Professor Sumichrast's Third Lecture

Professor F. C. de Sumichrast gave his third lecture on "Versailles" last evening in the Lecture Room of the Fogg Museum, taking for his subject "The State Ceremonials and the Court Festivals."

Professor Sumichrast began by describing some of the most important ceremonies connected with the administration of justice, the bestowal of knight-hood, and other important functions, all carried out with unusual magnificence. The visits of foreign potentates, especially, were made the occasion of displays which had never before been equalled. All these exhibitions of power caused in the people an almost idolatrous worship of their sovereign, and marvellous powers were attributed to him. People flocked from all parts of the world to be cured of diseases by his touch.

Louis XIV gave a large number of entertainments of every description. Plays and ballets were numerous, and in his younger days he often took part in them himself. In 1664, 1668, and 1674 entertainments were given which surpassed in magnificence anything that had been witnessed in Europe. In one case there were ten days of continuous gaiety of every description.

The last lecture of the series, tomorrow evening, will treat of the passing of the splendor of Versailles.