St Hugh's College, Oxford - The Imp, Jun 1920

THE IMP.

JUNE, 1920.

EDITOR. A. H. PARK.

YEAR REPRESENTATIVES ON COMMITTEE. Third Year Representative.

M. SAVORY. Second Year Representative.

H. BURNETT. First Year Representative.

V. E. HOUGHTON.

TREASURER. M. DALSTON.

THE IMP. No. 5.

JUNE.

CONTENTS. EDITORIAL - - - - - - - PROSE PHANTASY : MIDSUMMER NIGHT. V. E. Houghton -

1920.

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LIMERICKS &C. TANTALUS Bryce M`Master - - - - - CAPRICE : A BALLET. M. Dalston THE THREE MYSTERIES - - - - ON THE EAST COAST. E. E. Stopford THE " IMP " DISCOURSES. M.S. " IMPRESSIONS " -

2 3 3 4 4 5 6 7

MTD-MAY SUMMER - - - - - - - COLLEGE REPORTS - - - - - -

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EDITORIAL. After the splendid response to the demand for material for the IMP, the number of contributions this Term is lamentably few.

On the other hand, the competitions abounded more abundantly ; only one of the phantasies, a delightful production, could be printed owing to demand on the space. Two only of the limericks were judged sufficiently good to admit of publication. The unprinted entries in this section were too full of repetition.

The price of printing has gone up. Our S.C.R. subscription, like parsons' livings, remains stationary. If the IMP has to pay its way a small sum, say 6d., will have to be paid, as with another magazine well known to women students, on its receipt. You are asked to be generous this Term and contribute your tithe towards reducing the debt over from last time. If a College magazine is to be produced at all, it must be produced by ourselves both in labour and cash.

Our grateful thanks are due to Mr. B. M'Master for contributing so kindly his poem entitled " Tantalus."

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MIDSUMMER NIGHT. THE insistent whine of a gramaphone in the distance accompanies our desultory conversation. The chatter and gossip of the earlier and livelier part of the evening have given place to a few monosyllabic remarks, or contented silence, as we watch the smoke from cigarettes circle wreathwise in the air. A round moon grows golden in the sky, and night insects disturb our peace and the quiet surface of the river. Cigarette ends fall into the water with a sharp hiss.

Our midsummer eve party breaks up slowly and disappears through the willow trees. One alone remains Now minutes pass with the swift sure flight of a bird to a distant goal, and the watcher feels " Time like a pulse shake fierce Through all the worlds." silently rushing to that dark, mysterious moment when the midnight chime shall trike. Willows stretch slim grey hands to catch that fatal moment and hold it fast, fingers that at noonday dripped amber sunshine into the waters lap.

Far-off bells sound reiterating from tower to tower the twelve solemn strokes, long echoes stealing over flat-scented meadows waiting under the moon. But over that white orb creeps a dulness, a smoky veil, like some giant, webbed hand, perchance that of a crooked sky-flying witch mounted to clutch and tear down the bright lamp of night. Now slips a film upon the water's ace, a dimness slide3 about the shadowed trees, and Grindal's pool alone could match the grim fear which falls upon the river. The motionless water still quiet lies, but it appears as some white-faced woman bound in pain in prison. A world of phantasies seen frbm below to press wild hands against the mirrored surface, and wild, wild mouths that move and yet are dumb, and pale breasts gasping for breath. The watcher sees the willow leaves twinkle in the air, as though trying to play some old, some magical, some long-forgotten fairy tune, and laying a hand upon a willow trunk, beneath the rough bark feels a heart beating in an agony hot and passionate. Far off blue hills that looked gentle in the mild afternoon now move and shake on their hard horizon like ancient giants of the Titan age waking from sleep. But the young grass and the flowers rock in an unfelt wind and send forth an odour sweet, yet fraught with pain, as is the incense.

For a moment an infinitesimal point on the gulf of eternity, Time stands poised, a-tip-toe, before he springs on. The watcher sees the fairies bound and their songs unheard. For the winged thoughts that gave them life are dead. They shake in the throes of eternal .

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imprisonment ; lost to them the hours of sunshine in the fairyhaunted meads and midsummer night alone bears witness to their struggle and their pain.

LIMERICK. There was a young lady of Huggin Perpetually frogging and buggin' ; In the labs. one sad day Her brain faded away, Through constantly muggin' and fuggin'.

M.S.

There was a young student at Oxon, Whose fetish was trying new frocks on ; She spent so much cash In cutting a dash, She drove her finances the rocks on !

A.B

COMPETITION SUGGESTIONS (1) Write a poem including the following line :" How is it, shadows, that I knew ye not ? " (2) Prose article :" The New Wugger-Stugger or the Seven Deadly Virtues."

TANTALUS. An empty glove may serve to soothe the pain Of thwarted longing in a noble heart : Yet needs Sir Roger pour, before he part, One long, last drink—and snaps the glass in twain.

Now, in Madrid, the ruffling gallants clinkRapiered, be-jewelled, plumed, and exquisite— Should pause occur in play of sword or wit Each fills th' abhorr&l vacuum with—a drink.

.

Beware the water smooth, the lifted blade That brings the chandelier about the head !

0 look not on the wine when it is red, That stands so handy to each manlike maid !

Yet we, who " took each point " and " helped the show " From thirsty outer darkness see it shine— That good, high-table, ruby-lighted, wine— Grieving, watch it wane and go.

In Envy.

BRYCE MC'MASTER. ,

frtiP CAPRICE : A BALLET. As the dragon fly is fleet, Were her feet, As the double cherry white, Her delight ; With the apple-blossom's grace In her face ; As the sun upon the sea Danced she.

And he— When the dragon fly did gleam Was the gracious, curving stream, Was the straight and lusty shoot When the blossom turns to fruit, All about the apple tree Was the golden courtier bee, Was an ear of August wheat, When the wind blows.

The curtain falls.

The dream was sweet.

M. M. DALSTON.

THE THREE MYSTERIES.

" There are three mysteries," said the seer, " to be born, to live, and to die."

The night was thickly studded with stars. The wind had sunk, breathless, as if to listen to the work that was afoot. Out of somewhere a spirit wandered to take upon it the frail coat of human flesh. Till then it had been only happy. It had splashed in a thousand secret foun ains, the haunts o naiads with tired, wild eyes, rested on plumy boughs of blossoms, shot through space in joyous loneliness, ungirdled by time or matter. Then had come that strange, compelling voice, and the spirit shuddered, ecstacied, and obeyed.

In solemn silence the hour drew near. With passionate regret the spirit leaped to above the bounds ,of the sky and sank back to a dark, reed-shaken pool, there to wait. The quivering tips of the

THE IMP trees, the little winds, the black curves of the water, seemed to close nearer in sympathy. Old companions called, familiar music rose. in pulsing melody. . . .

As a boy he grew strong of muscle, straight, and clear eyed,. rejoicing in his body, in the excitement of living. Only very intermittently did flashes of his freed former existence burst upon him.

Teased by companions, he tried to throttle these moments of eerieness. By and bye came the joy of creating, the absorption of toil,. both to the exclusion of love. And when love came, he crushed her gifts under his foot. Even so he cried for something, he knew not what. And as he grew older his heart broke, and he began to suffer. He found pain that is hidden in the cruel word, even in the ability of enjoying the beautiful. No friends were left him now.

No warm substitute for human companionship linked in the impassive loveliness of nature. He prayed for death. But ever the Voice reverberated through his heart that if he wished for peace,. then he must earn the right to die. And evermore he longed for rest. . . . The sharp knife had done its work. Heavy-footed, as it were and blind, he reached a wide bay that stretched out like a bow. Crystal green were the waves, and from side to side rose up a wall of white luminous mist, radiant from within.. Softly, effervescing, round his feet flowed the phantom wavelets. And clearly over the waters stole the voices of invisible choirs. " Step boldly . in," they cried, " beloved, and take thy rest." And gladly wading in he toiled for the last time, and swam for the further mist.

• ON THE EAST COAST. The river slowly meanders, sluggish and furtive, It winds in a lazy curve to the sullen sea.

On either side stretch verdant, poisonous marshes, Flat and impassive, too motionless to be free.

A ruined abbey stands on the grey horizon ; Through gaping windows glimmers the pallid day ; And the sea creeps slowly onward, and ever onward, Unhasting, deliberate, claiming her promised prey.

One stormy twilight, when seaward tempests are shrieking, The maddened waves will leap over mouldering walls, The whirling current will bear along bones long-buried, And salt sea-water come pouring through canopied stalls.,

THE IMP Calm will come with the dawn. The numbing silence Shall lull the freedom of waves and the tempest's moan.

But where monks chanted, a grey expanse of waters Heave restless, triumphant—the sea has reclaimed her own.

Now no sign of motion in sea or heavens, Cattle lazily browse on the shadowed plain, Impotent stands the windmill—with arms suspended.

Ascending vapour: writhe like spirits in pain.

E. E STOPFORD.

THE IMP DISCOURSES. THE kind lady who edits this magazine says she's going to put a picture of me on the outside page, so I thought I'd like to write and tell people who I really am. Most of them don't seem to have a ghost of a notion about me, and some of them have actually had the impudence to stick me up as a door-knocker ! Isn't it scandalous ?

This College couldn't do anything without me, and it's about time people began to realise the fact. It's really splendid how I keep the College officers busy ! I take the soap out of the bath-rooms, so that the soap secretaries have to go tearing round to collect subscriptions ; I put the library books in their wrong places, so that the library reps can get a nice lot of fines ; I take the pencils off the notice-boards so that people can't mark their Chapels, and I take the newspapers out of the J.C.R. and put them back when they are .a week old. It's really rather bad luck that one shouldn't get a little of the kudos when one works so hard ! Then I'm very kind to the common herd too. They're generally so careless of their belongings that I have to show them nice safe places to put them in.

Spoons ought always to be kept behind the radiator, and matches in the waste-paper basket. I have such a good way of arranging the shoes in the cloak-room, only people seem too stupid to follow my method. The shoes marked A should be put into the pigeonhole marked Z ; the shoes marked B into the pigeon-hole marked Y, and so on. An excellent system ! It really is a pity that my surprising intellect should be wasted in a place like this. I also prevent the College from becoming dull by circulating rumours which have absolutely no foundation. I see to it that the supply never runs short.

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So now people ought to know a little more about me, so I hope that in future they'll try to make my dreary existence a little brighter. Just one cheery glance, or airy kiss as they pass upon their busy way would make such a difference !

P.S.—Don't you think I look ripping against that green background ? I do.

M.S.

IMP RESSIONS. -

IF it is possible for one Term to exceed the others in swiftness it is the Trinity Term, which earns that distinction. If only the weather is fine tennis and the river claim all spare moments and half-term arrivesbefore one has even considered all there is to be done, far less attempted to do it ! Though it was very wet the night before, quite a number of people ventured down to Magdalen Bridge on May morning, and were well repaid for their trouble, as the day was fresh and quite fine, and the hymn sounded beautiful. The weather in Eights Week outdid all expectation and drew crowds of people to watch the races, which were very exciting, especially on the Wednesday. They were carried on with all the gaiety of pre-war days ; the barges were full, and there were so many people on the river in their own boats that the scenes at the end of the 6 o'clock races were lively, to say the least of it, especially when the crews who had made a bump joined the fray !

Magdalen went head of the river, but Queen's success perhaps caused the greatest excitement.

The Tennis Cup Matches are in full swing, but many people find time to watch the 'Varsity and Inter-collegiate Cricket in the Parks.

The All England Tennis Match is eagerly looked forward to, and also the Oxford and Cambridge Tennis, as both the men and women are going to play at Oxford.

Enthusiasts of the Union are still many, and on the occasion when Mr. G. K. Chesterton spoke, the house was crowded. Indeed, the debating spirit seems very strong in College just at present, and several outside debates are being held this Term. A very pleasant one with Balliol has already taken place, and three more, with Wadham, Worcester and Ruskin College have been arranged.

A great feature of this Term has been the course of lectures given on Monday mornings by Mr. Belloc, Mr. Binyon, and Mr. Masefield.

Though these were primarily for the English School every other school has been represented, as no one wanted to miss such an

THE IMP opportunity ; the way in which the numbers increased as the Lectures continued shows how greatly these were enjoyed.

Considerable interest has been caused this Term by the passing of the statute granting degrees to women. No doubt next Term will see many changes in the Women's Colleges, if only in the matter of dress, a subject which, by the way, is being most earnestly discussed. But, seriously, everyone feels that it is a great step forward and is bound to make a difference to many things in Oxford. suite a large number of S. Hugh's people took part in the Keble Concert on the last day of Eights Week. Their industrious efforts. during the Term were certainly worth while, as the Concert was delightful and a great success. Keble Quad looked extremely pretty, all decorated with lights, and the rain at the end did not seem to interfere with anybody's pleasure.

A new 'experiment this Term is a swimming competition which is to take place against the Women Students from Cambridge. It ought to be exciting and will, it is hoped, become a permanent arrangement, as there are many keen swimmers who have little opportunity of displaying their talents.

The usual menace of the Summer Term still lies in the future— Final Schools, and we should like to wish all those whose turn has, come the very best of good luck.

MID-MAY SUMMER. Here in the watery river-field I lie, Tall yellow buttercups above my head Nod as they tower to the wind-swept sky.

Long grasses quiver round my half-closed eyes, My eyelids flicker and close, heavy as lead, My ears are singing with the mumbling flies.

A scurrying spider shakes his long, loose legs, And scuttles to his grass-hidden sinister lair, And the courting butterflies pause in their flirting chase, And settle for a moment on my hair.

The peaceful river and the shouting boys That slam the iron gate on the clattering wooden bridge, Seem to make a murmurous and sleepy chorus For the droning dream song of the dancing midge.

THE tMP She wore a dab of marmalade, She wore it in her hair, She wore a dab of marmalade, She was exceeding fair. kissed her, and the marmalade Descended to her brow ; I kissed her. Oh ! the marmalade !

I wouldn't kiss her now.

COLLEGE REPORTS. DRAMATIC SOCIETY. THE GLOVE—A SKETCH.

Helen Burnett.

Caste.

H.

Sir Roger Shirley ...

John Trafford Maid Nurse...

A Girl in Grey

... ...

BURNETT

E. PRICHARD ...H. KIEk E. M. MORGAN

M. HOLT HUTToN

BEWARE OF SMOOTH WATER !—CALDERON.

Caste.

Don Alonzo ...

••• • •• Donna Clara (his daughters) } Donna Eugenia Don Toribbio (his nephew) Mari Nun ...

Brigida (his servants Otanez Don Felix Don Juan (Gallants) Don Pedro Hernando (Servant to Dom Felix) Two Black Pages to Don Alonzo)

E. REYNOLDS E. M. MORGAN P. DENTON M. PICKFORD E. RAMSAY H. KIEK M. CUNNINGHAM M. DALSTON M. CHILTON M. FARROW N. GLENDAY 0. EMTAGE and M. K. NORTON

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The Dramatic Society is once more to be congratulated on two excellent performances on May 14th and 15th, given in aid of the New Women's Hospital.

The first of these, " The Glove," was an effective little sketch, very prettily staged and well acted. The rollicking cavalier, flirting with the maid, presented a good contrast to his more pensive friend, whose love for the Grey Lady was full of a very pathetic irony.

The Grey Lady and the Nurse also played their parts admirably.

We hope that the author will be encouraged to further efforts by this success.

The main feature of the programme—Calderon's " Beware of Smooth Waters "—testified to the taste and ability of the stage manager. The blue curtains formed an effective background to the gay 16th Century costumes, suiting the play better than any modern scenery could have done.

Don Alonzo was a courtly, though at times a fiery, old gentleman, a suitable father to Donna Clara and Donna Eugenia, both of Whom acted with great individuality and charm. Don Toribbio was a delightful buffoon, who caused 'considerable disturbance in his uncle's house, giving ample opportunities to the faithful domestics to prove their efficiency. Mari Nuno was all she should be, full of discretion upon every occasion. The gallants, with their love affairs and their quarrels formed an amusing trio, and the interest was heightened by the dilemma of Don Felix, who played his part with exceptional skill. Hernando made a most knowing confidential servant, and last, but not least, the Oriental slaves added a decidedly attractive touch to the production E.M.S.

OXFORD v. CAMBRIDGE HOCKEY MATCH. On March 16th, Oxford met Cambridge on the Richmond Athletic Ground, and defeated them by 8 goals to nil. It was altogether a splendid game, and not so one-sided as might be expected from the score.

S. Hugh's was well represented, providing five members of the XI., but unfortunately Miss Rogers was unable to' play owing to an accident in the final cup match ; her place was filled by Miss Spicer, of Somerville.

Miss Robinson and Miss Paterson, the two backs, played their usual excellent game, and Miss Paterson, especially, won the admiration of all the spectators.

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The whole team owes a great deal to the excellent coaching of Mrs. Cavalier. The forward line is much improved since last year, and is now a very formidable one, well backed up by the half-backs and backs. Oxford XI.: A. Clark, goal ; B. Robinson, (Capt.), K. Paterson, backs ; E. Spicer, N. Glenday, F. Baker, halfbacks ; E. Morland, M. Cousens, A. Bull, E. Bull, M. Watson, forwards.

BOATING. President: Miss EVANS. Captain : M. HIRST. Secretary : J. WIIYTLAW. Although the weather has not been very favourable, the college, especially the first year, has shown great keenness in punting, sculling and canoeing.

The general style of punting and canoeing is good, but that of sculling is not. Nearly everyone slouches over her sculls, and there is a sad lack of neatness and finish. There is a tendency to concentrate too much on coxing, at the expense of sculling itself. Although it is difficult to practice in the summer, people should remember that more sculling captains will be needed next term, and try to get their captaincies.

The four has been going out on the upper river, and according to Mr. Lusk, the rowing has improved quite considerably. Several of the first year are good, but the general slovenliness of the sculling style proves a handicap when people go into the four.

The following have qualified during the term :Canoeing : B. Negus, F. Priestshaw, G. Hutton, M. Pickford, Punting Captains : Z. Lindo, M. Nasmyth, K.Paterson, M. Farrow; Punting half-captains : E. Hornibrook, M. Dalston, M. Hemstock; Sculling half-captains : V. Miskin, M. Newnham.

ST. HUGH'S TENNIS CLUB. The number of people playing tennis has greatly increased this year, and the demand for courts has been very heavy. We hope that there will be more courts available next year. The VI. has not been very successful so far in the Cup matches. The first couple are very erratic, and the third couple, though sometimes very good, are not always safe. The second couple is steady, and always comes up to scratch in a match.

Only two Cup Matches have been played, on May 8th we played Somerville, and were beaten by two matches to one ; on May 10th we beat Lady Margaret Hall by 2 matches to 1 We

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have still to play St. Hilda's and the Home Students. On June 2nd we are playing Reading on our Courts, and on the 9th we are having a joint match with Balliol against St. Hilda's and Exeter.

Earlier in the term a game was arranged with the Balliol VI, and we played mixed doubles, each couple playing each. We are also hoping to arrange a game with the Wadham VI. The St. Hugh's Tennis VI. this year is as follows :— 1st couple : K. Paterson* 2nd couple : N. Glenday* E. Ramsay.

M. Blacow* 3rd couple: M. Clarry* M. Godley.

ST. HUGH'S COLLEGE CRICKET CLUB. We have not many members this year, but all who play are keen. We are playing St. Michael's School on June 3rd. Five members of the Club played for Oxford United XI. against Bedford.

The Team for June 3rd is as follows :—D. Rogers, 0. Emtage, T. Marshall, A. Clark, L. Gunnery, M. Chilton, I. Brooksbank, A. Brough, M. Prichard, N. Harrison, M. Cousens.

D. Rogers, 0. Emtage and T. Marshall, are useful all round players ; A. Clark is a safe wicket keeper.

M. Chilton, Captain.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Two meetings of the Society were held in the Michaelmas Term, when the Castle and Wadham College were visited. In the Hilary Term Mr. Salter, of New College, very kindly took us round the city walls, and we were also fortunate in hearing a very interesting lecture from Mr. Howard on the " Parish Churches of Oxfordshire,' accompanied by lantern slides. Two expeditions further afield have been planned for the Trinity Term. One, to Stanton Harcourt Church and ruins, the members afterwards having tea at the " Harcourt Arms," has already taken place, and was much enjoyed, and we are hoping to go for the other to Water Eaton Manor House.

M. R. TOYNBEE (Sec.).

CONSTITUTION OF THE COLLEGE MAGAZINE.

I.—That the name of the magazine shall be called THE IMP. II.—That the officers of the Magazine shall be an Editor and a Treasurer, elected by the J.C.R., and a representative from each year, elected by their own years.

III.—Contributions shall be accepted or refused by the decision of the majority of the committee, the Editor reserving the right of the casting vote.

IV.—The Committee shall not be held responsible for any opinions expressed in the Magazine.

V.—Nothing of intrinsic merit shall be excluded on account of views expressed therein.

VI.—The anonymous character of contributions shall be respected when required.

VII.—Contributions from the Senior and Junior Common Rooms, past and present, shall be accepted.

VIII.—The Committee shall be empowered to invite contributions from anyone not a member of the College at their discretion.