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 Now in the iron mandate from Madrid Saw failure blight his hopes, and Santa Cruz Eclipsed, through imposition unforeseen Of Suarez de Toledo—only half A monk!—a fledgling doctor in the Schools!— And Frei Egidio unsleeping schemed To check the rising of this Spanish star Within Coimbra,—and his henchmen went Stealthy and sure to sow malignant seed To choke the Hapsburg's new autocracy. Stately was Frei Egidio, robust, Swarthy and smooth his cheek; his raven locks Piling about his tonsure in a crown. Dark flashed his eye whene'er he rose to cast His syllogistic spear across the lists, Where many a mighty crest Minerva-crowned Was forced to yield, or learnt the rapier thrust Of his distinguo and non-sequiter. Still more he shone when in procession moved The doctors, masters, and licentiates, With tufted caps, and rainbow gowns, and stoles, And ring, and book across the steeps and squares, While gallant youths pressed round on horse or foot Holding his robe or stirrup through the town— The Catedratico da Vespera. But now this little shrivelled man sent out From Salamanca,—Philip's paragon!— To rule Coimbra in theology!— One of Loyola's strange and restless band In the Collegio de Jesus,—reproach To every gorgeous doctor in the halls. 'Twas true he hid away within his house, Came seldom to the festival or Acts,