OXFORD, England -- In the early hours of the morning, when the streets are still and the ancient stone walls, the towers, the spires, and domes are bathed in moonlight, Oxford is its (0)__H__ beautiful.

Over the centuries it has developed from a small provincial town to (1) it is today, one of Britain's most impressive cities. Its famous university has been a stepping-stone for many world leaders and thinkers. Its architecture is monumental. For history buffs it is a paradise.

Like numerous other towns, Oxford in medieval times was encircled by a stone wall many feet thick and 2) than 15 feet high. It served as a deterrent to invaders. Today a small portion of that 3) wall provides a backdrop for a herbaceous border in New College garden. Another section borders Dead Man's Walk alongside Merton College.

William of Wykeham, who founded New College in 1379, 4) to undertake the upkeep of the ancient wall before the city fathers would allow him to build his school. To this day the mayor of Oxford, in full regalia, visits the college each year to ensure that the present warden is 5) the promise. Along "the High," Oxford's main thoroughfare, the panorama is very much as it 6) been for centuries. Beside the River Cherwell stands the 15th-century Magdalen College, where "Shadowlands," the 1993 movie about the love story of writers C.S. Lewis and his American wife, Helen Joy Davidman, was filmed.

It is at the foot of the college's well-known tower that thousands of students and others gather on May 1 at sunrise to celebrate the arrival of summer, a tradition hundreds 7) years old. The Magdalen College boys choir assembles at the 8) of the tower and as the sun tips the college spires with early morning light, a hush falls over the crowd and the clear bell-like voices of the boys drift down. They begin 9) a traditional Latin hymn and then break into a lively rendition of "Summer Is a Coming In."

As the last 10) fades, the peals of the church bells signal the start of the celebrations. Morris dancers in their traditional costume of white, with bells around their ankles and 11) decorating their hats, go through their repertoire of English folk dances. Fire eaters and jugglers entertain the crowds. Gypsy bands with fiddle, 12) , and tambourine perform on the steps of noble buildings, and students still clad in their gowns and black ties from balls the night before mingle with the crowds.