Wells College - Cardinal Yearbook (Aurora, NY)

Page 59 text:

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

Page 58 text:

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

Page 60 text:

bearing its standard aloft. The Freshman chieftain, who knows not fear, is accompanied by a great white beast which she has sworn to honor or sacrifice according as she winneth or loseth. Before the ranks of IQI5 there paceth a fair child clad in royal purple, symbol of Victory. A blare of trumpets-and the fight is begun. O ye denizens of Cayuga's deepsg O ye wild birds and reptiles of the dense and murmuring forest, come forth from your secret haunts and seek the cause of all this commotion. The army of the Sophomore bears down, with haughty crests, upon the younger warriors but the Freshmen bravely withstand their onset and return blows, swift and sure. The two forces stand like giant oaks neither of which can be bent by the raging storm. Spear strikes against spear with a shivering sound and the panting of the deep- chested warriors is' heard aboye the din of battle. Long and fierce the fighting ragesg hot and hotter waxeth the fury of the combatants. At last the Freshmen weaken and though they exert their utmost strength are finally overcome. Loftier in defeat than in Victory, the conquered Freshmen surrender proudly their laurels to the war-worn Sophomores. Oh, ye silent walls of Wells, bear witness to these deeds of prowess. What future prodigies are to be performed, for as yet these heroes are young and untried? The coming years stretch out before them and the world is theirs to win! .56