1943

" 'My dear Sir,' he said to Boswell, 'clear your mind of cant.' We may note the italicization. Boswell is making it clear that Johnson is prepared to tolerate a certain amount of cant in the mouth as long as it does not 'ascend me into the brain'. He goes on: 'You may talk as other people do: you may say to a man, "Sir, I am your most humble servant." You are not his most humble servant. You may say, "These are bad times; it is a melancholy thing to be reserved to such times." You don't mind the times. You tell a man, "I am sorry you had such bad weather the last day of your journey, and were so much wet." You don't care sixpence whether he is wet or dry. You may talk in this manner; it is a mode of talking in society; but don't think foolishly.' "

A fine bit of life guidance from Dr. Samuel Johnson, which I drew from his biography by John Wain. I've been particularly enjoying this informal account of England's stellar wordsman and lexicographer, especially since my hobby is collecting English language dictionaries of all ages and varieties. Indeed, our limited bookshelves are beginning to overflow with the products of Johnson, Webster and their followers. Either living room or book space must give in.

And why start the class notes in this manner? Well, if you are still with me, it is simply to say that the class mailbag is utterly empty this month. And unless you think literary tidbits are better than news of your classmates (and in this space, I think the latter is preferable), please let your class secretary hear from you. Maybe tell us about your collector's hobby.

The fall mini-reunion has come and gone, and Dorothy and I could not make it. Twentyseven lassmates and families did join the festivities, and a full report is promised in TheSweet Refrain. Now, if you really wish to plan ahead, here's the information on future fall mini-reunions, via President Paul Young: September 21-22, 1979 - Princeton weekend. October 17-18, 1980 - Harvard weekend.

Let me try something: Do you live in Colorado, Illinois, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, or Texas? If you do, accept the challenge! Even if you've never corresponded with the Class before, drop us a note (address above), tell us about yourself, your family, your news of classmates. . . . I'll even settle for another good Samuel Johnson quotation!

More, much more, next time, I trust.

Apt. 23-J, 20 Waterside Plaza New York, N.Y. 10010