| Share page | Visit Us On FB |
|
STORIES OF
His next epistle explains the use of the word " Excelsior," which critics said ought to have been " Excelsius." It was addressed to Signor Cesati,
" CAMBRIDGE, Feb. 5, 1874.
" MY DEAR SIR,—I have had the pleasure of receiving your card with your friendly criticism on the word ' Excelsior.' In reply I would say, by way of explanation, that the device on the banner is not to be interpreted ' Ascende Su-perius,' but' Scopus meus excelsior est.'
" This will make evident why I say ' Excel-sior,' and not ' Excelsius.'—With great regard,
yours truly,
"HENRY LONGFELLOW."
" The original time-piece immortalized in the " Old Clock on the Stairs," stood in the hall of an old-fashioned country seat surrounded by poplars, and belonging to some of Mrs. Long-fellow's relatives. The following entry appears in the poet's journal, in November, 1845 :
" Began a poem on a clock, with the words, ' For ever, never,' as the burden, suggested by the words of Bridaine, the old French mis-sionary, who said of eternity: ' C'est une pen-dule dont le balancier dit et redit sans cesse ces deux mots seulement dans le silence des tom-246 |
||