St Johns College - Yearbook (Annapolis, MD)

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only happiness. At least she had someone to love, something to care for, something other than self to live for. She realized this great boon of loving and therein was happy. Was Maurice as noble as she, did he ever do any- thing because it was right, did he remember the precepts of his far-distant mother--that mother who did every- thing for him and only asked love in return, did he fol- low her desires, did he try to make her lite bright through him, did he realize that a mother's only pleasure is in the success of her son ? or was he selhsh and inconsiderate? did he spend her hard-saved money for improper things? did he waste his opportunities? neglect his lessons? and render useless, and even injurious, all the selfesacriiicing indulgence of that dear mother? Hecould not answer these questions, but he felt a great longing to be better, to be a man in the noblest sense of the word. His idea was confused, he could not dehne his desire except by this one all-inclusive word- man, but as he turned away with tear-stained cheek let us hope that a nobler nature came to walk this world and bless it. I

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!Il5aurice's flbebitation. E rolled over in his bed and breathing forth a sigh of perfect content and bliss, opened his eyes, and looked out upon the damp, chill morn. The sparrows, noisy harbingers of dawn, were twitterin g forth soft sweet notes, and fluttering from twig to twig of the green ivy which, covering the house on all sides, both afforded shelter to all these little fel- lows and also gave the building a quaint, antiquated look, very charming to lovers of things almost gone to decay with venerable old age. Maurice, too, felt the rejuvenating influence of rising Phoebus and, as that old orb rolled up on his etherial course across the heavens, he sprang from his downy couch, turned on the steam and leisurely arranged his toilet. Maurice Went to the window and examined the sky for prospects of a clear day. The rising sun just at that moment burst forth from purple clouds, which, separat- ing, sailed off in grotesque shapes, and Rosy Morn with hands of fire unbarred the gates of lightff A cold, piercing wind seemed to enter every nook and cranny, All seemed cold and drear. The sun him- self seemed frosted and his glory overshadowed. I Maurice looked and beheld a woman, pale and wan, and worn, and scantily clad, picked piece by piece the half-burned coals from an ash barrel 3 ever and anon rest- ing from her wearisome labor to press her hand to her breast and cough a short hacking cough-a cough such as only the most weak give forth. V, The wind, often catching her skirts, would have great sport for a while, and then, dying out, would hurry on in the distance to blow stray paper or leaves, or per- chance to aid some other poor sufferer one step nearer the final resting place. But truly has it been said There is no rest for the weary. The poor woman picks on, only stopping to cough, or rest her numb fingers, while buzzards, flying on smooth wing, creen to the wind or hover momentarily over some spot. A q The whole scene touched Maurice's heart. He pit- ied this woman, but after all, he wondered if this poor forlorn creature might not be happier than he, for he was not one of those dreamers who simply bless their stars and call it happiness. Perhaps she had a little boy at home, whom she loved, and hoped and worked for. Per- haps she had an ill husband whose very smile was her

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cm EATED in my easy rocker I In my roon1 in Pinkney Hall, Hearkening to the noisy Freshmen, As they quite aloud did bawl, Clamoring loud against their classmates, Since they would not dare to skip, Greatly grieved because their fellows Failed to get the well-earned zip, Ideas, fraught with dreamy fancies, Through my idle brain did run, As I thought of wondrous progress XVidening with each rising sun. Thought I of great inconvenience XVhich our forefathers endured, Seeming not to them like hardship, Since to that they were innured. Then I thought how much more easy Is the common lot to-day, And how very thankful We should All be, this truth to convey. llbrogress of H G6l1flll'Qf I General ideas turned to special, Old St. john's 11ow comes to mind: Thought I, did our grand alumni All this easy comfort iind? Had they, when they trod these precincts, Training for the body, brain, Such as now the student finds it Under 'I'ommie'S peaceful reign? As I mused, my senses wandered 3 Sweet oblivion's gentle grasp Quietly laid hold upon me,-'- Sensibility was past. Then, behold I into my dreaming Crept a being odd and queer Q Hoary headed, tall and stately Did this wondrous sage appear. Powdered wig and ruflied collar, Breeches cut short at the knees, Silken stockings, buckled slippers I Saw you ever aught like these? 139 Timidly I looked about me, Scarcely knowing what to do 5 Then, divining my forebodings, Did he this queer course pursue : Drawing up a chair beside me, To my wonder and affright, Cooly turned he round towards me, Poor, forlorn, unhappy Wight I Hem, said he, I don't know whether You are heartless or insane Q Can't you see I'm very harmless? Now your own conduct explain? O, said I, please dont be angry, You are very welcome here 5 But of such outlandish attire Did I never even hear. That explains my situation g But be kind enough to tell Who you are, and what's your business, If you wish my fi ight to quell X -L -V I f - e - A fr' ,- 2 A-.-fri .'f:t -1. A i- :,g:.:::1-'z:.n:g'::vwr:-.. 1'::::1'-f:1--:::1r:-:.::,........: I I I I ,. 5. 1 '-. 'ii' I ...L as L. ...,.. I I I , I L, I I I I I I II wr 4 I I I I I 1 I I K. .I