Tyro. Look, who are those with those flowing hoods?
VI. The Disputation—1. The Praeses.
Spud. Let us go down. They are “batalarii,” going to the disputation.
Tyro. Please lead us thither.
Spud. Step in, but quietly and reverently. Uncover your head and watch attentively all, one by one, for there is a discussion beginning on weighty matters which will conduce greatly to one’s knowledge. That one whom you see sitting alone in the highest seat is the president (praeses) of the disputation and the judge of the disputes, so to say, the Agonotheta. His first duty is to appoint the place for each of the contenders, lest there should be any disorder or confusion, if one or other should want to take precedence.
Tyro. What is the meaning of the skin-covering of his toga?
Spud. It is his doctor’s robe, the emblem of his position and dignity. He is a man of whom there are few so learned, who, by the choice of the candidates in theology, carried off the first prize, and by the most learned of the faculty is regarded as the first among them.
Tyro. They say that Bardus was the first choice in his year.
Spud. He beat all his competitors by canvassing and craft, not by his knowledge.