The classical muse has by the local custom of the University been in times past much called upon; as certain thick folios in College libraries testify. These volumes contain the Gratulationes Academiœ offered to Royalty and illustrious Personages, Carmina Parentalia, Epicedia, Threnodia, Comitia Philologica, composed in every species of metre and in every one of the learned languages, for the celebration of interesting events: and we may add that for authors these productions of the muse boast of men since distinguished in the several walks of science and literature.

One of these poetical scribes thus speaks for himself:

So writes Joshua Barnes to the Duke of Marlborough.

“When any member of a College dies within the walls it is customary for some scholars to write verses and pin them (with their own hands, on the morning of the funeral) on the pall, like escocheons.”