A COLLECTION OF POEMS PRESENTED ANNUALLY BY THE BUTLER OF BRASENOSE COLLEGE ON SHROVE TUESDAY. Σπείσω ταῖς Μοίσαις. ὦ χαίρετε πολλάκι Μοῖσαι, INTRODUCTION. A SERIES of Poems is here presented on a theme abundantly familiar to all Members of B. N. C.; for whom alone, in all probability, the following pages will possess any interest. To them it may seem almost superfluous to mention that the Butler of the College is bound by immemorial custom to produce in Hall annually on Shrove Tuesday a copy of Verses in praise of the College Ale: accompanying which, a special brew is made for the day, and supplied ad libitum to every inmate of the College. Though of late these Verses have been printed on each annual occasion, a desire has been expressed in many quarters for a compilation of such as are extant, whether in print or manuscript, in a form which might better conduce to their preservation. This desire is now acted upon and it is hoped that, with all their faults, these ephemeral compositions, thus rescued from oblivion, will not be denied the interest of old associations. |