In September, 1592, besides plays, &c., there was a disputation in law and physic, and, amongst many questions, was one,--"_Whether the air, or meat, or drink, did most change a man?_" and a merry Doctor of that faculty, named Richard Ratcliffe, lately Fellow of Merton College, but now Principal of St. Alban's Hall, going about to produce the _negative_, showed forth a big, large body, a great fat belly, a side waist, all, as he said, so changed by _meat_ and _drink_, desiring to see any other so metamorphosed by the _air_. But it was concluded (by the Moderator) in the affirmative, that _air_ had the greater power of change. One of the questions (the next day) was,--"_Whether it be lawful to dissemble in the cause of religion?_" written thus, says Gutch, "Non est dissimulandum in causa religionis;" "which being looked upon as a nice question," continues Wood, "caused much attention from the courtly auditory. One argument, more witty than solid, that was urged by one of the opponents, was, 'It is lawful to dispute of religion therefore 'tis lawful to dissemble;' and so going on, said, 'I myself now do that which is lawful, but I do now dissemble; ergo, it is lawful to dissemble.' (Id quod nunc ego, de rebus divinis disputans, ego dissimulare; sed quod nunc ego, de rebus divinis disputam, ego dissimulare est licitum; at which her majesty and all the auditory were very merry.)" WHEN QUEEN ELIZABETH FIRST VISITED CAMBRIDGE, In the year 1564, she took up her residence at the lodge of the Provost of King's College, which stood near the east end of King's Chapel. We well remember the old pile and the solitary trees that branched beside; and much as we admire the splendid improvements to which they have given place, we could almost find it in our hearts to express regret at the removal of those landmarks of the topographist. The hall was her guard-chamber, the dining-room her presence-chamber, and the gallery and adjoining rooms her private apartments. Her visit lasted five days, during which she was entertained with comedies, tragedies, orations, disputations, and other academical exercises. She personally visited every college, and is said to have been so pleased with the venerable, solemn, and scholastic appearance of Pembroke Hall, that she saluted it with the words-- "O Domus antiqua et religiosa!" * * * * * THE FIRST DISSENTER IN ENGLAND,