s
and denunciations from principals, of proctorial reports to the
vice-chancellor, and examinations before the _big wigs_, and sentences
of expulsion 268~~and rustication: coming evils which, by anticipation,
kept many a man awake upon his pillow, spite of the perilous fatigue
which weighed so heavy upon the exhausted frame. The freshman had little
to fear: he could plead his ignorance of college rules, or escape notice
altogether, from not having yet domiciled within the walls of a college.
Although I had little to expect from the apprehension of any of these
troubles, as my person was, from my short residence, most likely unknown
to any of the authorities--yet did Morpheus refuse his soporific
balsam to the mind--I could not help thinking of my young and giddy
companions, of the kind-hearted Eglantine, immured within the walls of
a dungeon; of the noble-spirited Echo, maltreated and disfigured by the
temporary loss of an eye; of the facetious Bob Transit, so bruised and
exhausted, that a long illness might be expected; and, lastly, of our
Eton sextile, the incomparable exquisite Lionise, who, if discovered in
his dangerous frolic, would, perhaps, have to leap out of a first floor
window at the risk of his neck, sustain an action for damages, and his
expulsion from college at the same time. Little Dick Gradus, with his
usual cunning, had shirked us at the commencement of hostilities; and
the Honourable Mr. Sparkle had been carried home to his lodging, early
in the fray, more overcome by hard drinking than hard fighting, and
there safely put to bed by the indefatigable Mark Supple, to whose
friendly zeal and more effective arm we were all much indebted. In
this reflective mood, I had watched the retiring shadows of the night
gradually disperse before the gray-eyed morn, and had just caught a
glimpse of the golden streaks which illumine the face of day, when my
o'er-wearied spirit sank to rest.

[Illustration: page269]

A little before seven o'clock I was awoke by Echo, who came into my room
to borrow some clean linen, to enable him to attend chapel prayers
at Christ Church. Judge my surprise when I perceived my one-eyed
~269~~warrior completely restored to his full sight, and not the least
appearance of any participation in the affair of the previous night.
"What? you can't comprehend how I managed my black optic? hey, old
fellow," said Echo; "you shall hear: knocked up Transit, and made him
send for his colours, and