Classical Reading

C.S. Lewis, letter to his father (November 22, 1923): I have got quite recently ONE pupil, tho’ not through Poynton. He is a youth of eighteen who is trying to get a Classical scholarship. I am to coach him in essay writing and English for the essay paper and general papers which these exams always include. I fear we shall win no laurels by him. I questioned him about his classical reading: our dialogue was something like this:— SELF: ‘Well Sandeman, what Greek authors have you been reading?’ SAND (cheerfully): ‘I never can remember. Try a few names and I’ll see if I can get on to any.’ SELF (a little damped:) ‘Have you read any Euripides?’ SAND: ‘No.’ SELF: ‘Any Sophocles?’ SAND: ‘Oh yes.’ SELF: ‘What plays of his have you read?’ SAND (after a pause): ‘Well—the Alcestis.’ SELF (apologetically): ‘But isn’t that by Euripides?’ SAND (with the genial surprise of a man who finds £1 where he thought there was a 10/-note): ‘Really. Is it now? By Jove, then I HAVE read some Euripides.’