In 1838, Holmes was offered the professorship of anatomy and physiology at Dartmouth and held that position for two years before joining the faculty of Harvard. He was also asked by the New Hampshire Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Kappa to deliver a poem at Dartmouth’s commencement in 1839. Although Holmes never intended the poem for publication—it was not, in fact, printed in its entirety until 1940—a newspaper correspondent at the time said, “The transitions from the grave to gay were very happy, and kept the audience in a state of alternate gravity and mirth. The imagery and descriptive portions of the poem—particularly those relating to rural scenes—were exceedingly beautiful and poetical, and I am confident, if it should be given to the public, that it will be pronounced one of the most beautiful metrical performances that has ever emanated from the pen of an American writer.” Cover of the poem delivered at Dartmouth College by Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)
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