The Nassau Lit remarks editorially how college opinion is against the "Poor Poet Chap," and regrets that more attention is not given to poetry in college curricula. Following is an extract from the discussion.

"Who has ever read the grand old epics of the ancients, the incomparable blank verse of Shakespeare, the sweet lyrics of Shelley, Wordsworth, Keats, and a hundred others, and not felt himself elevated and benefitted in mind and soul by so allowing his thoughts to mingle with theirs? But can any one fully, appreciate these productions who has never studied or tried to express himself in verse, any more than a country-bred swain can comprehend the rich harmony of a Thomas concert? WE say not, and to remedy this ignorance of rhyme and this derogative opinion of it, we would propose that our English course be so arranged that practice shall be given in versifying and in the expression of poetical thought. If this were done, we claim that the present unfavorable critics, recognizing the difficulties arising in making a single smooth couplet, would be more willing to admit that he who really can express himself rhymetically and with pleasure giving words, has a right to expect from them more than sneers of indifference. The trouble now is that the poets are too few in number. We write essays in abundance and the essayist meets with no slander. If, then, more poems were written and required to be written, we claim that the poet would be treated differently, and his productions would be received with the favor they deserve. Why not have themes for poems as well as for essays? The writers need not soar into the skies and try to pluck out the very stars on their first attempt, when their wings are weak. They would not be expected to rival Pope or Coleridge, Bryant or Tennyson; but, by all means, give the student a chance to express himself in verse. Give him a free chance by putting all of his class in the same crucible with him, and then turn on the heat. All will be under the same test, each will sympathize with the other, and all will come out with new opinions regarding poetry, and the Poet Chap' will find himself no longer without notice, and no longer encumbered with the despairing epithets of an unappreciative set of hearers and readers."