The foundation scholars sleep in the
dormitory, a building erected from the design and under the
superintendence of the celebrated Earl of Burlington, in the
reign of George the First; and in this place the annual
theatrical exhibitions take place; the scenery and
arrangements having been contrived under the direction of
Mr. Garrick, were presented by Archbishop Markham, the
former master of the school. The king's scholars are distin-
guished from the town-boys, or independents, by a gown, cap,
and college waistcoat; they have their dinner in the hall,
but seldom take any other meal in college; they pay for
education and accommodation as the town-boys; eight of them
are generally elected at the end of the fourth year to the
colleges above-named; they have studentships at Oxford, and
scholarships at Cambridge; the former worth from forty to
sixty pounds per annum, but the latter of small beneficial
consideration. The scholars propose themselves for the
foundation by challenge, and contend with each other in
Latin and Greek every day for eight weeks successively, when
the eight at the head of the number are chosen according to
vacancies. This contest occasions the king's scholarships to
be much sought after, as it becomes the ground-work of
reputation, and incites desire to excel.
Pages:
579
580
581
582
583
584
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603