Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1998 09:53:29 -0500 (EST) From: Tar Zan Strikes Subject: BLAGUES-L: The Rules At Cambridge Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1998 21:40:19 -0700 From: "E.W. Smith" Cakes and Ale Here is a true story someone found regarding exams at the University of Cambridge. It seems that during an examination one day a bright young student popped up and asked the proctor to bring him Cakes and Ale. The following dialog ensued: Proctor: I beg your pardon? Student: Sir, I request that you bring me Cakes and Ale. Proctor: Certainly not. No. Have I made myself clear? Student: Sir, I really must insist. I request and require that you bring me Cakes and Ale. At this point, the student produced a copy of the four hundred year old Laws of Cambridge, written in Latin and still nominally in effect, and pointed to the section which read (roughly translated): "Gentlemen sitting examinations may request and require Cakes and Ale." Pepsi and hamburgers were judged the modern equivalent, and the student sat there, writing his examination and happily slurping away. Three weeks later, the student was fined five pounds for not wearing a sword to the examination.