in practice, to observe;-we can only solicit that lenity we have so often experienced before. In real sincerity of heart, we are sorry that this is the last time we shall have occasion to ask for it. A fulsome Panegyric We will add little more. would be alike irksome to the Patron, and impertinent in the Patronized. Let us only say, that we are glad indeed to prefix to these motley sheets, a name, which, if it cannot rescue them from the criticism of the unmerciful, will, at least, be a safeguard against the cavillings of the unjust. Cambridge, December, 1821. THE ETONIAN. No. I. THE KING OF CLUBS. AN ACCOUNT OF THE PROCEEDINGS WHICH LED TO THE PUBLICATION OF THE ETONIAN. "THE King of Clubs, with three times three !" cried Peregrine Courtenay, while he sate as chairman of a jovial meeting of congenial Spirits, before a huge old china punch-bowl, the agreeable steam of which spread wit, mirth, and good humour all around, "and then to business.". 66 Ay, ay," replied Frederick Golightly, "twas a good plan that of the old Persians: they discussed their state measures over their cups, when the animal spirits were enlivened, and the little quicksilver that stirs within us' had risen several degrees above temperate; and we do well to imitate them. Now, then, allow me to propose The prosperity of Eton; and may the liberality with which her system is conducted be answered in a correspondent manner, by the reputation which her foster-children exert themselves to maintain." (Drunk with acclamation.) Before, however, I venture further with the proceedings, it will be advisable that I should introduce the reader to the characters of the leading members, by whom one of the most social and best-regulated clubs which has been formed of late years at Eton, is upheld in repute and interest. FREDERICK GOLIGHTLY would require a pen dipped in all the colours of the rainbow, to do justice to the ever-varying shades of disposition by which his conduct is actuated, and which nevertheless contrive to harmonize. Nature, when in the very act of moulding him, had not determined on the style of character she should assign to this motley production. She had laid a groundwork of excellent abilities, and had already struck off most of the best qualities, for which Youth is admired and loved: generosity of sentiment, desire of emulation, and good humour. But what might have become a chef d'œuvre was by some accident abandoned by her, and it afterwards fell into the hands of another artist-Folly; whose flash efforts at effect are considered by all good judges as immeasurably inferior to the noble simplicity of Nature, and to whom the finishing stroke of the wayward Frederick was consigned. To have done with the metaphor-This youth was a compound of good qualities, talent and extravaganza; but the two former were frequently so far obscured by the intervention of the latter, that their very existence has been often unjustly questioned. A year or two back, at the time when the character of a schoolboy is on the point of deciding itself for life, Golightly was considered one of the best whips in the school: the bang-up style in which he used to dash along the Uxbridge road was the theme of praise, even among his seniors. He was consulted on the subject of all badger-hunts and bull-baits which happened to be going forward, and the ingenuity which he displayed in evading all inquiries which might be made after him, when absenting himself from school business, under pretence of indisposition, while in fact he was enjoying his favourite pursuits, rendered him the oracle of all those who preferred hard riding to hard reading. The week of Ascot Races was the most important period of the year with our young Blood. His room was literally the betting-stand, where all the juvenile amateurs of the turf met to forestall their allowance till the next vacation. At this time you might often observe Frederick in the centre of the school-yard, attended by his levee, with a list of the high-bred cattle in his hand, which he was discussing, to the great edification of his audience. It may easily be imagined that these numerous pursuits |