Lapsus Calami (Apr 1891)/Boating Song
Boating Song. K.B.C.
Lent 1880.
(Air: It's a fine hunting day.)
On a damp windy dayIn tempestuous May,In a most insufficient attire,What a pleasure to rowFor a furlong or so,And to glow with a patriot's fire:There is glory to win in the fray,There are crowds to applaud all the way,We shall very soon beAt the top of the treeIf we all go out every day.
Chorus.Let's all go out every dayFrom now till the middle of May:We shall very soon beAt the top of the treeIf we all go out every day.
By the top of the tree,As I think you must see,It's the head of the river I mean:An appropriate placeFor our vessel to graceAnd at which she will shortly be seen: There are still a few boats in the way,But Rome is not built in a day,And I have not a doubtWe shall bring it aboutIf we all go out every day.Chorus.
Says our captain, says he:—"May you all of you beDissected and roasted and skinned:Five rowed with his backIn the shape of a sackAnd then, when I swore at him, grinned:Six, get those hands sharper away!Keep your eyes in the boat there, I say!Now get on to it, do!Get that body down, two!Your time's worse than ever to-day."Chorus.
Both our Tutors are there,Neither pleasure nor careCan keep them away from the scene:And who shouteth so loudIn that jubilant crowdAs each blown but uproarious Dean?The Provost brings down Mrs A.,Who runs a good part of the way;Oscar Browning himselfThrows his gown on the shelfAnd dismisses his staff for the day.Chorus.