A! Ai x': THE iFOUNG TRAVELLERS; ^ UiiBiit to (Bxtoxtt. BY A LADY, AUTHOR OF VICTIMS OF PLEASURE, HOLIDAY WEEK, THB LEGEND OF STUTCHBURY, &C, LONDON: PRINTED FOR WILLIAMS AND CO. stationers' COURT. 1818. W. Fliul, Piialer, Old Bailey, London. ADVERTISEMENT. The notes at the bottom of the pages refer to a httle work, which it is in contem- plation shortly to publish ; and 'which, though perfectly distinct from the Visit to Oxford, will be found a pleasing companion to it. It will contain correct likenesses of the curious characters here referred to, with some biographical or other accounts of them. The Plates given in this little volume may be considered as specimens of those which will accompany the other. VISIT TO OXFORD. ^ JbiDWARD and Maria Bentley had been confined all the winter with the hooping-cough. When pleasant Spring arrived, it was thought advisable that they should be taken into the country, for change of air. Several places and plans were proposed ; and at last the pleasant, and very healthy, village of Headington, near Oxford, was fixed upon as the spot for their temporary residence, and mamma for their attendant and protector. Mrs. Bentley had formerly kept house for a brother in Oxford, and had several old friends and acquaintance, whom she wished to see ; but for several years past had been so engrossed with the cares of a family, as seldom to find time for an afternoon's visit, much less for a journey of above fifty miles. With some B 2 VISIT TO OXFORD. difficulty she was at last prevailed on to under- take it, as combining this object with that of the children's health, and their gratification in a sio-ht of the famous and magnificent seat of learning, from which Headington is but the dis- tance of an easy walk. All things duly arrang- ed, Rachel and William being returned to school, after spending a day or two at home at Whit- suntide, and many charges carefully repeated to daughter Emily and a trusty old servant to be very attentive to the care of the house, and papa's comfort, and often to send word how all things went on in Bishopsgate Street, on a fine morning, towards the end of May, the travellers set off on their grand expedition, papa kindly accompany- ing them in a hackney-coach to the Black Lion Inn, in Water Lane, where he put them safe in the Oxford stage, giving his children many charges to be obedient and attentive to their good mamma, and to improve every opportunity they might enjoy of obtaining knowledge, and making observations ; and, tenderly committing them all to the care and blessing of Providence, bade them farewell. For a moment the tear of affection dimmed each eye ; but the children soon regained their vivacity and cheerfulness, and expressed much dehght in the thought of their long, long journey, (for they had never be- VISIT TO OXFORD. fore been farther out of London, than to accom- pany their brother and sister to school at Hack- ney,) the many wonderful sights they should see, and the important information they should have to communicate on their return. " Mamma," said Maria, " we have not gone farther than Hackney yet ; and Oxford is, how many times as far as Hackney, mamma ?" " This road, ray dear, the distance from London to Oxford is fifty-four miles. The other road (by which we shall most likely return,) is fifty-eight miles; Hackney is two. I think Edward can inform you how many limes two there are in fifty-four?" " Let me see, mamma; the twos in fifty-four are twenty-seven, are they not ?" " Yes, my dear ; and in fifty-eight?" " Oh, twice two more, twenty-nine, mamma." " Well ; now you can halve these two numbers again ; twenty-nine, and twenty-seven ?" " Yes, mamma, the half of twenty-nine is fourteen and a half; and the half of twenty-seven is thirteen and a half. What then, mamma?" " Why, my dear, I was only going to say, that you have this day to travel as far as if you were to go thirteen times to Hack- ney, and back again ; (for we shall stop about as far short of Oxford, as the distance is from London to Hackney;) do not you think you shall be tired before you reach your journey's B 2 4 VISIT TO OXFORD. end ?" " Oh, no, mamma, I'm sure I shall not," said Maria ; " but will it be like streets all the way, or shall we come to any fields ?" " The road will be very different, my dear ; sometimes we shall pass through towns ; sometimes we shall see fields and woods on the sides of the road ; sometimes we shall go up hill, and some- times down ; and we shall pass over bridges." " We seem to be out of streets already, mamma ; the houses are only here and there, and it is not so noisy as in the streets, nor does the coach shake so much as it did." " Very true, Edward, the road is not paved here, nor is there the traf- fic going on, which makes such a constant noise in busy London." " What, are we quite out of London? then where are we now, mamma?" *' We are now, my dear, passing Kensington Gravel Pits. The king has a palace at Kensington, and there are very beautiful gardens, much fre- quented as a fashionable walk." '* Mamma, I do think that is where we went walking with my aunt Emily and Miss Stokes: but I was almost tired before we got there. Pray, mamma, what is the next place we shall come to? Do, dear mamma, be so good as to tell us all about the road, and every thing we pass, that we may be able to carry home an account to papa and Emily." " I will readily tell you any thing I may recollect of the VISIT TO OXFORD. 6 places we pass through, but I am afraid it will not be a great deal, as I am not much of a tra- veller : I believe it is nineteen years since I have been out of the smoke of London." " Well, mamma, you are very good to stay at home and take such care of us, and very good indeed to take us out now^ as the doctor said it would be of benefit to our health ; and as you knew it would give us great pleasure, I hope we shall always try to deserve your kindness." " Yes, I hope so, Edward." "Now all the time we are out let us take particular care not to teaze mamma when she is in company ; nor do any thing whatever to make her uncomfortable : a good character of both of us to papa, when we go home, will be the best account of all ; won't it, mamma?" " Yes, my love, and I hope to have the plea- sure of communicating it. This is a village called Acton, and is noted for its medicinal wa- ters. But the coach stops ; I suppose we are to take in passengers here." " What, mamma, will they let other persons beside us into the coach ?" " Oh, yes, my dear ; they can take three, if not four, passengers." " I am sorry for that, mam- ma ; we shall not be able to ask you half so many questions as if we were quite alone." 6 VISIT TO OXFORD. " Perhaps, my dear, you may gain more iii- formatioD." The coach door now opened, and an elderly gentleman stepped in and took his seat. The children at first were abashed at his presence, and forbore to ask any questions ; and their mother not observing any thing particularly worthy of notice, they travelled some minutes without speaking. At length Maria broke the silence by a rather severe fit of coughing, which led to several kind enquiries on the part of the stranger, and an offer to draw up the window lest the air should excite her cough. The travel- lers soon became acquainted : the gentleman professed himself fond of children, and pleased in the opportunity of travelling in their society, he kindly pointed out to them every object worthy of notice, and made many sensible re- marks, to which (remembering their papa's desire) they both paid great attention. The first town they passed through was Uxbridge, soon after which the gentleman bade them observe a noble house and spacious park on the left hand side of the road, called Bulstrode. Near Beaconsfield, he shewed them the family mansion where Waller the celebrated Poet died, and is buried in Beaconsfield church-yard. And VISIT TO OXFORD. 7 on the opposite side, he pointed out to thera the late residence of Edmund Burke the great states- man and orator. " Perhaps, my dear," said he, " you may not now feel much interest in these things ; but when in future years you become acquainted with the characters and, writings of great men, you will feel a pleasure in recollect- ing that in your childhood, you noticed the places where they resided." They passed on in pleasant chat, and could scarcely believe when the coach turned up to an inn that they had arrived at High Wycombe, twenty-nine miles from Lou- don, where they were to dine. Having taken some refreshment, they walked about the plea- sant gardens belonging to the inn, from whence is seen a seat of the Earl of Shelburne. They were soon summoned back to the coach, and when seated Mr. Rowden, their fellow traveller, again began conversing with the children, and told them that the town, where they had dined was one of the largest markets for corn in that part of England. He pointed out to them some corn and paper mills, of which there are several in that neighbourhood ; and bid them notice the women sitting at their doors lace-making. Maria was astonished at the quick passing of the bob- bins, and said she had no idea that lace was made in the hand, but supposed it had been woven in 8 VISIT TO OXFORD. a loom in the same manner as stockings, which she had seen made in London. Edward asked many questions about the mills, and said he much wished to se^ the inside of one. Mr. Row^den told them that in the village of Headington, which he had discovered to be the place of their destination, they would find a large wind-mill, and might derive great pleasure from inspecting the works, but advised them to be very cautious not to go too near the sails, as he said that a few months before, a little boy who had accompanied his mother to take some corn to be ground was caught up by the sails and dashed on the ground with such force as to oc- casion his death in a few days. By this time they had reached West Wycombe, when Mr. Rowden directed their attention to a gentleman's seat, and the church adjoining, beauti- fully situated at the top of a steep hill. The estate, he informed them, belonged to Lord le Despencer, and that the late Lord had built and endowed the church entirely at his own expence, " That was a very good action of him," said Edward, " to build a decent, comfortable place for his neighbours to attend the worship of God in." " But I think," said Maria, " he did not much consider the comfort of the poor infirm old people; how they ever manage to climb that steep VISIT TO OXFORD. 9 hill, I cannot imagine ! I am sure it would tire my feet." " There is a great deal in use," said Mr. Rowden ; " besides, if people really love the service of God, it is not a little matter that will deter them from it." " True, Sir," said Edward. " I remember read- ing in Pilgrim's Progress that Christian climbed up the hill Difficulty, and that, I should think, was much steeper and rougher than the hill to Wycombe Church." A few miles farther on the road Mr. Rowden pointed the children to a distant view of Sher- borne Castle, the seat of the Earl of Macclesfield ; and just after told them that they had now enter- ed Oxfordshire, having arrived at Stokenchurch. " Oxfordshire already !" said xMaria; " then how many miles have we travelled ?" " Thirty-six," answered (he gentleman ; "and as you stop at Headington, which is one mile short of Oxford, you have only seventeen more miles before you reach your journey's end." " And is it possible" asked Edward, " that we have already passed above two thirds of the road, which in the morning appeared such an immense distance?" "Yes," replied their mother, and reminded them how much they were obliged by Mr. Rowden's entertaining and useful remarks, which by causing the time to pass pleasantly B 5 10 VISIT TO OXFORD. had made it appear so short. " I am happy, my dear children" said Mr. Rowden, " in having at all contributed to beguile the hours of your stage-coach confinement ; it does not surprise me that you find the distance less than you expected. Young persons especially are apt to aflBx an un- due degree both of duration, distance, and value to future events, and it is not always that grow- ing years correct the foible. "The journey of human life in the morning of youth has the appearance of great length ; the youthful traveller anticipates a lengthened track all blooming with beauty, and rich in enjoyment ; and often overlooks the yawning grave that lies between him and his distant prospect : or should his journey be protracted to its longest stretch, and all his path strewed with abundance, and gilded by pleasure, amused by surrounding ob- jects he quickly passes on from one stage to ano- ther, and almost before he is aware of the lessen- ing distance, arrives at the close of his journey ; it soon passes away, and he is gone. The jour- ney of life is a journey which can be but once taken, and though short itself it leads to eternity. How important is it then that its course be rightly directed ! " I have often heard a laughable anecdote of a certain studious doctor of our university (long VISIT TO OXFORD. ]1 since dead,) who, after due preparation for a journey to Loudon, early in the morning set off by the coach, which reached Wycombe to din- ner, where they met the downward bound coach, whose passengers also stopped to dine there. The doctor not choosing to partake of the refresh- ment walked awhile about the gardens, and then, as he supposed, resumed his seat in the coach ; but not observing its direction, he unfortunately placed himself in the wrong vehicle, nor once suspected his mistake, till, just as he supposed himself entering London, he exclaimed with astonishment, ' How exactly alike is this scene to that on Magdalen Bridge at the entrance of Oxford ! and dear me yonder is a man exactly like my bed-maker, Joe !' But how was his sur- prize heightened and his disappointment confirm- ed, when the coachman (well knowing him, and suspecting no mistake) drove up to his college gate, and Joe, who on the bridge had caught a glimpse of his master's wondering visage, hasten- ed to open the coach door, equally astonished at his unexpected return I " His mistake we may smile at ; a few hours delay, and a little additional expence, would, per- haps, in his case, set all to rights ; but not so his who has passed his childhood in idleness, his youth in vanity and dissipation, his manhood in 12 VISIT TO OXFORD. sordid or ambitious pursuits, his old age in fret- fulness and impatience, and all in guilty forget- fulness of God ! Nothing can equal, nothing can alleviate his disappointment and anguish, when he finds that the journey of life is terminated, and not one step set in the way to happiness and heaven ! " My dear children, as you would avoid such misery, now, in the morning of your days, see that you set out aright ; in your childhood, be diligent in acquiring useful knowledge, and vir- tuous habits ; especially, ' remember now your Creator in the days of your youth ;' so shall your youth be amiable, your manhood useful, your old age respectable, and death (whenever it may come) peaceful and happy." Mrs. Bentley again thanked the gentleman for his remarks, and expressed a hope that her dear children would profit by them. He next pointed their attention to a gentleman's seat, called Aston, the property of General Col- liaud, a very benevolent person, who lives him- self in a frugal, moderate way, and expends the principal part of his income in doing good to his poor neighbours. " This, my dears," said he, " I hope you will ever consider a venerable cha- racter, and as far as your means extend, an ex- ample for your imitatten. The good General, no doubt, has more pleasure in furnishing whole- VISIT TO OXFORD. 13 some food, and plain dealing to his poor destitute neighbours, than he could have in expending his property on costly and vain luxuries for himself. The richest persons," said Mr. Rowden, '• who sincerely wish to devote to the relief of others a suit- able portion of the good things which Providence has lodged in their hands, will find the necessity of prudence and regularity in their own expences ; and perhaps, if persons in a much lower line of life than the worthy General were as prudent and regular as they ought to be, many, who never supposed they had a shilling to spare from their own uses, would find themselves possesssed of considerable means for doing good." On suddenly perceiving the rapid and irregular descent of the carriage down Stokenchurch Hill, which is exceedingly steep, the children began to be terrified; but Mr. Kowden bade them not be alarmed, saying that every nece>sary pre- caution was used by the coachman, who bore an excellent character for care and skill ; " be- side," said he, " the Providence of God is over us now, as much as when we were on the level ground, and it is as easy for him to protect us. We are always exposed to danger, though we do not always know or recollect it, and our duty is in all cases to take every necessary precaution for our own safety, and in so doing cheerfully 14 VISIT TO OXFORD. commit ourselves to the protection and blessing of Heaven." A few miles farther, they noticed a handsome Avhite house belonging to Lord Charles Spencer, a son of the Duke of Marlborough, who resides at Blenheim, one of the most splendid palaces and noble domains in possession of any British subject ; a sight of which Mr. Rowden observed w^ould be very gratifying to the children, and which he hoped their mamma would indulge them with, being only eight miles beyond Ox- ford. Mrs. Bentley replied, " she hoped they would enjoy that pleasure before they returned home, but it would most likely be deferred till their father should come down to accompany them back to London." At Wheatley, the next place they came to, they were much pleased with the sight of a fine park, in which they saw the pretty sheep feeding, and the lambs frisking about beside them ; and were reminded of the lines they had often repeated, but which London children scarcely ever enter into the beauty of: — " Abroad in the meadows to see the young lambs, " Run sporting about by the sides of their dams " With fleeces so clean and so white." Mr. Rowden observed how highly the present VISIT TO OXFORD. J5 race of children were favoured by the excellent Doctor Watts, and other writers, who had con- descended to devote their pleasing and useful talents to the benevolent object of rendering important truths and salutary maxims familiar and interesting to the capacities of the infant mind. "And I would always advise you, my young friends," said he, " to store your memories with those pleasant and instructive poems, and avoid the foolish and injurious trash in which many young persons (not better taught) seek their amusement." *' Observe that very high hill on the left of us," said Mr. Rowden; " the road formerly went over it, and the alteration which enables us to avoid it is a great advantage, both in point of safety and expedition. It is called Shotover Hill ; and I have heard some vague traditions respecting battles having been fought there. It is well worth your visiting on account of the very beautiful and ex- tensive prospect you enjoy from its summit, and also of the many natural curiosities there found. At one part of it is produced the finest Ochre in the kingdom ; in another, is an extensive stone quarry ; here also is found a curious transparent substance resembling glass, which the country people call isinglass ; it is of a diamond square form, and may be split to any thickness. It is 16 VISIT TO OXFORD. soft and brittle, and when burnt, I am informed, furnishes an excellent powder for cleaning plate. I believe it is also used by young ladies in fancy works. This hill abounds with beautiful and medicinal herbs. Heath, furze, coltsfoot, worm- wood, and many others. These things will all be new to you, my dears; but I would advise you to take this opportunity of your visit to the country to obtain some information respecting them. In every country walk 3'ou may acquire some knowledge, which, though it may seem of a trifling kind, in future life you will find pleasant, and perhaps useful. .Much of this you may derive from a little conversation with the poor peasants, who often, in discoursing of the objects that surround them, discover a degree of good sense and intelligence you would scarcely expect to find. In fact, I think, somethmg may be gained from every person with whom you con- verse ; and nothing is more pleasing or promising than to see young persons diligently improving every opportunity of gaining useful knowledge- There is one thing more to which I must parti- cularly direct your attention as connected with Shotover Hill. There are found shells of fish and bones of various animals in a petrified state, which were most probably cast there by the general deluge ; indeed, which can in no other VISIT TO OXFORD. 17 way be accounted for : you will probably take a pleasure in preservini^ some of these as curiosi- ties. While you are young they may be useful, as giving you a desire to become acquainted with the history of that wonderful event, the deluge ; this you may gratify by a full account given you in the sixth, seventh, and eighth chapters of the book of Genesis ; and in after years should you be in company with any persons foolish and wicked enough to disbelieve the Bible, and say that such an event never took place, you may tell them that you not only believe it because the Bible records it, and the Bible must be true, but also shew them your Shotover Hill curiosities, and tell them that if the deluge had not taken place, these could not have been produced in such a situation." " This reminds me of a singular curiosity now in possession of a friend of mine, who will, I am sure, readily gratify you with a sight of it; it is a large stag's horn, and bears an inscription rudely carved of the letters A. D. DICCII— . If this be correct it must be about eleven hundred years old, those numeral letters signifying seven hundred and two ; but the most remarkable circumstance connected with it, is the situation in which it was discovered ; namely, under a bed of gravel, where it was most probably cast by some partial de- 18 VISIT TO OXFORD. luge. But I fiud we are dravviug near the spot where we shall separate. Youder the beautiful spires and classic shades of Oxford rise to our view! we shall soon leach a small public house where you will be set down, and I suppose, madam, some one from the lodgings you have engaged will meet you to convey your luggage there." Mrs. Bentley said she expected to be met by an old friend (or some of his family) who had engaged the lodging for them, and who had kindly wished them to take up their abode at his house in Oxford, but that Headington was recom- mended as preferable on account of the chil- dren's health. The coach now drew up to the white house, adorned with the sign of Britannia in splendid robes. While the children were admir- ing her rude figure, their mother with far greater pleasure caught a glance of her old friends Mr. and Mrs. Hartley, who having welcomed Mrs. Bentley and her children to their neighbourhood, were politely accosted by Mr. Rowden, who it appeared resided near them, and had frequently dealt at their shop. He expressed himself much gratified in the society of his young companions, and took his leave, engaging his neighbours, to bring them to his house, as he should be happy to introduce them to Miss Rowden, his niece, who, like himself, was fond of children, and pro- VISIT TO OXFORD. 19 raising to use the interest which he possessed in obtaining them a sight of some of the colleges and other public buildings of Oxford. Mr. and Mrs. Hartley accompanied their friends to her lodging in Headingtou, whi(ih she found neat, clean, airy, and comfortable. After taking the refreshment of tea, she wrote a few lines to inform the kind and anxious father of their pleasant journey and safe arrival ; this her friends took charge of to put in the post office at Oxford, and bade the weary travellers good even- ing, promising, if the weather should prove favourable, that their daughters should walk up in the morning and accompany them to Oxford to spend the day. After a sound repose, the children arose, active and lively, to hail *' The morning beam that bade them rise " To all the joys of youth." But disappointment saluted them when first they approached their chamber window, and saw that a heavy and continued rain utterly prohibited their promised expedition to Oxford. They felt, as alt lively children will feel, when disappointed of a pleasure on which they de- pended ; but they did nof^ like some children, fret 20 VISIT TO OXFORD. and sulk, and refuse to do or enjoy any thing because they could not do and enjoy exactly what they wished, for that they knew would be foolishly making two troubles instead of one; nei- ther 'lid they reproach their mamma, and say she nad broken her promise, for they knew she always punctually fulfilled her word, unless pre- vented by obvious necessity, and kindly wished them to enjoy as much pleasure as they inno- cently and safely could. They considered, there- fore, that the weather was not in her controul, but in that of the great God, who no doubt or- dered it for some important good ; therefore they were willing to submit to their little disappoint- ment; and as watching the weather, and wish- ing it would clear they knew was quite useless, they thought it the wisest course to endeavour to make themselves and each other as happy as pos- sible in doors. After a little exercise, and a little learning (for they had not forgotten to bring their books,) they requested their mother would make them a little book, in which they might write a kind of journal of what they should see aud learn during their absence from home. In her box she found a neat small memoran- dum book, with red leather covers, which would actually answer their purpose, and which, with a black lead pencil she had by her, she gave VISIT TO OXFORD. 21 them as a mark of her approbation of their con- duct under their disappointment. While Maria was assisting her mother in ar- ranging the clothes they had brought, and pla- cing them neatly in the drawers, Edward began making memorandums of their journey, from which indeed most of the information contained in this little volume is derived. In the afternoon, as Mrs. Bentley and Maria sat at their needle- work, they assisted in recollecting the different objects their good friend Mr. Rowden had point- ed out, and his remarks upon them ; and thus, notwithstanding their morning's disappointment, the time passed pleasantly on; and as they were sitting at tea, they observed that the rain had ceased, the sky became clear, and the road tole- rably dry; their kind mother therefore proposed to take them a little walk about the village, at which they were much pleased. Seeing the church door open, they first took a view of that old building. In the front of the church stands an ancient stone cross, which is one of the most perfect of its kind that yet remains in England. The children supposed it had been a tombstone, but their mother informed them that in the dark times of superstition people built those kind of crosses, and rendered a sort of blind homage to them in professed remembrance of that on which 22 VISIT TO OXFORD. the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified for man's redemption. She explained to them how useless and unsuitable were[such inventions, and leading them into the church pointed out to them ii tar more rational, scriptural, and interesting monu- ment, a plain white tablet, which records the foundation and endowment of a school for the poor village children to be instructed in reading, writing, arithmetic, plain work and knitting. After walking to Barton, a very small village. about half a mile distaut from Headinglon, they returned to their lodging, and found an old man with several large bundles and baskets strapped on his back, who had brought a note from Airs. Hartley, stating, that as the weather had proved so unfavourable that day, she hoped to see her friends on the next, and should aeud her daugh- ters to accompany them. In the morning the children were highly delighted to find that the weather was quite clear and calm, and their host assured them that his weather-glass indicated a continuance of fine weather. Scarcely had they breakfasted and equipped themselves for their walk, when the Misses Hartley arrived, and after their having rested awhile, the whole party set off for Oxford. After passing several pretty and genteel houses, they turned into a large field, the hedge of which bounded a plantation and grouudi" VISIT TO OXFORD. 23 belonging to the lord of the manor. This field, the young ladies informed them, was a few years since inclosed from the common, and cultivated. As they advanced they soon obtained a view of Oxford, and the surrounding country. The day being clear, they could discern at a distance many village spires among the trees, and the fine seat and obelisk in Blenheim Park, which Mr. Rowden had mentioned to them the day before. " Yonder," said Miss Hartley, " is the large elm, well known by the name of 'Joe PuUen's Tree,' which it acquired from its having been planted by Josiah Pulien, Vice Principal of Magdalen Hall in Oxford, — and yonder comes Old Banbury, the Headinglon Fly.''* " Oh, mamma," said Kdward, " that is the old man who brought the note last night from Mrs. Hartley," " Yes, my dear," returned Miss Hartley, " his constant employment is in carrying letters and parcels to and from Headington and Oxford, He regularly takes two, often three, and some- times four journeys in a day ; he is now return- ing from his first journey with the letters he has just received at the post office, and which he conveys not only to Headington, but to three or Appendix, No, 1. 24 VISIT TO OXFORD. four little villages around." " Then I hope he has got one for us ; you said mamma that you hoped we should receive a letter from our dear papa to day." " Yes, my dear, I hope he has found a leisure half hour to indulge us; if you please you may run forward and civilly ask the old man whether he has got a letter directed for Mrs. Bentley, at Mr. Barker's, Headington, near Oxford." The children needed not twice bid- ding, but bounded over the heathy path across Headington field, and scarcely took a moment to notice the pretty sheep and lambs that were still permitted to crop part of the pasture ; so impatient were they to hear of their dear father and home. They soon reached the old newsman, who,attheir request, examined his budget, (which was carefully deposited in the crown of his hat,) and found the treasure, the postage of which Mrs. Bentley having paid, and given the old man a small recompence for his trouble, they walked on, hearing with pleasure the tidings that health and comfort still reigned at home ; and the kind hints for their improvement, which their thought- ful father failed not to convey, with his wishes for the perfect recovery of their health. Having rested a few moments on the large stone under Joe Pullen's Tree, they turned into the excellent gravel path down Headington Hill, which iskeptiu VISIT TO OXFORD. 25 constant repair by the University, with the members of which it is a favourite walk ; it cora- mauds a fine view of the city. On the hill the children were much surprised at the singular dress of some gentlemen they met, who wore full black robes of stuff or silk, some having large bag sleeves of various shapes, others two stripes from the shoulders, resembling leading-strings, and all, instead of hats, caps fitted to the head, surmounted with a square board , covered with black cloth, and ornamented with a large silk tassel ; these, their companions informed them, were gentlemen of the University taking their morning walk ; that the different shape of their dresses denoted their different degrees and sta- tions in the University. — Some you will perhaps see with velvet caps and golden tassels ; these are noblemen ; and some with large velvet sleeves ; these are the proctors, whose office it is to watch against, and correct, any rude or disorderly be- haviour among the younger members of the University. Having descended the hill, they saw, on the left hand, a neat building, which Miss Hartley in- formed them was a Roman Catholic chapel, and on each side of the road a handsome set of alms houses, each inclosed in a garden ; the one destined for the maintenance of a number of elderly men c 26 VISIT TO OXFORD. from several counties in England, in the centre of which is a good house and delightful garden ap- propriated to an apothecary, who attends them in case of illness ; the other is principally or wholly occupied by elderly women. The appearance of pavement, and some small houses, denoted their approach to the city. " Is this Oxford ?" asked Edward. " No, my dear, this is the parish of St. Clement in the suburbs: we shall not enter the city till we have passed over the bridge." Almost the first shop they came to was that of a cutler, which reminded Mrs. Bentley that she had forgot- ten to bring her scissars from London, and should be obliged to purchase a pair. Miss Hartley assur- ed her the old gentleman, who kept the shop, was noted for being an excellent workman, and one who would not sell an inferior article. They therefore went in, but not finding him at home, promised to look in on their return in the evening. At the end of the parish of St. Clement is a dou- ble turnpike at the foot of Magdalen Bridge, where the Henley and Wycombe roads meet. Here they were passed by an old man of as cu- rious, though very different, appearance from old Banbury ; this was the Iffley Fly* who travels in * Appendix, No. 2. VISIT TO OXFORD. 27 the same manner from Iffley a small village on the Henley road. From the centre of the bridge they admired the fine water walks of Magdalen College and Joe Pullen's Tree, and the hill which they had just descended, and noticed the vsingular appearance of the bridge, being above half built on dry land ; the cattle and sheep are seen feed- ing in the meadow below. Miss Hartley observed to them that the scene was very different in win- ter time ; the bridge covering at each of its extremeties a branch of the Cheswell, which owing to the floods at that season often meet, and form one wide expanse of water. They were now aroused by a deep voice, saying •' Goodluck, come on." " This (whispered Miss Hartley^ is the St. Clement's cutler^ returning from market with his old shock dog ; you would hardly suppose, from his present appearance, that he was once the most buckish young man of the day. He is a man of many singularities, but universally respected, as possessed of extra- ordinary good natural abilities, as an ingenious, honest tradesman, and as a civil inoffensive neighbour. Many very learned gentlemen of the "University frequent his shop for the sake of Appendix, No. 3, c 2 28 VISIT TO OXFORD. his conversation." " What fine large church is this ?" said Edward, as they left the bridge. " It is not a church, my dear, but a college, where many gentlemen reside, some taking up a stated and permanent abode there, others only coming for a while to pursue the studies necessary to qualify them for following either of the learned professions, or for shining in the higher walks of private life ; there are many such in Oxford. — This is called Magdalen College, and is, I think, one of the finest ; but you will, 1 hope, have an opportunity of visiting it during your stay here : my father intends taking you to see whatever may be considered likely to gratify or instruct you; and our neighbour, Mr. Rowden, has kindly engaged to accompany us wherever he has an interest to gain admission, or when my father may be too much engaged in the sliop to attend you. He called yesterday to see if you were come, but did not of course expect you on account of the weather." Mrs. Bentley took the opportunity of making some enquiries concerning the gentleman who seemed so kindly interested in her children, and was informed by Miss Hartley, that he had for- merly been a bookseller in Oxford ; but had many years retired from business, and lived in- dependent, in a genteel and quiet part of the VISIT TO OXFOIU). 29 city. Edward had scarcely taken off his eyes from the beautiful tower of Magdalen College, (which he seemed reluctant to pass without a more minute inspection) when Maria pointed him to a poor man stationed with a small board of fruit and cakes for sale, under the shade of a fine row of elms that reach from Magdalen Col- lege gate to the bottom of the High Street. " Poor creature I" said she, " look at the dis- torted shape of his limbs ! cannot he walk, Miss Hartley ?" " Yes, my dear, 1 believe he can walk pretty well, though I have seldom or never seen him but in his present station ; and I suppose he picks up a pretty good living, having the cus- tom of many persons who pass by on their walks, and no doubt that of the young gentlemen of Magdalen school, to whose longing appetites his rosy apples and sugared cakes present a tempting aspect." " Poor man," said Maria, " I am not very hungry, yet I should like to spend a penny with him, mamma, if you have no objection. I always grieve to see persons who are not favoured with the right shape and use of their limbs, and think how thankful we ought to be for the mercies we enjoy." " Are these thy favors day by day, " To me above the rest ? " Then let me love thee more than they, " And try to serve thee best." 30 VISIT TO OXFORD. Mamma's permission being granted, each of the children purchased a plain cake of the well- known Dicky Dunker,^ and passed on to Mr. Hartley's, whose house is situated in one of the principal streets, called the Corn Market ; in passing to which, they were struck with the fine appearance of the High Street, which is of an unusual length and breadth, remarkably clean, and well paved ; and the assemblage of magni- ficent colleges and churches, which its curvical form displays to the greatest advantage, is calcu- lated to strike the beholder with surprise and de- light. As they reached Carfax, or St. Martin's Church, the clock struck eleven, and the children observed that the striking was performed (like that of St. Dunstan's, in Fleet Street, which they had often seen,) by small figures of men striking their hammers on the bell. At this moment a gentleman in academical habits came up to the church; and the notice of the children was at- tracted by his unusually low stature. " Oh, dear mamma," whispered Edward, " did you ever see such a little man ; he is no taller than the lit- tle figures that strike the clock !" Mrs. Bentley checked Edward, for she could not bear that any conduct in her children should seem like * Appendix, No. 4. VISIT TO OXFORD. 31 contempt or ridicule of those whom Providence has seen fit to afflict with any bodily defect or singularity. The gentleman being gone into the church, Miss Hartley observed, that " she was not surprised at the children noticing his appear- ance, as he never failed to excite the astonish- ment of strangers. He is so well known in Ox- ford, being a native of the place, that we meet him and think nothing of it ; but I should won- der if any person, the first time of seeing the Utile doctor*^, could pass him unnoticed. He is generally called doctor, though, I believe, he has not attained a higher degree than that of Master of Arts. But he is never offended at this appellation, nor indeed at any pleasantry which his little peculiarities excite ; and I be- lieve this is the best way to blunt the edge of sarcasm : when all join in the laugh, the object is lost in the crowd." Edward's comparison reminds me of a joke that was played upon the poor little doctor some few years since; one of the figures that strike the clock of Carfax, accidentally fell down, and some limbs being broken, it was for some time undergoing repairs. The doctor's boyish com- * Appendix, No. 5. S2 VISIT TO OXFORD. panions, in the mean time, diverted themselves by drawing up a paper, stating his inteutioa of offering himself as a candidate to supply the vacancy. Another anecdote I have heard, that the doctor (being on a visit in Buckinghamshire,) and returning to his friend's house late on a winter's night, in company with several other gentlemen, who had spent the evening together at a neighbour's house, one of the party, a medi- cal gentleman, nearly as remarkable for his lofty, as is the doctor, for his diminutive stature, took his little friend up in his arms, and placed him astride on the angular portico of a house by which they passed, a situation, from which the doctor had no means of extricating himself, and was compelled to bear the bitter piercing wind and pelting storm, till his friend (having suf- ficiently exercised the doctor's patience, and gratified his own whim,) returned, and once more placed him on terra Jirma. But here is our house, and my father and mother, I am sure, are expecting our arrival. Mrs. Bentley, fatigued with her walk, gladly ac- cepted the rest and refreshment which her friend's house afforded ; but the young ones declared they felt neither weariness nor hunger, and only longed to explore the wonders and curiosities of the delightful place to whieli they were come. VISIT TO OXFORD. 33 Just then Mr. Rowden, with his niece, taking their morning walk, called to enquire after his young companions, and invited their company, saying, he would endeavour in the course of the walk to gratify their curiosity with a sight of some of the beauties of Oxford. Passing on to the north, they admired the street called St. Giles's; which, from its extraordinary breadth, and from the row of trees on each side, and the small gardens, or grass-plots, in front of several of the houses, has the appearance of an elegant village. On the right side is St. John's, a spacious college ; before it, in front, is a handsome terrace walk, shaded with a row of elms. Mr. Rowden led the children in to take a view of the beautiful gardens, with which they were delighted. He kindly pointed out to them the statues in brass of King Charles the First and his Queen, which adorn the porticos of the inner quadrangle, through which they passed to the gardens, as well as every other object he considered worthy of their notice. On their return from the garden he called a servant of the college, who shewed them the chapel and library. — In the former is a. beautiful piece of tapestry, representing our Lord breaking the bread with his disciples at Emmaus, from a famous original of the celebrated artist, Titian. Maria admired the ingenuity and patience c 5 34 VISIT TO OXFORD. here exhibited ; but Mr Rowden observed to her, how much more usefully the time might have been employed ; and told her he thought the busy Martha taking care of her house, (so as she did not forget the one thing needful,) or the pious Dorcas making garments for the poor, were more acceptable to God, more useful to men, and more worthy examples for general imitation, than the nun, who pined away her years in gloomy solitude, counting her beads, and poring over her tapestry. On the wall of the chapel is a singular curiosity. — A marble urn, contaiiiini,^ the heart of Dr. Rawlinson, en- closed in a silver vessel, which was placed here according to the directions of his last will ; but he left the college a more substantial proof of his afifectionate regard, in a rich addition to its funds. In the library they were gratified with a sight of many valuable books and rare manuscripts. And among other curiosities is shewn a drawing of King Charles the First, which contains the whole book of Psalms written on the lines of the face and the hair of the head. Leaving this college, they passed on by St. Giles's Church, which terminates the street, and the city at that end, and is a very pleasing object, as it is in full front view all up the street. The prayers were just over, and the congregation coming out of VISIT TO OXFORD. 35 church. Among others, was a feeble decrepit old man; every limb and feature appeared to have been distorted from his birth ; his limbs tot- tered, and his head shook from age and disease ; his garments bespoke his poverty, and a lad at- tended to guide his trembling steps. " There, my dears," said Mr. Rovvden, " is one of the richest men in Oxford." " Indeed I" exclaimed the children. " Rich, Sir ! why he looks as poor as Job !" Mr, Rowden smiled at the comparison, and said, " perhaps my assertion, and your judg- ment may both be right at last ; you know true riches do not consist in the abundance that a man hath. When .lob was stripped of every thing, his property, his children, his friends, his health, he could still say, ' I know that my Redeemer liveth!' This was a greater portion to him than all the treasures that a wicked man may possess ; and in this sense I meant to say that old Tommy Yarrow* was one of the richest men in Oxford. I have known Oxford now above fifty years, and recollect his always appearing just the same as he does now. His bodily defects occasion great weakness, but I do not suppose he suffers any violent pain; he has never, I believe, been able to * Appendix, No. 6. 36 VISIT TO OXFORD. do any thing for his own maintenance, but is very humanely taken care of in the house of in- dustry, which is provided for the reception of the infirm, poor, and unemployed inhabitanlj; of Ox- ford. 1 have often spoken with him, and never heard him express any murmur or complaint on account of his poverty and afflictions ; and the reason is, he has been enabled to seek and find the supports and consolations which are derived from religion, by means of which his present trials and distresses appear light and insignificant. Oh ! my dear children, prize your Bible, you know not what you may have to meet with be- tween this and the grave ; but if you love your Bible, you will find it a never failing spring of comfort. If you could possess all the riches and grandeur of the world, without religion they would not make you happy. And religion could make you happy in the absence of ail. — ' *Tis religion that can gire, ' Real pleasures while wc live ; * 'Tis religion must supply, ' Solid comforts when we die.' Poor old Tommy need not envy the greatest monarch on earth, while he can say, ' Thou art my portion, O God. I shall be satisfied when 1 awake in thy likeness.' VISIT TO OXFORD, 37 " A friend of miue, who sometimes officiates iu the workhouse chapel, has often expressed to me the pleasure he has felt in having this afflicted, but pious man, for one of his auditors. He says, that on the mention of any particular passage of scripture, he has seen tears of joy run down his furrowed cheeks. In prayer, when any petition is expressed which seems to answer his case, he cannot refrain from interposing a loud Amen ; and in sermons, if any thing strikes him as par- ticularly important, solemn, or interesting, he jogs those who sit near him, and who, perhaps, may be disposed to trifle, and endeavours to arouse or keep up their attention ; and as the minister passes, he never fails to salute him with a hearty ' God bless you. Sir,' and afifectionately to squeeze the hand of his reverend friend. Nor does old Thomas confine his attendance in the house of God to the sabbath ; whenever his health permits, he constantly attends the week- day prayers in this church, the workhouse being situated iu this parish." " I remember," said Miss Rowden, " when I was a very little girl at school, we used to run away frightened from old Tommy, (for he was old Tommy then) and my governess would say, * Do not be so silly child ; that good old man would not hurt a worm ; and if you live to grow 38 VISIT TO OXFORD, up, it will be well for you if you are as pious and good as he is, even though you should be as afflicted ; for no doubt his light afflictions, which are but for a Tnoment, will work for him a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory . Mr. Rowden made some remarks on the folly and wickedness of nurses and others, who often make bug-bears of any distorted and afflicted person, to terrify children ; thus filling their minds with unfounded superstitious fears, and teaching them to hate, despise, and ridicule harmless and good persons. And by this time the children were anxious to know the name of a neat and handsome build- ing on the left hand side of the road. This, their friend informed them, was an infirmary, erected by the trustees of a vast property, left by the late Doctor Radcliffe, for various import- ant and benevolent purposes. This infirmary, he observed, was a most valuable benefit to the inhabitants of Oxford and its neighbourhood, who, in time of illness or accident, might here obtain the best medical attendance and relief their circumstances required, either as in or out patients of this valuable institution. " If you should stay in Oxford till the latter end of June, I should like to take you to St. Mary's Church, VISIT TO OXFORD. 39 where an annual sermon is preached for its be- nefit, and in general large sums are collected to aid so good a design. A little higher is a fine building called the Observatory, where the pro- fessor of astronomy resides, and is furnished with a most complete and valuable assortment of instruments for making his astronomical ob- servations ; there are also others for the use of students, and a lecture room for their instruction in the delightful and beneficial science of astro- nomy, which is so well calculated to impress the mind with sentiments of adoring gratitude to- wards the great Creator. David, long ago found contemplations of the heavenly bodies beneficial, as leading his mind to suitable thoughts of God, the Great Maker of all. He said, ' the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handy work.' — ' O Lord, our God, how excellent is thy name in all the earth I who hast set thy glory above the heavens ; when I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars which thou hast ordain- ed, what is man that thou art mindful of him ? and the son of man that thou visitest him' ?" " Edward," said Maria, " that is a pretty poem yoQ learnt at school ; is that about astronomy ?" " What, do you mean ' The spacious fimament on high' ?" " Yes, that is what T mean ; it is very pretty, Sir; shall Edward say it all ?" 40 VISIT TO OXFORD. " If he pleases, my dear, I shall be happy to hear it, though it has been many years familiar to me. It is a paraphrase on the 19th Psalm, (which I just quoted) by a gentleman named Ad- dison, who formerly resided at Oxford, and was, I believe, a member of Magdalen College, as a part of the beautiful walk belonging to that col- lege is still called Addison's walk." " And by the way, Louisa," said Mr. Rowden to his niece, " we must not forget to take our young friends there some warm day. At present, I think, we must not lengthen our walk; these children, I am sure, must be tired, and I believe Mr. Hartley's family dine early. They accordingly turned back, and at Mr. Hartley's door Mr. Rowden and his niece took their leave, after engaging Mrs, Bentley and the children, and any of her friend's family who could make it convenient, to take tea with them in the afternoon. At dinner the children were introduced to the remainder of Mr. Hartley's fa- mily, a fine youth, who was apprenticed at the printing office, and two little ones, a boy and girl, rather younger than Edward and Maria Bentley, who were both at school when they called in the morning. In a few minutes the children were become good friends, and parted with regret, when the clock striking two, sum- moned Samuel Hartley to school, and in a few minutes the servant came in for little Jane. How- VISIT TO OXFORD. 41 ever, they wisely betook themselves to their old remedy for banishing dullness, employme7it ; and I can confidently recommend this to my young readers as one of the most efficacious remedies that can be suggested for gaping, fretfulness, and discontent. While Maria learnt a little geography and spel- ling, and then quietly accompanied her mother and Mrs. and the Misses Hartley at needle-work, Edward, (according to his father's desire before he left home) made a neat Latin exercise, and did a sum in multiplication quite correct ; then took out his memorandum book, to enter the ob- servations of the morning, and heard with sur- prize the clock strike five, and his friend Samuel's voice enquiring after him. The boys amused themselves at whiptop ; and like most children that work and learn heartily, they played hear- tily too. But they were soon interrupted, by Mrs. Rentley calling Edward to w^ash his hands and change his shoes, as she was almost ready to go to Mr. Rowden's. Mrs. Hartley and her two eldest daughters accompanied them, Mr. Hartley being engaged in the shop, and Mrs. Hartley, fearful of intruding the two little ones, lest they should be troublesome ; but it was cer- tainly a strong pledge that they would not have been so, that when their mother said she could not take them, they bore the privation without a 42 VISIT TO OXFORD. murmur, and went contentedly to learn their tasks for the next day, and then to play. Mr. Rowden occupied a genteel and pleasant house in Holywell Street; in passing to which, they admired the fine group of building in Broad Street ; the museum, the theatre, and the printing office, but could not then stay mi- nutely to survey them. After tea, Miss Row- den proposed taking a walk to New College, it being the hour for prayers; the children, she thought, would be gratified by a sight of the chapel, as well as hearing the organ. This pro- posal was readily acceded to on their parts, and they reached the chapel just in time to hear the anthem admirably performed on a very fine or- gan, and accompanied by the sweet voices of the little choristers. Here, every thing was new to the children; but they forbore to make any enquiries till the service was over ; when one of the gentlemen belonging to the college, who knew Mr.Rowden,cameup, and politely offered to con- duct the party up the chapel. He directed their notice to the many curiosities and beauties of this noble and elegant building, which is of go- thic architecture, richly ornamenied with carved work and painted windows. The great west window is esteemed one of the finest in the Uni- versity ; — the lower part is divided into seven compartments, which are occupied by the three VISIT TO OXFORD. 43 christian graces, Faith, Hope, and Charity, and the four cardinal virtues. Temperance, Forti- tude, Justice, and Prudence. They are ad- mirably depicted, and accompanied by the usual emblems and attendants ; but the upper part of the window presents the most superb spectacle. The subject is the Nativity of Jesus Christ: the centre presents a view of the stable, where we behold the Blessed Virgin gazing with fond admiration at her infant ; a group of angels kneeling around him ; a company of shepherds pressing forward to catch a sight of the wondrous babe; and Joseph (his supposed father,) looking on the spectators, and pointing to him as " the promised seed," the " desire of all nations." In the clouds above, is an angel contemplating the mystery of the cross ; and on either side, are represented groups of shepherds, and other persons, ap- proaching the stable to pay their devotions to the new born Saviour. Two of these convey stri- king likenesses of the artists by whom this admi- rable work was executed, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and Mr. Jervais. — The windows on the sides of the chapel represent Patriarchs, Prophets, Apos- tles, Saints, and Martyrs ; and over the commu- nion table is some fine marble sculpture, on sub- jects taken from scripture. In a small case, in this chapel, is deposited a crosier of the founder, 44 VISIT TO OXFORD. which is a rare and valuable curiosity ; it is near- ly seven feet in length, is of silver gilt, embel- lished with a variety of the richest gothic work- manship, expressing angels and tutelar saints of Winchester, of which see the founder was bishop. It was found a few years since, (when the chapel underwent complete alterations) concealed be tween the leads and rafters of the roof, where it had probably lain several centuries. " Pray, Sir," said Edward, "what is the use of a crosier?" Mr. Rowden smiled at the ques- tion, which older wits than Edward have asked before him, and answered, " the office of a bishop is often in scripture compared to that of a shep- herd ; indeed one word, pastor, signifies both. A faithful minister, as an under shepherd, has the charge of souls which are the property of Jesus Christ, the Great Shepherd of the sheep. In the land of Israel, their principal wealth and occupation consisted in keeping sheep. Hence it is, that the sacred writers use similies, taken from the skilfulness, faithfulness, and tenderness, of a good shepherd, to illustrate the conduct both of the great God himself, and of his faith- ful ministers, towards his flock. The shepherds of old used a crook, with which they guided the sheep, and a staff wherewith t<^ defend them against savage beasts, that would worry] or de- VISIT TO OXFORD. 45 stroy them. lu allusion to this, therefore, a bishop is represented with a crosier, or crook, as emblematical of his office. Perhaps at first some bishop might choose to dress himself in the ha- bit of a shepherd, and carry a common crook such as they used. Then, in the superstitious times of popery, some peculiar sanctity was as- cribed to his character and his crook, till at length it was considered essential for all bishops to use this badge of their profession ; and, whether the materials and workmanship were dictated by the pride of the prelate, or the liberality of his flock, it become a matter of competition to possess a crosier of the most costly materials, and elegant ornaments. For very frequently little super- stitious lead to great ones ; and the spirit of a character, or an office, is lost, in too much atten- tion to the circumstantials of it." " And pray, Sir," asked Edward, " who are those little boys that joined in the service? they had surplices and square caps, like the gentle- men, only they were without tassels?" " They are choristers," replied the gentleman, who accom- panied them. " The person who founded this college endowed it with funds for the mainte- nance of a warden or governor, seventy fel- lows, ten chaplains, three clerks, a sexton, and sixteen choristers. These boys receive a good 46 VISIT TO OXFORD. education ; and when it is completed, if they prove studious and deserving, they are often ad- mitted as clerks, to complete their preparation for the learned prof<>ssions." " Oh, mamma," said Edward, " that was what L toTd you Samuel Hartley was to be ; but I could not recollect the word chorister. Am I not right ma'am?" turning to Mrs. Hartley. " Yes, my dear ; we are endeavouring to obtain a situation of this kind for Samuel ; he is a very good boy for learning, and if he should be spared to grow up a good man, it would give ns great pleasure to see him become a useful minister. A suitable education elsewhere, would be too expensive for us, therefore we shall be thankful to gain such a situation for him. Our eldest boy, Henry, was a chorister of Christ Church, and we found it a great help indeed, as he ob- tained an excellent education ; and beside that, his salary formed a little fund, which served to place him apprentice." " If it would not be troublesome, I .should like to ask one question more," said Edward, looking to the stranger. " As many as you please, Sir ; I love to see children inquisitive, and shall be happy to answer you, if it is in my power." " Thank you, Sir ; I wish to know the name and use of those long black things some of the VISIT TO OXFORD. 47 gentlemen wore over their shoulders, which came to a point, and nearly touched the ground, some are lined with red, and some are edged with white ; yours, I see. Sir, is lined with red." The gentleman very good-naturedly took off his hood, and permitted tl e children to examine it. " It is called a hood," said he; " as to its use, I suppose it was formerly considered a very im- portant appendage to the clerical character; but at present I know of no other use that can be as- signed to it, than that of distinguishing, by the colour of the lining, the academical degree of the wearer. A student in civil law, which is the low- est degree, has a purple silk hood ; a bachelor of arts has a black hood, trimmed with white fur; a master of arts black, with crimson lining ; a bachelor of divinity all black ; and a doctor of divinity scarlet cloth." The party now left the chapel, with many thanks to the gentleman who had so kindly grati- fied ^hem with a sight of its curiosities. They then walked round the beautiful gardens, a great part of which is bounded by the old city wall, with its battlements and bastions. On one side of the garden is a pleasant bowling green, for the amusement of the gentlemen. It is bounded by a row of tall sycamores, which are a great natural curiosity, the branches being interwoven 48 VISIT TO OXFORD. and incorporated with each other from end to end ; with these the children were highly de- lighted, and indeed with the whole scene ; — but their prudent mother considering the long walk they had before them, and dreading the night air for the children, advised them to hasten out of the gardens, engaging, that some other day, they should come, accompanied by their little friends, the Hartleys, and pay a longer visit to this delightful spot; as she felt too much confi- dence in them to fear that they would, by step- ping on the beds, and gathering or injuring the flowers, abuse the liberty so kindly granted to strangers, of walking in this and other college gardens. As they quitted the garden, Mr. Row- den said he must detain them one moment to notice the motto over its gate, inscribed in old writing " Manners makyih man."" " 'Tis a very good maxim, my dear children," said he, " and I hope you will always bear it in mind, and form your estimate of the respect due to others and to yourselves, not by the weight of the purse, or the gaiety of the dress, but by the excellence of character and conduct; for as one of our poets familiarly observes : — " Worth makes the man, and want of it, the fellow ; " The rest is all but leather and pruncllo." VISIT TO OXFORD. 49 At the college gate they took leave of the gen- tleman, and having rested a short time at Mr. Rowden's, set forward for Headington, pretty well tired by the time they reached it, and glad when they had committed themselves to the care and protection of the great Shepherd of Israel, to retire to rest. Another day, when the children were in Ox- ford, Mr. Hartley took them to see Christ Church College, which is the largest in the University. It is a very magnificent specimen of that old kind of architecture, called gothic. Mr. Hartley led them on the opposite side to admire its noble front ; in the tower of which is placed the great bell called Tom, which is the heaviest in England ; and at nine o'clock every night it is tolled one hundred and one, that being the number of stu- dents belonging to that college ; at the sound of which, the younger members of the University are enjoined by statute to repair to their respec- tive societies. It is said that when Queen Anne paid a visit to Oxford, this bell (among others) was rung in honor of the occasion, and the concus- sion was so great, as to cause the death of a person passing by ;since which time it has never been rung. There was also a melancholy accident occured there in the year 1776. Alexander Jamieson, a gentleman's servant, going up to see the bell, D 60 VISIT TO OXFORD. mounted one of the beams which support it, and on jumping down, the floor gave way, and pre- . cipitated him to the bottom of the stair-case, by which he was instantly killed. Mr. Hartley took the children into the church yard of St. Aldates, just opposite great Tom, and shewed them the stone on which is inscribed the memorial of this melancholy affair : — " How true it is," said he, " that in the midst of life we are in death. We can scarcely ever enter a church- yard without witnessing the records of sudden and accidental death. Yonder is one; — pointing to the grave stone of a young man who was drowned just below Folly Bridge, by the over ebbing of a dangerous kind of boat, called a ca- noe, much used for pleasure, till forbidden by the governor of the University. " These things ought to leach us never to de- pend much upon life, and always to be ready for death,whichmustshortly and may suddenly come. But we must hasten back to Christ Church, as I wish to shew you the library and hall, and be out in time to see the chapel before prayers begin. " That building to.the right is Pembroke Col- lege ; in itself it has nothing very magnificent or curious ; but has been honoured, by sending forth several exalted characters, eminent in literature and piety. Among others, the great Doctor VISIT TO OXFORD. dl Johnson, and Doctor Moore, late Archbishop of Canterbury." /, Having crossed the road and entered, by Tom gate, the great quadrangle or .square, Mr. Hartley pointed them to the right side, partly in ruins, having been recently destroyed by fire, and which the workmen were vigorously engaged in rebuilding. In the centre of this quadrangle is a ba.son and fountain, with a leaden statue of Mercury, which, it is said, was once (when the bason was frozen over) removed from its situa- tion by some of the young men, and placed against the door of one of their governors, with a letter, .stating their di.slike of his management and discipline. " This," said Mr. Hartley, "if true, took place before my remembrance ; but it is a very short time since, that I was eye-witness of one specimen of the young gentleraens' wild frolics, exhibited by Mercury and his bason. They have long been famous for their nightly depredations on the knockers and bells, hundreds of which have beeil wrenched off from the doors ; and when the water was let off for the purpose of cleansing the bason, nearly half a bushel of knockers was found at the bottom ; others were sent in hampers, flag baskets, &c. to persons in distant parts of the kingdom, accompanied with polite letters, requesting the individuals, to whom D 2 52 VISIT TO OXFORD. they were sent, to accept the present offering, which would, in due time, be followed by the scrapers. It is a great pity but they could invent some more rational amusement. Innocent cheer- fulness is pleasing, especially in youth, but it is highly desirable for young persons to learn the art of being at once ' merry and wise.' The salutary discipline of the University is conti- nually employed in suppressing these irregu- larities, and I hope with some success. The young men, in general, are far less riotous and disorderly, than they were a few years back, and it is reasonable to hope that, as riot and folly are suppressed, wisdom, learning, and propriety will flourish, and the University send forth, more numerously than ever, men fitted to adorn and bless their respective spheres in church and state." From the centre Mr. Hartley directed the atten- tion of the children to three statues, one in Tom's tower, of Queen Anne ; — one in the north east corner, of Dr. Fell, formerly bishop of Oxford, and dean of the college. " Doctor Fell," said Edward : " I have heard a verse about Doctor Fell, which I never could understand. It is ' I do not like you. Doctor Fell ; ' The reason why I cannot tell ; ' But this one thing I know full well, ' I do not like you Doctor Fell.' VISIT TO OXFORD. 63 Pray, Sir, can you tell me the meaning?" — " The only meaning, my dear, that I can see in it, is, that it proves there have been some people in the world foolish enough to think, and decide, and act without any reason ; and they have not been ashamed to expose and to perpetuate their folly. In the opposite corner is the statue of the great Cardinal Wolsey, who founded the college ; perhaps, Master Bentley,you may recollect some- thing of his history ?" " I have read a little of it, Sir, in Mrs. Trimmer's English history, which my father made me a present of on my last birth day. It mentions that he was a man of great abilities and learning ; but of a haughty, impe- rious, and ostentatious disposition ; he was prime minister to King Henry the Eighth, who was en- tirely led by him to adopt all his ambitious and arbitrary schemes, and who loaded him with honours and preferments: but at last he offended the king, was deprived of all he possessed, and, in want and disgrace, he closed a miserable exist- ence in the Abbey of Leicester, saying ' If I had served my God as faithfully as I have my king, he would not thus have forsaken my grey hairs'." " This was a melancholy reflection, indeed," observed Mr. Hartley. How much happier was the good old king of Israel, who could say, ' O God, thou hast taught me from my youth; 54 VISIT TO OXFORD. now, also, whea I am old and grey headed, O God, forsake me not I' May you, my dear chil- dren, be inclined to seek and serve God in your youth, and then you will never want a friend in your old age. We will now go up and take a view of the hall, which, I suppose, they are just preparing for the gentlemen to dine in'." In this superb room the children were gratified by the sight of the tables spread ready for dinner for the large society of Christ Church. Also many fine portraits ofcelebrated men, who had been educated in, or otherwise connected with the college. On descending the beautiful stone stair-case from the hall, they found the chapel doors open, and enter- ed to take a view. This chapel, Mr. Hartley in- formed the children, was also the cathedral church of Oxford, where the bishop holds his ordinations. It was originally the church of St. Frideswide's monastery ; and here is shewn her shrine or tomb. She died in the year 789. There are several painted windows, one representing St. Peter delivered out of prison by the angel ; one of Jonah and his gourd, and some other scriptural subjects. There are many monuments of beautiful structure and elegant inscriptions; but being in Latin, Edward Bentley found he must make far- ther progress in the language, before he could satisfactorily interpret them. They next visited VISIT TO OXFORD. 65 the library, which forms one side of another beautiful and modern quadrangle, called Peck- water. The library, which was shewn them by a well-known elderly gentlewoman, of neat and respectable appearance,* contains a choice col- lection of valuable books and beautiful paintings, by the most celebrated masters. Among these, the children particularly admired one, in which the painter has depicted his own family in a butcher's shop. And another, representing a dy- ing Magdalen borne to heaven by four cherubs. There they saw, also, an admirable whole length statue of the great philosopher, Locke, who was formerly a student of this college. Having attentively examined the curiosities of this beautiful library, they left the college by the Anatomy School, a neat building, erected and endowed for the maintenance of a professor of anatomy, and for depositing all curiosities and preparations, and making experiments, for the improvement of the students in that science. They now entered the wide gravel walk, univer- sally allowed to be the finest in Europe, being a quarter of a mile iu length, of a proportionable breadth, shaded on each side with lofty elms, and See Appendix, No. 7. 56 VISIT TO OXFORD. kept admirably smooth, clean, and neat. It com- mands a sight of Lord Harcourt's seat, a pleasant prospect of the meadows, the Thames, and some adjacent villages. Having- reached the lower end of this beautiful walk, they returned by that which surrounds Christ Church meadow, which is also a favourite resort for the members of the University, as well as ladies and children; but which, on account of the river, is very dangerous for little folks, unless they are perfectly orderly and tractable, and their nurse-maids very steady and attentive. Having walked nearly round the meadow, they found a stand of pleasure boats of all descriptions, which afforded a gay variety to the scene. Several parties of gentlemen were re- turning from their morning's row, a favourite di- version, and hastening to their respective colleges to dinner. A large party of gentlemen and ladies were just setting off in a house boat, taking provi- sions with them for an afternoon's excursion. " Oh, father," said Samuel Hartley, " you have a long, long while promised to take us for a treat to Nuneham Park ; do let us go while Miss and Master Bentley are with us." " I do not know, my dear," answered bis father, " whether Mrs. Bentley may chuse to venture them so far on the water, as they have so lately recovered from the hooping cough; if you recollect, it was your VISIT TO OXFORD. 67 having had it last summer that prevented our going theu. However, I should be very happy to gratify you and your friends as far as prudence permits; and should think we might venture some fine warm day as far as Godstovv, which I dare say will be interesting to you all, as being the place where the unfortunate Rosamond Clif- ford resided, and where she fell a sacrifice to her own indiscretion, and the revenge of her injured rival, Queen Eleanor. Let me see, if you are all fond of the water, suppose we now cross the river, here are plenty of boats at leisure ; yonder stands the boating landlady * in a punt ; I dare say she will come over and land us on the other side. We shall then cross Folly Bridge, over which formerly stood the study occupied by the celebrated Friar Bacon." Mr. Hartley called to the active landlady, who instantly obeyed his summons, and quite astonished the children by her skill and alacrity in managing the boat; a province which they had never imagined could be filled by a female. As soon as they were landed, they took a view of the road leading to Alingdon, a market town, six miles distant, and crossed Folly Bridge, a fine old structure, which Mr. Hartley informed * ApptMidLx, No. 8. D 5 58 VISIT TO OXFORD. them it was in contemplation to pull down, and erect a new one, which should render the southeru entrance to Oxford as '^legant as the easteru one, which they had so much admired ; they then found themselves in the street, from which they had entered Christ Church College. Just as they were ascending the hill, in front of (hat building, their attention was excited by a singular noise, which Tliey perceived to be occasioned by a poor cripple, who being unable to walk, conveyed him- self along the street with amazing speed, on a small low four legged stool, — " This poor crea- ture," said Mr. Hartley, "is well known to . VISIT TO OXFORD. 117 lieve he is iu general quiet and peaceable, unless he fancies himself insulted, (a misconduct, of which rude and mischievous boys are too often guilty,) he will then be extremely irritated, and give the vexatious party a severe drubbing. I must mention one thing concerning him, with which I was much pleased. On the day of the institution of the Oxford Bible Society, when the business was over, and the company about to disperse, the poor counsellor clapped on his wig, mounted one of the benches, and made a speech, which, though it was expressed in a very wild and unconnected way, proved that, among all his eccentricities, he possessed many just views of the Holy Scriptures; and I would indulge a hope, that notwithstanding his intellectual weakness, his mind may be sus- ceptible of the consolations of religion." Having passed through a small grove of elms, where the London children were highly diverted by the busy noise of the rooks, they reached the venerable front of Merfon, the college to which the grove belongs. The chapel, which is nearly four hundred years old, is likewise the parish church of Saint John the Baptist ; it has a very beautiful tower, bearing some resemblance to that of Mag- dalen College, but not near so high. In the chapel are several very fine old monuments, and a small 118 VISIT TO OXFORD. modern one, but very neat, to the late warden ; likewise a most beautil'ul stone window, which is highly admired. In the hall is a well imagined picture, by the late Dr. Wall, representing the expulsion f)f idle monks, to make room for tlie liberal education of youth, designed by the founder. The library, .«;uppo.sed to be the oldest in Eng- land, was built in the year 1869, and is well fur- nished with ancient and modern books and ma- nuscripts. Near it, in a case or closet, is depo- sited the skeleton of a man near seven feet high, who was executed for robbing thp college. Mr. Hartley advised the children to approach and examine this. " I am always very sorry," said he, " when I see children having a super- stitious dread and terror at these kind of sights, it is owing in a great nuasure to false and foolish notions instilled in their minds in the nursery ; — you, my dear children, who have been brought up by prudent and affectionate mothers, are, I hope, above these groundless terrors. Whether or not we familiarize ourselves to such spectacles, such we shall ere long become ourselves ; and be assured the darksome grave, the naked bones, the mouldering flesh, are by no means the great- est of death's terrors. If we have a well- grounded hope for the safety of our immortal VISIT TO OXFORD. 119 souls, we may look at these le.«ser circumstances with composure, and say as Job did, in hope of a blessed resurrection, — ' I know that my Re- deemer liveth, and ihat he shall stand at the lat- ter day upon the earth ; and though after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet iu my flesh I shall see God.' — It certainly," continued Mr. Hartley, *' conveys a gloomy and terrific idea to the mind at sight of this skeleton, that the poor creature met his death by his own crimes; and this contirms what the Apostle says, that ^ the sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law.^ Now, though we have not, like this poor man, attempted to encroach upon the property of others, we have all of us committed many sins, and, therefore, if we desire to meet death without dread, it becomes us to seek the pardon of them from the merciful God, for the sake of .Jesus Christ, through whom we may obtain victory over sin and death." In the gardens of Merton College the children were delighted with a ter- race-walk, formed on the city wall, which com- mands a pleasant view of the meadows and wide walk, just then crowded with persons taking their morning exercise. — 'I'hey next visited Corpus Christi College, in the chapel of which is seen a fine painting by Kubens, and in the library many ancient curiosities, both in print and ma- 120 VISIT TO OXFORD, nuscript, particularly an English Bible, supposed to be older than that of VVickliffe, the great re- former, and a parchment-roll, containmg the pe- di«^reeofthe royal family from King Alfred to King Edward the Sixth. Also the crosier of their founder, a curious sort of workmanship, little im- paired by time. From hence they proceeded to Oriel College, a very regular, handsome build- ing. At the entrance of this college a man, con- siderably shorter than even the lilLle doctor, whose dwarfish statue had so much excited the notice of the little Bentley's. He went upon crutches with amazing speed, so as to give his motion the appearance of flying, or rolhng along, rather than of walking. " That," .said Mr. Hartley, " is Little Johnnn of Oriel ;* he is a curious little fellow, and is constantly employed in going on errands by gentlemen of the Uni- versity, with whom he is a favourite, I suppose on account of his expedition, for no one likes a messenger who loiters by the way. Opposite the great gate is a large flight of steps, wilh a portico over them, and which lead to the hall ; these give the quadrangle a very noble appear- ance. The Chapel is neat and beautiful ; it has Appendix, No. '27. VISIT TO OXFORD. 1^1 a fine painted window, representing ihe Wise Men's Offering. This college was founded by King Edward the Second, in the year 1324; it is, therefore, one of the most ancient in the Uni- versity. On leaving it, Mr. Hartley observed to the London children, "(hat he believed they had now seen all, or most, of the different objects in Ox- ford, which generally excite the notice of stran- gers, I assure you, your visit has been the means of our seeing many places which we never had seen before, and in all probability never might. I hope, on the whole, you will have gleaned some instruction, as well as amusement from what you have seen, and in that persuasion I have been as much gratified in accompanying you to the different places, as you have in visit- ing them." Polh the children expressed their hearty thanks to their kind friend and conductor, and their hopes that in every thing their improve- ment would be found to correspond with their advantages. An old woman now appeared, carrying a bag across her shoulder, and crying " Old hoots and old slices"^ in a very curious manner, laying all Appendix, No. S8. 122 VISIT TO OXFORD. the emphasis on the words old. " I'm sure,"' said Edward, " I have got her likeness in my portfolio." " Very likely," replied Mr. Hartley, " she is a constant frequenter of (he streets with her well known cry. 1 have observed she is par- ticularly active on a Monday morninpf ; and I have sometimes thought that some of the flirting girls, with which I am sorry to say our place abounds, having hpught a smart pair of shoes for their Sunday walks, are glad to sell them again to btiy th»^ir Monday's dinner." Coming into the High Street, Mr. Hartley asked the children if they had been through the Market " which," .said he, " is one of the best in England." As they had not, it was agreed they should take it in their way home ; tlioy were not a little pleased with the bu.sy scene, and the si2;lit of abundant provisions of all kinds, placed in a neat and rtgular manner. An old woman, carrying a basket, came up and asked Mr. Hartley if he had any errand for her to day ? — As he had not, she soon left, when Maria said to her brother, " That is the old woman who brought home the mackerel the other dav; dont you remember how we laughed at her changing her lone so curiously? When Mrs. Hartif y ^^ cnt to the door, she spoke in a strong voice, -' Here, ma'am, ma.'=ler has sent you VISIT TO OXFORD. 12.5 some mackerel, and fine ones they be, as I have set my eyes on this year ;" then in a moment she put on the whine of a common canting beggar, "* You ha'nt got a morsel of broken bread you could give ; have ye, ma'am?" " Yes, yes, that is her, no doubt ; it is just like Mother wild ^o«e ;* but I hope Mrs. Hartley did not give her any thing. 1 always pay her for her errand if I send her out of the market ; and if modera- tion would satisfy her, she might pick up a very good living as a market-woman." " No, Sir," replied Maria, " Mrs. Hartley said ?he had got nothing for her. What she had tt^ spare she could give where she knew it would be more charity." On reaching Mr. Hartley's house, they found dinner nearly ready; after which Mrs. Bentley and her children walked up to Headington ; Mrs. B. wishing to make what preparations she could for returning home, that when Mr. Bentley came, the time of his short stay might be at lei- sure for intercourse with their agreeable friends. While she was thus engaged, Maria sat down to finish a very neat work-bag she had been mak- ing for her sister Emily, and Edward to make memorandums, and afterwards to arrange and Appendix, No. 29. G 2 124 VISIT TO OXFORD. number the drawings in his portfolio. On Satur- day Mrs. Benlley engaged her friends to take tea with her, and welcome Mr. Bentley into the country. It was rather inconvenient to Mrs. Hartley to leave home on a .Saturday evening ; however she strained every point to comply with her friend's wishes, and Mr. Hartley engaged to come up as soon as business would permit, Edward and Maria, as soon as they ro.veeks in my house, when you was a little boy, so good bye: and I wish you all a pleasant journey, and health and happiness all your lives!" On arriving at Mr. llowdeu's they found a ta- ble spread for their refreshment, which Mrs. Bent- ley considered rather an utmecessary piece of hos- pitality. "Come, mailani," said Mr Rowden," let me prevail on you to take a sandwich. We shall not dine till four o'clock. I hope you will have no objection to join us in a tour to Blenheim. Your good man and myself have been conferring notes with Mr. Hartley, who would gladly ac- company us, but business forbids. Mrs. H. too is engaged in lier ilomestic concerns, and begs to be excused ; but all the young people will go. 1 have applied my.self on beiialf of young Hart- ley, for leave of absence, which was readily granted, with the pleasing testimony of his em- ployer, that he is one t)fthe most steady, diligent, and amiable lads he ever met with — exactly the opinion I had formed of him. The three girls are gone out with my niece, to see one or two of the college chaoels, which are now open, but I VISIT TO OXFORD. \S^ expect them in ev^ery minute, and wish (hey Nvere come, or they will scarcely have time to refresh themselves before the carriages arrive, which are ordered precisely at eleven." The young party soon arrived, and shortly after a post-chaise and coach came up, in which the whole party set off in high glee, and spent a very pleasant morning in viewing the noble palace and beautiful grounds of Blenheim. The rooms are adorned with tine statues, busts, paintings, and tapestry ; and several of the ceilings are beautifully painted. The subjects celebrated in some of them are the enterprizes and victories of the famous John Duke of Marlborough, on whom this palace was conferred by Queen Aime, in the year 1705, in acknowledgment of his important services to the nation, especially in the achieve- ment of a signal victory over the French and Bavarians, near the village of Blenheim, on the banks of the Danube. From this village the eastle derives its name. — After admiring the va- rious magnificent apartments, and their orna- ments, the party were above all delighted with its beautiful library, an apartment one hun- dred and eighty-three feet in length, of a propor- tionate breadth, stocked with a choice and valu- able collection of books, and ornamented with several fine paintings. From the upper end of 134 VISIT TO OXFORD. of the library the chapel is viewed, in which is a superb monument to the memory of John and Sarah, the first Duke and Duchess of Marlbo- rough. The altar-piece represents our Saviour taken down from the cross. They were farther gratified by the sight of a very rare and exten- sive collection of china, deposited with great taste in a building erected on purpose ; this is well worth the attention of the curious. The grounds are extensive and beautiful, diversified and embellished with trees, shrubs, water, fine cascades, and a magnificent bridge ; also, a stately column or obelisk, which may be seen at a great distance, on whose pedestal is inscribed a memorial of the Dukes services, and the royal munificence. Not a little fatigued, though highly gratified, the party resumed their carriages, and reached Oxford about four o'clock — the short remaining time was pleasantly spent in friendly converse, and in gratifying Emily Bentley, as far as its limits would admit, with a sight of the most prominent beauties of Oxford. On Tuesday evening, when they were discussing the point at what time in the morning the chaise should be ordered for their departure, " It has just struck me," said Mr. Bentley, addressing his wife, "that we can, without any great additional expence, enjoy one additional pleasure. We do not very VISIT TO OXFORD. 135 often go out. It is probable a very long time may elapse before we take such another expe- dition ; and I find, that through the kindness manifested by our friends, as well as your own prudence and moderation, your expenees in the country have fallen far short of what I expected. VVe will therefore, if you please, devote an hour or two on our journey to gratify our dear children with a sight of Nuneham Park ; and I shall feel an additional pleasure if our friends will allow us also to furnish a coach for them to accompany us thither. We may then reach London by tea-time." After a little friendly altercation, the plan was agreed to. The coach and chaise were at the door by eight o'clock, Mr. Bentley and his family took a grateful and affectionate farewell of Mr. and Mrs. Hartley, and their eldest son, (neither of whom could conveniently leave home to go with them to Nuneham) and set off, accom- panied by Mr. and Miss ilowden, the two Miss Hartley's, and little Samuel and Jane. They first passed Iffley, a small village, where is a fine old church ; a little beyond are several smart genteel houses, built by the wealthy citizens of Oxford for summer retreats ; the next village is Sandford; and having passed it they soon reached New Town, it having been newly built by the late Lord Harcourt, for the accommodation of tiie 136 VISIT TO OXFORD. inhabitants of a village called Nuneham, which was demolished in order to make some improve- ments in his park ; the houses are remarkably neat and clean in their appearance; most of them are adorned with beautiful arbours of woodbine, jessamine, laburnums, roses, and clematis ; and over the doors are painted one or more stars, and the letter M. These distinguish the inhabitants as having obtained the reward of merit at the spinning feast, an annual festival, laudably insti- tuted by Lord and Lady Harcourt, for the en- couragement of virtue and industry. On the left is a fine mansion, built on an eminence, and surrounded by woods, late the property of Sir Christopher Willoughby, Bart, a fine young man, who had not completed his studies at Oxford, when after heating himself by playing at cricket, he imprudently exposed himself to sudden cold, which brought on fever, and in a few days ter- minated his existence. On the right is Nuneham Park ; the family not being at home, the carriages were permitted to drive up to the house where the party alighted. It is built on the side of a hill, about two furlongs from the river Isis ; it commands a very extensive and beautiful pros- pect, especially on the Berkshire side. It is scarcely possible to imagine a finer prospect than that enjoyed from the windows of the octag.ou VISIT TO OXIORD. 137 room. For many miles the eye can trace the meandrings of the Tsis through a fine country, interspersed with woods, villages, rich meadow^s, and fruitful hills. To the west arises the town of Abingdon; and on the north, the prospect is bounded by a superb view of Oxford's classic spires and domes. The house is principally visited on account of its exquisite paintings, which our parly much admired, and then proceeded to visit the grounds, which are laid out with admirable taste. They include a noble terrace, and a de- lightful pleasure garden. Upon an eminence nearly contiguous to the house is the parish church, which was rebuilt by the late Lord Har- court. It is a curious piece of masonry, and con- structed in the form of a Roman temple ; it con- tributes greatly to the beauty of the scene ; and it is to behoped, thatthe instructions there conveyed, and the devotions performed, have a happy in- fluence in beautifying and improving the moral scene around. Most of the party were so intent in perusing the monumental inscriptions as not at first to perceive the momentary absence of Mr. and Miss Rowden who soon rejoined them, and invited them to a rural repast, which they had been spreading on the grass. Mr. Rowden hav- ing provided, and placed under the dickey of the coach, a hamper, containing cold veal and ]38 VISIT TO OXFORD. ham, tarts, cyder, and porter — the invitation needed no repetition ; the whole party sat down and made a hearty meal ; and then, with mingled feelings of affection, gratitude, and regret, bade each other farewell, and entering their respective carriages, took their separate roads. On parting with Mr. Bentley— " Sir," said Mr. Rowden, " I feel exceedingly interested in the welfare of your children, especially your boy, who certainly evidences an intelligent and persevering mind. I hope you will give him a good education. I shall be gratified if you will allow him from time to time to write me an account of his studies and his progress, and if I can in any way assist or forward your views for him in future life, I beg you will consider yourself at full liberty to com- mand my services ; and may the blessing of God be upon you and your dear children, training them up to be useful and ornamental to society, and real blessings to their anxious and affectionate parents !"' The children were for some time so pensive and dejected at parting with their friends, that they took no notice of the objects the road pre- sented, until their father aroused their attention to the fine old church of Dorchester, which was anciently a cathedral. This place having been a bishop's see, which in the year 1086 was removed VISIT TO OXFORD. 139 to Lincoln by William the Conqueror. There are several bishops buried in the church, and both inside and out, some perhaps of the most ancient monuments existing in England. A great market was formerly held here, and there were five stately churches, of which only one remains, and the market is entirely disused. The children were terrified at crossing the very narrow bridge, with walls so low as not to appear safe for a car- riage to pass. " It is probable," said Mr. Bent- ley, " you will never pass it again ; for yonder, see, they have nearly completed the building, a handsome new one just below. The river we are now crossing is the Tame; about three quar- ters of a mile below it joins the Isis, and assumes the name of Thames," Soon after they passed through Shillingford; " a name," said Mr. Beul- ley, " which it probably derived from a shilling being the fare of being ferried over its ancient ford before the bridge was built ; as Wallingford, (a town a short distance to the right of our road) was so called, from its ford having been furnished with a place, walled in, for the safety of cattle while w^aiting for the ferry-boat crossing." The next town where the travellers exchanged their chaise is Benson, in which is nothing remark- able ; at Nettlebed, a few miles farther, is a windmill, said to stand on the highest ground 110 VISIT TO OXFORD. south of the Trent ; the air is remarkably bleak and keen. On tlie journey Mr. Bentley endea- voured to guide the conversation for the advan- tage of his children, as well Jas their entertain- ment. " You have now, my dear children,*' ..-^aid he, " been absent from home above six weeks ; your usual habits and employments have been in some measure interrupted, though not altogether laid aside; and you have been daily gratified with some new sight, or some pleasant vi.sit. You are now going home, and everything, we hope, will revert to its regular channel. Now it will appear that your recreation has been inju- rious to you, if it should render irksome your for- mer regularity and constant employment, or lead you to be more anxious than before after amuse- ment. But I hope the reverse will prove to be the case; that visiting will have endeared home, and temporary relaxation from stndy and em- ployment, renewed your ardour, and invigorated your application. I have great reason to hope this will be the case, as J find from your mother's account, that both of you havebe^n ready to em- brace every opportunity for application and em- ployment." Both the children expressed their hope that their future conduct wo»ild prove them grateful for the indulgence granted. *' Papa,'" said Edward, •' although I could not, without. VISIT TO OXFOllD. Ml Some regret, leave friends, whose kindness I have experienced to be so very great, yet I do assure you, I am very happy in the thoughts of seeing home again ; not only for the sake of meeting my dear brother and sister, but because 1 really be- lieve the happiest life is a life of constant and re- gular employment. I have enjoyed my visit for a few weeks, but I love home best for a con- stancy." " May you ever feel thus, my dear boy ! and then pleasure, moderately indulged, will lose its fatal tendency to dissipation." About two miles before reaching Henley, Mr. Bentley bade the children notice a stream, at first very narrow, which flowed from the foot of a hill called As- sendon Hill, and thence derived the name of the Assendon Springs ; " that," said he, " is a won- derful natural phsenomenon ; for many years, per- haps, nothing of the kind will appear, and then, all on a sudden, the spring will burst up from the foot of the hill, and widening as it flows, become at last a stream wide and strong enough to turn a mill ; ut Henley it falls into the Thames. I recollect many years ago hearing of a most singular occurrence which had just taken place when 1 passed through. A little girl was playing in the road near the course of this stream, she slipped down, and it flowed with such force and rapidity as to carry her under ground, the 142 VISIT TO OXFORD. length of a street, to the river. Some men who saw the accident, witli great pre.seuce of mind and activity ran to the river, and reached it in time to meet the arrival of the stream, when they stopped the child, and rescued her from a watery death, which appeared to be her inevi- table fate. She was very little, if at all, injured by the occurrence ; and a gentleman of Henley, to whom I was lately mentioning the circum- stance, informed me that she lived to be the mo- ther of a large family. — Observe the pretty ap- pearance of this road, which is uniformly planted with trees on each side ; to the entrance of Hen- ley, it is called fair mile. Yonder you have a good view of the town, and its fine old church. Those grounds on the right hand, where you may see several pretty summer-houses, are called Badgcmore, and belong to a gentleman of the name of Grote, who is, or has been, partner in an extensive banking house in London. This hill on the left hand belongs to Henley Park, the pro- perty of Mr. Freeman ; the whole of it is sur- rounded by a strong and lofty wall, an unusual and very expensive fence for a park. The same gentleman has a fine estate in the valley on the other side of this hill, called Favvley Court; on it is a noble mansion on the banks of the Thames where he resides. That fine white house at the top of the hill to the south east VtSlT To OXFORD. 143 is park place, the seat of Lord Malmesbury, the grounds of which are among the finest I ever saw ; there is a beautiful old romantic looking bridge, built with stones of an amazing size, also a subterraneous passage, half a quarter of a mile in length, which, as well as the whole estate, is much visited by strangers. There, too, is an old Druidical Temple formed of immense stones rudely laid together : it was found in a cave near St. Helier's, in the island of Jersey, and by the Governor of the island presented to General Conway, the late possessor of the estate. On a hill beyond, you catch a sight of a handsome house, late the residence of Mr. Hill, the friend of Cowper. We are now entering the town of Henley, and whether for the neatness and regu- larity of its buildings, the cleanliness of its streets, its venerable church, its majestically flowing river, its elegant bridge, the rich variety of hill and dale, wood and pasture, that form the sur- rounding scenery, or for the many elegant resi- dences in its neighbourhood, we may travel far before we reach a town of its size that can vie with it. We are now drawing up to the Red Lion Inn, where we must change our chaise ; in the mean time, we will take a view of the bridge just by, which is very neat and elegant, and is ornamented on each side of the centre with i^ VISIT TO OXFORD. a well cafved head, by the honourable Mrs. Darner, representiog Tame and Isis ; the cue appears old aod venerable, the other young and gay ; but it is high time, I should ask you what refreshment you will take?" Mrs. Bentley re- plied, " that after Mr. Rowden's kind repast, she felt no inclination for dinner. I observed too," said she, " when we changed chaise, a little ba.sket in which were some sandwiches, which the children may eat if they are inclined." The chaise Nras soon ready, and they proceeded. " I thiiik," said Mr. Bentley, " we are alto- gether a heavy load for the poor horses up this very steep lull before us; do either of you feel inclined to accompany me in walking up it ? Vou will be gratified by the sight it affords of the town and surrounding country." Mr. B. desired the driver to stop, and got out to walk up the hill, accompanied by all the children, who enjoyed that relaxation from the coafineraent of a post-chaise. At the top of the hill they again entered their vehicle, and passed briskly along by H-usley Bottom, Husley Hill, Maidenhead Thicket, and Maidenhead, — a town which, like Henley, car- ries on a great trade with London, in supplying malt and corn. At Salt Hill they again changed chaise, when Mr. Bentley mentioned a melan- VISIT TO OXFORD. 145 choly circumstance which took place at an inn there, some years back. A party of gentlemen having partaken, among other things, of a rich stew, were almost imme- diately taken very ill ; several of them died, and some, with medical care and assistance, recover- ed. It proved, upon examination, that this fatal catastrophe was occasioned by the carelessness of the cook, who having prepared this stew the night before, had suffered it to remain in a cop- per vessel not properly tinned. It is observed, that however well tinned, the copperas will prove pernicious, if the food be suffered to cool in it. On the right hand of the road is seen Windsor Castle, the residence of our venerable and afiBicted monarch : and on the left Eton ColIo2:e, a fine building, founded and endowed by King Henry the Sixth, for the education of youths pre- paratory to their going to the University. " And what place shall we come to next, papa ; and pray how far have we got to go ?" asked Maria. " The next place, my dear, is Slough ; that is about twenty miles from London, and thirty-eight from Oxford, so that we hUve travelled nearly two-thirds of the way ; do you begin to feel tired ?" No, papa, I am not very tired, but I shall be glad now to get home and see Rachel and u 146 VISIT TO OXFORD. William, and aunt Emily ; I suppose aunt will have them at home to meet us ?" *' Your aunt was so kind as to say, that know- ing how anxious we should all be to meet each other, she would take a walk to Hackney, and fetch them, as to day is their half holiday, and they can return to-morrow morning before school begins." " Oh, dear papa ! return so soon as that? I thought they would have staid at home a week or more to play with us, and to hear all about Oxford." " My dear Maria," said her father, " that you should play together and converse together, is all very innocent and right in its proper place ; but never let play be put in competition with the acquisition of knowledge, which is designed to make you useful and respectable members of society. In a short time, both play and edu- cation will be over : you will not always love play, nor will you always have opportunities of learning. The time will come, when you will be called to bring into action the knowledge you have acquired. How deplorable and despi- cable will be your situation the?i, if nou\ in the prime of youth, you suffer play to engross your time, and neglect your opportunities of im- provement. When we reach home, I trust you Will find your brother and sister in good health. VISIT TO OXFORD. 147 and I wish you all to enjoy this evening in each others society as much as possible ; relate as many of your adventures as the time will admit, and cheerfully reserve the rest for another op- portunity ; nor let me have any thing like a murmur when the hour of separation arrives." We are now come to Colnbrook ; so called, T believe, because we cross a stream of the river Coin, which divides the counties of Bucks and Middlesex. Longford is the next place, then Cranford Bridge, where are several genteel and elegant villas. After which we change chaise, for the last time, at Hounslow ; a very short stage then remains, the whole of which as- sumes the appearance of the vicinity to London. Hounslow is situated on the edge of the heath of that name, so well known and dreaded as the resort of highwaymen and foot-pads. There the unfortunate Mr. Steel was murdered, in the year 1800; the perpetrators of the horrid deed passed undiscovered for about 10 years; but at length, compelled by the horrors of a guilty con- science, one of them surrendered himself to jus- tice, and gave evidence against his accomplice ; bothwere executed in the year 181 hand I daresay you may recollect that several persons lost their lives, owing to the pressure of the crowd of spec- tators assembled to witness the melancholy scene. 148 VISIT TO OXFORD There are some mills on this lieatl), lor the pre- paration of gunpowder, where very dreadful and fatal accidents have repeatedly occurred, owing to the explosion of the dangerous apparatus. Oh, what a blessed thing it will be, when the gospel of peace shall have spread over the face of the earth, and difTused its benign influence on the hearts of men, so as to supersede both the neces«ity and inclination to learn the dangerous and destruc- tive arts of war. "• Why, papa, surely we have reached London already," said Maria ; " I know it by the noise, and shaking of the carriage, by the appearance of the streets, and the dark smoke that arises." " No, my dear, we have still seven miles to go, before we reach London. This place is cal- led Brentford, and as well as Staines, is consi- dered as forming a part of the British Metro- polis. Here the county elections are held for Members of Parliament." " Oh, yes, papa," said Edward, " I recollect your coming here once to vote, which you said you were entitled to do, because our house was your own freehold property." " I did so, my dear ; and then, not having been so far out of London for several years, I was astonished to find that the buildings of each were so extended, as to bid fair for meeting in VISIT TO OXFORD. H9 the course of time, if the Metropolis should go on extending its boundaries as it has done for many- years past. I forgot to point out to you, about a mile back, a fine seat to the right of the road belonging to the Duke of Northumberland, and called Sion House. Yonder you have a view of Kew Bridge, and on the other side of it Kew Palace, which was formerly the summer resi- dence of their Majesties. It was lately much repaired and improved ; but I suppose, owing to the afflictions incident to humanity, and from which the highest stations in life are not exempt, it has not since been much enjoyed by the Royal Family. On the left, a little farther, is Gun- nersbury House, where the king's sister, Princess Amelia, resided. I do not know who occupies it now. This is Turnham Green^ and appears more like an elegant village. Yonder, on the right hand is Chiswick House, which, in my re- membrance, has had several noble proprietors. I believe it now belongs to the Duke of Devon- shire. Ah! palaces, as 'well as cottages, are often changing their inhabitants ; and the rich and great, as well as the poor, have much to remind them that earth is not their rest. It were well if all were roused to seek a dwelling in that city which hath foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God. And if we have but an 160 VISIT TO OXFORD. inheritance there, it signifies very little whether we rise to it from the mansion of grandeur, or the hovel of wretchedness. This is Hammer- smith ; we are now four miles from Hyde Park Corner. I dare say you recollect that your cou- sins went to school here, and that, I believe, is the house. A little farther is another stately mansion, called Holland House, and at Kensing* ton one of his Majesty's Palaces." " Ah I there is the gate of Hyde Park, through which, I believe, a chaise is permitted to drive. Yes, the driver takes that course which is far more pleasant." " Shall we be obliged to get out of the chaise, and have a hackney coach, as we did when we went to Oxford ?" " No, my dear; the chaise will take us to our own door. Now we enter Piccadilly ; now for the clatter and bustle and gaiety of London. You begin to know where you are now ?" " Yes, papa, and I am glad ; not because London is grand, and busy, and gay, but be- cause I am going home." " So am I, Edward," said his mother : " where- ever we may find pleasures, our comforis, if we have any, are centred in home ; and although my visit to friends, whom I dearly love, after nine- teen years absence, has been very gratifying tome, VISIT TO OXFORD. 151 1 believe I should be well content, if I live as long, to stay nineteen more without another expedition," " Ah, there is great St, Paul's just as we left it! and Cheapside just the same!" said Maria, " and Bow Church ! — There is the Royal Ex- change and Mansion House! — Now we are in Cornhill, Make haste driver, and turn the corner ; now w^e are in Bishopsgate Street I We shall soon see home," " There is Bishopsgate Church, and the clock strikes five. We are home in very comfortable time, exactly as I wished," said Mr. Beutley. The driver stopped, and looked back for direc- tions, " A few doors further on the right hand. There it is," said Mr. Bentley, leaning out of the coach window, and pointing to the house. " And there is aunt Emily at the window, and WiHiara and Rachel at the shop door! How d'ye do ; how d'ye do ? The happy family embraced each other with delight and affection. In their little back parlour every thing was ready for tea, " You are welcome home, my dear," said Mr. Bentley, as he seated himself in hisgreatelbow chair ; " home has not seemed quite like itself without you," " Thank you, love," replied Mrs. Bentley, as she took- up the old copper tea kettle ; and now we are all together, " home is home^ if it is ever so homely." The distance of the Author from the Press will, it is hoped, upolugizc for the following ERRATA. Page 13 line 1, for dealiiij^ read clothings 20 — 2, from bottom, for ncUinlly reoc/ exactly 27 — 11, for Cheswell rend Cherwell — — 50 — 15, /(»r ebbing reuf/ si'tting- •— 59 — 10, for the full pohil, maik a comma —— 74 — 3, for form read from — — 2, from bottom, for the full point mark a semicolon •^-^ 89 — 3, from do. for proprietors read professors —— 94 — 2, from do. for city read college ■ 97 — 5, for viflas read vcdas — — 100 — 17, from bottom, for a-jjiiellc read aig-uill« — — 101 — 5, from do. for was read were 112 — 5,, /"or wberaii rearf wherein — — 130 — 20, for cburcli read nins 144 Cprifited 184^ tine23,2i, for U\is\ey rend \]m\cy. W. Flint, Printpr, Old Bailry, Londo», / THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. %*•*' ^ T^" ies 9482 3 1205 03058 293^ UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY iillillPliiillilliiillllli A A 001 431 396 9 1