colleges, as well as our other public buildings, of the University, an intelligent observer will trace the progress of architecture. At Cambridge we have few good paintings; our good portraits are but few-there are someand we have remains of Saxon architecture, the most perfect examples of the Gothic, and some admired specimens of all the Grecian orders. And, though it may not be expected of an historian to speak much in the language of the painter, or to come with his line and rule, and to adjust the proportions of arches, of columns, of entablatures, and pediments, with the minuteness of a professor; yet in the description of edifices he must sometimes use the terms of art; and, though he has only time to take a rapid glance, and can speak only as it were from the eye, still he must consult the taste of the times, and, occasionally, delineate the immediate appearance, and general aspect of a building. Next to buildings, it may be expected by some, that the groves, gardens, and public walks ought to be considered: these are parts of our whole; and in these environs and retreats of our Lyceum, not only the passing traveller lingers with delight, but academical students pass their hours of relaxation and ease. In every serious work there should be room left for occasional embellishment, places-which resemble the scenery about a large portrait.—In a history of an University, the aspect of the country, and the places consecrated to retirement and contemplation, cannot fairly be overlooked. With respect to the former, though we have nothing which calls from the occasional visitor the language of rapture; no amphitheatre of rocks, nor chain of lofty mountains; no transporting vallies, nor charm of lake-scenery; no impetuous sounding torrents, nor streams of fire bursting from the bowels of the earth; no sounding shore, no elevating boundless expanse of ocean; though, in a word, we have but little that is enchantingly beautiful, or majestically, transportingly grand; but little that invites the landscape gardener, and admirers of the picturesque; still there will be found even here, what will repay description, and should be worth perusal. The school of Plato, his academia, it is well known, was a small garden, adorned with statues, and planted with plane trees: Cicero has made a happy allusion to it, and Pliny has given a beautiful description of his own. Cowley, an enthusiast to Cambridge, we must suppose by his own testimony, was greatly attached to her grovesa; and though Milton was not so, we have chosen to consecrate Christ College garden to his muse, by ascribing a fine old walnut tree to his planting. And of his own description of garden-scenery, at least, we may say, manet vero et semper manebit: sata est enim ingenio. Nullius autem Agricolæ cultu stirps tam diuturna, quam poetæ versu seminari potest. There may, therefore, be those, who, when they visit a place consecrated to philosophy, may choose to be conducted to her gardens and favourite retreats, though the historian hastening to weightier matter may, perhaps, too fastidiously exclaim with Gray, "I have no magical skill in planting roses. I am no conjurer there." Bibliographical observations will, of course, be looked for by those called learned readers. Our Universities and Colleges present an assemblage of libraries; and a "O sacri fontes, et sacræ vallibus umbræ, COWLEY. libraries are the wardrobes of literature; whence men properly informed might bring forth something for ornament, much for curiosity, and more for use; not merely as those, who string together without meaning, end, or taste, fragments "Of polish'd and piebald languages." HUDIBRAS. but as those, who know the value of ancient MSS. and books for the purposes of general literature, or some of the nicer inquiries of criticism, to settle controversies, and to silence cavils. Here even the writer of a catalogue only might render immense service to the investigator of antiquities, to students whether classical or metaphysical, political or theological. A learned reader may, indeed, easily look for more information than can be crowded into a work, aspiring at general utility, though he might feel gratified to find, that what afforded him amusement, could administer, at the same time, to his favourite studies. But some readers, (and, I believe, most thinking readers) will raise their expectations highest towards biography: I think most justly; and to that point a writer should push his most serious attention and principal care. For what is a state? Not brick and stone, and mortar; not triumphal arches, nor mausoleums that would cheat the grave: not written constitutions, ancient privileges, nor rights upon charters; but "men, highminded men"." And what are Universities? not senatehouses, libraries, and schools; not gardens and groves; museums and chapels; nor yet monastic dreams, clerical Sir William Jones. impostures, temporary disputes, and antiquated statutes; but students, scholars, social and rational beings. Universities should be κοινον παντων παιδευτηριον, as Diodorus calls Athens; the common house of instruction in all things; and more, it should be the house of instruction for all men. It was on this ground that Lysias lays his claim for the paramount excellence of the Athenian state. Universities relate to men more than things; and if they comport with the dignity of the name, they should relate rather to men as connected in civil society, than as broken into sects, and parties, by disputatious polemics. Readers of their history have a right to expect the most liberal principles in those who write them; and such writers as are unbiassed by party feelings, will best meet the views and wishes of, at least, humane and enlightened minds. Biography is the light of history, and should be the very soul of an University History. A biographical sketch of the founders of colleges, some account of persons distinguished either by original genius, patient research, or happy discoveries, and known in the world by their literary works, will necessarily be considered as the conspicuous luminaries: but sometimes, perhaps, writers less known, or who have not as yet been noticed in a history of this kind, may hold out a pure light; and zealots who are accustomed to respect only their own party, may overlook many justly entitled to some notice, undervalue many worthy of public esteem, and frequently speak only to slander and misrepresent. And, what shall I say? As ages are past and gone, and we have but fragments of their ruins, so ages of men are still passing away, and what occurred too late for one historian to record, falls to his province who succeeds. Finally, academical habits and degrees, local customs, privileges, and benefices, may seem to claim their appropriate chapters, in an University history: but things of this kind being accurately unfolded in their proper places, in numerous publications, and being so minute, and in detail so various, may not suit every plan of history. Those who merely visit an University, are apt to be pleased with forms and habits, ceremonies and titles; they are novel, some rather splendid, and all characteristic of the place. A description of University privileges, and College benefices too, might gratify the curiosity of some, and serve the interest of others; but might encroach, beyond their due portion, on views of general utility. Judicious readers will form their expectations on such subjects from the nature of a work: a minuteness on all subjects is not suited to every publication, nor is it reasonable to expect it; and where matters of mere form, and local peculiarities, have been minutely detailed, and repeatedly narrated, actum agere may be dispensed with. Cambridge Guides and University Calendars are always at hand; and it may be no less prudent than convenient, to make a general reference to what has been written before, than to detail all the particularities over again. Having thus considered what different sort of readers may expect in a work like the present, I proceed to shew what has been done by others, and what is attempted in the following history. The first and most authentic documents, then, respecting Cambridge, lie in the archives of their respective Colleges, and consist of charters of foundation, licences of mortmain, and bulls of Popes; of papers relating to livings, estates, and benefactors; to the customs and jurisdiction of the University, and fragments of College |