76 
PROFESSOR OWEN 
CH. III. 
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 
