St Elizabeth High School - Elizabethan Yearbook (Oakland, CA)

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ELIZABETHAN NINETEEN-THIRTY spread wanted luxuries in their way, or power laid empires at their feet, they would not fare any better today for, in the land where they are living, virtue and true worth are the only things recognized and rewarded. Thus, this strongly meditative poem leads one from the contemplation of evening and the graves of the dead to a general reflection on the nature of human life and ambition, summarized in the famous lines, The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, And all that beauty, all that wealth e'er gave, Await alike th' inevitable hour The paths of glory lead but to the grave. Neola Marie Bane '3l. 'A Friendship On one clear night in early summer, When rustling leaves had softly whispered Good night to the lonely breath of wind That strayed, and through the tree-tops wandered. When the moon like some great ship at sea, Rode bravely through the star-lit sky, The gleaming waters dark and still, Reflecting bright her silver eye, When great white owls like eerie shadows Floated easily through the air, And the bull-frogs from their marshy home Shattered the night with noisy blare' 1 l lay asleep among these wonders, Dreamed a dream beyond compare, Morpheus with his wand led way, I followed on I knew not where. It seems we crossed an azure stream ln silver boats, and landed dry On a massive wharf whence ramparts high Tower'd aloft toward the sky. The word easily now remember, By which we next admittance gained Into the court within the walls, lt was by Charity's great name.

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ELIZABETHAN NINETEEN-THIRTY The Elegy in a Country Church Yard C-RAY'S ELEGY is one of the finest and, at the same time, one of the most widely read of English poems. This is true partly because of the singular sim- plicity of its language and subject matter, and partly because of the regular rhythm of its lines. By musing over its verses, we can get, at a first reading, much of the depth of emotion, and beauty of expression with which the little gem is so lavishly strewn. We hear the familiar sound of the curfew reminding us that another day is being borne to its grave. We see the lowing herd winding toward the lea and the plow-man plodding his weary way home- ward. We may listen to the droning flight of the beetle or to the drowsy tinklings from a distant fold, and again to the moping owl in an ivy-mantled tower. We may sit in the shade of the yew-tree and meditate on the sweet rest our forefathers enjoy who Each in his narrow cell forever laid, need now toil no longer and worry no more. We can realize the fleetness of things of time and be glad that our loved ones have found the peace, quiet and rest which we, too, hope to enjoy some day. Familiar pictures and homley scenes like the above, so beautiful in their simplicity, are brought before us in the simplest language and yet with such a fine classical finish that it is not surprising the poem has become a favorite with all classes. Another element which has made the Elegy popular is the depth and the sincerity of the emotion with which it imbues thoughts, sentiments, and reflections that are common to the whole of mankind. The pictures chosen are tinged with a gentle melancholy which awakens a response in every human heart. They serve as a suitable background for the play of human emotions. A wonderful unity of feeling pervades the whole poem of which the keynote is struck in the opening lines, 'LThe curfew tolls the knell of parting day. The curfew bell here described as the knell of parting day may bring back sad recollections. ln many a mind its sweet and melancholy sound mingle, unconsciously with the mournful tolls of a distant funeral bell which accom- panied a dear one to his last rest. To all, the knell may be a soft reminder of the swiftness of time and the approaching of the inevitable hour which ends the day of life. The sight of the yew-tree spreading its cool shade over the graves of the dead is apt to awaken similar emotions in the depth of the human soul. The brave toilers of the earth now resting in their graves stir the reader's heart with compassion, for at least some of them might have been great had opportunity been theirs, and good fortune smiled upon them. Still, had knowledge unrolled her ample page before their eyes, had wealth .-23-

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ELIZABETHAN NINETEEN-THIR We passed on through great marble halls, I wondered at their size and strength, Until at last we reached a door. 'Twas at the tenth haIl's utmost length. 'Twas large and solid, iron hinged, And bolt be-studded, built of oak, Dramatically it opened wide, When young Morpheus softly spoke. The word this time was Understanding , Through the door I gazed. Behold! 'Twas sweet Friendship in her might, Seated on a throne of gold! I gazed enraptured at the sight, My lips formed words her Grace to greet, But as I dropped on one bent knee, From me tell the cloak of sleep. My dream I ken, as well I might. The massive halls through which I passed, Are Faith wherein our Friendship lives, And without which no friends are fast. Charity and Understanding Are torches bright to light the way To that blest kingdom, great and fair, Where Friendship's dainty hand holds sway. Where Friendship rules in all her might These three words must present be. Understanding must be there, So with Faith and Charity. Cecil Norris 32 1 It's a good old world. This world of ours, With its sunset skies, With its summer showers, With its flowers to bloom, With its birds to sing, With its wintry gloom, With its buds of spring, With its goals to win, With its work to do, Don't weaken! This world Brings good to you. Loraine Faria, '3l.