Page:Augusta Seaman--Jacqueline of the carrier pigeons.djvu/316

290 else it was in his power to bestow, for it was neither more nor less than a University,

Accordingly, the University of Leyden, destined in after years to be so illustrious,  was endowed with a rich sum of money, and  provided with professors and instructors, the  most learned and distinguished in all the  Netherlands. Among these was Dr. Cornellisen whose valuable personal services the Prince was never weary of praising. William of Orange declared that a professorship was all too poor a reward for such devotion,  but the doctor would accept of no other,  vowing that his ambition was completely  satisfied in being connected with such a wonderful institution of learning.

On the fifth of February, 1575, all preparations being completed, the solemn ceremony of consecrating the University was to take  place. It was to be a great day, and the whole city was on tip-toe of expectation in  consequence. The weather was perfect, and even though so early in the year, the