Wells College - Cardinal Yearbook (Aurora, NY)

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retire to rest. Among the twinkling stars the hoary moon wanders in silence, o'er the darkling sky. DUAN II Argument. Un the day of classification a great struggle takes place, concerning the posting of certain colors, in which struggle the Freshmen are victorious. O sun, lifting thy streaming locks over Cayuga's dancing flood, what dost thou see? The halls of Wells tower like the beetling cliffs in majestic silence. All about lies the smoothly rolling sward, studded here and there with wide-eyed flowers. But where are those who lately strode with clank of spear and shield, through these lofty portals or stretched themselves to rest upon the grassy shade? Whither has fled the sound of the harp and of tuneful voices which were wont to resound through the high hall? The warriors are silent and they wait some momentous tidings. The Freshmen stand together, grasping their weapons in their hands, their lips iirm-closed ready for the battle. Of a sudden, like a rolling of thunder, a shout is heard and a messenger approaches on flying feet. Amidst gasping breath, she cries. Up, warriors, gird yourselves for battle. Classifica- tions are out! Each hero dons his glittering burnie, and stern with rage, they rush to their castle. Some go in to make firm the gates, but others stand outside, looking menacingly over their bossy shields. Seeing certain Sophomores, renowned in combat, approach, they toss their long hair to the wind and hum a surly tune. Like the coming of a storm, so is the onset of the warriors of '15, They join battleg the hills shake and Moonshine cowers beneath her sedgy banks at the terror of their conflict. But the defenders remain firm and inside the castle a weighty council is held. At last, the long expected signal is given and lo, from the lofty casement, flutters a glorious sight. ' The mighty hearted juniors behold with rapture a whiteness as of the 54

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1 91 6 imma jlietnlp Bisnnhereh Songs uf Q955ian with Zlpulngies tn imlr. Eames jllilanibijewun DUAN I Argument. The Freshman, a doughty band gathered from all points of the earth, come to the land of Aurora. Why dost thou leap, oh Waters of Cayuga? What joy causeth thee to laugh and sing, embosomed as thou art amidst thy purple hills? Uh sun, bright as the shield of my fathers, Why dost thou so lavishly cast thy radiance upon the high halls of Aurora? Uh, day, more highly favored than any before thee, in the revolving circuit of years, hovf can I ind Words to describe thine impart! Come, starry- eyed maid that dwelleth among the sounding rocks of Moon- shine, touch thy harp and sing the glories of this day. Rejoice, oh Wells, girt With thy murmuring pines, for 1916, mighty in War and Wise in peace, is approaching thy domains, as the crested ocean Wave dashes on the glittering sands. More than half a hundred strong, their eyes flash- ing iire, their locks tossing in the Wind, they take up their abode Within thy gates. The car-borne Seniors, Wise beyond all understanding, come, speaking Words of peace. The valiant Juniors, clashing in their armor, embrace the lordly newcomers and offer them the hospitality of their groaning board. Hard behind these follow the doughty Sophomores, spears clanking against their bossy shields. Their brows are drawn in menacing Wrath and Without speech, they pass by. But dismay finds no place in the hearts of the Freshman Warriors. Strong in spirit they 5 3 r

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snow on Pumkin's dizzy crest and a ceriseness as of the roses in a lady's bower. It waves upon the breeze, it glitters in the sun's rays, but what flag was ever of so strange a shape? For me seemeth it is of two parts, each part as round as the shield of a hero and fringed with ruffles. Ah ingenuity never to be surpassed, the valiant warriors have used their petticoats! Unforgettable day! when will your like come again? Incapable of singing your glory with fitting melody, I fling down my harp and leave your praise to the rushing waves and the strong north wind! DUAN III Argument. A fearful battle taketh place in which the Freshman, though performing prodigies of valor, are forced to yield to the mighty Sophomores. Oh merciless heavens, why dost thou pour down these torrents of rain? O sun, thou golden apple of the firmament, why hidest thou thy shining face from earth's children? What caprice of fate bringeth about that this day of all days be dismal and drear and dark? The ground can scarce be trod, so greatly doth it ooze with mud and shine. The Gods seated upon the high seats, decree that the far- famed coniict between the renowned Sophomores and the heroic Freshmen be delayed until the morrow. The valiant warriors, burning to rush into combat, are forced to curb their impatient hearts and to restrain their battle lust. O sun, now thou art turning toward them in compassion. Thy warm glinting beams reward their patience by sucking upward the muddy pools. At length it is heralded abroad that the battle is to take place and all the dwellers of Aurora hasten to the fateful held. Ah, simple folk! They little guess what bloody struggle is to follow. Hark! A chant is raised as of a thousand voices. The hills, where the long grasses wave in the fitful breeze, roll back answering shouts. Oh sight of sights! The opposing hosts approach, each 55