It could not be the result of confidence on my part, for
no poor fellow ever felt more abashed upon a first entrance; and must
therefore only be attributable to that indescribable condescension of
easy intercourse which is the sure characteristic of a superior mind.
~124~~ After inquiring who was to be my tutor, and finding I was not yet
fixed in that particular, I was requested to construe one of the easiest
passages in the AEneid; my next task was to read a few paragraphs of
monkish Latin from a little white book, which I found contained the
university statutes: having acquitted myself in this to the apparent
satisfaction of the doctor, he next proceeded to give me his advice upon
my future conduct and pursuits in the university; remarked that his old
friend, my father, could not have selected a more unfortunate person to
usher me into notice: that his habits were those of a recluse, and his
associations confined almost within the walls of his own college; but
that his good wishes for the son of an old friend and schoolfellow
would, on this occasion, induce him to present me, in person, to the
principal of Brazennose, of whom he took occasion to speak in the
highest possible terms. Having ordered me a sandwich and a glass of wine
for my refreshment, he left me to adjust his dress, preparatory to our
visit to the dignitary.
Pages:
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177