School-life at Winchester College

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION.

It is now nearly half a century since, full of hope and spirits, I made my appearance at Winchester College, when I entered the gates, proud of my position as the junior Wykehamist; and more than forty years have elapsed since I doffed my gown, and stepped forth into the outer world.

Times have changed since then, and perhaps in no place are the changes more marked than in the old school. I was there at a remarkable period, as, during my residence, important and much required improvements and alterations were commenced in the system of internal economy, discipline, and education, which have continually advanced to the present day, till at last, in the opinion of some who are well fitted to form a judgment, the operation has been so roughly carried on, that, together with the customs that required extirpation, some institutions have been rooted up which might as well have been allowed to remain.

Among the more beneficial changes I may mention the amelioration of the fagging system, from which many of the asperities were removed while I was in the position most capable of appreciating the benefit, and which since my departure has been still further improved. I consider mitigated fagging a valuable institution, and I think on this subject I can speak with authority, as when I entered I was junior in College, and during the whole five years that I was there I was always a fag, never having sufficiently advanced in the school to taste the sweets of power. When I went to Winchester the life of a junior was not made very pleasant to him for the first year or two. I attribute this principally to the following causes:—First and foremost, to the brutality of one or two boys; if any such now exist, as there were in my time, (which I doubt,) their opportunities and power of cruelty are so curtailed, and the feeling against such proceedings both abroad and in the school so much stronger, that their evil influence is reduced to a minimum. Secondly, to the monstrous system of fagging at dinner-time, and the atrocities therewith connected; the whole of which has been absolutely done away with. And, lastly, to the unlimited extent to which watching out at cricket, and kicking in at football, was carried; the former of which has now been reduced within reasonable limits, and the latter entirely abolished.

Some of my friends have expressed themselves amused with such of my school experiences as I have occasionally recited to them, and have from time to time urged me to publish them. I do not think I should ever have carried out the suggestion, had not circumstances occurred which induced me, in 1860, to take up my quarters at Winchester for some weeks, when I was naturally led to frequent my old haunts; and this brought many long-forgotten scenes, thoughts, faces, and words so vividly to my recollection, that I found a real pleasure and interest in noting them down. Whether any one will take either pleasure or interest in reading my notes when published, is perhaps doubtful; yet I know that, when I was a boy at College, we were eager for any information about the former manners and customs of the old place; and it is to the boys especially that I address myself; and I hope that if this little book falls into the hands of any of the juniors, they will derive some comfort from the thought that although they may consider their own lives rather hard, others have passed through far severer trials than theirs, unscathed, and can yet look back to the time of their juniorship with interest and regret. If I fail in interesting them it must be my own fault, as, whatever my deficiencies in style and expression, I cannot plead want of knowledge of my subject; I think also that I am impartial; I respect my old school, and if I had boys, and could get them into it, I would send them there; but I am not the least inclined to cry it up at the expense of other similar establishments, of which I have had no experience. I am certain, however, that there is no school where, at the present day, the authorities take a more personal and careful interest in the moral and physical wellbeing of the boys; and this is rendered more practicable at Winchester than at most other public schools, owing to the number being limited to about two hundred, instead of being allowed to expand till it becomes rather a cluster of small schools than one solid establishment.[1]

If any of my own contemporaries ever glance over these pages, I hope they will experience a pleasure in having some scenes brought again before their minds’ eye with which they were once familiar, but of which the remembrance had become fainter and fainter, as they have gradually been shadowed over by the duties and struggles of after-life; though I fear that any such satisfaction will be damped by the feeling of how much better they might have been described by an abler pen.[2] I cannot expect that my book will be noticed by anybody except Wykehamists, yet, in case it should ever attract the notice of any one who is altogether unacquainted with Winchester, I have given a description of the geography of the buildings (in chap, ii.) and the institutions of the school, lacking which the book would have been entirely without meaning to them;—all such dissertations the Wykehamist will, of course, skip. I have, however, omitted giving any account of the history, antiquities, and architecture of the College, all of which have been amply described in several works with which Wykehamists are very well acquainted, and which others can easily procure if they desire any such information. I simply propose as my task some account of the inner life of the boys as it was, “Consule Planco,” illustrated by a picture of the trials and amusements of a junior.

As I remarked above, I think fagging on the whole a laudable institution. Some of the stories here related may not perhaps seem to put it in a very pleasant light; but it must be remembered always, that it is much mitigated at present, and also that, in a light and somewhat gossiping production like this, there is more movement and life in such anecdotes than in a relation of the ordinary kindnesses shown by the bigger to the lesser boys; certainly, I have a more lasting general recollection of benefits received than of cruelties suffered; and in after-life, in the rough struggles of the world, happy is he who has gone through such a training. Here there is no tuft-hunting—wealth and rank have little influence, if the heart is not open and hand skilful. A boy learns to help himself, not to be disheartened in difficulties, and to be prepared for any emergency; and withal a keen sense of honour, friendly rivalry, and patriotic feeling, is continually kept in action. Commend me in a row, moral or physical, to your public schoolman: in the former case, he will very probably be endowed with the judgment, decision, and self-reliance so necessary in such an emergency; and in the latter, he will be likely to stand firm, and know the use of his left hand as well as his right, and when, where, and how to bring both into play.

CHAPTER II. OF THE LOCUS IN QUO AND DRAMATIS PERSONÆ.

Plan of College Buildings—Dons—College Præfects—Candlekeepers—Dress—Choristers—Commoner Buildings—Præfects—Coursekeeper.

Before entering into particulars it will be necessary to give the non-Wykehamist reader some idea of the arrangement of the College buildings, and of their various uses in the general economy of the institution.

The College of St Mary of Winchester (near Winchester, as it used to be called) was, in olden times, situated outside the town, but is now bounded on its west side by the buildings of Kingsgate Street and College Street. The entrance is from the latter street through a handsome portal called “outer gate,” which opens into a quadrangle, on the east side of which is the Warden’s house; passing through this court and another gateway (“middle gate,” above which is “election chamber”) we enter another spacious quadrangle, the southern side of which is formed by the chapel and hall, the western mainly by the kitchen, and the remaining two sides by the boys’ bed-chambers, (on the ground floor,) and the fellows’ and second master’s lodgings above. Underneath the hall, and close to the great hall staircase, a passage called “seventh-chamber passage” leads into a third quadrangle of smaller dimensions, called “school court,” on the south of which is the school, and on the east the outside wall of the chapel cloisters; along the entire western side of the College buildings, from College Street to the school, extend the buildings of Commoners, (the boys not on the foundation,) the communication of which with College is through a door on the west side of “school court.” A passage between the school and cloister wall leads to the playground or “meads,” adjoining the west side of which, and divided from it by a red brick wall, is the “sick house,” (hospital,) situated in another piece of ground called “sick-house meads.”

The chief of the whole establishment is the Warden, who has nothing to do with the teaching of the boys; he admits and when necessary expels them, confers on them the dignity of “Præfect,” listens to their complaints, and, in fact, in all matters appertaining to the management of the school and the society is omnipotent. There are also ten Fellows, but as their duties (if any) have nothing to do with the inner life of the school, of which alone I purpose to treat, I need say nothing more of them. The head master, or “the Doctor” as he is always called, lives in “Commoners’ buildings,” the inhabitants of which are supposed to be more particularly under his jurisdiction. The second master, who has the more immediate superintendence of the College boys, has, as above-mentioned, his apartments in “chamber court.” There was also an assistant master, who superintended the instruction of the boys in the lower classes, and who did not live in College; and three commoner tutors, who had lodgings in Commoners’, and whose services were called into requisition for general instruction in school as required. There was also a mathematical master.

The school was divided into college boys and commoners; there was a great competition to be enrolled among the former, as they have several privileges, the greatest of which was the chance of gaining a fellowship at New College, Oxford. I will introduce these first. There were seventy of them; of these the eighteen seniors were called “Præpostors,” or (more commonly) “Præfects,” and had the power of “fagging” all the rest, with some few exceptions. Among these eighteen, one, (generally, but not always,) the senior in school, was called the “Præfect of hall,” and was invested with almost absolute power, being looked upon by the “Inferiors” (i.e. those who were not præfects) with something more than a becoming awe and reverence. Some of his principal duties were to take the boys “on to hills,” call names there, pay for broken windows in hall, find the rods, &c. In school he had the seat of honour next to the doctor’s chair, and he always slept in sixth chamber. There were many little fees attached to this responsible office, which brought to the fortunate possessor an income of certainly not less than fifty pounds a year. Next to him in dignity was the “Præfect of tub,” (this title was derived from a box in hall called “tub,” the use of which will be hereafter explained,) whose office was more particularly connected with the dinner department. Then there were two “Præfects of chapel,” one of whom, on alternate weeks, called names there, and during that week was called Præfect of chapel “in course,” and, in case of absence of the Præfect of hall, undertook his duties. There was also a “Præfect of school,” who had to pay for all internal damage done to the interior of that edifice, including broken windows, to keep it clean, to light it, and once every year to renew the cushions of the masters’ seats. To all these offices some emolument in the shape of salary or fees was attached, but considerably less than that received by the Præfect of hall. The eight senior præfects were said to have “full power,” and had some slight privileges not enjoyed by the remaining ten, who were generally called “Bluchers.”

As mentioned above, almost all the inferiors were subject to these eighteen; there were, however, the following exceptions:—“The Senior inferior,” who was exempted from fagging, to give him an opportunity of calmly contemplating the dignity in store for him; and the seven “Candlekeepers,” (why so called, I have no idea, nor have I ever heard any interpretation of the appellation.) These were the seven inferiors who had been longest in the school, quite independently of their position in it; they were generally old and tough. Of these, the senior had almost as much power as a præfect; he had a “valet” in chambers, one or two “breakfast fags,” and the power of fagging the twenty juniors when in school, or in meads. The junior candlekeeper was called “the Deputy,” and had also some slight privileges besides that of having a valet and breakfast-fag, which was common to all of them. The organisation of the fagging department was supposed to be in the hands of the candlekeepers, but practically it was all arranged by the Senior and Deputy; and there was a theory, that if it at any time broke down, and no fags could be found, the præfects in full power had the right to fag the candlekeepers; this, however, was very rarely, if ever, acted upon.

It may easily be imagined, that the offices of Senior candlekeeper and Deputy were regarded with peculiar interest by the small juniors, as when these posts were filled by cross individuals, the lives of the latter were not seldom made a burden to them.

When a præfect required the services of a fag, he called out, “Junior!” and the junior, in hall or chamber, or wherever it might be, had to “run.”

The order of seniority in fagging depended, in College, solely on the length of time the boys had been at the school, and was entirely independent of their position otherwise. A certain number of boys were of “Founder’s kin,” to which certain privileges attached, which will be hereafter mentioned.

As regards dress, the College boys wore any trousers they liked; but instead of an ordinary coat and waistcoat, they were usually habited in a black, green, or brown (the latter colours were seldom worn except by præfects, or very responsible inferiors) waistcoat, with an upright collar, and sleeves of the same material, and a serge gown, with full sleeves buttoning above or just below the elbow; the gown, in walking, was very commonly tucked up in a bunch behind.

Inferiors were never allowed to wear hats inside the College walls; the præfects seldom doffed theirs, except in the presence of a master and when they went to bed; all were obliged to wear white neckcloths and bands, except when on leave out; and surplices in chapel on Sundays and saints’ days.

Besides the Warden, fellows, masters, and boys, there were twelve “Choristers,” who must by no means be omitted, as they formed an important part of the internal economy. I suppose they were called Choristers because they had not to sing; certainly if ever that was a part of their duty, it had entirely lapsed. Their office was to wait on the boys, in hall and chambers, till seven o’clock, and especially to go on errands in the town,—the boys themselves never being allowed to go there, except when invited by friends on saints’ days. These little Choristers wore chocolate-coloured tail-coats and trousers, with metal buttons; and, on the whole, I think their life must have been a weary one.

In Commoners’, the number of boys fluctuated between one hundred and one hundred and thirty. The building called “Commoners’,” in which they slept and had their meals, skirted the west side of College, and had its entrance also in College Street. It would be useless to describe the buildings of Commoners’ as they existed in my time; they were not in any way remarkable, and are now entirely removed, and other and more commodious edifices, though, perhaps, not much more beautiful, built in their place.

There were twelve Præfects in Commoners, who had the right of fagging all the rest except those in the class immediately below them, (called senior part the fifth,) who were exempt; when they required the services of a Fag, they did not call “Junior!” but “Here!” They also had an officer whose duties and privileges were somewhat similar to those of Senior Candlekeeper and Deputy in College; his office, however, was conferred by election among the Præfects. It was necessary that he should be in either middle or junior part the fifth, of reasonable bodily strength, and have been at least three years in commoners. This dignitary was called “the Coursekeeper;” should he be promoted into senior part the fifth, he retained the privileges of the office without its responsibilities, and was called “Ex-coursekeeper.”

The College boys and Commoners rose at the same hour, attended chapel, used the school, and went on to Hill’s together; but the latter took their meals and slept in Commoners’, and had not the use of meads, having a field about half a mile distant, to which they went from twelve to one on whole school days, and again, in the afternoon, on holidays.

The rule of seniority, as regarded fagging, was different from that established in College. Commoner Inferiors took precedence according to their standing in the school, not according to the length of time they had been there. It will be seen, from what has been said, that the College juniors had a much harder time of it than the Commoners, as the former were in the proportion of forty-four Fags to eighteen Præfects and seven Candlekeepers, whereas in the latter (supposing the number of the boys to be one hundred and twenty, and twenty to be in senior part the fifth, and exempt from fagging) the proportion would be eighty-seven fags to twelve Præfects and one Coursekeeper. I will, therefore, devote my attention principally to the illustration of the life of the College Fag, which, in fact, combines all the trials and amusements of both.

CHAPTER III. TREATS OF SOME MANNERS AND CUSTOMS.

A Fag’s Duties—His Respect for Præfects—Præfects’ Responsibilities—Code of Honour—Lying Scouted—Exceptional Anecdote—Certain Things considered Common Property—Slang—Nicknames of Officials and Under-Porter—Whole Holidays—Remedies—Half Holidays—Sundays—Hills.

The duties of a Fag, in the days of which I write, may be more easily described by informing the reader what he had not to do, than by endeavouring to make out a list of his positive duties. I believe when I say that he had not to make the beds, nor to clean shoes, I have exhausted the negative catalogue.

The degree of awe with which we Juniors used to regard the Præfects seems to me, looking back, most mysterious; and it would be impossible to make a stranger realise the peculiar sensation. It was entirely a moral feeling, not being in any way connected with muscular power—many of the Præfects being, in physical strength, inferior to their fags; and it was by no means uncommon to see a small Præfect rising on his toes to reach the proper height for administering an effective “Clow” (box on the ear) to an offending Junior some inches taller, and a stone heavier, than himself. Nor was there the slightest imputation of cowardice on the part of the bigger boy,—I cannot explain it, but it seemed simply impossible to resist.

I never was a Præfect myself; and when I was a big Inferior, I have more than once received, with perfect meekness, a “Tunding” (thrashing with a stick) from a boy who, had he been an Inferior, would have treated me with the greatest respect. I remember, on one such occasion, the operator, indignant at not being able to make me feel, searched underneath my waistcoat to see if I was not padded for the occasion, (not an uncommon proceeding by any means;) and on finding such was not the case, took the small end of the stick in his hand, and finished the performance with the butt end, and principally on my head. Nor, when ordered to “hold down” (i.e., put your head in a convenient position) for a “Clow,” would the victim dare to ward off the blow, or cease offering his cheek to the smiter till it pleased the latter to desist.

Indeed, the moment a boy was made a Præfect, he seemed immediately to become invested with a supernatural power that changed the familiar intercourse with his former companions into awe or respect on the one side, and tyranny or condescension on the other, according to the nature of the individual promoted. I remember, soon after my first arrival, and before I had quite realised the great gulf between a Præfect and an Inferior, during breakfast-time in hall, I saw one of the Fags put aside his master’s frying-pan, it being required no longer. As I was in want of one at the moment, in the innocence of my heart, I politely asked the Præfect, who was its owner, if he would be so good as to lend it to me. I thought he looked rather queer, but, being a good-natured youth, he said, “Yes;” when the loud burst of laughter from the other boys proclaimed that something unusual had happened. On inquiry, I found that it was my astounding impertinence in making such a request of a Præfect that had caused the excitement, and for some little time I was looked on as quite a hero.

Though, at first sight, this kind of superstitious awe of the Inferiors towards the Præfects may seem unprofitable, yet I am inclined to think that, on the whole, it was not without its advantages. Certainly, in some exceptional cases, a Præfect used to take advantage of his position, and treat those beneath him cruelly; but such, at any rate, was not the general character of the Præfects in my time; and most of them used their power far more in preventing the big Inferiors from bullying their companions, than in inflicting torture themselves.

The Præfects had the entire charge of the boys out of school, and were responsible to the masters for all breaches of discipline committed by the others, for which they (the Præfects) were punished; it was, therefore, their interest as well as duty to see the laws carried out. When a delinquent was discovered, he received his punishment at once from the Præfect under whose jurisdiction the offence fell. This generally consisted of any given number of stripes on the back, varying from a dozen to about fifty, according to the character of the offence, or the disposition of the performer. The sticks used for this purpose were supple young ash plants, familiarly called “Ground Ashes,” and the supplying them to the Præfects formed quite a profitable branch of trade to some individuals in the town, as the consumption was considerable.

As I mentioned above, this kind of thrashing was called “Tunding,” and, for any grave offence, it was administered by the Præfect of Hall on the raised dais at the end of hall, in presence of all the boys, and was then called “a Tunding on top of Hall.” I believe the system worked well. It would have been impossible for the Masters to have been continually spying after the boys; and the confidence placed in the Præfects strengthened their character, inasmuch as, for the most part, they felt proud of the trust confided to them, and conscientiously endeavoured to fulfil their duties. The public Tundings were almost always fairly conducted, being generally adequate, but not excessive, and could not be classed with the severe bullying that some few Præfects carried on behind the scenes, where there was no public to control either the manner or the quantity of punishment administered.

A high tone of honour was kept up in the school, truth being scrupulously adhered to between the boys themselves, and by them towards the Masters, except in one particular, (which exception, indeed, was caused by an honourable feeling crookedly developed,) and this was when telling the truth would bring another individual into trouble.

On these occasions, the most tremendous lies were sometimes considered justifiable:—e.g., The Doctor comes suddenly round a corner, and finds Tibbs mopping the rosy fluid from his nose with a rueful countenance, having just received a sharp back-hander from one of his lords and masters, whose basin he has broken:—

“Pray, what may be the matter with you?” inquires the Doctor.

“Fell down and hurt my nose, sir,” whimpers Tibbs.

Dr. “But the ground is muddy, and your clothes clean.”

T. “Only touched the ground with my nose, sir.”

But I can give a more comprehensive example in an occurrence that I well remember. One night, in one of the chambers, the boys were up and amusing themselves with the operation of a “Toefitying,” which consists in noosing the toe of a sleeper in a piece of string, and then pulling, concerning which pastime more anon. Badger was trying to operate on Reynard, who, (though pretending to be asleep, was really wide awake,) gently stealing his hand from under the bedclothes, clutched a Donnegan, and launched it at Badger’s head, who, being thereby floored, mechanically replied with his extinguished candlestick, extinguisher, snuffers, and all, which unfortunately took effect, and inflicted a deep cut on Reynard’s lip. The next morning, as Reynard was not producible, one of the Masters made affectionate inquiries respecting him. On hearing that he had cut his lip, he inquired, “How?” No one had an idea.

Master. “Send for Reynard.”

[Appears Reynard with his head in a sling.]

M. “How did you cut your lip?”

R. “Woke in the night, sir, and found my lip bleeding; think something must have struck it.”

M. “Tell the Senior Præfect in the chamber to come to me.”

[Præfect appears.] M. “Toller, what was going on in your chamber last night?”

T. “Don’t know, sir, as I was fast asleep.” (N.B.—He was eating toasted cheese at the time immediately opposite the scene of action.)

The other boys of the chamber being sent for in proper order, some thought they heard a noise, but were certain it was caused by boys from another chamber, (the latter part being true for a wonder;) another thought he detected Pudding’s voice; by a curious coincidence, Pudding happened to have been sleeping at sick-house on that particular night; and so on.

But if by any chance an individual was likely to receive punishment in consequence of any self-sacrificing fiction, I need not say that the real delinquent always stepped forth at once and claimed his right to the infliction. I never knew an instance of a boy spontaneously informing a Master of any misdemeanour committed by another. This, although commendable as a general rule, might, on some rare occasions, (in cases of bullying by Præfects for example,) be infringed with advantage. In the matter of certain articles, which were strictly defined, and which, if I remember rightly, consisted of stationery, knives, faggots, crockery, and eatables supplied by the College, we used to put a liberal interpretation on the eighth commandment, these being looked upon to a certain extent as common property; and it was considered fair “to make” (i.e., take) them if you could. Of course, if discovered, certain results would follow, but no moral offence was imputed. All other articles were governed by the usual laws which define the difference between meum and tuum; and I need not say that, as regards money, the most rigid probity was enforced; and if a boy was ever suspected of improperly meddling with another’s capital, the affair was diligently inquired into, and, if found guilty, the punishment of the delinquent was condign, and the disgrace ineffaceable.

Popjoy and Hopper on one occasion made a bet, the subject of which was that, during the ensuing fortnight, each should endeavour to “make” as many knives as possible, the possessor of the greater number at the end of the appointed time to be the winner. They set to work diligently, and, by the end of the time, had nearly collected all the knives in the school. On comparing their booty, Hopper was found to have a small majority. Popjoy, discontented at the result, proposed another trial, which being assented to, just before the final day Hopper found that the whole of his stock had disappeared, having been successfully swept off by his now triumphant antagonist.

The Winchester slang is very peculiar and expressive, and I confess that I regard it with much affection. Some of the words can hardly be expressed in English without considerable periphrasis; (vide Glossary-words, “to junket over,” to “thoke upon,” &c.) Besides the slang, there are other peculiarities in the language. The definite article is never used in connexion with any of the institutions, buildings, or localities connected with College; e.g., one never spoke of “the Hall, the Election, the Warden’s Stream;” it was always “Election,” “Hall,” “Warden’s Stream,” &c. When speaking of persons, it was permitted, as “the Doctor, the Warden.”

The names of many of the College employées were hereditary nicknames, which often passed on to the new-comer with his office. I dare say there still exists a Dungy, Whitesman, Purver, Long John, &c. &c., though the original owners of the names, or the derivations of the nicknames, (if they were so,) have long since been forgotten. There was an exception to this in the case of the Under-Porter, the nomenclature of the occupant of which office was settled on a different principle. When I first came to Winchester, he rejoiced in the name of Obadiah. I suppose the original Under-Porter’s name was Malachi, and that, after him, the catalogue of books of the Old Testament was followed up in due order; for when Obadiah relinquished his post, his successor was named Amos; and, on Amos’s retirement, Joel stepped into his vacant shoes; and as I was there five years, and during that time three different Under-Porters wielded the keys,—if they have since succeeded at the same rate, the name of the present officer would be Esther.

In the times I write of, we had a good deal of relaxation from our studies,—rather too much, indeed, I used to think, during my first year; for at that time I considered school-time a decided change for the better from my very arduous duties, when we were supposed to be amusing ourselves. As time wore on, I found these labours rather alleviated, and I ultimately began to think a whole holiday not such a bad institution after all. We had plenty of them. In the short half, we had at least one “Remedy” and a half every week, and in summer two always; they were on Tuesdays and Thursdays. These “Remedies” were a kind of mitigated whole holidays. We were supposed to go into school for an hour or two in the morning and afternoon; but as no Master was present, it didn’t come to much. This was called “Books Chambers.” Remedies were not a matter of right, but were always specially applied for by Præfect of hall on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The custom was for him to waylay the Doctor on his way to morning Chapel, and make the request, when, if granted, a gold ring was handed to the applicant, on which was engraved, “Commendat rarior usus.” This ring was worn by the Præfect of hall for the rest of the day, and returned by him to the Doctor at the beginning of middle school on the day following.

We had whole holidays on all Saints’ days and Founder’s anniversaries, on which occasions we were allowed to go out,—if invited by friends in the country, for the whole day; or if by friends in the town, for the afternoon. Of course when there was a Saint’s day in the week we only had one “Remedy.”

Half holidays were not unfrequent; whenever a distinguished Wykehamist visited Winchester, a deputation of boys waited on him, with a request that he would ask the Doctor for one; also, if any boy gained a scholarship at Oxford or Cambridge, or having been at Winchester, distinguished himself at the universities or in public life, or if there was an addition to the family of any of the masters, (an event which I have known to happen while I was at Winchester,) a half holiday was petitioned for, and generally with success.

Sunday was the Fag’s best holiday, for even he participated in some degree of the rest which is enjoined for the man-servant and maid-servant on that day. We had a “Thoke,” (i.e., we did not get up) till eight o’clock Chapel, and attended Cathedral service, which commenced with the Litany at half-past ten; we went into school from four to five to do Greek Testament, and to Chapel again at five. In Cloister-time, Sixth book, and Senior part went into school from seven to eight P.M., which period was called “Grotius time,” after the author whose work, “De Veritate,” was then substituted for Greek Testament.

On Holidays and “Remedies” we were turned out for a couple of hours on to “St Catherine’s Hill,” (a green eminence about a mile from College, with a clump of trees at the top, which was surrounded by a deep trench—the remains of a Roman camp,)—once before breakfast,(“Morning Hills,”) and again in the afternoon, (“Middle Hills.”) In summer we also went out after dinner, (“Evening Hills,”) when we did not ascend the aforesaid mountain, but disported ourselves in the water-meadows beneath. These outgoings were called “Going on to Hills” and “Under Hills” respectively.

Having now, I hope, put the reader pretty well au courant as to the scene of action, the authorities, and some of the institutions and customs of Winchester, I will endeavour to give as accurate an account as I can (considering the time that has elapsed since I was at school) of the inner life of the boys,—as it was in those days,—and will proceed to introduce the Fag on his first arrival, and then conduct you (kind reader) with him through our Chambers, Hall, Chapel, School, and Meads, and give a cursory sketch of his proceedings on a “Lockback Holiday, Hills, and Leave-out, and during Standing-up and Election weeks.”

CHAPTER IV. THE JUNIOR’S START IN COLLEGE LIFE.

πεμπε—Tin Gloves—Test of Founder’s Kin—Tutor and Pupil—The Fag “in Course.”

In this chapter, I propose to recount some of the solemnities attendant on the first appearance of a new boy. I need not go through a list of the ordinary questions and chaffings to which a greenhorn is subjected at all schools, but will confine myself to some of the ordeals peculiar to Winchester in the dark ages of which I write. On the first appearance of Green in school, Humbug would ask him, with an air of sympathy, if he had a book entitled “πεμπε μωρον προτερον,” (send the fool farther,) without which it would be impossible for him to get up properly his appointed task. On finding that he has not a copy of the work in question, Humbug would offer his own which he had lent to Brown, and to whom he despatches Green to get it. Brown, however, having lent it to Jones, Green goes to him, who refers him to Robinson, who sends him down to sick-house, whence he is again sent back to school, and, after numerous similar peregrinations, he is ultimately referred to one of the Masters, who soon puts an end to his search.

But there were other ordeals that were not quite so harmless. Green was liable to be asked whether he possessed a pair of “Tin gloves.” As this article does not generally form part of a boy’s outfit, Bully would proceed to furnish him with a pair in the following manner:—Taking a half-consumed stick from the fire, he would draw the “red-hot end” down the back of Greens hand between each of the knuckles to the wrist, and, having produced three satisfactory lines of blisters, would then make two or three transverse lines across. A scientifically fitted pair of gloves of this description was generally, if not pleasant wear, at any rate, of great durability.

Bully might then, perhaps, inquire of the wretched Green if he was of “Founder’s kin,” and, whatever his answer, proceed to test the assertion by trying to break a plate on his head—the theory being that, if the plate broke first, his descent was proved.

Each boy, on his arrival, was allotted to a Præfect as his pupil, who was called his tutor, and was supposed to exercise a general superintendence over his morals and manners, to purge his exercises from the grosser faults, protect him from the unjust treatment of other boys, and generally to “Teejay”[3] him. It was ordinarily an advantageous arrangement to both parties. My old friend Dummy, however, was not fortunate in the selection made for him; he was handed over to a tutor, who, by way of taking a great interest in his welfare, prevented other boys from thrashing his pupil by operating on him so constantly himself, that they scarcely had any chance of so doing. The tutor was tall, thin, bullet-headed, and apparently about forty-five years of age, and he used, from time to time, to conduct his pupil into a quiet corner, and, with a cheerful smile beaming on his countenance, would give himself a few minutes’ healthy, but not too violent, exercise. He was economical, and found that a stout cane, tied with wax thread at the end, was a less expensive chest-opener than a ground-ash, which was not only very liable to break, but extracted less entertainment than the thicker weapon. He was not very muscular, or the consequences might have been serious. As it was, wherever Dummy went to bathe, a number of spectators always assembled to see his back, which, from the nape of his neck to his ankles, was a network of intersecting bruises. Dummy’s skin gradually got as tough as a hippopotamus’s, and I don’t think it did him much harm. At any rate, I saw him last year in rude health. He was delighted to see me; and he told me that, not long before, he had met his venerated tutor at a railway station in Northumberland, looking still about forty-five, and apparently a bishop or dean, or something of that sort, with a Gothic waistcoat, and a broad-brimmed hat, and altogether so little altered, that Dummy’s body gave an instinctive shrink as it passed him, in expectation of the never-failing blow or kick that used to follow immediately on his propinquity.

A fortnight’s breathing-time was allowed to every new boy before he commenced Fagging, to give him the necessary leisure to learn what would be expected of him; at the expiration of which period his duties began, and he was said to be “in Course.” Such is the natural craving in the human mind for change, that I remember, in my case, I was quite impatient for the time of probation to expire, that I might indulge in the manly exercise of Fagging.

CHAPTER V. THE JUNIOR IN CHAMBERS.

Choosing Chambers—Furniture of Chambers—Junior’s Duties—Toy-time—Mess—Sound Sleepers—Sitting up—The Scheme—Toefitying—Spree Mess—Theatricals.

In the centre quadrangle (vide Plan) are situated the seven Chambers in which the College boys sleep. They are on the ground-floor, and are called, after their respective numbers, “First,” “Second,” “Third,” &c. The number of beds varied in each, the largest (Seventh, which used to be the school before the present was built, about two centuries ago) containing thirteen, the smallest (Fifth) eight.

I will suppose our Fag to have been located in Fourth, and, for the benefit of the uninitiated reader, I will endeavour to sketch this somewhat remarkable apartment. There are nine beds made of massive timber, coeval with the College, with a solid wooden canopy and sides, extending a quarter of the way down the bed. This canopy was generally papered inside with coloured prints, and wherein was fixed a “Reading-shelf” for books, and candlestick. The beds were comfortable, and I have never enjoyed sleep more than I have in those quaint old receptacles. By the side of each was a chest of about three feet long, in which clothes were kept, and it also served as a seat whereon to sit at “Toys.” This was a kind of bureau, the upper part of which was fitted with shelves for books, where might be found also tea and other groceries, crockery, and odds and ends innumerable; the lower part opened and formed a desk. If a search was to be made under our Junior’s bed, one would have found two candle-boxes, one for rushlights, and the other for “Tollys,” as the moulded article was generally named, three or four tin coffee-pots, two large tin boilers for water, (called “Toe-pan boilers,”) a large earthenware bath, (the “Toe-pan,”) a huge jug of beer, (the “Nipperkin,”) and lots of candlesticks. Behind the door was a pile of faggots; in the centre of the room was fixed a strong wooden “post” or pillar, and alongside of it a form, on which were placed three or four “Washing-drawers,” (i.e., oaken dressing-cases.) Opposite the window yawned the great fireplace, with its dogs, on which rested the faggots and bars for the reception of the array of boilers. Above it was a rushlight, (fixed in a circular iron pan fastened to a staple in the wall; it was called “The Functior;”) and on each side of it a strong four-legged table, (or “Washing-stool,”) at which sat the two Præfects. Around the walls above the beds were inserted, on slabs of slate or stone, the names of former heroes who had passed safely through the trials of a College Junior, and there many a boy could see the names of his ancestors looking down on him, and silently bidding him be of good heart.

When viewed in the daytime, and devoid of its occupants, the tout ensemble is somewhat dreary; but when the boys are there, and the fire blazing, a great change comes over the scene, and whether prejudice or what, I will not pretend to say; but I can call to mind no scene so cosy and cheerful, especially when, having turned into bed after a hard day’s work, I used drowsily to watch the darting flames till I gradually sunk into dreams of quiet home, or of a paradise of everlasting cricket and football, where there was no “Watching out” or “Kicking in.”

Chambers were chosen at the beginning of each half year by the Præfects, in order—the Præfect of hall always being, in Sixth, ex officio. Every chamber had two Præfects, and to four three were allotted. There was also a Candlekeeper to each chamber, who made their selection in rotation; the other boys were chosen by the Præfects. Each of the Præfects and the Candlekeepers had a Fag for his “Valet,” whose duty it was to prepare his tea or coffee in the evening, get him water of a morning, carry his washing things and books through to school after morning Chapel, and back again in the evening. The second Junior in Chamber had the charge of the crockery, and was bound to produce a pint-cup at any period of the day if one was demanded by a Præfect.

The Junior in Chamber had a hard time of it; for, in addition to being the Candlekeeper’s Valet, he had to get up in the morning when “Rat Williams” came and rattled at the door, call the other boys, light the fire, clean candlesticks, get in his Master’s water, clean his basin when it so required, (a tedious and disagreeable process, done by rubbing it with earth picked up from between the flints of Quad,) and wash himself,—this last was not a luxurious occupation at six o’clock on a cold winter’s morning, inasmuch as he had to go out in the dark, rain, snow, or frost, and perform his ablutions in the open air at “Conduit,” which was the name given to half a dozen brass cocks fixed in the west wall of Chamber Quad, and the water in which not seldom required thawing with fire before it could be persuaded to flow. While endeavouring to get through his multifarious duties, he had to keep a sharp ear on the performance of the Chapel bell, and to call out accordingly, “First peal!” “Second peal!” and “Bells down!” Then the advent of the Head or Second Master had to be duly announced by shouting, “Willerly or Ridsworth going in,” as the case might be; and lastly, when they had gone in, to give the final call, “Willerly or Ridsworth in.” Then there was a rush into Chapel, where names were called, and all too late to answer “Sum” got an imposition of thirty lines. Before going into Chapel, the Doctor used generally to walk up and down “Sands,” (i.e., the flags on the south side of Quad, under the Chapel windows;) this was to give an opportunity to those who wished to “go Continent,” (i.e., go to hospital,) to send for permission, and, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to the Prefect of hall to ask for a “Remedy.”

After Chapel, all the boys (the Valets laden with their Masters’ goods and chattels) left Chambers for school quad. After this, till about half-past six P.M., Chambers remained deserted. From seven till eight P.M., the boys had to sit at their toys, to learn their lessons, and do their “Vulguses;” quiet was kept, and sometimes one of the Masters looked round. During this period of “Toy-time,” as it was called, the Præfects sat at their washing-stools on each side of the fire; and when from time to time a fresh faggot was put on, and the warmth became oppressive, a Junior was sometimes summoned to stand between their majesties and the blaze. The living screen was obliged to keep continually revolving, and to pull out his trousers from the more fully developed parts of his person, or he ran a risk of being scorched. Fortunately the fierceness of the blaze soon subsided, when the screen was permitted to withdraw.

Toy-time over, the Valets set to work to make their Masters’ coffee or tea, (“Mess.”) We used to make the former very good, our plan being to let it simmer for a long time, but on no account to boil over. In Belgium and France, however, where it is still better, I find they never boil the coffee, but simply pour scalding water over it.

In summer, the Præfects’ washing-stools were often set out in Quad, under the shadow of the Chapel buttresses, and the repast would consist of “Made beer,” (College swipes bottled with rice, a few raisins, sugar, and nutmeg to make it “up,”) bread, cheese, salad, lobsters, &c.

The Juniors got their tea (“Sus”) anyhow,—generally in bed,—and swigged it out of a pint-cup; and how delicious it was! Not unfrequently it was accompanied by a “Thoker,”—i.e., the evening ration of bread soaked slightly in water, and then put down to bake near the hot ashes.

Evening Chapel took place at nine, immediately after which the Inferiors had to go to bed; the Præfects were allowed to sit up till ten. How sweet was sleep in those days, and so sound, that on one occasion, when called in the morning, I found myself unable to move; on struggling to rise, I got the point of a stick in my eye, and gradually became aware that all the faggots in chamber had been piled on the bed during my slumber, without disturbing me in the least. On another occasion, (in which I was an active instead of a passive agent,) we corded up a boy, mattress, bedclothes, and all, so tight that he could not stir, (during which operation he slept soundly,) and was finally cut out by the bedmaker after Chapel. Again; one night I was sitting up in bed reading, and was very much disturbed by the obdurate snoring of another boy at the end of the room. Being unable to make him desist, and wishing to go to sleep, I put out my candle by throwing it at him; it struck the wall above his head, upon which he gave a grunt and a start, ceased snoring, and we all went to sleep. The next morning when he woke, he found the wick of the candle lying like a worm on his pillow, the whole of the grease having soaked into his hair.

Almost all the Fag’s lessons were learnt in Chambers at Toy-time, or sitting up at night, as, during two-thirds of the time in school, they were repeating their lessons, and the Fagging during the rest of the day was continuous. There was a curious kind of understanding between the Masters and boys about sitting up at night. Two or three days a-week, one of the Masters used to make the round of the Chambers about eleven o’clock. As he passed each window, he could quite easily, and generally did, look in. In all probability he would see the Præfects at their washing-stools hard at work, and two-thirds of the other boys sitting up in bed reading, writing, or learning lines by heart,—the former with two, and the latter with one candle each. On opening the door with his Master-key, (which was not generally done with extreme rapidity,) what a different scene would present itself to his eyes,—a room dimly lighted by a rushlight, with eight or nine boys in bed, apparently fast asleep, and snoring particularly loud. At the first rattle of the key, the Præfects, having their beds previously turned down, extinguished the candles, shut up their books, and dashed into bed, boots, clothes, and all,—a proceeding that long practice had rendered quite easy. Those in bed, with a sweep of the arm, drew under the clothes candlestick, ink, paper, hooks, and all. Sometimes a Præfect was not quick enough, or a Junior had gone to sleep with his candle alight, in both of which cases the former got the punishment, the Inferior settling his part of the reckoning with the Præfect afterwards.

There was more sitting up at night in the summer half year than in the winter, as at that time Præfects were busy preparing for Election Chamber, and Inferiors for “Standing up,” (v.i.) At that time, we used not only to borrow from the night, but the morning also; and we had a method of calling ourselves which was rather ingenious. It was called “The Scheme,” and was arranged as follows:—The Functior was known to burn at a certain rate—say an inch an hour—if it was lighted at nine o’clock, and we wanted to rise at four, seven inches only were allowed to protrude above the socket, (the rest being cut off,) around which a quantity of paper was arranged, and a string tied, which was carried through a hole in the top of a Junior’s bed; to the end of this string a parcel of books, or a pint-cup of water, was fastened, (if the latter, it was called “a Water Scheme,” and another string connected the bottom of the cup with the canopy of the bed.) When the candle burnt down, it ignited the paper and burnt the string, causing the books (or water) to fall, which roused the subincumbent sleeper, who proceeded to wake the rest. One Scheme was sufficient to wake the whole school if required; for in every other Chamber that contained any boys who wished to rise early, a victim was selected whose toe was secured in a noose of string, the other end of which was tied to the window-bar; so that the original schemer, by walking round Quad and tugging at the different strings, could soon rouse them all. This led to a very amusing incident on a certain occasion. One of the Masters who had lately arrived (and who, not having been educated at Winchester, was not up to the ways of the place) was going round Chambers with a friend, an old Wykehamist, who had been dining with him. While Mr ⸺ went into Third, his friend remained outside. Suddenly catching sight of a string tied to a bar of the window, and knowing well what was at the other end, he took a steady pull at it just as the Master had got to the middle of Chamber; the consequence was, that the unfortunate fish at the other end, who, by the by, was a severe stammerer, dashed out of bed, and, with a shattered howl, plunged past the astonished Master with one foot in the air, till he brought his toe up to the window-sill.

This little scene brings to my mind the demoniacal diversion of “Toefitying.” Occasionally some wicked boy would arise in the night, and, gently removing the bedclothes from the feet of an unsuspecting sleeper, endeavour to noose one of his toes with string, when, if successful, the consequence would be similar to that above described.

Before the end of my first half year, I became a difficult subject, though, as above mentioned, a hard sleeper; yet if anybody laid the gentlest finger on the bedclothes near my feet, to spring up, seize the nearest missile, and launch it at the intruder, was the work of an instant. An ingenuity, worthy of being devoted to better purposes, was displayed by Bolter in elaborating this foolish practical joke. He fixed a fishing-reel, with its line, to the leg of his washing-stool; and having passed the end of the line through a staple fastened to the post in the centre of the room, he then tied to it other lines equal in number to the boys in Chamber. Having secured each line to the toe of a boy, he then proceeded to wind up the reel briskly, the effect being that, in a twinkling, he had all the boys standing in a bouquet round the post with one leg extended. This little incident has been depicted by our artist in the plate entitled “Toefitying.”

On rare occasions, the boys used to get up at night and have supper. Once (this was before my time) a feast was going on, when, on an alarm being given that a Master was coming round, one of the boys seized a hot roasted duck and crammed it into the sleeve of his gown, just before the Master entered. There being a strong flavour of cooking, he inquired the cause; on which the boy suggested that the same perfume would probably be found in the adjoining Chamber, as the windows of both were near the Warden’s kitchen. “Come with me, and we will try,” said the Master. So they adjourned to the next Chamber, the boy taking good care to keep his sleeve, in which was the duck, in close proximity to his conductor, who, after sniffing about, found, to his surprise, that there really was a similar flavour there also, which clearly, in that case, could not have proceeded from any cooking in the room, as there was no fire; and so the original destiny of the duck was ultimately accomplished.

At the end of the half year, we used to have large entertainments, called “Spree Messes,” between Toy-time and Chapel, consisting of tea, coffee, muffins, cakes, &c., the funds for which were generally provided by fines inflicted during Toy-time for talking loud, slamming the door, coming in without whistling, (to show that it was not a Master entering,) improper language, &c. &c. Sometimes a Spree Mess was given by the boys about to leave at the end of that half. My muffin-consuming power, though still vigorous, has never been properly developed since the last of these entertainments at which I assisted, when Rasper, Sower, and myself, were the joint entertainers.

We brought one half year to a grand conclusion with theatricals in Seventh. Our preparations we had to make on the sly, as we thought it probable that, if the authorities were to hear of our proceedings, they would put a stop to them altogether; however, whether they knew of it or not, they never interfered, and it came off with great éclat. After considerable debate, the pieces selected were “The Children in the Wood,” and “Alfred.” We formed our stage by removing all the bedding from the beds on one side of Chamber, and laying the bed-boards[4] on them for a floor. A cord was fastened across the room a few feet from the wall, from which lengths of paper-hangings were suspended to give it some appearance of a room, and (the toys being removed) to give room for the actors to pass from one side to the other without being seen by the audience; in front of all a green drop, or rather draw-curtain, was suspended.

I have but a vague recollection of the plot of the first piece; but I remember that the prima donna was nearly six feet high. Her figure was not quite so well suited to the part as her head, and she was obliged to wear an ample shawl to conceal some little irregularities in her costume behind. I was a ruffian myself, and, after a sanguinary combat, was slain by somebody who objected to my cutting the throats of the children. It were as well the ruffian was killed, as I had to appear as a drunken servant in the second act; and I fancy that I cut rather a distinguished appearance in a pair of Mr Oades’s (the butcher) top-boots, which he kindly lent me for this particular occasion. The scene was supposed to be a wood; and to convey this idea to the audience, two faggots were put upon the stage. In this scene I was, in my turn, attacked by two ruffians, and, snatching a stick from a faggot, proceeded to defend myself. Somehow or other we all got entangled in my extempore weapon; and a bed-board giving way in the heat of the struggle, we all disappeared from the sight of the astonished audience. Just at this moment, in rushed the gentleman who had killed me in the first act, but whose duty it was now to defend me with the heroic cry, “What! two to one!” and there is no knowing what he might not have done if there had been any one for him to operate on; as it was, he had the stage to himself, and the curtain was drawn amid roars of laughter. How it all ended, I forget exactly; but it was no tragedy, and the children ultimately came in for ten thousand a-year, or were found to be heirs to a dukedom, or something pleasant of that kind.

The after piece, “Alfred,” was performed in the front of the great fireplace, where the king could toast his cakes conveniently. He was wrapped up in a surplice; but underneath he was very gorgeously got up, in a gold helmet, striped Jersey, tight drawers, and Wellington boots, with a large silk banner pinned on to his royal shoulders.

If our acting was indifferent, and the scenery and decorations absurd, they, at any rate, had the desired effect of amusing the audience, to judge by the tremendous applause that greeted the conclusion. Three times was the fair and blushing Podina led across the stage, trembling with modesty and excitement, to receive the enthusiastic applause of the enraptured spectators. However, I believe the actors had the best fun after all. Since then, I have assisted at getting up similar entertainments, but have never enjoyed anything of the kind nearly so much as this our first and, I believe, the last attempt at theatricals at Winchester.[5]

CHAPTER VI. THE JUNIOR IN HALL.

Rush for Trenchers, &c.—Description of Hall—Toasting and Cooking—Receipt for Fried Potatoes—Tea—Luncheon—Conning for Bands—Beever Time—Dinner—Dispars—Fagging in Hall—Kitchen.

At a quarter before nine the door of Seventh chamber passage was opened, and the boys, eager for breakfast, tumultuously rushed out from school-court; stopping at the bottom of Hall stairs for a moment, to see if Poole, the porter, had letters, or, what was even more delightful, a “Cargo,” (a hamper of game or eatables from home,) for them, and then darted up the steps.

Before entering, I must give the reader an idea of the internal arrangement of the noble old Hall, which in beauty and size excels most of the college halls in Oxford or Cambridge. At the east end is a raised dais, on which is the “High table,” where the Dons dine in Election week. Along each side are rows of tables. Those on the north side, allotted to the Præfects, were called, “Tub, Middle, and Junior Mess,” respectively. The others, when occupied, being each presided over by a Candlekeeper, were called respectively senior, second, and so on to junior “End.” The fireplace is in the centre of the Hall, with two grates looking in opposite directions, the smoke being conducted away by a chimney underneath the floor; the whole apparatus, however, is cleared away in summer time. A screen at the lower end forms a passage, into which opened “Whiteman’s Hatch,” where “Trenchers,” knives and forks; “Dear’s,” where bread and cheese; and “Colson’s,” where beer, butter, and salt were dispensed. The trenchers were about a foot square, and did duty as plates at all meals; they were admirably adapted for bread and butter, but were not particularly convenient for those who were partial to hot meat and gravy. In front of the screen stood “Tub,” from which the Præfect of that Ilk took his title; it was a strong painted oak chest, with a lid, about two feet high; its use will be presently described. The great doors at the top of hall stairs were made fast by a massive oak beam, which was thrust back into a hole in the thickness of the wall when the doors were open.

What a rush that used to be up the old stairs; in an instant the half-doors of the hatches were closed up with a throng of excited breakfast fags, clambering on each other’s backs, and shouting, “Robinson, Jones, my own,” which being interpreted means a demand for trenchers and knives for his masters (some Præfect and Candlekeeper) and for the applicant himself; he being expected to provide two for each of the former, (if he only produced one, it would probably be used to test his descent from the founder,) “his own” were generally ethereal. The crowd and excitement were much greater at this than at either of the other hatches, inasmuch as the supply of trenchers and knives was limited, the latter especially, as they were found (and still oftener lost) by the boys themselves; whereas at the others, the supply of eatables was always certain.

Having secured his master’s trenchers, knife and fork, and bread and butter, the fag had to run down to Conduit to clean the butter, which was done by battering it against the trencher with a knife under a stream of water. This was easy enough in warm weather; but when cold it was a rather heart-breaking operation, as the butter then persisted in breaking up into crumbs, and rolling about the pavement. The butter washed, then came the toasting; the grates were spacious, but still not large enough for the crowd of toasters, especially as the four corners were occupied each by a boy engaged in frying or grilling potatoes, kidneys, bacon, or some other viands.

What acres of toast I have made at that fire! We had not proper toasting forks, but pieces of stick, called “Long Forks,” on which it was difficult to keep the toast, especially as it was always necessary to have at least one eye fixed on the batch already done, or awaiting the operation,—in either case generally placed against the edge of the fender; if your eye wandered for a minute, a dexterous lunge from some predacious long-fork transfixed the fruit of all your toil.

But I must not moralise too much on this iniquity, my own house being built somewhat after the fashion of the Crystal Palace.

Besides the toasting, there was cooking to be done; this was generally confined to frying and grilling, at which we used to be tolerable proficients; and I have often found this and other little accomplishments that I picked up in my Fagging experiences, useful in a somewhat varied after-life. We had a particular way of frying potatoes, which, to my taste, is superior to any other mode of dressing that invaluable vegetable.

I will give the receipt:—Take a dish of perfectly plain mashed potatoes, (we used always to use those that had been boiled the day previous,) put them on the fire in a frying-pan, with just sufficient butter to prevent them from sticking to its sides, and a little salt and pepper; keep stirring them about with a knife till they begin to darken in colour, then put them up with a knife into a cake, like a very thick omelette; fry till the lower side becomes a rich brown, then toss it over in the air; fry the other side in a similar manner, and serve up.

Mother Maskell, the worthy old nurse at Sick-House, used to preside over the tea department; and as the distance from Hall to Kitchen and back was at least a quarter of a mile, the breakfast fags had a lively time of it, and were not altogether sorry when middle school began at ten o’clock.

At one P.M. Hall was opened again, and a repast of boiled beef or pudding, with bread and cheese and beer, was served; the attendance on a fine day was generally limited to the grace singers, and the Præfect of Hall or Tub. The joints at the Præfects’ messes were generally kept for them, and the beef at the Ends given away. The puddings were usually preserved for Commoner friends; for, by a curious dispensation, they preferred the College puddings to their own, and we theirs to ours; so an exchange was generally effected: they decidedly had the best of the bargain, as we had pudding three times a week, and they only on Sundays. At grace time all the boys who were present at this meal, stood up on the dais on top of Hall, and the senior Præfect present used to go round with a cricket ball in his hand, and inspect their neckcloths to see whether or not they had their bands attached, the defaulters receiving three or four smart blows on the head (“conns”) with the ball, by way of reminder.

In summer time we were let out of afternoon school for a short time about four P.M., when there was a slight refection of bread and cheese laid out in Hall. It was called “Beever-time,” and the pieces of bread “Beevers.”

I now come to the crying evil of the times I write of, and of which I am happy to say I had but a slight experience, as during my time the whole system was entirely changed. The evil that I speak of, is the way in which the dinner was managed. All the other little discomforts that I may have undergone as a Junior, seem luxurious pleasures when I think of that infernal dinner hour. This meal took place at six o’clock P.M. in College, (in Commoners’ it was at one;) it was ample in quantity, and excellent in quality. That of the Præfects was nicely served up in joints, that of the Inferiors was divided into portions, (“Dispars;”) there were, if I remember rightly, six of these to a shoulder, and eight to a leg of mutton, the other joints being divided in like proportion. All these “Dispars” had different names; the thick slice out of the centre of the leg was called “a Middle Cut,” that out of the shoulder a “Fleshy,” the ribs “Racks,” the loin “Long Dispars;” these were the best, the more indifferent were the end of the shoulder, or “Cat’s head,” the breast, or “Fat Flab,” &c., &c.

On Sundays we had beef, except for six weeks at Easter, when we had veal. Potatoes were served up in pewter dishes, (“Gomers;”) they were not very good hot, and the Candlekeeper generally took possession of those served at his End, and had them kept till the next day for frying, as above described. Each End and Præfect’s mess had their beer served up in a large white jug, or “Bob.” The vessel used for the same purpose in Commoners was called a “Joram.” There was nothing to complain of in the dinner, though it would have been pleasanter if the meat had been served in joints instead of lumps, and if we had had plates instead of trenchers to eat it off; however, to the twenty Juniors at any rate, it was of very slight importance whether the dinner was comfortably served or not, as they seldom got any. The distribution was managed as follows: one of the cooks, escorted by the Præfect of Tub, brought up an immense tray, with a mountain of meat on it; this was taken first to the senior Candlekeeper’s end, and then to the others in succession. But only those boys who were at the End at the time it was brought were permitted to take their dinners, except the Candlekeepers, who were allowed to have theirs taken by proxy. As will be seen, it was simply impossible for the Juniors to be up to time, the consequence of which was that more than half the dinners were not taken; these were thrown into “Tub” at the end of Hall, whence they were ultimately taken away by some poor women, and I always understood, (though I am not certain that such was the case,) that the “Præfect of Tub” got a certain sum for each “Dispar” not taken, and so had a direct interest in managing that as many as possible should go without their dinner. I will now explain the absence of the Juniors; immediately the Præfects were seated, the whole Hall resounded with shouts of “Junior—Junior—Junior,” rising in savageness of tone, as the supply became exhausted; in five minutes all the Juniors were darting wildly about in all directions, executing orders received from their lords and masters; some to Colson’s hatch for salt, or down into cellar for beer, back to school for something forgotten, into chambers for a pint cup, down to kitchen for gravy, &c., &c. In the centre of Hall stood the senior Candlekeeper and Deputy, each armed with a long and supple ground ash, their business being to continue hitting every one who came within reach, so that it was absolutely necessary for every boy passing down Hall to run the gauntlet of one or the other; the only conceivable reason for this extraordinary arrangement being, I imagine, that in order to escape the sticks of the flagellators, the Fags dashed past them as fast as they could, and so got through what they had to do quicker. To escape this purgatory I have known boys lie underneath the beer butts in cellar during the whole of Hall time, and once a wretched fugitive was discovered hidden in the salt tub, into which he had managed to creep, and had let the lid down over himself afterwards. Happy the Junior who was “teejèed” by any Præfect, as he not unfrequently was presented by him with a plate of meat, or the remains of the joint, (called “a Mess,”) in which case he was exempt from Fagging as long as he was eating it, and it was extraordinary how difficult it became to pick a bone, and how long a small slice of meat could be made to last under such circumstances. Knives and forks being rare articles with the Juniors, we had some difficulty in getting rid of a dinner when given to us, unless the Præfect was good enough also to lend his implements. I remember seeing Skith with one end of a carcase of a hare in each hand, burrowing among the ribs with his nose and mouth in search of the tit-bits, which, to judge by the delight depicted on his countenance, were still remaining.

But let us escape from the din of Hall, and pay a visit to Kitchen. In the way we pass through “Ante-kitchen,” where is the familiar picture of the “Trusty Servant.”

Here may generally be seen a row of huge leather jugs about two feet high, (“Jacks,”) made of hippopotamus hide, and peculiar to Winchester, I believe; at any rate, a relative of mine who lived in one of the midland counties purchased a pair here every year, and he used to give me the commission, which I had the greatest pleasure in executing, as he always sent me a five-pound note to pay for them with, and could never be induced to take any change.

The Kitchen is a spacious apartment with a vaulted roof, occupying the entire height of the building on the west side of the quadrangle, and at least half its length; here we might see a few Fags endeavouring to coax Jem Sims, John Coward, Bill Bright, or mother Mariner, (the cooks,) for an extra supply of mashed potatoes, till Kitchen is cleared by the exasperated Manciple, who has just detected a delinquent in the act of secreting under his gown an armful of the small faggots used for lighting the kitchen fires, (called “Bill Brighters,”) an opportunity for purloining which was never allowed to slip by a Junior of a properly regulated mind.

It may be asked how the Fags managed to dine at all, and it would be difficult to answer; but somehow or other we did manage to eat at odd times, and plenty too, I suppose; at any rate we were always in excellent condition; there was ample food supplied by College, the opportunity of eating it only failed. The entire system is now completely changed; the boys dine at one o’clock, their dinner is as plentiful as ever, and properly served, with good cookery, plates, and knives and forks, and no Fagging whatever is allowed, the Choristers waiting, and a Master being present.

CHAPTER VII. THE JUNIOR IN CHAPEL.

The Late Warden—The Antechapel—The Crimean Memorial—The New Tower—Hours of Service—The Oath—Cloisters.

Let us tread more gently as we pass through the gates of the beautiful chapel. Here at any rate our Junior finds some rest and quiet, and is for a period beyond the reach of the weary call of “Junior, Junior.” I feel that it is a subject that cannot worthily be treated of by my trivial pen. The most indifferent stranger cannot enter its sacred precincts without being struck by the air of peaceful solemnity that pervades it throughout; how much more, then, must he be affected who revisits, for the first time after many years, the spot where as a boy he so often listened to the swelling tones of the organ, or eloquent words of wisdom—often, alas! but too little heeded! What crowds of reflections are called forth as he gazes on the scene! How many resolutions have here been formed, and how have they been kept? Can he flatter himself that he is really more advanced on the narrow path than when he sat on those benches years and years ago?

I will not attempt to describe the edifice. Let the reader imagine a noble choir lighted with large windows of rich painted glass, through which the slanting rays of the sun throw a many-coloured glow over the wainscot and stalls of polished oak. How well I know every feature of those quaint figures of prophets and apostles; and as I sit in my stall and see the boys trooping in, it is difficult to realise that I am no longer one of them.

But time has made many changes in the upper ranks; the clear ring of the melodious tones of the accomplished Head-master’s voice may still be heard, but he alone remains. In vain we look for the stalwart form and genial countenance of the late beloved Warden, Barter, who, having filled his responsible office full thirty years, has gone to his rest. In the long list of his predecessors there has been none who was more universally beloved in life, and whose death has been more unfeignedly regretted.

On our way from Chapel we pass through Antechapel, now somewhat curtailed in its dimensions, the screen which separates it from Chapel having been moved in order to give room for the increased number of boys. The beautiful font, presented by the Head-master, and some mural tablets, (which formerly stood beneath the Tower,) have been removed to a small side chapel, the entrance to which is under the organ; one of these, erected to the memory of a young and lovely wife by her sorrowing husband, bears the following beautiful inscription:—

In the vestibule leading to Cloisters, immediately opposite to the door of Antechapel, is the memorial erected by Wykehamists in memory of their brethren who fell in the Crimean war; it is worthy of its object, being beautifully executed in variegated marble. I have stood by their graves in the dreary Russian Chersonese, yet it seems but yesterday that I heard some of them answering their names at this very door.

The beautiful Tower attached to the Chapel had long been in rather a dilapidated condition, owing to its having been built on a very insecure foundation; it had inclined considerably to one side, a great crack had appeared on the contiguous wall of Chapel, which indeed it threatened to drag down, and it was considered unsafe to ring the bells. For these reasons the authorities determined to pull it down and rebuild it, stone for stone, with the old materials; this was commenced in 1860, and the work is now fully completed. It is called the “Tower of the Two Wardens,” in memory of the late Dr Williams, who was (many years Head-master of Winchester, and afterwards) Warden of New College, Oxford, and of Mr Barter, the late Warden of Winchester; while the work of reconstruction was going on, the opportunity was seized of enlarging the chapel by taking in part of the Antechapel, as described in a previous page. If the school continues to increase as it has done lately, this enlargement must, I think, be carried on further, and the whole of Antechapel be added to the main aisle. Beneath the Tower, on the southern side of the Antechapel, is the following inscription:—

The hours of worship (now, I believe, somewhat altered) used to be as follows:—At six A.M. in summer, at a quarter before seven in winter, at eight and at half-past ten A.M., and at five P.M., on Sundays,[6] Saints’-days, and Founder’s Anniversaries. On Fridays at eleven A.M., and on Saturdays at five P.M. the boys might be seen trooping across the quadrangle on their way to Chapel—on Sundays and on Saints’-days clad in white surplices. Besides this, every evening at nine prayers used to be read by the junior Præfect in Antechapel, who stood on the top of the steps leading up to one of the curtained and barred pews reserved for ladies, one of which was placed on each side of Antechapel; the fair occupants, not being allowed to enter the body of the chapel, were obliged to content themselves with looking and listening through the grating.

Once a year all the boys who had passed the age of fifteen, (and who had not previously gone through the same ceremony,) were marshalled into Chapel, and, under the inspection of “Semper Testis,” (the legal aide-de-camp of the College authorities,) went through the form of taking an oath. I have no distinct recollection of the form of the proceeding, (it is now abolished,) but I think the official above-mentioned read out a Latin document, and we were supposed to say Amen. I believe the gist of it was that we were to defend and befriend the college to the best of our ability, and never tell anybody what went on within its walls. I am sure I should require no compulsion to carry out the former obligation, should the occasion occur, and I had any possible means of fulfilling my duty, and if I have done no more harm in writing this little sketch of our proceedings at Winchester than infringing the latter, my conscience will not be much troubled. Although the making a number of thoughtless boys go through a ceremony of this kind may seem objectionable, yet it is not the part of a Wykehamist to exclaim against it, as, according to well authenticated tradition, Cromwell would have destroyed the College, had he not yielded to the urgent representations of one of his officers, who was a Wykehamist, and, mindful of his oath, succeeded in saving the noble establishment from its impending fate.

I must not take leave of Chapel without noticing the beautiful Cloisters, with a little gem of a chapel standing in the middle, surrounded by smooth green turf. It is now used as the Fellows’ library. I think it a pity that the Cloisters are so little seen, as they are very beautiful. The Fellows, in general, do not reside at Winchester, and I do not imagine that those who do spend any very great part of their time in such absorbing study that the movements of the Præfects in Cloisters on week days, and of the others on Sundays, would disturb them very much; to such an extent I think the boys might be admitted without danger of their injuring the building or the tablets on the walls. At present the extreme stillness of the place is somewhat overpowering.

CHAPTER VIII. THE JUNIOR IN SCHOOL.

Description of School—Scobs—Officers—Division of Classes—Prizes and Medals—Long and Short Half—Easter Time—Commoners’ Speaking—Cloisters—Latin Composition—Flogging—Scraping and Shirking Out—Latin Verses—Pealing.

On descending Hall stairs, and turning sharp to the right through Seventh Chamber passage, we enter School Court. The School is a spacious edifice, (built in 1687,) ninety feet long, and thirty-six broad; it may be a handsome building by itself, but, like the adjacent Commoners, is not favourably contrasted with the venerable Gothic buildings of the College, of which they form part. In the south-west corner of School is the Throne of the Head, and, in the south-east, that of the Second Master; opposite to each are seats for the Under-Masters.

At each end of School are three tiers of benches rising gradually one above the other,—that on the ground being called “Senior Row,” and the others “Middle” and “Junior Row” respectively. On these the classes sit when “up at books,”—i.e., when repeating lessons,—four parallel double ranges of solid oak benches, intersected, at intervals of about four feet, by others, and firmly fixed to the floor, run from end to end of the room, except where broken by Commoners’ tables, (two tables, at which there is room for about thirty Commoners; the rest get places where they can,) by the fireplace, and the passage from it to the door; between these rows of benches are three broad passages down School. On every angle of these intersecting forms is placed a large oak box, with a double lid. Every College boy, and some Commoner Præfects, had one of these; and some of the Senior Præfects have four, others three, and the rest two. One of the lids of these boxes was generally kept up during School-time to ensure a certain degree of privacy to the occupant, the lower lid doing duty as a table; inside were kept the books and other belongings of the proprietor. They were called “Scobs,”—i.e., box phonetically spelt backwards.

High up on the wall, at the west end of the School, is a large tablet, with a mitre, crosier, sword, inkstand, and rod painted on it, with the words—

“Aut disce, aut discede, manet sors tertia cædi;”

which has been freely rendered—

“Work, walk, or be whopped.”

At the opposite end of School is another large tablet, on which is painted the

“Tabula legum Pædagogicarum,”

which gives the rules to be observed by the boys in Chapel, School, Hall, Quadrangle, Chambers, On Hills, and in All Places and Times.

School hours, in the times I write of, were from eight to nine A.M., (Morning School,) from ten to twelve, (Middle School,) and from two till six P.M., (Evening School;) at the close of which prayers were read by the Præfect of School.

On “Remedies,” (a kind of whole holiday,) we also went into School in the morning and afternoon for an hour or two without masters; this was called Books Chambers; and on Sundays, from four till a quarter to five. In “Cloister Time,” (v.i.,) Præfects, and senior part of the Fifth, went into School on Sundays from seven to eight, which period was called “Grotius Time.”

Order was kept during School hours by the Bible Clerk and Ostiarius, two of the Præfects, who held these offices in rotation,—the former lasting for a week, the latter for one day only. They paraded School armed with sticks, and brought up to the Head and Second Masters (who alone had the power of flogging) the names of the delinquents which had been “ordered” for punishment; the names of the more heinous offenders being confided to the Bible Clerk, the others to the Ostiarius. Just before School-time, a boy was always stationed to watch the arrival of the Master, of which he had to give notice by emitting a loud “Hiss,” upon which there was a general rush up to books; the previous uproar dwindled to a calm, and work began.

The School was divided into three classes, or “Books,” as they were called. Of these the Præfects formed one, “Sixth Book:” “Fifth Book” was subdivided into three parts, called respectively “Senior, Middle, and Junior part of the Fifth;” in speaking of them, the words “of the Fifth” were generally omitted. The rest of the boys made up “Fourth Book;” their instruction, however, was not carried on in School, but in another building adjoining, where the Præfects had a library, and in which the mathematics were taught. The Præfects and senior part did not change places from day to day, but only at the final examination in Election-week. In the other parts, the relative positions of the boys continually fluctuated, and their numbers were marked every day, at the beginning of Middle School, in a book called the “Classicus (or Cuse) Paper:” the individual who had the greatest number by the end of the half year “got the books,” (i.e., gained a prize.) These books were supposed to be given by the late Duke of Buckingham; now, I believe, they are really given by Lord Saye and Sele. The boy who had the lowest score at the end of any week, held the office of “Classicus” for the week following,—his duties being always to inform the other boys what was the particular lesson for the day, and what was the subject for the next vulgus verse or prose task. There were two gold medals for Composition,—for Latin verse and English prose, and for English verse and Latin prose, on alternate years; and two silver for Elocution, annually competed for; besides prizes given by Maltby, Bishop of Durham, for Greek verse, Latin verse, and Inferiors’ speaking; Sir William Heathcote, of Hursley, for Scholarship; and Mr Duncan, for Mathematics.

The School year was divided into two unequal parts. One, called “Short Half,” commenced about the beginning of September, and lasted till about the middle of December; the other, “Long Half,” from the beginning of February till the middle of July. The six weeks after Easter (“Easter-Time”) were devoted to the study of Greek Grammar, and once in each of these weeks there was competition in speaking, the best speakers being selected to display their oratorical powers on the final day, which was called “Commoners’ Speaking.” During the remaining weeks of Long Half, (“Cloister Time,”) Sixth Book and Senior part went up to books together; when thus combined, they were called “Pulpiteers.” Middle and Junior part were merged together in the same way—those in Junior part having the opportunity of rising into Middle part, and vice versâ. This combination was called “Cloisters,” and this period of the year “Cloister Time;” the distinguished post of “Cloister Classicus” was, I can tell from long experience, by no means a sinecure.

Efficiency in Latin composition, especially verse, and learning lines by heart, were (unfortunately for me) the surest means of rising in the School. Four days a week we had to write a short copy of verses of from four to six lines on a set subject; this was called a “Vulgus,” and was always written on half a quarter of a sheet of foolscap, (“a Vessel of Paper.”) Once a week, one of from ten to twenty, a “Verse Task,” (written on a quarter of foolscap;) and, once a week, also a “Prose Task.” We were always excused (“had Remission from”) Vulgus when the next day was a Saint’s-day; and if one fell on a Wednesday or Friday, our verse or prose task for the day previous was remitted. Præfects and Senior part also were encouraged to write, once or twice in the half-year, a copy of verses on any subject selected by themselves, which was called a “Voluntary.” From time to time, also, they had to write Latin criticisms on Greek plays, and the other boys to write an analysis of some historical work; these productions were called “Gatherings,” (or “Gags.”) In the last week but one of “Long Half,” all the boys, except those in Sixth Book and Senior part, had to say a number of lines; this was called ”Standing-up Week,” concerning which and “Election Week,” (the last week of the same half,) I will treat hereafter.

Flogging was not excessively frequent, and by no means severe. The rod consisted of a wooden handle about two feet and a half long, with four grooves at one end, into which were inserted four apple twigs; these branched off from the handle at so considerable an angle, that not more than one could touch the space of skin exposed,—about a hand’s-breadth of the small of the back, the waistcoat of the victim being raised to the necessary height. To obviate this to a certain extent, the “Rod-maker”—one of the Juniors charged with the care of these implements—had to twist them together so as to form one combined stick; generally, however, they separated after the second cut. I am told that these twigs are now cut so as to lie in a straight line with the rod, without any angle, which is a very disadvantageous change for the floggee. The ordinary punishment consisted of four cuts, and was called “a Scrubbing.” The individual who was to be punished was told “to order his name,” which he did by going to the Ostiarius, and requesting him to do so; that officer accordingly, at the end of School time, would take his name to the Master, who would then call it out, and the victim had to kneel down at Senior row, while two Juniors laid bare the regulation space of his back. The first time a boy’s name was ordered, the punishment was remitted on his pleading “Primum tempus.” For a more serious breach of duty, a flogging of six cuts (a “Bibler”) was administered, in which case the culprit had to “order his name to the Bible Clerk,” and that individual, with the help of Ostiarius, performed the office of Jack Ketch. If a boy was detected in a lie, or any very disgraceful proceeding,—a rare occurrence, I am happy to say,—he had to stand up in the centre of Junior row during the whole of the School time, immediately preceding the infliction of the flogging; this pillory process was called a “Bibler under the nail.” I have also heard, that for a very heinous offence a boy might be punished in Sixth Chamber, in which case the number of stripes was not limited; but I never knew an instance of this.

On one first of April, an impertinent boy undertook to make an April fool of the Doctor, and accordingly marched boldly up to his throne, and told him that he had torn his gown; and, on the rent not being found visible to the naked eye, suggested that it was the 1st of April; upon which he was told to order his name to the Bible Clerk. When Middle School was over, the Doctor put on his trencher cap, and called out, “Pincher, Bible Clerk, and Ostiarius!” (which meant that Pincher was to advance to receive his deserts, and the others to assist as masters of the ceremonies.) At the moment that the culprit was expecting to feel the sting of the apple-twigs across his backbone, the Doctor threw down the rods, saying, “Who is the fool now?” and was walking out of School, when the undaunted Pincher jumped up, and ejaculated, “It’s past twelve, Sir!”

Ordinary offences of a trifling character, such as being late for Chapel, or “Shirking Hills,” (v.i.,) were punished by the infliction of an imposition,—generally thirty lines of Virgil, English and Latin. I think I must have written out the Æneids of Virgil and Odes of Horace half-a-dozen times during my sojourn at Winchester. Indeed, being naturally of a prudent disposition, whenever I had nothing particular to do, I used to write out a few lines, and thus gradually became possessed of a small capital of a thousand lines or so, on which I could draw at any pressing emergency.

If a boy had occasion to speak to a Master, and while he was up at books, the correct thing was to keep his gown buttoned at the top; and if he wished to go out of School, he wrote his name on a slip of paper, (or “Roll,”) with the following sentence:—“Ostiarii veniâ potitus, tuam pariter exeundi petit;” he then asked leave of the Ostiarius to “put up his roll,” which being granted, he deposited it on the Master’s desk, and made his exit. When a Præfect wanted to go out, he went to a corner Scob near the door, and “scraped” with his feet until he attracted the Master’s attention, and obtained a nod of consent. At one particular time of the year, (I think it was during Saturday evening School in Easter week,) two Commoners and one College Inferior might collectively scrape out together. Only about half-a-dozen boys were allowed to be out at one time; but I have known some steal out on the sly, without any preliminary formality. On a fine summer afternoon, the Doctor might accidentally cast his eye over School, and observing that it had rather a deserted expression, would send out the Bible Clerk and Ostiarius to make a foray in Meads, who would presently return with a flock of truants; it being impossible to flog such a number, it was usual to make them “cut in a book,”[7] to settle which half-a-dozen should be distinguished in this manner.

The educational system at Winchester is, I believe, most excellent, and turns out a very superior article in many cases. I am sorry that I cannot point to myself as a brilliant example. When I was in Junior part, I was under a Master who used to curb my ascending energies by making me always stand up junior, and not allowing me “to take up” even when we went up to the Doctor for our monthly examination. He used also to employ the following method of repressing any little eccentricities on my part; he would call me up to the side of his desk, and putting his hand affectionately on my shoulder, mildly remonstrate with me, gradually his hand would creep up, and a finger entwine itself in the hair above and a little in front of my ear, and he would impress on me the more salient points of his lecture by a steady screw of the finger. This treatment ultimately became very tiresome; so one day, just as the screw-powder was being laid on, I emitted a yell, that made the Doctor bound again in his chair, and brought every boy in the school on his legs. After this my hair was allowed to curl naturally. In the middle of the half year this Master left, and his place was filled by another. The reader will be as much surprised as I was, when he hears that at the end of that half I got the books! If any one doubts the fact, I can show them the volume in question, with a statement in it endorsed by his Grace the late Duke of Buckingham, that my morals were excellent, and my habits of application most praiseworthy. I was accordingly promoted into Middle part, and when the next half year I proudly ascended to my new position, I had visions of a fellowship at New College, and a shadowy notion of the woolsack in futurity. Neither of these fancies, however, have yet been accomplished. If it were not that owing to the inclemency of the season this autumn, the grapes are so very backward, I should be inclined to make some remarks touching the former disappointment.

My new Master unfortunately thought that I was incorrigibly idle, and in my Latin verses and lines showed me no mercy. I struggled hard for a year, (oh, the many hours that I have sat up in bed and paced up and down School, trying to drive the requisite number of lines into my head for the next morning’s repetition,) and after that his opinion gradually became more correct. Unfortunately for me, our places were always marked every morning immediately after the repetition of lines; and as I invariably went to the bottom then, it mattered little how much I had risen previously, and I was “Semper (always) Classicus;” and so if I had remained at Winchester, I should have been to the present day.

I must also admit that I was not strong in Latin verse. I remember writing a copy once that I thought was beyond criticism, and was much disgusted when I found that the Master thought that “pius Æneas” was not a suitable termination to an Hexameter line. I was not, however, alone in this want of true poetic feeling. My worthy friend Podder one day produced the following Pentameter:—

For the benefit both of those who do, and those who do not, understand Latin, I will mention that the translation of the above was meant to be—

Will Bumpus forgive me if I relate an instance of his ingenuity? He quietly took the following line from Horace, and served it up as an Hexameter of his own composition:—

On the inexpediency of this being suggested to him, he was setting to work to alter it, when suddenly a bright thought flashed across his mind; he knew the line was out of Horace, so that if it wasn’t an Hexameter, it must be a Pentameter; so up it came—

The rest being tragic, I will break off here, and having given the reader enough of myself and my shortcomings, will proceed to more general subjects.

We had some singular customs at the commencement of Cloister time. Senior part and Cloisters, just before the entrance of the Masters into School, used to engage in a kind of general tournament; this was called “Cloister Roush;” each party used to charge from their respective ends of School till they met in the middle; it was a good-humoured affair; fists were not used, but only wrestling and hustling. Another remarkable custom was that of “Cloister Pealing.” At the commencement of Cloister time, for a few minutes before the hiss was given, the vast gulf that usually existed between Præfects and Inferiors was temporarily broken down. All the boys in Cloisters being assembled up at books, proceeded to chant the praises of the popular or severe criticisms on the unpopular, Præfects, in short Latin, Greek, or English epigrams. I am happy to say that the complimentary species generally preponderated. Well do I remember the enthusiasm with which we chanted on one occasion—

Ζωή being the nickname of one of the senior Præfects, Rich in all those physical and moral qualities that endear an athletic youth to his younger school-fellows. I might give some examples of Peals, which the reader might find more amusing than the subjects found them complimentary, but for obvious reasons I abstain.

In Commoners also there was an entirely different description of “Pealing,” which will be described in the chapter on Standing up and Election Week.

CHAPTER IX. THE JUNIOR ON A LOCKBACK HOLIDAY.

Fagging Choristers—Crutch—Currell—Concerts—Fighting—How to Catch the Measles—“Books Chambers.”

When the weather was too bad on a Holiday or “Remedy” to go on to Hills, we used to pass the day principally in school; the gate of Seventh Chamber passage being locked, and communication with Chamber Court being cut off, it was called a “Lockback.”

On leaving morning chapel on such a day we adjourned at once to school, when the Fags would by no means have an idle time of it. The instant they arrived “Junior! Junior! Junior!” would resound on every side, and in every conceivable tone of gentle entreaty, slight impatience, and vehement indignation, according to the temper of the caller, or duration of the call. Then the valets had to arrange their master’s washing things on Commoners’ table, for few of the Præfects condescended to wash before chapel. Others were sent, with all kinds of commissions, to “Blue gate,” (a door in the west wall of School court, which opened into a side passage running along the outside of the kitchen buildings, to outer gate,) which was pierced with a hole about a foot square, through which the Choristers were called and received their orders, and through which they handed any articles they might have been sent for; the scene here was similar to that at Whitesman’s hatch at breakfast time, (v. s.) crowds of Fags jostling round the hole and clinging to the bars screaming “Chorister! Chorister!” at the top of their voices, in frantic eagerness to catch the eye of the first Chorister, the clatter of whose hobnailed boots would be heard coming up the flint pavement a long time before the wearer could be seen. When he did appear the cry was, “Fagging for me;” or, more generally, instead of “me,” the name of the Præfect for whom the message was to be sent was used, as more likely to carry weight with the Chorister.

The little Choristers had hard work of it; they were soon scattered all over the town,—to La Croix’s for a pint of coffee and twopenn’orth of biscuits, or a “Tizzy tart;” to Nevy’s (this gentleman supplied edibles at Commoners’ field; I suppose he once had an uncle or an aunt, and so got his nickname; if he ever had any other name nobody knew it, and I doubt if he did himself) for strawberries and cream, or Burney’s biscuits; to Flight’s for sallyluns; to Forder’s for buns; to Stone’s, to Drew’s, to Raymond’s for anything you like, besides innumerable errands to the boot-maker, tailor, circulating library, &c., &c.

One of the most common and disagreeable orders for a Junior to receive on these wet mornings was to get a pint cup; as at the commencement of the half year the stock-in-trade for the whole College consisted of about two dozen, and as they were by no means “College ware,” i.e., not easily broken, in a few weeks they became rather scarce articles, but no Junior being ever allowed to say he “couldn’t” procure anything he was told to get, he had to depart on his hopeless errand, and, not succeeding, receive the usual reward.

As the day wore on some of the Præfects would subside into the comfortably stuffed seats between their scobs, and set to work “Mugging,” (reading hard,) only occasionally lifting up their voices to call “Junior!”: other boys would take to playing chess, or some other quiet game; while the more noisily disposed would indulge in practising jumps over the Commoners’ tables, playing Hicockolorum, or Crocketts, (miniature cricket, with a stump and a fives ball,) to the great detriment of Præfect of School’s windows.

Presently Seventh Chamber passage would open and admit Crutch, (I wonder what his name really was,) a knowing-looking little man, whose occupation was that of surgeon to those cricket and fives bats that had received severe wounds; and he was such a skilful operator that a bat always seemed to rise like a Phœnix from its ashes after passing through his hands; a clamorous crowd would speedily surround the bat-surgeon, to supply him with fresh patients, or consult him on the constitution of others. Currell, also, would be likely to come in on a wet day,—when I say Currell, I mean a hair-cutter, for there were two or three of them, but whoever the individual was, to the boys he was always “Currell.” One of them operated on me yesterday; as he was combing my luxuriant locks, he remarked:—“Hair not quite so thick, sir, as it used to was in the old times; very fine ’ead of ’air then, sir. Remember when you came, before New Commoners’ was built; great changes since then. Old Poole dead at last, sir. Doctor’s nephew is a master now, sir; has an ’ouse in Kingsgate Street, and takes in young gents,” &c., &c. But I don’t think he could have told me much more, as I find that having my hair cut is not nearly so tedious an operation as it used to be.

On the dark afternoons in the short half, for about an hour before hall time, (six o’clock,) the boys used to assemble round the fire, the Juniors sitting on the stone steps, and the Præfects on scobs ranged in a semicircle in front; two large vessels of egg-flip were placed in the middle, from which the contents were scooped out with pint cups, and we used to sing lustily, if not well. I trust that the repertoire of songs has been changed since those days; indeed, before I left all the more objectionable ones were expunged. We always began with “When good King Arthur reigned,” and then followed promiscuously “The Bay of Biscay,” “The Workhouse Boy,” “John Barleycorn,” “Three Jolly Postboys,” “Betsy Baker,” “Captain Bold,” “The Overseer,” “I Loves a Drop of Good Beer,” “Fox went Out one Moonshiny Night,” “Tally ho! Hark away,” &c.

Amongst two hundred boys quarrels would occasionally arise, which were generally adjusted, when the principals were at all equally matched, by an appeal to that old British weapon—the Fist. Fights were by no means exceedingly frequent, and when they did come off, were conducted with all due solemnity. School on a Lockback day was a very favourite arena, and differences were also settled on Hills and on “Sicily,” (a triangular piece of grass just at the entrance into Meads,) where I have also seen a main of cocks fought. I will not give an account of an ideal fight, as everybody has already read the particulars of that one so graphically written by my excellent friend Tom Brown, with whose sentiments on the subject in general I cordially concur, and I strongly recommend my readers to take down their copy of the book from its shelf at this moment, and reperuse that portion of it. To the best of my recollection, I was only once engaged in a bonâ fide set-to of the kind in question; but I flatter myself that this was a very remarkable contest, being well remembered for some little time by the fortunate spectators. We commenced operations immediately after morning chapel, and did not lay down our arms till the hiss was given for morning school; we were then squaring-up for the forty-ninth round. I got my head considerably punched in the first few rounds, during which indeed it was seldom out of Chancery, but I improved as we got on, and felt quite sorry when we were obliged to give up; neither of us, however, had afterwards the slightest anxiety to renew the engagement, and we always continued the best of friends, having, from practical experience, learnt mutual respect for each other; and whenever in after life I have had the pleasure of meeting my old antagonist, we have never failed in conversation to fight our battle over again.

A good deal of practice with single stick, foils, and boxing-gloves, went on in school also; I was one day exercising the latter instruments with Pudding, when I received a blow in the throat which made me feel very uncomfortable, and we left off; I got worse and worse, and finally had to apply for leave from school; I then went down to sick house, was rather feverish that evening, and awoke next morning with—the Measles.

On “Remedies” from eleven till twelve, and from four till five there was an attempt at keeping order in school, under the presidence of the unfortunate French Master, who, I fear, had rather a warm time of it, in endeavouring, with the assistance of the Bible Clerk and Ostiarius, to maintain anything like a proper command over us. These hours of mitigated study were called “Books Chambers.”

CHAPTER X. THE JUNIOR IN MEADS.

“Watching out”—Cricket Reminiscences—Lord’s Matches—Turf—Football—Six and Six—Twenty-two and Twenty-two—SS and Trees—Fines—Sick-House—Gooseberry Fool—“Going Continent”—Long Meads—Enlargement of Meads.

As I said before, I must confess that as a Junior I did not on the whole look upon a holiday as a peculiar blessing; indeed I used to watch the applicant for a Remedy with much interest, and profound was my secret disgust when it was granted, and ill-concealed my satisfaction if it was refused.

My reason for this was the unlimited extent to which “Watching out” at cricket was enforced on us. I believe that this is now altered, the time being limited to one hour on a school-day, and two on a holiday, which amount is healthy for the boys, and very useful, inasmuch as it initiates them into one of the most useful branches of a public-school education—the science of cricket. But it is quite possible to have too much of a good thing. I have been, on a Saint’s-day, (this, however, was an extreme case, and did not occur often,) ordered down to watch out in Meads early in the morning before breakfast, and not allowed to quit the ground, (except to attend chapel,) till dark, the whole time without a hat, often in a broiling sun; at breakfast time and one o’clock one of the Fags would be sent up to bring down food, which we ate on the ground. In order to effect this day’s work, we had (if we could not get leave, and I think only three were allowed) to shirk Hills three times, for each of which we were liable (if discovered, by names being called, as was generally the case) to an imposition. And when the day’s entertainment commenced by a big Præfect, about twenty-two years old, placing a boy about ten paces behind the wickets as Longstop to a fast bowler, pointing significantly to a spare stump stuck in the ground close by, and remarking, with a savage scowl, “Now, you look here, you young ⸺, you see that stump, the first ball you miss I’ll cut you in three pieces—body, soul, and legs,” I think it will be admitted that to that Longstop at any rate a holiday would not be regarded as a very great privilege, especially when Nestor was not at all the boy (man, I should rather say) not to endeavour conscientiously to fulfil any promise of the kind above mentioned. I again repeat, this is an extreme case; and now, even if the will were present, the opportunity would be wanting. Happy was the boy who succeeded in making a catch, as in that case he was excused from watching out for the rest of the day; still more serene must have been the existence of the mustard and pepper keeper—the responsible duties of which office relieved the fortunate holder from service in the field.

But what adepts we became in fielding under this rough treatment! I would in those days stop a ball with my left hand, which, if I now saw coming towards me, I should diligently avoid touching at all. So “there is no cloud but has its silver lining;” and, perhaps, if in these latter days Winchester has not held the laurels in cricket quite so firmly as of old, it is in some respects owing to the mitigated apprenticeship served by the boys in their Fagging days. This, alas! is not of much consequence now, since it has been deemed expedient by the authorities to put an end to the public-school matches at Lord’s, which tended so much to produce a wholesome feeling of patriotic rivalry among the boys, and were always looked forward to by all Wykehamists as the pleasantest rendezvous of the year, where their spirits were refreshed by talking over past times with old friends seldom seen but at those reunions.

I have heard, from the best authority, that the principal reason for no longer permitting the Winchester boys to contend with Harrow and Eton in the public arena at Lord’s is, that their parents complained that they were put to great inconvenience by having to send up their sons to London in the middle of the holidays, that they were put to considerable expense, and the boys exposed to many temptations. These objections are valid ones, I admit; but, I think, not insurmountable. As regards the expense, I am certain that a fund could easily be raised that would cover all the travelling expenses of the eleven for the next ten years; and as regards the exposure of the boys to temptation, I am sure that, even if they had no relations resident in London who could put them up, were the want made known, hospitable doors would open in sufficient number, not only to take in the eleven, but the whole school, if required; and the boys’ proceedings would be as carefully looked after as if they were at home. And I cannot doubt but that the old school is lowered in the eyes of the public by its absence from the annual contest at Lord’s, and that other schools will gradually usurp the position as one of the first in England, which it has held for so many centuries.

I must, however, in justice, add that, from the present arrangement of having the cricket-match with Eton played on alternate years at Eton and Winchester, the boys themselves (excepting the eleven) certainly must derive far greater amusement than they did heretofore from the knowledge of the fact that the match was being played at London, where, besides the eleven, there probably would not be half-a-dozen present. Now they get two whole holidays; and when the match is played at Winchester, half the Eton boys come over by railway, and are entertained in Hall, so that the game is carried on in the presence of the two schools. Notwithstanding this, I think that the annual contest of the principal schools in the national game is an affair in which the interests of the majority of Wykehamists ought to be consulted, and should take place in the metropolis.

What a noble game cricket must be, when one loved it so much, notwithstanding the previous training! What genuine excitement when College and Commoners was played; what frantic shouting when Rapid got well hold of a “Barter,” (see Glossary,) and sent the ball from “Spanish Poplar,” right over Meads wall by “Log pond;” or when Cocky, from the centre of “Turf,” landed one well into the middle of Commoners! They used to hit hard in those days with a bat, as well as with a ground ash. How blasé one gets now-a-days! Oh for a quarter of an hour of genuine boy’s enthusiasm!

Meads is always a pleasant spot to me. I played in a match there not long ago against the garrison; but, alas! where was the fire that used to burn within me! I got one run the first innings, and was bowled out first ball by a slow underhand “Lob” (tice) the second; and when I attempted to throw up the ball, it went ten yards wide of the wicket, my arm nearly out of its socket, and I felt the pain in it for a week after. But I am glad I got out soon, for I strolled round the old place, and inspected all the well remembered nooks and corners; and the stones in the wall so carefully smoothed and neatly carved with the names of past heroes. Happy he who, on his return in after life, can find his unscarred; a sure sign that he had left a respected name behind him. There was Amen Corner still unchanged; I could even discern faint traces of

“S̄alvĕ D̆i|vā P̄o|tens”

that we chalked up years ago in honour of “Young Sadnose’s” powers of scanning. Log pond, with its Champions, still exists, but much shorn in its dimensions, and a row of trees planted in front. “Non Licet gate’s” hinges looked as rusty as ever, (it was supposed only to be opened when a boy was to be expelled.) Spanish Poplar was gone,—blown down by a gale. How well I remember, when a small boy twelve years old, on my first appearance in Meads, seeing “Long John” and ten other men pulling at a condemned limb which was half sawn through, when the rope suddenly snapped, and they all in an instant subsided on their backs in the middle of Turf; how I rolled with delight at the scene! Since then I have often rolled with delight, as well as from other sensations, in the old green Meads; one had one’s trials and difficulties, yet, on the whole, I doubt if I have ever been much happier.

About two acres in the centre of Meads was slightly raised above the rest on a chalk foundation, and covered with turf, which was most carefully kept, and constantly rolled, and in winter fenced all round. This, which was called par excellence “Turf,” was kept sacred for the use of the Præfects and the first eleven, (called Senior Match;) except two corners, which were allotted to Middle and Junior Match,—the former consisting of the second eleven and Senior part, and the latter of the third eleven.

But I must now proceed to Football, a game I like (or rather, used to like) far more than cricket. The reason is simple; I was a tolerably good hand at the former, and rather a muff at the latter. Of all the games of football that I have seen, I think none can compare in interest to the Winchester “Six and Six.”[8] I hate the crowded games of twenty or thirty a-side, where for one kick at the ball you receive a dozen on your shins. In “Six and Six” your powers of pluck, endurance, strength, and speed are constantly called into play; it is not all weight and hustling, but speed and scientific kicking, that win the day. Kicking the ball up into the air was considered very bad play, except when the ball had been previously caught before it had touched the ground, when it was allowed, i.e., if the kicker could get the chance, before one of the other side was down upon him.

Our costume consisted of a jersey, flannel trousers, “Beeswaxers,” (lace-up boots,) or “High-lows,” (low shoes,) with two or three pairs of “Worsteders,” (thick worsted stockings,) the feet of all but one pair being cut off.

Every day, during middle school, the two senior Præfects who intended to play made out the “Roll” (list) of the side,—one was headed “Ad Rubrum Murum” (which meant that that side was to kick towards Sick-house wall,) and the other “Ad Foricam,” (vice versâ.) But Football wasn’t all beer and skittles to the Fags. There was an institution called “Kicking in,” which, while it lasted, was much worse than watching out at cricket, although it had the very great merit of not continuing so long; for even on a whole holiday we seldom had more than two hours of it. It was managed as follows:—The ground for the game was marked out by two rows of Juniors, who were obliged to keep exactly in line and prevent the ball from passing outside them, or if it did, to put it back again. Midway between each of the two ends of the line was stationed another boy, as umpire, (“Goal,” he was called,) who stood with his legs wide apart, and a gown rolled up at each foot: if the ball was kicked directly over his head, or between his legs, without his touching it, it was a “Goal,” and scored three for the party that kicked it; if directly over one of the gowns at his feet (a “Gowner”) which counted two; or if it passed between either of the gowns and the last boy of the line on that side, (a “Schitt,”) one.

We used also to play large games, occasionally with twenty-two a-side, which I did not much admire. The biggest boy on each side stood opposite to each other, the remainder pressing up close round, with their heads and bodies down in a compact mass; then, just to encourage them, the captain would drop his great fist on their backs, with a mild injunction; and the ball being deposited in the middle, the struggle began. This was called a “Hot,” a very appropriate appellation. After surging tumultuously about for a time, some boy would emerge from the mass with the ball before him, when it would be kicked about a little, till it got out of the line, when another “Hot” would be formed, and so on.[9] We used to have annual matches with Commoners, six a-side, and also with twenty-two; one of the proudest moments of my life was when I was first unexpectedly told that I was to play in “Six and Six.”

The Juniors did not get much fun out of the regular games, as their part consisted solely in kicking-in the ball, and receiving divers kicks and “clows” in return for their vigilance; in the afternoons on holidays, however, they used to get a kick at a ball on their own account, as there was a kind of perpetual scratch game, without chosen sides, going on; this was called “SS and Trees,” from two trees being the goal at one end, and two iron clamps in the shape of two SS fastened in the wall at the other.

Football at Oxford, (where Winchester, Eton, Harrow, Westminster, Rugby, and various “T’other Schoolmen,” i.e., those who had not been at a public school, used to play together, each with different rules,) occasionally gave rise to some amusing incidents. On one occasion I saw a Rugby man catch the ball, and, with a complacent smile, was then taking a little run to give impetus to his intended kick off, when Podder, hot from Winchester, darted out, and with one dexterous turn of his leg, laid the Rugbean flat on the ground, and before he could scoop the mud out of his mouth, and compose himself to articulate ejaculation, Podder had carried the ball to the other end of the ground. It subsequently appeared that by Rugby rules no one was allowed to interfere in such a case, whereas at Winchester he who had caught the ball might kick if he could, and if any one ran at him to interfere, he might then run away.

Football, though a splendid game for boys, does not do in after life, as it requires constant practice both in running and the art of kicking. About three years after I left, I was passing through Winchester, and went down to College to play football, expecting to enjoy myself immensely, and to explain to the degenerate youngsters how football used to be played in our time. The first fair kick I got at the ball I missed it altogether, and nearly kicked my own leg out of its socket; the second time, remembering my previous failure, and determining to be more careful, I buried my toes in the ground, just short of the ball, which never moved, while my ancle nearly snapped across with the shock; the third time I kicked well into the back of the tendon achillis of my other leg, and was carried off howling. Since then I have confined myself to looking on at football.

Fives we used to play against the back of school, which formed a spacious “Ball Court.” The bat used is, I believe, peculiar to Winchester; it was about two feet and a half in length, the part with which the ball was struck expanding to about the size of a small lady’s hand, and immediately above it the wood was planed thin, thus forming a powerful spring. With this instrument the ball could be driven with great force; and I have known it used for other purposes, for which it was very effectual, though not very agreeable to one of the parties in that game. One boy, I remember, kept a bat which he consecrated solely to this amusement, and to the back of it he had nailed a donkey-shoe, which gave great weight to his arguments. The balls used were small, about the size of a large grape-shot, and cost sixpence a piece, which made the game an expensive one; as, if the ball passed to the right or to the left of the school wall against which we played, it vanished altogether from our ken,—if it went to the left it went into Long-meads or Commoners, and if to the right into Cloisters. We could, however, generally purchase back at half-price from Long John about one quarter of those lost. Long John was the College mason, who was always wandering about with a satellite looking for something to do, but beyond occasionally scratching a brick, I scarcely ever saw him doing anything like work. If asked what he was doing, he always said, “Nothin’, sir;” at which occupation the satellite was a most efficient coadjutor.

The Winchester “Bat-fives” was amusing enough when played in a promiscuous way, but not, I think, a really good game, as it was too difficult. I have scarcely ever seen even the best players return the ball more than three or four times. The Fag’s share of the game was to stand round the edge of the court and pick up the balls as they rolled off; it was not nearly such hard work as watching-out at cricket, or kicking-in at football, and the work being easy it did not entail so much punishment; but it was far from pleasant, owing to the blinding glare from the white concrete of which the floor was made. Mr Ridding, formerly second Master, has most liberally built some excellent racket courts, in what used to be “Long Meads,” but is now thrown into “Meads,” to the great advantage of the boys.

A long red brick wall ran across Meads on the west side, in which there was a door that led to “Sick-house,” situated in a field called “Sick-house Meads.” It was presided over by a worthy old matron named “Mother Maskell.” Her kind face is no longer there to soothe the invalid; and I hope, for the sake of the boys, that her successor inherits, with her other good qualities, her receipt for gooseberry fool. How we used to scent it from afar; and the moment a fresh brew was ready, what a rush to Sick-house! How we slid over the gate, which formed no barrier in such a case! There were two kinds, “Husky” and “Non-husky;” the former was decidedly the favourite, and the consumption was really alarming. Notwithstanding this there were few of us ill in those times, and one half of the number “Continent” were generally “Shuffling,” and the other laid-up with wounds received in athletic exercises. One boy, I remember, broke his arm three times in one year; the last time, the Master under whom he was made him write out all the lessons that he would have had to do if he had been in school, suggesting that he had broken his arm on purpose to escape them. Certainly being “Continent” was an agreeable change for a Fag, as he had no lessons to do, and escaped all fagging, except from such Præfects as happened to be Continent also, and he also got a “Thoke” in the morning till nine o’clock. When a boy was really ill he slept at Sick-house. I only remember doing so on one occasion myself, and that was when I caught the measles in the remarkable way above mentioned, (vide p. 127.) This was a very jolly period. I had them very slightly, and there were four of us in a room together—Rasper, Badger, Bumpus, and myself, and I was then, for the first time, initiated in the mysteries of the science of Whist; one of us, who was the least unwell, used to deal and collect the cards, which we threw into the middle of the room as we played.

As I mentioned before, when a boy felt ill, or inclined to quit school for a period, he had to get leave Continent,[10] which was done by sending a boy in the morning first to get leave from his tutor, and then from the Head Master; and when he returned to his school duties he was said to “come abroad.”

During Long half all the unoccupied rooms in Sick-house were occupied by the senior Præfects as private studies; and each of them chose a boy as a “Reader,” whose nominal office was to read aloud the “English” of any Greek or Latin author his master might be studying. This was a much coveted appointment, as the fortunate possessor was exempt from all fagging.

There was another field between Sick-house Meads and Commoners belonging to College, called “Long Meads,” which, to the best of my belief, was only used to feed the Fellows’ cows. This is now thrown into Meads; and if Sick-house Meads could also be added, what a magnificent playground it would make!

It has been, I believe, often suggested that the boys at Winchester were not allowed sufficient exercise in the open air. I do not think there was any ground for this complaint as regards the College boys at any rate, who were sent at least three times a week to the top of Hills, besides having Meads close at hand during all play hours. Commoners were not so well off, as they only had one hour on school-days to breathe fresh air, in which time they had to walk half a mile out and back to the indifferent field forming their gymnasium; doubtless they now have access to Meads.

CHAPTER XI. THE JUNIOR ON HILLS.

On—Mizmaze—The Badger—Swimming Lessons—Practical Jokes—Trial for Assault—Town and Gown Row.

Soon after morning chapel on a Holiday or Remedy all the boys assembled at “Gates”—i.e., in seventh chamber passage—each boy choosing a “Socius,” or companion, as in marching “on to Hills” we always walked two and two, College first, and Commoners after. At the word “On” from the Præfect of Hall we started off at a quick pace, the Præfects walking on the road, the rest on the footpath. The former had the privilege of calling “off” an Inferior to walk with them, as they were allowed to range the country; whereas the others were confined to the top of St Catherine’s Hill. On we went, the small College boys at a sharp trot to keep up with the long steps of the bigger ones in front, and urged on by the Commoners behind, round the corner of Warden’s garden, where some boy would duck under the rails, and dart off to Bungy’s for strawberries and cream, or sausages, according to the season, taking his chance of another and very different kind of refreshment if caught in the fact; then over Blackbridge, past “Commoner’s field” and “Domum tree,” over the three stepping-stiles (to be able to jump which, both going and returning, was a great object of ambition to an enterprising Junior) to Tunbridge, where (if names were not to be called at the top of Hills) the Præfects and their “Teejays” went off on their own devices, and the rest up the steep ascent of St Catherine’s Hill. Here the latter amused themselves by playing cricket, rounders, or football, according to the time of the year or state of the weather, plying the “Mousedigger” (a kind of diminutive pickaxe) in search of mice, or threading the intricacies of “Mizmaze,” a labyrinth supposed to have been cut in the turf by the author of “Domum” during the holidays, when he was forced to remain in Winchester instead of going home. The legend further declares that he cut the verses of Domum on the bark of the tree which still bears the name, and then committed suicide. By and by the voices of the three Juniors calling Domum, (two of whom had to make the circuit of “Trench,” and the other cross the summit of Hills,) warned them that it was time to go “on,” when, at a signal from the Præfect of Hall below, we rushed down to Tunbridge, and were marshalled on our way home. If violent rain came on, these proceedings were dispensed with, and we were allowed to find our way home as fast as we could; this was called “Skirmishing on.”

Such was the usual routine of the Inferiors on hills; but the Præfects and their Teejays had a more lively time of it. For them there were ducks and green peas at Twyford, bathing in “Pot,” (if summer time,) a foray on the young rooks, chariot races, and, last and greatest, the chase of the immortal badger. If one can’t follow a fox on horseback, one may do worse than follow a badger on foot—that is, if one’s lungs and legs are in as good condition as ours used to be in those days. At some appointed meet, “Turner,” the badger provider, clad in a rusty velveteen shooting jacket, with a cur or two at his heels, and the noble animal in a sack, used to meet us. On the mouth of the sack being opened, away went badger at a steady enduring pace across the downs. He did not run extremely fast, but then he could go for ever. His strong point was going up a steep hill, when he could beat the fastest runner; going down hill he was not so brilliant. We generally gave him one hundred yards start before we followed, Turner bringing up the rear with the dogs in couples. Sometimes, instead of crossing the downs, he would make for the water meadows, and then the runs were more exciting as he took to the water like an otter; and as with the old and new barge river and mill streams, there were several pieces of water of some breadth and depth to pass, our swimming as well as running powers were called into play. When we had had enough, the dogs were let loose and the badger stopped. Turner’s excitement at this moment lest his badger or dogs should receive any injuries was intense, and indeed with some reason, as a badger and dog, locked in an embrace, require great persuasion to make them forego their hold. He used to throw himself on the combatants, and eagerly exhort some of those up to “lay hould of his tail,” while he himself would chew away at that of the badger or of any dog that would not quit his gripe. The badger being extricated from the dogs, or the dogs from the badger, as the case might be, he was returned to the quiet of his sack again till the next morning Hills.

These morning exercises produced considerable appetite. Before starting for Hills we used generally to indulge in a pint of coffee and two pennyworth of biscuits from Lacroix’s; then we not unfrequently ran to Twyford as hard as we could put legs to the ground to regale on ducks and green peas; which finished, we would just have sufficient leisure to run back to College in time for the regulation breakfast, eked out with fried potatoes, kidneys, sausages, &c. &c.

The time most looked forward to by the Juniors was “Long Meads”—i.e., that time in summer when Toy-time was dispensed with—and we went every evening (and on holidays in the afternoon also) on to Hills, or rather to “Underhills,” as we did not go up St Catherine’s Hill, but ranged the meadows below. On such evenings the Fag who was unable to swim would have his education completed in that respect. The method of instruction was well calculated for the end in view, but not, strictly speaking, agreeable to the pupil. The course was much in this way:—Four boys would take the tyro, one by each arm and leg, and, with “once, twice, thrice, and away,” send him flying into the middle of “Pot”—i.e., a lock full of water. On emerging half choked, he would be supported for an instant by one or two other boys already in the water, and then, by an energetic pressure on the shoulders with their hands, followed up by a kick when he had descended to their feet, he would be sent to investigate the pebbles at the bottom. A few evenings of this generally gave the victim a notion of how to support himself in the water. An Inferior was not allowed to bathe in Pot till he could prove his swimming powers by swimming from Tunbridge to Pot, a distance of about a quarter of a mile. The other favourite bathing places were “Milk Hole,” immediately below Pot; and Tunbridge—i.e., that part of the river near the bridge of that name. In the latter place I remember seeing some practical jokes played that were nearly proving serious. In one case, a new boy, somewhat taller and bigger than the average, and a good swimmer, when going to bathe in Tunbridge for the first time, asked if it was deep enough for a header. On being told that it was, he took a run and jumped in, and (the water being low at the time, and even when full not more than four feet and a half deep) cut himself severely about the face and chest. On another occasion, one boy pushed another into the river, clothes and all, close to the open hatch, through which the water was rushing furiously; he was carried through a ten-foot brick tunnel, and rolled out on the stones below; providentially he was not much hurt. Another practical joke, of which Tunbridge was the theatre, was a more meritorious proceeding than those previously described. There was a ruffian who was always lurking about trying to sell spirits to the small boys. He had often been threatened with condign punishment if caught. At last he was taken in the fact, and summarily punished, by being thrown into Tunbridge. He was a tall man, and the water, when he recovered his legs, did not come higher than his waist; but that by no means prevented his swearing at the trial that subsequently took place at Quarter Sessions, that it was out of his depth, and he was nearly drowned. On his cross examination, when asked how he got out, he admitted that he walked out. This trial created a great excitement, not only in College, but in the town, and the court was besieged by an excited mob, who were frantic at the treatment that their brother had received from the bloated little aristocrats. I am sorry to say that they triumphed, as the magistrates fined the boys who were summoned £10 a head, which was immediately paid by the College authorities; and it was rather a general opinion at the time, that if the mob about the court doors had not been so clamorous, the fine would have been somewhat less,—even if the summons had not been dismissed altogether.

I forget whether it was specially the result of this little incident, or whether it was the casual development of a chronic irritation between the boys and the “Snobs,” that produced a somewhat serious town and gown row during my residence at Winchester.[11] There had been mutterings of a coming storm for some time typified by occasional sets-to between some individual boys and snobs, and forays by the latter on the clothes or towels of solitary small bathers. The town party chose their time for a demonstration with peculiar prudence. They waited till Commoners had gone, which they did on the Saturday before Election week. On the Monday following, the boys (now reduced in number to seventy, of whom at least twenty remained in College preparing for the coming examination) went on to Hills. They had not been there long before it became known that there was a gathering of the enemy at Twyford; and expresses being sent back to College that “Snobs were on,” and for the reserve to come up, we took the initiative, and went to Twyford to anticipate the attack. We hadn’t long to wait, and there was some very pretty fighting both in the way of general skirmishes and individual mills. We got the best of it; and some of the bigger boys, elated with success, determined to push up to the stronghold of the enemy in the town. I was much too small for this part of the campaign, and, with the other little boys, retired behind the breastworks of College, where, by the by, we arrived very considerably later than the regulation hour. I have heard heart-stirring accounts of the heroic deeds of the heavy brigade, but not having been present I cannot particularly describe them. I believe that they carried on the attack bravely in the town for some time till overcome by numbers. The boys retreated to a path which leads out of High Street down by the river side to College, at the head of which (where there were two posts to prevent carts passing) they took their stand, and for a considerable time held their own gallantly. But at last they were obliged to break and fly, making good their retreat into College, however, without anything like serious damage. On numbering their forces, one boy was found missing, and grave apprehension was entertained for his safety, which, however, was soon dissipated by his unexpected appearance from the Warden’s house. In the flight he had tripped and fallen into Bungy’s ditch, where he wisely lay quiet till the throng of pursuers had rushed past, when he gently strolled towards College, and opportunely meeting with a well-known barrister who was taking his evening’s walk, he got him to give him a lift over the wall of Warden’s garden, and was safe.

CHAPTER XII. THE JUNIOR ON LEAVE OUT.

Saints’ Days—Early Leave Out—Poaching—Rowing—A Dinner—Sunday Leave Out.

Thoroughly to realise the merits of the holy men of old, one should have been at a public school; nobody ever welcomed the recurrence of their anniversaries with more sincere joy than a Junior at Winchester, always supposing that he had friends in the town or neighbourhood who would invite him to visit them on such occasions, otherwise the advantages, as hinted at above, were more than doubtful. If invited by friends in the neighbourhood, we were allowed “Early leave out,” i.e., from immediately after morning chapel; or if by friends in the town, from one o’clock; in both cases we had to be back for evening chapel, at a quarter before nine. I was fortunate enough to have hospitable friends, and a Saint’s-day seldom failed to be a day of rejoicing to me.

If we had early leave out we used generally to hire a “four-wheeler” from Watt’s of the Blue Boar, and gallop out to our destination, arriving probably before the family were up; and the breakfasts we used to devour on these occasions must have caused our kind entertainers to rejoice that Saints’ days did not occur every day of the week.

We frequently spent our days in fishing or shooting, according to the season of the year, varied with skating, boating, rifle practice in a chalk pit, &c., &c. Our shooting expeditions were generally undertaken without leave from any proprietor, but I have not much on my conscience as regards the amount of our depredations. The best bag that we ever made was, to the best of my recollection, one hare, two rats, a swallow, and fifteen larks. On that memorable day we quietly walked into a preserve four abreast, and blazed away, without doing the least harm, (except to one most unfortunate hare, that would sit still,) until a keeper appeared. I immediately bolted, shouting to my companions to separate and do the same; instead of doing so, however, they followed me in Indian file, and we were ultimately run to ground in a chalk pit. Our pursuer had no roof to his mouth; and between that, recent beer, rage, and exhaustion from the pace he had come, his speech was perhaps slightly incoherent. I offered him a cigar, but he was not amenable to reason, and we ultimately left him in the chalk pit gnashing his teeth.

This was not our last interview with this gentleman, but on the second occasion our intentions were innocent; we were walking through this same plantation, without guns, or any notion of game, when we espied a hare lying dead under a tree; on closer inspection it proved to be caught in a wire; we held an inquest on the body, and the unanimous opinion being that a post-mortem examination was necessary, and that that would more conveniently be entered upon at home, it was forthwith tucked up in one of our gowns; but, lo! scarcely had this been accomplished when, in the tree immediately above that under which the corpse had been lying, we heard a cracking of twigs, and before we could fully realise the state of things, our friend without a palate lay on his back in the midst of us. As he had heard all the particulars of the inquest, he must have known that we were not the murderers, but on our representing this to him, he very sagely remarked, that he had been up in the tree for six hours, and that he was quite contented with having secured us, and had not the slightest intention of mounting guard again for the chance of discovering the real offenders. We had a long argument with him, but he failed to see the thing in the proper light, and we with some difficulty succeeded in compromising the affair for a half-sovereign.

Popjoy was not contented with a little poaching in the shooting line, but used also occasionally to indulge his fishing propensities without going through the preliminary form of requesting leave. He one day had recourse to a stratagem to indulge in his favourite pursuit that for brazen impudence beats anything of the kind I ever heard of. He drove over to Avington, and commenced fishing in the Duke of Buckingham’s best water. Of course he hadn’t been there half an hour before the keeper appeared, saying—

“You mustn’t fish here, sir.”

Popjoy. “I have the Duke’s leave; please stand back, you disturb the fish.”

K. “What’s your name.”

P. “Popjoy.”

K. “Don’t know that name, and you must be off.”

“Wont you believe the Duke’s own handwriting,” rejoined the undaunted Popjoy, handing him a letter received that morning from his affectionate mamma.

The keeper twisted the mysterious document about in his hands for a little, and returned it to the owner with a grunt. Popjoy then proceeded to extract from him all possible information about flies, the haunts of the fish, &c., &c., and had a particularly good day’s sport.

Another great resource on Leave-out days was a row on the river in one of Etheridge’s boats,—they were rather sorry tubs, but we managed to extract amusement out of them; if, in this particular line, “militavi non sine gloriâ,” I can’t say that my Winchester education had much to do with it. However, the most consummate master of the art of rowing that ever adorned Oxford always preferred to take raw hands and teach them to pull, to Eton or Westminster men, who came up to Oxford fancying themselves perfect already; and I am proud to say that among the immortal Seven of Henley there were two Wykehamists.

I am indebted to the liberal hospitality of an esteemed relative for many very pleasant days, and especially for one, which was perhaps the jolliest I spent during the whole time I was at Winchester I received a letter from him one morning, informing me that on a given day he would pass through Winchester, and requesting me to furnish him with a list of boys to ask to dinner; accordingly I selected half a dozen, and we got leave out for the afternoon. He only stopped to change horses, (it was in the posting days,) and on his departure he told the landlord of the George to provide us with the best dinner he could, gave me a five-pound note, and a “tip” for all my friends. That was a specimen of the tip royal; how fervently we blessed him, and what a jolly dinner we had!

Every alternate Sunday also we were allowed to spend the afternoon with friends in the town, if invited, but we had to be back for five o’clock chapel. Happy were those boys who were so fortunate as I was in being acquainted with Mr Sissmore, the patriarch of the College fellows, whose hospitable board was always surrounded on these days by a circle of boys, whom he used to amuse with stories of the pranks of their ancestors, as he remembered many of their grandfathers when little boys at school.

CHAPTER XIII. THE JUNIOR IN STANDING-UP WEEK.

Standing-up—Commoners—Pealing.

The last two weeks of the Long-half, which ended about the middle of July, were called respectively “Standing-up” and “Election-week.” The former was rather a time of trial for the Juniors, the latter for the Præfects and Senior part.

Standing-up is an institution peculiar to Winchester, I believe. During the whole of the proceeding year all the boys below Senior part were expected to learn a number of lines by heart; there was a minimum limit assigned to each part, but any boy was allowed to take up as many as he chose,—more than ten thousand have been said by one boy. We were allowed to take up Greek prose, one line of which counted for five of Virgil, and one of Latin prose or Greek verse for two; Horace’s Odes, three for two. These lines had to be said in eight lessons; and the marks given had a very decided effect on the relative position of the boys, as it very often happened that the boy who at the beginning of the week was well ahead of the others in his part, when Standing-up was over found himself nowhere, and vice versâ. Every boy had to provide himself with a “Standing-up paper,” which was divided by lines into eight partitions, in each of which he wrote out a description of one lesson, and as each was said to the Master, he signed his name at the bottom, with a particular mark to define the style of the performance, both as regards the construing and repetition. These marks were as follows:—For supreme excellence, “Quam optimè;” for great merit, “Optimè;” for a tolerably good performance, “Benè;” for an indifferent one, “Mediocriter;” for failure, “Malè.” A certain number was added to each boy’s account in the Classicus paper for each lesson, calculated according to the number of lines and the marks obtained; but a “Malè” precluded him from having any score for that lesson. There were no other lessons during this week, and it was a time of great excitement.

I remember one boy having an inflammation of the eyes just before Standing-up week; to his great disgust it was getting rapidly well, and knowing that if it was allowed to continue improving he would be called on to say his eight lessons, of which he knew but little, he held his eyes to a key-hole, through which there was a strong draught, and then administered a pinch of snuff to them. The plan succeeded; he certainly had no Standing-up to read over, or anything else for a long time; and if he ever recovered his sight it was more than his friends expected, or he perhaps deserved.

When I was at Winchester there were twin brothers who were so exactly alike that if they themselves knew which was which it was more than any one else did. On one occasion they turned this likeness to account in a very ingenious manner. They were both in the same Part, and both took up [in one lesson at any rate] the same Standing-up. One of them, who knew his tolerably well, went to the Master and got through successfully; on going out he met his brother, who was just going to say his, in great trepidation, as he was not prepared; however, a bright idea struck the more fortunate brother, he changed his neck-cloth, tousled his hair, put a bit of sticking-plaster on his nose, went back, and said his lesson a second time, on his brother’s account, with great éclat.

When Standing-up was over the Commoners went home, as their Præfects and Senior-part had nothing to do with the examination in Election week, which was solely for competition for scholarships at New College, which were not then open to them. This leads me to mention some peculiar solemnities which took place in Commoners towards the end of the half. About six weeks before that happy period, for three consecutive Fridays, a victim was chosen who had made himself unpopular in the school, and immediately after breakfast he had to mount on the Toys (which were in the dining-hall) and quietly submit to be pelted with Pontos, (balls made of hot bread,) the ceremony being commenced and ended with chaunting a “Peal,” which was, on the first Friday, “Locks and Keys;” on the second, “Boots and Leathers;” and on the third, “Gomer Hats.” The senior Præfects appointed the sacrifice the first day, the junior the second, and the Coursekeeper the third.

Immediately after dinner on the last three Sundays, Commoners exercised their lungs with the following peals: On the first “Party Rolls,” after which the senior Præfect made out a list of the routes to be taken by the different boys; on the second, “Money and Direction Rolls,” when each boy had to write on a piece of paper his governor’s address, and the amount of journey-money he required; and on the last “Packing up.”

CHAPTER XIV. THE JUNIOR IN ELECTION WEEK.

“Ad Portas”—“Electors”—“Candlesticks”—“Founders”—Examinations—“Superannuates”—Medal Speaking—Election Dinners—Effects of Eating Ice when Hot—Resignation—“Domum”—“Ball”—“Jam Lucis”—“Batlings”—Last Breakfast.

The last week of the Long half, or “Election week,” was indeed a “Jubilee” for the Fags, inasmuch as there were no lessons whatever, and the Præfects were either undergoing their examination or preparing for it, and consequently too busy to play cricket to any great extent.

On Tuesday, the Warden of New College and the other electors were received at Middle Gate by the boys, headed by the Præfect of Hall, who addressed them with a Latin oration (“Ad Portas.”) The Electors were the Warden and two fellows of New College, (called “Posers,”) with the Warden, Sub-warden, and Head Master of Winchester. Each of these had in turn the privilege of nominating a boy for admission into Winchester till all vacancies were filled, of which there were generally about twelve, but always many more “Candidates,” (or “Candlesticks,” as they were often called.) Two fortunate individuals were selected by vote from among such of the candidates as could prove their descent from the Founder, and were placed at the head of the list, and got the first two vacancies. They were called Founders, and had several privileges, the principal of which was, that two of them were always brought up to the head of the roll at every election for the first two vacancies at New College; they were also not obliged to leave (“to be superannuated”) at the age of eighteen, as all the others were. I have known several cases of Founders remaining till they were past twenty, and one in particular, who, year after year, saw other Founders put over his head, till he left in despair at a green old age; and it was reported that, on one occasion when playing against Eton at Lord’s, on his making a fine hit, a small voice from the crowd was heard to call out, “Well hit, Papa, run along.”

After Ad Portas, the Electors adjourned to Election Chamber over Middle gate, accompanied by “Semper Testis,” a gentleman in a white hat, who was never seen except on very solemn occasions, and whose functions it would be sacrilegious to attempt to investigate.

After a time “The Scrutiny” commenced. This was effected by sending for the seven senior and seven junior boys, and examining them as to the internal economy of the College. I don’t think that much information was often extracted by this operation.

On Wednesday morning the Candlesticks were examined, or rather supposed to be, as it was merely a form, their seniority on the Roll being settled by the nomination of the Electors as above mentioned. They had to try to construe a bit of Latin, and were then asked if they could sing, and, whatever their answer, had to repeat the words, “All people who on earth do dwell.”

After this began the Examination of Sixth book and Senior part, which was a very different affair. They were divided into three parts, called respectively “Senior, Middle, and Junior Fardel.” It was brought to an end on Thursday evening with “a Varying”—i.e., a short extemporaneous composition in Latin verse. After the examination was over, there was great excitement till “The Roll”[12] came down, which gave the names of those who were to go to New College and enter Winchester. It was always brought by the Head Porter, Poole, to the window of Sixth, and delivered to Senior Founder, when loud was the cheering if there was no change in the roll, or if some very popular individual was promoted, or held his own contrary to the general expectation.

There were generally about four or five vacancies in New College each year. The date of a boy’s birth might be of serious importance to him, as if it occurred just before Election he would be Superannuate, and could only fill any vacancy that occurred before the Election following; but if his birthday was three days later, he would not be Superannuate till the next Election. This was called “gaining a year by Election.”

But other things besides examinations were going on in this eventful week. On Tuesday there was the Medal speaking in school, when the rows at the west end of school were filled with an interested audience of old Wykehamists. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday there were grand dinners in hall to which all old Wykehamists and many others were invited; the hospitality was indeed unbounded. The big wigs sat at the high table, and down the centre of hall was laid a row of tables at which all the other strangers sat, with the second master at the top. The Candlesticks sat at Tub mess, presided over by the Bible Clerk for the week; and below them were the Grace singers, Superannuates, and “Children.” These latter were appointed by the Electors, who each named one. Their duties were to pocket a sovereign, and eat a particularly good dinner. The other boys sat on the south side. The dinner given to them was mutton-pies and “Stuckling.” This latter is a production which, I am happy to say, is peculiar to Winchester, and fortunately only to be found there during two days in Election week. In external appearance and in section it is similar to a mince pie, and in taste it is something like one that has been soaked in vinegar, and then kept till it is mouldy. It is made of chopped beef, currants, suet, apples, and carraway seeds. I have seldom seen anybody taste it a second time. These rations were, however, scorned by the boys; and as half the good things from the centre table were handed over to them, they made up for any past deficiencies in the way of dinner, in a manner that must have been surprising to the lookers on. Venison pasty, currant-pies, pea-soup, ham, ducks, cucumber, fish, &c., disappeared as if by magic, washed down by libations of “Huff,” (very strong ale.) The gospel was read by the Bible Clerk for the week after the first course, and at the conclusion the beautiful grace was sung by the boys, with the help of the cathedral choristers and singing men. On Friday the boys had no dinner in hall, where the Dons had it all to themselves, and afterwards adjourned for wine and dessert to the Warden’s Gallery, where they complimented each other in the usual after-dinner style.

All through the week the Fags revelled in cricket on their own account, and strawberries and cream and ices were supplied in a continual stream by the Oxford men and old Wykehamists, who resorted to Meads in considerable numbers. One can get too much of a good thing; for on one of these days I came up melting with heat from Meads, and going into chambers washed my hands and face, and consumed a quantity of ice. The next morning when I awoke I found my pillow saturated with blood, which had flowed from my nose during my sleep,—this was the only time in my life that I have ever had a spontaneous effusion from that organ. The morning following, when I awoke, I felt a strange irritation over my face and hands, with some symptoms of eruption. I sent for a doctor, who informed me I had the smallpox. I denied the soft impeachment, as I felt perfectly well. I was sent home, and my face and hands soon became one mass of pimples, and, after about a fortnight, all the skin peeled off, and I recovered with the loss of my complexion, which exchanged its former peculiar delicate hue for that of boiled veal, which it has ever since retained.

When a boy was going to leave the School for good, he had to send in his resignation to the Warden, written on a slip of paper. It ran as follows:—

The last Friday evening of the half year there was a grand celebration of “Domum” in school, which was adorned with branches and banners. A military band was engaged, and “Domum” was sung by all the company till they were hoarse. It was an exceedingly gay and animated affair. Numbers of ladies graced the school with their presence, and crowds of old Wykehamists, fancying themselves boys once more, wandered about among the old familiar scenes. From school the company adjourned to Meads, and then to the Chamber quadrangle, at each place singing “Domum” louder than before, till at last the power failed, and the ladies, visitors, and Superannuates went to recruit their energies for a brief period before going to the “Domum ball” at St John’s rooms, of which the Superannuates were stewards, and which was generally kept up with tremendous energy far into the small hours. The boys’ last breakfast at the George or White Hart formed an appropriate supper for the most enthusiastic dancers.

After chapel on the last morning all the boys, with the second master at their head, marched round the quadrangle, singing the beautiful Latin hymn commencing with Jam lucis orto sidere; they then adjourned to Sixth, where the journey money was distributed, and then went off rejoicing to the “Last breakfast.”

There was generally an exciting contest between the adherents of the George and White Hart hotels, as to which should provide this entertainment. The former generally had the call; but one year, when some of us had made a particularly good feed at the latter establishment, we got up a little private canvass before the usual time, and to the great disgust of the Præfects, who were all Georgists, we carried the day triumphantly. The expense was defrayed by the boys subscribing the last three “Batlings,” (i.e., the weekly shilling allowed each boy.) This was rather an illusory coin, for we seldom actually fingered it, as some one of the College servants generally had a kind of prescriptive right to a benefit; and whenever Saturday arrived, Præfect of Hall’s valet was sure to come round to ask the boys if they would give their batlings to Rat Williams, or Dungy, or Purver, or Long John, or some other equally deserving individual. The last breakfast was a decidedly jolly and a very good repast,—in fact, it was a regular dinner, with tea and coffee instead of wine. Then the inn-yard was full of postchaises and four-wheelers, with a four-horse coach or two drawn up outside; and the exulting Junior slipping a shilling into the expectant hand of the obsequious “Yessah,” stepped proudly into his vehicle, and soon forgot all the troubles of his first half in delightful anticipation of coming festivities.

CHAPTER XV. CONCLUSION.

If I could only flatter myself that any of my readers have felt one quarter of the pleasure in reading my little book that I have derived from writing it, I should be more than satisfied. On looking it over, however, I have some misgivings; I fear that those who know not Winchester may think the subject too trivial for illustration, and that Wykehamists may regret that so good a subject has been so indifferently handled.

It has surprised me to find how many occurrences, names, words, and faces that for years had lain dormant in my mind, started up again in my memory, as I sauntered through Chambers, School, and Meads; how strange was the sensation to be looked at as a stranger, in a place every stone of which was as familiar to me, nay, I may say more familiar to me, than any other spot in the world. The boys, their names, their dress, their games, their quaint language, (of which I have endeavoured to draw up a glossary,) all seem unchanged; and even I fancied that I myself was once more a Junior, till mechanically snatching at a ball rolling past me, my vertebræ most disagreeably reminded me what o’clock it was.

It has often occurred to me how very remarkably the relative positions of boys change in after-life; and if all those who were my school-fellows could be collected together how differently we should regard each other. Such a gathering would be of course impossible, even if death had not cut short the career of very many; scattered through every portion of the globe, working hard in their different professions, or vegetating in luxurious ease or careless indolence, how contrary to all our expectations has many a one turned out; some, neglected and despised while at school, have risen to eminence, while others, whose early youth seemed to give bright promise, have never raised their heads above the common throng. This change is even more remarkable in the physical appearance of individuals than in their moral character. I am myself, in some respect, an example of this. I left school when I was seventeen, if anything rather smaller than other boys of my age; some years after I was at a ball at Glasgow, when I saw a little officer whose face was perfectly familiar to me, and I perceived that mine was not strange to him, so we soon fraternized; I found that my friend was Long Eves, as we used to call him from his being so tall. I am no giant, and I now found that I had overtopped him by a head. At Oxford I found men who, when at Winchester with me, could have thrashed me with one hand, but who then, if engaged in such a contest, would I think have preferred the use of three.

But I must not quit my subject altogether without noticing some of the more important changes that have taken place in the institutions of the College since the time when I was first admitted. I will mention them in the same order that I observed when treating of them as they were in my time.

The Choristers are now no longer mere fags to the boys, but really do sing, and have had a handsome school built for their accommodation. The old Commoners’ buildings were removed in my time, and replaced by a more commodious and hideous structure, in which for some time the head-master received boarders. These have all migrated to four masters’ houses in Culver’s Close. They still call themselves Commoners, so that, for purposes of athletic competitions, &c., the school is divided into College, Commoners, and Houses (these latter being the occupants of the other five masters’ houses not in Culver’s Close). The building which was vacated by Commoners has been adorned and renovated by Mr. Butterfield, and now presents quite a respectable appearance. In it the new Library and various lecture rooms are located. The College boys are still 70 in number, but the number in Commoners and Houses has more than doubled since 1836, when there were about 120 (I believe at one time they dwindled down to 65). There are now about 350, and, if more masters’ houses were built, this number might be greatly increased. There are now nine masters’ houses, in each of which from 35 to 40 boys are accommodated, and the number of applications from anxious parents who wish to get their boys into the school is so excessive as to cause great embarrassment to the masters and much disappointment to the candidates.

In College the office of Præfect of Tub has been abolished, and a Præfect of Library installed in his place. There are now only two half remedies (Tuesdays and Thursdays) in each week; but Thursday is a whole remedy in the Summer term, and there is a vacation of three weeks at Easter. Going in procession to “Hills” is discontinued, and the boys may go where they like (except into the town) out of school hours. Watching-out at cricket is considerably limited, and “kicking-in” at football entirely abolished. The College Chambers[13] (except Fourth) are removed to the two storeys above, which were supposed to be occupied by the Fellows, but were hardly ever used by them. In the new Chambers there is every necessary appliance for decency and comfort, so that the Junior in winter has no longer to rub his miserable little nose with a bit of ice, and think he is washing himself, but can revel in any amount of fresh water indoors. The old Chambers are mostly used as studies, book-chambers, and toy-time as before; but one is used as a laundry and another as a dressing-room after football, cricket, &c. The boys have tea found for them in Hall, instead of having to go to sick-house for it. The dinner takes place at one o’clock. The boys get crockery instead of trenchers to eat their meals off, and knives and forks to eat them with.[14] Prime joints are carved by the servants, and a master is present. The pandemonium which took place when I was a Junior at the six o’clock dinner has happily entirely departed. At supper gaslight illumines the Hall, instead of the feeble flickering of a few dips. The ceremony of the oath is abolished. The Morning Service in chapel is at 7.50, on Saturday evenings at 5.30, on Sundays at 9, 11, and 5, and on Saints’ days at 9 A.M. Only the members of the Choir wear surplices. The boys only go to Cathedral on the second Sunday in each month.

School is now kept closed, and is only opened for concerts, lectures, &c. Its appearance has much changed. The seats and the fixed forms which supported them are swept away, a handsome organ is erected at the east end, and the “Tabula Legum” has been moved to another position over the entrance-door. The mouldings of the cornices are picked out in colour, the wainscoting varnished; and the magnificent room presents a great contrast to what it was when it was the only living room for the boys in play as well as in school hours.

The area of College Meads has been much extended by throwing down the walls which separated it from “Long” and “sick house” Meads. A racket and fives courts have been erected by the Ridding family for the benefit of the School. There is a large gymnasium, and very extensive buildings erected for additional accommodation for invalids. A splendid additional cricket-ground has been laid out adjoining the old Meads, which together make, I fancy, the finest playground attached to any school in the world.

The glories of the old Election week have altogether vanished. The election to Winchester is still in the middle of July; and there is a dinner in Hall on Domum Day, but there are very few old Wykehamists in attendance. The parents and tutors of the candidates for election muster strong for the examinations, which last three days; and the ordeal they have now to pass through is very different indeed from that which I have described as taking place when I was a candidate. The distinction and privileges of Founders’ kin are entirely abolished. Commoners are admitted to Election Chamber, and have an equal chance with College boys of getting scholarships at New College.[15]

Besides all these alterations in the buildings and regulations,[16] there are many fresh institutions which are sources of great interest to the boys. There is a Rifle Corps, a Debating Society, Shakespeare Society, Glee Club, Chapel Choir, a Boat and a Golf Club. Golf, however, is not allowed in the Summer term.

On the whole, I do not think it would be a great exaggeration to say that there have been more changes in the school arrangements since 1835 than took place in the whole period from the foundation to that date.

As regards the changes that have been enforced on the College by the Government, I feel myself incompetent to form an opinion. I have heard them both extolled and vituperated by individuals whose opinions are worthy of respect, and who have the welfare of the school at heart. At any rate, I earnestly hope that the good effects expected by the former will be fully realised, and the forebodings of the latter prove illusory. I have little doubt myself that as long as the moral and physical wellbeing of the boys is so carefully looked after as it now is, that Wykeham’s College will continue to maintain its high reputation; and though but few of her sons may dazzle the world by their wealth, rank, or power, the majority may yet, at any rate, prove always by their manly and honourable bearing, that they know the meaning of the motto of their illustrious founder,

NOTE.

GLOSSARY OF WORDS, PHRASES, AND CUSTOMS, PECULIAR TO WINCHESTER COLLEGE. [17] — A. — B. — C. — D. — E. — F. — G. — H. — I. — J. — K. — L. — M. — N. — O. — P. — Q. — R. — S. — T. — V. — W. — Y.

⁂ The few woodcuts interspersed through the Glossary are not such faithful representations as the author could have wished. However, they serve in some measure to explain the various colloquialisms.

ABROAD—A boy was said “to come Abroad” when he returned to his school duties after having been “Continent,” (v. inf.)

ABS.—Was written after a boy’s name on a Roll, (v. inf.,) to show that he was absent from Chapel or Hills, or from any place, where names had been called.

AD PORTAS—A Latin oration addressed by the Præfect of Hall to the Electors, under Middle gate, at the commencement of Election week.

AMEN CHAPEL—A long service performed on the four days set apart for commemorating the Founder, and on the anniversary of his death.

APPLE-PIE DAY—The last Thursday in Short half, on which we had apple-pies for dinner.

BAKER—Anything (such as a cushion or blotting-book) placed on a form to sit upon.

BANGIES—Drab trousers; so called from

BANGY—Brown sugar.

BARTER—A half-volley (cricket term), so called from the late Warden, who was celebrated for the vigour with which he disposed of a ball of this description.

BATLINGS—The boys’ weekly allowance of one shilling.

BEESWAXERS—Thick laced boots.

BEEVER-TIME—A quarter of an hour’s relaxation allowed to the boys in the middle of afternoon school in summer, to give them an opportunity of disposing of

BEEVERS—A portion of bread and allowance of beer laid out in hall at the time above mentioned; from the French boire, buveur.

BIBLE CLERK—An office held by the Præfects in full power in rotation; it lasted for a week. The duties were to collect the Verse and Prose tasks; to keep order in School; to give in the names of those boys who were condemned to be “Bibled,” (v. inf.,) and afterwards assist at their execution; to take the place of the Præfect of Hall when absent, &c., &c.

BIBLER, or BIBLING—A flogging of six cuts, when the Bible Clerk and Ostiarius laid bare a hand’s-breadth of the small of the victim’s back.

BILL BRIGHTERS—Small faggots used for lighting kitchen fire.

BLOW—To blush.

BLUCHERS—Præfects not in full power; a metaphor taken from the half boot.

BOB—A large white jug, holding about a gallon.

BONER—A blow given with the fist on the lowest vertebra.

BOOK—The School was divided into three classes, called Sixth, Fifth, and Fourth Book. The Præfects formed the former. Fifth Book was divided into Senior, Middle, and Junior Part. The remaining lower boys constituted Fourth Book.

BOOKS, THE—The prizes given to the two boys at the head of each Part at the end of each Half; they used at one time to be given by the Duke of Buckingham, now by Lord Saye and Sele. Also anybody who had got the largest score on his side in a cricket match, was said “to have got Books.”

BOOKS CHAMBERS—Certain hours on a Remedy, (v. inf.,) during which the boys had to attend in School, no Master being present.

BOOKS, UP TO—A Part (v. s.) was said to be so, when it was ranged on the “Rows” (v. inf.) before a Master, for the purpose of repeating a lesson.

BOOTS AND LEATHERS—A Commoner Peal, (v. inf.)

BREADPICKERS—A nominal office, one being in the gift of each of the four senior Commoner Præfects, which excused the holder from fagging.

BROCK—To teaze, chaff, or badger.

BROLLY—An umbrella.

BRUM—Without money.

BULKY—Generous.

CANDLEKEEPERS—The seven Inferiors (v. inf.) who had been in College the longest time. They were excused from all fagging, though if there was an absolute dearth of Juniors, Præfects in full power had (though they rarely exercised it) the right to fag them. They were allowed a Breakfast fag in Hall, and a Valet (v. inf.) in Chambers; and the Senior Candlekeeper had the power of fagging the twenty Juniors on the School side of Seventh Chamber Passage Gate.

CANDLESTICKS—Candidates for admission into College.

CARGO—A hamper of eatables sent to a boy by his friends.

CAT’S HEAD—A Dispar, (v. inf.,) the end of a shoulder of mutton.

CHAMBER DAY—A day on which access was allowed to Chambers during the whole day.

CHILD—Each of the Electors appointed one; his principal duty was to pocket a sovereign.

CHINTZ—A chance.

CLASSICUS—The boy who at the end of the week has the smallest score in the

CLASSICUS PAPER—The book in which, each day after morning school, the position of each boy in his Part was marked, the lowest being marked one, and so on. The Classicus had to get the lessons set, as well as the Themes for composition.

CLEAN STRAW—Clean sheets.

CLOISTERS—The name given to Middle and Junior Part of Fifth Book, when combined together in

CLOISTER TIME—Ten or twelve weeks at the latter end of Long Half, commencing about Whitsunday and ending at Standing-up week, (v. inf.)

CLOISTER ROUSH—An annual engagement between Cloisters and Senior Part in School at the beginning of Cloister Time.

CLOW—A box on the ear.

COLLEGE WARE—Crockery that fell without breaking.

COMMON TIME—The Short Half, and beginning of Long, up to Easter Time.

COMMONERS—The boys not on the foundation. Also the building they lived in.

COMMONER GRUB—An entertainment given by Commoners to College after the cricket matches.

COMMONERS SPEAKING—The day on which the speakers selected from among the Inferiors declaimed.

CON—A blow on the head given with the knuckles or any other hard substance, derived from κoνδυλον, a knuckle.

CONDUIT—A water tap.

CONTINENT—A boy was said to go Continent when he left School for Sick-house.

COURSE, IN—The two Præfects of Chapel are said “to be in Course” on alternate weeks, when they have to call names at the end of the service. The Præfects in each Chamber are “in Course” in rotation, during which time they are especially responsible for what goes on within their jurisdiction. A new boy on his arrival was not liable to be fagged for the first fortnight; when his fagging commenced he was said to be “in Course.”

COURSEKEEPER—An office in the patronage of the Commoner Præfects, the duties of which were principally connected with the organisation of the fagging department. He was required to have been three years in the school, to be of reasonable bodily strength, and in Middle Part. His privileges were numerous, the principal being that he was allowed to fag. When he ascended into Senior Part his duties ceased, but his privileges remained; he was then called “Ex-Coursekeeper.”

CROCKETTS—Miniature Cricket, played with a stump and a five’s ball. Also, when a boy had got no runs in a cricket match, or had failed in a lesson of Standing Up, (v. inf.,) he was said to have “got Crocketts.”

CROPPLED—To be floored in any examination.

CUD—Pretty, Nice.

CUSE PAPER—The same as Classicus Paper, (v. sup.)

CUT IN A BOOK—A method of drawing lots. A certain letter was fixed on, (e.g., the first in the second line on the left page,) each boy then turned over a leaf, and whoever turned over the leaf in which the corresponding letter was nearest to A, won.

DEPUTY—The Junior Candlekeeper, who had the organisation of the Fagging department, and assisted the Senior Candlekeeper in thrashing the Juniors in Hall.

DISPAR—The rations of meat served out for dinner: derived either from “Dispertio,” to divide, or “Dispar,” uneven.

DOCK A BOOK—To tear out the leaves.

DOLE—A stratagem; a clever invention, trick, or dodge.

DOMUM—A Latin canticle, supposed to have been written by a boy who was not allowed to go home for the holidays. The tradition says that he carved it on a tree, and then committed suicide. On the last Friday in Long Half, after Election, a kind of festival was held in the evening, when numbers of people came into College, and “Domum” was sung over and over again in School, Meads, and the principal Quadrangle. Ten minutes before the time for descending Hills, the three Juniors in College had to walk round and across Hills, calling “Domum,” as a signal to the boys to prepare to start.

ELECTION—The examination of Præfects and Senior Part for New College; and of Candidates for admission to Winchester.

ELECTORS—The Warden and two Fellows of New College; and the Warden, Sub-warden, and Head-master of Winchester, who conducted the examination above mentioned.

END—At dinner-time the Inferiors (v. inf.) were divided into six companies, each being presided over by a Candlekeeper. These companies, and the tables at which they sat, were called “Ends.”

EX-COURSEKEEPER—(V. sup.)

EX TRUMPS—Extempore.

FARDEL—Sixth Book and Senior Part were divided into three Fardels (or parts) for the examination in Election week.

FAT FLAB—The name of a Dispar; part of the breast of mutton.

FINJY—When some one of a number of boys had something unpleasant to do, he who said “Finjy” last had to do it.

FLESHY—The name of a Dispar; a thick cut out of the middle of a shoulder of mutton.

FORICUS—Latrine.

FOUNDER’S COM—The four days on which there were festivals in commemoration of the Founder, when there was Amen Chapel, the Fellows and Masters gave a dinner in Common-room, and the Founders (v. inf.) received a sovereign each.

FOUNDER’S OB—The Anniversary of the Founder’s death.

FOUNDERS—Boys who proved their descent from the Founder, and were afterwards elected (by vote among the Electors) as such. Only two were admitted each year; and only two were sent to New College, but these two were put at the head of the “Roll,” (v. inf.,) whatever their previous position in Sixth Book might have been. They were not obliged to leave at the age of eighteen, as the other boys were, but were allowed to remain till they were twenty-five. They were supposed to have particularly thick skulls.

FOUR-HOLED MIDDLINGS—Ordinary walking shoes

FOURTH BOOK—All the boys below Junior Part the Fifth.

FRAGMENT—A private dinner-party given in Hall to a certain number of boys, by the Warden, or one of the Masters or Fellows.

FRATER—Brother.

FROUT—Angry.

FUNCTIOR—The rushlight in each chamber.

FURKED—To be expelled.

GAIN A YEAR BY ELECTION—A boy (not being a Founder) was obliged to leave at the Election immediately succeeding his eighteenth birthday; he whose birthday came shortly after Election, was thus enabled to stay till he was nearly nineteen, and was so said “to gain a year.”

GAGS—Slang name for

GATHERINGS—Criticisms on some Greek or Latin author, written in Latin by Sixth Book and Senior Part, eight times in the year. In the other Parts an analysis of some history, in English, was so called.

GATER—A spring head-foremost into “Pot,” (v. inf.,) over one of the projecting handles of the canal lock-gate.

GATES—When the boys were assembled together in Seventh chamber passage, preparatory to going on to Hills or Cathedral, they were said “to be at Gates.”

GLOPE—To spit.

GOAL—1st, The boy who stood at the centre of each end during a game of football, and acted as umpire. 2d, The score made (three) when the ball was kicked between his legs, or over his head without his touching it.

GOMER—1st, A pewter dish; 2d, A new hat. One of the Commoner Peals (v. inf.) was “Gomer Hats.”

GOWNER—The Goal (v. sup.) at football stood with his legs stretched out, and a gown rolled up in a ball at each foot. When the ball was kicked over either of these gowns, without Goal’s touching it, this counted two for the party who kicked it, and was called “a Gowner.”

GREASER—A mode of torture performed by rubbing a boy’s head hard with the knuckles.

GROTIUS TIME—From seven P.M. to a quarter before eight on Sundays, in Cloister time, when Sixth Book and Senior Part went into school to translate the work of that author.

GROUND ASH—A young ash sapling.

GUTTER—An abortive attempt at a Header, (v. inf.,) ending in the performer falling flat on the water, instead of going in head-foremost.

HAVES—Half Boots.

HERE—The call used by Commoner Præfects when they required the attendance of a Junior.

HIGH-LOWS—Very thick low shoes, not half boots.

HILLS—St Catherine’s Hill, a green hill about one mile and a-half from College, about five hundred feet high, and near the top surrounded by a deep trench, the remains of an old Roman camp. The boys had to ascend this twice a day on whole Holidays and Remedies, once before breakfast, and again at half-past two. In the summer they also went out in the evening, but did not ascend Hills, but disported themselves below. These sorties were called “going on to Hills,” the evening expedition being called “Underhills.”

HISS, THE—The signal given at the commencement of school hours when a Master was coming in.

HOLLIS—An oval pebble.

HOUSLE—To hustle.

HOT—Football term. In Twenty-two and Twenty-two, (v. inf.,) when the ball went out of bounds, it was brought in and placed between the two sides, who all clustered up close round, with their heads down, each party, by weight and kicking, trying to force the ball through the other. This mêlée was called a “Hot.”

HOT END—A half-burnt faggot stick, with one end red hot.

HUFF—Very strong College ale.

HUSKY—Gooseberry fool with the husks in.

INFERIOR—Any boy not a Præfect.

JACK—A large leather vessel for beer.

JORAM—A tin can for beer used in Commoners.

JUBILEE—Any time when there was nothing to do, either in the way of lessons or fagging.

JUNKET OVER—To exult or triumph over another person in a friendly manner,—e.g., “I Junket over you, old fellow; I have leave out to-morrow.”

JUNIOR—All Inferiors except the seven Candlekeepers and Senior Inferior. The word “Fag” was never used as a substantive except in combination with another word, as, “Breakfast Fag.” The verb and participle were in common use.

KICK IN—In a game of football the bounds on each side were kept by a line of Juniors, whose duty it was to kick the ball in again whenever it passed outside the line.

KICK OFF—When the football was taken in hand and then kicked into the air; which was done after each Schitt, (v. inf.,) Gowner, (v. sup.,) or Goal, by the losing side, and whenever a ball that had been kicked up in the air had been caught by one of the other side.

KICK OVER—To kick a ball up in the air, when it is rolling along, or lying on the ground. Considered very bad play.

KID—Cheese.

LAUNCH—To drag a boy out of bed, mattress, bedclothes, and all.

LOB—A Tice. It will be observed by cricketers that this is not the ordinary meaning of the term, which, I believe, generally denotes any kind of slow, underhand ball. At Winchester a “Lob” may be delivered by a swift, round-hand bowler.

LOBSTER—To Cry.

LOCKBACK—A Holiday or Remedy, on which, from bad weather or any other cause, the boys did not go on to Hills, but remained on the school side of Seventh Chamber Passage gate.

LOCKS AND KEYS—Commoner Peal, (v. inf.)

LOGIE—Sewerage.

LOG POND—A Sewer.

LONG BOX—A deal box for holding bats, stumps, and balls.

LONG DISPAR—Part of a loin of mutton.

LONG FORK—A stick used as a toasting-fork.

LONG GRASS—All meads except the paths and Turf, (v. inf.)

LONG HALF—The Half which commenced in February, and ended in the middle of July.

LONG MEADS—A field between Sick-house and Commoners, now thrown into Meads. The time after dinner on summer evenings, when we went on to Underhills, was also so called.

MADE BEER—College swipes bottled with raisins, sugar, nutmeg, and rice, which made it “up.”

MAKE—To appropriate any article.

MASTER—The title by which farmers, labourers, bargees, &c., were addressed by the boys.

MATER—Mother.

MESS—The Præfects’ tables in Hall were called “Tub, Middle, and Junior Mess” respectively. The boys who dined at each were also so named. Any number of boys who habitually breakfasted together were so called, with some distinguishing prefix, such as “Deputy’s Mess.” In Chambers, tea was called “Mess;” as was also the remains of a joint of meat. Lest the reader should make a “Mess” of all these different meanings, I will give a sentence in which they shall all figure: “Look there, Junior Mess has sat down at Tub Mess, but as they will find nothing left but a Mess, they had better go down to Chambers, as Mess is ready.”

MIDDLE CUT—A thick slice out of the centre of a leg of mutton.

MIDDLE PART THE FIFTH—Generally called Middle Part; the next Part below Senior Part the Fifth.

MILK HOLE—That part of a canal immediately below the lock-gates, where a hole has been formed by the rush of water from the lock.

MONEY AND DIRECTION ROLLS—Commoner Peal, (v. inf.)

MOUSE DIGGER—A miniature pickaxe.

MUG—To read hard; also to pay great attention to anything; any one cleaning and oiling a bat was said to “Mug” it; a boy with carefully greased and brushed hair was said to have “mugged” hair.

MUSTARD AND PEPPER KEEPER—An appointment in the gift of Præfect of Hall, which exempted the holder from Watching out at Cricket or Kicking in at Football.

MUTTONER—A blow from a cricket-ball on the fingers, the bat being at the time clasped by them.

NAIL, TO STAND UP UNDER THE—The punishment inflicted on a boy detected in a lie; he was ordered to stand up on Junior Row, (v. inf.,) just under the centre sconce, during the whole of school time. At the close of it he received a “Bibler,” (v. sup.)

NESTOR—Any boy who was past eighteen, or was old for his position in the school, or who was known to be much older than he looked.

NIPPERKIN, THE—A large stone jug for beer, of which there was one in each Chamber.

NON HUSKY—Gooseberry fool without the husks.

NON LICET—Used as an adjective, and applied to things which it was considered improper to use. A gate opening out of Meads was called “Non Licet Gate,” from a tradition that it was only opened when a boy was expelled.

OFF BAT—The station of one of the field in a cricket match, called by the outer world “Point.”

ON—The word given by the Præfect of Hall for the boys to start to or from Hills, or to Cathedral. When any person or thing of importance was known to be likely to meet the boys when on Hills, the word was passed that he, she, or it was “On,”—e.g., “Ridsworth On,” “Snobs On,” “Badger On,” &c., &c.

ORDER YOUR NAME—An order given to a delinquent by the Head or Second Master, which was carried out by the boy requesting the Ostiarius (v. inf.) to do so, the consequence of which was, that at the end of school that officer presented to the Master the victim’s name on a “Roll,” (v. inf.,) who forthwith received a “Scrubbing,” (v. inf.) When the words “to the Bible Clerk” were added, the business was confided to that officer, who, with the Ostiarius, officiated at the subsequent ceremony, which in this case was called a Bibler, (v. sup.)

OSTIARIUS—An office held by the Præfects in succession. The duties were, to keep order in school, collect the Vulguses, and prevent the boys from shirking out. It is also the official title for the Second Master.

PACKING-UP—Commoner Peal, (v. inf.)

PART—Fifth Book was divided into Senior, Middle, and Junior “Part.”

PARTY ROLL—Commoner Peal, (v. inf.)

PATER—Father.

PAX—Be quiet; Leave off. Also, a particular friend.

PEAL—Epigrammatic praises or critiques in Latin, Greek, or English, on the Præfects, chaunted by Cloisters, just before school, at the commencement of Cloister Time. Also, on the three last Sundays of each Half, immediately after dinner, Commoners chaunted one of the following “Peals,” Packing up, “Party Rolls,” and “Money and Direction Rolls.” They also had other Peals which they emitted prior to the ceremony of “Sticking up,” (v. inf.,) which were, “Locks and Keys,” “Boots and Leathers,” and “Gomer Hats.” The different bells that were chimed for Chapel were designated “First Peal,” “Second Peal,” &c.

ΠEMΠE Mῶρον Προτερον (“Send the Fool farther”)—An imaginary book, in search of which a new boy was bandied about from one to another.

PERCHER—A mark (⸺|—) put after a boy’s name on a “Roll,” which showed that he had been absent from Chapel or Hills without leave; or that he had not done his Verse or Prose Task, or Vulgus. It was also often put by a Master in the margin of Gags, or a Verse or Prose Task, to indicate gross errors.

PITCH UP—To make a crowd; also to associate with any one in particular. As a substantive, it means a crowd, a number of things, and a companion.

PLEDGE YOU—An expression used when a boy wished to secure the next turn at anything which was in the use, enjoyment, or occupation of another, such as the next drink from a bob of beer, the next read of a newspaper, or the next occupation of a seat.

PLANT—To kick a football against a person.

PLANTER—A blow from a football.

PONTO—A ball made of hot bread kneaded hard.

POSERS—Two Fellows of New College who assisted at the examination at Election.

POT—A canal lock; the one just under Hills was generally meant when the word was used.

PRÆFECTS—The eighteen senior boys in College, and the twelve senior in Commoners. The ten senior of those in College were said to be in “Full Power,” and took the office of Bible Clerk in rotation; they all had the power of fagging the Juniors, but those not in full power were supposed not to have the right of fagging on the School side of Seventh Chamber Passage; practically, however, they always did. One of the Senior Præfects was called Præfect of Hall, and was responsible in a great measure for the conduct of the boys out of school. His duties and privileges were numerous. There was also a “Præfect of Tub,” who was supposed to see that the dinner was properly distributed; a Præfect of School, who had the care of that building; and two Præfects of Chapel, who, during alternate weeks, called names in Chapel. There were fees attached to all these offices; and all the Præfects had a certain number of boys allotted to them as Pupils, each of whom paid one guinea each Half.

PROSE—To lecture. As a substantive, a lecture.

PROSE TASK—A piece of Latin prose composition, which all the boys had to do once a week.

PRUFF—Hard, sturdy, insensible to pain, obstinate; a corruption of “Proof.”

PULPITEERS—In Cloister time, Sixth Book and Senior Part went up to Books together, and were so called.

QUARTER OF PAPER—A quarter of a sheet of foolscap, on which the Prose and Verse tasks were always written.

QUILL—To endeavour to curry favour with any one.

RABBITER—A blow on the neck with the side of the hand, similar to the coup de grâce ordinarily given by a keeper to put a rabbit out of its misery.

RACK—Part of a neck of mutton.

RAMROD, RAYMONDER—Names given to a ball bowled all along the ground.

READER—An office in the gift of every Præfect in senior Fardel, which excused the recipient from watching out at Cricket. His business was to read out aloud the translation of any book his Master was cramming for Election examination.

READING SHELF—A shelf with a drawer fixed inside the head of a boy’s bed, on which to place a candle for nocturnal studies.

REMEDY—A kind of mitigated holiday, of which there was always one, and, generally, two a week. The boys went into school twice in the course of the day for an hour, (Books Chambers, v. sup.,) but no Master was present. A Remedy was not a matter of course, but the Head Master was always asked by Præfect of Hall to give one while he was walking up and down “Sands” (the pavement of Quadrangle under Chapel windows) before morning chapel: if he intended to grant the request, he gave to the suppliant a ring engraved with the words, “Commendat rarior usus.” This ring he wore till the following day, and returned to the Head Master at Middle school.

REMISSION—When, owing to a Saint’s day having fallen on the day previous to that on which a Verse or Prose task or Vulgus was due, the boys were excused from doing it, there was said to be “Remission” from it.

ROKER—Anything wherewith to stir up anything else.

ROLL—Any list of boys’ names. “The Roll” par excellence is the list of the boys who have passed their examination for New College, and of those who are to come in to Winchester. There is also a Roll printed every November, which contains the name of every one connected with the School, from the Warden to the Choristers. The lists from which the Præfects of Hall and Chapel called names; the papers on which the names of the absentees on such occasions were written; the papers on which were written the “Standing up” (v. inf.;) the lists of the boys who had leave out on a Saint’s day; the papers put on the Master’s desk when boys wished to go out of school; those handed to the Master at the close of school by the Bible Clerk or Ostiarius with the names of delinquents, and many other similar papers, were all called “Rolls.”

ROUSH—A rush or charge by any man or beast, or of water.

ROWS—The fixed benches at each end of School, called respectively Senior, Middle, and Junior Row.

SS. AND TREES—A scratch game of Football without chosen sides, or kicking in, so called after the goals, which were, at one end, two iron clamps fixed in the wall, shaped like the letter S, and at the other two trees.

SCADGER—A Ruffian.

SCALDINGS—A call of warning to get out of the way.

SCHEME—A method adopted by the boys for calling themselves in the morning. It was managed by cutting the Functior down to a length calculated to burn till the time required; paper was then placed round the socket, and a string attached to it, the other end of which passed through the head of a bed, and held suspended over the head of the sleeper a weight of books or cup of water. When the rushlight burned down it ignited the paper, which burnt the string, and so caused the weight to fall on the head of the boy beneath.

SCHITT—The score made (one) when the Football was kicked between the goal and the last of the line of the kickers in.

SCOB—An oaken box with a double lid. All the College boys and a few of the Commoner Præfects had one each, at which they sat in School. So called from the word Box spelt phonetically backwards.

SCONCE—To deprive a person of anything.

SCRAPE OUT—When a Præfect wished to go out of School, he scraped with his foot till he got a nod from the Master.

SCRUBBING—A flogging of four cuts.

SCRUTINY—At the commencement of Election week, the Electors summoned the seven Senior and seven Junior boys, and inquired of them if they had any complaints to make with regard to the arrangements made for their comfort.

SEMPER—Always. A very common prefix, e.g., a boy was said to be Semper Continent, Tardy, or ex Trumps if he was often at Sick House, or late for Chapel, or habitually went up to Books without having looked at his lessons. An official, who was always present at the College meetings, went by the name of “Semper Testis.”

SENIOR PART, THE FIFTH—The Part next below the Præfects, generally called Senior Part.

SHIG—A Shilling.

SHORT HALF—The Half-year commencing in September and ending at Christmas.

SILVER FORK—A wooden skewer used as a chop-stick when forks were scarce.

SINES—The loaves provided for breakfast in Commoners, probably derived from “Sine,” (without,) as the Juniors so often went without them.

SIX AND SIX—A game at Football, with six on each side.

SKIMMER—A method of entering the water when bathing; by just skimming beneath the surface, and rising again immediately.

SKIN—To take off a Jersey by pulling it inside out over the head.

SKIRMISHING ON—Running home from Hills when it came on to rain.

SNACK—A small Fives ball.

SNAPPING UP FOR FALSE QUANTITIES—When up at books, if any boy, when translating, made a false quantity, any other boy (however low down in the part) who could first correct him was allowed to go up above him. If, however, the Snapper up was himself wrong, he had to go to the bottom of the part.

SOCIUS—A Companion. Each boy was obliged to walk with one when going to or from Hills or Cathedral.

SOCK—To hit hard at Cricket; also, to win; in the passive voice, to be beaten.

SOG—A Sovereign.

SOROR—Sister.

SPITE—To dislike a person, and treat him accordingly.

SPITING GABELL—When a boy suffered some injury himself, in order to spite another person; or having in some way injured another, received punishment, he was said to be “Spiting Gabell.” Dr Gabell was formerly Head Master, and the extreme inexpediency of attempting to annoy him gave rise to the proverb.

SPLICE—To throw.

SPORT—To give away; also, to display any article of dress.

SPREE—Conceited, Cocky, Giving himself airs; when applied to a person; Smart, Stylish, when to a thing.

SQUISH—Very weak tea.

STANDING-UP WEEK—During the last week of Long Half, all the boys, except Sixth Book and Senior Part, had to say a number of lines by heart in eight lessons, which they were supposed to have learnt in the course of the previous year; this was called Standing up. Marks were given according to merit, and these marks had a very material effect on the respective position of the boys in their Parts.

STICKING UP—On the three last Fridays of each Half, a boy was selected by appointment of Commoner Præfects and Coursekeeper, and placed on the top of “Toys” (v. inf.) in their Hall, and was pelted with “Pontos” (v. sup.) by the rest. The following Peals were chanted previously, one on each day: “Locks and Keys,” “Boots and Leathers,” and “Gomer Hats.”

STUCKLING—A kind of mince-pie made of minced beef, caraway seeds, and apples, always served at the Election dinners.

SUM—I am. The answer made by each boy when names were called.

SUPERANNUATE—A boy who was obliged to leave at Election, owing to his being past eighteen years of age. “Founders” were not “Superannuate” till they were twenty-five.

SUS—The Juniors tea generally drunk out of a pint cup when in bed.

TAG—A Football term. When a player has kicked the ball well forward, and has followed it, if it was then kicked back again behind him by the other side, he was then obliged to return to his original position with his own side. If the ball had, in the meantime, been again kicked in front of him, before he regained his position, and he was to kick it, it would be considered unfair, and he would be said “to Tag.”

TARDY—When a boy was too late to answer “Sum,” names being called.

TEEJAY—To take an interest in, and protect any one. The boy protected was called a “Teejay.” Derived from the French, Protéger, to protect.

THICK--Stupid; very intimate. Used also as a substantive, thus a Dunce.

THOKE—To lie in bed late in the morning. As a substantive, the act of lying in bed late.

THOKE UPON ANYTHING—To dwell with satisfaction on a future pleasure.

THOKER—A thick piece of bread dipped in water, and then baked in the ashes.

TIN GLOVES—A new boy was fitted with a pair, by having the backs of his hands scored backwards and forwards two or three times with a “Hot End” (v. sup.) The supposed object of the ceremony was to enable the victim to handle “Hot Ends” with impunity.

TIZZY—A Sixpence.

TIZZY POOLE—A Fives ball; so called, because they cost sixpence, and were sold by the Head porter, whose name was Poole.

TOEFITIE—To secure the toe of a sleeper in a noose of string.

TOE PAN—A large basin of red earthenware placed in each chamber, for washing the feet in.

TOE PAN BOILER—A tin vessel for boiling water, containing about three gallons.

TOLLY—A tallow candle.

TOTHER SCHOOL—Any school not a public school.

TOYS—Bureaux in Chambers and Commoner’s Hall. Each boy had one, at which he sat during

TOY TIME—The period between dinner time and evening Chapel.

TUB—A chest in Hall, into which the Dispars not taken by the boys were put.

TUB MESS—The table at which the Senior Præfects sat in Hall.

TU DOCES—A (Thou) Teachest.

TUG—Old, Stale.

TUGS—Stale News. A common remark when a boy related anything known previously to the hearer.

TUNDING—A thrashing with a ground-ash inflicted by a Præfect. When any grave offence had been committed, and it was administered by Præfect of Hall on the raised dais at one end of Hall, it was called a “Tunding on top of Hall.”

TURF—A part of Meads, almost exclusively kept for Præfects to play Cricket on, and for the matches.

TWENTY-TWO AND TWENTY-TWO—A game at Football, with Twenty-two on each side.

TWOSTER—A stick spirally indented by a stem of ivy having grown round it.

VALET—Every Præfect had a Junior in Chambers who acted in this capacity, made his tea or coffee, carried his things through from Chambers to School and back again, and looked after him in general.

VARYING—A short extempore composition in Latin verse, done without the aid of any books. It was always the last thing done at the close of the Election examination.

VERSE TASK—A composition of Latin verse done once a week by all the boys.

VESSEL OF PAPER—Half-a-quarter of a sheet of foolscap paper.

VOLUNTARY—A copy of verses written occasionally by some of the boys in Sixth Book and Senior Part ex proprio motu.

WARDEN’S PROG, (Progress)—The visitation of the College estates by the Warden and Fellows.

WASHING DRAWER—An oaken dressing-case.

WASHING STOOL—The table at which each Præfect sat in Chambers.

WATCHING OUT—Fielding at Cricket. When a Junior made a catch, he was let off for the rest of the day.

WORSTEDERS—Very thick worsted stockings, worn at Football.

YOLLY—Yellow; also, a Postchaise, from that being their usual colour.

FOOTNOTES

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