MARLBOROUGH COLLEGE. i\ 



perfect silence reigned, he demanded in stentorian tones, that, what 

 he was pleased to denominate " College ale," should be furnished 

 him forthwith. 



On that a lackey who had been waiting for his cue outside, 

 appeared, with a jug and glass upon a tray. What an exciting 

 scene that was to us, as the Councillor held the glass, now filled 

 with ale, carefully to the light, scanning it narrowly with one eye 

 closed, to make quite sure no flies, or small deer of any kind were 

 meandering there. Having satisfied himself thus far, he applied the 

 potion to his nose ; and then a smile lit up his countenance, such 

 as we may suppose, stole over the face of the jolly god when first 

 he heard an ode of Horace recited in his honour. Then he poured 

 the glass of College ale down his throat, passed his hand over his 

 waistcoat to make sure it was safe inside, and gazing blandly round 

 amid the breathless silence of us all, he said "'that during the entire 

 course of an honourable career he had never tasted a more excellent 

 glass of ale, than that which we had seen him now imbibe." 



Of course no evidence was forthcoming, whether the ale, so highly 

 praised, came from our cask, or whether the saying, * In vino Veritas, 

 could fairly be applied to him. 



But I have wandered from the first entertainment at the College. 

 Besides the tea, which I declined to drink, bread and butter was 

 provided, but in such limited supply, that everyone was clamorous 

 for more, and as there was no bell or other means of communication 

 with the pantry, some hungry forward boy began to stamp his 

 feet, an example which was quickly followed by us all. When this 

 exercise had been carried on for some little time, a man, whom 

 subsequently we knew as the College baker, put in an appearance, 

 and greeted us with a sleepy smile of satisfaction, evidently at our 

 appreciation of his wares. But when his paper cap and unkempt 

 look, drew forth comments not wholly complimentary to himself, he 

 stood eyeing us with a look which evidently he intended to be one of 



* This means, that a man " in beer," will speak the truth. But I agree with Dr. Johnson, and should 

 decline the acquaintance of a " fellow " who must be made drunk, before I could believe a word he sayst. 



