THE CHAIR OF POETRY

The announcement that the Charles Eliot Norton Chair of Poetry will be vacant during the third year of the endowment is unfortunate in view of the latitude of choice the foundation permits. The renascence of the provision of scholars who might arouse intellectual enthusiasm in undergraduates beyond the confines of tabulated courses, was such a happy one initiated by Gilbert Murray, and recalling the crowded lecture halls of James and Santayana, that its early lapse will be felt by those who knew its boons.

But the deference of the incumbency until a man worthy of it may be named goes toward the creation of a precedent that will be permanent in its standard of excellence. In such light must this year's vacancy be regarded. And the advent next fall of Professor Garrod, editor of the Oxford Book of Latin Verse, must fully compensate to those who still remain to hear, for the present want.