f his own College. The Master (Dr. Jenkin) loved Mr. Prior's
principles, had a great opinion of his abilities, and a respect for his
character in the world; but then he had much greater respect for
himself. He knew his own dignity too well to suffer a Fellow of his
College to sit down in his presence. He kept his seat himself, and let
the Queen's Ambassador stand. Such was the temper, not of a
Vice-Chancellor, but of a simple Master of a College. I remember, by the
way, an extempore epigram of Matt's on the reception he had there met
with. We did not reckon in those days that he had a very happy turn for
an epigram; but the occasion was tempting; and he struck it off as he
was walking from St. John's College to the Rose, where we dined
together. It was addressed to the Master:--

"'I _stood_, Sir, patient at your feet,
Before your elbow chair;
But make a bishop's throne your seat,
I'll _kneel_ before you there.
One only thing can keep you down,
For your great soul too mean;
You'd not, to mount a bishop's throne,
Pay _homage_ to the Queen.'"

CHAPTER VI

THE THIRD CENTURY

1716-1815

The third century of the College history coincides roughly with the
eighteenth century. It was not a period of very high ideals, and
"privilege" was in full force. For the first time in the College
registers men are entered as "Noblemen." These were allowed to proceed
to the M.A. degree direct in two years without passing through the
intermediate stage of B.A. The College was also full of Fellow
Commoners, who sat with the Fellows at the High Table in Hall; until the
close of the century these do not seem to have proceeded to any degree.
The other two classes were the pensioners, who paid their way, and the
sizars. A sizar was definitely attached to a Fellow or Fellow Commoner,
and in return for duties of a somewhat menial character passed through
his College course on reduced terms. Among other duties, a sizar had,
with some of the scholars, to wait at table, a service not abolished
until 6th May 1786.

[Illustration: THE CHAPEL TOWER FROM THE RIVER.]

Speaking in general terms, the College seems gradually to have
acquired the reputation of being the Tory College in the Whig
University; it became exceedingly fashionable, and towards the end of
the century had more students in residence than any other College. A