As many of the students learn music, and as the music master resides on the spot-and is thus enabled to "lead" the band-we may infer that the profane model which suggests the main idea is faithfully imitated: the overture and the interludes calling forth the plaudits of a delighted audience. The friends of the students are invited to be present on such occasions, and are most liberally entertained by the authorities.

66

Doubtless these Jesuit-theatres-for they were open" in most of the Society's colleges in former times-present the beau idéal of the theatre: as far, at least, as the morality of the thing is concerned; and if the Jesuits had the good sense to attempt the reality of the thing, rather than its mockery in the religious "mysteries" of old, their good taste and artistic consistency would be incontestible.

I must leave other discussions arising out of this delicate sensual gratification afforded by "religious men," to be settled by my intelligent readers; contenting myself with the opinion, that there was much in it, as in most things Jesuitical, to captivate the multitude: and surely if the Jesuits are not decidedly honest in their motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam, they may be so in their standing rule to weep or laugh, to whine or smile, as occasion suits, ad captandum vulgus.

A curious anecdote was related to me, to the effect that a popular actor, whose son was educated at Stonyhurst, expressly desired that the youth alluded to should not be permitted to take a part in the

theatricals, fearing lest he might imbibe a taste for that profession. When informed of this, it struck me as "a palpable hit:" a hint to the reverend fathers, that the thing was not exactly consistentat least when carried out to the extent which prevails, or prevailed, at Stonyhurst.

It may be proper to mention that ecclesiastics of the Roman Church are positively forbidden by the canons, to be present at any theatrical exhibition. Truly there may be a distinction drawn between public and private exhibitions of the sort; but I certainly never could have imagined that "dispensations" might extend, in this matter, to "a priest of the Church:" which, however, I can state as a fact. On entering one of the great London theatres, a few years ago, I met such a priest issuing from "the house of scandal;" and on expressing my astonishment to this gentleman (who was an old acquaintance, and not a Jesuit) he told me with evident peace of mind and quiet of conscience, that the "bishop" had given him a "dispensation" in order to perfect himself in the practice of elocution!.... Here, it is clear, the end justified-may I not say, sanctified?-the means.

To show how necessary this dispensation was to my young friend in "pursuit of knowledge under difficulties," I must inform the reader that the canonical penalty for such a transgression is excommunication ipso facto!... But the frail omnipotence of Rome-with its ever-varying unchangeableness, its limping, halting, infallibility-what will it not

As many of the students learn music, and as the music master resides on the spot—and is thus enabled to "lead" the band-we may infer that the profane model which suggests the main idea is faithfully imitated: the overture and the interludes calling forth the plaudits of a delighted audience. The friends of the students are invited to be present on such occasions, and are most liberally entertained by the authorities.

Doubtless these Jesuit-theatres-for they were "open" in most of the Society's colleges in former times-present the beau idéal of the theatre: as far, at least, as the morality of the thing is concerned; and if the Jesuits had the good sense to attempt the reality of the thing, rather than its mockery in the religious mysteries" of old, their good taste and artistic consistency would be incontestible.

I must leave other discussions arising out of this delicate sensual gratification afforded by "religious men," to be settled by my intelligent readers; contenting myself with the opinion, that there was much in it, as in most things Jesuitical, to captivate the multitude: and surely if the Jesuits are not decidedly honest in their motto, Ad majorem Dei gloriam, they may be so in their standing rule to weep or laugh, to whine or smile, as occasion suits, ad captandum vulgus.

A curious anecdote was related to me, to the effect that a popular actor, whose son was educated at Stonyhurst, expressly desired that the youth alluded to should not be permitted to take a part in the

theatricals, fearing lest he might imbibe a taste for that profession. When informed of this, it struck me as "a palpable hit:" a hint to the reverend fathers, that the thing was not exactly consistent— at least when carried out to the extent which prevails, or prevailed, at Stonyhurst.

It may be proper to mention that ecclesiastics of the Roman Church are positively forbidden by the canons, to be present at any theatrical exhibition. Truly there may be a distinction drawn between public and private exhibitions of the sort; but I certainly never could have imagined that "dispensations" might extend, in this matter, to "a priest of the Church:" which, however, I can state as a fact. On entering one of the great London theatres, a few years ago, I met such a priest issuing from "the house of scandal;" and on expressing my astonishment to this gentleman (who was an old acquaintance, and not a Jesuit) he told me with evident peace of mind and quiet of conscience, that the "bishop" had given him a "dispensation" in order to perfect himself in the practice of elocution! . . . . Here, it is clear, the end justified-may I not say, sanctified?-the means.

To show how necessary this dispensation was to my young friend in "pursuit of knowledge under difficulties," I must inform the reader that the canonical penalty for such a transgression is excommunication ipso facto!... But the frail omnipotence of Rome with its ever-varying unchangeableness, its limping, halting, infallibility-what will it not

concede to expediency, if we only cease to be heretics!*

All the regular masters at Stonyhurst are Jesuits, either in orders or destined for the priesthood. The students are never left to themselves: an official, commonly called "prefect," is their constant attendant, whether in the common room of resort, on the play-ground, or walking in the vicinity on play-days.

The strictest regularity prevails throughout the establishment. The students rise at an early hour, attend mass, and proceed to the "study-place," where they prepare for their respective schools or classes. No talking is permitted in proceeding from place to place, nor in the dormitory or public sleeping-room, nor in the refectory or eating-room: where signs-manual interpret the silent cravings of the stomach. During dinner and supper some book is read by a student appointed for the purpose, in accordance with one of the rules of the Novitiate, viz., that "whilst the body is refitted, the soul, too, may have her food." The usual mode of correction is the rod; but never severely administered; for flagrant misdemeanours expulsion is reserved. But the confessional obviates, in a great measure, the necessity for the lash. Obedience that talisman to all who are connected with the Jesuits is inculcated with awful solemnity; and the example of

―

* Clement XIV. received some indirect compliments from Voltaire very kindly he enjoyed his joke and told him, through his old friend the Cardinal de Berris, that he would willingly take him to his heart if he would end by becoming a good Capuchin.-Saint-Priest, Chûte des Jes.