the experience of reading in Britain, from 1450 to 1945...

Click check box to select all entries on this page:

[boys in the upper forms at Eaton]  : De pests [Bacchus verses]

'To the hall, and there find the boy's verses "De peste"; it being their custom to make verses at Shrovetide. I read several, and very good they were, and better I think then ever I made when I was a boy - and in rolls as long and longer than the whole hall by much.' Editor's note: 'The "Bacchus verses": compositions by the upper forms, hung up from the hooks which may still be seen on either side of the hall.'

Century: 1600-1699     Reader/Listener/Group: Samuel Pepys      Manuscript: Unknown

Click check box to select all entries on this page: