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71
A PRESIDING EXAMINER
Emerging from the darkness
Of London's sullen frown,
I, simulating Majesty,
Appeared in hood and gown;
Of London's sullen frown,
I, simulating Majesty,
Appeared in hood and gown;
Commissioned to examine,
According to the Rule,
In all that they could cram in,
The boys of my old school.
According to the Rule,
In all that they could cram in,
The boys of my old school.
I sat in my imposing seat,
The papers from me flew:
As though my learning were complete,
And I all knowledge knew.
The papers from me flew:
As though my learning were complete,
And I all knowledge knew.
But oh! despite the hood and gown,
Despite the high respect
Paid to a mild official frown,
Yet had I to reflect
Despite the high respect
Paid to a mild official frown,
Yet had I to reflect
72
That 'neath a borrowed mortar-board
Mere ghosts of knowledge dwelt;
That false was my pretended hoard,
Ah me, how poor I felt!
Mere ghosts of knowledge dwelt;
That false was my pretended hoard,
Ah me, how poor I felt!
Ah, boys! despite my College,
I am a learned man!
I 've loads of sorry knowledge
Not set in any plan.
I am a learned man!
I 've loads of sorry knowledge
Not set in any plan.
My wisdom, hard in earning,
I'd give it all to know
Again what I was learning
Now twenty years ago.
I'd give it all to know
Again what I was learning
Now twenty years ago.
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