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THE HESPERIAN STUDENT.
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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.
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