THE FR1TILLA RBI.
MARCH, 1919.
160itor. Miss
KOE,
Miss
CANNING,
Miss
NuTTALL,
Oxford HOrne Students.
Committee. Lady Margaret Hall. Miss B. ROBINSON, Somerville College Miss HOUGHTON, St. Hugh's College. Miss POIGNAND, St. Hilda's Hall. Miss WELDON, Oxford Home Students.
treasurer. Somerville College.
MARCH.
No. 7 6.
1919.
CONTENTS. EDITORIAL PRIZE EN TRIES :AN IMAGINARY DIA RY EIGHT LINES OF NONSENSE ... EXTRACT OF A DIARY OF AN OXFORD WOMAN STUDENT, WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 2020 EIGHT LINES QF NONSENSE ... •• • EXTRACT FROM A DAIRY, 'DATE D DEC. I2th, 1918 A CANOE NIGHTMARE TEN LINES OF NONSENSE A QUAKER MEETING
SNOW ... HYMN OF WORK THE FAIRIES IN PRISON DOWN IN A GARDEN REMEMBRANCE
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Ebitoriat. The prize-winners for last Term's competition are :1. Miss Haig, St. Hugh's College, for ` Eight Lines of Nonsense' (prize io/-). 2. Miss K. Chesney, Lady Margaret Hall, for An Extract from an Imaginary Diary ' (prize io/-). '
PAGE VENUS-HER CHARM SUPER FLUMI NA CORRESPONDENCE REPORTS :UNITED HOCKEY OXFORD UNITED LACROSSE
0.S.D.S. 0.W.S.S.W.S. HISTORICAL CLUB
176 176 178 178 178 179 1 79 179
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HALL NOTICES :LADY MARGARET HALL SOMERVILLE COLLEGE ST. HUGH'S COLLEGE ST. HILDA'S HALL OXFORD HOME STUDENTS
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attempt to be funny. There is always rather too strong a tendency among Fritillary contributors to treat every subject facetiously if possible. Eight lines of Nonsense appeared in many different styles, which made judging difficult. B.W.E.'s entry came nearest to the sort of thing the committee had had in mind when setting the competition, but this was not implied in the wording, so all had a fair chance, and ' The Ditherings of a Deputy-Director carried off the prize. Miss Duncan sent in ten lines instead of eight, but we print them, as a clever skit on the unconscious nonsense in a certain type of modern poetry. '
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The standard of the Fritillary is necessarily compelled to vary in accordance with the fluctuations of genius among the women students of Oxford. Sometimes the choice lies between accepting inferior material, and allowing the Fritillary to lapse altogether. The former alternative has been chosen of late, and the general level is lower now than it was a year ago. But although nothing of really outstanding merit has appeared recently, the majority of the contributions received this Term were worthy of consideration. The prose entries, especially, show a distinct improvement as regards quantity and quality. We welcome A Quaker Meeting,' and look forward to more from the same pen. We suggest to our readers that good articles or essays on literary subjects—such as reviews of books—would be acceptable. '
Three of the prose competition entries reached an almost -equal degree of merit. The prize was awarded to Miss Chesney for a piece of irreverent but amusing flippancy. Miss Broadbent's extract was also pleasing, the more so as it made no
Three competitions are offered for next Term I. A Prize Satire (prize 'oh.
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2. Not more than twenty lines of Verse in the manner of Browning (prize io/-). 3. An Agony Column Advertisement (prize 5/-) The last-named may be written in a code or cipher, but in this case a key must be sent under separate cover to the Editor. '
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It is just as important for those responsible for Hall Notices, Reports, &c., to use only one side of their paper, as for literary contributors. We beg to acknowledge the receipt of our contemporaries, The Girton Review and The St.
Leonards School Gazette.
THE FRITILLARY.
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pri3e IEntrieo. THE DITHERINGS OF A DEPUTY-DIRECTOR OF DIVISIONAL DYSPEPSIA ON DEMOBILIZATION.
They said Iddy-umpty—Pip Emma—Na-poo. Sign Army Form Z.I. Report at H.Q.' .There they fed me on No. g's devilled on toast, And said it would take umpteen yearsat the most. So the O.C. for once left off powd'ring his nose, And we played postman's knock with the D. T. M. O. 's Till the P.M. sobbed Hairpins not worn after tea,' And kissed my cheek coldly and gave me C.B. M. HAIG (S.H.C.).
AN IMAGINARY DIARY.
Private Muggins, No. 100003, when engaged in military operations in Mesopotamia, discovered buried in the sand some large stones, with on them rude markings, half obliterated by time. To any other member of the company to which Private Muggins belonged this incident would have appeared trivial ; the humble No. 100003, however, was in civilian life the celebrated Professor Muggins, one of the most brilliant and rising authorities on Egyptology and hieroglyphics of the present day. It is impossible to speak of the toil expended by Professor Muggins on these stones. Suffice it to say that he can now give the results of his labours to the world, and allow the general public the unique privilege of reading no less a document that the diary, of our Mother Eve, written in the Garden of Eden., prior to certain regrettable incidents which interrupted the peaceful tenor of her life. These precious—indeed we might say priceless —fragments are reproduced here for the first time :I. I am going to keep a diary—it really is rather dull here, because there's nothing much to do except to pick leaves for the beds, and fruit and things to eat, and that doesn't take long. I can't talk to Adam in the day-time, because he's so busy calling the animals names, and he says I disturb him. I think I could help him, but he says I couldn't possibly manage the export trade, and that he's done all the rest. He says . . . I met a most over-dressed creature in the II. garden to-day—wrapped up to the eyes in furs. Perfectly disgusting, I call it ;I asked Adam about her, and he said she was one of the exports, and asked how he was to be expected to think of names for animals that were going to live at the Pole (wherever that may be) after being given grasshopper cutlets and mango • fritters for breakfast ? (Mem.—Must not have '
those again. Unwise). I thought Adam was asleep, bnt he said he was thinking, and that I'd just put the most lovely name out of his head with my chatter. But it really is so dull when there is no one to talk to. III. I have discovered that if you mix the water of all the rivers together you get a perfectly delicious drink. Adam likes it very much. The first time I made some, one of the peacocks spread his tail suddenly, and knocked over the shell in which I had put it—so now we always call it Peacock's Tail and have it once a week —on Rest Day—for supper. IV. Experiments are most exciting. To-day I tried naming a lot of animals on my own without telling Adam. It was great fun. He found out, though, and was quite annoyed by my efforts to help him. V. I have one of the Hiddikel pools for my bath. I am making it look perfectly lovely by dropping coloured pebbles in to make a pattern . . sometimes they : heavy . splash, and then Adam . ridiculous nonsense . shall never make his pretty if he is so unobliging. VI. There is absolutely nothing to say. I haven't kept this diary for a long time becausethere is nothing to put. I try to talk to the creatures, but they are so unresponsive. I shall go to sleep. VII. Adam gave me a most lovely present yesterday—a plaited palm-leaf fan to keep the sun off my head when I come back from my bath. It was kind of him. I took it for a walk to-day because I was so pleased with it, and I met a most charming creature .shiny and graceful and green. We talked quite a little time prettiest thing he'd ever seen. I don't think I shall tell Adam—he's rather tired tonight. VI. Adam met me talking to the polite creature to-day, and he says I mustn't again. So of course I won't—not unless I meet him by chance. IX. I did—quite by mistake. He told me about a lovely new fruit, quite different from mangoes shiny and red oh, so nice '
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K. CHESNEY (L.M.H.).
OTHER ENTRIES. EIGHT LINES OF NONSENSE.
I saw a man so like a pig I hailed him with a grunt. He put his eyeglass in and said, In Summer do you punt ? •
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THE FRITILLARY. I always go at half-past three In snow-shoes and in gaiters, And lest I drown I take with me Charwomen and head-waiters.' B.W.E. (L.M.H.).
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at the far end of-my table. In fact, everyone was talking so, much that the table-trolley was held up, and by the time it reached me the dinner was nearly cold. It seems, from what I could understand, that someone had excavated ' an ancient periodical called the Fritillary, which was: written by the women students a hundred years or more ago. I heard them mentioning La Crosse and Hockey (which I suppose have some connection with those strange-looking instruments in the Ashmolean Museum), and also Clubs and Societies and Scullinp- and several other names and strings of mysterious initials which I can't remember. I really must have a look at this curiosity myself Several people are going to hear the record of the Prime Minister's opening speech to-night. I wish I had time to go, too, as I have never heard her voice, but I must send a wireless home to tell them I am, through my 'plane test, and then there is my essay '
Brown-coated Modesty sat on a tree Snapping at flies. Short-sighted Spectacles thought him a flea 'Spite of his size. Tralalilee ! Thought him a flea ! And what if it happened to you or to me? Scandalised cries ! Horrified eyes ! . Now for the prize. .
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G.J.P. (S.H.H.).
EXTRACT FROM THE DIARY OF AN OXFORD WOMAN STUDENT, WRITTEN IN THE YEAR 2020.
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[The remainder of this entry is unintelligible.]
(Reproduced from the original shorthand.) Wednesday.—Everything seemed to go wrong this morning. To begin with, I overslept and found that my breakfast must have been waiting on the lift beside my bed at least an hour—on my busiest day, too ! However, I hurried up, and luckily finished dressing just before the electric vacuum came to clean out my room. As it was raining, I went by the Underground to the Camera in the hope of finishing my essay before the first lecture. I had a feeling that I wouldn't be able to get the book I wanted, and, sure enough, when I pressed the button for vol. III. of ' The Great War,' a dilapidated treatise on Aeronautics, printed in 1915, came sliding down, which someone must have pumped up by mistake. In consequence I walked to the Clarendon Buildings' and took the lift to the Nettleship. As usual, I was late for the lecture—this time because my electric scooter had been moved from its stand, and I spent quite a quarter of an hour looking for it. Next Term I shall have it painted a more distinctive colour. The lecture was half over by the time I appeared. I don't knew what I shall do, as I haven't the courage to ask if I might hear the record again, as I did last Wednesday. I suppose I must borrow someone's notes, which are sure to be in a different shorthand from mine. This afternoon I went in for my half-pilot's test. I was frightfully nervous, especially when I was told to alight by the Culham 'drome. Still, I managed better than I expected, on the whole, though I ' pied our own 'plane shed disgracefully. There was great excitement at dinner to-night
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G. G. (S. C. ).
EIGHT LINES OF NONSENSE. I lie in my bed and think. ' Conservation of energy,''you say ; I wonder. Perhaps I shall never get up. What is Predestination? Why do these flies: bump against one another, Keeping on circling? I should So like to study the brain And live among lunatics. Perhaps I am one myself. Was that the wind in the chimney? Men who sail the Euxine Sea Wear slippers made of feathers. I suppose that this must be To save them in all weathers. Do explain me Mood and Tense.' Look ! that bulldog's brindled :All my little stock of sense Into nothing's dwindled. '
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E.J.P. (S.H.H.).
There was once a Prussian-blue Jimboree Who went to his bath in his hat : He ate peas on his wife, And made love to his knife, Pray, what was the reason of that? In winter he always had ices for tea, And he slept on a bed made of cold kedgeree, A typical prussian-blue Jimboree ! K. CHESNEY (L. M. H.).
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EXTRACT FROM A DIARY-DATED DECEMBER 12TH, 1918.
The results of the big competition are out. My little bronze has got ist prize. Felix and Pustin and the rest are off their heads with delight ; nothing was too mad for them this morning—I believe they would have carried, me shoulder high round the town if I had allowed them. As it was, they invaded my studio instead and left it looking as though a whirlwind had been through it. As for me, I sat down and laughed till I cried—it seemed so fantastic and inconceivable that I should have beaten everyone, even Casanet, who has always been the acknowledged king of the quarter. Poor fellow ! How his defeat must rankle, after all these years of unchallenged supremacy. The others, of course, insist that they expected no less, and I Think they are quite honest in saying so. They were always unbounded in their faith in me, and now that I have fulfilled their predictions, the best part of the victory is the feeling that I have vindicated their trust. But seriously, this thing mean commissions, and money in my pocket, which is not to be despised. . . . . This evening we are to have a feast at Anton's lodgings in the Rue St. Pierre, and he and Felix have gone out foraging. They will not allow me to do anything. . . . Later.—Casanet came in this afternoon to offer his congratulations. Felix and Anton had just got back, and we were all on the floor round the fire when he came in in his awkward way, with an expression which I cannot describe. I was not a little confused, for I had not dreamed of seeing him just then ; we are only slightly acquainted, and he has not been in my rooms above twice, but he seemed to have left all his nervousness behind. He came straight up to me, put his hands an my shoulders as I stood up to greet him, and said bluntly : I've only come for a minute, but I'm glad you've done so well. Your Hippolita is splendid.' I began to stammer something in reply, but before I could find my tongue he had flung out of the room as abruptly as he entered it. What prompted him to go out of his way to pay me this strange visit I can hardly guess. I should like to think it was pure, honest craftsman's delight in a piece of good workmanship even by a rival, for his face was alight as he spoke, but my eye met his and I saw [The rest of the page is torn off.]
It rushed at me. I shrieked Alas ! I gasped and bore the brunt, And drowning, saw it really was A Fresher in a punt. J. M. MATTHEW (L. M. H. ). '
TEN LINES OF NONSENSE.
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M. BROADBENT (S. H. H.
A CANOE NIGHTMARE.
The uncontaminated joy of the lunatic Moping and mowing at blear-eyed respectability, The lure of cemeteries on naked hills, And the undeniable rapture of filthiness Treated with atmospheric absence of all restraint Act on the sated soul as thaumaturgic phenomena, That only need sufficiently far-fetched metaphors, A glowing originality in coining epithets, And a noble revolutionary freedom of form To reach the ultimate inevitability of purely nonsensical nonsense. F. M. DUNCAN (S. C.
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Quaker Meeting. Charles Lamb has written so tenderly and beautifully on this very subject, that it may seem an impertinence to attempt to do likewise ; yet, since his standpoint is not the only one, individual liberty of speech may perhaps be pardoned. A century and more has waxed and waned since he wrote. The old Quaker dress and speech are well-nigh lost—buried on the dust of a more gracious past ; yet there remains to them, among the clamour and sordid strife of our modern civilisation, that deep peace which smote his witty and fantastic spirit into awe-struck silence, relieved by some out-welling tears.' Here in this bare and spacious room, where the light, scarce intercepted by some near-growing trees, streams in unchecked upon the deal benches and cool green walls—here is to be found that utter calm which rested in benediction on the hearts of the disciples when Christ bade the waters be at rest and the winds cease. Here even the very children are still, communing with themselves after the fashion of childhood, hushed without knowing by this peace which passeth understanding and which comes to many people obeying literally the divine command, Be still and know that I am God.' Life within these four walls are simple with the limpid simplicity of the Beatitudes. All the spiritual complexities of modern life are not ; they fade away, like evil phantasms, at the reading of the Book. Instead, some white-haired elder may rise to say Whatsoever the Lord has laid upon us, be it never so little, let us do it with our might —or some woman quietly kneel to praise aloud the Creator for the common sacraments of bread and salt. Modern Athenians may mock—twentieth-century '
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THE FRITILLARY.
Philistines may sneer—but scorn has- no sting for one whose feet, for three score years or more, have been set in the way of peace. Here too, wisdom, that greatest of a great king's treasure, is held in common. Spiritual adventures are recounted in their midst as among the fellowship of the Knights of the Round Table —and with the same zest and expectancy of those seekers of the Holy Grail. All bring their own little share of personal experience to the common store—the law binding all alike, being ' Unto whom much shall be given, from him shall much be required.' Here is neither distinction nor division, male nor female, for all are alike in the sight of God. A woman's glory may shine uncovered and unrebuked, on the head of a little child —and surely St. Paul himself would approve the sight. ' The kingdom of God is within you,' writes St. John—and again Brother Lawrence : ' He is within us ; seek Him not elsewhere.' There is much truth in the paradox that Quaker and Catholic are alike—which lies, not so much in the fact that they, along of all the conflicting sects and denominations of Christianity, are perfectly logical and consistent throughout—as in a mutual love of beauty, which in the one strives to render spirit into form and in the other sees not form for the indwelling spirit—and in a corresponding- mysticism which on the one hand seeks visible witness of the sacrament in all things, and on the other sees all things as of themselves sacramental. For there are diversities of gifts, but the same spirit.' STREET, SOMERSET, February, Igig.
Snow. The spring time hath hoping, The summer hath strength, The glory of autumn Will bring peace at length. But winter, the beggar, Had naught to bestow Till God in His pity Created the snow. The angels lamenting The earth that man marred, The growth that was stunted And withered and charred. Saw no way to mend it On earth here below, Till God in His pity Created the snow. More bright than the glory That blessed feet tread, More white than the pillow Beneath a saint's head ;
There's nothing so weary That man's heart can know But God in His pity Can cover with snow. A. G. YOUNGHUGHES (S. H.C.).
ifyptnn to Won. (After Swinburne's ' Hymn to Proserpinei I have lived long enough having seen one thing, that work hath no end. Ye who have never worked in your lives, hear me now and attend.— It endures for the day or the morrow, the seasons that laugh or that weep, For these bring joy or sorrow—but thou, work, nothing but sleep. Weary the bells; in the morning, the holes in my stockings that lurk, But a heavier burden is mine, the intolerable burden of work. Yea, is not even my tutor, with coaching and class each day, A bitter goddess to follow, a terrible one to obey? I am sick of working ; the books grow heavy and dull ; I am fain To stop a little from using my very inadequate brain. For those who wait to examine me, holding the sword by a thread ;— I know they are barren of mercy ; the blade shall come down on my head. Though now for a space I abide beyond their snares, I know I shall enter their halls as my fathers did, and suffer the same strange woe. For the changes of years are little since the day when schools began , A little lore for a little is all the knowledge of man (Or of those not technically members—) and there shall be sorrow enow When I leave those fated seats at last with the boding sign of the plough. L. V. COOPER (L. M. H.).
1Lbe fairies in 'Prison. Little Heart, Little Heart, weary we For the sun and the sky and the sea : Sighing, wearying, longing all the day For the wind that dances in its play, For the flowers tossing in the breeze, Hearts of gold, sought out by busy bees ; Sighing wearying, longing all the day For the wind that whispers in its play. C. M. MORICE (S. H.C.).
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Vown,in a c3arben. The mist lies blue upon the eastern hills, And scarcely have the low stars slipped away To win new radiance for the coming night. A stillness deeply still enfolds the earth. The dim, grey garden seems a land of ghosts, So indistinct and colourless it lies. The very birds are silent, though last night Was full of voices saying—' This is Spring:' ,
But hark ! a tiny murmur—' Yea, he comes ! ' Scarce audible, yet all the world has heard. The dew-like snowdrops, gemming dewy lawns, Shiver with pure delight. The hawthorn buds Must needs burst forth to look at him who comes. The brown earth thrills, glad that her coronet Of golden crocuses (in emerald set) Is donned already, since she looks more fair In his eyes, crowned thus.—And now a note, The veriest whisper of a coming song, A little chirp,—another, and yet more. The spell is broken, and a flush of light, The colour of a baby's cheek, appears. Carol and radiance grow from spark to fire, Till whether this my garden is a song, Or else incarnate glory—or the twain— I cannot tell ; for I am past all thought, I see no living thing—yet he is here. For one sweet moment he is song and day, Then—the sun dawns—and Pan has gone his way. ANON (S. H.C.).
1Rentembrance. I. Do you remember all the days and hours, The heartache, and the laughter, and the fears, The small, forgotten things that moved our tears, That were, and are not any longer, ours; The stolen books, in furtive pleasure read, And lilacs in the dreaming nights of June ; Mornings when life went singing like a tune; Firelight, and taste of food, and fair words said ; Dreams, that have lost their magic long ago, Faith that was disappointed, hope that's dead ; Quarrels whence all the bitterness has fled, Leaving regret that once we hated so? We have been kings, and all our kingdom these, Which are but shadows now, and memories.
II. Would you return again, if so you might, Fight all the battle over from the start, Know the old shrinking of the young, strange heart, Drink the half-bitter cup of keen delight ;
Stumble upon your youth, as a thirsty man Might, in the forest, stumble on a well Hid by the brambles, in a clover dell, Unsoiled and still, where scarce a ripple ran ; Would you take hack the swift, hard words that stung, Unthink the sullen thoughts that made day night, Linger, unhasting where you sped so light, And sing twice through the songs you left unsung? Even should you wish to find the pathway back, Time, with his tangled briers, has hid the track. C. G. IVI. O. (S. C. ).
Venus — lber ebarm. With a censer of sunbeams swinging' in air I fished one day from my golden stair; When I drew up My fairy cup, These were the treasures lying there— Sighing of white lilies when the wind blows through ; Scent of dying roses dipped in dew ; A child's first prayer ; Shadow of hair Falling on forehead of marble hue— Ripple of lost laughter that's crushed with a kiss ; Odours of morn giving sweets to this ; Gleam of white feet With ankles neat— And last—a fairy song, I wis. Out of these I wove a lovely happy thing, Bound with fairest smiles ; then I did fling My golden spell Into a well Within an orchard shimmering. V. E. HOUGHTON (S.H.C.).
Zuper fluntina. The river is patched about with matted yellow leaves; on the walls, stripped creepers are beaten up and down by the wind. Here and there a brilliant tatter of scarlet marks the limit of growth and defies the breezes. Along the thick belt of trees, shutting out the river, hips and haws keep their homely state ; and underneath the cluster of chestnuts, leaves are heaping, dry and plentiful. Oh ! there the chestnuts, summer through, Beside the river make for you A tunnel of green gloom, and sleep Deeply above . . . . Even yet, a few unkempt shreds and rags of summer finery make a faint, vague flame here and
THE FRITILLARY. there in a garden—a miserably ghostlike antirrhinum, a brave geranium, unmannerly intruders in a kingdom of late-blooming loveliness. And even the dahlias have lost the imperial luxuriance which marked their dusky crimsons and clear, pale lemon yellows a month ago. The assaults of frost and dew and gale have dimmed their glory. They are like gallant ships, gilded and caparisoned, which have once too often made weather in tempest. For chrysanthemums you must go along the edge of the tennis-court to the greenhouse, where they wait in pots, displaying huge curving or ragged heads of gold and brown and lilac, magnificently set on strong branching stems. Only yew and holly and ivy stand undiminished, and honourably retain their former pride. The symphony of the garden spells pluck—the determination to see the year go down heroically, to foreswear squalor and dejection. The river hardly flows past at this season. It has two moods ; for sometimes in the morning, when the gold vanes on college towers are burnished with frost, it flows briskly, and brings faint echoes of its summer message of invitation to retired spots, Where prosper dim forget-me-nots. And again, when autumn chooses to appear more languidly in chilly mists, the waters drift passive and slow, under trees which droop wearily. It brings no message from its past, no merry summons to share its future, as it slowly laps against the boathouse. There hangs about the terraces and trees of a college garden an indefinable, dignifying air of impartiality. Unlike the exclusive private- garden which changes year by year to the tune of the householder's fancy, it remains inviolate, the green of dreams.' Its borders are jewelled with crocuses and dimly clouded with forget-me-nots for all corners; one more thoughtless chattering spirit down its pathways does not mean one taken from the princely magnolia flowers, and the honeysuckle which triumphs so daintily over the ivy has never felt the most shadowy threats of exile. Now in the fall of the year it has waited— waited for newcomers, but without allowing any fret of unrest and dissatisfaction to maf the exquisite peace of its atmosphere. For a little time its past will be created afresh ; its past which is already the venerable, distant youth of antiquity, so graciously does the University shelter in its youngest colonies of women the great matters which these modern institutions symbolise. It allows them an unlimited share of the magic of old aspirations, since the richest gifts are not to be defined by convocations and statutes. At the beginning of Michaelmas Term, however, the garden can hardly hope to receive any very fair or thoughtful judgment. College life, by choosing to have its spring-time in autumn, elects '
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to put the delights of winter first before its novice. The first weapons of attack are social ; fireside disputations, fierce and hopeful discussions which gradually embrace all matter of controversy. The world of nature appears only in the guise of brisk excursions to Hinksey, or the frozen ruts of Shotover. Not until May, when days are made of sun and apple-blossom, and roofs of wood and plaster are intolerable in comparison with clouds, does the essential enchantment of the garden crown the happiness of a year. It unites all the fresh joys of nature to the mental pleasures which have been fed, through grey months of dust and rain, on history and poetry and Utopian dreams. If that life fail to enforce its old creed of unity, it has failed indeed. In one of his essays, Stevenson whimsically intreats us to believe that his youthful sprite haunts the forest of Fontainbleau, in company with other young Ariels who were once the intimate personalities of other young adventurers in art. We may let the psychology pass, but the emotional truth remains. Hence comes, naturally, the almost passionate longing which haunts the first year or so of going down.' For in no other place, are paving-stone and archway so thoroughly permeated with stormy, irradiant youth. Illustrious ghosts are as dear as familiar friends, because we know that they too fought with beasts and soared with angels in an ecstatic immaturity. It is no question of the garden's atmosphere ; there are those who can spend their seasons there in vain, progressing nowhere beyond a self-centred levity, or imprisoned within a misplaced and unprofitable concentration on the very dry bones of knowledge. But for others who approach it not uninformed by appreciative reading, and willing to be instructed by symbolism, the garden is stored with desires and resolves. Those who have left this garden for ever cannot adequately measure their desire for it in speech, so like a living friend does it seem, so adapted to be thanked, praised, almost to be caressed. It is so amiably ready to hear complaints ; to cherish and inspire ambitions to reprove, to laugh, and be idle all for very joy.' Truly there is a spirit in the garden ; not one of your gleeful, hardly decorous pagan oddities who frisked in wooded places, but an effluence from the heyday of mediaevalism, saintly and generous. Unusual as it may seem, no one has aptly named this personality. No matter ; it is on the most sympathetic characters that the most diverse criticisms are passed. Some slothfully call it romance; some miss the glamour and call it youth —which, without romance, is an uncouth, untutored thing ; others, who have seen a little more nearly into its mysteries, call it ambition, edification. But all their praises agree in their estimation of its splendour and power. '
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Thou dost preserve the stars from wrong, And the most ancient heavens through Thee Are fresh and strong . . . Give unto me, made lowly wise, The spirit of self-sacrifice. D. N. DALGLISH (S. H. H.).
Correspondence. The followng letter has been received by the Editor :-SOMERVILLE COLLEGE, OXFORD. February 23rd, 1919. DEAR MADAM, The Treasurer of the Oxford Committee for the New Hospital Jubilee Endowment Fund has furnished me with the enclosed figures of subscriptions from the Oxford Women's Colleges towards their Bed, and, if not too late, I think it would be interesting to include them in this number of the Fritillary. Yours sincerely, SARA A. THOMSON, Senior Student. THE NEW HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN. The Oxford Bed. Total subscriptions received up to, 1919 :— L 287 Somerville College 72 Oxford Home Students, 19 St. Hughs College ... 15 Lady Margaret Hall
February, s. d. I 10 0 3 6 IO 0
1Reports. UNITED HOCKEY. Captain—M. COMINS (St. Hilda's). Secretary and Treasurer—C. MACKINTOSH (Somerville). The standard of play in United Hockey has reached a high level this season, and there are many promising players among the First Year. The Oxford team has shown marked improvement and keenness throughout, and has quite made up for the inevitable lack of practice. The defence is exceptionally good ; the backs and halves combine splendidly with each other and their forwards ; their hitting is clean and their marking is sure. The forwards have improved, but their play still leaves much to be desired. The difficulty has been to find a left wing, and the place is still unfilled, no one seeming to possess the two neces-
sary qualities—speed and good stick play ; shooting is weak, and the forwards seem to become paralysed in the circle. Their combination and passing in the field are, however, good, and with practise they should reach the standard required of them, before the end of the Term. The Etceteras have played us twice this season. The first match resulted in a win 5—I, the second, played this Term, was also won by us 7—I. The London University was played on January i8th, at Richmond, but we only managed to draw with. them 2 -2 ; we did not play up to our present standard, combination was poor, and we found it hard to keep up to the end owing to lack of practice Bedford Physical Training College was played on February 15th, and resulted in a victory 8- I. We hope to play them again, and also to have a match with East Gloucester before the Term is over. The great match of the season against Cambridge will be held this year for the first time since 1914, and it is to be played on March 18th, on the Athletic Ground, Richmond. The team is Forwards—Gunnery (S.H.C.), *Comins (S.H.H.), Bull (S.C.), Paterson (S.H.C.) ; halves—Hayward (S. C . ), *Mackintosh (S. C. ), Glenday (S. H. C.) ; backs—Paterson (S. H. C. ), Robinson (S.C.); goal—Clarke (S.H.C.). .
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* Colours.
OXFORD UNITED LACROSSE. Captain—U. FRASER. Secretary—H. WILLIAMS. Treasurer—L. PATERSON. Play has again been very intermittent, owing, this Term, to the unfavourable meteorological conditions. By an almost unanimous vote the Club decided to purchase a cup to be played for by the Colleges in the Hilary Term. This year St. Hugh's and Somerville have been drawn against each other, the winner to play L.M.H. The Club wishes to take this opportunity of thanking those who have so kindly contributed. The match against Cambridge will take place in London on Monday, March 17th. Matches have also been arranged with Reading University, Queen Anne's 2nd XI., and Prior's Field. The game against London University resulted in a victory for Oxford by 12 goals to 9. The team was as follows :Clark, Mackintosh, Williams ; Duncan, L. Fraser, Bull ; U. Fraser, Huxley, L. Paterson ; K. Paterson, Fordham, son. Wat
THE FRITILLARY.
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O. S. D. S.
HISTORICAL CLUB.
After many vicissitudes, this Society has at last been revived. As the results of the election of Officers were not announced until the third week of this Term, the Committee decided that it was only possible to have two meetings -during the remaining five weeks. The first meeting was held on Friday, February 21st, at St. Mary Hall. The motion before the House was That, in the opinion of this House, a woman is mentally unfitted for debating.' Hon. Mover Miss Spurway, S.H.C. Hon. Opposer Miss Newcomen, O.H.S. Both the set speeches were sound, though that of the Hon. Mover would have been more convincing had she not transgressed the rules of the House by reading her speech. Public Discussion at first testified to the truth of the motion ; later, however, it became rather more animated. The decision.. of the House was finally against the motion, with a majority of 15 votes. M. B. WALES, President.
President—Miss LODGE. Secretary—C. CANNING.
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A new Historical Club has been formed. So far there have been two meetings. At the first meeting Miss Denny (S.C:) read a paper on Talleyrand. At the second Mr. Simey (Balliol) read a paper on the Battle of Loos. We are hoping to have two more meetings, at which Miss Lindo (S.H.C.) and Mr. Pemberton (All Souls College) will read papers.
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SHELLEY SOCIETY. President—Miss TODD. Vice-President—Miss SEGAR. Women's Secretary—Miss BRADFORD.
LADY MARGARET HALL. HALL DEBATE.
President—Miss JOSCELYNE. SECRETARY—MISS RODD.
There have so far been three meetings of the Debating Society this Term. The first one took the form of a Sharp Practice, at which honourable members were driven to exercise their wits on'two motions : That it is better to be a greater fool than you seem, than to seem a greater fool than you are.' Discussion on this point, though lively, was confused. The second motion was That realism is the highest form of Art,' and considerable interest was shown in this. On Tuesday, February 4th, the motion, That the end justifies the means,' was discussed. Miss Radice supported the motion in a pleasantlydelivered speech ; but the convictions of the House were with the Hon. Opposer, Miss Strauss. On Tuesday, February 18th, a joint debate was held in the Hall with the St. John's College Debating Society, and the experiment was a very successful one. The motion before the House Was That nationality as a political ideal is an anachronism.' Miss Harnett proposed the motion in an able and fluent speech, and was supported by the Third Speaker, Miss Sime. Mr. HoreBelisha opposed, seconded by Miss Leys as Fourth Speaker. Public Discussion was very lively, and several eloquent and convincing speeches were made on both sides. The motion was, however, lost by a considerable majority. A pleasing feature of the meetings this Term has been the keenness of the First Year, many of whom show considerable ability in debate. It is hoped that the standard of discussion may be raised from its present low level under the stimulus of their enthusiasm.
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Four papers have been read this Term Keats,' Mr. Vidacovitch. Milton and ZEschylus,' Mr. Wormald. Swinburne,' Mr. Thompson. What Constitutes Literature,' Miss Attlee and Mr. Gotch. It is proposed to hold two more meetings, at which the following papers will be read Traherne,' Miss Stopford. Matthew Arnold,' Miss Blair. It has been found more generally convenient to hold meetings of this Society on Fridays at 8.15 p.m. instead of on Saturdays at 5 p.m. as hitherto. M. A. BRADFORD, Women's Secretary. '
0.W. S. S. W. S. The Society has had one meeting this Term at which Miss Tynan, Secretary of the Women Welders' Association, spoke on Women and Trades Unions.' Although the meeting was small, it was enthusiastic, and public discussion afterwards was keen. Next Term, on May 14th, we hope to have Miss Maude Royden to speak. C. ANSON,
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Secretary of Students' Sub-Committee.
V. JOSCELYNE (President).
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THE FRITILLARY. HOCKEY CLUB.
FOLK-LORE SOCIETY.
Captain—J. ORR-EWING. Secretary—D. BUTTERWORTH.
January 31st.—Dr. Stephen Langdon, Religious Scenes from Babylonian Ring Seals and Cylinder Seals of Greek Period.' February 2 1st—Discussion for members on The Gods of the Greeks and Teutons.' March 7th.—Discussion for members on The Ideal of Tribe and Nation in Europe.'
The bad weather has prevented any hockey being played for over three weeks. The team drew St. Hilda's in the Cup-tie, and was beaten II-3. First Eleven : Forwards—K. Allen, D. Blair, F. Collins,* M. Hamilton-Wickes, J. Pell Smith*; Halves—P. Gibbon, D. Butterworth,* N. Macfarlane; Backs—C. Crosskey,* S. Crowder ; Goal— J. Orr-Ewing.* * Colours. .
LACROSSE CLUB.
The L.M.H. Lacrosse Club has this Term risen to the height of being able to have a full game composed entirely of members of the Hall. This has only been achieved once, but we trust that in the future it will happen oftener. A match was played against the Oxford High School on February rgth, at Summertown, which L.M.H. won by five goals to two. The team has been made up provisionally as follows :—*H. Williams (capt.), *M. Carlyle, M. Gross, *K. Harnett, *V. Joscelyne, C. Lowry, N. Macfarlane, M. Minty, *G. Mountford, *M. ScottMoncrieff, K. Strauss, R. Wild. *Colours.
ESSAY
CLUB.
President--J. ORR-EWING.
Three meetings have been held during the Term. Miss Pell-Smith read a paper on St. Francis of Assisi, and Miss Maror provided much amusement by her paper on Nonsense.' At the last meeting Miss' Skipworth kindly read a most interesting paper on Henri de Regnier, as illustrating the symbolist movement in French poetry.
ITALIAN CLUB.
3rd week, February 6th.—Miss Jamison gave an informal address on Accidents and Archives in S. Italy. 4th week, February 13th.—No meeting. 5th week, February zoth.—There was a reading of the play'Il Trionlo d'amore ' by Giacosa. 6th week, February 27th.—The reading of Trionlo d'amore' was continued. Miss Jamison gave some account of Giacosa. 7th week, March 6th.—Mrs. R. Bartlett, of the British Italian League, gave a lecture on Italy and her British Critics.'
SOMERVILLE COLLEGE. We had a very interesting debate with New College on the first Thursday in Term. It was held at Somerville, and the subject was That in the opinion of this House, the nationalisation of the means of production and distribution would be an advantage to the community as a whole.' The motion was lost. There are two sets of Study Circles in progress this Term, one in connection with the work of the W.E.A., the other arranged by the C.U. on the problems of reconstruction. We have also inaugurated a Newspaper Club which meets once a week to discuss the news of the day. The Somerville History Society held its first meeting this Term, when Miss Coney read a very interesting paper on Federalism, which lent itself to debate. We have been able to enjoy two meetings which had to be postponed from last Term. Miss Tynan spoke on Women on Trade Unions, and Mrs. T. H. Green, at the Annual Meeting of the Somerville War Savings Society, told us something of the early history of Somerville. Miss Sorabji also gave us a most interesting and amusing account of some of her experiences in India. We are also• looking forward to hearing Miss Lodge's lecture on the Canteens for French Soldiers run by the 0.W.S.S.W.S., which had to be put off last Term. The Second Year Dramatic Society hope to perform The Title ' in the seventh week of Term in aid of the New Hospital Jubilee Endowment Fund. HOCKEY CLUB. First Eleven : Forwards—Watson, Fraser,* Irons, Bull, Morland ; Halves—Spicer,* Mackintosh,* Hayward*; Backs—Gonner,* Robinson*; Goal—Hollwey.
* Colours. Matches.-1st Eleven v. St. Hugh's (2-2), v. Reading (6 o). znd Eleven : Somerville v. Oxford High School (4-4). Owing to bad weather, practices have been fewer than usual. Nevertheless, the First Eleven has improved considerably, especially in the forward line. The forwards, however, though pos•
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THE FRITILLARY. sessing individual merit, still do not combine very satisfactorily. This is doubtless due to insufficient practice together. The halves combine well and are a strong support to the forwards. Their lack of pace is remedied by the backs, who, having graced the forward line in former days, are able to play well up the field. The znd Eleven are very promising, though they have practised little together.
matches we drew Somerville and played them on February 28th. The team, subject to alteration, is :—*Chilton, Westlake, Smith, *K. Paterson, *Clark, Savory, *L. Paterson, Denton, Farrow, Rosser, *Wilson, Dalston. * Colours. HOCKEY CLUB.
PARLIAMENT. Owing to the pressure of other engagements no Parliament has yet been held, but a date has been fixed for one, at which a Housing Bill will be introduced. It is hoped that a second Parliament will be held later, but the subject for discussion is not yet decided. E. D. SPICER. ST. HUGH'S COLLEGE. This Term the regular College staff has been somewhat depleted, as unfortunately it was necessary for Miss Ady td go down for the Term. However, Miss Cole-Baker, of Lady Margaret Hall, was able to come and help with the history tuition. On March 1st, Miss Jourdain and the members of the Senior Common Room held a reception to which members of the Junior Common Room were invited. Owing to the war this is the first outside party which has been held in the present buildings. The Suffrage Society gave a whist-drive early in the Term in aid of the 0.W.S.S.W.S. Canteens, and a fancy-dress dance in the 2nd week proved a great success. As yet there have been no outside lectures, but L. H. Squire is coming to give a reading of modern poetry to the Literary Society on March 7th. Miss King, whose playing has given us much pleasure on several other occasions, is giving us a violin recital on March IIth. A Dramatic Society was established at the beginning of Term, and rehearsals are already in full swing for a play to be produced in the first week of next Term in aid of the New Hospital for Women.
Captain—L. GUNNERY. Vice-Captain—N. BOLTON. Secretary—A. CLARK. First Eleven Forwards—Farrow, *Paterson, *Denton, Harrison, *Gunnery ; halves—*Blacow, *Glenday, *Layng ; backs—*K. Paterson, Westlake; goal—*A. Clark. In spite of the weather we have managed to get quite a lot of hockey, and the Eleven has improved] considerably. Individuals play exceedingly well, and the defence is good. The weak points are the shooting and lack of combination between halves and forwards. The Cup match against Somerville was a very good game, but they proved too strong for us, and beat us 7-3. Matches.—v. Somerville (drawn, 4 all); v. High School (won, 6--i) v. Etceteras (won, 6-1). SeCond Eleven.—Wornibrook, E. Gee, Kiek, ugh*Brooksbank (captain), Linda, Sowby, *Ho ton, D]oeheard, Baker, Priestshaw, *Smith. :
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ST. HILDA'S HALL. There have been very few events of special interest this Term. The entertainment in aid of the New Hospital for Women has been arranged for next Term. Mr. Mansbridge came last week and talked to us on ' The Position of the University Woman in a Democracy.' Mrs. Lonsdale Ragg came and lectured to us on Carpaccio in the middle of the Term, and the Principal has been giving a course of lectures on Gothic Architecture.' All the usual war activities have ceased, with the exception of the Vice-Principal's allotment, on which people are still working vigorously. ,
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NEW STUDENTS. Miss Clarry and Mlle. Boscq.
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LACROSSE.
Captain—E. C. PATERSON. Vice-Captain—A. CLARK. Secretary—E. WILSON. There have been very few College practices this Term owing to the bad weather. In the Cup
DEBATING SOCIETY. President—Miss MILLS. Vice-President—MISS DARNELL. Secretary-,—Miss BRADFORD. Hall Member—Miss ROXBURGH. So far there has been one debate this Term. The motion was ' That Free Trade rather than Protection ought to be established after the War.'
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THE FRITILLARY.
The motion was proposed by Miss Holleby and opposed• by Miss Broadbent. Public Discussion did not produce any startlingly new theories on the subject.
HOCKEY CLUB.
Captain—Miss LLOYD. Vice-Captain—Miss ATTLEE. Secretary—Miss COMINS . The First Eleven has shown considerable improvement this Term, especially in combination. The forwards still need practice in passing and shooting, and everyone should try to hit harder and cleaner. We are particularly sorry to be losing our centre-half and right wing, who are valuable assets to the team. A Second Eleven is in process of being formed, and promises to be a better one than we have had for some time. We have been practising regularly with St. Hugh's College and New College School, and have played two matches Milham Ford School (won, 6-1) ; L.M.H., Cup Match (won, 11-3). We hope to play the High School, Headington School, and Magdalen College School -before the end of Term. The First Eleven is as follows :—*Lloyd, Spafford, Brocklehurst, *Ritchie, *Attlee, *Lilley, Inskip, Spurway, *Comins, Clarke, *Locker. * Colours.
Owing to the frost, snow and floods, there has been no punting or canoeing this Term. As soon as the floods have subsided, however, we hope to begin again. Until the fourth week, the sculler went out regularly. Then the frost intervened. It is hoped sculling will be resumed again soon. The Four is at present going out three times a week. People have improved, and many of the First Year have begun to learn. There qualified at the end of last Term, Miss Fisher, Punt Half-Captain, and Miss Spurway, Canoe Captain.
OXFORD HOME STUDENTS. Although it is not the beginning of the academic year, we have had several new students. The chief event of the Term was the Fancy Dress Dance, which was held at Taphouse's on February 27th. The Christian Union is also giving an American Tea; we wish it every success.
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BOAT
CLUB.
President—Miss TODD. Captain—S. L. ROXBURGH. Vice-Captain—A. M. P. MILLs.
NEW STUDENTS.
L. H. Bowes-Lyon, Westfield College. 0. G. de Maine, College of the Sorbonne, Paris. P. Johns, St. Michael's Training College, Wantage. A. Lazarus, Bentley Priory. C. Kennet-Dawson, Walthamstow Hall, Sevenoaks. L. V. Mackintosh, B.A., London University. A. J. Mooney, B.A., London University. C. J. Pattullo, Francis Holland School, Clarence Gate. M. L. Whidborne, Sherborne School for Girls. M. E. M. Woodruff, Old Palace, Mayfield.
HOLYWELL PRESS, OXFORD.
I.—The management of the Fritillary shall be in the hands of an Editor and five Committee members in the Michaelmas and Hilary Terms, and an Editor, Sub-Editor and five Committee members in Trinity Term. II.—The Editor shall be elected by the votes of the Colleges and Halls at the end of the Hilary Term, and shall act as Sub-Editor during the Trinity Term. III.—The five Committee members shall be elected, one from each of the Colleges and Halls, at the end of the Michaelmas Term, and shall come into office in the Hilary Term. IV.—There shall be a Treasurer, who shall be referable to the Editor and Committee, and who shall be elected at the end of the Trinity Term and come into office in the following Michaelmas Term. V.—No member shall, for the future, be eligible for prizes who has at the time of entry been non-resident for more than a Term.