Chapter XV 



UNDER COLLEGE ELMS 



TRETCHED under the 

 spreading branches 

 of this noble elm, 

 which has seen so 

 many college genera- 

 tions come and go, 

 I have well-nigh forgotten that life 

 has any limitations of space or time ; 

 work, anxiety, weariness fade out of 

 thought under a heaven from which 

 every cloud has vanished, and the eye 

 pierces everywhere the infinite depths of 

 the upper firmament. Days are not always 

 radiant here, and the stream of life as it 

 flows through this tranquil valley is flecked 

 with shadows ; but all sweet influences have 

 combined to touch this passing hour with 

 unspeakable peace. Here are the old 

 familiar footpaths trodden so often with 

 hurrying feet in other years; here are the 

 well-worn seats about which familiar groups 

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