College Hall

Still may the spirit of the ancient days
Rest on our feasts, nor self-indulgence strive,
Nor languid softness, to invade the rule,
Manly, severe, and chaste — the hardy school
Wherein our mighty fathers learnt to raise
Their souls to Heaven, and virtue best could thrive.
Still may the brazen Eagle, that of yore
Our fathers placed in each scholastic Hall,
Utter its words of wisdom, and recall
Our thoughts of God, while some old Father's lore,
Or Martyr's roll, may sober our repast,
Blunting so gently sensual thoughts that rise
E'en from God's gifts, and love, with downcast eyes,
In silence grows, at feast as well as fast.