Sweet Briar College - Briar Patch Yearbook (Sweet Briar, VA)

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For shortly to show you is my intent What adventure befell us as on we went. This State was most happy, giddy, and free, Irresponsible, jolly as could be; With merriment, games, all manner o ' sport. And privileges of mighty import. Here it happened, too, we first did debate And hotly considered questions o ' state. Though by wily tricks our opponents scored. In logic and wisdom we had them floored. Thus passeth year by year and day by day, That we, after struggles hard and severe. Passed to Senior Hill, to our goal so near. We fondly thought, if on tiptoe we ' d stand. We could see from afar our Promised Land. And now we renounced the things of a child. And tried to assume an expression mild. Benignant, wise, officiously remote. And on the dream of dignity we dote — Until we see a smile, on passing by And find, alas! ' t is caused by cap awry. For we, in token of past vict ' ries won. Are permitted the cap and gown to don. Emblem of wisdom and power of mind. New trials and tribulations we find; Fate brings responsibilities new, Traditions, ideals, and standards, too — Besides the weight of the world — quite a weight. Which, since Atlas died. Seniors undertake — All to be held on high by our great strength. Then Exams come around again at length. To cause us to grind and cram and worry — An awful bore when one ' s in a hurry. Till at last we pass, by study and bluff.

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Anon that horrible hedge we had past — Known as Exams — into Sophomore Land. And, certes, if it weren ' t too long to hear, I ' d tell you at length what befell us there. Our numbers had dwindled away so fast That only six of us were left at last. We now paused , for a space, to organize. And m our own conceits did grow most wise. As IS the manner of all Sophomores. Quite festive we grew — gay party-goers. Athletes, heroes, and, savin ' your rev ' rence. Proud examples to all, par excellence. There it was that unto our ranks we drew. Gladly, our honorary members two. Of whom I ' ll pause to say this much at least. One was a very perfect, gentle priest; Th ' other a man of law, prudent and wise. Faithful and true to us in ev ' ry guise. As our emblem we chose mountain laurel. And vowed, by our valor, to bear it well ; On our banner we wrote m shining gold: ' Fide ei Fiducia — Faith and Courage bold. ' T was here, moreo ' er, we encountered our foes. The Freshmen impertinent ' gainst us rose. Till we felt constrained to chastise them right. I would I might tell you of that grand sight When we closed with them in combat mortal. And placed our banners on high, above all. Nor ceased from the fray till, out of pity. Others interposed to save the Freshie. But if you would further know of this deed. You may in another book it all read. Now will I cease of Soph Country to tell. And relate what in Junior State befell. 26

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To heights beyond, and, with due rites enough. Diploma in hand, as now the guise is. Celebrate Commencement exercises. From the pinnacle of Graduation We may look down upon ev ' ry nation. Advice we endure in polite silence. For we, from our own vast experience, Look down, with our superior knowledge. On those who haven ' t sojourned at our College. Our journey ' s through, there ' s no more to tell. We solemnly bid our comrades farewell. And armed with wisdom, diplomas, and plans. We prepare to set out for other lands. To the place called World we direct our care. And to the Temple of Success we fare, In our distant City of Heart ' s Desire, By various routes, some far, some nigher. Therefore I cease; as I am no diviner, I may not say how Fate will incline her. But this much: ere we had departed thence. We all gave our promise that ten years hence. From whatever lands or far distant clime Held us, we ' d return at the stated time. And each of us then must truly relate How she ' d been treated at the hands of Fate. This is th ' effect, there is no more to say. So thanking you all, I ' ll bid you good day. Historian. Here endeih the Records of N ineleeu-Elev en. 28