12 ACORN descended upon the head of one of them, feeling him to the earth and a second later the sword of the Earl pierced the leader's heart. The remaining robber, seeing this turn of affairs, fled into the forest. The conflict was over. His Lordship, sheathing his sword, turned to see from what source help had come. He saw before him a fair-haired youth of two and twenty, who though ragged and travel-stained, had the unmistakable air of a gentleman, and who with a respectful bow, inquired if he were hurt. "Nay, lad," he replied, "I received a scratch on the arms, but 'tis of no consequence. Tell me who thou art and how came thou here at the precise moment that I was so sorely beset by these wretches?" "My name, sir, is William Shakespeare. I am traveling from my home in Stratford-on-Avon to London and, becoming fatigued, sought rest in yonder thicket. On awakening, I overheard the plot against thy life and determined to give what aid I could." "And right well 'twas done"; answered the Earl. "But why art thou so far away from home and on thy way to London?" Shakespeare then told of his life at Stratford and why he had to leave, ending by reciting his poem about "Lousy Lucy," at which the Earl roared with laughter. "By my Halidome!" he cried, "Thou art a merry lad and hast a clever head on thy shoulders, though 'tis scant wonder he was incensed at thy witty verse. But let us on to London, ere the cowardly knave who fled brings a party of his friends down upon us. Thou hast a friend in the Earl of Leicester, and "Lousy Lucy" may find that in expelling thee from thy native village he really did thee a service." Later events proved his words to be prophetic. Through the influence of Leicester, Shakespeare obtained a position at a prominent theatre in London, where he soon became noted, first as an actor, then as an author. His fame became world-wide and his name has been handed down through the ages as the greatest writer of his time. He always retained the friendship of the Earl of Leicester, who maintained the most cordial relations towards him and never forgot the timely assistance given him in his encounter with the robbers of Birnham W'ood. STANLEY PURRINGTON, '11. EDITORIAL ELLIS BARLOW 1910 LITTLE THINGS. We are often told that we are living in the most enlightened age of the world's history. This no doubt is a proven fact by those who have the inclination to use the enlightment that exists. We are also often told that experience is a dear teacher, but it seems that many of us desire to take the severe treatment of experience rather than the easier way pointed out by those who have had their inner conscience sharpened on the rough grindstone of time. We must get the lessons of life and there are two ways to get them. We may heed the advice of the wise or we may compel the rough world to force us into our proper places. There are many little faults noticed by observers. We should all be observers to the extent that we observe, not only the mistakes that others make, but those that we ourselves are constantly making. If we would only do this little thing there is a great chance for the improvement of the little disorders that happen daily in our school. If we would only observe our own actions, we would not force the principal to call us to the office to correct our mistakes. We would not go stumbling through the halls or go blundering in or out of the study hall. We would not talk aloud where others are studying. And if such observation should be taken we would not break and destroy the furniture or mark and disfigure the building that has been given for our benefit. It is the little things well observed that makes the true lady and gentleman. Let us observe our small mistakes and our large ones will vanish. "Ignorance is not so surprising, nor such a mark of inferiority, as unwillingness to learn." SYSTEMATIC YELLING. Where is the body that can accomplish any definite purpose, without being first organized? Who can arrive at a definite end without following some definite course or system? If such a thing should