but the convents of St. John by Clerkenwell, St. Bartholomew in
Smithfield, St. Mary Overy in Southwark, that of the Holy Trinity by
Aldgate, and other monasteries about the city, had their respective
schools, though not in such reputation as the three first. Of these
none are now existing but St. Paul's and Westminster, though perhaps
on different and later foundations. Yet other schools have been
erected in this metropolis from time to time, amongst which I find
that called Merchant Taylors' to be the most considerable.

St. Paul's School is situated on the east side of St. Paul's
Churchyard, being a handsome fabric built with brick and stone,
founded by John Collet, D.D. and Dean of St. Paul's, anno 1512, who
appointed a high-master, sur-master, a chaplain or under-master, and
153 scholars, to be taught by them gratis, of any nation or country.
He also left some exhibitions to such scholars as are sent to the
universities and have continued at this school three years. The
masters are elected by the wardens and assistants of the Mercers'
Company, and the scholars are admitted by the master upon a warrant
directed to him by the surveyor. The elections for the university
are in March, before Lady Day, and they are allowed their
exhibitions for seven years. To this school belongs a library,
consisting chiefly of classic authors. The frontispiece is adorned
with busts, entablature, pediments, festoons, shields, vases, and
the Mercers' arms cut in stone, with this inscription over the door:
INGREDERE UT PROFICIAS. Upon every window of the school was
written, by the founder's direction: AUT DOCE, AUT DISCE, AUT
DISCEDE--i.e., Either teach, learn, or begone.

The founder, in the ordinances to be observed in this school, says
he founded it to the honour of the Child Jesus, and of His blessed