Oration on the life of Aristotle, given by Philip Melanchthon at the graduation of the Masters, 1537

Your attendance at this graduation ceremony is most delightful to me, and, while I am delighted by your observance, I also approve of your judgement that you indicate that you think well of this public custom. Although this ceremony contains some childish games, you know nevertheless that the degrees themselves are established by very weighty counsel, so that the order of studying be appointed and the young be attracted to a fixed order of studies. Certainly for us in this school it happens that those who strive for a degree dedicate themselves with greater diligence to the study of philosophy; for that reason we gladly preserve degrees. Furthermore it is proper for a mind which does not shrink from humanity to esteem and love the harmony of orders, which also brings the greatest benefits to the state. Finally, what is more beautiful than the multitude of the assemblies in which men of outstanding intellect, learning and virtue get together to hear in what studies the young are engaged and what progress they make, and the young are advised on many great things whose knowledge is most useful for life? If there were gladiatorial games, or exotic merchandise, or if wild beasts were displayed for show, what assemblies of men would there be in the whole town?