Emerson College - Emersonian Yearbook (Boston, MA)

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28 THE EMERSONIAN THE PILGRIM’S PROGRESS Once upon a time, numerous moons ago, there lived a Pilgrim. Now this Pilgrim was a strange personage of drab appearance and unre- nown — “a violet by a mossy stone.” To him duration was composed of three hearty meals a day and rest a-plenty. Little did he dream of the great adventure which would be his when one luminous morning he set forth with a brave heart and serene spirit for an unfamiliar land and a new existence. He had seen the light and could rest no more until he answered its call and satisfied his soul which was craving for higher learning and the evolution of expression. Thus it happened that on the twentieth day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and nineteen, the Pilgrim reached his destination with a great hope of future happiness — and an empty stomach. What mattered that? He was at last in Boston — the land of opportunity — safely launched toward his eminent career. A most fortunate being he was, for this year marked the beginning of a novel proceeding. The grave elders called it “dormitory” and it was here that the Pilgrim began to acquire knowledge. He learned many things that first year and numerous were the activities into which he entered but the greatest of these was his mighty tribute to Father Chaucer. The first milestone loomed into sight and his drab appearance had changed to beautiful green. The days dragged on, as days will and as the snake sheds his skin and the canary enters his molting season so did the Pilgrim slowly but surely turn from a light green to a pale yellow. It was not a pretty color, but at least it was not green, and, even that sturdy philosopher Kenney must admit there was now hope, even though it be the faintest ray, toward a future for the Pilgrim. With this encouraging thought to spur him on, he saw, beheld and passed the second great milestone which brought much joy and rejoicing to his hungry soul. The third year was one of glory, and again our Pilgrim changed. He was indeed worthy of notice in his garb of lavender, and the wise Elders bestowed upon him a new name, far more worthy than that of Freshman or Sophomore, and full of significance — Junior. It was at this time that philosopher Tripp deemed fit to smile upon the Pilgrim and he gave thanks for this blessing which few received. History will record the deeds of our hero and among them will be a seven days’ festivity known as “Junior Week,” which was and shall be unsurpassed in its mirth and worth. The Pilgrim passed the third milestone with

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THE EMERSONIAN 27 SENIOR CLASS PLAY “SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER” By Oliver Goldsmith The presentation of Goldsmith’s “She Stoops To Conquer” by the Senior class on Thursday evening, January 25, in Huntington Cham- bers’ Hall marked the fourteenth annual production of Old English Comedy. Produced, as it was, under the direction of Professor Tripp, the play was most artistically presented to an unusually large audience, showing that enthusiasm for old English comedy has not waned, and that its revival is a welcome innovation. The Cast of Characters: Squire Hardcastle ..... Mrs. Hardcastle ...... Tony Lumpkin ...... Kate Hardcastle ..... Constance Neville ..... Slang ....... Mat Muggins ...... Amenadab ...... Stingo, landlord ...... Young Marlow ...... George Hastings ..... Diggory Dick 1 J Roger Thomas Servants to Hardcastle Maid . Jeremy Sir Charles Marlow Veronica Dickey Ruth Potter Marian Braly Martha B. Freed J. Rica Grant . Ruth D. Walch Gladys Fernandez Maree Hillyer Eugenia Terwilliger Mary Emily Reid Ruth Bassette Alice Teague [ ' Dorothy Caswell Frances Hueston [ Mary Walsh Mary Walsh Eugenia Terwilliger Frances Hueston Out of these days of laughter and play — The days of our strong young growing, Soon— ah, soon — we’ll be drifting away, — Bitter-sweet is our going ! Oh you we have tried and found so true, Pals of these years, out yonder, In success and strife we will dream of you, — Will you think of us, and wonder? M. F. D., ’23.

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THE EMERSONIAN 29 quickened pace and long strides for he was nearing the end of his journey and his goal was already in sight. He had gone only a short distance past the third milestone, when a strange thing happened. His color of lavender darkened to a deep purple and the pale yellow brightened into burnished gold. He hur- ried onward with leaps and bounds and where’er he went he was pro- claimed by all a “Senior,” and many were the honors heaped upon his head. For he had “Stooped to Conquer” and his reward was won. The last milestone stood with abrupt dignity before him and beyond was the vast world. Why did he turn to look back? What had happened to him? He slowed his steps and a tear glistened in his eye. For one last moment he gave vent to a mighty longing to retrace the path that he had trodden; then he was gone. The vast world had beckoned and he had followed. Behind him he left the green, the yellow and the lavender. Here, too, was the scene of many an unforgotten frolic and a happy episode. But the greatest treasure of these were the Wise Elders and the cherished friendships. He bade farewell to them all in turn and after wishing them blessings and happiness unending he car- ried away these fond memories which he will hold forever sacred. Thus the Pilgrim reached his journey’s end. He had found the light in his B. L. I. and it will be as a torch to guide him ever onward. Who is this grave Pilgrim, you ask? He is the Class of Nineteen Hundred and Twenty-three ! RUTH BASSETTE, ’23.