t rn i mm Ballads of ^ ^ Bush Life And :: :: Lyrics of Cheer ->*%> c :!jY Ke>... =j! I TpHN MATHEW <. Vfc* Author of "Eaglehawt onti "rc-a. Au.'iroliui Ech"^' ' ' Two Repttscniath c 1 ribe- ■ " tSrc V»LfcE& MULLEN &PTY. LTD ^% •ourne and London 1914 THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES BERKELOUW B00KOEALERS SYDNEY To y^r f. S&^&?r ***-> S of <£ *£ Xl. 6l-z»~** < Cc^^w. Bush Life ^f:"*- And :: :: Lyrics of Cheer JOHN MATHEW Author of "Eaglehawk and Crow, " "Australian Echoe- ' ' Two Representative Tribes of Queensland, ' ' &c. MELVILLE & MULLEN PTY. LTD., Melbourne and London 1914 PR WZ1J. TO MY WIFE. ■ CONTENTS BALLADS Thk Raid - 7 The Black Hero - - - - 12 v The Lost Boy !5 Myal Creek .... 17 The Station Revisited 22 The Laughing Jackass ... 26 v Tilpa ..... jg The Combat - .... 31 The Chase - .... 33 SThe Chinese Cook .... 37 LYRICS To My U'ife .... 40 The Wheel of Fortune 41 The Fool Mirror 42 Love and Death .... 43 Autumn Leaves 44 Limitation - .... 45 Christmas Day - - - - 46 A Happy New Year .... 47 Sans Sulci ... 48 To a Rose - .... 50 Wattle Blossom .... 51 A Prayer for Peace .... 53 A Blackbird in Australia ... 54 Detachment .... 56 Love Creates Love ... 57 A National Hymm . . . . & Night and Sleep 50 A Prayer ----- 60 The Right to Live ... 61 Facing Death - - - - 62 THE RAID. When shearing we had done And mustering begun, We found the cattle wild as kangaroos ; It was the bunya time. Of all the year the prime For niggers, who came round in starving crews. They feasted and they fought, They hunted and they caught The kangaroos and bandicoots and 'possums. Corroborees at night They held with wild delight And hugged their greasy Maries to their bosoms. Their loud un^Christian din. The odour from their skin, The scent of smoke and blood and roasting beasts The cattle fled, to seek A refuge down the creek. And some were speared, we knew, to crown the feasts. Said Jim " We must go out And put the host to rout And make a jolly bonfire of their traps. And give the naked sinners That kill our beasts for dinners Some mustard, and the crows will pick the scraps." S THE RAID We came on them so quick, Tom Tracker, who was sick, Too weak to run. too much afraid to halt, Took shelter up a tree, We gave him two or three Discharges from our muskets crammed with salt. The clicking of the triggers Dispersed the camp of niggers, They never looked behind nor tried to pass ; 'Twas fun to see the ginnies Snatch up the picaninnies And scamper through the bush across the grass. Old Kahmi with a vine A gum tree did entwine, And sprang aloft like sailor up the shrouds ; When perched among the branches We scarce could see her haunches Along our barrels gazing toward the clouds. Invulnerable wizards The bite still in their gizzards — Who boast that they can vanish underground — Their magic went to pot, At sound of musket shot They bolted first and foremost with a bound. So struck were all with fear They never cast a spear But bounced like paddimelons to the scrub As lightly as the wind, Their chattels left behind, The ornaments and weapons ay and grub. THE RAID Their boombies ' full of bunyas, The bark that formed their gunyahs 2 And all their prized accoutrements of war, Their saucy^fellow* dillies* And sugarbag 3 and billies, * Their shells and reeds and rugs and other store. We gathered in a heap, And they might watch and weep, But we with jubilation lit the pyre And never left the place Until we saw no trace Of treasure save the ashes of the fire. It did not seem such fun When all the work was done, Oh how 1 rued the raid when known the cost ; Like Jephthah with his slaughter 1 had sacrificed my daughter. For wandering forth to meet us she was lost. It was my darling Nancy, The idol of my fancy, Who now did frantic stray in baby shoes. And only littie Benben And the one'eyed old man Twenben To tell a human track from kangaroo's. I cursed my crazy folly That found a pastime jolly Dispersing those who now had been my friends, And cried " O Tracker Tommy, Now fled in terror from me, I'd give you half my herd to make amends." (I) Bags (2) Bark Shelters. ** Dangerous Wallets (containing apparatus of sorcery.) (3) Native Honey. (4) Cans. THE RAID Two days we searched in vain Across the ridge and plain, The footsteps found and traced and lost for aye. My reason was distraught, With worst forboding fraught. When hark ! we heard a cooey far away. Said Benben " That's the Tracker, 1 know he's bringing back her His cooey means that everything is right." The news of her salvation Was such a declaration I scarce believed my ears or trusted sight. I darted through the space Between me and her face, Despair and hope in turn my heart did stir. And when I did behold her Astride on Tommy's shoulder, I felt I mast embrace both him and her. Departed were her fears And wiped her bitter tears. I took her from the shoulders of her nag ; My heart sent up a prayer, I kissed with rapture rare Her lips all plastered o'er with sugarbag. Oh how I loved that nigger. That dirty, smelling jigger, 1 put my arms around him with delight. And when we reached the station I gave him a collation And said, in tones that fail me to recite. THE RAID 11 " Go gather all your brothers. Your sisters, dads and mothers. The remnants of the Baiyambara clan, We'll sacrifice a bullock And serve it free as mullock. Though black you are a thorough gentleman. " Oh high was my regard. But how could I reward ? For gold was no account to such a one. I gave him life-long pension, A plate with grateful mention. And him and his the freedom of the run. The plate had this inscription. For everyone's perception, "THIS TOMMY IS A TRACKER OF RENOWN AND KING OF MANUMBAK, A BETTER, MAN BY FAR THAN MANY SQUATTEKS THOUGH HIS SKIN IS BKOWN." 18 THE BLACK HERO. Voices chattering, footsteps pattering, Fetters clanking, horses' tread, On the dim track toward Port Darwin, Northward thus the travellers sped. Sight unwonted question-raising, Sight pathetic causing pain. Why the horseman slowiy riding, Driving on the native train ? Nature's children charged with plunder And with murder of a white, Captured by a daring trooper, Marched by day and watched by night ; Tramping neath unbroken sunshine O'er the rough and burning ground, With no covering from the night-dew Wheresoe'er their camp was found. Now they reach the Katherine River — Swollen with the recent rains, And the blacks must ford or swim it, Handcuffed, hampered with their chains, And the trooper single'handed, Must his sable charges steer. All unknown new channels hollowed By the water's swift career: THE BLACK HERO. 1« Cautious wading, stoutly swimming, Shoulder to shoulder the natives keep ; Fearlessly the horseman follows Till the water grows so deep That his horse can foot no bottom But begins to rear in fright ; Whirling downward with the torrent, Rider thrown and lost to sight. Now the blacks are safely landed And their captor left behind Kolling log'like in the river ; They, enfranchised as the wind. Free to mock, evade Port Darwin And their native wild regain. Free to gloat upon the trooper Stunned and bleeding, thrilled with pain. But humanity is stronger Than the wish arrest to flee, Neighbour, though a fettered black man, Cannot run from agony. Deftly fastens up his fetters Lest they should his strokes impede, Plunges headlong in the river Knowing not how brave the deed. Now the captive catches captor, Bears him bravely to the bank From the deadly-coiling waters, From the deeps- wherein he sank. 14 THE BLACK HERO. Then the blacks their best endeavour To restore the seeming drowned, And rejoice to hear his breathing, As if brother lost were found. Some run far for white assistance, Some are chafing hands and feet, And ere help comes from the distance Restoration is complete. Hung with chains the natives did it. Hung with chains resumed their way, Hung with chains they dwelt in Darwin, Until justice had its say. Guiltless all ! the verdict spoken ! — All the toil and risk for nought— Surely poor return for hardship. Freedom much too dearly bought. Nay 'twas worth the toil and danger To reveal the native heart. How it yearned to save the stranger. How it played the hero part. Neighbour ! hero we acclaim thee ! Neighbour ! (faithful to thy name,) Koyai medal decks thy bosom And the bard embalms thy fame. THE LOST BOY. (An Australian legend) Where fern and wattle fringe the creek The children played at hide and seek.. The ones concealed would whistle low, A sign to search the rest would know. They romped until the light expired, Then weary to the camp retired, All but one boy, a gentle child, The Muthar spirit off had wiled. The search in earnest then began, The blacks through every corner ran Of sylvan hill and tufted piain, But all their searching was in vain. They begged the mighty wizard's aid Whose art oft rendered them afraid. He cast his piercing gaze on high, He heard a chant above a cry " Dear laddie hush, and dry your tears, In my bright land there are no fears, It is the home of peace and joy Where nought can harm you or annoy. On airy wings aloft he flew, The fleeting pair did swift pursue By meteor red and silver star Unto the Muthar realm afar. 16 THE LOST BOY. The boy, confined in rocky cave, No earthly power could reach or save. The wizard sadly turned away And only brought the soothing lay " Dear laddie hush, and dry your tears. In my bright land there are no fears. It is the home of peace and joy Where nought can harm you or annoy. Now sometimes at the twilight hush. When eerie visions haunt the bush, The little children crouch in fear Lest sprites who kidnap should come near. They whisper o'er a potent charm And clutch their fathers by the arm Then hear they faintly from the sky A Muthar's chant above a cry " Dear laddie hush, and dry your tears, In my bright land there are no fears, It is the home of peace and joy Where nought can harm you or annoy.' 17 MYAL CREEK. Though dreamy winds the Myal Creek Its murmurs seldom cease, A choicer spot is far to seek, Its woodland sounds and vistas speak Of loveliness and peace. The scene is fair as might befit A new born Paradise Where serpent's fang has never bit, Nor strife nor sorrow ever lit Nor any cruel device. But hark ! the tramp of horse's foot. The jar of voices rude That fright the mild marsupial brute, The curse and jesting that pollute The heavenly quietude. A gang across the rise appeared Forbidding, fierce to view ; Because the stock were scared and speared They came to make the blacks afeared. Their hands in blood to imbrue. See where the creek like gentle arm A pleasant knoll enfolds, There stands a hut in sunshine warm The natives ne'er attempt to harm. Which single watchman holds; 18 MYAL CREEK. A hut of slab, with bark for roof And loopholes for defence, Enough that it to spear was proof. And yet the blacks kept not aloof Nor yet were hunted thence. The shepherds led their flocks away, The stockmen ranged the run, Returning at the gloaming grey; Geordie remained alone by day, Most men his lot would shun. Alone so far as white men went. But natives tried and sure Made less the lonely dreariment, And came and went save one — content To bide his paramour. This day a clan has clustered here And pitched their simple camp, They move around without a fear Until that din doth start the ear — The shouts and horses' tramp The harmless creatures trustful stayed ; Alas ! why fled they not ? The riders with them wanton played And made the boldest hearts dismayed By outrage on them wrought. " The dark and devilish plot you plan I'll not be tangled in," Said Geordie, and he swore a ban " By God you leave the poor old man And touch you not this gin." MYAL CREEK. 19 Now stop your jaw or else be civil, The leader savage said, " Or in a trice my gun I level And send you shuddering to the devil, No stories tell the dead." In vain he cursed and begged them spare Old Bob threescore and ten, The gin alona they left him there, The other wives were doomed to share The tortures cf their men. The blacks were mustered — age unspared — They roped them round the neck, And dragged and drove them wondering, scared, The muskets barking if they dared Attempt to back or break. The horsemen forced their captives tied Two dreary miles away; The children by their mother's side Now toddled mute, now sobbed and cried — To mourning turned their play. They reached a gently^swelling mound Concealed in bushy glade, And there a fallen tree was found — Its branches scattered all around That famous firewood made. They halted and the muskets rang. The natives madly strained, But still the slaughtering shots went bang, Keverberated far their clang, The grass with blood was stained. 20 MYAL CREEK. The friendly Geordie heard the din. Surmised the shameful play, And though he recked but light of sin His ire was hot, he groaned within And swore he'd make them pay. The women wept and wailed, amazed. And hugged the bleeding men. But even at them the miscreants blazed ; They fled, but halting, helpless, dazed, To die crept back again. The piccaninnies all distraught Did hither and thither run. The sportsmen by the hair them caught They would not powder waste on naught So felied them with the gun. They mocked the victims as they bled. They mimicked shrieks and wails, And fiendish gloated o'er the dead And laughed and coarsely jesting said " The cinders tell no tales." They heaped the corpses on the wood. They lit the funerai pyre, The sweet air of the solitude With smoke and odour was imbued Unhallowed from that fire. And now the cowardly crime is done The murderers ride away, As jubilant at setting sun As soldiers who had victory won — As if 'twere sport to slay. MYAL CREEK. 21 And up to heaven as they retire There rolls the dreadful reek — Foul incense of the hellish fire That cries to God for vengeance dire From outraged Myal Creek. But ere a week had passed away Two travellers thither rode, And saw with horror and dismay The traces of that dreadful day — The ground with bones bestrowed. And soon the seven in crime combined Were haled to Sydney town ; By justice strong, by justice blind Were in the ppson cells confined — The captives of the crown. The squatters sought to save in vain, Their praise could not annul The tale that Geordie told so plain, The witness of the travellers twain And Bob's peculiar skull. Then Sydney saw an awful sight At early morning's chime, Seven culprits mount the gallows' height And hang in death (though they were white,) To expiate their crime. It THE STATION REVISITED A LAPSE of summers intervenes. And far my feet have wandered, Since last I gazed upon the scenes Where youthful hours were squandered. Again 1 view the bosky range That backs the station dwelling, And nearer, undisguised by change, The lesser ridges swelling. The bunya, whose colossal form Wai landmark ever vernal, Still rears its front and stands the storm As if it were eternal. The camp was there by troopers scared. The jaws of death were yawning. Nor age nor innocence was spared, It was a dreadful dawning. I see some cattle at the yard, I smell the scent of branding, And visions stirring fond regard Come to me where I'm standing, — The sweat, the dust, the shouts, the blare, The charging and the crushing ; The all-absorbed, unconscious air At once to memory rushing. THE STATION REVISITED. 28 Oh, we!! I know the lawny knoll With honeysuckles crested. Where Charlie wished his hoary poll Should at the last be rested. The fence about his narrow bed Is now or burnt or rotten ; The kine are sporting o'er his head. Whose memory is forgotten. This morning as I rambled round The old familiar places, Dismantled huts and folds 1 found. And wrack and ruin traces. Lagoons were sleeping in the sun, With lilies on their bosoms, And birds their revels held upon The branches and the blossoms. But ail the choicest land is reft From those who own the station ; The run with road and fence is cleft. To me like desecration. The loved romantic postal route, No use to try retracing ; Unless prepared to go on foot, Or do some steeple^chasing. Where shepherds gave the flocks their fling, And followed with their collies. And lusty beeves did stray and string, Or flee the stock'whip volleys, The station stock in paddocks browse The care of boundary riders; And fences check the milking cows Of settlers once outsiders. 24 THE STATION REVISITED. New homes are reared upon the creeks. New voices in them mingle, And cheerily the chimney reeks Though lonely be the dingle. But much that is beloved is marred By ruthless Time's abrasion, And Nature's virgin face is scarred By pestilent invasion. 1 would not grudge nor herds nor lands To venturesome newcomers, Nor houses once in other hands For half a hundred summers. But still 1 feel the jealous smart Of lover to a rival ; The pang when charms of youth depart That ne'er will know revival. i rode across the Moomba flat Where tribes of yore did battle, 1 saw but a marsupial rat, And quiet crawling cattle. Above me in the boughs I saw The parrot's plumage gleaming, I heard the noisy raven's caw, And cockatoo's shrill screaming. How changed from when the weird and wild Corroboree resounded, When warriors on the march defiled, And hunters lightly bounded. Then cooeys echoed through the glade. And lilting cheered the gunyahs, 'Where elders squatted, children played And women roasted bunvas. THE STATION REVISITED. 25 Of life primeval and intense Remains no vestige human, The civilizing influence Has wiped out man and woman. Like fallen leaves the tribe* was strewn By agencies inglorious, Insidiously the seed was sown. And vice came off victorious. The scrub is thriving on the fells, The wawoon's* fairy bower, The creeks are gliding down the dells Where wattles are in flower ; The cedar still adorns the range, The bracken decks the meadow, The sunshine here has little change, But oh ! my heart's in shadow. The charm of other days is flown, The friendship, the affection ; 1 feel deserted and alone Through loving retrospection. My heart's oppressed with vain regret, I care not long to linger Where such relentless marks are met Of Time's destroying finger. * IVawoon = the Scrub Turkey THE LAUGHING JACKASS The sun has only paled the sky And snowy mists the gullies fill. And not a leaf nor blade is dry. The air is clear and fresh and still ; In northern lands the lightsome lark To greet the dawning sings and soars. But here a jocund bawler roars. His merry-making music, hark i One clears his throat, krrr ka^ka^ka. Another answers, ku-ku-ku : United then, a merry crew, Ka-ka ka-ka, ka-ka ka-ka. Ku-ku ku-ku, ku-ku ku-ku, Ka-ku ka-ku ka-ku ka-ku. The sheep are rising in the fold, The dingo slinking to his 'air, The highest hills are tipped with gold. There's gentle motion in the air. And from the shepherd's roof of bark A wreath of smoke ascending see, And from a naked gnarly tree A burst of wildwood laughter mark. As sober these ka-guran* look, As sleepy, sluggish, sullen, staid. As if all gladness had forsook Their heavy form in brown arrayed. THE LAUGHING JACKASS. 27 One moment they are grave and stark. The next convulsed with loud guffaw, And clusters here and there, ha^ha, Enlivening all the Austral park. On smoky days, at drowsy noon, They drown the dull cicada whir, The sun retreats to that same tune Which was his early harbinger. When lowering clouds their load debark And let the blue peep through the rift. Their harsh but happy voice they lift And gladden like the radiant arc. I love to hear their laughter ring, I feel a partner in their glee, A comrade with them on the wing Through balmy Austral forest free. From all this world's corroding cark A respite glad their voice doth bring. Suggesting cause to laugh and sing When spirits droop and days are dark. * One of the native names for the Laughing Jackass ; it means literally beak-long. 28 TILPA (Based on Fact) There she stands — a damsel sable Perched upon the ridge and gable Of her guardian master's stable— And at distant hills she peers, Where the bluish smoke is drifting She is watching through the rifting Figures, dusky figures shifting, That revive the vanished years. And upon the zephyrs laden With the perfumes far conveyed in Austral balmy bush, the maiden Oid familiar voices hears. On the breezes rising, falling. Whispers tender, lusty bawling Tilpa ! Tilpa ! calling, calling, Waking hopes, suggesting fears. Down she clambered, off she darted, Slipping, slinking, anxious'hearted, And when daylight had departed, She approached the distant fires, Not the playmates of her childhood — Dryads of the Queensland wildwood— But the farmers burning piled wood She discerns and sad retires. TILPA. 29 Disappointed, and not daring To approach the bonfires flaring, To reveal her quest not caring, Fancy's phantoms she pursued, Northward, ever northward hasted, Seeking joys for long untasted. Over ranges buslvfire wasted, Through the scrub-land unsubdued. On the breezes rising, falling, Whispers tender, lusty bawling, Tilpa ! Tilpa ! calling, calling, Through the trackless forest wooed. Far from town and homestead hurrying, Over height and hollow scurrying, Swimming swollen creek unflurrying, Rarely sought she sleep or rest ; In her fancy's deep recesses Felt she kindred's sweet caresses, Scenes of verdant wildernesses Memory's glamour did invest. Kumour spread of native lassie Straying 'mid the gum trees massy. Wandering o'er the mountains grassy. Searchers soon were on her track ; And at last they found her lying Starved and footsore, wasted, dying, Uncomplaining, without crying, Radiance on her visage black. 3© TILPA. Gently borne, her vision waning, Speechless, hearing scarce remaining. But her failing senses straining To fulfil her deep desires ; She regards them rising, falling — Whispers tender, lusty bawling, Tilpa 1 Tilpa ! calling, calling — Murmuring " Coming home" expires. If the child comes glory- trailing. Might not she when life was failing Hear some heavenly voices hailing From the heights of Paradise, See the angels' pinions gleaming And the eternal rainbow beaming, Round the throne the glories streaming That the home-sick soul entide? THE CALL OF HOME ("The Argus," 24 6/11) About a year ago four adult aborigines were taken from Torrens Creek to the Barambah Mission Station. Three of them absconded, having only a tomahawk to procure food. Fearing recapture, they at first only travelled by night, hiding by day. They thus tramped 600 miles to their native place. Hopes are expressed that they will be allowed to remain there. 31 THE COMBAT Twas a lovely summer morning and the grass was bathed with dew And the green of every blade and leaf was washed a silvery blue, 1 was riding all alone and as 1 crossed a little hill A noisy discord broke upon the air till then so still. There was d:n of angry brawling and the thumps of heavy fists And a crowd of calm spectators watching the irri' promptu lists, The tallest of the company, two men of giant mould, Were belabouring one another or enlocked in crushing hold. Though a friend of peace and concord yet I watched the petty war, It was something fascinating to behold those fighters spar, No thought of fairness hampered in the wild, ignoble strife, They kicked and clawed atrociously as bent on taking life. 32 THE COMBAT. What a contrast to that morning with its air of Sabbath calm, Nothing short of sacrilegious were the sounds of wrath and harm. Passing strange that in Australia, in the most seclude retreat, There should rise the din of conflict, noise of victory and defeat. The beat of hoofs approaching filled the multitude with fright, And the combatants and backers scampered off in anxious flight. Had they been but aboriginals their brawl we might excuse, But those pugilistic natives were two old men kangaroos. 38 THE CHASE. While riding up the gully that comes from the Yabber scrub, When just about the base of that round hill they call the Knob, Upon the track where many a time we've seen the dingoes trot We spied a yellow-brindled dog, and after him we shot. He went apace, we stuck our spurs into our horses' flanks, And rushed with reckless haste along the thickly timbered banks. With foot secure our chargers sped, and with unerring eye Full many a treacherous stump and hole they bore us safely by. As close upon the fugitive, and closer still we pressed The wily hound with foxy tricks to foil us did his best. If once he leaped across the creek he did it times a score, The horses warming to the work gained on him more and more. Now rattling o'er a fallen tree, its crumbling branches crash, Now winding mazy thickets through, 'mid rustling boughs we dash, Fire flashes from the milky quartz to the ring of glittering feet Which fall upon the lawny flats with dull and heavy beat ; But tripping where the bed-rock hides 'neath shallow gravelly ground, Re-echoes to the livelier tread a hollow, booming sound. 34 THE CHASE. We splash through pools and bogging, toil through spongy flats and damp. Whir ! see the crowd of frighted ducks rise from the Wathom Swamp, Astounded groups of kangaroos start from their shady lair, Confused and terror- struck they dance, unheeded how or where. On Namboor Namboor waters 1 had rounded many a mob. But never had I spurt like that which started at the Knob. 'Twas hot work, 1 can tell you, for a tropic brightness gleamed. The sweat stood on our brow and from our steeds in currents streamed, A crimson patch upon each side the hard-pressed creatures bore, The clinking silver on our heels was grimed with sweat and gore, Along a woody sideling turned the tired and breathless dog, And for a moment dodged us springing o'er and o'er a log. Balked, baffled, hemmed about, and with the stockwhip sorely lashed. He down the steep, and after him we helter-skelter dashed ; Stones clattered, clouds of dust flew up, and tufts of grass were torn And centaur- like through crackling brake the man and horse were borne. An ugly place is this to pass, close crowd the crooked stems, THE CHASE. 35 The limb o'erhanging menaces, the clump our passage hems, We are within ten yards of him, resolved to tread him down, When back he doubles like a hare to gain the ridge's crown. Young Jack led on at furious bat upon the hard- mouthed grey. Which, though the rein was handled well, the bit would not obey ; Defiantly his head he shook, he tossed his muzzle high. His gaping mouth disdained the steel, and frannc was his eye, His twisted neck was stiff, he would not whoel but straight tore on, As well attempt to steer a ship with sail and rudder gone. A cry involuntary and a muffled, ominous thud, One hesitates to look, and feels a curdling in the Wood. Alas ! the beast has carried Jack below a leaning limb. Woe, woe the day that we must ride with Death, the huntsman grim. That stroke it was the senseless wood upon a human breast, Suspense doth check our breath and hush our > heart to rest. He's off! Yet no ! He's fallen flat the h >rses back along And slips beneath the branch which else him to the dust had flung. He rose up in his seat again, we hastened to his aid ; Pale though his cheek and bruised his chest, he splendid pluclj, displayed. 36 THE CHASE. '' Hit out, old boys, besides the shock I've only got a scratch, 1 want the dingo's tail — hit out, we must the vermin catch." We smiled and up the hill we turned, the exciting chase renewed, Revengeful was the speed with which the quarry was pursued ; The staggering trot was slackening, soon had we him at bay, A stirrup was the weapon that despatched the worth- less prey, Our meagre spoil — a yellow tail, with which we cantered back, A lasting trophy of that hunt, we handed it to Jack. He kept it for an ornament to grace his slab'Wai'ed room. Memento of that rapid run and the nearness of his doom. On Namboor Namboor waters I have rounded many a mob, But never had S spurt like that which started at the Knob. S7 THE CHINESE COOK. (Tune " Kitty Jones.") Twas in a western Queensland town (The name i must not tell) A gruesome chance a confident Grass widower befel. As keeper of the public pound A leading place he took, The fame was spread of dogs he bred And of his Chinese cook. His wife to rest from household cares Upon a visit went, So thereupon devolved on John Domestic management. Important in his power supreme He bakes and roasts and fries, Makes puddings sweet, but nought could beat His dainty flavoured pies. At length the mistress home returned Her spirits blithe and gay, And with her brought a friend who thought To have a holiday. The husband being glad at heart Most kindly did them greet, His face the while beamed with a smile Resolving them to treat. THE CHINESE COOK. Oft had his wife upbraided him For faulting food prepared. So " Now" thought he " I'll let her see How sumptuously I've fared." He bade the cook go make a pie Like those he used to eat. And asked him softly by the by " Have you sufficient meat ?" The Chinaman, though proud to hear His master's eulogy Upon his skill displayed so well fn pasty cookery, Had but one answer to return Which soon flew through the town. He shook his head and smiled and said " No puppy more sit down." The truth upon the master's mind Burst like a flash of light, He seized celestial's long pig' tail And dragged with all his might : And, when before the humpy door He raised his heavy foot, He then of course with all his force Gave John a last salute. Although to John had not been shown The cause of this disgrace. He sought no wage you may engage But left the hateful place. THE CHINESE COOK. 89 And to this day, as I've heard say. He's ne'er been known to ply His cooking trade nor has he made Another puppy pie. On entering the hut again The master had his share Of playful jest from wife and guest About his horrid fare, Of podgy pups and dainty pies The sight he cannot brook, And sore, they say, he rues the day He hired the Chinese cook. [The above was a ditty composd in my teens and sung in company in Queensland, in various places, three or four years before |. B. Stephens' first "Chinese Cook" was published in "The Australasian." The occasion of its composition was the appearance of a paragraph in a Brisbane newspaper giving an account of the event described in the song as having occurred at Sural in the west of Queensland, the victim being the local poundkeeper. Probably the same paragraph had inspired J B. Stephens" ballad. The literary coincidence possesses some interest, which is a reason for including my " Chinese Cook" in this volum«. I have made a few vsrbal changes. J.M.] 40 To My Wife on the 21st Anniversary of our Wedding-Day. With hearts in tune, your hand in mine, These one and twenty years We two have trod in cloud and shine This va!e misnamed of tears. Although so many years have fled, Although so long the way, Since you and I together wed It seems but yesterday. For God has given whate'er was meet In boons that came in showers ; And love has made our union sweet And duty filled the hours. And whatsoe'er the future brings We'll face without a fear. Experience that is coming springs From roots already here. The hand that led us still will lead And all our wants supply, And joy will be the lovers' meed Until the day we die. 41 THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE. Mount up, O man, with cautious tread. Make sure each foothold as you go. For though the light surrounds your head, In darkness failures sigh below. The rungs that lift a man to fame When trusted most may sudden fail. The patron's grace, the crowd's acclaim Are changeful as the fitful gale. The ebb succeeds the swelling tide, The greatest most decrease have borne, Let not your heart be puffed with pride, Success be ever lightly worn. Hold — ever ready to let go, Prepared to sit upon the dust, Contented to abandon show, In a.uietness to eat your crust. Do right for duty s sake, not praise, Fulfil a ministry of love. Rely on Him who righteous sways The universe, and look above. Then, if there fall the staggering blow And, will you nillyou, down you must. Displaced you triumph, for you know A secret peace, a scatheless trust. 42 THE POOL MIRROR. What time in muddy pool a patch of blue, Keflected from the dappled sky, we view, And think, the petty, foul and trampled place Can witness bear to clear, unfathomed space. Can lift our thoughts to splendid orbs on high. And to the Maker of the Earth and sky,— Ah then we can perceive, howe'er depraved The human heart, howe'er to sin enslaved. The mind howe'er untutored and impure. Ensconced in ignorance howe'er obscure. That mind doth still reflect its Maker's thought. That erring heart, by duty urged, untaught, Doth witness to the source from which are given The soul and conscience:— God in holy heaven. 43 LOVE AND DEATH. There came a rapping at the door And cries of " Open, let me in !" Love hugged more tightly than before Her darling, feeble, pale and thin. The bolts were forced, and Love beheld A stranger, one of royal mien, His aspect, cold and stern, repelled. No pity in his face was seen. " Go back 1" she cried, " and I will pay For ransom all I have of gold." Unmoved, he silent held his way. Implacable, relentless, bold. She seized his hands to force retreat , Her grasp, her tears, he both ignored. She sank in terror at his feet, And cried to Christ. " Have mercy. Lord She lifted up her tear'dimmed eye ; Upon his shoulder there was set The hand divine, and sweet and nigh The face of Heavenly Love was met. Despair gave way to peace of mind. She kissed her darling child once more ; Then, hopeful sad, she him resigned To God's dark angel, feared before. 44 AUTUMN LEAVES. The autumn leaves in golden beauty dying Are loosely clinging waiting their decay. The fitful gusts through withering leafage sighing With reckless touch sweep fluttering showers away. As down they whirl their rustling is like crying, Heart'piercing as a sound of human woe. It makes me sad to see them lifeless lying And trampled on. or tossing to and fro. The quivering yellow leaf me symbolizes, How little would release my earthly hold ! With every day there meet me new surprises That prove how quick the green gives way to gold. Cling tightly as I may, a blast uprises That neither love of life nor strength withstands, My grasp will loosen, vain are all disguises — But I shall fall into my Father's hands. .. LIMITATION. With powers unproved, unfailed, the world unknown. For youth the future holds a promise vast, Yea boundless, but before the noon is passed Conviction comes of barriers that are thrown Across whatever path we seek to tread. The world declines to answer at our call, The body only bears a burden small, The faculties refuse of hardest head. Some, balked in effort, sink into despair, Perchance abhor and end the bounded life, Forgetful that its scope has chances rife, (The bounds acknowledged), much to do and dare. He who accepts his narrow sphere content, Intensely living, finds not life misspent. 46 CHRISTMAS DAY. Of all the days that make the year The most renowned day Is that on which the Lord came here To house in human clay. The Lord divine His state exchanged, Became a little child, That men, by sin from God estranged, Might all be reconciled. The Father was not from the Son Disjoined by sterner mood, In love and pity both were one, Both infinitely good. So when the Son by humble birth Appeared with men to dwell, The Father also stooped to earth IN CHRIST, Immanue!. No wonder that the heavenly choir Their glory song d'd raise, Much marvel if we mortals tire Or fail in rendering praise. With songs we should not rest content, But deeds with hymns unite, That strife may cease and foes relent. And love o'ermaster spite. Like Christ we should most freely give Whate'er we can bestow, That men may holier, happier live And earth more heavenly grow. 47 A HAPPY NEW YEAR. We wish for a Happy New Year, But whence will the happiness spring ? It doth not at random appear, It is a most sensitive thing. When only pursued for itself Aii capture it surely eludes, Whereas the uncatchable elf Unsought'for upon us intrudes. It has no regard for a throne Or mansion with furniture rare. Preferring a rnDss^covered stone. A hut where the living is spare. The hands that are eager employed In tasks which the indolent shirk, Discover surprised, overjoyed, That happiness meets them at work. The minds that are occupied full Endeavouring to learn or to teach, Whom Nature provides with a school, Have happiness clo^e to their reach. The hearts that are honest and pure. From malice and jealousy free, For happiness act as a lure, With them itdelighteth to be. The ro'k who with freeness bestow, Will happiness round them create And back to their bosom will flow Reflected the coveted state. 48 SANS SOUCI. Beside St. Elmo fortress Upon a grassy mound Two boys absorbed were playing While seated on the ground. Their clothes were cheap and ragged. Their youthful feet were bare, But hardy were their bodies Their minds without a care. They laughed, they sang, they jested. At cards were eager players, As rich without a farthing As if the world were theirs. Beneath them and around them The bustling city stirred, They glanced not at its pageants Its sounds were all unheard. Quoth 1 " Lads can you tell me" (They turned on me their eyes) " What winds along the corso So slow and solemn^wise ?" " It is a funeral, Signor," The one politely said, The other kept on shuffling And dealt the cards and led. SANS SOUCI. 49 They then forgot my presence, Resumed their merry game, Twas sunset but they lingered Until the darkness came. 'Mid poverty and sickness, With funerals marching on, With toil as hard as slavery And warfare to be done, t They cared not for the morrow— Those healthy, happy boys, They lived but in the present, Therein they found their joys. To find pursuit congenial And fix attention there, This is a precious secret — An antidote to care. 50 TO A ROSE Grieve not sweet rose (if flowers can grieve) Because I cut thee from thy stem ; 'Tis not from lust to spoil, believe. For none would waste so fair a gem. Unfolding, thou dost freely shed Thy charms of hue and perfume blent, Admirers linger at thy bed And winged marauders haunt thy scent. More high by far the service thine — Transferred an invalid's room to grace— Thy musk and crimson will combine To cheer his heart and light his face. Thy blush will brighten languid eyes, Thy perfume will be medicine sweet, And happy memories will arise And hopefully the heart will beat. Thou'lt speak of gardens, bracing air, And sunny hours that come with Spring ; And help to banish wrinkling care. And ease the strain long trials bring. Thou'lt speak of sympathy and love And sacrifice for others' weal, And raise a thought to One above Who feels whate'er His children feel. Thou'lt not refuse to pay the price — Such duty must appeal to thee — That as a pleasing sacrifice Thy life and grace shall yielded be. 61 WATTLE BLOSSOM Welcome wattle blossom, Badge of early Spring ! Worn when days of August More of sunshine bring; Oft as we have seen you, Ever new you seem, And we feel fresh rapture At your golden gleam. Welcome wattle blossom With the milder air ; Hope to pallid faces, Smiling you declare ; Like the rainbow glowing As the storm departs. Brighter hours you herald. Gladdening youthful hearts. Welcome wattle blossom ! What delight to view Cyclists wheeling homeward, Decorate with you, When they gather eager Where you blow so free, While they pluck the flower May they spare the tree. 52 WATTLE BLOSSOM Welcome wattle blossom I With the sunny blooms We will deck our raiment And adorn our rooms. Pity ! that unfolding Hastens your decay. Sad ! that shedding perfume You should waste away. Welcome wattle blossom, Sweet, but fading fast ! Emblem of earth's pleasures, Culled and quickly past ! Lift our thoughts to heaven's Amaranthine bowers : — Joys that cannot pe-ish. Never-withering flowers. IS A PRAYER FOR PEACE When scorching gales do hast? And forest fires do waste. When creeks are rushing wild in flood by tempests chased. When dangers crowd and ills increase Oh give us strength and give us pe?.ce. When strong temptations woo Or trials dire pursue, When wrinkling care distresses us and grief loads too, From sin and care and tears release, Oh give us strength and give us peace. When fell disease o'ertakes, When us our strength forsakes, When earth recedes and death of us his booty makes, When heart's desires and friendships cease Be Thou, O God, our rest and peace. 64 A BLACKBIRD IN AUSTRALIA I Do : - . re | mi : so | mi : - 1 Hark the blackbird's lay ! Cheerily from the tree ripples the melody. | Do : - . re I mi : so I mi : - I Hark the blackbird's lay ! Thou silver'throated immigrant A stranger, yet not feeling strange, Thou singest in thy chosen haunt The old song in a world of change. There lurketh doubtless in that song Some traces of the northern life. Of friendship with the rustic throng. Of share in hardship, love and strife. Perchance in bracing clime afar Thy sires did thrili mine at the plough Or cheered them striding forth to war Or smoothed the lines upon their brow. The ancient pact let us restore. The past to me lives in thy song, The thoughts it stirred in days of yore Awake as stored in memory long. A BLACKBIRD IN AUSTRALIA. 55 Thou singest 'neath serener skies, I labour with reward more sure. The echoes of thy song up^rise In me and will with mine endure. With impulse high, with rapturous thought, A note like thine (response to thine) May those inspire who yet are not, Our influence thus shall intertwine. I Do : - . re | mi : so I mi : - 1 Hark the blackbird's lay ! Cheerily from the tree ripples the melody. I Do : - . re 1 mi : so I mi : - I Hark the blackbird's lay ! 56 DETACHMENT. We live too fast, like hunters in the chase We heedless rush, yet when the quarry's caught {If caught it be,) despite the killing pace, We ofttimes find its value next to naught. We lose our judgment with so little cause Discerning not the trivial bauble sought. How welcome for our minds and lives a pause— A little pause for quiet earnest thought. We fret too much and at the future quail And waste our strength by adding care to care. If we but knew one whit 'twould not avail, Such anxious brooding we would gladly spare. Our spirit-breaking worry brings no gains And hampers when we need to strive and dare. 'Twould save us many doubts and fears and pains— A little time for heart-refreshing prayer. We prize too high the profits and the joys We hope to win (or sorrow to have lost,) We covet, then despise and break our toys, The unattained and novel valued most. When disappointment gnaws, when doubts annoy, When prized possessions crumble into dust, The wise such discipline as means employ To world-aloofness and more Godward trust. 57 LOVE CREATES LOVE A mavis sang near my window In the closing days of Spring, I joyed to watch its rapture As it made the garden ring. And on through the months of Summer It cheered me with its lay, it seemed to know I was listening To the message it would convey. And this is the song it was singing When it bade me a last adieu, "You have given me a daily weicome And I've sung my best for you. There's not a living creature Among angels, beasts or men But yearns for love and can have it, If you love, you'll be loved again." 68 A NATIONAL HYMN O God, who dost their bounds ordain To nations as they rise and fall, We praise thee for our vast domain Not won by war— a spoil to call— But as a precious trust bestowed To hold and use for our abode. O Lord of lords Australia crown With freedom, peace, and fair renown, When danger threatens on our coast Be Thou the Captain of our Host. May hope and courage nerve our hearts For boldest task and noblest aim, May science nurse the peaceful arts And wisdom light the path to fame By godly fear may lives be pure And justice, mercy, truth endure. Oh bless the homesteads thinly strown And toilers brave on land and sea. Where'er our starry flag is flown May duty aye the watchword be. God save the King, our rulers guide, And prosper Britain's empire wide. 59 NIGHT AND SLEEP. What is night? Tisbut a shadow Starry deeps that doth reveal, Worlds disclosing which the sunlight Strangely serveth to conceal. What is death ? A shadow likewise. State — a fuller life to see. Hour of bursting fleshly fetters, Gate to depths of mystery. What is sleep ? A brief forgetting. Swift restorer of our strength, Prophecy of final slumber. That awaiteth all at length. What is death ? A vision closing. On the earth and scenes confined. After peace and brief reposing. Scenes ineffable to find. A PRAYER. What shall I pray for ? Pray that you may know The work that God has set you here below, That with the highest skill you can command You may perform all labour of your hand, That chances as they come you may discern, And how to seize and best employ them learn, That you may life esteem a priceless gift, Which sure, irrevocably slippeth swift, That you may always have a friend to love And his or her affection constant prove, That when at last you cast your memory back Fair flowers from seeds you've sown may strew your track, That when you fall asleep at setting sun The morn may bring a "Welcome" and "Well done.' THE RIGHT TO LIVE. Have I ihe rights a man should have Who^od ordaineth to be born ? Did God design me for a slave My hopes imprisoned in a grave Upon my natal morn ? Luxurious life I can disdain And every selfish, pampering art. But must my high reso'ves be slain. Must aspirations rise in vain As foreign to my heart ? To ease I would not dream aspire It saps the spirit, dulls the brain ; But toil productive I desire, And scope for faculty require And labour's righteous gain. I covet not the mansion grand. The miser's hoard or acres broad, 1 claim a birthright in the land — For work, a roof and bread at hand- Life pledges this from God. 62 FACING DEATH. There is an hour which God hath set When every life of days or years Worn to a flimsy, trembling thread, Shall shuddering feel the fatal shears. I too must lie upon my bed In helpless weakness and in pain, And face th' inevitable gate Which entered ne'er lets back again. They'll gaze in pity on my face Wrinkled and wan and wasted thin. Not all the wish of all earth's love Can keep the flickering soul-light in. I may be loth to leave life's work, To lose its joys my heart may weep. Not all the stir and hopes of earth Will rouse rne from that final sleep. I love the earth, it is no sin, For God has made it good and fair, To know its wealth I but begin, To see and lose, a mockery were. FACING DEATH 63 One glance upon the boundless realm Of knowledge, then eternal night ! To promise, only to deceive Would be like tantalizing spite. No ! I can trust instinctive hope, And trust th' eternal fount of love ; I trow that death brings boundless scope To love and learn in heaven above. I'll do the duty of (he hour And look at death without dismay, A momentary darkness dense, And then— the sheen of endless day. Printed by Ransom & Fairbank Brunswick, Melbourne UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY Los Angeles This book is DUE on the last date stamped below. 4)584 UCLA-Young Research Library PR9619.3 .M421b V L 009 563 500 9 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A A 001 418 819