76 PROFESSOR OWEN ch. in. 



was the influence of old Keate's countenance, 

 that, whichever way he turned, the unacademic 

 handkerchiefs were whipped off or hidden by the 

 brim of the hat. George felt averse to being 

 seen in a place not appropriated to visitors, so he 

 stooped behind the boys, and I sat down to be 

 out of sight. Keate, however, espied me in that 

 posture, and thinking it was an oppidan, said 

 sharply, " Sit up, sir ; sit up, sir !" At which I 

 gathered myself gradually high above the rest, 

 like long Tom Coffin, to the great amusement of 

 the lads, who laughed heartily both at the Head- 

 master, who looked a little confused, and myself. 

 This amused George very much. At length, the 

 middle alley being cleared, the Head-master and 

 the rest walked out to prepare for the reception 

 of their illustrious visitors. Two of the College 

 porters, with staves crossed, blocked up the en- 

 trance, by which the scholars and ourselves had 

 come in. Soon after, the trumpets and roll of the 

 carriages announced the royal party's arrival. 

 We had by this time insinuated ourselves within 

 one bench of the middle alley, and very near the 

 open space, so that we had the best possible 

 view of the King and Queen as they marched in 

 procession with the Court and the heads of the 

 College along the alley. His Majesty was re- 

 ceived with loud cheers from all the boys, and 

 waving of hats, which he graciously returned 

 before he sat down. The Queen took her seat a 



