NEW MEN AND OLD STUDIES
[A volume has recently appeared under the title of The Value of the Classics, in which “three hundred competent observers, representing the leading interests of modern life” in America, and including three living Presidents of the United States—Wilson, Taft, and Roosevelt—testify their conviction that classical studies are of essential value in the best type of liberal education.]
O ye Humanists half-hearted, now reluctantly resigned
To concede the claim of Science to control the youthful mind,
Once again cry Sursum corda—reinforcement comes at last
From an unexpected quarter in a wondrous counter-blast.
If there is a modern country which effete tradition hates,
Surely ’tis the Great Republic known as the United States,
Home of hustlers and of boosters, home of energy and “vim,”
Filled with innovating notions bubbling over at the brim.
Nowhere else can we discover, though we closely scan the map,
Such a readiness in scrapping anything there is to scrap;
Yet the pick of her progressives boldly swarm into the lists
As the most unflinching champions of the harried Humanists.
Wilson, Taft and Teddy Roosevelt figure in the foremost flight,
Followed by three hundred chosen men of leading and of light—
Men of great and proved achievement in diversified careers,
Statesmen, lawyers, doctors, bankers, railwaymen and engineers.
Dons of course may be discounted, also College Presidents,
But the most impressive statements come from scientific gents,
Who admit that education on a humanistic base
Gives their students vast advantage in the specializing race.
Botany relies on Latin ever since Linnæus’ days;
Biologic nomenclature draws on Greek in countless ways;
While in medicine it is obvious you can never take your oath
What an ailment means exactly if you haven’t studied both.
Heads of business corporations, magnates in the world of trade,
’Neath the banner of the Classics formidably stand arrayed,
Holding with a firm conviction that their faithful study brings
Knowledge of the art of handling men and regulating things.
Courage, ye depressed upholders of the old curriculum,
Quit your mood apologetic, bang the loud scholastic drum,
For the verdict of the Yankees queers the scientific pitch
When the Humanists were struggling in their last defensive ditch.
Honour, then, the brave Three Hundred who, like those renowned of yore,
Strive to guard from rude barbarians Hellas and her precious lore;
And let all of us determine firmly never to forget
Βλώσκω, ἔμολον, μέμβλωκα, piget, pudet, pœnitet.