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armchairs covered with black leather, with three busts of Minos, Æacus,
and Rhadamanthus, in the wall above their heads, a table before them,
and at their feet a form for the accused.
Ursus, introduced by a tipstaff, of placid but severe expression,
entered, perceived the doctors, and immediately in his own mind, gave to
each of them the name of the judge of the infernal regions represented
by the bust placed above his head. Minos, the president, the
representative of theology, made him a sign to sit down on the form.
Ursus made a proper bow--that is to say, bowed to the ground; and
knowing that bears are charmed by honey, and doctors by Latin, he said,
keeping his body still bent respectfully,--
"
Tres faciunt capitulum!"
Then, with head inclined (for modesty disarms) he sat down on the form.
Each of the three doctors had before him a bundle of papers, of which he
was turning the leaves.
Minos began.
"
You speak in public?"
Yes," replied Ursus.
"
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