[Illustration]
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Derived down to us, and received
In a succession, far the noblest way,
Of breeding up our youths in letters, arms,
Fair mien, discourses, civil exercise,
And all the blazon of a gentleman.--
Where can he learn to vault, to ride, to fence,
To move his body gracefully; to speak
His language purer; or to tune his mind
Or manners more to the harmony of Nature
Than in these Nurseries of Nobility?
BEN JONSON’S _New Inn_. Act I. Scene 3.
N.B. A LIST OF THE NATIONAL RECORDS, ANCIENT CHRONICLES, AND OTHER
STANDARD AUTHORITIES QUOTED, OR REFERRED TO, IN THE FOLLOWING WORK,
WILL BE FOUND ANNEXED TO EACH SUBJECT RESPECTIVELY.
[Illustration:
_Drawn by T. Allom._ _Engraved by I. W. Archer._