The first song which concerns the Order of Wandering Students in
general has been attributed to the Archipoeta or head-bard of the
guild. Whoever this poet may have been, it is to him that we owe the
_Confession of Golias_, by far the most spirited composition of the
whole Goliardic species. I do not think the style of the poem on the
Order, though it belongs to a good period, justifies our ascribing it
to so inspired and genial a lyrist.
The argument runs as follows. Just as commission was given to the
Apostles to go forth and preach in the whole world, so have the
Wandering Students a vocation to travel, and to test the hearts of men
wherever they may sojourn. A burlesque turn is given to this function
of the _Vagi_. Yet their consciousness of a satiric mission, their
willingness to pose as critics of society from the independent
vantage-ground of vagabondage, seems seriously hinted at.
The chief part of the song is devoted to a description of the
comprehensive nature of the Order, which receives all sorts and
conditions of men, and makes no distinction of nationality. The
habitual poverty of its members, their favourite pastimes and vices,
their love of gaming and hatred of early rising, are set forth with
some humour.