^44 MEMOIRS OF 



pearing on this occasion, the recently chosen 

 dignitary requested M. Cuvier to officiate for 

 him. Tottering, as the University was at that 

 time, under the enmity of many powerful men, 

 one act of violence, one instance of excitation 

 and imprudence on the part of its youthful fol- 

 lowers, might have caused its downfall ; but M. 

 Cuvier met the difficulty with his wonted energy 

 and judgment. Half an hour, taken from the 

 duties of the preceding evening, was devoted to 

 the composition of a discourse, which only le- 

 quired some minutes to deliver. The day ar- 

 rived, and the students appeared, manifesting 

 every hostile disposition. The sight of M. Cu- 

 vier first checked their excited feelings : they 

 remained in respectful silence ; the reason and 

 gentleness of his expressions restored complete 

 tranquillity ; the distribution took place, and, as 

 the benevolent and revered master laid the 

 crowns upon the heads of his disciples, he ad- 

 dressed them as a father would his children ; 

 nothing but the murmurs of gratitude and ap- 

 plause were heard, instead of the angry and tur- 

 bulent conduct threatened, and the University 

 was saved. 



Even had Charles X. made the Grand Mas. 

 tership of the University a permanent office, 



