the solitary type of a newer and higher order ol poetic thought. Channing compares the first two books to two pillars of massive gold. Hut is this simile appropriate? Huve they the rigidity of an inert column? The entire poem in its unity resembles, rather, tho broad expanse of tho sea, over which waves of golden eloquence now move majes. tic, now calmnly subside as the poet portrays tho trar. quility, tho blissful contcntmonl of Eden's dwollors; whilo tho first two hooks rcsomblo In their grandeur a tempest on tho rugged coast, whon tho btorm driven waves-plough up tho sands on tho sea-lashed bench, when they bca violently against a lofty cliff, and tho shepherd dwelling in his mountain cavern trembles when ho hears tho dis tant roar. Tho moral tone of tho poem is in keeping with its character as n Christian opic. It is as puro as tho breath of God that inspired it. Modern poets look within; Shakespeare looks around nnd afar, but tho oyo of Milton turns ever heavenward, and, as ho gazes, eoars. G. W. B. amy us &nnnrtui. Good sleighing. "AroyouTukin Dcutich"? Text books of all kinds at Fawcll's. . Lnrcc stock of fine stationery at FawelPa 11th. St. How do you do? How aro all tho folks at homo? A large number of tho students were present at tho in augurations. Ouc of the infant German class translated "es sclinelt" snow is a snide. The "rcvivicular" work of tho M. E. church hos-close for the holidays. A Greek translation "And the mother was tho ninth that hatched the brood." The best judges of artistic work go to Kelley cfc Co. for Photos. No. 1 020 O street. 1st Prep. "What do you go sleighing for?" 2d Prep. "Why to 'slay' time, of course. Savez?" Buy your Boots and Shoes of O. W. Webster, Oat. Acttdnmy of Music. At the commencement of this term wo nro pleased to bco more than tho usual number of now students entering tho school. The re-formal! on of the Inter-collegiate Rowing Associa tion is reported. Why shouldn't our University be repro scntcd by a regatta? Wc overheard tho other day the following specimen of Pi op. wit: "Why don't you come out in the snow " Ans. 'Cos 'snow fun." When the whole heart is in a work there is little fatiguo Tho smallboy will run a whole mile in order to attacli his sled to a farmer's wagon for a single block. Until January 10th the students will have to ho warmed by faith durinr; chapel exercises. Alter that perhaps something more tangible will be obtained. We are very much pleased to see tho familiar faces of many of our old students who have been away for a terra or two. Wc give lliem a most hearty welcome. In the sudden cold snaps that come so frequently this winter, we often are tempted to follow the ancient Per sian religion, and become "fire worshipers." If students would only consider tho interest In tho shape of demerit marks that accrue from essays after maturity, perhaps more would have them In when due. Students, it will pay you to get your Photos made nt Kelley & Co's. University panel gratis. 45 UOr llltrso icnmiu - "WW" -A' I'T. V.'J-. r -))