Chapter and verse quotation-citation correspondence site

Correspondence on not-so-famous lost words

Andrew Hamilton writes: “For research into the origins of a poem by Robert Frost, I am searching for any reference to Veritas, the Roman goddess of truth, that would support statements that she was thought to dwell at the bottom of a well. It occurs to me that there might have been a Harvard joke to the effect that she lived in the well under the College Pump, and that, if so, the joke may have found its way to Harvard Magazine. Of course, any other reference to Veritas living at the bottom of a well would be useful. Can you help me?” The magazine’s editors, having no information to offer themselves, hope our readers can do better.

More queries from the archives:

“Sir, every wise man would at the latter end of his life wish to have an interval between the fatigue of business and eternity.”

We are all the victims of each other’s façades.

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

Related topics

You might also like

The Gretel and the Great War author on how the Lampoon derailed his science career—and set him on a literary path.

The popular Harvard English professor published Under Water this spring.

Author and Harvard Divinity School writer-in-residence Terry Tempest Williams finds beauty in the world around us.

Most popular

Martin Nowak Placed on Leave a Second Time

Further links to Jeffrey Epstein surface in newly released files.

A former Harvard College writing tutor changes her mind on LLMs.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

A glowing bulb shape surrounded by colorful, swirling energy lines against a blue background.

Harvard researchers achieve medical breakthroughs in cancer therapy and infection control.

Colorful cartoon animals, including dogs, cows, rabbits, and a fence, on a pink background.

Inseparable cows, big dogs fostering a tiny kitten, and a show beagle’s second act