Thegrassisratherscant，it’strue，Butthisafairexchangeis，ThesheepcanseealovelyviewByclimbinguptheranges。
　　AndShe—oakFlat’sthestation’sname，I’mnotsurprisedatthat，sirs：
　　TheoaksweretherebeforeIcame，AndIsuppliedtheflat，sirs。
　　Amanwouldwonderhowit’sdone，Thestocksosoondecreases——
　　TheysometimestumbleofftherunAndbreakthemselvestopieces。
　　I’vetriedtomakeexpensesmeet，Butwastedallmylabours，Thesheepthedingoesdidn’teatWerestolenbytheneighbours。
　　Theystolemypears——mynativepears——
　　Thosethrice—convictedfelons，AndravishedfrommeunawaresMycropofpaddy—melons。
　　Andsometimesundersunnyskies，Withoutanexplanation，TheMurrumbidgeeusedtoriseAndoverflowthestation。
　　Butthiswascaused（asnowIknow）
　　WhensummersunshineglowingHadmeltedallKiandra’ssnowAndsettherivergoing。
　　Andinthenews，perhapsyouread：
　　`Stockpassings。Puckawidgee，Fatcattle：SevenhundredheadSweptdowntheMurrumbidgee；
　　Theirdestination’squiteobscure，But，somehow，there’sanotion，Unlesstheriverfalls，they’resureToreachtheSouthernOcean。’
　　SoafterthatI’llgiveitbest；
　　NomorewithFateI’llbattle。
　　I’lllettherivertaketherest，Forthosewereallmycattle。
　　AndwithonecomprehensivecurseIclosemybriefnarration，Andadvertiseitinmyverse——
　　`ForSale!AMountainStation。’
　　BeenThereBeforeTherecameastrangertoWalgetttown，ToWalgetttownwhenthesunwaslow，Andhecarriedathirstthatwasworthacrown，Yethowtoquenchithedidnotknow；
　　Buthethoughthemighttakethoseyokelsdown，TheguilelessyokelsofWalgetttown。
　　Theymadehimabetinaprivatebar，Inaprivatebarwhenthetalkwashigh，AndtheybethimsomepoundsnomatterhowfarHecouldpeltastone，yethecouldnotshyAstonerightovertheriversobrown，TheDarlingriveratWalgetttown。
　　HeknewthattheriverfrombanktobankWasfiftyyards，andhesmiledasmileAshetrundleddown，buthishopestheysankFortherewasn’tastonewithinfiftymile；
　　ForthesaltbushplainandtheopendownProducenoquarriesinWalgetttown。
　　Theyokelslaughedathishopeso’erthrown，Andhestoodawhilelikeamaninadream；
　　Thenoutofhispockethefetchedastone，Andpelteditoverthesilentstream——
　　Hehadbeentherebefore：hehadwandereddownOnapreviousvisittoWalgetttown。
　　TheManWhoWasAwayThewidowsoughtthelawyer’sroomwithchildrenthreeintow，Shetoldthelawyermanhertaleintonesofdeepestwoe。
　　Saidshe，`Myhusbandtooktodrinkforpainsinhisinside，Andneverdrewasoberbreathfromthenuntilhedied。
　　`Heneverdrewasoberbreath，hediedwithoutawill，AndImustsellthebitoflandthechilder’smouthstofill。
　　There’ssomeisgrownandgoneaway，butsomeischilderyet，Andtimesisverybadindeed——alivin’shardtoget。
　　`There’sMinandSisandlittleChris，theystopsathomewithme，AndSalhasmarriedGreenhideBillthatbreaksforBingeree。
　　AndFredisdrovin’Conroy’ssheepalongtheCastlereagh，AndCharley’sshearin’downtheBland，andPeterisaway。’
　　Thelawyerwrotethedetailsdownininkoflegalblue——
　　`There’sMinnie，Susan，Christopher，theystopathomewithyou；
　　There’sSarah，Frederick，andCharles，I’llwritetothemto—day，Butwhatabouttheotherone——theonewhoisaway？
　　`You’llhavetofurnishhisconsenttosellthebitofland。’
　　Thewidowshuffledinherseat，`Oh，don’tyouunderstand？
　　Ithoughtalawyeroughttoknow——Idon’tknowwhattosay——
　　You’llhavetodowithouthim，boss，forPeterisaway。’
　　Butherethelittleboyspokeup——saidhe，`Wethoughtyouknew；
　　He’sdonesixmonthsinGoulburngaol——he’sgotsixmoretodo。’
　　Thusinonecomprehensiveflashhemadeitclearasday，ThemysteryofPeter’slife——themanwhowasaway。
　　TheManfromIronbarkItwasthemanfromIronbarkwhostrucktheSydneytown，Hewanderedoverstreetandpark，hewanderedupanddown。
　　Heloiteredhere，heloiteredthere，tillhewasliketodrop，Untilatlastinsheerdespairhesoughtabarber’sshop。
　　`’Ere!shavemybeardandwhiskersoff，I’llbeamanofmark，I’llgoanddotheSydneytoffuphomeinIronbark。’
　　Thebarbermanwassmallandflash，asbarbersmostlyare，Heworeastrike—your—fancysash，hesmokedahugecigar：
　　Hewasahumoristofnoteandkeenatrepartee，Helaidtheoddsandkepta`tote’，whateverthatmaybe，Andwhenhesawourfriendarrive，hewhispered`Here’salark!
　　Justwatchmecatchhimallalive，thismanfromIronbark。’
　　Thereweresomegildedyouthsthatsatalongthebarber’swall，Theireyesweredull，theirheadswereflat，theyhadnobrainsatall；
　　Tothemthebarberpassedthewink，hisdextereyelidshut，`I’llmakethisbloomin’yokelthinkhisbloomin’throatiscut。’
　　Andashesoapedandrubbeditinhemadearuderemark：
　　`Is’posetheflatsisprettygreenupthereinIronbark。’
　　Agruntwasallreplyhegot；heshavedthebushman’schin，Thenmadethewaterboilinghotanddippedtherazorin。
　　Heraisedhishand，hisbrowgrewblack，hepausedawhiletogloat，Thenslashedthered—hotrazor—backacrosshisvictim’sthroat；
　　Uponthenewlyshavenskinitmadealividmark——
　　Nodoubtitfairlytookhimin——themanfromIronbark。
　　Hefetchedawildup—countryyellmightwakethedeadtohear，Andthoughhisthroat，heknewfullwell，wascutfromeartoear，Hestruggledgamelytohisfeet，andfacedthemurd’rousfoe：
　　`You’vedoneforme!youdog，I’mbeat!onehitbeforeIgo!
　　IonlywishIhadaknife，youblessedmurderingshark!
　　Butyou’llrememberallyourlife，themanfromIronbark。’
　　Helifteduphishairypaw，withonetremendouscloutHelandedonthebarber’sjaw，andknockedthebarberout。
　　Hesettoworkwithtoothandnail，hemadetheplaceawreck；
　　Hegrabbedthenearestgildedyouth，andtriedtobreakhisneck。
　　Andallthewhilehisthroatheheldtosavehisvitalspark，And`Murder!BloodyMurder!’yelledthemanfromIronbark。
　　Apeelermanwhoheardthedincameintoseetheshow；
　　Hetriedtorunthebushmanin，butherefusedtogo。
　　Andwhenatlastthebarberspoke，andsaid，`’Twasallinfun——
　　’Twasjustalittleharmlessjoke，atrifleoverdone。’
　　`Ajoke!’hecried，`ByGeorge，that’sfine；alivelysortoflark；
　　I’dliketocatchthatmurderingswinesomenightinIronbark。’
　　Andnowwhileroundtheshearingfloorthelist’ningshearersgape，Hetellsthestoryo’erando’er，andbragsofhisescape。
　　`Thembarberchapswhatkeepsatote，ByGeorge，I’vehadenough，Onetriedtocutmybloomin’throat，butthanktheLordit’stough。’
　　Andwhetherhe’sbelievedorno，there’sonethingtoremark，ThatflowingbeardsareallthegowayupinIronbark。
　　TheOpenSteeplechaseIhadriddenoverhurdlesupthecountryonceortwice，BythesideofSnowyRiverwithahorsetheycalled`TheAce’。
　　AndwebroughthimdowntoSydney，andourriderJimmyRice，Gotafallandbrokehisshoulder，sotheynabbedmeinatrice——
　　Me，thatneverworethecolours，fortheOpenSteeplechase。
　　`Maketherunning，’saidthetrainer，`it’syouronlychancewhatever，Makeithotfromstarttofinish，fortheoldblackhorsecanstay，Andjustthinkofhowthey’lltakeit，whentheyhearonSnowyRiverThatthecountryboywasplucky，andthecountryhorsewasclever。
　　YoumustrideforoldMonaroandthemountainboysto—day。’
　　`Areyouready？’saidthestarter，asweheldthehorsesback，Allablazingwithimpatience，withexcitementallaglow；
　　Beforeuslikearibbonstretchedthesteeplechasingtrack，Andthesun—raysglistenedbrightlyonthechestnutandtheblackAsthestarter’swordscameslowly，`Are——you——ready？Go!’
　　Well，Iscarcelyknewwe’dstarted，Iwasstupid—likewithwonderTillthefieldclosedupbesidemeandajumpappearedahead。
　　Andweflewitlikeahurdle，notabaulkandnotablunder，Aswechargeditalltogether，anditfairlywhistledunder，Andthensomewerepulledbehindmeandafewshotoutandled。
　　Soweranforhalfthedistance，andI’mmakingnopretencesWhenItellyouIwasfeelingverynervous—likeandqueer，Forthosejockeysrodelikedemons；
　　youwouldthinkthey’dlosttheirsensesIfyousawthemrushtheirhorsesatthoseraspingfivefootfences——
　　AndinplaceofmakingrunningIwasfallingtotherear。
　　Tillachapcameracingpastmeonahorsetheycalled`TheQuiver’，Andsaidhe，`Mycountryjoker，areyougoingtogiveitbest？
　　Areyoufrightenedofthefences？doestheirstoutnessmakeyoushiver？
　　HavetheycometobreedingcowardsbythesideofSnowyRiver？
　　ArethereridersonMonaro？————’butIneverheardtherest。
　　ForIdrovetheAceandsenthimjustasfastashecouldpaceit，Atthebigblacklineoftimberstretchingfairacrossthetrack，AndheshotbesidetheQuiver。`Now，’saidI，`myboy，we’llraceit。
　　YoucancomewithSnowyRiverifyou’reonlygametofaceit，Letusmendthepacealittleandwe’llseewhocriesacrack。’
　　Soweracedawaytogether，andwelefttheothersstanding，Andthepeoplecheeredandshoutedaswesettleddowntoride，AndweclungbesidetheQuiver。AthistakingoffandlandingIcouldseehisscarletnostrilandhismightyribsexpanding，AndtheAcestretchedoutinearnestandweheldhimstrideforstride。
　　Butthepacewassoterrificthattheysoonranouttheirtether——
　　Theywererollingintheirgallop，theywerefairlyblownandbeat——
　　Buttheybothweregameaspebbles——neitheronewouldshowthefeather。
　　Andwerushedthematthefences，andtheyclearedthembothtogether，Nearlyeverytimetheyclouted，buttheysomehowkepttheirfeet。
　　Thenthelastjumprosebeforeus，andtheyfaceditgameasever——
　　Wewerebothatspurandwhipcord，fetchingbloodateverybound——
　　Andabovethepeople’scheeringandthecriesof`Ace’and`Quiver’，Icouldhearthetrainershouting，`OnemorerunforSnowyRiver。’
　　Thenwestruckthejumptogetherandcamesmashingtotheground。
　　Well，theQuiverrantoblazes，buttheAcestoodstillandwaited，StoodandwaitedlikeastatuewhileIscrambledonhisback。
　　Therewasnoonenextornearmeforthefieldwasfairlyslated，SoIcanteredhomeawinnerwithmyshoulderdislocated，WhilethemanthatrodetheQuiverfollowedlimpingdownthetrack。
　　AndheshookmyhandandtoldmethatinallhisdaysheneverMetamanwhorodemoregamely，andourlastsettowasprime，AndwewiredthemonMonarohowwechancedtobeattheQuiver。
　　Andtheysentusbackananswer，`GoodoldsortfromSnowyRiver：
　　Senduswordeachraceyoustartinandwe’llbackyoueverytime。’
　　TheAmateurRiderHIMgoingtorideforus!HIM——
　　withthepantsandtheeyeglassandall。
　　Amateur!don’thejustlookit——it’stwentytooneonafall。
　　BossmustbegoneoffhisheadtobesendingoursteeplechasecrackOutoverfenceslikethesewithanobjectlikethatonhisback。
　　Ride!Don’ttellMEhecanride。
　　Withhispantsjustaslooseasballoons，Howcanhesitonhishorse？andhisspurslikeapairofharpoons；
　　OughttobeundertheDogAct，heought，andbekeptoffthecourse。
　　Fall!why，he’dfalloffacart，letaloneoffasteeplechasehorse……
　　Yessir!the’orseisallready——Iwishyou’dhaverodehimbefore；
　　Nothinglikeknowingyour’orse，sir，andthischap’saterrortobore；
　　Battleaxealwayscouldpull，andherusheshisfenceslikefun——
　　Standsoffhisjumptwentyfeet，andthenspringslikeashotfromagun。
　　Oh，hecanjump’emallright，sir，youmakenomistake，’e’satoff；
　　Clouts’eminearnest，too，sometimes，youmindthathedon’tcloutyouoff——
　　Don’tseemtomindhowhehits’em，hisshinsisashardasanail，Sometimesyou’llseethefenceshakeandthesplintersflyupfromtherail。
　　Allyoucandoistoholdhimandjustlethimjumpashelikes，Givehimhisheadatthefences，andhangonlikedeathifhestrikes；
　　Don’tlethimrunhimselfout——youcanliethirdorfourthintherace——
　　Untilyouclearthestonewall，andfromthatyoucanputonthepace。
　　Fellatthatwallonce，hedid，anditgavehimaregularspread，Eversincethattimehefliesit——he’llstopifyoupullathishead，Justlethimrace——youcantrusthim——
　　he’lltakefirst—classcarehedon’tfall，AndIthinkthat’sthelot——butremember，HEMUSTHAVEHISHEADATTHEWALL……
　　Well，he’sdownsafeasfarasthestart，andheseemstositonprettyneat，Onlyhisbaggifiedbreecheswouldruinateanyone’sseat——
　　They’reaway——heretheycome——thefirstfence，andhe’sheadoverheelsforacrown!
　　Goodforthenewchum，he’sover，andtwooftheothersaredown!
　　Nowforthetreble，myhearty——ByJove，hecanride，afterall；
　　Whoop，that’syoursort——lethimflythem!
　　Hehasn’tmuchfearofafall。
　　Whointheworldwouldhavethoughtit？Andaren’ttheyjustgoingapace？
　　LittleRecruitintheleadtherewillmakeitastoutly—runrace。
　　Lord!Butthey’reracinginearnest——anddowngoesRecruitonhishead，Rollingcleanoverhisboy——it’samiracleifheain’tdead。
　　Battleaxe，Battleaxe，yet!BytheLord，he’sgotmostof’embeat——
　　Ho!didyouseehowhestruck，andtheswellnevermovedinhisseat？
　　Secondtimeround，and，byJingo!he’sholdinghisleadof’emwell；
　　Harktohimcloutingthetimber!Itdon’tseemtotroubletheswell。
　　Nowforthewall——lethimrushit。Athirty—footleap，Ideclare——
　　Neverashiftinhisseat，andhe’sracingforhomelikeahare。
　　What’sthatthat’schasinghim——Rataplan——regulardemontostay!
　　Sitdownandrideforyourlifenow!
　　Oh，good，that’sthestyle——comeaway!
　　Rataplan’scertaintobeatyou，unlessyoucangivehimtheslip；
　　Sitdownandrubinthewhalebonenow——givehimthespursandthewhip!
　　Battleaxe，Battleaxe，yet——andit’sBattleaxewinsforacrown；
　　Lookathimrushingthefences，hewantstobringt’otherchapdown。
　　Rataplanneverwillcatchhimifonlyhekeepsonhispins；
　　Now!thelastfence!andhe’soverit!Battleaxe，Battleaxewins!……
　　Well，sir，yourodehimjustperfect——
　　Iknewfromthefirstyoucouldride。
　　Someofthechapssaidyoucouldn’t，an’Isaysjustlikethisa’oneside：
　　Markme，Isays，that’satradesman——thesaddleiswherehewasbred。
　　Weight!you’reallright，sir，andthankyou；
　　andthemwasthewordsthatIsaid。
　　OnKiley’sRunTherovingbreezescomeandgoOnKiley’sRun，Thesleepyrivermurmurslow，AndfarawayonedimlyseesBeyondthestretchofforesttrees——
　　Beyondthefoothillsduskanddun——
　　TherangessleepinginthesunOnKiley’sRun。
　　’TismanyyearssincefirstIcameToKiley’sRun，MoreyearsthanIwouldcaretonameSinceI，astripling，usedtorideFormilesandmilesatKiley’sside，ThewhileinstirringtoneshetoldThestoriesofthedaysofoldOnKiley’sRun。
　　IseetheoldbushhomesteadnowOnKiley’sRun，JustnestleddownbeneaththebrowOfonesmallridgeabovethesweepOfriver—flat，wherewillowsweepAndjasmineflowersandrosesbloom，TheairwasladenwithperfumeOnKiley’sRun。
　　WelivedthegoodoldstationlifeOnKiley’sRun，Withlittlethoughtofcareorstrife。
　　OldKileyseldomusedtoroam，HelikedtomaketheRunhishome，TheswagmanneverturnedawayWithemptyhandatcloseofdayFromKiley’sRun。
　　WekeptaracehorsenowandthenOnKiley’sRun，Andneighb’ringstationsbroughttheirmenTomeetingswherethesportwasfree，AnddaintyladiescametoseeTheirchampionsride；withlaughandsongTheoldhouserangthewholenightlongOnKiley’sRun。
　　ThestationhandswerefriendsIwotOnKiley’sRun，Areckless，merry—heartedlot——
　　Allsplendidriders，andtheyknewThe`boss’waskindnessthroughandthrough。
　　OldKileyalwaysstoodtheirfriend，AndsotheyservedhimtotheendOnKiley’sRun。
　　ButdroughtsandlossescameapaceToKiley’sRun，Tillruinstaredhimintheface；
　　Hetoiledandtoiledwhilelivedthelight，Hedreamedofoverdraftsatnight：
　　Atlength，becausehecouldnotpay，HisbankerstookthestockawayFromKiley’sRun。
　　OldKileystoodandsawthemgoFromKiley’sRun。
　　Thewell—bredcattlemarchingslow；
　　Hisstockmen，matesformanyaday，Theywrunghishandandwentaway。
　　Toooldtomakeanotherstart，OldKileydied——ofbrokenheart，OnKiley’sRun……
　　TheownerlivesinEnglandnowOfKiley’sRun。
　　Heknowsaracehorsefromacow；
　　Butthatisallheknowsofstock：
　　HischiefestcareishowtodockExpenses，andhesendsfromtownTocuttheshearers’wagesdownOnKiley’sRun。
　　TherearenoneighboursanywhereNearKiley’sRun。
　　Thehospitablehomesarebare，Thegardensgone；fornopretenceMusthindercuttingdownexpense：
　　ThehomesteadthatweheldsodearContainsahalf—paidoverseerOnKiley’sRun。
　　AlllifeandsportandhopehavediedOnKiley’sRun。
　　Nolongertherethestockmenride；
　　Forsour—facedboundaryriderscreepOnmongrelhorsesaftersheep，Throughrangeswhere，atracingspeed，OldKileyusedto`wheelthelead’
　　OnKiley’sRun。
　　ThererunsalaneforthirtymilesThroughKiley’sRun。
　　Oneithersidetheherbagesmiles，Butwretchedtrav’llingsheepmustpassWithoutadrinkorbladeofgrassThro’thatlonglaneofdeathandshame：
　　ThewearydroverscursethenameOfKiley’sRun。
　　ThenameitselfischangedoflateOfKiley’sRun。
　　Theycallit`ChandosParkEstate’。
　　ThelonelyswagmanthroughthedarkMusthumphisswagpastChandosPark。
　　ThenameisEnglish，don’tyousee，TheoldnamesweetersoundstomeOf`Kiley’sRun’。
　　IcannotguesswhatfatewillbringToKiley’sRun——
　　Forchancescomeandchangesring——
　　Iscarcelythink’twillalwaysbeLockeduptosuitanabsentee；
　　AndifheletsitoutinfarmsHistenantssoonwillcarryarmsOnKiley’sRun。
　　FryingPan’sTheologyScene：OnMonaro。
　　DRAMATISPERSONAE：
　　Shock—headedblackfellow，Boy（onapony）。
　　SnowflakesarefallingSogentleandslow，Youngstersays，`FryingPan，Whatmakesitsnow？’
　　FryingPanconfidentMakesthereply——
　　`Shake’embigflourbagUpinthesky!’
　　`What!whenthere’smilesofit!
　　Sur’lythat’sbrag。
　　WhoistherestrongenoughShakesuchabag？’
　　`Whatparsontellin’you，OleMisterDodd，TellyouinSunday—school？
　　BigfellerGod!
　　HedriveHisbullockdray，Thenthundergo，HeshakeHisflourbag——
　　Tumbledownsnow!’
　　TheTwoDevinesItwasshearing—timeattheMyallLake，Andthererosethesoundthro’thelivelongdayOftheconstantclashthattheshear—bladesmakeWhenthefastestshearersaremakingplay，Buttherewasn’tamanintheshearers’linesThatcouldshearasheepwiththetwoDevines。
　　Theyhadrungtheshedsoftheeastandwest，HadbeatenthecracksoftheWalgettside，AndtheCoomashearershadgiv’nthembest——
　　Whentheysawthemshear，theyweresatisfied。
　　FromthesouthernslopestothewesternpinesTheywerenotedmen，werethetwoDevines。
　　’Twasawetherflockthathadcometohand，Greatstrugglingbrutes，thattheshearersshirk，Forthefleecewasfilledwiththegrassandsand，Andseventysheepwasabigday’swork。
　　`Atapoundahundredit’sdashedhardlinesToshearsuchsheep，’saidthetwoDevines。
　　Buttheshearersknewthatthey’dmakeachequeWhentheycametodealwiththestationewes；
　　TheywerebareofbellyandbareofneckWithafleeceaslightasakangaroo’s。
　　`Wewillshowthebosshowashear—bladeshinesWhenwereachthoseewes，’saidthetwoDevines。
　　ButitchancednextdaywhenthestuntedpinesWereswayedandstirredwiththedawn—wind’sbreath，ThatamessagecameforthetwoDevinesThattheirfatherlayatthepointofdeath。
　　SoawayatspeedthroughthewhisperingpinesDownthebridletrackrodethetwoDevines。
　　Itwasfiftymilestotheirfather’shut，Andthedawnwasbrightwhentheyrodeaway；
　　AtthefallofnightwhentheshedwasshutAndthemenhadrestfromthetoilsomeday，Totheshedoncemorethroughthedark’ningpinesOntheirwearysteedscamethetwoDevines。
　　`Well，you’rebackrightsudden，’thesuper。said；
　　`Istheoldmandeadandthefuneraldone？’
　　`Well，no，sir，heain’tnotexactlydead，Butasgoodasdead，’saidtheeldestson——
　　`Andwecouldn’tbearsuchachancetolose，Sowecamestraightbacktotackletheewes。’……
　　TheyareshearingewesattheMyallLake，AndtheshedismerrythelivelongdayWiththeclashingsoundthattheshear—bladesmakeWhenthefastestshearersaremakingplay，Andacoupleof`hundredandninety—nines’
　　ArethetalliesmadebythetwoDevines。
　　IntheDrovingDays`Onlyapound，’saidtheauctioneer，`Onlyapound；andI’mstandinghereSellingthisanimal，gainorloss。
　　Onlyapoundforthedrover’shorse；
　　Oneofthesortthatwasneverafraid，OneoftheboysoftheOldBrigade；
　　Thoroughlyhonestandgame，I’llswear，Onlyalittletheworseforwear；
　　Plentyasbadtobeseenintown，GivemeabidandI’llknockhimdown；
　　Soldashestands，andwithoutrecourse，Givemeabidforthedrover’shorse。’
　　LoiteringthereinanaimlesswaySomehowInoticedthepooroldgrey，Wearyandbatteredandscrewed，ofcourse，YetwhenInoticedtheoldgreyhorse，Theroughbushsaddle，andsinglereinOfthebridlelaidonhistangledmane，StraightwaythecrowdandtheauctioneerSeemedonasuddentodisappear，Meltedawayinakindofhaze，Formyheartwentbacktothedrovingdays。
　　Backtotheroad，andIcrossedagainOverthemilesofthesaltbushplain——
　　TheshiningplainthatissaidtobeThedried—upbedofaninlandsea，WheretheairsodryandsoclearandbrightRefractsthesunwithawondrouslight，AndoutinthedimhorizonmakesThedeepbluegleamofthephantomlakes。
　　AtdawnofdaywewouldfeelthebreezeThatstirredtheboughsofthesleepingtrees，AndbroughtabreathofthefragrancerareThatcomesandgoesinthatscentedair；
　　ForthetreesandgrassandtheshrubscontainAdrysweetscentonthesaltbushplain。
　　Forthosethatloveitandunderstand，Thesaltbushplainisawonderland。
　　Awondrouscountry，whereNature’swaysWererevealedtomeinthedrovingdays。
　　Wesawthefleetwildhorsespass，AndthekangaroosthroughtheMitchellgrass，TheemuranwithherfrightenedbroodAllunmolestedandunpursued。
　　ButthereroseashoutandawildhubbubWhenthedingoracedforhisnativescrub，AndhepaidrightdearforhisstolenmealsWiththedrover’sdogsathiswretchedheels。
　　Forweranhimdownatarattlingpace，Whilethepackhorsejoinedinthestirringchase。
　　Andawildhallooatthekillwe’draise——
　　Wewerelightofheartinthedrovingdays。
　　’Twasadrover’shorse，andmyhandagainMadeamovetocloseonafanciedrein。
　　ForIfelttheswingandtheeasystrideOfthegrandoldhorsethatIusedtorideIndroughtorplenty，ingoodorill，Thatsameoldsteedwasmycomradestill；
　　TheoldgreyhorsewithhishonestwaysWasamatetomeinthedrovingdays。
　　Whenwekeptourwatchinthecoldanddamp，Ifthecattlebrokefromthesleepingcamp，Overtheflatsandacrosstheplain，Withmyheadbentdownonhiswavingmane，ThroughtheboughsaboveandthestumpsbelowOnthedarkestnightIcouldlethimgoAtaracingspeed；hewouldchoosehiscourse，Andmylifewassafewiththeoldgreyhorse。
　　Butmanandhorsehadafavouritejob，Whenanoutlawbrokefromastationmob，Witharightgoodwillwasthestockwhipplied，Astheoldhorseracedatthestraggler’sside，Andthegreenhidewhipsuchawealwouldraise，Wecouldusethewhipinthedrovingdays……
　　`Onlyapound!’andwasthistheend——
　　Onlyapoundforthedrover’sfriend。
　　Thedrover’sfriendthathadseenhisday，Andnowwasworthless，andcastawayWithabrokenkneeandabrokenheartTobefloggedandstarvedinahawker’scart。
　　Well，ImadeabidforasenseofshameAndthememoriesdearofthegoodoldgame。
　　`Thankyou？Guinea!andcheapatthat!
　　Againstyouthereinthecurlyhat!
　　Onlyaguinea，andonemorechance，Downhegoesifthere’snoadvance，Third，andthelasttime，one!two!three!’
　　Andtheoldgreyhorsewasknockeddowntome。
　　Andnowhe’swandering，fatandsleek，OnthelucerneflatsbytheHomesteadCreek；
　　Idarenotridehimforfearhe’dfall，Buthedoesajourneytobeatthemall，Forthoughhescarcelyatrotcanraise，Hecantakemebacktothedrovingdays。
　　Lost`Heoughttobehome，’saidtheoldman，`withoutthere’ssomethingamiss。
　　HeonlywenttotheTwo—mile——heoughttobebackbythis。
　　HeWOULDridetheRecklessfilly，heWOULDhavehiswilfulway；
　　And，here，he’snotbackatsundown——andwhatwillhismothersay？
　　`Hewasalwayshismother’sidol，sinceeverhisfatherdied；
　　Andthereisn’tahorseonthestationthatheisn’tgametoride。
　　ButthatRecklessmareisvicious，andifonceshegetsawayHehasn’tgotstrengthtoholdher——andwhatwillhismothersay？’
　　Theoldmanwalkedtothesliprail，andpeeredupthedark’ningtrack，Andlookedandlongedfortheriderthatwouldnevermorecomeback；
　　Andthemothercameandclutchedhim，withsudden，spasmodicfright：
　　`WhathasbecomeofmyWillie？——whyisn’thehometo—night？’
　　Awayinthegloomyranges，atthefootofanironbark，Thebonnie，winsomeladdiewaslyingstiffandstark；
　　FortheRecklessmarehadsmashedhimagainstaleaninglimb，Andhiscomelyfacewasbattered，andhismerryeyesweredim。
　　Andthethoroughbredchestnutfilly，thesaddlebeneathherflanks，Wasawaylikefirethroughtherangestojointhewildmob’sranks；
　　Andabroken—heartedwomanandanoldmanwornandgreyWeresearchingallnightintherangestillthesunrisebroughttheday。
　　Andthemotherkeptfeeblycalling，withahopethatwouldnotdie，`Willie!whereareyou，Willie？’Buthowcanthedeadreply；
　　Andhopediedoutwiththedaylight，andthedarknessbroughtdespair，Godpitythestrickenmother，andanswerthewidow’sprayer!
　　Thoughfarandwidetheysoughthim，theyfoundnotwherehefell；
　　Fortherangesheldhimprecious，andguardedtheirtreasurewell。
　　Thewattlebloomsabovehim，andthebluebellsblowcloseby，Andthebrownbeesbuzzthesecret，andthewildbirdssingreply。
　　Butthemotherpinedandfaded，andcried，andtooknorest，Androdeeachdaytotherangesonherhopeless，wearyquest。
　　Seekingherlovedoneever，shefadedandpinedaway，Butwithstrengthofhergreataffectionshestillsoughteveryday。
　　`IknowthatsoonerorlaterIshallfindmyboy，’shesaid。
　　Butshecamenothomeoneevening，andtheyfoundherlyingdead，Andstampedonthepoorpalefeatures，asthespirithomewardpass’d，Wasanangelsmileofgladness——shehadfoundtheboyatlast。
　　OvertheRangeLittlebushmaiden，wondering—eyed，Playingaloneinthecreek—beddry，InthesmallgreenflatoneverysideWalledinbytheMoonbirangeshigh；
　　Tellusthetaleofyourlonelylife，’Midthegreatgreyforeststhatknownochange。
　　`Ineverhaveleftmyhome，’shesaid，`IhaveneverbeenovertheMoonbiRange。
　　`Fatherandmotherarebothlongdead，AndIlivewithgrannyinyonweeplace。’
　　`Whereareyourfatherandmother？’wesaid。
　　Shepuzzledawhilewiththoughtfulface，Thenalightcameintotheshybrowneye，Andshesmiled，forshethoughtthequestionstrangeOnathingsocertain——`WhenpeopledieTheygotothecountryovertherange。’
　　`Andwhatisthiscountrylike，mylass？’
　　`Thereareblossomingtreesandprettyflowers，AndshiningcreekswherethegoldengrassIsfreshandsweetfromthesummershowers。
　　Theyneverneedwork，norwant，norweep；
　　Notroublescancometheirheartstoestrange。
　　SomesummernightIshallfallasleep，Andwakeinthecountryovertherange。’
　　Child，youarewiseinyoursimpletrust，ForthewisestmanknowsnomorethanyouAshestoashes，anddusttodust：
　　Ourviewsbyarangeareboundedtoo；
　　ButweknowthatGodhaththisgiftinstore，Thatwhenwecometothefinalchange，WeshallmeetwithourlovedonesgonebeforeTothebeautifulcountryovertherange。
　　OnlyaJockey`RichardBennison，ajockey，aged14，whileridingWilliamTellinhistraining，wasthrownandkilled。Thehorseisluckilyuninjured。’
　　——MelbourneWire。
　　Outinthegreycheerlesschillofthemorninglight，Outonthetrackwherethenightshadesstilllurk；
　　Erethefirstgleamofthesungod’sreturninglight，Roundcometherace—horsesearlyatwork。
　　Reefingandpullingandracingsoreadily，Closesitthejockey—boysholdingthemhard，`Steadythestallionthere——canterhimsteadily，Don’tlethimgallopsomuchasayard。’
　　Fiercelyhefightswhiletheothersrunwideofhim，Reefsatthebitthatwouldholdhiminthrall，Plungesandbuckstilltheboythat’sastrideofhimGoestothegroundwithaterriblefall。
　　`Stophimthere!Blockhimthere!Drivehimincarefully，Leadhimabouttillhe’squietandcool。
　　Soundasabell!thoughhe’sblownhimselffearfully，Nowletuspickupthispoorlittlefool。
　　`Stunned？Oh，byJove，I’mafraidit’sacasewithhim；
　　Rideforthedoctor!keepbathinghishead!
　　Sendforacarttogodowntoourplacewithhim’——
　　Nouse!Onelongsighandthelittlechap’sdead。
　　Onlyajockey—boy，foul—mouthedandbadyousee，Ignorant，heathenish，gonetohisrest。
　　ParsonorPresbyter，Pharisee，Sadducee，Whatdidyoudoforhim？——badwasthebest。
　　Negroesandforeigners，allhaveaclaimonyou；
　　Yearlyyousendyourwell—advertisedhoard，Butthepoorjockey—boy——shameonyou，shameonyou，`Feedye，mylittleones’——whatsaidtheLord？
　　Himyeheldlessthantheouterbarbarian，Lefthimtodieinhisignorantsin；
　　Haveyounoprinciples，humanitarian？
　　Haveyounoprecept——`gogatherthemin？’……
　　KnewheGod’sname？Inhisbrutalprofanity，Thatnamewasanoath——outofmanybutone——
　　WhatdidhegetfromourfamedChristianity？
　　Wherehashissoul——ifhehadany——gone？
　　Fourteenyearsold，andwhatwashetaughtofit？
　　WhatdidheknowofGod’sinfinitegrace？
　　Drawthedarkcurtainofshameo’erthethoughtofit，Drawtheshroudoverthejockey—boy’sface。
　　HowM’GinnisWentMissingLetusceaseouridlechatter，Letthetearsbedewourcheek，ForamanfromTallangattaHasbeenmissingforaweek。
　　WheretheroaringfloodedMurrayCoveredallthelowerland，Therehestartedinahurry，Withabottleinhishand。
　　Andhisfateishidforever，ButthepublicseemtothinkThatheslumberedbytheriver，’Neaththeinfluenceofdrink。
　　AndtheyscarcelyseemtowonderThattheriver，wideanddeep，Neverwokehimwithitsthunder，Neverstirredhiminhissleep。
　　Asthecrashinglogscamesweeping，Andtheirtumultfilledtheair，ThenM’Ginnismurmured，sleeping，`’TisawakeinouldKildare。’
　　SotheriverroseandfoundhimSleepingsoftlybythestream，AndthecruelwatersdrownedhimErehewakenedfromhisdream。
　　Andtheblossom—tuftedwattle，Bloomingbrightlyonthelea，SawM’GinnisandthebottleGoingdriftingouttosea。
　　AVoicefromtheTownAsequelto[MowbrayMorris’s]`AVoicefromtheBush’
　　Ithought，inthedaysofthedroving，OfstepsImighthopetoretrace，TobedonewiththebushandtherovingAndsettleoncemoreinmyplace。
　　Withaheartthatwaswellnightobreaking，Inthelong，lonelyridesontheplain，IthoughtofthepleasureoftakingThehandofaladyagain。
　　Iambackintocivilisation，Oncemoreinthestirandthestrife，Buttheoldjoyshavelosttheirsensation——
　　Thelighthasgoneoutofmylife；
　　Themenofmytimetheyhavemarried，Madefortunesorgonetothewall；
　　ToolongfromthesceneIhavetarried，And，somehow，I’moutofitall。
　　ForIgototheballsandtheracesAlonelycompanionlesself，AndtheladiesbestowalltheirgracesOnotherslessgreythanmyself；
　　WhilethetalkgoesaroundI’madumbone’Midstyoungstersthatchatterandprate，Andtheycallme`theManwhowasSomeoneWaybackintheyearSixty—eight。’
　　AndIlook，sourandold，atthedancersThatswingtothestrainsoftheband，AndtheladiesallgivemetheLancers，Nowaltzes——Iquiteunderstand。
　　FormatronsintentuponmatchingTheirdaughterswithinfinitepush，Wouldscarcethinkhimworthythecatching，Thebroken—downmanfromthebush。
　　Newpartnershavecomeandnewfaces，AndI，ofthebygonebrigade，Sharplyfeelthatoblivionmyplaceis——
　　Imustliewiththerestintheshade。
　　Andtheyoungsters，fresh—featuredandpleasant，Theyliveaswelived——fairlyfast；
　　ButIdoubtifthemenofthepresentAreasgoodasthemenofthepast。
　　Ofexcitementandpraisetheyarechary，Thereisnothingmuchgooduponearth；
　　TheirwatchwordisNILADMIRARI，Theyareboredfromthedaysoftheirbirth。
　　WherethelifethatweledwasarevelThey`winceandrelentandrefrain’——
　　Icouldshowthemtheroad——tothedevil，WereIonlyayoungsteragain。
　　IcouldshowthemtheroadwherethestumpsareThepleasuresthatendinremorse，AndthegamewheretheDevil’sthreetrumpsare，Thewoman，thecard，andthehorse。
　　Shalltheblindleadtheblind——shallthesowerOfwindreapthestormasofyore？
　　Thoughtheygettotheirgoalsomewhatslower，Theymarchwherewehurriedbefore。
　　Fortheworldneverlearns——justaswedid，Theygallantlygototheirfate，Unheededallwarnings，unheededThemaximsofelderssedate。
　　Asthehusbandman，patientlytoiling，Drawsaharvesteachyearfromthesoil，Sothefoolsgrowafreshforthespoiling，Andanewcropofthievesforthespoil。
　　Butatrucetothisdullmoralising，Letthemdrinkwhilethedropsareofgold，Ihavetastedthedregs——’tweresurprisingWerethenewwinetomeliketheold；
　　AndIwearyforlackofemploymentInidlenessdayafterday，ForthekeytothedoorofenjoymentIsYouth——andI’vethrownitaway。
　　ABunchofRosesRosesruddyandroseswhite，Whatarethejoysthatmyheartdiscloses？
　　SittingaloneinthefadinglightMemoriescometomehereto—nightWiththewonderfulscentofthebigredroses。
　　MemoriescomeasthedaylightfadesDownonthehearthwherethefirelightdozes；
　　Flickerandflutterthelightsandshades，AndIseethefaceofaqueenofmaidsWhosememorycomeswiththescentofroses。
　　Visionsariseofasceneofmirth，Andaball—roombellethatsuperblyposes——
　　Aqueenlywomanofqueenlyworth，AndIamthehappiestmanonearthWithasingleflowerfromabunchofroses。
　　Onlyhermemorylivesto—night——
　　GodinHiswisdomheryounglifecloses；
　　Overhergravemaytheturfbelight，Coverhercoffinwithroseswhite——
　　Shewasalwaysfondofthebigwhiteroses……
　　Sucharethevisionsthatfadeaway——
　　ManproposesandGoddisposes；
　　LookintheglassandIseeto—dayOnlyanoldman，wornandgrey，Bendinghisheadtoabunchofroses。
　　BlackSwansAsIlieatrestonapatchofcloverIntheWesternParkwhenthedayisdone，IwatchasthewildblackswansflyoverWiththeirphalanxturnedtothesinkingsun；
　　AndIheartheclangoftheirleadercryingToalaggingmateintherearwardflying，Andtheyfadeawayinthedarknessdying，Wherethestarsaremusteringonebyone。
　　Oh!yewildblackswans，’twereaworldofwonderForawhiletojoininyourwestwardflight，Withthestarsaboveandthedimearthunder，Throughthecoolingairofthegloriousnight。
　　Aswesweptalongonourpinionswinging，Weshouldcatchthechimeofachurch—bellringing，Orthedistantnoteofatorrentsinging，Orthefar—offflashofastationlight。
　　Fromthenorthernlakeswiththereedsandrushes，Wherethehillsareclothedwithapurplehaze，Wherethebell—birdschimeandthesongsofthrushesMakemusicsweetinthejunglemaze，Theywillholdtheircoursetothewestwardever，Tilltheyreachthebanksoftheoldgreyriver，Wherethewaterswash，andthereed—bedsquiverIntheburningheatofthesummerdays。
　　Oh!yestrangewildbirds，willyebearagreetingTothefolkthatliveinthatwesternland？
　　Thenforeverysweepofyourpinionsbeating，Yeshallbearawishtothesunburntband，TothestalwartmenwhoarestoutlyfightingWiththeheatanddroughtandthedust—stormsmiting，Yetwhoselifesomehowhasastrangeinviting，Whenoncetotheworktheyhaveputtheirhand。
　　Facingityet!Oh，myfriendstout—hearted，Whatdoesitmatterforrainorshine，Forthehopesdeferredandthegaindeparted？
　　Nothingcouldconquerthatheartofthine。
　　AndthyhealthandstrengtharebeyondconfessingAstheonlyjoysthatareworthpossessing。
　　MaythedaystocomebeasrichinblessingAsthedayswespentintheauldlangsyne。
　　Iwouldfaingobacktotheoldgreyriver，Totheoldbushdayswhenourheartswerelight，But，alas!thosedaystheyhavefledforever，Theyareliketheswansthathavesweptfromsight。
　　AndIknowfullwellthatthestrangers’facesWouldmeetusnowinourdearestplaces；
　　ForourdayisdeadandhasleftnotracesButthethoughtsthatliveinmymindto—night。
　　Therearefolklongdead，andourheartswouldsicken——
　　Wewouldgrieveforthemwithabitterpain，Ifthepastcouldliveandthedeadcouldquicken，Wethenmightturntothatlifeagain。
　　Butonlonelynightswewouldhearthemcalling，Weshouldheartheirstepsonthepathwaysfalling，WeshouldloathethelifewithahateappallingInourlonelyridesbytheridgeandplain……
　　Inthesilentparkisascentofclover，Andthedistantroarofthetownisdead，AndIhearoncemoreastheswansflyoverTheirfar—offclamourfromoverhead。
　　Theyareflyingwest，bytheirinstinctguided，Andformanlikewiseishisfatedecided，AndgriefsapportionedandjoysdividedByamightypowerwithapurposedread。
　　TheAllRight’UnHecamefrom`furtherout’，ThatlandofheatanddroughtAnddustandgravel。
　　Hegotatouchofsun，AndrestedattherunUntilhiscurewasdone，Andhecouldtravel。
　　Whenspringhaddeckedtheplain，HeflittedoffagainAsflittheswallows。
　　Andfromthatwesternland，Whenmanymonthswerespanned，Alettercametohand，Whichreadasfollows：
　　`Dearsir，ItakemypenInhopesthatallyourmenAndyouarehearty。
　　YouthinkthatI’veforgotYourkindness，Mr。Scott，Oh，no，dearsir，I’mnotThatsortofparty。
　　`Yousometimesbet，Iknow，Well，nowyou’llhaveashowThe`books’tofrighten。
　　UphereatWingadeeYoungBillyFifeandmeWe’retrainingStrife，andheIsaallright’un。
　　`Justnowwe’rerunningbyes，But，sir，firsttimehetriesI’llsendyouwordof。
　　Andrunning`onthecrook’
　　Theirmeasureswehavetook，ItisthedeadesthookYoueverheardof。
　　`Sowhenweletshimgo，Why，then，I’llletyouknow，AndyoucanhaveashowToputamiteon。
　　Now，sir，myleaveI’lltake，Yourstruly，WilliamBlake。
　　P。S。——Makenomistake，HE’SAALLRIGHT’UN。’……
　　Bynextweek’sRIVERINE
　　IsawmyfriendhadbeenAbittoocunning。
　　Iread：`TheracehorseStrifeAndjockeyWilliamFifeDisqualifiedforlife——
　　Suspiciousrunning。’
　　Butthoughtheyspoilthisgame，IreckonallthesameIfairlyoughttoclaimMyfriendawhite’un。
　　Forthoughhewasn’tstraight，HisdeedswouldindicateHisheartatanyrateWas`aallright’un’。
　　TheBossofthe`AdmiralLynch’
　　DidyoueverheartellofChili？Iwasreadin’theotherdayOfPresidentBalmacedaandofhowhewassentaway。
　　Itseemsthathedidn’tsuit’em——theythoughtthatthey’dlikeachange，Sotheystartedaninsurrectionandchasedhimacrosstherange。
　　Theyseemedtoberestlesspeople——and，judgingbywhatyouhear，Theyraiseuptheserevolutions’bouttwoorthreetimesayear；
　　Andthemanthatgoesoutofoffice，hegoesfortheboundaryQUICK，Forthereisn’tnovotebyballot——it’sbulletsthatdoesthetrick。
　　Anditain’tlikearealbattle，wheretheprisoners’livesarespared，Andtheyfighttillthere’sonesidebeatenandthenthere’satrucedeclared，AndthemanthathasgotthelickinggoesdownlikeabloominglordTohandinhisresignationandgiveuphisbloomingsword，Andtheothermanbowsandtakesit，andeverything’sallpolite——
　　Thiswasn’tthatkindofapicnic，thiswasn’tthatsortofafight。
　　Forthepris’nerstheytook——theyshot’em；
　　nooddsweretheysmallorgreat，Ifthey’dcollaredoldBalmaceda，theyreckonedtoshoothimstraight。
　　Alotofbloodthirstydevilstheywere——butthereain’tadoubtTheymusthavebeenrealplucked’uns——thewaythattheyfoughtitout，Andthekingof’emall，Ireckon，themanthatcouldstandapinch，Wasthebossofaone—horsegunboat。Theycalledherthe`AdmiralLynch’。
　　Well，hewasforBalmaceda，andafterthewarwasdone，AndBalmacedawasbeatenandhistroopshadbeenforcedtorun，Theothermanfetchedhisarmyandproceededtodothingsbrown，Hemarched’emintothefortressandtookcommandofthetown。
　　Cannonandgunsandhorsestroopin’alongtheroad，Rumblin’overthebridges，andneverafoemanshowedTilltheycameinsightoftheharbour，andtheveryfirstthingtheyseeWasthismiteofaone—horsegunboata—lyingagainstthequay，Andthereastheywatchedtheynoticedaflutterofcrimsonrag，AndundertheireyeshehoistedoldBalmaceda’sflag。
　　Well，Itellyouitfairlyknocked’em——itjusttookawaytheirbreath，Forhemustha’knowniftheycaughthim，’twasnothin’butsuddendeath。
　　An’he’dgotnofireinhisfurnace，nochancetoputouttosea，Sohestoodbyhisgunandwaitedwithhisvesselagainstthequay。
　　Well，theysenthimacivilmessagetosaythatthewarwasdone，Andmostofhissidewerecorpses，andallthatwerelefthadrun；
　　Andbloodhadbeenspiltsufficient，sotheygavehimachancetodecideIfhe’dhauldownhisbitofbuntingandcomeonthewinningside。
　　Helistenedandheardtheirmessage，andansweredthemallpolite，ThathewasaSpanishhidalgo，andthemenofhisraceMUSTfight!
　　Agunboatagainstanarmy，andwithneverachancetorun，Andthemwiththeirhundredcannonandhimwithasinglegun：
　　Theoddswereatrifleheavy——buthewasn’tthesorttoflinch，Soheopenedfireonthearmy，didthebossofthe`AdmiralLynch’。
　　Theypoundedhisboattopieces，theysilencedhissinglegun，Andcapturedthewholeconsignment，fornoneof’emcaredtorun；
　　Anditdon’tsaywhethertheyshothim——itdon’tevengivehisname——
　　ButwhatevertheydidI’llwagerthathewenttohisgraveyardgame。
　　Itellyouthoseoldhidalgossostatelyandsopolite，TheyturnouttherealMaginniswhenitcomestoanuphillfight。
　　TherewasGeneralAlcantara，whodiedintheheaviestbrunt，AndGeneralAlzerecawaskilledinthebattle’sfront；
　　Butthekingof’emall，Ireckon——themanthatcouldstandapinch——
　　Wasthemanwhoattackedthearmywiththegunboat`AdmiralLynch’。
　　ABushman’sSongI’mtravellin’downtheCastlereagh，andI’mastationhand，I’mhandywiththeropin’pole，I’mhandywiththebrand，AndIcanridearowdycolt，orswingtheaxeallday，Butthere’snodemandforastation—handalongtheCastlereagh。
　　Soit’sshift，boys，shift，forthereisn’ttheslightestdoubtThatwe’vegottomakeashifttothestationsfurtherout，Withthepack—horserunnin’after，forhefollowslikeadog，Wemuststrikeacrossthecountryattheoldjig—jog。
　　ThisoldblackhorseI’mriding——ifyou’llnoticewhat’shisbrand，HewearsthecrookedR，yousee——nonebetterintheland。
　　Hetakesalotofbeatin’，andtheotherdaywetried，Forabitofajoke，witharacingbloke，fortwentypoundsaside。
　　Itwasshift，boys，shift，fortherewasn’ttheslightestdoubtThatIhadtomakehimshift，forthemoneywasnearlyout；
　　Buthecanteredhomeawinner，withtheotheroneattheflog——
　　He’sared—hotsorttopickupwithhisoldjig—jog。
　　Iaskedacoveforshearin’oncealongtheMarthaguy：
　　`Weshearnon—unionhere，’sayshe。`Icallitscab，’saysI。
　　Ilookedalongtheshearin’floorbeforeIturnedtogo——
　　TherewereeightortendashedChinamena—shearin’inarow。
　　Itwasshift，boys，shift，fortherewasn’ttheslightestdoubtItwastimetomakeashiftwiththeleprosyabout。
　　SoIsaddledupmyhorses，andIwhistledtomydog，AndIlefthisscabbystationattheoldjig—jog。
　　IwenttoIllawarra，wheremybrother’sgotafarm，Hehastoaskhislandlord’sleavebeforeheliftshisarm；
　　Thelandlordownsthecountryside——man，woman，dog，andcat，Theyhaven’tthecheektodaretospeakwithouttheytouchtheirhat。
　　Itwasshift，boys，shift，fortherewasn’ttheslightestdoubtTheirlittlelandlordgodandIwouldsoonhavefallenout；
　　WasItotouchmyhattohim？——wasIhisbloomin’dog？
　　SoImakesforupthecountryattheoldjig—jog。
　　Butit’stimethatIwasmovin’，I’veamightywaytogoTillIdrinkartesianwaterfromathousandfeetbelow；
　　TillImeettheoverlanderswiththecattlecomin’down，AndI’llworkawhiletillImakeapile，thenhaveaspreeintown。
　　So，it’sshift，boys，shift，forthereisn’ttheslightestdoubtWe’vegottomakeashifttothestationsfurtherout；
　　Thepack—horserunsbehindus，forhefollowslikeadog，Andwecrossalotofcountryattheoldjig—jog。
　　HowGilbertDiedThere’sneverastoneatthesleeper’shead，There’sneverafencebeside，AndthewanderingstockonthegravemaytreadUnnoticedandundenied，ButthesmallestchildontheWatershedCantellyouhowGilbertdied。
　　Forherodeatdusk，withhiscomradeDunnTothehutattheStockman’sFord，InthewaninglightofthesinkingsunTheypeeredwithafierceaccord。
　　Theywereoutlawsboth——andoneachman’sheadWasathousandpoundsreward。
　　Theyhadtakentollofthecountryround，AndthetrooperscamebehindWithablackthattrackedlikeahumanhoundInthescrubandtherangesblind：
　　Hecouldrunthetrailwhereawhiteman’seyeNosignofatrackcouldfind。
　　HehadhuntedthemoutoftheOneTreeHillAndovertheOldManPlain，Buttheywheeledtheirtrackswithawildbeast’sskill，Andtheymadefortherangeagain。
　　Thenawaytothehutwheretheirgrandsiredwelt，Theyrodewithaloosenedrein。
　　Andtheirgrandsiregavethemagreetingbold：
　　`Comeinandrestinpeace，Nosaferplacedoesthecountryhold——
　　Withthenightpursuitmustcease，Andwe’lldrinksuccesstotherovingboys，Andtohellwiththeblackpolice。’
　　Buttheywenttodeathwhentheyenteredthere，InthehutattheStockman’sFord，Fortheirgrandsire’swordswereasfalseasfair——
　　Theyweredoomedtothehangman’scord。
　　HehadsoldthembothtotheblackpoliceForthesakeofthebigreward。
　　InthedepthofnightthereareformsthatglideAsstealthyasserpentscreep，AndaroundthehutwheretheoutlawshideTheyplantintheshadowsdeep，AndtheywaittillthefirstfaintflushofdawnShallwakentheirpreyfromsleep。
　　ButGilbertwakeswhilethenightisdark——
　　Arestlesssleeper，aye，Hehasheardthesoundofasheep—dog’sbark，Andhishorse’swarningneigh，Andhesaystohismate，`Therearehawksabroad，Andit’stimethatwewentaway。’
　　Theirriflesstoodatthestretcherhead，Theirbridleslaytohand，Theywakenedtheoldmanoutofhisbed，Whentheyheardthesharpcommand：
　　`InthenameoftheQueenlaydownyourarms，Now，DunnandGilbert，stand!’
　　ThenGilbertreachedforhisrifletrueThatcloseathishandhekept，Hepointeditstraightatthevoiceanddrew，Butneveraflashoutleapt，Forthewaterranfromtheriflebreech——
　　Itwasdrenchedwhiletheoutlawsslept。