I can almost fancy that I hear the rattle of
the carriage wheels, and see the four horses smoking beneath the
lodge-window of Eton college, that conveys the provost of King's to
attend examination and election. Then too I can figure the classic band
who wait to
~52~~
receive him; the dignified little doctor leading the way, followed
by the steady, calm-visaged lower master, Carter; then comes benedict
Yonge, and after him a space intervenes, where one should have been of
rare qualities, but he is absent; then follows good-humoured Heath, and
Knapp, who loves the rattle of a coach, and pleasant, clever Hawtry, and
careful Okes, and that shrewd sapper, Green, followed by medium Dupuis,
and the intelligent Chapman: these form his classic escort to the
cloisters. But who shall paint the captain's envied feelings, the proud
triumph of his assiduity and skill? To him the honourable office of
public orator is assigned; with modest reverence he speaks the Latin
oration, standing, as is the custom from time immemorial, under the
clock. There too he receives the bright reward, the approbation of
the Provost of King's college, and the procession moves forward to the
College-hall to partake of the generous banquet. On Sunday the Provost
of King's remains a guest with his compeer of Eton.
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