Scope and Contents Note From the Collection: This essay was found inside the front cover of one of the books that Ronald R. Allen presented to the Special Collections Library as part of the Allen Poetry Collection in 2004. F. J. House indicates that this piece was written as a graduation oration on June 16, 1881. It argues that poetry is a silent, subtle influence which steals into the hearts of men, elevates and enobles [sic] them and lasts forever. As such, the poet can always be considered a benefactor. According to the author, John...