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Louis Agassiz. 



was greeted with flowers and congratulations by 

 many w^ho loved him well. 



This birthday was made memorable by a dinner 

 given to Agassiz by the famous Saturday Club,'* of 

 which Dr. Holmes said when referring to Longfellow : 



On one occasion he read a short poem at the table. 

 It was in honour of Agassiz*s birthday, and I cannot 

 forget the very modest, delicate musical way in which 

 he read his charming verses.'' 



The poem is probably familiar to all — yet it is 

 fitting that it should find place here. 



THE FIFTIETH BIRTHDAY OF AGASSIZ. 



*' It was fifty years ago, 



In the pleasant month of May, 

 In the beautiful Pays de Vaud, 

 A child in its cradle lay. 



" And Nature, the old nurse, took 

 The child upon her knee. 

 Saying : ' Here is a story-book 

 Thy father has written for thee.* 



'* * Come wander with me,' she said, 



* Into regions yet untrod, < 

 And read what is still unread 

 In the manuscripts of God.' 



'* And he wandered away and away 

 With Nature, the dear old nurse, 

 Who sang to him night and day 

 The rhymes of the universe. 



'* And whenever the way seemed long, 

 Or his heart began to fail, 

 She would sing a more wonderful song, 

 Or tell a more marvellous tale. 



