Chapter & Verse

Correspondence on not-so-famous lost words

[extra:Extra]

Listen to "The Harvard Coop (Boo'-Boo'-Boop)"

[video:https://harvardmagazine.com/sites/default/files/media/The-Harvard-Coop.mp3 height:20 width:250]

Whitefoord Cole requests the name of the author and full text of the fragment “Would that I may awake from my wine-sleep, that I may begin again.”

 

Jonathan Bartel is still seeking Hubert Humphrey’s exact description of the vice presidency, circa late 1964 or early 1965: something to the effect of, “I now join the ranks of Hannibal Hamlin, Schuyler Colfax, Levi Morton, and Garrett Hobart….”

 

Karen Walton still hopes to learn why, when patients die despite the fact that their lab tests and vital signs are normal, it is said they died “in Harvard balance.” She wishes to learn the origin of the phrase.

 

“at the Harvard Coop” (May-June). Jonathan Bartel was the first reader to identify this snappy number (full title at right), performed by soloist and first piano Christopher B. Cerf and the Lampoon chorus, with guitarist Gordie Main and the Mainiacs, on a 1961 Vanitas Records (V-440) album, The Harvard Lampoon Tabernacle Choir Sings at Leningrad Stadium.

 

Send inquiries and answers to “Chapter and Verse,” Harvard Magazine, 7 Ware Street, Cambridge 02138, or via e-mail to chapterandverse@harvardmag.com.

Most popular

Harvard study: termite mounds circulate air, sneezing once a day

Physicists look into the function of towering termite mounds.

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

At Harvard, Mitt Romney Warns Against ‘Authoritarian’ Presidential Power

The former senator touched on polarization, tech governance, and diplomacy during a conversation at the Institute of Politics.

Explore More From Current Issue

Illustration of two students in Harvard hoodies, one speaking animatedly to a phone, the other reading, looking annoyed.

We’re All Harvard Influencers, Like It or Not

In the digital age, it’s hard to avoid playing into the mythology.

A glowing orange sun with a star and a trailing gas cloud in space.

A Harvard Astrophysicist Explains the Bizarre Behavior of a Supergiant Star

The dimming and rapid rotation of Betelgeuse may be caused by a hidden companion.

Three joyful graduates in caps and gowns celebrate together outdoors.

Commencement Week Events

Harvard Commencement Events 2026