THE GRADUATE OF OXFORD (1841-1842) Ready for work again, and in reasonable health of mind and body, John Ruskin sat down in his little study at Herne Hill in November, 1841, with his private tutor, Osborne Gordon.

There was eighteen months' leeway to make up, and the dates of ancient history, the details of schematized Aristotelianism, soon slip out of mind when one is sketching in Italy.

But he was more serious now about his work, and aware of his deficiencies.

To be useful in the world, is it not necessary first to understand all possible Greek constructions?
So said the voice of Oxford; but our undergraduate was saved, both now and afterwards, from this vain ambition.

"I think it would hardly be worth your while," said Gordon.
He could not now go in for honours, for the lost year had superannuated him.