First, deck'd in the height of the fashion, a belle, An angel, ere Chronos had tipt her with snow, Advanced to the goddess, and said, "you may tell, That in Eton, there's no better table, you know;" And by Truth 'twas admitted, "her generous board Is rich, in whatever the seasons afford." THE MISS t*****S. Of ancients, a pair next presented themselves, When in popp'd some waggish Oxonian elves, Who spoke of times past, of short commons, and cheese, And told tales, which did much the old ladies displease. "Good morning," said Truth, as the dames pass'd him by: Young stomachs, if stinted, are sure to outcry. MRS. R******U. On her _Domine_ leaning came dame B******u, The oldest in college, deck'd in rich furbelow. ~46~~ She curtsied around to the _Oppidan_ band, But not one said a word, and but few gave a hand. Truth whisper'd the Muse,, who, as sly, shook her head, Saying, "where little's told, 'tis soon mended, it's said." MRS. G******E. When S******e appear'd, what a shout rent the air! The spruce widow affords the most excellent cheer; For comfort in quarters there's nothing can beat her, So up rose the lads with a welcome to greet her: The muse with true gallantry led her to place, And Truth said good humour was writ in her face. MRS. D****N. With a face (once divine), and a figure still smart, And a grace that defies even Time's fatal dart, Dame D****n advanced, made her curtsy, and smiled: Truth welcomed the fair, the grave, witty, and wild; All, all gave their votes, and some said they knew That her numbers by no measure equall'd her due. MISS S******S. "By my hopes," said the Muse, "here's a rare jolly pair, A right merry frontispiece, comely and fair, To good living and quarters." "You're right," nodded Truth. A welcome approval was mark'd in each youth. And 'twas no little praise among numbers like theirs, To meet a unanimous welcome up stairs. Miss L******d. Lavater, though sometimes in error, you'll find May be here quoted safely; the face tells the mind. Good humour and happiness live in her eye. Her motto's contentment you'll easily spy. five principal orders of eton ~47~~ A chair for Miss L******d Truth placed near the Muse; For beauty to rhyme can fresh spirit infuse. MRS. V******Y. V******y, in weeds led and angel along, Accomplish'd and pretty, who blush'd at the throng. The old dame seem'd to say, and i'faith she might well, "Sons of Eton, when saw you a handsomer belle?" If any intended the widow to sneer, Miss A------won their favor, and banish'd the jeer.