Page:Convocation Addresses of the Universities of Bombay and Madras.djvu/320

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
1864.—Mr. E. Thompson.
27

And may you all, of whatsoever degree and in whatsoever faculty, never forget this; that the University has Committed her honor to the keeping of each and every one of you. No one individual can be guilty of a mean or ignoble action without in some measure casting a tarnish on the lustre of his University; and it may be that hereafter, if ever you should be tempted to swerve from the broad straight path of honor and truth and duty, the recollection of this fact, even if you had no higher or better angel to turn to, may save you from peril in the hour of temptation. Temptations you must all have; that you may not fail nor quail before them is our earnest hope. The University which has accredited you with her degrees, will affectionately but scrutinously watch over your careers, now that she sends you forth from the calm halls of academic learning into the fierce struggle of the real battle of life. Her interest in you does not now cease; it has only commenced: for your association with the University dates from this day: she will hear, from time to time, with pride and pleasure of your success; and she bids you, through me, one and all, ride on in honor and prosperity.



SEVENTH CONVOCATION.

(By E. Thompson, Esq., M.A.)

Gentlemen,—Having been desired by the Chancellor to deliver at this Convocation the customary address to the Graduates, I have to ask your attention for a few minutes while I attempt to discharge the duty which has been assigned to me. I am unfortunate in having to follow the many able men and eloquent speakers who have represented the Senate on former occasions; so much has been said and so well said on various subjects more or less connected with University education, that it is difficult to say any thing new, and I shall therefore confine myself strictly to the duty prescribed by the University, that of exhorting you to conduct yourselves suitably to the position you have attained. Advice to Graduates in Law. classes individually. To begin with the Graduates in Law. You have before you a most honourable career indeed; I can hardly imagine a more important mission than the one to which you are called.