By ensnaring Syllogisms and every Artifice of Logick, by Distinctions, Reservations, and Exceptions, eluded every Opponent, and silenc’d whom he would. I was often present at these Entertainments, and that with no small Vexation. For it seem’d to me a horrid and shameful Thing, that such noble Exercises, which give Lustre to our Schools, should here be prostituted on the Stage. And when I call’d to Mind, that I myself with the highest Applause had disputed in Publick, and had obtained the Laurel, I could scarce withhold my Tears. And not only the Dispute, but the Method of disputing incensed me. For they hir’d certain Stimulators, in their Language _Cabalci_, who when they observ’d the Ardor of the Disputants to flag, just prick’d their Sides with Lancets to re-kindle it, and to rally their declining Spirits. Other Things thro’ Shame I omit, which in so polish’d a Nation I could not but condemn. Besides these Disputants, call’d in their Tongue, by way of Contempt, _Masbaki_, that is strictly, Wranglers, there were other Trials of Skill between Beasts, both of the wild and tame Kind, and also between Birds of Prey, which were exhibited to the Spectators at a certain Price. I begg’d to know of my Host, how it was possible that so judicious a Nation could think of leaving to the Theatre those noble Exercises, whereby a Faculty of Speaking is acquir’d, Truth is discover’d, and the Understanding sharpen’d? He reply’d, that formerly these Exercises were in high Reputation among their barbarous Ancestors; but since they had been convinc’d by Experience, That Truth was rather stifled by Disputes, that their Youth were render’d petulant and forward thereby, that Disturbances arose from them, and that the more generous Studies were so much the more fetter’d, they turn’d over these Exercises from the University to the Playhouse; and the Event has shew’d us, that by Reading, Silence, and Meditation, the Students now make far greater Advances in Learning. With this Reply, tho’ very specious, I was not however altogether satisfy’d.