The English Spy, page 48 by Bernard Blackmantle
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had wrinkled her forehead, 'tis true; Yet her countenance beam'd in a rich, mellow hue Of good humour and worth; 'twas a pleasure to mark How the dame was applauded by each Eton spark.
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MISS b*******K.
Long and loud were the plaudits the lady to cheer, Whom the doctor had treated somewhat cavalier: "Too young," said the ancient, "the proverb is trite; Age and wisdom, good doctor, not always unite." "For prudence and worth," said Truth, "I'll be bound She may challenge the Dames of old Eton around."
A crowd pressing forward, the day growing late, Truth whisper'd the Muse, "we had better retreat; For though 'mong the dames we are free from disasters, I know not how well we may fare with the masters. There's Carter, and Yonge, Knapp, Green, and Dupuis,* All coming this way with their ladies, I see. Our visit, you know, was alone to the belles; The masters may sing, if they please, of themselves. Truth mounted a cloud, and the Poet his nag, And these whims sent next day by the post-office bag.
* Lower, and assistant masters, who keep boarding-houses. Until lately this practice was not permitted; but it must be confessed that it is a salutary arrangement, as it not only tends to keep the youth in a better state of subjection, but in many instances is calculated to increase their progress in study, by enabling them to receive private instruction.
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[Illustration: page049]
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ELECTION SATURDAY.
A Peep at the Long Chambers--The Banquet--Reflections on parting--Arrival of the Provost of King's College, Cambridge, and the Pozers--The Captain's Oration--Busy Monday--The Oppidan's Farewell--Examination and Election of the Collegers who stand for King's--The aquatic Gala and Fireworks--Oxonian Visitors--Night--Rambles in Eton-- Transformations of Signs and Names--The Feast at the Christopher, with a View of THE OPPIDAN'S MUSEUM, AND ETON COURT OF CLAIMS.
Now from the schools pour forth a num'rous train, Light-hearted