were they again Bacchi pleni, than they sallied out in small parties, to attack the different posts of the enemy, returning occasionally to relate their success to the garrison. But the proctors, with their assistants, were watchful, the guardians of the night did their duty, and the injured were determined to have redress. Broken lamps, windows, &c. were to be paid for, and all the misdemeaning young gentlemen were to be subjected to the requisite discipline of the university the next day. At last Nature effected what inclination would have deferred, and imposed on all the necessity of retiring, as well as they could, to their respective colleges.

Carr and myself, although we had no personal concern in the riots, felt ourselves implicated by instrumentality; we accordingly determined, for the honour of our own university, to wait on the proctors early the next morning, and make such apologies as authority had a right to expect from two young men of the sister establishment incautiously occasioning disturbances.

We did so, and by a well-timed acknowledgment of error, rescued ourselves from obloquy, and consider. ably mitigated the inflictions on our friends.

After taking leave of the Oxonians, we set off, thoughtlessly, to pursue our tour through Wales. We arrived at Bristol, then the largest city in England, excepting London. The house we put up at was highly celebrated for its larder, which was constantly supplied with provisions of all kinds: indeed it had more the appearance of a market-house than an appendage to a ta vern. Here we dined; and after dinner repaired to the Severn side, to inquire for a conveyance across it. The breadth of the river staggered us; and the mountains

none.

seemed to frown refusal of admission to pockets scantily supplied. We returned to the tavern for consultation on ways and means; calculated our resources; and at last found that our united purses would bear no heavier tax than what would be sufficient to take us, by the shortest road, to the house of my friend's father. We therefore determined to leave the Severn to run unmolested by us, "among its crisped reeds," and for once to pursue a direct line, in spite of Hogarth. But even in this course a little management was necessary; for we had spent more money at Oxford than would have paid the expenses of our intended tour three times. There was, however, no alternative: it was this road or We therefore contrived, by arriving at one tavern too early, and at another too late for dinner, to save enough for a comfortable supper at night; which we enjoyed most heartily. At last we arrived at Congleton, the whole funds of our united stock being eighteen pence. But we were within eleven miles of Mr. Carr's house. We ordered a dinner, the first we had been able to procure for several days. But as we could not pay for it, it was agreed between us, that Carr should take my horse and gig, drive to his father's to obtain money, and return to me in the morning; while I remained, as it were, in pledge for the payment of the bill. He did so; and brought me ten guineas, with which I set off (his father's house not being yet ready for my reception) to Buxton.

A singular occurrence took place during my short journey this day. As I approached Buxton, I observed a heavy cloud behind me, surcharged with water. I hurried on to prevent its overtaking me. I passed

through a chasm where the angle, perhaps, had formerly been of two ranges of mountains. The mountains diverged so as to make this angle about thirty degrees. On looking back, I observed the cloud separate; the attraction of each range of mountains being equal and opposite, rent in twain the cloud, and each part discharged its contents on each side of me, while I was perfectly free from rain in the valley. The cloud, having passed over the range of mountains, again united; and I had the pleasure of arriving at the hall at Buxton completely drenched.

I alighted, inquired for my servant, and found that he had not yet arrived. I asked for dinner; but was told they were not in the habit of supplying more than the ordinary dinner. However, after observing that I came to make some stay there, placing my name among the list of visiters, and cajoling the head waiter awhile, by remarking on the neatness of the house; the conveniency of every thing, ("a little flattery sometimes does well") I succeeded in procuring a chicken and a bottle of claret. While attending on me, I questioned him concerning the company then at the watering place, and particularly respecting the nature of the amusements adopted for recreation. He replied that he knew of no other than that of drinking tea and playing cards. Pretty amusements, truly! "thinks I to myself." For a young man, just lanching into life, this won't suit very well. I had scarcely finished my dinner, when a young gentleman, having seen my name on the public register of visiters, requested permission to speak with me. He entered the room, and I was rejoiced to find in him an old college acquaintance. This gave some stimulus to

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my spirits, which began to be a little depressed, from the information given by the waiter; for I had made up my mind for the enjoyment of balls, concerts, plays, &c. But my friend, in the course of our conversation, informed me that he had been there some time, and had found it so dull a place, that he had determined to leave it on the morrow. I told him I had understood, from the waiter's description of the company at the different houses in Buxton, that there were ingredients enough to make up a most elegant feast for delicacy's palate; and that all that appeared requisite was, a man of spirit to bring them into proper combination. "Then," replied he, "do you undertake it; for you are used to frolick." "With all my heart," said I, "but I shall need a first introduction." "That I can give you immediately," answered my friend, "come with me into the tea-room, and I will introduce you to all the company here." Having made a little arrangement in my dress, I attended my friend. The first family to which I was introduced was that of the earl of Lauderdale. The countess was immediately so condescending as to ask me to drink tea with her party. I accepted gratefully the invitation; and while the table was being prepared, my friend introduced me to every individual in the house.

Let it be considered by the candid reader, and I hope I may observe it without the imputation of vanity, that I was then a gay, dashing young man, of tolerable figure and some accomplishments; that, as an addition to the sanction of my friend, who had prepared the company for my reception, by lavished encomiums on my talents, while I had been dressing; I had equipped

myself in the uniform of the True Blue club, considered, by all acquainted with the university of Cambridge, as the highest badge of honour the students of Trinity college can bestow. These circumstances I mention only to account, in some measure, for the facility with which I acquired an intimacy with those who were so much my superiors in rank and fortune.

During our refreshment, I readily contracted a familiar intimacy with the honourable William Maitland, the son of lord Lauderdale, and was honoured by the affability of his amiable sister, lady Jane. Our conversation turned to the amusements of the place: Maitland observed that there were none; and that cards were the only refuge afforded to those who could not otherwise employ their time. A party was proposed; I joined it, and with a feeling that would have been reluctant, but for the opportunity it gave me of continuing with a company that delighted me. In the midst of the game, when I became tired of poring over black and red spots, "surely," says I to Mr. Maitland, "we can contrive some amusement, that will be more acceptable to the young ladies than this."-" And what will you contrive for the old ones?" observed lady Lauderdale; "the pleasure of seeing their daughters dance," said I, "with the renovation of their own feelings, by the admired proxy. Let us bring the company at Buxton together; let us cordially agree to make ourselves as happy as we can." Maitland agreed with my proposal; and it was determined that we should, the next day, visit all the families in the different houses of accommodation, and invite a general meeting at the Hall, so called, our place of residence, for a ball on the Friday following.