I recall only a few thousand lines from the tens of thousands I learned in youth, but that's because my own poems have crowded out better ones. Professor Mezey is entirely too modest. He can recite the perfect poem for any occasion. I believe it's a knack easily acquired in youth. Look at all the song lyrics young people know by heart!
Several years ago Professor David Mason sent me an exceptionally gifted lad, Aaron Poochigian, for two years of independent study. Shortly into our tutorial (which followed my own with Mr. Warren) I asked "What have you memorized for me this week?" Aaron proceeded to belt out (I kid you not) Lycidas, Elegy in a Country Churchyard, Grecian Urn, Nightingale, To Autumn, West Wind, and the Intimations Ode. I was terribly impressed, but Aaron said modestly "Well, I wanted to do some Odes this week."
|