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The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 07: Songs of Many Seasons cover

The Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 07: Songs of Many Seasons

Chapter 59: NOTES.
By Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Poetry

About This Book

A varied volume of lyric and occasional poems that pairs intimate reflections on nature, seasons, and family with public and ceremonial pieces written for dedications, banquets, and memorials. The verses range from light, humorous songs and social sketches to solemn hymns and elegiac tributes, shifting meters and tones to suit each purpose. Together the poems trace personal feeling and public sentiment alike, alternating brisk wit with contemplative quiet and offering a portrait of varied moods and occasions across the poet's mature work.

NOTES.

THE BOYS. The members of the Harvard College class of 1829 referred to in this poem are: "Doctor," Francis Thomas; "Judge," G. T. Bigelow, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts; "O Speaker," Hon. Francis B. Crowninshield, Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives; "Mr. Mayor," G. W. Richardson, of Worcester,Mass.; "Member of Congress," Hon. George T. Davis; "Reverend," James Freeman Clarke; "boy with the grave mathematical look," Benjamin Peirce; "boy with a three-decker brain," Judge Benjamin R. Curtis, of the Supreme Court of the United States; "nice youngster of excellent pith," S. F. Smith, author of "My Country, 't is of Thee."

"That lovely, bright-eyed boy." William Sturgis.

"Who faced the storm so long." Francis B. Crowninshield.

"Our many featured friend." George T. Davis.

"The close-clinging dulcamara." The "bitter-sweet" of New England is the Celastrus scandens, "bourreau des arbres" of the Canadian French.

"All armed with picks and spades." The captured slaves were at this time organized as pioneers.