Then the vessels are rattled on the table, while he slowly counts
three, with the precision of a military drum, then struck sharply
again three times, so that they touch the table all together, and
the meeting is opened or closed, as the case may be. The same
ceremony is performed when the health of any one is drunk by
the whole Korps. The principle is that on peaceful occasions
the drinking-cup takes the place of the rapier, and is used for
saluting and for combat, as the sword is used in the duel. To
give as much as is received is the object of both. As much as
one student drinks to another's health, so much must the others
drink in return. If two fall out in a discussion, the one may
challenge the other to a beer duel. The weapons are full
glasses, there is an umpire who gives the word, and he who
empties his glass the first is the conqueror. The president can
order any one to drink a certain quantity pro pcend, as a penalty
for breaking a known rule, and the fellows have the same privi-
lege in regard to the novices.
