The Spike or Victoria College Review October 1930
The Student's Progress
The Student's Progress.
As I walked through the wilderness of this world 1 lighted on a certain college where there was a common room, and laid me down on a sofa to sleep; and, as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and behold I saw a man wearing a green-and-gold tie standing outside two glass doors, with his face turned from the subtile temptations of the hall, a book in his hand, and a great burden of sorrow on his brow. I looked, and saw him open the book, and read therein; and, as he read, he wept and trembled; and, not being able longer to contain himself, he broke out with a lamentable cry, and sat him down upon a seat bearing this motto: "Those also serve who only sit and hate."—H.M. I looked then, and asked, "Wherefore dost thou cry?" He answered, "Sir, I perceive by the book in my hand, that I am doomed to fail, but come into the library with me, whence I go to prepare for my fate."
I saw in my dream that we were in a great hall; and this was the fashion of it: it had a high timbered roof lifted up to heaven; the best of books on its walls; the softest of carpets on the floor, the pile of which did rise up even to the knees; the law of servility was written upon the guardian's lips; and over all breathed sweet music from a band of gracious players seated in a gallery. I saw, moreover, in my dream, that my guide took one of the soft-footed attendants by the ear, and led him into an alcove beneath a coloured window, where was a long bench covered with glass utensils. Then I asked, "What is the reason of this array?" My guide answered, "The governor of this college would have us indulge in liquid refreshment till the end of all things at the examinations." Then I saw that one of the soft-footed attendants came unto us bringing two glasses, the which we took up and rejoiced therein, and withal laughed the guardian to scorn. But I beheld but a while, and we had lavished all away and had nothing, but to sit on the soft chairs and couches bestrewn about the floor.
Then said I, "Expound this matter more fully to me!" So he said, "These things have come to pass but lately. For, as here thou see'st we have all good things, but once, this great company of students was desirous to study but durst not. There sat a man at a little distance from the door, before a table with a book and ink-horn before him, to harry the students. The draughts did also haunt this hall so that many started back in fear, and donned much raiment. At last a man of great strength came upon the guardian saying, "Set down my name, sir," the which, when he had done, he did reform this library: he overcame-the draughts with carpets and heaters; the hard chairs with cushions; the tables were banished; the silence by music; the thirstiness by drinks; taught the guardian servility; brought hosts of soft-footed attendants, the which might be summoned by the tinkling of a bell. Thus did he vanquish the old discomforts, so that the body of students loved him and raised up its voice in a great sound, which was heard even by those who walked on the road outside, saying, "Come in, come in;
Everlasting drinks and comfort thou shalt win!"
Now while I gazed upon these things I saw the sadness of all as they regarded the calendar. Then I knew that there was a way to failure, even from that noble place as well as from the common room. So I awoke and behold, it was a dream!
—"Ron Bunion."
In this issue of "Spike" we wish to welcome a new member of the College Staff, Mr. J. R. Elliott, Lecturer in Classics. Mr. Elliott graduated at Sydney University and then entered Christ's College, Cambridge, where he gained the Classical Tripos. After taking a Diploma of Archaeology, Mr. Elliott returned to Australia, becoming Bursar and Classical Tutor of Trinity College in the University of Melbourne. From Melbourne Mr. Elliott came to us, and has quickly established himself as an interested member of our University
We congratulate Mr. F. G. Maskell on gaining his Doctorate of Philosophy ( vide "The Lamprey"). We understand that Dr. Maskell intends to carry out further researches abroad next year.
We congratulate an old student, Mr. M. Richardson, on gaining a Beit Fellowship at Cambridge. Mr. Richardson, it will be remembered, was an able Science student and a very ardent tramper at V.U.C. some years ago.
Miss Moira Dennehy, a brilliant graduate of last year, who was awarded a Sarah Anne Rhodes Scholarship, has left to study abroad.