In April, 1840, by a special dispensation from the Duke of Wellington, then Chancellor of the University of Oxford, he was enabled to take his doctor's degree two years earlier than was allowed by the statutes. For this he composed his anthem, "The ways of Zion do mourn," which was cordially approved by Dr. Crotch, then Professor of Music at Oxford. On April 21st, before the degree was actually conferred, his anthem was performed in the music-room of Windsor Castle before the Queen, Prince Albert, the Duchess of Kent, and other distinguished persons.