Fryeburg Academy - Academy Bell Yearbook (Fryeburg, ME)

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20 I THE ACADEMY BELL An inspiration after reading Selected Letters of Cicero: TULLIUS T0 HIS BELOVED TERENTIA I received the good news today that our family has been set ahead one member. Me hercule! I am especially glad to hear this and will be home to see the little rascal soon. Don't forget to feed him, for good food builds up great strength. I Wish I could be there and see him at his first meal, but then--the fates are unkind and the gods for- bid. For the first week I think bread and milk would be a good diet, and then slowly give him some vegetables, and finally a bone. But don't give him too much meat, for the other poodle died of that, you know. Oh, by the way, have an extra bathtub installed, for I am bringing some friends home with me. Well, don't forget to feed the gold fish and put the cat out every night. Farewell. P. S. Don't catch cold and be sure to put up your window before going to bed. TERENTIA CWRITESJ T0 TULLIUS I don't know why I'm writing for I have nothing to say, but never mind, I am going to take my time doing it. I was very shocked to find that in your hurry to leave Rome you forgot your toothbrush. So, by Medusa, I am sending you one. Don't forget to wash your neck and ears. Vale. P. S. You big bum, you forgot to kiss me good-bye. Don't hang around with those fellows you've been accustomed to, especially that nincompoop Pompey. T CHARLES THURLOW, '29. THE HUMAN SIDE OF CICERO After reading one or two of Cicero's orations the ordinary person comes to the conclusion that Cicero could not have been human and his works are classed as some of the necessary evils of a Eatin course. But one does not see the real Cicero if he reads only the orations. Read his letters and you will soon find out he was really human after all. Take one of his letters to his friend Atticus. There one finds his plans for the comin: cam- paign and his wish to have his friend come and help him. Or take a letter written to Trebatius to Whom Cicero was

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THE ACADEMY BELL 19 her shoulders. Towering around the open space in the wilderness were mighty peaks, snow crowned and glistening against the clear blue of the autumn sky. LEAH MCINTIRE, '30. CHARACTER SKETCH OF CICERO There is a great controversy of opinion regarding Cicero, the man, for, by some Latin students he is greatly praised and by others he is considered altogether con- temptible. By citations from Cicero's letters, where he ex- pressed his passing thoughts as well as his settled opinions, we can draw the conclusion that he was unpatriotic, coward- ly, and disloyal to his friends and family. But, truly, what public man of today could stand such a harrowing test of character? Many just biographers, however, after separat- ing his real and lasting sentiments from his false and fleet- ing ideas, agree that we was indeed a great and noble man. Cicero's worst enemies never accused him of vice. Al- though he was by nature timid and mild, he could, if neces- sity urged, become very heroicg While he was vain, he could not be called ungenerous or jealous of others, and through his worthy praise, many of his contemporaries were made more illustrious. In society, he was a great favorite because of his wit and genial nature. He was af- fectionate and true to his friends, and always ready to help them with advice, political or personal influence, and money, when they were in need. At home his family life was very unfortunate, his last years spent with Terentia were unhappy, his only son Mar- cus, was often a source of anxiety because of his inclination to be wild, his idol, his daughter, Tullia, caused him much sorrow and disappointment, but his loving and affectionate nature is well shown in his treatment of his slaves, who truly adored their kind and merciful master. He was al- most a brother to Tiro, one of his faithful servants, who was also his general right-hand man. As a boy Cicero was tall and slender, growing to man- hood a tall, graceful, and dignified being, making an im- pressive and inspiring appearance while standing on the Rostra delivering his orations. In summing up the characteristics of Cicero we con- clude that he was witty and congenial in society, kind to servants, heroic where occasion called it, by nature timid, mild and vacillating, vain, generous to friends in need, and, impressive and inspiring to behold. Plutarch described Cicero thus, He was by nature framed for mirth and jestsf' RUTH VVILEY, '29.

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-U - THE ACADEMY BELL 21 giving advice. These letters must have been cheering and encouraging to the young aristocrat who was trying to gain wealth and fame in Gaul with Caesar. Next read one of Cicero's letters to his freedman, Tiro, who is recovering from a severe fever. These we find have the deepest concern for Tiro's comfort and welfare. Our next letter is different from any of the others. It is written just after the death of his daughter, Tullia. This letter shows his great affec- tion for his daughter, and his great sadness. Yet he at- tempts to bear his grief according to his philosophy. Each letter shows some outstanding characteristics, and one soon finds that Cicero, in spite of his fiery orations, was very human. MARJORIE MOULTON, '29. SCHOOL DIARY September-School opened. There are over one hun- dred students enrolled. Maybe I shall have a speaking ac- quaintance with all of the new ones by graduation time, but it certainly won't be any before. My freshman year I nearly fell through the floor for at least I should have liked toj because there were so many new faces, but this year it seems worse than ever. October-Football, hockey, volley-ball-all in full swing. Gee, if anyone goes to all the games he will be bankrupt before any of the other sports get here. Say! I never knew 350 pieces counted up so fast. November-Thanksgiving-yes, but there would be something to take the joy out of life-RANK CARDS. Clyde Johnson with his A's and me with my D's and E's. Gosh, what teachers! Of course, I'm to blame for not studying, but I do thing some of these A students must be more or less teacher's pets. December-Christmas vacation. Santa Claus. Well, here's hoping some of the dorm boys get a razor. Anyone would think they were letting their whiskers grow so that they could use them to fill a mattress when they do shave. January-School going again in full swing. The bas- ketball teams are bringing in a victory every now and then. February- Flu - Flu! Everyone is having the flu. Teachers, students and everyone else going to school. Not a single one escapes. March-Measles-I guess this year of school is doomed. No sooner do we get the flu cleared up when the measles come floating along. Just in time for the senior drama, too. April-May-June. These months are still in the fu- ture: but graduation and separation will be here very soon. LEURA HALEY, '29.