We were not meaning to deceive, most of us were as honourable and as ignorant as the Youth themselves but that does not acquit us of stupidity and jealousy, the two black spots in human nature which, more than love of money, are at the root of all evil.' 4 Unknown to the audience (and unknown to the public until 1935), Barrie had participated in the War Propaganda Bureau (WPB), a secret government operation that turned to English writers for help. Seeing himself as part of Age, which he also referred to as 'the Old Men,' Barrie confessed, 'When war did come, we told Youth, who had to get us out of it, tall tales of what it really is and the clover beds it would lead to. In it he questioned Britain's engagement in World War I, accused Age of ignorantly glamorizing warfare, and urged the Youth to demand a say in the national matters that concerned them.

2 Elected in 1919 at the close of World War I, Barrie had delayed his inaugural address several years, delivering it at last near the end of his term as rector in his self-proclaimed 'first and last public appearance.' 3 Finally provoked by the audience to speak, Barrie delivered his famous speech 'Courage,' which personified 'Youth' and 'Age' as symbolic characters. 1 Three years earlier, he had been honored by the student body when they elected him rector of the university-a position given to men, and later women, of 'great worth and fame' to serve on the University Court as a student advocate.

On May 3, 1922, renowned author and playwright Sir James Barrie stood fearful and silent before the students of the University of St.

Sir james barrie