174 
THE PRESENTATION OF A 
poses. Each in his turn was now compelled to enter the lists, and 
to maintain a certain theme against any and all opponents : and 
he contended in the presence of all his companions. The anxious 
study, the exercise of arms, which were necessary to fit him for 
this encounter, were the best preparation for his appearance in 
another field, and before other judges — the best preparation for 
the rewards which he might afterwards win in a career of useful 
and honourable practice. The student, who had devoted many 
a thoughtful hour in making himself master of one subject, and 
whose efforts had been crowned with success, would not be satis- 
fied until he had qualified himself to win other honours — until, 
in fact, he became perfect master of his art. He (the speaker) 
had lately witnessed, with the highest degree of pleasure, the 
noble way in which a young aspirant had maintained his theme 
against all opponents ; and while he trusted that no veterinary 
pupil would avail himself of that opportunity to gratify his 
jealousy or his malignity by unfairly annoying the champion of 
the evening, he did hope, he did entreat them, that they would 
permit no knight to w 7 ear his spurs until he had fairly won them. 
He entreated their pardon for this long intrusion, and concluded 
by hoping, that when, a little while hence, age or infirmity, or 
other causes, might have caused him to retire from active life, still 
however to devote his remaining powers, but in a quieter way, to 
their common cause; when he, perhaps, occupied some little 
cottage in their neighbourhood, they would permit him occasion- 
ally to derive amusement and instruction in the scenes which 
were once dear to him, and occasionally, in the persons of 
younger champions, “ fight all his battles o'er again, and see 
how fields are won." 
The health of Mr. Morton, the honorary secretary of the com- 
mittee, and the useful and talented lecturer on chemistry and 
pharmacy, was now proposed, and drunk with much enthusiasm. 
He said — We are told language was given to man to express 
his ideas; words to give utterance to his thoughts. But how 
frequently is it the case, and that when most required, the tongue 
is least able to make known what the heart feels. In such a 
situation he was then placed. He had stated, a few evenings 
