Joseph Fredersdorf was quite right in saying that the professors awaited the decision of the General Assembly with proud confidence.  It did not occur to them that it might be unfavorable to their wishes.  A public disturbance had arisen between the students, occasioned by a performance in the theatre; this was a sufficient cause for the banishment of the actors.  An account of the riot had been already forwarded by the Senate of the University to the General Assembly, and the worthy gentlemen who composed this body did not doubt the fulfilment of their request, that the actors should be removed from Halle.

President Franke received with the utmost composure the official dispatch, containing the decision of the General Assembly, and called an immediate meeting of the Senate for its perusal.  Whilst awaiting the opening of the meeting, Professor Heinrich was expressing to his friend, Professor Bierman, his impatience to know the contents of this dispatch.

“I am not at all impatient,” replied Bierman.  “I am convinced the decision will be perfectly satisfactory to us; in fact, that it commands the departure of these actors from our city.”

“Have you no doubts?  Do you not fear that the king, in his hatred for the theologians, and his admiration for these comedians, may decide in their favor rather than in ours?”

“Dear friend, such a doubt would be unworthy the dignity of our position.  The king, seeing that the matter has gone so far, must decide in our favor.  And here is our worthy president; look at his proud and cheerful aspect, and judge whether the document he holds in his hand can be unfavorable.”

“He does, indeed, seem contented,” answered Professor Heinrich, as he and his friend moved forward to meet the president.

With great solemnity the senators proceeded to take their seats in the arm-chairs which encircled a high table standing in the centre of the room.

After a moment’s silence the president addressed them:  “Worthy friends and colleagues, I have to announce to you that the hour has at length arrived which is to end all the doubts and cares that have oppressed our hearts for many months.  We have had a bitter struggle; we have striven to preserve the honor of our university and the well-being of the youth committed to our care.  The men who work with such noble motives must eventually triumph.”

“The decision is, then, in our favor?” asked Professor Heinrich, no longer able to subdue his impatient curiosity.  “Your excellency has already read the dispatch of the General Assembly, and are acquainted with its contents.”

“I have not read it, and I do not know its contents.  But I rely upon our worthy cause, and the king’s sense of justice.  These comedians were the occasion of a public disturbance—­it is, therefore, proper that they should be punished.  As justice is on our side, I cannot doubt the result.  I have not read this dispatch, for I considered it more in accordance with the dignity of this body that the seal should be broken in your presence, and I now beg that you, Professor Bierman, as the secretary of the Senate, will read to us this dispatch from the General Assembly.”