After a variety of conjectures and
vague reports, each at variance with the other, and evidently deficient
in the most remote connexion with the true cause of the strife, it was
agreed to submit the question to the waiter, as a neutral observer, who
assured us that the whole affair arose out of a trifling circumstance,
originating with some mischievous boys, who, having watched two gownsmen
into a cyprian temple in the neighbourhood of Saint Thomas, circulated a
false report that they had carried thither the wives of two respectable
mechanics. Without taking the trouble to inquire into the truth or
falsehood of the accusation, the door was immediately beset; the old
cry of Town and Gown vociferated in every direction; and the unfortunate
wights compelled to seek their safety by an ignominious flight through a
back door and over the meadows. The tumult once raised, it was not to be
appeased without some victim, and for this purpose they thought proper
to attack a party of the _togati_, who were returning home from a little
private sport with a well-known fancy lecturer: the opportunity was
a good one to show-off, a regular fight commenced, and the raff were
floored in every direction, until their numbers increasing beyond all
7 The highly respected and learned head-master of Eton
College.
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