Basil

By Unknown (Donated by Katie Williams)
Unknown Personage
October 18, 2006

Historian's Note: The Institute for Useful Knowledge and Stuff is lucky enough to have the original print pressing of “Basil,” South Campus’s rally song during the war. It is one of the finer examples of how nationalism influenced the battle between North and South Campuses, with clear calls to take up the cause and push back the North.

The original author of the piece is unknown, but this work was donated to the Institute by the Williams family. (See the missive written by Katie Williams elsewhere in this section.) Contrast this song with the North’s rallying cry, “The Battle Hymn of St. Albert’s.”

Southrons, hear St. Neumann call you!
Up, lest Dan Rodden’s curse befall you!
To arms! To arms! To arms, in Basil!
Lo! All the poke-wars are ignited,
Let all majors be now united!
To arms! To arms! To arms, in Basil!

Advance the flag of Basil,
Hurrah! Hurrah!
For South Campus we take our stand,
And live or die for Basil!

To Arms! To Arms!
And conquer peace for Basil!
To Arms! To Arms!
And conquer peace for Basil!

Hear the Northern residents mutter!
Northern kids on South’s hill flutter!
To arms! To arms! To arms, in Basil!
Send them back with your Comm Center defiance!
Stamp upon the accursed alliance!
To arms! To arms! To arms, in Basil!

williamsk1@lasalle.edu