the last century. The curious twisted
clubs with which these collegiate hunters were armed on the
occasion are still to be seen in antiquarian collections.

~99~~

What coronation, tournament, or courtly pageant, can outshine thy
splendid innocence and delightful gaiety? what regal banquet yields half
the pure enjoyment the sons of old Etona experience, when, after
months of busy preparation, the happy morn arrives ushered in with the
inspiring notes of "_Auld lang syne_" from the well-chosen band in the
college breakfast-room? Then, too, the crowds of admiring spectators,
the angel host of captivating beauties with their starry orbs of light,
and luxuriant tresses, curling in playful elegance around a face
beaming with divinity, or falling in admired negligence over bosoms of
alabastrine whiteness and unspotted purity within! Grey-bearded wisdom
and the peerless great, the stars of honor in the field and state,
the pulpit and the bar, send forth their brightest ornaments to grace
Etona's holiday. Oxford and Cambridge, too, lend their classic aid,
and many a grateful son of _Alma Mater_ returns to acknowledge his
obligations to his early tutors and swell the number of the mirthful
host. Here may be seen, concentrated in the quadrangle, the costume of
every nation, in all the gay variety that fancy can devise: the Persian
spangled robe, and the embroidered Greek vest; the graceful Spanish, and
the picturesque Italian, the Roman toga and the tunic, and the rich old
English suit. Pages in red frocks, and marshals in their satin 100~~
doublets; white wands and splendid turbans, plumes, and velvet hats,
all hastening with a ready zeal to obey the call of the muster-roll. The
captain with his retinue retires to pay his court to the provost; while,
in the doctor's study, may be seen, gathered around the dignitary, a few
of those great names who honor Eton and owe their honor to her classic
tutors. Twelve o'clock strikes, and the procession is now marshalled in
the quadrangle in sight of the privileged circle, princes, dukes, peers,
and doctors with their ladies. Here does the ensign first display his
skill in public, and the Montem banner is flourished in horizontal
revolutions about the head and waist with every grace of elegance and
ease which the result of three months' practice and no little strength
can accomplish.

Twelve o'clock strikes, and the procession moves forward to the playing
fields on its route to