Note 9 — THE LAY OF THE HIGH SHERIFF.
Reading edition
It may appear strange that the MS. should class "dons" among the subjects into which amazement is to be struck by the sheriff's gorgeous liveries. Were all people aware of the secluded life led by the Don class, wonder would cease, and a conviction might arise, that were Virgil now alive he might apply his line,—
"Et penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos,"
to Oxford Dons rather than the British community at large.