The
wood is large, extending itself to the summit of a hill, which commands
a charming panoramic view of Oxford, and of the adjacent country. The
scene is richly diversified with hill and dale, while the spires,
turrets, and towers of the university, rise high above the clustering
trees, filling the beholder with the utmost awe and veneration. During
the summer, this rustic spot presents many cool retreats, and
love-embowering shades; and here many an amour is carried on, free from
suspicion's eye, beneath the wide umbrageous canopy of nature.
Gipsies, or _fortune-tellers_, are constantly to be found in Bagley
Wood; and many a gay Oxonian may be seen in the company of some
wandering Egyptian beauty. So partial, indeed, are several of the young
men of the university to the tawny tribe, that they are frequently
observed in their _academicals_, lounging round the picturesque tents,
having _their_ fortunes told; though, it must be remarked, their
countenances usually evince a waggish incredulity on those occasions,
and they appear much more amused with the novel scene around them than
gratified with the favourable predictions of the wily Egyptians.
The merry gipsies of Bagley Wood might well sing with _Herrick_
"Here we securely live, and eat
The cream of meat;
And keep eternal fires
By which we sit, _and do divine_."
G.W.N.
* * * * *
EATING "MUTTON COLD.
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