Written by GT Palmer, MA, a former Master. Set to music by J Lemmer
It was first given at Prize night ceremony, 1900, by the boys of the school, the senior boy taking the solo part. The second verse is illustrative of the College Motto “pietas, probitas et sapientia”.
‘Tis not for home or merry sport
We raise this joyful lay
Though well we love the field and court
And home friends far away
We’ll shout and make the echoes ring
With jubilation long
Our College is the theme we sing
And this shall be our song
CHORUS
Then hail you Alma Mater, boys
Send forth a loud hurrah
With three times three shout lustily
Floreat Nelsonia!
A threefold law she teaches us
To mark the way of life
“Be upright, ” she beseeches us
In times of peace and strife
Have honest faith in God and man
To loftier heights arise
Seek after knowledge while you can
Be valiant and be wise!
CHORUS
We glory to defend her name
Against the rival world
We’ll add fresh honours to her name
Her flag must ne’er be furled
In learning on the hard-fought field
May this be all our pride
That to no rival shall she yield
While we stand by her side
CHORUS
The fourth (Centennial) verse was written by HJ Addis in 1956
A hundred years have now rolled by
Our College prospers still
Her fame and honour ne’er shall die
While we our tasks fulfil
Her sons, we gather here today
Our grateful thanks she hears
To her enduring homage pay
Throughout the coming years
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