On the succeeding days the examinations of the collegers proceed
regularly; then follows the election of new candidates, and the severe
trial of those who stand for King's. These scholastic arrangements
generally conclude on the Wednesday night, or Thursday morning, and
then Pleasure mounts her variegated car, and drives wherever Fancy may
direct. Formerly I find seven or eight scholars went to King's;{*} but
in consequence of the fellows of Eton holding pluralities, the means are
impoverished, and the number consequently reduced to two or three:
this is the more to be regretted, on account of the very severe and
irrecoverable disappointment the scholars experience in losing
their election, merely on account of age; as at nineteen they are
superannuated, and cannot afterwards receive any essential benefit from
the college.
Not the blue waves of the Engia, covered with the gay feluccas of the
Greeks, and spreading their glittering streamers in the sun; nor the
more lovely
* This noble seminary of learning was founded by Hen. VI. in
1440. Its establishment was then on a limited scale; it has
long since been enlarged, and now consists of a provost,
vice-provost, six fellows, two schoolmasters, with their
assistants, seventy scholars, seven clerks, and ten
choristers, besides various inferior officers and servants.
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