SOME MORE OF THE MEN OF MARLBOROUGH.

I did leave them of Marlborough in my former work, after telling all such things as I could gather in my travels of their ways of life and their mode of government. I do now return to them, and hope to say somewhat of their labours and their pastimes.

And first I go to speak of their labours. Of all the nations I have seen, these the most do toil in common. For there be not among them any choice of labour, but all do toil perforce. And of work they have but two kinds, the one kind the learning of languages, the other kind the learning of numbers. But why they learnt languages I could in no wise hear, for though all did learn alike, yet none seemed to know why. And the most part do love the learning of languages above the learning of numbers. Now these labours be strange, for I never yet before did find any nation, whose people were all philosophers, but in other nations there be some masons, and other some carpenters, and others again tailors and vendors of goods. But here be all philosophers, and I did deem it worthy of note.

Now the manner of learning is as follows: In a state so large, it follows that all be not men of power,

PRICE 3d.

but some be clever, and others again dullards. And again all be not of equal age, but some be young, and others old: and it is the older and the more clever that they do call prefects, and they do in part hold the reins of government. Now all alike do learn of their masters, but not all of the same, for each master hath a form, so called because there he doth teach a form of knowledge, and the highest form, that of the prefects, they call the Sixth, and the lowest the Second: and I did ask why they so called them, and they did tell me that it was because the Sixth knew a sixth part of all knowledge, and the Second a second: but at this I was sore perplexed, for it did make the second know more than the sixth, and the Sixth do in part govern the others, but how could they, if they knew less? And I did say to them that told me: "Go to, ye are of them that love the learning of languages above the learning of numbers."

And when they learn languages, they do learn by companies of two and three, and of these one is the spokesman, who interpreteth the unknown tongue to the others, and they do hear him and understand. And the dullard of the company is ever deputed to seek unknown words in large rolls of parchment which they call lexicons. But it be

not so with all companies, for with some all do interpret at once, and they hear not each the other, for that all do interpret; and with them it fareth ill. And they do toil ever in companies of two or three, save only when they learn the language of the Ganls, and then they toil by companies of fifteen and twenty, nay, even thirty and it seemed to me that they did toil but little, when they learnt the language of the Gauls, for they toiled of minutes not above ten. And I could in no wise account for it, why they thus used the Gallic tongue, but they did so.

And when they have all learnt a language, they go to seek their master or overseer, and he doth judge whether indeed they have learnt aright. For he raiseth his voice, and he telleth such an one to interpret unto him, and if he interpret well, he hath great honour, but if badly, then woe be unto him; for he is then sent into detention. Now he that is sent into detention is thrown into prison for the space of one noon, nor is he suffered to pass forth, but he is in prison, and hath much to write with his hands, which scarce pleaseth him and ever is there an overseer hard by, who doth look to it that he write without taking aught of rest. Such is their fate who go into detention, even to lie in prison and to write on parchment, for that they have interpreted badly.

Now their pastimes be strange exceedingly, and they are played in the noon; and the strangest be that they call 'cricket.' For then eleven men do meet other eleven in deadly conflict; and each combatant doth carry a club, and one of either party a bullet of leather. Now other nations do make their bullets of lead or iron, and none other of leather. And three staves of wood do they place upright in the ground. And I did scarce understand, but it seemed unto me that two with clubs did stand forth to meet the other eleven, and I did laugh at them with the clubs, and called them 'Hercules,' for that they being two durst stand forth against eleven, and for that they bare clubs. And an enemy did hurl the leathern bullet at Hercules, who stood to guard the staves. And I did wonder why he did hurl the bullet with his arm, fcr most nations do have an engine or sling to hurl their bullets withal, and hurl them not with the arm. But Hercules feared not a whit, but smote the bullet with his club, and the enemy fled, and were discomfited, but then they

with the clubs did run each toward the other, and then again each toward the other, and once again yet. And I asked them that stood by, why they pursued not the enemy when they fled, but preferred rather to pursue themselves being friends; and he did seek to tell me, but I comprehended not. And I turned away, for by this time my head swam, sceing that I understood not the pastime of cricket.

And another pastime they call foot-ball,' which is being interpreted ball of the foot.' And here twenty men do confront other twenty. And they

stand and glare awhile cach at the other, a large round ball of leather lying between, and then they do charge and fight to the bitter end, men grovelling on the ground, and biting the carth with their teeth, and all for to kick a ball, for this is the end of the fight. And meantime on either side five trusty men fleet of foot lurked to catch the ball in case it came forth from the fighters. And when at length it came forth, one did pick it up and run away, and another met him and dashed him to the ground, and the fighters did come up, and the fight began anew. And I turned and departed.

These then be the labours, and these the pastimes of the men of Marlborough. And both in labours and pastimes it seemeth unto me that they are to be wondered at, for I understood not their pastimes or their labours.

PENGUIN.

THE SEASONS AND THE BIRDS.

Aristophanes, "The Birds," 1088-1100.

O happy hordes in fluttering feathers,
Brave birds and snug in plumey ruffles,
No need for us, in wintry weathers,
To case ourselves in wraps and muffles :
Nought of the steep beam's summer glare
We reck, nor of the stifling air:
But ever in some dainty dell

Of leaves, or flower decked mead, we dwell.
While all the sweltering noontide long
The cricket chirps his high pitched song,
Embodiment of dusty beat:

Till the parched baze that quivers round
Throbs with close waves of light and sound.

Ulula (Manchester Grammar School) for May contains but little school news. In the Philosophical Society, lectures were read on the poisonous properties of herbs and serpents, and on Voltaic Batteries and Electricity. The Debating Society has been holding fairly successful meetings, though some of the motions seem rather dry and uninteresting. The School was represented by J. H. Payne in the recent Freshman's match at Cambridge. There are two very interesting articles; one entitled "Whims of Poetry" is an amusing collection of literary trifles in English, French, and Latin; the other is a review on a book by Dr. Wiese, "German letters on English Education;" on the whole the book seems fairly accurate, though there are some alarming statements, as for instance, "In many schools there is no instruction on Saturday. They nowhere begin before nine o'clock, and in day-schools generally even later." On the whole this is a most interesting and instructive magazine.

The Wellingtonian for April 16th opens with a very bright account of the Natural Science Society, which has now reached its eighth year. A Literary Society has been set on foot lately, to be limited to a small number of members. At the first meeting a paper was read on "Thackeray." There is an excellent article in reply to a contributor of Pessimist views, who had raised the question, "Are we better than our fathers?" It is well pointed out that by a wider system of education the worst evils of this century will be removed. Some very amusing epitaphs appear on another page, two of which we quote:

"Here lies John Bunn

Who was killed by a gun.

His name was'nt Bunn, but his real name was Wood,

But Wood would'nt rhyme with gun, so I thought Bunn should. Another from Bath Abbey:

"Here lies Ann Mann,

She lived an old Maid, and died an old Mann."

An article entitled "Shakespeare on the Stage" has some very reasonable remarks as to the unpopularity of the Shakespearian plays now-a-days, compared with comedies. The reasons assigned are because few actors take the trouble to master the whole meaning of each speech, and because all parts which do not refer to the chief character of the play are either cut down or omitted altogether. A reading was held last term with great success, and two scenes from "Hamlet" and "She stoops to conquer were well rendered. A correspondent proposes to limit the number of cricket professionals to one. The athletic sports seem to have been moderately successful: the mile was run in 5 min. 1

sec.

The Radleian is almost entirely filled with an account of the athletics. Six events fell to the same athlete, Greenfield, who has now won the mile for four years in succession. The account of the Fives' competition, and a mediocre poem entitled "Charon's lament," complete the contents.

The Wykehamist is prefaced by an article on cricket, containing some good remarks and some sound advice to young cricketers. A sensible and weighty defence of the Rifle Corps comes next. Seemingly the Rifle Corps has occupied but little of the attention of the School except during the Wimbledon competition it is lamented that, while formerly it held its own as a distinct and more sober occupation than cricket, lately it has come to be regarded more in the same light, namely, as a game, while its position in the school is not sufficiently respected. There are some interesting particulars on the site of the Gymnasium, which was formerly occupied by a convent. In the Rackets' Competition at Princes, Winchester defeated Wellington after a very exciting contest, but was beaten by Rugby after a wellsustained struggle.

The Cricket season was opened

as usual by the "two Guinea Match." Another article advocates the encouragement of literary societies in schools, because, as Thackeray remarked, 'English gentlemen get up such a prodigious quantity of knowledge in early life, that they leave off reading soon after they begin to shave," while this knowledge is chiefly composed of classical lore. A correspondent describes "What College life once was."

The Cliftonian for April gives an account of their Athletic Sports held on March 27th and 28th. The

mile was done in better time than it has been for some years, perhaps owing to the good attendance at the runs throughout the term, as they are the best training in the world for a long race. There is a long letter on the subject of the proposed change from twenties to fifteens in School and House football; the correspondent strongly objects to the change on the ground that though the game would become faster and more enjoyable, few would be able to share in the improvement and many would be excluded from the House Matches, the only decent game they get in the year. In the Debating Society a motion, "That it is to the interest of England to pursue a policy of frendship towards Russia," was carried by three. The cricket prospects for the coming season are good, though only one member of last year's eleven is left. The match, with Cheltenham is fixed for June 21st, and 22nd.

The Felstedian for May is entirely taken up with School News, and Correspondence. An entertain

ment was given by the Literary Society on Saturday, April 13th. Several vocal and instrumental pieces were satisfactorily rendered, and the evening was concluded by a well acted scene from Sheridan's Critic. In the past Football Season out of 9 matches played, six were won, two tied, and one only lost. The prospects of the Cricket Season seem fairly good, only a few of last year's eleven have left, the chief want is a good slow bowler. A Lawn Tennis Club has recently been started, and for the future is to be supported by School Subscriptions.

Occasional Notes.

The reputation of Marlborough College is being gallantly maintained by A. G. Steel. It would hardly be a compliment to mention in detail his several brilliant performances as though they were uncommon. Indeed they have become so much a matter of daily occurrence, that we now look on them not with surprise, but expect them with confidence.

We see with pleasure that C. P. Wilson (O.M.) was first in the Learners' Bicycle Race; second in the 15 mile race; and second in the four mile Invitation Race, at Cambridge.

In the second ties of House Match, Sharp's (Mitre) have been beaten by Way's (Crescent). Preshute and Baker's are still playing.

The Chapel decorations are becoming rapidly completed. The look of the gallery has been very much improved by the decorations of the back wall, which used to present a rather glaring white appearance.

The bathing place is all but finished; the new wall on the Wilderness side is built, and only wants a little polishing. Some of our readers may not be aware that this wall was struck by lightning in one of the violent storms last week, which entailed a considerable portion being pulled down, and 80 occasioned a great deal of delay. A new flight of steps has been put up on the Wilderness side. a few days the bathing place will be completed.

In

We observe, with pleasure, that the Rev. E. H. Fisher (O.M.), and late master at Marlborough, has been appointed Archdeacon of Southwark by the Bishop of London.

Lawn Tennis has been established on a good many house grounds, but owing to the very windy nature of the weather, there has been but little play.

A great improvement to the Field is being effected, by the erection of a very strong and spiked palisade on the side which looks into Sun Lane. During the hours of school Horner's house-ground had become a sort of No Man's Land, where the boys of the town might practice athletic exercises; but the new palisade will no doubt put a stop to these incursions, as it is strong enough to obstruct a cohort.

We also observe that Marlborough College is represented with the rifle-H. S. Philpot (O.M.), and J. Thompson (O.M.) are respectively entitled to shoot for Oxford and Cambridge in the Queen's Competition.

We observe that in the May Races, at Cambridge, the following O.M.'s were rowing :-J. G. Pinder, Caius, 1st boat (str.); W. H. K. Ward, 1st Trinity, 2nd boat (cox); A. H. Highton, Lady Margaret (2) ; E. W. Buckle King's (cox); H. E. Corbett, 1st Trinity, 5th boat (3); G. O. White Cooper, 1st Trinity, 6th boat (2).

And the following were rowing in the VIII's, at Oxford:-G. D. Rowe, University, head boat (6);

W. A. Eckersley, Pembroke (bow); G. S. Charlewood, Pembroke (2); A. F. W. Ingram, Keble, (cox); S. E. V. Filleul, Corpus (bow); C. E. Blackett-Ord, Corpus (str.); H. Bremmidge, St. John's (5). Second division:-A. C. Champneys, New (5); E. C. Smith, Queen's (2).

Correspondence.

To the Editor of the Marlburian. DEAR SIR,-Would you allow me through your columns to make a few objections to E.B.'s proposals in the last Marlburian? First with respect to the College Cap, he says it is no protection in cold weather. That is true enough. But Marlborough, alas! is equally given to windy and rainy weather, and a hat is far more likely to blow off and get wet and dirty, than a closely fitting cap. At the same time caps at least are uniform in make and material-not so hats; in which there would be as much variety as there is now in coats. Hats too are so bulky, and where could they be put at dinner in Hall or even in form or in chapel? He also says that boys often get hold of one another's caps. Most sensible and tidy fellows fold up their caps when they take them off, and put them in their pockets, which certainly could not be done in the case of a hat.

As regards the Eton jacket, comfort ought to be considered before appearance. They are absolutely no protection against rain or cold; and Marlborough is decidedly given to both evils. They are cold in winter, and hot in summer, and are no comfort to the wearer, and, as E.B. says is the case with the caps, they would tend to produce colds, if anything would, when one comes back after the holidays and is suddenly transferred from a warm and comfortable coat, and one made for use and not for show alone, to one which possesses the qualities mentioned above. E.B. is evidently above the height to which Eton jackets would, if such an absurd rule came into force, be limited; otherwise he would never have made such a proposal.

SIR,-I have a proposal to make in regard to House-singing which, if adopted, in future years will equalize to a consider. able extent the chances of different houses, and remove the very strong disadvantages by which any house is at present handicapped, which cannot obtain the coaching of a master.

It would surely be fairer that every house should be coached only by a member of the house, whereas at present, though the majority of houses secure the assistance of a master, one or two almost invariably have to do without, and to shift for themselves, so that they practically have not a chance, even

though their material be good. There is certainly an element of unfairness in this, just as there was a few years back. when some readers for the Colbeck prize were most carefully prepared by Masters, while others had to trust entirely to their

own resources.

There is of course the objection "That the standard of the singing will necessarily be considerably lowered," and this is true enough; but so was it true with regard to the Colbeckreading, and yet there is now no help allowed to competitors from Masters.

If House-singing is to be a School institution, and to be competed for, it is only fair that the School should make their effort for themselves, without any extraneous assistance. And what house-singing would possibly lose in merit, it would gain (1) in interest, as all houses would feel that their chance was far more equal and depended on their own exertions instead of on the taste of some older and more accomplished musician.

(2) In the trouble that would be taken.

(3) In a more varied rendering and a greater field for individual taste, instead of nearly all the houses straining more or less imperfectly after the same model.

In conclusion let us above all things arrive, in school institutions, at fair play, and it is manifestly not fair play that while one house is trained by one of its members, another house should enjoy the greater experience.

To the Editor of the Marlburian.

G.

DEAR SIR,-Having lately seen in your columns much mention of the choir and some suggestions for its improvement, would you allow me through the medium of your columns to make a proposal which seems to me to be obviously for the good of all concerned? At present the practice for the Sunday evening service is held just before that service begins, namely, from 7.15 to 8.0., and the choir go straight from the practice into chapel, and thus have to sing almost incessantly for two consecutive hours. The result is only what might be expected. By the time the hymns come, if not before, scarcely a fellow in the choir has the least voice left. Everybody has sung their voice away, till their organs are more like those of rooks than of ordinary human beings. Over and over again have I heard it noticed that the singing of the hymns in evening chapel is devoid of all sweetness and expression. But what else can be expected? Fellows are bound to make sounds, and the only sounds they can produce at such a stage of exhaustion are hoarse and dissonant yells, which proceeding from fifty throats, make a combination not exactly pleasing to the ear of the musician.

It seems to me that this fault can easily be remedied. For the morning services on Sunday a practice is held every Saturday evening at 7.30. I believe from personal experience that if only twenty minutes were added on to this practice, if it