To the tune of Song of the Shieldwall
Words: Shelagh Lewins 2023
Hasten oh land-steed, down to the ox-ford,
Bearing the freshers we're eager to see.
Keble has called you, St Anne's, John's and Balliol,
To wear silly gowns and begin your degree.
We'll teach you things that are better than essays,
Science that's new, or events that are old.
For Wychwood will train you to fight in the shield wall;
We'll give you spears, swords and axes to hold!
Hasten oh feast guests, down to the mead hall.
Weapons in hand - let the battle begin!
Wielding our spoons we'll defeat meat and pottage,
We'll ravage the cheese-board and never grow thin.
Raise up your ale horn to drink with your comrades.
Heroes we'll praise, and their tales will be told.
The rafters will ring to the sound of our singing -
Holding the note we were given to hold!
