There was ~one~ lion of Oxford, however, whose individuality of expression was too striking either to be forgotten or confused with the many other lions around. Although (as in Byron's ~Dream~) "A mass of many images Crowded like waves upon" Mr. Green, yet clear and distinct through all there ran "The stream-like windings of that glorious street,"* to which one of the first critics of the age+ has given this high testimony of praise: "The High Street of Oxford has not its equal in the whole world." Mr. Green could not, of course, leave Oxford until he had seen his beloved son in that elegant cap and preposterous gown which constitute the present academical dress of the Oxford undergraduate; and to assume which, with a legal right to the same, matriculation is first necessary. As that amusing and instructive book, the University Statutes, says in its own delightful and unrivalled canine Latin, "~Statutum est, quod nemo pro Studente, seu Scholari, habeatur, nec ullis Universitatis privilegiis, aut beneficiis~" (the cap and gown, of course, being among these), "~gaudeat, nisi qui in aliquod Collegium vel Aulam admissus fuerit, et intra quindenam post talem admissionem in matriculam Universitatis fuerit relatus.~" So our hero put on the required white tie, and then went forth to complete his proper costume. There were so many persons purporting to be "Academical robe-makers," that Mr. Green was some little time in deciding who should be the tradesman favoured with the order for --- * Wordsworth, Miscellaneous Sonnets. + Dr. Waagen, Art and Artists in England. -=- [44 ADVENTURES OF MR. VERDANT GREEN] his son's adornment. At last he fixed upon a shop, the window of which contained a more imposing display than its neighbours of gowns, hoods, surplices, and robes of all shapes and colours, from the black velvet-sleeved proctor's to the blushing gorgeousness of the scarlet robe and crimson silk sleeves of the D.C.L. "I wish you," said Mr. Green, advancing towards a smirking individual, who was in his shirt-sleeves and slippers, but in all other respects was attired with great magnificence, - "I wish you to measure this gentleman for his academical robes, and also to allow him the use of some to be matriculated in." "Certainly, sir," said the robe-maker, who stood bowing and smirking before them, - as Hood expressively says, "Washing his hands with invisible soap, In imperceptible water;"- "certainly, sir, if you wish it: but it will scarcely be necessary, sir; as our custom is so extensive, that we keep a large ready-made stock constantly on hand." "Oh, that will do just as well," said Mr. Green; "better, indeed. Let us see some." "What description of robe would be required?" said the smirking gentleman, again making use of the invisible soap; "a scholar's?"