[1] Ibid., 267.
Such a picture would perhaps be overdrawn. Young
Oxford was not always quiet, or whole-heartedly studious.
The liberal regulations seem to have been liable to abuse.
Students soiled and damaged the books. The little room
was more than full: it was overcrowded with scholars, and
with "throngs of visitors" who disturbed the readers.
After 1412 only graduates and religious who had studied
philosophy for eight years could enter the library, and
while there they must be robed. Even such mature
students had to make solemn oath, in the Chancellor's
presence, to use the books properly: make no erasures or
blots, or otherwise spoil the precious writing.[1] Under these
regulations the library was open from nine to eleven in the
morning, and from one to four in the afternoon, Sundays
and mass days excepted. Strangers of eminence and the
Chancellor could pay a visit at any time by daylight. The
chaplain, who was to be a man of parts, of proved
morality and uprightness, now received 106s. 8d. a year.
The Proctors were bound to pay this stipend half-yearly,
with punctuality, or be fined the heavy sum of forty
shillings: the chaplain, it is explained, must have no
grievance to nurse--no ground for carrying out his duties
in a slovenly or perfunctory manner.
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