The practice of thus distinguishing the rising talents of Eton is
somewhat ancient. We have before us a copy of verses dated 1620, in
which Waller, the poet, and other celebrated characters of his time, are
particularised. At a still more recent period, during the mastership
of the celebrated Doctor Barnard, the present earl of Carlisle, whose
classical taste is universally admitted, distinguished himself not less
than his compeers, by some very elegant lines: those on the late Right
Hon. C. J. Fox we are induced to extract as a strong proof of the noble
earl's early penetration and foresight.
"How will my Fox, alone, by strength of parts.
Shake the loud senate, animate the hearts
Of fearful statesmen? while around you stand
Both Peers and Commons listening your command.
~77~~
While _Tully's_ sense its weight to you affords,
His nervous sweetness shall adorn your words.
What praise to Pitt,{1} to Townshend, e'er was due,
In future times, my Pox, shall wait on you."
At a subsequent period, the leading characters of the school were
spiritedly drawn in a periodical newspaper, called the World, then
edited by Major Topham, and the Rev. Mr. East, who is still, I believe,
living, and preaches occasionally at Whitehall.
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