me
me, sat little Dick Gradus, looking as knowing as an Old Bailey counsel
dissecting a burglary case, and the honourable Lillyman Lionise, the
Eton _exquisite_, looking as delicate and frightened as if his whole
system of ethics was likely to be revolutionized by this night's
entertainment. To such a society a formal introduction was of course
deemed essential; and this favour Horace undertook by recommending me
to the particular notice of the _crackademonians_ (as he was pleased to
designate the elegant assemblage by whom we were then surrounded),
in the following oration: "Most noble _cracks_, and worthy cousin
_trumps_--permit me to introduce a brother of the _togati, fresh_ as
a new-blown rose, and innocent as the lilies of St. Clement's. Be unto
him, as ye have been to all gownsmen from the beginning, ever ready
to promote his wishes, whether for spree or sport, in term or out of
term--against the _Inquisition_ and their _bull-dogs_--the town _raff_
and the _bargees_--well _blunted or stiver cramped_--against _dun or
don--nob or big wig_--so may you never want a bumper of _bishop_: and
thus do I commend him to your merry keeping." "Full charges, boys,"
said Echo, "fill up their glasses, Count Dennett{3}; 3 Count Dennett,
hair-dresser at Corpus and Oriel Colleges, a very eccentric man, who
has saved considerable property; celebrated for making bishops' wigs,
playing at cribbage, and psalm-singing.

~225~~Here's Brother Blackmantle of Brazen-nose." "A speech, a speech!"
vociferated all the party. "Yes, worthy brother _cracks_," replied I,
"you shall have a speech, the very acme of oratory; a brief speech,
composed by no less a personage than the great Lexicographer himself,
and always used by him on such occasions at the club in Ivy-lane. Here's
all your healths, and _Esto perpetua_." "Bravo!" said Eglantine;" the
boy improves. Now a toast, a university lass--come, boys, The Doctor's
Daughter; and then a song from Crotchet C--ss."{4}

BURTON ALE.
AN ANCIENT OXFORD DITTY.

Of all the belles who Christ Church bless,
None's like the doctor's daughter{5};
Who hates affected squeamishness
Almost as much as water.
Unlike your modern dames, afraid
Of Bacchus's caresses;
She far exceeds the stoutest maid
Of excellent queen Bess's.

Hers were the days, says she, good lack,
The days to drink and munc