“Then hail, thou big and foaming bowl,
Hail, constant idol of my soul.
How laughingly the bubbles ride
Upon thy rich and sparkling tide;
Meet emblem of the joy that cheers
Those who shed none but cellar-tears,
And who like me all cares will drown,
As thus, sweet bowl, I drink thee down.”

From: Brasenose ale. A collection of poems presented annually by the butler of Brasenose college on Shrove Tuesday. (Google Books)

“Like most large private institutions and households the College brewed its own beer and each year an undergraduate would write verses in praise of the new brew of Brasenose Ale, usually well sprinkled with topical references to current events and to members of the College. The verses were recited by the Butler on Shrove Tuesday when he presented a brew of warmed beer with spices and apples.” (Brasenose College)