Barnard College - Mortarboard Yearbook (New York, NY)

Page 9 text:

WE SING of a majestic seat of learning towering in the heights, glistening above the blue-brown Hudson, setting an example of valor and wisdom to our errant and high-spirited maidens, and revealing to them the wonders of this isle and the whole world. We sing of a pano- rama, a whole vibrant community with its rich array of charcoal grey suits, subtle striped ties, and flashing blue and white scarves, with its countless inscrutable customs, frenzied rituals, and eccentric cults. Let us hear no more than of Ulysses and Aeneas, of their long and tedious travels; let us forget for the moment the heroes of Homer, Virgil, and Joyce. These heroes and poets of ancient times have had their day. We do not pursue fanciful feats or valiant acts conjured up in the imagina- tion. The deeds we tell of are real. Our theme is grander and more daring. Oh Calliope, inspire us with a fluent command of words, with an eloquence that is fitting for our noble maids. Oh Daughters of Jove, grant us only the mightiest strains, the most resounding rhetoric, the most exalted thoughts, and the purest language. Give us a song that suits greatness; imbue us with a fiery zeal that equals our brave maidens, that matches this epic tale.

Page 8 text:

WE SING of a glo rious and illustrious assemblage, the class of nineteen hundred and fifty-six. This is the story of courageous maidens, who leaving their native homes behind them, ventured through underground passageways, stream-lined chariots, and bird-like conveyances to a glittering isle surrounded by dark and mysterious boroughs. This is a tale of four long years of wandering and exploring, four years beset with terrifying dangers of many varieties, characterized by bold and exacting ex- ploits, and enhanced by wondrous experiences and unfolding truths. These are heroines of no ordinary stature. They are graced with beauty and charms, and bestowed with all the arts and skills that make them truly womanly. They have been blessed by the God with persistance, persever- ance, eloquence, imagination, and audacity. The extent of their loquacity is known all over the globe. Equally at home in concert halls and art gal- leries, always at ease with test tubes and typewriters, these are adventurers who have dedicated themselves to searching and probing, to bravely strip- ping away vague clouds of imprecision until they have penetrated to the very core, the very essence of what they set out to find.

Page 10 text:

tence partial hands the aods their ai ts dispt Some areatlu thinh, Some Speah with manly Sense; d ut wisdom, the defect o j orm Supplies: is man with enerau o thouaht controls, sQnd steals with modest violence our souls$ Jde Speahs rcservedlu, hut he speahs with J orce, Ifjor can one word he chanaed, hut j or a worse. You have brought to us the classics to inspire and enrich our lives, and have taught us in the best tradition of the liberal arts. You stand as an example of true scholarship and learning for us to behold. It is with our sincere appreciation that we dedicate this book to you. Dr. John Day. JOHN DAY, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Greek and Latin