Pleasures and Pains of the Student’s Life

These two poems by Samuel Gilman capture the highs and lows of student life. The first poem, delivered at the 1811 commencement at Brown University, celebrates the joys of intellectual pursuit and the camaraderie of the classroom. The second poem, written later in Gilman's life, reflects on the challenges and frustrations of being a student. Together, these poems provide a powerful and moving portrait of the student experience.

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