"An
excellent defence of the church," said Echo, "for which Eglantine
deserves to be inducted to a valuable benefice; suppose we adjourn
before the college gates are closed, and install him under the Mitre." A
proposition that met with a ready acquiescence from all present.{33}
33 The genius of wit, mirth, and social enjoyment, can never
find more sincere worshippers than an Oxford wine-party
seated round the festive board; here the sallies of youth,
unchecked by care, the gaiety of hearts made glad with wine
and revelry, the brilliant flashes of genius, and the eye
beaming with delight, are found in the highest perfection.
The merits of the society to which the youthful aspirant for
fame and glory happens to belong often afford the embryo
poet the theme of his song. Impromptu parodies on old and
popular songs often add greatly to the enjoy-ment of the
convivial party. The discipline of the university prohibits
late hours; and the evenings devoted to enjoyment are not
often disgraced by excess.
[Illustration: page244]
~245~~
[Illustration: page245]
TOWN AND GOWN, AN OXFORD ROW.
Battle of the Togati and the Town-Raff--A Night-Scene in the
High-Street, Oxford--Description of the Combatants--Attack
of the Gunsmen upon the Mitre--Evolutions of the
Assailants--Manoeuvres of the Proctors and Bull Dogs--
Perilous Condition of Blackmantle and his associates,
Eglantine, Echo, and Transit--Snug Retreat of Lionise--The
High-Street after the Battle--Origin of the Argotiers, and
Invention of Cant-phrases--History of the Intestine Wars and
Civil Broils of Oxford, from the Time of Alfred--Origin of
the late Strife--Ancient Ballad--Retreat of the Togati--
Reflections of a Freshman--Black Matins, or the Effect of
late Drinking upon early Risers--Visit to Golgotha, or the
Place of Sculls--Lecture from the Big-Wigs--Tom Echo
receives Sentence of Rustication.
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