[65] The proposal to recognise as students those who had matriculated, but lodged in the city of Dublin, is as old as Bedell’s time, who favours it. _Cf._ _College Calendar_ for 1833, Introd., p. xxvi. [Illustration: (Decorative chapter heading)] CHAPTER III. THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY UP TO 1758. _Nec conclusisti me in manibus inimici: statuisti in loco spatioso pedes meos_.--PS. XXX. 9. The great expansion of the College about the time of its first Centenary seems to have been rather the effect of circumstances than of a strong and able government. The Provosts were perpetually being promoted to Bishoprics, and were in any case not very remarkable men. Nevertheless, the Centenary was celebrated with great pomp, and in a manner widely different from that which is now in fashion at such feasts. Almost the whole day was occupied with various orations in praise of founders or of the studies of the place. We do not hear that any visitors but the local grandees of Dublin attended, nor is there any detail concerning the entertainment of the body, after the weariness inflicted upon the mind, of the audience. There may possibly be some details still concealed in the College Register, the publication of which among our historical records is earnestly to be desired. Dr. Stubbs (pp. 136-8) prints the following:-- In the morning there were the customary prayers in the Chapel and a sermon. At 2 p.m., after a musical instrumental performance, an oration was made by Peter Browne, F.T.C., containing a panegyric in honour of Queen Elizabeth: “Deus nobis hæc otia fecit.” Dominus Maude, Fellow Commoner, followed with a Carmen Seculare in Latin hexameters-- “Aspice venturo lætentur ut omnia seclo ... sequitur ramis insignis olivæ.” Then Benjamin Pratt, F.T.C., followed with praise of King James the First: “Munificentissimi Academiæ auctoris;” “pariter pietate vel armis egregii.” George Carr, F.T.C., commemorated the Chancellors of the University during the preceding century-- “Nec nos iterum meminisse pigebit Elissæ.” Sir Richard Gethinge, Bart., followed with an English poem in memory of the illustrious founder of the College. Robert Mossom, F.T.C., delivered a Latin oration in praise of Charles the First and Charles the Second-- “Heu pietas, heu prisca fides ... ... Amavit nos quoque Daphnis.” Then followed a recitation of some pastoral verses by Dr. Tighe and Dr. Denny, Fellow Commoners, bearing upon the revival of the University by William and Mary-- “Jam fides et pax, et honor pudorque Priscus, et neglecta redire Virtus Audet.” A thanksgiving ode was then sung, accompanied by instrumental music. A grateful commemoration of the benefits which the City of Dublin had conferred upon the University, by Richard Baldwin, F.T.C.-- “Laudabunt alii claram Rhodon aut Mitylenen.”