Western Oregon University - Yearbook (Monmouth, OR)

Page 10 text:

THE NORM EIGHT It is the yearning 0f the spirit, not the skill of the hand, Which gives art its real value, for . iiA manis reach must exceed his grasp, or What 1s Heaven for? and iiProgress manis distinctive mark alone, Not Gods and not the beasts; God is, they are, Man partly is, and Wholly hopes to be? No English poet has written more on art and music, or has shown more conclusively an exact knewledge of both; but no poet is less of a dilettante. Art is simply an inspiration; if the artist is satisfied With his Work, he has renounced all that made his art worthy: itRather I prize the doubt, Pioor vaunt of life indeed, Were man but fetrmed to feed On 3' 0y, t0 solely seek and find and feast. Such feasting ended, then as sure And end to man? Browning holds that life is probation and education. He is fond of showing that it is better and grander to fail in something than to make no attempt; it is better to: attempt. the great things and fail than to be satisfied With the small things; then Welcome each rebuff Was. not comforts me? V What I aspired to be and Learn, nor account the pang; Strive, and held cheap the strain, Be our joy three part pain Sit nor stand, but go! Each sting that bids, nor That turns earthis smoothness rough, Ne! discussion of Brownings philosophy would be complete without mentioning his broad mindedness; his belief that. each must decide for himself: iiNoiW, Who shall arbitrate ?' Ten men love What I'hate, Shun What I follow, slight What. I receive; a . Ten, Who! in ears and eyes Match me; we, all surmise, They, thisthing, and I, that; Whom shall my soul believe?

Page 9 text:

'I W: MIA VOL. 1 COMMENCEMENT NUMBER . N0. 3 Iiirnmningh lahilnanphy nf Effie Grow Old along with me! The best is yet to be, The last of life for which The first was made? says Robert Brawning. LTHOUGH all that he has written is steeped in the very spirit of optimism and welcome 0f the inevit- able, the most interesting note in his broad philos- 0th is the manner in which he teaches us to look I forward to old age. There is no dread of Father Time, but joy. iiHoiw good to live and learnt is his slogan. In his itRabbi Ben Ezraii we feel with him that manis life is to be Viewed as a whole. Godis plan in our creaticvn has arranged for youth and age, and no View of life is consistent which ignores the work of either. iiOur times are in His hand Who saith, A whole I planned ; Youth shows but half ; trust God; see all, 1101' be afraid? Youth must seek its heritage in age; in the repose of age he is to measure the adventures of youth: tiYouth ended, I shall try My gain or loss thereby; Leave the fire ashes; What Survives is gold; Therefore, I summon age T0 grant youthis heritage? In Browningis View of life, his intense sense of the reality of God and the human soul is always paramount. He says it matters not what is lost if God be found and the soul be save'i. iiBut I need, now as then, Thee, God, who mouldest mien?

Page 11 text:

hrh h mi?! Y; :nme' m :gmlnzn ,3; V W'hnmw: LP WIN thtrwg What: ,5 tmg: k h MM Fm; 5535 1;; Er: y: 2 ;th ff-Wi Hf LAX; THE NORM All I never Could be. All, men ignored in me, This, I was worth t0 God? Life has many sweet and pleasant uses; let the miracle of science, the yearning of perfect music, or the spell of perfect art, find their proper places in the category of life and be accepted With no! ascetic scruple but genial gratitude. They are nothing more than hints by Which men learn the facts of a better life that teaches him how to realize the promise of youth in age, ttThe Future I may face new I have proved the Past? The beauty of this philosophy of life is shown when he Who not only wrote it but lived it says in conclusion: ttTake and use Thy work, Amend What flaws may lurk What strain ot the stuff, What warpings past the aim! My times be in Thy hand! Perfect the cup as planned! Let age approve of youth, And death complete the same? SARA B. MICKELSON.