The biographer of Mr. Robert Treat Paine, referring to the poem noticed in the above memorandum, says:  “The 21st of every June, till of late years, has been the day on which the members of the Senior Class closed their collegiate studies, and retired to make preparations for the ensuing Commencement.  On this day it was usual for one member to deliver an oration, and another a poem; such members being appointed by their classmates.  The Valedictory Poem of Mr. Paine, a tender, correct, and beautiful effusion of feeling and taste, was received by the audience with applause and tears.”  In another place he speaks on the same subject, as follows:  “The solemnity which produced this poem is extremely interesting; and, being of ancient date, it is to be hoped that it may never fall into disuse.  His affection for the University Mr. Paine cherished as one of his most sacred principles.  Of this poem, Mr. Paine always spoke as one of his happiest efforts.  Coming from so young a man, it is certainly very creditable, and promises more, I fear, than the untoward circumstances of his after life would permit him to perform.”—­Paine’s Works, Ed. 1812, pp. xxvii., 439.

It was always customary, near the close of the last century, for those who bore the honors of Class Day, to treat their friends according to the style of the time, and there was scarcely a graduate who did not provide an entertainment of such sort as he could afford.  An account of the exercises of the day at this period may not be uninteresting.  It is from the Diary which is above referred to.

“20th (Thursday).  This day for special reasons the valedictory poem and oration were performed.  The order of the day was this.  At ten, the class walked in procession to the President’s, and escorted him, the Professors, and Tutors, to the Chapel, preceded by the band playing solemn music.

“The President began with a short prayer.  He then read a chapter in the Bible; after this he prayed again; Cutler then delivered his poem.  Then the singing club, accompanied by the band, performed Williams’s Friendship.  This was succeeded by a valedictory Latin Oration by Jackson.  We then formed, and waited on the government to the President’s, where we were very respectably treated with wine, &c.

“We then marched in procession to Jackson’s room, where we drank punch.  At one we went to Mr. Moore’s tavern and partook of an elegant entertainment, which cost 6/4 a piece.  Marching then to Cutler’s room, we shook hands, and parted with expressing the sincerest tokens of friendship.”  June, 1793.

The incidents of Class Day, five years subsequent to the last date, are detailed by Professor Sidney Willard, and may not be omitted in this connection.