_solemn institution_ that comes in his way, however venerable it may be for its antiquity and significance;" and after quoting Mr. Pointer's words, he adds, with his _unrivalled irony_, "now, notwithstanding this _bold hint_ to the contrary, it seemeth to me to be altogether unaccountable and incredible, that a polite and learned society should be so far depraved, in its taste, and so much in love with a _block-head_, as to eat it. But as I have never had the honour of dining at a _boar's head_, and there are many gentlemen more nearly concerned and better informed, as well as better qualified, in every respect, to refute this _calumny_ than I am, I shall avoid entering into a thorough discussion of this subject. I know it is given out by Mr. Pointer's enemies, that he hath been employed by some of the _young seceders_ from that college, to throw out a Story of the _Wooden-head_, in order to countenance the complaints of those gentlemen about _short commons_, and the great deficiency of _mutton_, _beef_, &c.; and, indeed, I must say, that nothing could have better answered their purpose, in this respect, than in proving, according to the _insinuation_, that the chief dish at one of their highest festivals, was nothing but a log of Wood _bedeck'd with bays and rosemary_; but surely this cannot be credited, after the _university_ has been informed by the _best authority_, and in the most _public_ Manner, that a _young Nobleman_, who lately completed his academical education at that house, was, during his whole residence, not only very _well satisfied_ but _extremely delighted_ with the college commons." In the Oxford Sausage is the following RYGHTE EXCELLENTE SONG IN HONOUR OF THE CELEBRATION OF THE BOAR'S HEAD, AT QUEEN'S COLLEGE, OXFORD. _Tam Marti quam Mercurio._ I sing not of Rome or Grecian mad games. The Pythian, Olympic, and such like hard names; Your patience awhile, with submission, I beg, I strive but to honour the feast of Coll. Reg. Derry down, down, down, derry down. No Thracian brawls at our rites e'er prevail, We temper our mirth with plain sober mild ALE; The tricks of Old Circe deter us from Wine: Though we honour a boar, we won't make ourselves Swine. Derry down, &c. Great Milo was famous for slaying his Ox, Yet he proved but an ass _in cleaving of blocks_: But we had a hero for all things was fit, Our Motto displays both his Valour and Wit. Derry down, &c. Stout Hercules labour'd, and look'd mighty big, When he slew the half-starved Erymanthian Pig; But we can relate such a stratagem taken, That the stoutest of Boars could not _save his own Bacon_. Derry down, &c.