第7章

Everysecretsincommittedagainstitcriesoutfromthehouse-tops。Cunningmaystrivetoconceal，willmaydeterminetosmother，lovemayfondlywhisper，"Itdoesnothurt"；butthesoulwillnotBEoutraged。Somewhere，somehow，whenandwhereyouleastexpect，unconscious，perhaps，toitsowner，unrecognizedbythemany，visibleonlytotheclearvision，somewhere，somehow，thesoulburstsasunderitsbonds。Itisbutalittlesong，atrippingofthefingersoverthekeys，adrawingofthebowacrossthestrings，——onlythat！Onlythat？

Itistheprotestofthewrongedandignoredsoul。Itistheoutburstofthepentandprisonedsoul。Alltheacheandagony，allthesecretwrongandsilentendurance，alltherejectedloveandwoundedtrustandslightedtruth，allthericheswasted，alltheyouthpoisoned，allthehopetrampled，allthelightdarkened，——allmeetandmingleinamadwhirlofwaters。Theysurgeandlashandrage，awildstormofharmony。

Barriersarebroken。Circumstanceisnot。Thesoul！thesoul！

thesoul！thewrongedandfetteredsoul！thefreedandroyalsoul！Italoneisking。Liftupyourheads，Oyegates，andbeyeliftup，yeeverlastingdoors，andtheKingofGloryshallcomein！Tremble，OTyrant，inyourmountain-fastness！

Tremble，Deceiver，inyourcavernunderthesea！Yourvictimisyouraccuser。Yoursinhasfoundyouout。YourcrimecriestoHeaven。Youhavecondemnedandkilledthejust。Youhavemurderedtheinnocentinsecretplaces，andinthenoondaysunthevoiceoftheirbloodcriethuntoGodfromtheground。

Thereisnospeechnorlanguage。Thereisnowillnordesign。

Thesealofsilenceisunbroken。Butunconscious，entranced，inspired，thegodhaslashedhisSybilon。Thevitalinstinctofthesoul，itsheaven-born，up-springinglife，flingsbackthesilverveil，andrevealsthehiddenthingstohimwhohatheyestosee。

Thestormsobsandsoothesitselftosilence。Thereisahush，andthenanenthusiasmofdelight。Thesmallheadslightlybows，thestillfacescarcelysmiles，theslightformdisappears，——andafterall，itwasonlyafiddle。

"WhenMusic，heavenlymaid，wasyoung，"beginstheode；butMusic，heavenlymaid，seemstomestillsoyoung，soveryyoung，asscarcelytohavemadeherpowerfelt。Herlanguageisyetunlearned。Whenababyofamonthishungryorinpain，hecontrivestomakethefactunderstood。Ifheisatpeacewithhimselfandhissurroundings，heleavesnodoubtonthesubject。TopreciselythisdegreeofintelligibilityhastheHeavenlyMaidattainedamongus。WhenBeethovensatdowntothecompositionofoneofhisgrandharmonies，therewasundoubtedlyinhismindasdistinctaconceptionofthatwhichhewishedtoexpress，ofthatwithinhimwhichclamoredforexpression，aseverrisesbeforeapainter\'seye，orsingsinapoet\'sbrain。Thought，emotion，passion，hope，fear，joy，sorrow，eachhaditslifeandlaw。Thepainterpaintsyouthis。Thisthepoetsingsyou。Youstandbeforeapicture，andtoyourloving，searchinggazeitstruthsunfold。Youreadthepoemwiththeunderstanding，andcatchitsconcealedmeanings。ButwhatdoyouknowofwhatwasinBeethoven\'ssoul？Whograspshisconception？Whofaithfullyrenders，whoeventhoroughlyknowshisidea？Hereandtheretosomepatientnight-watchertheloftygatesareunbarred，"ongoldenhingesturning。"But，forthegreaterpart，themusicianwhowouldtellsomuchspeakstounheedingears。Wecomprehendhimbutinfinitesimally。ItistheBattleofPrague。Adrianussitsdowntothepiano，andDionstandsbyhisside，music-sheetinhand，actingasshowman。"Thecannon，"saysDion，attheproperplace，andyouimagineyourecognizereverberation。

"Charge，"continuesDion，andwithaviolenteffortyoufancythegroundtrembles。"Groansofthewounded，"andyouarepartlyhorror-struckandpartlyincredulous。Butwhatlamerepresentationisthis！AsifoneshouldtieapaperaroundtheankleoftheBelvedereApollo，withtheinscription，"Thisistheankle。"Acollardeclares，"Thisistheneck。"A

bandeaulocateshis"forehead。"Abraceletindicatesthe"arm。"Isthesculpturethussignificant？Hardlymoredoesourmusicyetsignifytous。Youhearanunfamiliarair。Youlikeitordislikeit，orareindifferent。Youcantellthatitisslowandplaintive，orbriskandlively，orperhapseventhatitisdefiantorstirring；buthowinsensibleyouaretothedelicateshadesofitsmeaning！Howhiddenisthesongintheheartofthecomposertillhegivesyouthekey！Youhearasthoughyouheardnot。Youhearthethunder，andthecataract，andthecrashoftheavalanche；butthesongofthenightingale，thechirpofthekatydid，themurmurofthewaterfallneverreachyou。Thiscannotbetheultimatum。

Musicmustholdinitsownbosomitsowninterpretation，andmanmusthaveinhisitscorrespondingsusceptibilities。Musicislanguage，andlanguageimpliesapeoplewhoemployandunderstandit。Butmusic，evenbyitsprofessor，isasyetfaintlyunderstood。Itsmeaningsgooncrutches。Theymustbehelpedoutbywords。Whatdoesthispiecesaytoyou？

Interpretit。Youcannot。Youmustbetaughtmuchbeforeyoucanknowall。Itmustbetranslatedfrommusicintospeechbeforeyoucanentirelyassimilateit。Musiciansdonottrustalonetonotesformoods。Theirlightshinesonlythroughaglassdarkly。Butinsomeothersphere，insomehappiertime，inaworldwheregrosswantsshallhavedisappeared，andthereforethegrossnessofwordsshallbenolongernecessary，wherehungerandthirstandcoldandcareandpassionhavenomoreadmittance，andonlyloveandfaithandhopeandadmirationandaspiration，shallcraveutterance，inthatblessedunseenworldshallnotmusicbetheeverydayspeech，conveyingmeaningnotonlywithasweetness，butwithanaccuracy，delicacy，anddistinctness，ofwhichwehavenowbutafaintconception？Herewordsarenotonlyrough，butambiguous。Thereharmoniesshallbeminutelyintelligible。

Speakwithwhatdirectnesswecan，beasexplanatory，emphatic，illustrativeaswemay，therearemistakes，misunderstandings，manyandgrievous，andconsequentmisstepsandcatastrophes。

Butinthatotherworldlanguageshallbeexactlycoexistentwithlife；musicshallbepreciselyadequatetomeaning。Thereshallbenohiddencorners，nobunglingincompatibilities，butthesearchingsoundpenetratesintothesecretsourcesofthesoul，all-pervading。Notanook，notacrevice，nomazesointricate，butthesoundfloatsintogatherupfragrantaroma，tobearityondertoanotherwaitingsoul，anddeposititasdeftlybyunerringmagnetismsinthecorrespondingclefts。

Tootaway，then，fifer-fellow！Turnyourslowcrank，inexorableItalian！Thrumyourthrums，MissLaura，forSignorBernadotti！Youareawayoff，butyourfootprintspointtherightway。Withmanyayawnandsighsubjective，Igreatlyfearme，manyamaledictionobjective，youare"learningthelanguageofanotherworld。"Tous，huddledtogetherinourlittleant-hill，oneis"unebete，"andoneis"monange"；butfromthatfixedstarweareallsofartohavenoparallax。

ButIcomedownfromthegoldenstars，forthewhite-robedonehasraisedherwandagain，andwefloatawaythroughtheglowinggatesofthesunrise，overthepurplewaves，overthevine-landsofsunnyFrance，inamongtheshadowsofthestoriedPyrenees。Sorrowandsighinghavefledaway。Tragedynolonger"insceptredpallcomessweepingby"；butyounglambsleapinwildfrolic，silken-fleecedsheeplieontheslopesofthehills，andshepherdcallstoshepherdfromhismountain-peak。Peacefulhamletsliefardownthevalley，andeverygentleheightbloomswithahappyhome。Dark-eyedBasquegirlsdancethroughthefruitfulorchards。Iseethegleamoftheirscarletscarfswoundinwiththeirboldblackhair。I

heartheirrichvoicestrillingthelaysoftheirland，andringingwithhappylaughter。ButImounthigherandyethigher，tillgleamandvoicearelost。Herethefresheningairsweepsdown，andthelowgurgleoflivingwaterpurlingoutfromcool，darkchasms，mingleswiththeshepherd\'sflute。

Heretheyoungshepherdhimselfclimbs，leapingfromrocktorock，supple，strong，brave，andfreeasthesoulofhisrace，——

thesameironinhissinews，andthesamefireinhisbloodthatdealtthe"dolorousrout"toCharlemagneathousandyearsago。SweetlyacrossthepathofRoncesvallesblowtheeveninggales，waftingtendermessagestothelisteninggirlsbelow。

Greengrowsthegrassandgaytheflowersthatspringfromthebloodofprincelypaladins，theflowerofchivalry。Nobugle-blastcanbringoldRolandback，thoughitwindlongandloudthroughtheechoingwoods。Ladsandlasses，worthyscionsofvaliantstems，maysitonhappyeveningsintheshadowofthevines，orgroupthemselvesonthegreenswardinthepausesofthedance，andsingtheirsongsofbattleandvictory，——theoldenlegendsoftheirheroicsires；butthestrainthatfloatsdownfromedarkeningslopesintotheirheartofhearts，thesongthatreddensintheirglowingcheeks，andthrobsintheirthrobbingbreasts，andshinesintheirdewyeyes，isnottheshockofdeadlyonset，gloriousthoughitbe。Itisthesweetoldsong，——old，yetevernew，——whoseburdenis，Comelivewithmeandbemylove，"——

old，yetalwaysnew，——sweetandtender，andnottobegainsaid，whetheritbepipedtoashepherdessinArcadia，orwhetheraprincesshearsitfromprincelylipsinherpalaceonthesea。

Butthemountainshadowsstretchdownthevalleysandwrapthemeadowsintwilight。Fartherandfartherthenotesrecedeastheflutesmangathershisquietflockalongthewindingpaths。

Smoothandfarinthetranquilevening-airfalltherecedingnotes，aclear，silverysweetness；fartherandfartherinthehushedeveningair，lesseningandlowering，asyoubendtolisten，tillthevanishingstrainjustcleaves，asinglethreadofpearl-puremelody，finer，finer，finer，throughthedewytwilight，and——youhearonlyyourownheart-beats。Itisnotdead，butrisen。Itneverceased。Itknewnopause。Ithasgoneuptheheightstominglewiththesongsoftheangels。

Yourouseyourselfwithastart，andgazeatyourneighborhalfbewildered。Whatisit？Wherearewe？Oh，myremorsefulheart！Thereisnoshepherd，nomountain，nogirlwithscarletribbonandblackbraidsboundonherbeautifultemples。Itwasonlyafiddleonaplatform！

Nowyouneednottellmethat。Iknowbetter。Ihavelivedamongfiddlesallmylife，——embryotic，Silurianfiddles，splinteredfromcornstalks，thatblessedmeinthegoldenafternoonsofgreensummerswavinginthesunshineoflongago，——sympatheticfiddlesthatdidmeyeomen\'sserviceonce，whenIfelloffabagofcornupgarretandbrokemyhead，andthefrightenedfiddles，notknowingwhatelsetodo，cameandfiddledtomelyingonthesettee，withsuchboundless，extravagantflourishthatnobodyheardthedoctor\'sgigrollingby，andsosinciputandocciputwereleftovernighttocomposetheirownquarrels，wherebyIwasnaturallyallrightbeforethedoctorhadachanceatme，sufferingonlytheslightdisadvantageofgoingbroken-headedthroughlife。WhatImighthavebeenwithawholeskull，Idon\'tknow；butIwillsay，that，goodorbad，andeveninfragments，myheadisthebestpartofme。

Yes，IthinkImaydareaffirmthatwhateverthereistoknowaboutafiddleIknow，andIcangivemyaffidavitthatitisnofiddlethattakesyouuponitsbroadwings，outstrippingthe"wondroushorseofbrass，"whichrequired"thespaceofadaynatural，Thisistosayn，fourandtwentyhoures，Whersoyoulist，indroughtorellesshowres，ToberenyourbodyintoeveryplaceTowhichyourhertewillethfortopace，Withoutenwemmeofyou，thurghfouleorfaire，"

sinceitbearsyou，"withouten"evensomuchasyour"herte\'s"

will，inamoment\'stime，overtheandabovethestars。

Afiddle，isit？Donotforonemomentbelieveit——ApoetwalkedthroughSouthernwoods，andtheDryadsopenedtheirheartstohim。Theyunfoldedthesecretsthatdwellinthedepthsofforests。Theysangtohimunderthestarlightthesongsoftheirgreen，rustlingland。Theywhisperedthelovesofthetreessentienttopoets:——

"Thesaylingpine；thecedar，proudandtall；

Thevine-proptelme；thepoplar，neverdry；

Thebuilderoake，solekingofforrestsall；

Theaspine，goodforstaves；thecypressefunerall；

Thelawrell，meedofmightieconqueroursAndpoetssage；thefirre，thatweepethstille；

Thewillow，worneofforlorneparamours；

Theeugh，obedienttothebenderswillThebirch，forshaftes；thesallow，forthemill；

Themirrhe，sweete-bleedinginthebitterwounde；

Thewarlikebeech；theash，fornothingill；

Thefruitfulolive；andtheplataneround；

Thecarverholme；themaple，seldominwardsound。"

Theysangtohimwiththeirlutes。Theydancedbeforehimwithsunny，subtilegrace，wreathingwithstrangeloveliness。Theybroughthimhoneyandwineinthewhitecupsoflilies，tillhisbrainwasdrunkwithdelight；andtheykeptwatchbyhismosspillow，whileheslept。

Inthedewofthemorning，hearoseandfelledthekindlytreethathadshelteredhim，notknowingitwasthehomeofArborine，fairestofthewood-nymphs。Buthediditnotforcruelty，buttenderness，tocarveamemorialofhismostmemorablenight，andsopulleddownnothundersonhishead。

ForArborinelovedhim，and，likeher，sisterUndineintheNorth，foundhersoulinlovinghim。Unseen，thebeautifulnymphguidedhishandashefashionedthesoundingviol，notknowinghewasfashioningapalaceforasoulnew-born。Hewroughtskilfullystrungtheintensechords，andsmotethemwiththesympatheticbow。Whatburstofmusicfloodedthestillair！Whatnewsongtrembledamongthemermaidentressesoftheoaks！Whatnewpresencequiveredineverylisteningharebellandeveryfearfulwindflower？Theforestfeltachange，fortricksynymphhadprovedamortallove，andputoffherfairyphantasmsforthedeepconsciousnessofhumanity。

Thewoodheard，bewildered。Ashudderasofsorrowthrilledthroughit。AbreezethatwasalmostsadsweptdowntheshadyaislesasthePoetpassedoutintothesunshineandtheworld。

ButNatureknowsnopain，thoughArborinesappearnevermore。

Abalmspringsupineverywound。Overthehills，andfarawaybeyondtheirutmostpurplerim，anddeepintothedyingdaysthehappylove-bornonefollowedherlove，happytoexchangehersylvanimmortalityforthespasmofmortallife，——happy，inherhumanself-abnegation，toliecloseonhisheartandwhispercloseinhisear，thoughheknewonlythelovingvoiceandneverthelovinglips。Throughtheworldtheypassed，thePoetandhismysticviol。Itgatheredtoitselfthemelodiesthatflutteredoverseaandland，——songsofthemountains，andsongsofthevalleys，——murmursoflove，andthetrumpet-tonesofwar，——bugle-blastofhuntsmanonthetrackofthechamois，andmother\'slullabytothebabyatherbreast。Allthatearthhadofsweetnessthenymphdrewintoherviol-home，andpoureditforthanewinstrainsofmorethanmortalharmony。Thefireandfervorofhumanhearts，thequietrippleofinlandwaters，theanthemofthestormysea，thevoicesoftheflowersandthebirds，theirmelodytothesongofherwhoknewthemall。

ThePoetdied。Died，too，sweetArborine，swooningawayinthefiercegraspofthisstrangerSorrow，toenterbytheblackgateofdeathintothefullpresenceandrecognitionofhimbylovingwhomshehadlearnedtobe。

Theviolpassedintostrangehands，andwandereddownthecenturies，butitsoldenechoeslingerstill。FragranceofSouthernwoods，coolnessofshadedwaters，inspirationofmountain-breezes，allthesecretforcesofNaturethatthewood-nymphknew，andthejoy，thepassion，andthepainthatthrobonlyinawoman\'sheart，liestill，silentunderthesilentstrings，butwakeningintolifeatthetouchofaroyalhand。

Doyounotbelievemystory？ButIhaveseentheviolandtheroyalhand！

CHERI

CheriistheCanary-bird，——ayellowbirdwithawhitetail，whenthecatleaveshimanytailatall。Hecameasagift，andIwelcomedhim，butwithoutgratitude。Foragiftisnothing。Alwaysbehindthegiftstandsthegiver，andunderthegiftliesthemotive。Thegiftitselfhasnocharacter。

Itmaybeablunder，abribe，anoffering，accordingtothenatureanddesignofthegiver；andyouareoutraged，ormagnanimous，orgrateful。Chericametomewithnolove-tokenunderhissoftwings，——onlythe"goodriddance"ofhisheartlessmaster。Thoselittleblackeyeshadtwinkled，thoseshiningsilkenfeathershadgleamed，thatroundthroathadwavedwithmelodyinvain。Hehadwornhiswelcomeout。Eventhevirtueswhichshouldhavethrobbed，tenderandall-embracing，underpriestlyvestments，hadnotenderness，noembraceforhim，——

onlyamockeryandaprophecy，acoldandcynicalpredictionthatIshouldsoontireofhisshrillvoice。Yes，Cheri，yoursweetsilvertrills，yourripplingJune-brookwarbles，weretohimonlyashrew\'sscolding。Itookthebirdwrathfully，hisnamehadbeenCherry，andrechristenedhimonthespotCheri，inanticipationofthenewlifethatwastodawnuponhim，nolongerdespisedCherry，butCheri，mycherishedone。

Hehasbeenwithmenownearlyayear，andeverytrickofhisvoiceandheadandtailisjustasfresh，graceful，andcharmingasonthefirstdayofhisarrival。Heisaconstantrecreationanddelight。Iputhiminmyownroom，andwentuptolookathimtwoorthreetimesthefirstevening。EverytimeIlookedhewouldbequitestill，buthislittleblackbeadsofeyesshonewideopeninthecandle-light，andI

recalledhowChaucer\'s"SmalefoulesmakenmelodieThatslepenallenightwithopeneye，"

andreflectedthatChericertainlymademelodieenoughinthedaytimetoberankedwiththepoetictribe；butonenight，afterhehadbeenherelongenoughtohavewornawayhisnervousexcitement，Ihappenedtogointotheroomverysoftly，andtheblackbeadshaddisappeared。Thetinyheadhaddisappeared，too，andonlyalittleroundballoffeatherswasbalancedonhisperch。ThenIrememberedthatchickenshaveawayofputtingtheirheadsintheirpocketswhentheygotosleep，andpoetryyieldedtopoultry，CheristeppedoutofChaucer，andtookhisplaceinthehencoop。

Hehashadaneventfullifesincehecametome。InthesummerIhunghimonahookunderpiazzaforthemerrycompanyofrobinsandbluebirds，whichheenjoyedexcessively。Oneday，inthemidstofamostsuccessfulconcert，anenviousgustsweptdownthecage，upwentthedoor，andoutflewthefrightenedbird。Icouldhavebornetolosehim，butIwassurehewouldlosehimself，——atenderlittledilettante，servedaprinceallthedaysofhislife，neverhavingtoliftafingertohelphimself，orknowingawantunsatisfied。Now，thrownsuddenlyuponhisownresources，homeless，friendless，forlorn，howcouldevermakehisfortuneinthisbleakNewEngland，forallhehas，accordingtoCuvier，morebrainsinhisheadinproportiontohissizethananyothercreatedbeing？Isawhimalreadyinmidsummer，drenchedwithcoldrains，chilledandperishing；butsharpereyesthanminehadmarkedhisflight，andapairofswifthandsplungedafterhimintothelonggrassthattangledhiswingsandkepthimbackfromheadlongdestruction。AmicablerelationsbetweenCheriandthecatareonamostprecariousfooting。ThecatwasestablishedinthehousebeforeChericame，——alovely，frolicsomekitten，thatsatinmylap，purredinmyface，rubbedhernoseagainstmybook，andgrewup，tomyhorror，outofallpossibilityofcaresses，intoagreat，ugly，fierce，fightinganimal，thatcomesintothehousedrenchedanddrippingfromthemud-puddleinwhichshehasbeenrollinginadeadlystrugglewitheveryTomHyerandBillSayersofthecatkindthatmakenighthideousthroughthevillage。ThiscatseemstobepossessedwithadevileverytimeshelooksatCheri。Hergreeneyesbulgeoutofherhead，herwholefelinesoulrushesintothem，andglareswithahot，greeny-yellowfireandfuryofunquenchabledesire。OneeveningIhadputthecageonachair，andwasquietlyreadingintheroombelow，whenagreatslamandbangstartledthehouse。"Thebird！"

shriekedavoice，mineoranother\'s。Irushedupstairs。Themoonlightshonein，revealingthecageupturnedonthefloor，thewaterrunning，theseedsscatteredabout，andafeatherhereandthere。Thecathadmanagedtoeludeobservationandglidein，andshenowmanagedtoeludeobservationandglideout。Cheriwasalive，buthisenemyhadattackedhimintheflank，andturnedhisleftwing，whichwasprettymuchgone，accordingtoallappearances。Hecouldnotmounthisperch，andforthreedays，crouchingonthefloorofhiscage，lifeseemedtohavelostitscharm。Hisspiritsdrooped，hisappetitefailed，andhissongwashushed。Thenhisfeathersgrewoutagain，hisspiritreturnedtohimwithhisappetite，andhehoppedaboutasgoodasnew。Tothinkthatcatshouldhavebeenabletothrusthervillanousclawinfarenoughtoclutchahandfuloffeathersofhimbeforesheupsetthecage！

Ihaveheardthatcanariessometimesdieoffright。Ifso，I

thinkCheriwouldhavebeenjustifiedindoingit。Tohaveagreatovergrownmonster，withburningglobesofeyesasbigasyourheadandclawsassharpasdaggers，comeglaringonyouinthedarkness，overturnyourhouse，andgrabhalfyoursidewithonehugepaw，isathingwellcalculatedtoalarmapersonofdelicateorganization。

ThenIsaidtomyself，thiscatthinksshehasstruckaplacer，andahundredtooneshewillbedrivingherpickinhereagaindirectly。SoIremovedthecageimmediately，andsetitonahighbureau，witha"whisking-stick"closebyit。SureenoughIwasawakenedthenextmorningbeforedaybyaprolongedandmournful"maeouw"ofdisappointmentfromtheolddragonatnotfindingthepreywhereshehadexpected。Beforeshehadtimetopushherresearchestosuccess，sheandIandthestickwerenotlettingthegrassgrowunderourfeetonthestairs。Longafter，whenthefrightandflurryhadbeenforgotten，thecagewasagainleftinarocking-chairintheupperfrontentry，whereIhadbeensittinginsunshinealltheafternoonwithCheri，whothinksme，thoughfarinferiortoarobinorafinch，stillbetterthannocompanyatall。InthecourseoftheeveningIhappenedtoopenthelowerentrydoor，whenthecatsuddenlyappearedonthelowerstair。Ishouldhavesupposedshehadcomefromthesitting-roomwithme，butforacertainelaborateandenforcednonchalanceinherdemeanor，ajauntyairofinsouciance，asfarremoved，ontheonehand，fromthecalmequilibriumofdignitywhichalmostimperceptiblysoothesandreassuresyou，asfromtheguilelessgayetyofinfantileignorance，whichperforce"medicinesyourweariness，"

ontheother，——ademeanorwhichatoncedisgustsandalarmsyou。Ifeltconfidentthatsomeunderhandworkwasgoingon。

Iwentupstairs。TherewasCheriagain，thistimewithhisrightwinggone，andamodicumofhistail。Thecagehadretaineditsposition，buttheEvilOnehadmadehergripathim；andthesameroutineofweariness，silence，lossofappetiteandspiritswastobegonethroughwithagain，followedbyre-plumingandrecuperating。ButeverytimeI

thinkofit，Iamlostinwonderattheskillandsagacityofthatcat。Itwassomethingtocarryonthecampaigninarocking-chair，withoutdisturbingthebaseofoperationssoastomakeanoiseandcreateadiversioninfavorofthebird；

butthecunningandself-controlwhich，assoonasIopenedthedoor，madeherleavethebird，andcomepurringaboutmyfeet，andtossingherinnocentheadtodisarmsuspicion，waswonderful。Ilookathersometimes，whenwehavebeensittingtogetherawhile，andsay，withsteadfastgaze，"Cat-soul，whatareyou？Whereareyou？Whencecomeyou？Whithergoyou？"

Butsheonlyherwhiskers，andgivesmenosatisfaction。

ButIsawatoncethatImustmakeadifferentdispositionofCheri。Itwouldneverdotohavehimthusmauled。Tobesure，Isupposethecatmightbeeducationallymauledintolettinghimalone；butwhyshouldIbeatthebeastforsimplyactingafterherkind？HasnottheManciple，withasmuchphilosophyaspoetry，bidden，——

"Lettakeacat，andfosterhirewithmilkeAndtendreflesh，andmakehirecoucheofsilke，Andlethireseeamousgobythewall，Anonsheweivethmilkeandflesh，andall，Andeverydeinteethatisinthathous，SwichappetithathshetoetethemousLo，herehathkindhiredomination，Andappetitflemethdiscretion"？

AccordinglyIrespectedthe"domination"of"kind，"tookthecageintotheparlorandhungitupinthefoldsofthewindow-curtain，wherethereisalwayssunshine，wrappingastripofbrownpaperaroundthelowerpartofthecage，sothatheshouldnotscatterhisseedsoverthecarpet。Whatistheresult？Perverselyheforsakeshiscupofseed，nicelymixedtosuithisroyaltaste；forsakeshisconch-shell，nicelyfastenedwithineasyreach；forsakesthebrightsandthatlieswhitelystrewnbeneathhisfeet，andpecks，pecks，pecksawayatthatstiff，raw，coarsebrownpaper，jagginggreatgapsinitfromhourtohour。Idonotmindthewasteofpaper，evenatitspresenthighprices；butsupposethereshouldbeanornithologicaldyspepsia，oracongestionofthegizzard，orsomeinternalderangement？Thepossibilityofsuchathinggavemeinfiniteuneasinessatfirst；buthehasnowbeenatitsolongwithoutsufferingperceptibleharm，thatIbegintothinkNatureknowswhatsheisabout，andbrownpaperagreeswithbirds。Iamconfident，however，thathewoulddevoutitallthesame，whetheritweresalutaryorotherwise，forheisamule-headedfellow。Ilethimlooseontheflower-standyesterday，hopinghemightdealdeathtoahordeofinsectswhohadsuddenlysquattedonthesoilofthemoney-plant。Hescarcelysomuchaslookedattheinsects，buthoppeduptotheadjoiningrose-bush，andproceededtogorgehimselfwithtenderyoungleaves。Itiltedhimawayfromthat，andheflutteredacrossthemoney-plantovertothegeraniumopposite。

Disturbedthere，heflashedtotheothersideofthestand，and，quickasthought，gaveonemightydabatadelicatelittlefuchsiathatisjust"pickingup"fromtheeffectsoftransplantingandalongwinterjourney。Seeinghewasbentonmakinghimselfdisagreeable，Iputhimintohiscageagain，firsthavingtochasehimallabouttheroomtocatchhim，andpryinghimupatlastfrombetweenapictureandthewall，wherehehadflownandsettleddowninhisstruggletogetout。

FormyCheriisnotintheleasttame。Heisanentirelyuneducatedbird。Ihaveseencanariessitonpeople\'sfingersandeatfromtheirtongues，butCherifliesaroundlikeamadmanatthefirstapproachoffingers。Indeed，hequiteprovokesmebyhiswantoftrust。HeoughttoknowbythistimethatIamhisfriend，yethegoesoffintoviolenthystericsthemomentItouchhim。Hedoesnotevenshowfight。

Thereisnooutcryofangeroralarm，butone"Yang！"ofutterdespair。Hegivesupatonce。Lifeisaburden，his"Yang！"

says。"Everythingisgoingtoruin。Thereisnouseintrying。IwishIneverwasborn。Yang！"Littleoldcroaker，whatareyouYang-ingfor？Nobodywishestoharmyou。Itisyourlittlecowardlyheartthatseeslionsandhyenasinawell-meaningforefingerandthumb。Besensible。

Anotheropportunityfortheexhibitionofhisperversityisfurnishedbyhisbathing。Hispersonalhabitsareexquisite。

Hehasagentleman\'slikingforcoldwaterandtheappliancesofcleanliness；butifIspreadanewspaperonthefloor，andprepareeverythingforacomfortableandconvenientbath，thelittleimpclingstohisperchimmovable。Itisnotonlyabaththathewishes，butfun。Mischiefishissinequanonofenjoyment。"Whatisthegoodofbathing，ifyoucannotspoilanything？"sayshe。"Ifyouwillputthebathtubinthewindow，whereIcansplashandspattertheglassandthecurtainsandthefurniture，verywell，butifnot，why——"hesitsincorrigible，witheyeshalfclosed，pretendingtobesleepy，andnotseewateranywhere，therogue！

OnedayIheardagreat"to-do"inthecage，andfoundthathalftheblindwasshut，andhelpedCheritoareflectionofhimself，whichheevidentlythoughtwasanotherbird，andhewasinhighfeather。Hehoppedaboutfromperchtoperch，sidledfromonesideofthecagetotheother，bowedandbobbedandcourtesiedtohimself，sungandswelledandsmirked，andbecamethoroughlyfranticwithdelight。"Poorthing！"Isaid，"youarelonely，nowonder。"Ihadgivenhimanewandshiningcage，agreencurtain，asunnywindow；butofwhatavailarethesetoadesolateheart？Whodoesnotknowthatthesoulmaystarveinsplendor？"Solitude，"saysBalzac，Ithink，"isafinething；butitisalsoafinethingtohavesomeonetowhomyoucansay，fromtimetotime，thatsolitudeisafinething。"IknowthatIambutapoorsubstituteforacanary-bird，——agrossandsorrycompanionforoneofetherealmould。Icansupplyseedandwaterandconch-shells，butwhatdoIknowoffinchylovesandhopes？WhatsympathyhaveItoofferinhisjoyousorsorrowfulmoods？HowcanIrespondtohisenthusiasms？HowcanIcomparenoteswithhimastothesunshineandthetreesandthecurtainandviewsoflife？Itisnotsunshine，butsympathy，thatlightsuphousesintohomes。Companionshipiswhatheneeds，forhishigheraspirationsandhiseverydayexperiences，——somebodytowhomhecanobserve"Thesandisrathergrittytoday，isn\'tit？"

"Verymuchasusual，mydear。"

"Hereisaremarkablyplumpseed，mydear，won\'tyouhaveit？"

"No，thankyou，dear，nothingmore。Trol-la-la-r-r-r！"

"Doletmehelpyoutoabitofthishemp。Itisquiteamarvelofripeness。"

"Thankyou。Justasnip。Plenty。"

"Mydear，Ithinkyouarestoppinginthebathtubtoolongthismorning。Ifanciedyouatriflehoarseyesterday。"

"Itwasthecompany，pet。Istrainedmyvoiceslightlyinthatlastduet。"

"Weshallhavetobefurnishedwithanewshellbeforelong。

Thisoldoneisgettingtoberatherthelastpeasofthepicking。"

"Yes，Inearlybrokemybeakoverityesterday。Iwasquiteashamedofitwhentheladieswerestaringatyousoadmiringly。"

"Littleone，Ihaveagreatmindtotrythatswing。Ithastemptedmethislongwhile。"

"Mylove，Ibegyouwilldonosuchthing。Youwillinevitablybreakyourneck。"

Insteadofthispleasantconjugalchit-chat，whathashe？

Nothing。Hestandslookingoutatthewindowtillhiseyesache，andthenheturnsaroundandlooksatme。Ifanyonecomesinandbeginstotalk，andhedelightedlyjoins，hegetsahandkerchiefthrownoverhiscage。Sometimesthecatcreepsin，——veryseldom，forIdonottrusther，evenwiththeheightoftheroombetweenthem，andpunishherwheneverIfindheronforbiddenground，bytakingherupstairsandputtingheroutontheporch-roof，whereshehasherchoicetostayandstarveorjumpoff。Thissatisfiesmyconsciencewhilegivingagoodlessontothecat，whoisnotfondofsaltatoryfeats，nowthatsheisgettingintoyears。Ifitisafterherkindtopreyuponbirds，andshemustthereforenotbebeaten，itisalsoafterherkindtoleapfromanywhereandcomedownonherfeet，andthereforethethingdoesnotharmher。Whenevershedoesstealthilywormherselfin，Cherigivesthepitchthemomenthesetseyesonher。Catlooksupsteadilyathimforfiveminutes。Cheri，confident，strikesoutinaverytemptingway。

Catdescribesasemicirclearoundthewindow，backandforth，backandforth，keepingeverherbacktotheroomandherfronttothefoe，glaringandmewingandlickingherchaps。O，whatadelicioustit-bit，ifonecouldbutgetatit！Cherisingsrelentlessly。LikeShirleywithLouisMooreinherclutches，hewillnotsubdueoneofhischarmsincompassion。

"CertesitisNOTofherte，allthathesings。"

Sheleapsintoachair。Notaquarterhighenough。Shejumpstothewindow-seat，andwalkstoandfro，managingtheturning-pointswithmuchdifficulty。Impossible。Shegoesovertotheotherwindow。Stillworse。Shetakesuppositiononthesofa，andherwholesoulexhalesintoonewant。

Shemewsandlicksherchapsalternately。Cheri"pitilesslysweet"singswithunsparinginsolenceatthetopofhisvoice，andlooksindifferentlyoverherhead。

Thatistheextentofhissociety。"Itistoobad，"Isaidoneday，andscouredthecountryforacanary-bird。Everybodyhadhadone，butitwassold。ThenIrememberedBarnum\'sHappyFamily，andwentouttothehen-pen，andbroughtinalittleauburnchicken，withwhitebreast，andwingsjustbudding；asizeandahalflargerthanCheri，itistrue，butthesmallestofthelot，andverysoftandsmallforachicken，theprettiestwee，waddlingtotyoueversaw，aMinnieWarrenofalittleduck，andputhiminthecage。Atempestinateapot！

Cheriwentimmediatelyintofitsandfuries。Hehoppedaboutconvulsively。YoumighthavesupposedhimattackedsimultaneouslywithSt。Anthony\'sfire，St。Vitus\'sdance，anddeliriumtremens。Heshrieked，hewrithed，heyelled，heraved。Thechickenwasstupid。Ifhehadexertedhimselfalittletobeagreeable，ifhehadonlyshownthesmallestsymptomofinterestorcuriosityordesiretocultivateanacquaintance，Ihavenodoubtsomethingmighthavebeenaccomplished；buthejusthuddleddowninonecornerofthecage，halffrightenedtodeath，likealogy，lumpy，countrybumpkinashewas，andIswepthimbacktohisnativecoopindisgust。Relievedfromthelout\'spresence，Cherigraduallylaidasidehistantrums，smootheddownhisruffledplumes，andresumedthemannersofagentleman。

Myattemptathappyfamilieswasnippedinthebud，decidedly。

ByandbyIwenttothemarket-town，and，havingsoldmybutterandeggs，huntedupabird-fancier。Hehadplentyofheliotropes，verbenas，andjaponicas，andHADhadplentyofbirds，butofcoursetheywereeveryonegone。Nobodywantedthem。Hehadjustaboutgiventhemaway，foraquarterofadollarorso，andsincetheneversomanyhadbeentobuythem。

CouldhetellmewhereImightfindone？Yes，hesoldonetothebarberlastweek，downnearthedepot。Didn\'tbelievebutwhathewouldsellit。Wasitafemalebird？Formyambitionhadgrownbywhatitfedon，and，insteadofcontentingmyselfsimplywithacompanionforCheri，Iwasnowplanningforawholebroodofcanaries，withalltheinterestsofhousekeeping，baby-tending，andthemanifoldsmallcaresincidentupondomesticlife。Inshort，Iwaslaunchingoutuponanentirelynewcareer，settinganewworlda-spinninginthatsmallwirecage。Yes，itwasafemalebird。Agoodbird？ForIcouldnotunderstandthemarvelouslylowprice。Yes\'m，prime。Hadeightyoungoneslastyear。Eightyoungones！Irathercaughtmybreath。Iwantedabrood，butIthoughtthreewastheregularnumber，andImustconfessIcouldhardlylookwithfortitudeonsuchasuddenandenormousaccessionofresponsibility。Besides，thecagewasnothalflargeenough。Andhowcouldtheyallbathe？AndhowcouldItakepropercareofsomany？And，dearme，eightyoungones！

Andeightmorenextyearissixteen。Andthegrandchildren！Andthegreat-grandchildren！HillsonhillsandAlpsonAlps！I

shallbepeckedoutofhouseandhome。Iwalkedupthestreetmusingly，andfinallyconcludednottocallonthebarberjustyet。

ItwasverywellIdidso，forjustafterwardsCheri\'smatinsandvesperswaxedfainterandfainter，andfinallyceasedaltogether。IngreatanxietyIcalledinthehighestmedicalscience，whichannouncedthathewasonlysheddinghisfeathers。Thisopinionwascorroboratedbynumerouslittleangelicsoftfinefeathersscatteredaboutinlocalitiesthatprecludedthecat。Cheriisaproudyoungster，andIsupposehethoughtifhemustlosehisgoodlooks，therewasnouseinkeepinguphisvoice；thereforehemopedandpoutedforseveralmonths，andwouldhaveappearedtoverygreatdisadvantageincaseIhadintroducedastrangertohisgoodgraces。

SoCheriisstillaloneintheworld，butwhenmyshipcomeshomefromseaandbringsanadditionalhourtomyday，andafewgoldeneaglestomypurse，heisgoingtohavehismate，eightyoungonesandall，andIshallbuyhimanewcage，atriflesmallerthanNoah\'sark，andacaskofcanary-seedandaSouthSeaturtle-shell，andjustputtheminthecageandletthemcolonize。Iftheyincreaseandmultiplybeyondallpossibilityofprovision，why，Ishallbythattime，perhapshavebecomeworld-encrustedandhard-hearted，andshallturnthecatinuponthemforanhourortwo，whichwillnodoubthavetheeffectofatoncethinningthemdowntowieldyproportions。

SweetlittleCheri。MyheartsmitesmetoseeyouchirpingtheresoinnocentandaffectionatewhileIsithereplottingtreasonagainstyou。Brightasisthedayanddazzlingasthesunlitsnow，youturnawayfromitall，sostrongisyourcravingforsympathy，andbendyourtinyheadtowardsmetopouroutthefulnessofyoursong。

Andwhatasongitis！Allthebloomofhisbeautifulislandsshedsitsfragrancethere。Thehumofhishoney-beesrovingthroughbedsofspices，thelovelinessofdark-eyedmaidenstreadingthewine-presswithruddyfeet，thelaughterofyoungboysswinginginthevinesandstainedwiththescentedgrapes，——allthemusicthatringsthroughhisorange-groves，allthesunshineofthetropicscaughtintheglowoffruitandflower，intheblueofskyandsea，intheblindingwhitenessoftheshoreandtheamethystineevening，——allcomequiveringoverthewesternwaveinthefallsofhistunefulvoice。Youshallhearitwhilethedayisyetdarkinthefoldsofthemorningtwilight，——aweak，faint，preliminary"whoo！whoo！"

uncertainandtentative，thenatrillortwoofawakenedassurance，andthen，withaconfident，courageousgushandgloryofsoul，heflingsasideallminorconsiderations，anddashesconamoreintotheverymiddleofthings。Iamnotmusical，andcannotgiveyouhisnotesintechnicalhieroglyphs，butinexactandintelligiblelinessuchasallmayunderstand，whethermusicalornot，hissongislikethis，——

andyoumayrelyuponitsaccuracy，forIwroteitdownfromhisownlipsthismorning:——

/_`\'`______……^^——^^^^^\\\\^^^——///——|||——

^^_^/^^^///\\\\\\^^

SIDE-GLANCESATHARVARDCLASS-DAY

Ithappenedtomeonceto"assist"atthecelebrationofClass-DayatHarvardUniversity。Class-DayisthepeculiarinstitutionoftheSeniorClass，andmarksitscompletionofCollegestudyandleasefromCollegerules。

HarvardhassetupherLaresandPenatesinafineoldgrove，orafineoldgroveandgreenhavesprouteduparoundher，asthecasemaybe，——mostprobablythelatter，ifonemayjudgefromtheappearanceofthebuildingswhichconstitutethehomesofthestudents，andwhichseemtohavebeenbuilt，andtobenowsustained，withouttheremotestreferencetotasteorinfluence，butsolelytofurnishshelter，——angular，formal，stiff，windowy，bricky，andworsewithinthanwithout。Why，Ipraytoknow，asthefirstinquirysuggestedbyClass-Day，whyisitthataboys\'schoolshouldbeplacedbeyondthepaleofcivilization？Doboystakesonaturallytotheamenitiesoflife，thattheycansafelydispensewiththeconditionsofamenity？Haveboyssostrongapredispositiontograce，thatsocietycanaffordtotakethemawayfromhomeanditsinfluences，andturnthemloosewithdozensofotherboysintoabareandbatteredboarding-house，withitswoodworkdingy，unpainted，gashed，scratched；windowsdingyanddim；wallsdingyandgrayandsmoked；everythingnarrowandrickety，unhomelikeandunattractive？

Americaboastsofhavingthefinesteducationalsystemintheworld。Harvardis，ifnotthemostdistinguished，certainlyamongthefirstinstitutionsinthecountry；butitisnecessaryonlytostanduponthethresholdofthefirstHarvardhousewhichIentered，topassthroughitsmeanentryandclimbupitsuncouthstaircase，tobeassuredthatoureducationalsystemhasnotyetfounditskey-stone。Ithasallthenecessarymaterials，butitisincomplete。Atitsbaseitisfallingeverydaymoreandmoreintoshapeandsymmetry，buttowardsthetopitisstillonlyapileofpebblesandboulders，andnoarch。WehavePrimarySchools，GrammarSchools，HighSchools，inwhich，first，boysandgirlsareeducatedtogether，asitseemsimpossiblenottobelievethatGodmeantthemtobe；inwhich，secondly，homelifeandschoollifecometogether，andcorrecteachother；inwhich，thirdly，comfortableandcomelyarrangementsthroughoutministertoself-respect。Butthemomentyouriseashighasacollege，natureisviolated。First，boysgooffbythemselvestotheirowndestruction；secondly，homeinfluenceswithdrawn；and，thirdly，——atHarvard，whichtheonlycollegeIevervisited，——

thethoroughcomelinesswhichisfoundinthelowergradesofschoolsdoesnotappeal。Theseparationofboysandgirlsinschoolisasubjectwhichhasmuchtalkedabout，buthasnotyetcometoitsadequatediscussion。Buttheachievementsofthepastarethesurestguarantiesofthefuture。Whenwerememberthat，sixtyyearsago，thelowestdistrictpublicschoolswereopentoboysonly，andthatsincethattimegirlshaveflockedintoeverygradeofschoolbelowacollege，itisdifficulttobelievethatcollegedoorswillforeverstandclosedtothem。_I_believethatthetimewillcomewhenanysystemframedforboysaloneorforgirlsalonewillbelookeduponinthesamelightinwhichwenowregardamonasteryoranunnery。Preciselythesamecoursewillnotbeprescribedtobothsexes，buttheywillbeassociatedintheireducationtotheinestimableadvantageofboth。

This，however，Idonotpurposenowtodiscussfurther。

NeithershallIspeakoftheseconddeficiency，——thatofhomeinfluences，——anyfurtherthanitisconnectedwiththethird，namely，aculpableneglectofcircumstanceswhichministerdirectlytocharacter。Idesigntospeakonlyofthoseevilswhichlieonthesurface，patenttothemostcasualobserver，andwhichmayberemovedwithoutanychangeinthestructureofsociety。AndamongthefirstoftheseIreckonthemeanandmeagrehomesprovidedforthecollegestudents。IftheStatewerepoor，ifthequestionwerebetweenmererudeshelterandnocollegeeducation，weshoulddowelltochoosetheformer，andourchoicewouldbeourglory。ItwouldbeworthwhileeventoliveinsuchahouseasThoreausuggests，atool-boxwithafewaugur-holesboredinittoadmitair，andahooktohookdownthelidatnight。Butwearenotpoor。Societyhasmoneyenoughtodoeverythingitwishestodo；andithasprovidednobetterhomesforitsyoungmenbecauseithasnotcometothepointofbelievingthatbetterhomesarenecessary。

Sometimesitaffectstomaintainthatthiswayoflivingisbeneficial，andtalksofthedisciplinarypowerofsoldiers\'

fare。Itistruethatasoldier，livingonacrustofbreadandlyingonthegroundforloveofcountryorofduty，isennobledbyit；butitisalsotrue，thatamiserdoingthesamethingsforloveofstocksandgoldisdegraded；andadreamerdoingitserenelyunconsciousisneitherennoblednordegraded，butissimplylayingthefoundationfordyspepsia。

Todespisetheelegancesoflifewhentheyinterferewithitsdutiesthepartofahero。Tobeindifferenttothemwhentheystandinthewayofknowledgeistheattributeofaphilosopher。Todisregardthemwhentheywouldcontributetobothcharacterandcultureisneithertheonenortheother。

Itwasverywelltocultivatethemusesonalittleoatmeal，whenresourcesweresoscantythatabequestofsevenhundredandseventy-ninepoundsseventeenshillingsandtwopencewasagiftmunificentenoughtoconferuponthedonorthehonorofgivinghisnametotheCollegesoendowed；whenataxofonepeckofcorn，ortwelvepenceayear，fromeachfamilywasallcouldreasonablybeleviedforthemaintenanceofpoorscholarsattheCollege；whenthePilgrims——hardlyescapedfrompersecution，andplungedintothemidstofperilsbyIndianwarfare，perilsbyfrostandfamineanddisease，butfilledwiththeloveofliberty，andfiredwiththeconvictionthatonlyfortifiedbylearningcouldbeablessing——gaveoftheirscantystockandtheirwarmhearts，onemanhissheep，anotherhisnineshillings\'worthofcottoncloth，athirdhispewterflagon，andsoondowntothefruit-dish，thesugar-spoon，thesilver-tiptjug，andthetrencher-salt；butagenerationthatisnotastonishedwhenamanpayssixthousanddollarsforafewfeetlandtoburyhimselfin，iswithoutexcuseinnotprovidingforitssonsadignifiedandrespectablehomeduringthefouryearsoftheircollegelife，——yearsgenerallywhentheyaremostsusceptibleofimpressions，mostimpatientofrestraints，mostremovedfromsociety，andmostneedtobesurroundedbyeveryinducementtoacourteousandChristianlife。Whatwasalargewindedliberalitythenmaybebutniggardlinessornarrownessnow。Ifindeedtherebeaprincipleinthecase，theprinciplethatthisarrangementisbetteradaptedtoagenerousgrowththanamoreornateone，thenletitbecarriedout。LetallpublicedificesandprivatehousesbereducedtoascaleofSpartansimplicity；letcamel\'s-hairandleatherngirdlestaketheplaceofbroadcloth，andmeatbelocustsandwildhoney。Butsolongastreasuresofartandtreasuresofwealtharelavishedonchurches，andcourthouses，andcapitols，andprivatedwellings，solongasearthandseaareforcedtogiveupthericheswhichareinthemfortheadornmentofthepersonandtheenjoymentofthepalate，wecannotconsistentlybringforwardeitherprinciplesorpracticetodefendourneglectwithal。Iftheexperimentofaroughandprimitivelifeistobetried，letitbetriedathome，wherecommunityofinterests，anddiversityoftastes，andtherefinementsoffamilyandsociallife，willpreventitfromdegeneratingintoafatalfailure；butdonotletahordeofboyscolonizeinabaseandshabbydwelling，unlessyouarewillingtoadmitthecorollarythattheymaytothatextentbecomebaseandshabby。Iftheydobecomesotheyarescarcelyblameworthy；iftheydonot，itisnothankstothesystem，butbecauseothercausescomeintodeflectitsconclusions。Butwhysetdownaweightatoneendoftheleverbecausethereisapowerattheother？Whynotwaituntil，inthenaturalcourseofthings，levercomestoanobstacle，andthenletpowerbeardownwithallitsmighttoremoveit？

Doubtlessthosewholookbackupontheircollegedaysthroughtheluminousmistofyears，seenograywallsorroughfloors，andcountitonlylessthansacrilegetofindspotorwrinkleoranysuchthingonthegarmentsoftheiralmamater。Butawfulisthegiftofthegodsthatwecanbecomeusedtothings；awful，since，bybecomingusedtothem，webecomeinsensibletotheirfaultsandtolerantoftheirdefects。

Harvardisbelovedofhersons:wouldshebeanylessbelovedifshewerealsobeautifultooutsidebarbarians？Wouldherfamebelessfair，orhernamelessdear，ifthosewhocomeuptohersolemnfeasts，filledtheideaofhergreatness，couldnotonlytellhertowers，butconsiderherpalaces，withoutbeingforcedtoburytheiradmirationandreverenceunderthefirstthresholdwhichtheycross？O，besurethetrueprincessisnotyetfound，forking\'sdaughterisallgloriouswithin。

Deficiencytakesshelterunderantiquityandassociations:

associationsmay，indeed，festoonunlovelyplaces，butwouldtheyclusteranylessrichlyaroundwallsthatwerestatelyandadequate？Isitnotfitterthatassociationsshouldadorn，thanthattheyshouldconceal？Ifhereandtherearelicoftheoldentimeischerishedbecauseitisolden，——ahouse，abook，adress，——shallwethenliveonlyinthehouses，readonlythebooks，andwearthedressesofourancestors？Ifhereandtheresomeshiphasbreastedthebillowsoftime，andsailstheseastodaybecauseofitsowninherentgraceandstrength，shallwe，therefore，clingtocrazyoldcraftsthatcanwithdifficultybetowedoutofharbor，andmustbekeptafloatbyconstantapplicationoftarandoakum？AsIreadtheBibleandtheworld，grayhairsareacrownuntoamanonlywhentheyarefoundinthewayofrighteousness。Ladenwithguiltandheavywoes，beholdtheAGEDSINNERgoes。Aseemlyoldageisfairandbeautiful，andtobehadinhonorbyallpeople；butanoldagesqualidandpinchedisofallthingsmostpitiful。

AftertheOrationandPoem，which，havingnothingdistinctive，Ipassover，comesthe"Collation。"ThemembersoftheSeniorClassprepareabanquet，——sometimesseparatelyandsometimesinclubs，atanexpenserangingfromfiftytofivehundreddollars，——towhichtheyinviteasmanyfriendsastheychoose，orasareavailable。Thebanquetisquiteasrich，varied，andelegantasyoufindateveningparties，andtheoccasionisamerryandpleasantone。Butitoccurredtomethattheremaybeunpleasantthingsconnectedwiththiscustom。Inaclassofseventy-five，inacountrylikeAmerica，itisprobablethatacertainproportionareillabletomeettheexpensewhichsuchcustomnecessitates。Somehavefoughttheirownwaythroughcollege。Somemusthavebeenfoughtthroughbytheirparents。TothemIshouldthinkthiselaborateandconsiderableoutlaymustbeaverysensibleinconvenience。Themereexpenseofbooksandboard，tuitionandclothing，cannotbemetwithoutstricteconomy，andmuchparentalandfamilysacrifice。Andattheendofitall，wheneverynervehasbeenstrained，andmustbestrainedharderstillbeforethemancanbeconsideredfairlyonhisfeetandabletorunhisownraceinlife，comesthisnewcallforentirelyuncollegiatedisbursements。Ofcourseitisonlyacustom。Thereisnocollegeby-law，Isuppose，whichprescribesavaledictorySYMPOSIUM。Probablyitgrewupgraduallyfromsmallice-creambeginningstoitspresentformidableproportions；butacustomisasrigidasachain。Iwonderedwhetherthemoralcharacteroftheyoungmenwasgenerallystrongenough，bythetimetheywereintheirfourthcollegiateyear，toenablethemtogocountertothecustom，ifitinvolvedpersonalsacrificeathome，——whethertherewasgenerallysufficientcourtliness，nottosayChristianity，intheclass，——whethertherewassufficientcourtesy，chivalry，high-breeding，——tomaketheomissionofthisparty-givingunnoticeable，ornotunpleasant。

Ibynomeanssay，thattheinabilityofaportionofthestudentstoentertaintheirfriendssumptuouslyshouldpreventthosewhoareablefromdoingso。Astheworldis，somewillberichandsomewillbepoor。Thisisafactwhichtheyhavetofacethemomenttheygooutintotheworld；andthesoonertheygrapplewithit，andfindoutitsrealbearingsandworth，orworthlessness，thebetter。Boysareusuallyoldenoughbythetimetheyaregraduatedtounderstandandtakephilosophicallysuchadistinction。NordoIadmitthatpoorpeoplehaveanyrighttobesoreonthesubjectoftheirpoverty。TheonesensitivenesswhichIcannotcomprehend，withwhichIhavenosympathy，forwhichIhavenopity，andofwhichIhavenotolerance，issensitivenessaboutpoverty。Itisanessentiallyvulgarfeeling。Icannotconceivehowamanwhohasanyrealelevationofcharacter，anyself-respect，canforamomentexperiencesoignobleashame。Onemaybeannoyedattheinconveniences，andimpatientoftherestraintsofpoverty；buttobeashamedtobecalledpoorortobethoughtpoor，toresorttoshifts，notforthesakeofbeingcomfortableorelegant，butofseemingtobeabovethenecessityofshifts，isanindicationofaninferiormind，whetheritdwellinprinceorinpeasant。Themanwhodoesitshowsthathehasnotinhisownopinioncharacterenoughtostandalone。Hemustbesupportedbyadventitiouscircumstances，orhemustfall。Nobody，therefore，needeverexpecttoreceivesympathyfrommeinrecountingthesocialpangsorslightsofpoverty。Younevercanbeslighted，ifyoudonotslightyourself。Peoplemayattempttodoit，buttheirshaftshavenobarb。Youturnitallintonaturalhistory。

Itisapsychologicalphenomenon，astudy，somethingtobeanalyzed，classified，reasonedfrom，andbenttoyourownconvenience，butnottobetakentoheart。Itamusesyou；itinterestsyou；itaddstoyourstockoffacts；itmakeslifecuriousandvaluable:butifyousufferfromit，itisbecauseyouhavenotbasis，stamina；andprobablyyoudeservebeslighted。This，however，istrueonlywhenpeoplehavebecomesomewhatconcentrated。Childrenknownothingofit。Theylivechieflyfromwithout，notfromwithin。Onlygraduallyastheyapproachmaturitydotheycutloosefromthescaffolding，anddependupontheirowncentreofgravity。Appearancesareverystronginschool。Moneyandprodigalityhavegreatweightthere，notwithstandingthedemocracyofattainmentsandabilities。Havethestudentsself-poiseenoughtorefrainfromthesefestiveexpenseswithoutsufferingmortification？Havetheyvirtueenoughtorefrainfromthemwiththecertaintyofincurringsuchsuffering？Havetheynobility，andgenerosity，andlargenessofsoulenough，whileabstainingthemselvesforconscience\'sake，toshareintheplans，andsympathizewithoutservilityinthepleasuresoftheirrichcomrades？tolookonwithfriendlyinterest，withoutcynicismorconcealedmalice，atthepreparationsinwhichtheydonotjoin？Ordotheyyieldtoselfishness，andgratifytheirownvanity，weakness，self-indulgence，andloveofpleasure，atwhatevercosttotheirparents？OristheresuchastateofpublicopinionandusageinCollege，thatthiscustomisequallyhonoredinthebreachandintheobservance？

Whenthefeastingwasover，themostpicturesquepartofthedaybegan。TheCollegegreenputoffsuddenlyitsantiquegravity，andbecame"Embrouded……asitwereamedeAllefuloffresshefloures，whiteandrede，"

"floures"whichtotheirgayhuesandgracefuloutlinesaddedtherarecharmofflutteringinperpetualmotion。Itwasakaleidoscopewithoutangles。Tome，nichedintheembrasureofanoldupperwindow，thescene，itseemed，mighthavesteppedoutoftheOrientalsplendorofArabianNights。I

neversawsomanywell-dressedpeopletogetherinmylifebefore。ThatseemsarathertamefacttobuttressArabianNightswithal，butitimpliesmuch。Thedistancewasalittletoogreatforonetonotepersonalandindividualbeauty；butsinceIhaveheardthatBostonisfamousforitsuglywomen，perhapsthatwasanadvantage，asdiminishinglikewiseindividualugliness。Ifnoonewasstrikinglyhandsome，noonewasstrikinglyplain。Andthoughyoucouldnotmarkthedelicaciesoffaces，youcouldhavethefulleffectofcostume，——rich，majestic，floating，gossamery，impalpable。

Everythingwasfresh，spotless，andintune。Itscarcelyneededmusictoresolvealltheincessantwaverandshimmerintoadance；butthemusiccame，and，likesand-grainsunderthemagnet，thebeautifulatomssweptintostatelyshapesandtremulousmeasuredactivity，——

"Afine，sweetearthquakegentlymovedBythesoftwindofwhisperingsilks。"

ThenitseemedlikeaGermanfestival，andcamebacktometheFatherland，thelovelyseasonoftheBlossoming，theshort，sweetbliss-monthamongtheBlumenbuhlMountains。

Nothingcallbemoreappropriate，moreharmonious，thandancingonthegreen。Youth，andgaiety，andbeauty——andinsummerweareallyoung，andgay，andbeautiful——minglewellwiththeeternalyouthofbluesky，andvelvetsward，andthelightbreezestoyinginthetreetops。YouthandNaturekisseachotherinthebright，clearpurityofthehappysummer-tide。

Whateverobjectionslieagainstdancingelsewheremustveiltheirfacesthere。

Ifonlymenwouldnotdance！Itisthemostunbecomingexercisewhichtheycanadopt。Inwomenyouhavethesweepandwaveofdrapery，gentleundulations，summer-cloudfloatings，soft，sinuousmovements，fluencyofpliantforms，thewillowybendandreboundoflitheandlovelysuppleness。Itisgracegeneric，——thesublime，theevanescentmysticisinofmotion，withoutuse，withoutaim，exceptitsownoverflowingandall-sufficingfascination。Butwhenamandances，itremindsmeofthatamusingFrenchbookcalled"LeDiableBoiteux，"

whichhasbeenfree-thinkinglytranslated，"TheDevilonTwoSticks。"Awoman\'sdancingisgliding，swaying，serpentine。

Aman\'sisjerks，hops，convulsions，andacuteangles。Thewomanislight，airy，indistinctlydefined。Airymovementsareinkeeping。Themanissombreinhue，graveintone，distinctlyoutlined；andnothingismoreincongruous，tomythinking，thanhisdancing。Thefemininedraperyconcealsprocessesandgivesresults。Themasculineabsenceofdraperyrevealsprocesses，andtherebydestroysresults。

Onceuponatime，longbeforetheFlood，theclergymanofacountry-village，possessedwithsuchazealasPaulborerecordofconcerningIsrael，conceivedithisdutyto"makeanote"

ofsundryyoungmembersofhisflockwhohadmetforadriveandasupper，withadancefringedupontheoutskirts。Thefamewhereofbeingnoisedabroad，asturdyoldfarmer，withagooddealofshrewdsenseandmother-witinhisbrains，andafine，indirectwayofhittingthenailontheheadwithaside-stroke，wasquestionedinaneighboringvillageastothefactsofthecase。"Yes，"hesaid，surlily，"theyoungfolkshadaparty，andgotupadance，andtheministerwasmad，——andIdon\'tblamehim，——hethinksnobodyhasanybusinesstodance，unlessheknowshowbetterthantheydid！"Itwasaratherdifferentcasusbellifromthatwhichtheworthyclergymanwouldhavepreferredbeforeacouncil；butit"meetsmyviews"

preciselyastothevalidityoftheobjectionsurgedagainstdancing。Iwouldhavewomendance，andwomenonly，becauseitisthemostbeautifulthingintheworld。AndIthinkmyviewsareScriptural，forIfindthatitwastheVIRGINSofIsraelthatweretogoforthinthedancesofthemthatmakemerry。

ItwastheDAUGHTERSofShilohthatwentouttodanceindancesatthefeastoftheLordonthesouthofLebonah。

Frommywindowoverlookingthegreen，Iwasledawayintosomeoneorotheroftheseveralhallstoseethe"rounddances"；

anditwaslikegoingfromParadisetoPandemonium。Fromthepureandhealthylawn，allthepurerforthepureandpeacefulpeoplepleasantlywalkingupanddowninthesunshineandshade，orgroupedinthenumerouswindows，likebouquetsofraretropicalflowers，——fromthegreen，rainbowedinvividsplendor，andalivewithsoft，tranquilmotion，fairforms，andtheflutterofbeautifulandbrilliantcolors，——fromthegreen，sanctifiedalreadybythepalefacesofsick，andwounded，andmaimedsoldierswhohadgoneoutfromtheshadowsofthoseshelteringtreestodrawtheswordforcountry，andreturnedwhitewraithsoftheirvigorousyouth，thesadvanguardofthatgreatarmyofblessedmartyrswhoshallkeepforeverinthemindofthisgenerationhowcostlyandpreciousathingisliberty，whoshallliftourworldlyageoutofthesloughofitsmaterialprosperityintothesublimityofsufferingandsacrifice，——fromsuggestions，andfancies，anddreamymusing，and"phantasmssweet，"intothehall，where，forflower-scentedsummerairwerethickcloudsoffine，penetratingdust；andforlightlytroopingfairies，ajamofheatedhumanbeings，sothatyoushallhardlycomenighthedancersforthepress；andwhenyouhave，withdifficulty，andmanycontortions，andmuchapologizing，threadedthesolidmass，piercingthroughtheforestoffans，——what？Anenclosure，butnomoreillusion。

Waltzingisaprofaneandviciousdance。Whenitisprosecutedinthecentreofagreatcrowd，inadustyhall，onawarmmidsummerday，itisalsoadisgustingdance。Nightisitsonlyappropriatetime。Theblinding，dazzlinggas-lightthrowsagratefulglareoverthesalientpointsofitsindecency，andblendsthewholeintoawildwhirlthatdizziesanddazesone；

buttheuncompromisingafternoon，pouringinthroughmanifoldwindows，tearsawayeveryillusion，andrevealsthewholecoarsenessandcommonnessandalltherepulsivedetailsofthismostalienandunmaidenlyrevel。TheveryPOSEofthedanceisprofanity。Attitudeswhicharetheinstinctiveexpressionofintimateemotions，glowingrosy-redintheauroraltimeoftenderness，andjustifiedinunabashedfreedomonlybyalongandfaithfulhabitudeofunselfishdevotion，arehereopenly，deliberately，andcarelesslyassumedbypeoplewhohavebutacasualandpartialsociety-acquaintance。ThisIreckonprofanity。Thisislevitythemostculpable。Thisisaguiltyandwantonwasteofdelicacy。Thatitispractisedbygoodgirlsandtoleratedbygoodmothersdoesnotprovethatitisgood。Custombluntstheedgeofmanyperceptions。Agoodthingsoiledmayberedeemedbygoodpeople；butwaltzasmanyasyoumay，spotlessmaidens，youwillonlysmutyourselves，andnotcleansethewaltz。Itisofitselfunclean。

Therewere，besides，peculiardesagrementsonthisoccasion。

AsIsaid，therewasnoillusion，——notaparticle。ItwasnoValeofTempe，withNymphsandApollos。Theboyswereboys，young，fullofhealthfulpromise，buttoomuchinthehuskforexhibition，andnotentirelyateaseintheirsituation，——

indeed，verymuchNOTatease，——unmistakablywarm，nervous，anduncomfortable。Thegirlswereprettyenoughgirls，Idaresay，underordinarycircumstances，——onewasreallylovely，withsoftcheeks，longeyelashes，eyesdeepandliquid，andTasso\'sgoldinherhair，thoughofabadfigure，illsetoffbyabaddress，——butVenusherselfcouldnothavebeenseentoadvantageinsuchevilplightasthey，panting，perspiring，ruffled，frowzy，——puff-ballsrevolvingthroughanatmosphereofdust，——

amazeofsteaming，reekinghumancouples，inhumanlyheatedandsimmeringtogetherwithamorethanSpartanfortitude。

Itwasremarkable，andatthesametimeamusing，toobservethedifferenceinthedemeanorofthetwosexes。Thelionsandthefawnsseemedtohavechangedhearts，——perhapstheyhad。Itwastheboysthatwerenervous。Thegirlswereunquailing。Theboyswere，however，heroic。Theytriedbravelytohidethefoxandhisgnawings；buttraceswerevisible。Theymadedesperatefeintofbeingattheheightofenjoymentandunconsciousofspectators；buttheyhadmuchmodesty，forallthat。Thegirlsthrewthemselvesintoitpugnisetcalcibus，——unshrinking，indefatigable。DidIsaythatitwasamusing？Ishouldrathersaythatitwaspainful。Canitbeanythingbutpainfultoseeyounggirlsexhibitingthehardihoodofthe"professional"

withouttheextenuatingnecessity？

Thereisanotherthingwhichgirlsandtheirmothersdonotseemtoconsider。ThepresentmodeofdressrenderswaltzingalmostasobjectionableinalargeroomastheboldestfeatsofaFrenchballet-dancer。

Ifthetitleofmyarticledonotsufficientlyindicatethedepthandbreadthofknowledgeonwhichmyopinionsassumetobebased，letme，thatImaynotseemtoclaimconfidenceuponfalsepretences，confessthatIhaveneverseen，eitherinthiscountryorabroad，anyballet-danceroranydanceronanystage。IdonotsupposethatIhaveeverbeenatanyassemblywherewaltzingwasapartoftheamusementshalfadozentimesinmylife，andneverinthedaytime，uponthisoccasion。I

alsoadmitthatthesensationswithwhichonewouldlookuponthisperformanceatHarvardwoulddependverymuchuponwhetheronewenttoitfromthatendofsocietywhichbeginsattheJardinMabille，orthatwhichbeginsataNewEnglandfarm-house。Ispeakfromthestand-pointoftheNewEnglandfarm-house。WhetherthatortheJardinMabilleisnearerthestand-pointoftheBible，everyonemustdecideforhimself。

WhenIsay"thisisright，thisiswrong，"Idonotwishtobeunderstoodassettlingthequestionforothers，butasexpressingmyownstrongestconviction。WhenIsaythatthepresentmodeofdressrenderswaltzingalmostasobjectionableinalargeroomastheboldestfeatsofaFrenchballet-dancer，Imeanthat，fromwhatIhaveheardandreadofballet-dancers，Ijudgethatthesegirlsgyratinginthecentreoftheirgyratingandunmanageablehoops，cannotavoid，ordonotknowhowtoavoid，atanyratedonotavoid，theexposurewhichtheshortskirtsoftheballet-dancerareintendedtomake，andwhich，takingtomyselfalltheshameofboththepruderyandthecoarsenessifIamwrong，Icallanindecentexposure。Intheglareandglamourofgas-light，itisflashandcloudsandindistinctness。Inthebroadandhonestdaylightitisnot。

Indeed，IdonotknowthatIwillsay"almost。"Anythingwhichtendstoremovefromwomanhersanctityisnotonlyalmost，butaltogetherobjectionable。Questionableactionisoftenconsecratedbyholymotive，andthere，evenmistakeisnotfatal；butinthisthingisnonobleprincipletoneutralizepracticalerror。

IdonotspeakthusaboutwaltzingbecauseIliketosayit；

butyehavecompelledme。Ifonemembersuffers，allthememberssufferwithit。Irespectandreverewoman，andI

cannotseeherdestroyingordebasingtheimpalpablefragranceanddelicacyofhernaturewithoutfeelingtheshameandshudderinmyownheart。Greatismyboldnessofspeechtowardsyou，becausegreatismygloryingofyou。ThoughI

speakasafool，yetasafoolreceiveme。Myopinionsmayberustic。Theyareatleasthonest；anditnotbethatthefirstfreshimpressionsofanunprejudicedanduninfluencedobserverareaslikelytobenaturalandcorrectviewsasthosewhicharetheresultofmanyafter-thoughts，longanduse，andanexperienceofmultifoldfascinations，combinedwiththeoriginalproducingcause？Myopinionsmaybewrong，buttheywilldonoharm；thepenaltywillrestaloneonme:while，iftheyareright，theymayserveasanailortwotobefastenedbythemastersofassemblies。

Ogirls，Iimploreyoutobelieveme！Theyarenotyourtruefriendswhowouldpersuadeyouthatyoucanpermitthisthingwithimpunity。Itisnottheywhobestknowyourstrength，yourpower，yourpossibilities。Itisnottheywhopayyouthetruesthomage。BelieveME，foritisnotpossiblethatIcanhaveanybutthehighestmotive。IftheevilofforeigncustomsistobeincorporatedintoAmericansociety，iffoulfreedomofmannersistodefileourpurefreedomoflife，iftherobesofourrefinementaretobewhiteonlywhenrelievedagainstthedarkbackgroundrevealedbypollutedstageofacorruptmetropolis，onyouwillfalltheburdenoftheconsequences。BelieveME，foryourwealandmineareone。

Yourgloryismyglory。Yourdegradationismine。Therearehoneyedwordswhoseveryessenceisinsult。Thereareboldandbitterwordswhoserootslieinthedeepestreverence。BewareoftheleavenofthePhariseesandoftheSadducees。Bewareofthehonorwhichisdishonor。

IhearthatthegroundistakenthattheaffairsofClass-Dayarenotalegitimatesubjectofpubliccomment；thatitisaprivatematteroftheSeniorClass，ofwhichonehasnomorerighttospeakinprintthanonehassotospeakofahouseinBeaconStreettowhichonemightbeinvited。Isitindeedso？

IhavenorighttogointoMr。Smith\'shouseinBeaconStreet，——

IusethetermSmithassimplygeneric，notmeaningtoimplyforamomentthatsoplebeiananameevermarredaBeaconStreetdoor-plate，——andsubsequentlyprintthatIwashospitablyentreated，orthatthechair-coverswerefadedandtheconversationbrilliant。NeitherhaveIanyrighttogointoMasterJones\'sroom，inHollisHall，andinformthepublicthathekeepswineinhiscigar-box，andthatheentertainedhisfriendsawkwardlyorgracefully。ButsupposealltheBeaconStreetfamilieshaveacustomofdevotingonedayofeveryyeartofestivities，inwhichfestivitiesallBoston，andallthefriends，andthefriends\'friends，whomeachBeaconStreetfamilychoosestoinvite，areinvitedtopartake。TheCommon，andtheState-House，andtheMusic-Hall，&c。aresetapartfordancing，thehousesaregivenuptofeasting，——andthisoccursyearafteryear。Isitastrictlyprivateaffair？

IhavestillnorighttodenounceorapplaudorinanywaycharacterizeMr。Smith\'sspecialarrangements；buthaveInotarighttodiscussinthemostpublicmannerthegeneralfeaturesofthecustom？MayInotsaythatIconsiderfeastingapossibledanger，andthedancingacertainevil，andassignmyreasonsfortheseopinions？

Ihavespokenoftheconditionofsomeofthebuildings。I

findintheCollegerecordsrepeatedinstancesoftheCollegeauthoritiesappealingtothepublicconcerningthisverything。

Soearlyas1651，theRev。HenryDunster，PresidentoftheCollege，representedtotheCommissionersoftheUnitedColoniesthedecayingconditionoftheCollegebuildings，andthenecessityoftheirrepairandenlargement:andtheCommisionersreply，thattheywillrecommendtotheColoniestogivesomeyearlyhelp，bypecks，half-bushels，andbushelsofwheat。IsasubjectthatisbroughtbeforeCongressimpropertobebroughtbeforethepublicinamagazine？

IhavespokenofthebanquetingarrangedbytheSeniorClass。

Isthatprivate？Ifindinabookregularlyprintedandpublished，abookwrittenbyaformerPresidentoftheCollege，——amanwhomnowordsofminecanaffect，yetwhomI

cannotpasswithoutlayingathisfeetmytributeofgratitudeandreverence；amanwholivestoreceivefromhiscontemporariesthehonorswhicharegenerallyawardedonlybyposterity，——IfindinthisbookaccountsofvotespassedbytheCorporationandOverseers，prohibitingCommencersfrom"preparingorprovidingeitherplum-cake，orroasted，boiled，orbakedmeats，orpiesofanykind"；andafterwards，ifanyoneshoulddoanythingcontrarytothisact，or"goabouttoevadeitbyplaincake，theyshallnotbeadmittedtotheirdegree；andalso，"thatcommonsbeofbetterquality，havemorevariety，cleantable-clothsofconvenientlengthandbreadthtwiceaweek，andthatplatesbeallowed。"Nowiftheplum-cakeandpiesofthe"Commencers"arespreadbeforethepublic，howshalloneknowthattheplum-cakeandpiesofanoccasionatleastequallypublic，andonlyamonthbeforehand，mustnotbementioned？IfanyfamilyinBeaconStreetshouldpublishitshousekeepingrulesanditemsinthisunhesitatingmanner，Ithinkaverypardonableconfusionofideasmightexistastowhatwaslegitimatelypublic，andwhatmustbeheldprivate。Ifitbesaidthattheseitemsconcernaperiodfromwhichthemanyyearsthathavesinceelapsedremovethesealofsilence，IhavebuttoturntotheBostonDailyAdvertiser，ajournalwhosetasteandjudgmentareunquestionable，andfindinitsissueofJuly18，1863，eightcloselyprintedcolumnsdevotedtoaminutedescriptionofwhattheysaid，andwhattheydid，attheCollegefestivalarrangedbytheAssociationoftheAlumni，inwhichdescriptionmaybereadsucheminentlyprivateincidentsasthat——bysomeunfortunatemistake，whichwouldhavebeenadeath-blowtoanyBeaconStreethousekeeper——

therewereonehundredmoregueststhantherewereplates，and——whatitmightbehopedwouldbequiteunnecessarytostate——thattheunluckyDetrop"borethedisappointmentwiththemostadmirablegood-breeding，ANDRETIREDFROMTHEHALL

WITHOUTNOISEORDISTURBANCE。"(Noblearmyofmartyrs！Letamonumentmoredurablethanbrassriseintheheartsoftheircountrymentocommemoratetheirheroism，andletitgravenallover，incharactersoflivinglight，withtheold-timequery，"Whydidn\'tJackeathissupper？")

IfindalsointhesameissueofthesamepapertheCommencementDinner，itsguests，itsquantityandquality，itstalk，itssingingofsongs，andgivingofgifts，spreadbeforethepublic。