No one has ever beheld such outbreaks among the students! It is the accursed inventions of this century that are ruining everything,--artilleries, bombards, and, above all, printing, that other German pest.

No more manuscripts, no more books! printing will kill bookselling.

It is the end of the world that is drawing nigh." "I see that plainly, from the progress of velvet stuffs," said the fur-merchant.
At this moment, midday sounded.
"Ha!" exclaimed the entire crowd, in one voice.
The scholars held their peace.

Then a great hurly-burly ensued; a vast movement of feet, hands, and heads; a general outbreak of coughs and handkerchiefs; each one arranged himself, assumed his post, raised himself up, and grouped himself.

Then came a great silence; all necks remained outstretched, all mouths remained open, all glances were directed towards the marble table.