170 



UNIVERSITY OP ST. MARK. 



mited itself to the number of indigent students for whom the 

 above legislative provision was made. 



The ceremony of the reception of a doctor in this university 

 is not uninteresting. On the day appointed, at sun-set, the 

 interior of the hall having been lighted, and the doors closely 

 barred, the examination commences before the masters and 

 dodlors, who alone are allowed to be present. Between the 

 first and second lessons, an oath is administered by the re6tor 

 to each of the assistants ; and when the second lesson is con- 

 cluded, four of the doctors, the junior taking the lead, main- 

 tain a controversy with the candidate. This does not, how- 

 ever, prevent any one present from making such observations 

 as he may deem essential to his further satisfa6tion and security. 

 The re£i:or, the president, the four replicants, and the six 

 most ancient do6lors of the faculty, now proceed to vote pri- 

 vately ; and by their suffrages, the individual who has been 

 examined is either admitted orreje6led. The whole concludes 

 by a refreshment of sweetmeats and jellies, substituted to the 

 supper ordered by the ancient institutions of the academy. 



On the following morning, the degree is conferred with 

 every solemnity. Provided the ceremony be not, by especial 

 favour, performed in the interior of the university, the chapel 

 of the Blessed Virgin, belonging to the great church, is splen- 

 didly ornamented ; and thither the graduate, accompanied by 

 the students, coUegiates, and do6tors, proceeds to make his 

 profession of faith. The re6lor having administered to him 

 an oath to defend the mystery of the immaculate conception, 

 and to detest the execrable do(Strines of tyrannicide and regi- 

 cide, the degree is delivered to him by the head master, at 

 the same time that the register invests him with the badges 



of 



