Word: often
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Dates: during 1880-1889
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...future if a more generous spirit is shown. It is true that differences of opinion must always exist as to the relative merits of our different papers, but if we are called upon to express those opinions, let us remember that the manner of our expression will often betray the spirit in which we write as clearly as any words...
...regard to verse, the same general principle, sincerity, which has been used in the foregoing papers of this discussion, will apply. A light, or humorous poem is sometimes tolerable, even if it lacks the greatest finish. A good joke may often carry off a poor rhyme. Yet an equally weak attempt to express something very thoughtful, produces an uncommonly depressing effect upon the reader. The language is so inadequate to the idea that the work is in no way successful. So, on this score alone, it is less hazardous to try light verse...
...thinks that he has a really poetic conception, it is well for him to try to express himself in metre. But he should be chary about giving such a production to the public; for few are true poets, and he may not be of the few. College students more often fail through feebleness of thought rather than of expression. Their sentiments frequently turn out to be flat, and puny copies of what has been much better said. Yet, if we have not the highest forms of inspiration, we can make light and graceful verse from the light and graceful fancies...
...what he cannot so vividly imagine as to make it a part of his own mental experience. His situations are forced, and the whole affair is wretched, - a result of the author's going beyond himself, to paint what he has neither seen nor felt. Of course you can often relate what you have not actually beheld; but still you must have something on which to base your ideas; you must have before you a real fact or passion which you may idealize...
...short story, then, is often one of the best contributions to a college paper. But we should leave the misery and wretchedness, the supernatural and sombre, which we have not yet the power to describe, to those who have tasted bitterness and sorrow. And let us have more that is healthful and honest, told with simplicity and directness...