Oxford Days; or, How Ross Got His DegreeWeatherly, F. E. (Frederic Edward)
History
Oxford Days; or, How Ross Got His Degree
Weatherly, F. E. (Frederic Edward)
University of Oxford
Frank read with Edwards in the Summer term, the College again
paying half the fee. He rowed in the Eights, and Paul’s made four
bumps, thereby getting head of the river. To commemorate the event a
“bump-supper” was given. All the men, with the exception of a very
few, subscribed the necessary guinea, and, as many brought guests, the
supper was emphatically a success. The exceptions were of the three
ordinary types: those who could not afford a guinea for such a purpose,
and who were not ashamed to say so; those who considered “bump-suppers”
and such-like entertainments as immoral orgies; and lastly, those who
both enjoyed them and who could afford to subscribe, but who were
too mean to do so, and preferred rather to extract an invitation to
another college bump-supper in the specious manner which usually
characterizes the tight-fingered. The Dons readily gave permission for
the use of the hall, with certain provisos as to time of termination
of the feast. Cooks and scouts vied with one another, in a spirit not
altogether disinterested, in supplying and laying out the best that
the College kitchen could provide. A gorgeous dessert was ordered from
a neighbouring confectioner, and wine came in without stint or stay.
Slap’s[13] excellent band was engaged, and discoursed most sweet music
from time to time during the evening. And then, what speeches were
made! What songs were sung! How they all cheered when the captain of
the boat-club returned thanks! And--tell it not in the Common Room,
whisper it not to the Dons (for the very simple reason that they know
by experience what it all means)--what aching eyes, what cracking
heads, what foul and furry tongues there were next morning! Nor did
the store of College legends fail to receive the additions usual on
such occasions; and one story even reached the Master’s ears: how that
the captain of the boat-club was observed, long after the last guest
had passed the porter’s lodge, sitting in a corner of one of the back
quadrangles, rowing with all his might at an imaginary oar, shouting
every now and then to “bow” to keep time, and telling the “cox” not to
put the rudder on so sharp.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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