Subject: Classic PackyHumor: Cakes and Ale
Date: Wed, Mar 28 2001 00:00:02 EST

Original-Date: Wed, 12 Nov 1997

SmileyMail from way back. I know I've sent this out as well, but it's not in the archives, so I guess a second time won't hurt (and yes, Doug, I know this is your favorite one).

PackyNote: while this story claims to be true, I have no evidence supporting this claim. To me, it's just a cool story...

Addendum: One of my fraternity brothers, DJ, emailed me the addresses for "Urban Legends Reference Pages: College (Cakes and Ale)" and his favorite commentary on the legend.

Here is a true story someone found regarding exams at Cambridge University. It seems that during an examination one day a bright young student popped up and asked the proctor to bring him Cakes and Ale. The following dialog ensued:

Proctor:I beg your pardon?
Student:Sir, I request that you bring me Cakes and Ale.
Proctor:Sorry, no.
Student:Sir, I really must insist. I request and require that you bring me Cakes and Ale.
At this point, the student produced a copy of the four hundred year old Laws of Cambridge, written in Latin and still nominally in effect, and pointed to the section which read (rough translation from the Latin):

"Gentlemen sitting examinations may request and require Cakes and Ale".
Cola and hamburgers were judged the modern equivalent, and the student sat there, writing his examination and happily slurping away.

Three weeks later the student was fined five pounds for not wearing a sword to the examination.

Paul Pitzer carries a sword wherever he goes... just in case.

Smileymail: some people get it. (sm)