St Francis Xavier Academy - Xavier Yearbook (Providence, RI)

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THE XAVIER A TRIP TO BOSTON WE had again and again planned a sightseeing trip to the Hub, but it never seemed to materialize until Senior year, when we finally made up our minds, and on a bright May morning our class met at the Union Station, guide books in hand, and boarded the eight-seven train, arriving at the Back Bay about nine-twenty. The objective point at first was the Library. This building of pinkish white granite is a notable example of the classic in architecture. We commented on this, remembering that our Capitol was designed by the same firm, McKim, Mead, and White. To a visitor the wall paintings here are of absorbing interest. Chavannes’ “Muses Welcoming the Genius of Enlightenment” is grand, but you feel the truth of the criticism so often made, that this work is notin the best place for observation; no matter how hard you try, it is impossible to take in the large wall with the companion panels of the Sciences as one whole and so the effect is lost. Special notice was taken by us as to why the world calls Chavannes its greatest mural decorator,—he brings every detail to the surface. Abbey’s “Quest of the Holy Grail” is beautiful and inspiring. The story is clearly delineated from the first panel which shows the infant Galahad entrusted to the care of the nuns, until we see him at Sarras after the Quest has been accomplished. The Sargent pictures, in “Sargent Hall,” are sublime, and would require several days of close study. Only two are placed so far, the third and last, the artist is now engaged on. The whole is to represent, I believe, the triumph of Religion as an educating force. One is reminded here and there of St. Gaudens,—the seal over the door, the marble lions by his brother Louis, and the effective groups, “Poetry” and “Music” that are to be set up on each side of the entrance. The Museum of Art, just across the square, next claimed attention, and here, while discussing values of Copleys, Stuarts, Allstons, and others, and admiring the wonderful skill of those

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26 THE XAVIER which you may be greeted, but imitate the nineteen-eights, the most advanced class in histrionics that ever trod the boards of Academy Hall. We have been condescending to a fault in allowing you to witness our musicals and theatricals, but knowing the good you might derive from them, we uncomplainingly put our honorable and just pride one side and gave you the treat of your existence. Let us hope that you have made the best of such opportunities. We bequeath to you our exalted example----also our “Curtain.” One final word to all three under years. Modify the wild rush to the dining hall at 11.55 and the monopoly of every available seat when there. Ah, do we not remember them ? The sad, sad times! The bitter trials under which we have aged preceptibly. How often after wending our way in meditative calm down the stairs and towards the tables, have we been repelled by strange, cold glances and obliged, WE the Reverend Seniors, to stand, a sandwich in one hand, a glass of milk in the other, and in humility and meekness partake of our daily bread. Bat now in all seriousness, dear girls, as we stand here facing life and its stern duties, the starting tears tell us how deeply we regret this separation from you and the pleasant life together that all of us have enjoyed in the happy years now gone. May God bless your future, bless every effort in school and in after life and may He crown those noble efforts of yours with the priceless gift,-His eternal love. Class ok ’08 per Cora Thurston Sweet.

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30 THE XAVIER Ausserhalb auf beiden Seiten der Thure standen zwei Soldaten. Sie begrussten und als wir vorbeigingen und in das Zimmer traten. Dies war selir gross versehen mit glassernen Tischen die in langen Reihen standen. Auf den Tischen waren Kastchen inwendig gestickt mit Gold und in jedem war ein wundersckones Kleinod. ,,Dies ist IhrTisch, Anna,” sagte die Fee. ,,Mein Tisch,” erwiderte Anna. .,Wie kann ich ein Tiscli hier haben, da ich niemand kenne.” ,,Desungeachtet ist dies dein Tisch,” sagte ihre Pate. Auf den Tischen waren vier-und-zwanzig Kastchen aber das letzt liatte kein Kleinod. ,, Wo ist das schone Kleinod fur dieses Kastchen ?” fragte Anna. ,,Jenes Kleinod ist verloren und darum muss das Kastchen leer bleiben,” sagte die Fee. ,,Aber, waruin muss es leer bleiben?” entgegnete Anna. ,,Ich werde es dir erzahlen,” sagte ihre Pate. ,,Dies vicr-und zwanzig Kleinodien bedeuten vier-und-zwanzig Stunden im Tage.” ,,Aber ein Kastchen ist leer,” bemerkte Anna,—,,wo ist das Kleinod ?” ,, Vier-und-zwanzig Kleinodien waren dir im Anfange gegeben, aber seitdem du die Stunde in Traumereien verloren hast, war dein Kleinod auch verloren und gleich der Stunde kann es niemals gefunden werden.” Plotzlich richtete Anna sich auf erwachend, und die Fee. Kleinodien, Kastchen und alles war verschwunden. Anna sah ein dass ihre Traumerei ein wirkliches Traum war. Dieselbe Nacht, jedoch, ehe sie sich zur Ruhe begab, machte sie den Vorsatz niemals mehr eine Minute zu verlieren, Oder zu verschwenden, und dadurch ein Kleinod zu verlieren. Frances Doran.