Cambridge sketches
Estelle M. H. Merrill, Ed.

[107] having an elevated stage, a semi-circular orchestra with aisles raying out from it, cutting the tiers of seats into wedge-shaped portions. Over the stage is a Latin inscription, of which we quote the following translation:--

Here in the wilderness
Did English exiles
In the year after the birth of Christ
The 1636th
And the 6th after the foundation of the colony
Believing that wisdom
Should first of all things be cultivated
By public enactment, found a school
And dedicate it to Christ and the Church.
Increased by the munificence of John Harvard,
Again and again assisted
By the friends of good learning
Not only here but abroad
And finally entrusted
To the care of its own children,
Brought safely through
From small beginnings to larger estate
By the care, and judgment, and forethought
Of Presidents, Fellows, Overseers and Faculty
All liberal arts
And public and private virtues
It has cultivated, it cultivates still

But they that be wise
Shall shine as the brightness of the firmament
And they that turn many to righteousness
As the stars for ever and ever!

Several notable plays have been given here by the college men, such as the Greek tragedy “Oedipus Tyrannus” of Sophocles, the Latin comedy “Phormio,” by Terence, and Ben Jonson's old English drama, “Epicoene; or the silent woman.” In each case as faithful a reproduction of these ancient performances as modern conditions would allow, was presented to the audience. Every year many lectures of great educational value are given here, and