It was at Oxford that he first developed that passion for self-discipline which afterwards distinguished him.
He took up rowing; and, though thoroughly unsuited by nature to this pastime, secured himself a place in his College 'torpid.' At the end of a race he was usually supported from his stretcher in a state of extreme extenuation, due to having pulled the last quarter of the course entirely with his spirit.

The same craving for self-discipline guided him in the choice of Schools; he went out in 'Greats,' for which, owing to his indifferent mastery of Greek and Latin, he was the least fitted.
With enormous labour he took a very good degree.

He carried off besides, the highest distinctions of the University for English Essays.

The ordinary circles of College life knew nothing of him.

Not once in the whole course of his University career, was he the better for wine.