Advertisement

Rare Poem of 1718 by Unknown Author Describes Revels of Old-Time Seniors at Commencement

Authorities Fail to Restrain Visitors--Pie, Plum-Cake, Punch Denied Students

While some intoxicated are with Wine,

Others (as brutish) propagate their Kind;

Where amorous Lads to shady Groves resort,

And under Venus with their misses sport.

Some sing, some dance, some lay the Ground upon,

Advertisement

Whatever fails, the Iron-Work goes on.

Our Rustick Sparks (to Taverns glew'd) they stay,

And scarce can blunder home by break of Day.

Some lie in open fields: others there are

Who to their Homes half boozy do repair.

Others go home half-starv'd; Some in the way

Get Foul'd, and then in Barns are forc'd to lay.

So end the actions of this famous Day,

But not the Revel.... .....Each successive Day,

Venus and Bacchus hold alternate sway.

Advertisement