Newcastle. We cannot always command our best exertions when we want
to do so, and you were not able on this occasion to bring forward all
you knew. It was not from idleness or want of attention to school
business. Work on regularly, and you will do well at Oxford. I have
a line from your tutor, who seems to think that it was in Juvenal,
Cicero and Livy, and in Iambics, that the faults principally were. I
cannot say that I am not disappointed; but I know so well the
uncertainty of examinations and how much depends on the sort of
papers put, and on the spirits and feeling one is in, that I am never
surprised at such results, and I do not blame you at all.' Those who
knew Coley best agree in thinking that this reverse took great effect
in rousing his energies. This failure evidently made him take
himself to task, for in the summer he writes to his father:--

There are things which have occurred during my stay at Eton which
cannot but make me blame myself. I mean principally a want of
continuous industry. I have perhaps for one half or two (for
instance, last Easter half) worked hard, but I have not been
continuously improving, and adding knowledge to knowledge, half by
half. I feel it now, because I am sure that I know very little more
than I did at Easter. One thing I am improved in, which is writing
themes; and you will be pleased to know that Hawtrey has again given
me the School Theme prize, worth 5L., which counts for another sent
up exercise.'

In reply, the Judge, on July 22, wrote in the midst of the circuit,
from Stafford, a letter that might well do a son's heart good:--

'I rejoice in your finale, and shall be glad to see the exercise.
You have gone through Eton with great credit and reputation as a