ment.

entered the University at Oxford at

the age of fifteen, matriculating at Christ Church College. He cultivated the acquaintance of those students who were most distinguished for learning and good conduct; among whom was John Locke, afterward celebrated as a philosopher. William Penn also took great delight in manly and athletic exercise, and it is remarkable that the only authentic portrait of this lover of peace represents him as a youth clad in

armor.

Penn's course at the University was suddenly terminated. With other students he attended the meeting of a society, then lately formed, who called themselves Friends, but were by others, in derision, termed Quakers. The preacher's discourse made a deep impression upon William, and some of his fellow-students were similarly affected. Dissatisfied with the established form of worship, they withdrew from it, and held their own meetings, in which they engaged in exhortation and prayer. The college authorities, being informed of their proceedings, fined them for non-conformity; but, when the students persisted in their conduct, they were expelled from Christ Church. Penn's father was mortified and grieved. He feared that all prospects of worldly honor, which he had V-17 257

cherished for his son, would be lost by his perverseness. He first tried persuasion. William listened respectfully and patiently, and answered that he found it impossible to stifle the convictions of his reason, or for any worldly consideration do that which, in his conscience, he believed to be wrong. The vexed and irritated father next employed threats; but these were attended with no better effect than the milder means. At length the offended parent resorted to blows; these being equally unavailing, he gave way to a transport of rage, and drove his son from his house and home. But the father being a man of kindly feelings, though hot and hasty, soon relented and permitted his return.

William Penn was now sent to France, where he was presented to Louis XIV. During the year spent in that country he acquired proficiency in the language and polish of manners. He proceeded to Italy with Lord Robert Spencer, and had reached Turin when he received a letter from his father recalling him home. On his return, in 1664, he was taken to court, where he made a most favorable impression on King Charles II. Soon after he entered, by his father's advice, as a student at Lincoln's Inn, in order that he might acquire a knowledge of law. His father kept a watchful care over him, and perceiving that he was again becoming grave in his deportment resolved to send him to Ireland, where the Duke of Ormond presided over a vice-royal court of great gaiety and splendor.

Whilst Penn was in Dublin, a mutiny broke out in the garrison of Carrickfergus. William joined the forces and displayed so much energy and valor that he was offered a commission as captain of foot. He was eager to accept this; but his father strangely objected. The father had now become Sir William Penn, and, being fully occupied with his naval command, intrusted his son with the management of his estates in Ireland, and young William conducted this business so as to give entire satisfaction. Thomas Loe, a preacher, whom he heard ten years before at Oxford, came to Cork to attend a meeting of Friends in that city. Penn heard Loe again, and the effect was decisive; his religious convictions were awakened and renewed, and he became a