Thenhedroppedthepiecewithabitteroath，AndheturnedtohiscomradeDunn：
　　`Wearesold，’hesaid，`wearedeadmenboth，Buttheremaybeachanceforone；
　　I’llstopandI’llfightwiththepistolhere，Youtaketoyourheelsandrun。’
　　SoDunncreptoutonhishandsandkneesInthedim，half—dawninglight，Andhemadehiswaytoapatchoftrees，Andvanishedamongthenight，Andthetrackershuntedhistracksallday，Buttheynevercouldtracehisflight。
　　ButGilbertwalkedfromtheopendoorInaconfidentstyleandrash；
　　Heheardathissidetheriflesroar，Andheheardthebulletscrash。
　　Buthelaughedasheliftedhispistol—hand，Andhefiredattherifleflash。
　　ThenoutoftheshadowsthetroopersaimedAthisvoiceandthepistolsound，Withtherifleflashesthedarknessflamed，Hestaggeredandspunaround，AndtheyriddledhisbodywithrifleballsAsitlayontheblood—soakedground。
　　There’sneverastoneatthesleeper’shead，There’sneverafencebeside，AndthewanderingstockonthegravemaytreadUnnoticedandundenied，ButthesmallestchildontheWatershedCantellyouhowGilbertdied。
　　TheFlyingGangIservedmytime，inthedaysgoneby，Intherailway’sclashandclang，AndIworkedmywaytotheend，andI
　　Wastheheadofthe`FlyingGang’。
　　`TwasachosenbandthatwaskeptathandIncaseofanurgentneed，Wasitsouthornorthwewerestartedforth，Andawayatourutmostspeed。
　　Ifwordreachedtownthatabridgewasdown，Theimperioussummonsrang——
　　`Comeoutwiththepilotenginesharp，Andawaywiththeflyinggang。’
　　ThenapiercingscreamandarushofsteamAstheenginemovedahead，WithameasuredbeatbytheslumandstreetOfthebusytownwefled，Bytheuplandsbrightandthehomesteadswhite，Withtherushofthewesterngale，AndthepilotswayedwiththepacewemadeAssherockedontheringingrail。
　　AndthecountrychildrenclappedtheirhandsAstheengine’sechoesrang，Buttheirelderssaid：`ThereisworkaheadWhentheysendfortheflyinggang。’
　　ThenacrossthemilesofthesaltbushplainThatgleamedwiththemorningdew，WherethegrasseswavedliketheripeninggrainThepilotengineflew，AfieryrushintheopenbushWherethegrademarksseemedtofly，Andtheorderspedonthewiresahead，ThepilotMUSTgoby。
　　TheGovernor’sspecialmuststandaside，Andthefastexpressgohang，LetyourordersbethatthelineisfreeFortheboysoftheflyinggang。
　　ShearingatCastlereaghThebellisseta—ringing，andtheenginegivesatoot，There’sfiveandthirtyshearershereareshearingfortheloot，Sostiryourselves，youpenners—up，andshovethesheepalong，Themusterersarefetchingthemahundredthousandstrong，Andmakeyourcolliedogsspeakup——whatwouldthebuyerssayInLondonifthewoolwaslatethisyearfromCastlereagh？
　　Themanthat`rung’theTubboshedisnottheringerhere，ThatstriplingfromtheCoomasidecanteachhimhowtoshear。
　　Theytrimawaytheraggedlocks，andripthecuttergoes，Andleavesatrackofsnowyfleecefrombriskettothenose；
　　It’slovelyhowtheypeelitoffwithneverstopnorstay，They’reracingfortheringer’splacethisyearatCastlereagh。
　　Themanthatkeepsthecutterssharpisgrowlinginhiscage，He’salwaysinahurryandhe’salwaysinarage——
　　`Youclumsy—fistedmutton—heads，you’dturnafellowsick，Youpassyourselvesasshearers，youwereborntoswingapick。
　　Anotherbrokencutterhere，that’stwoyou’vebroketo—day，It’sawfulhowsuchcrawlerscometoshearatCastlereagh。’
　　Theyoungsterspickingupthefleeceenjoythemerrydin，Theythrowtheclasserupthefleece，hethrowsittothebin；
　　Thepressersstandingbytherackarewaitingforthewool，There’sroomforjustacouplemore，thepressisnearlyfull；
　　Nowjumpuponthelever，lads，andheaveandheaveaway，Anotherbaleofgoldenfleeceisbranded`Castlereagh’。
　　TheWind’sMessageTherecameawhisperdowntheBlandbetweenthedawnanddark，Abovethetossingofthepines，abovetheriver’sflow；
　　Itstirredtheboughsofgiantgumsandstalwartironbark；
　　Itdriftedwherethewildducksplayedamidtheswampsbelow；
　　Itbroughtabreathofmountainairfromoffthehillsofpine，Ascentofeucalyptustreesinhoney—ladenbloom；
　　Anddrifting，driftingfarawayalongthesouthernlineItcaughtfromleafandgrassandfernasubtlestrangeperfume。
　　Itreachedthetoilingcityfolk，butfewtherewerethatheard——
　　Therattleoftheirbusylifehadchokedthewhisperdown；
　　Andsomebutcaughtafresh—blownbreezewithscentofpinethatstirredAthoughtofbluehillsfarawaybeyondthesmokytown；
　　Andothersheardthewhisperpass，butcouldnotunderstandThemagicofthebreeze’sbreaththatsettheirheartsaglow，NorhowtherovingwindcouldbringacrosstheOverlandAsoundofvoicessilentnowandsongsoflongago。
　　Butsomethatheardthewhisperclearwerefilledwithvagueunrest；
　　Thebreezehadbroughtitsmessagehome，theycouldnotfixedabide；
　　Theirfancieswanderedallthedaytowardsthebluehills’breast，Towardsthesunnyslopesthatliealongtheriverside，Themightyrollingwesternplainsareveryfairtosee，Wherewavingtothepassingbreezethesilvermyallsstand，Butfairerarethegianthills，allruggedthoughtheybe，FromwhichthetwogreatriversrisethatrunalongtheBland。
　　Oh!rockyrangeandruggedspurandriverrunningclear，Thatswingsaroundthesuddenbendswithswirlofsnow—whitefoam，Thoughwe，yoursons，arefaraway，wesometimesseemtohearThemessagethatthebreezesbringtocallthewanderershome。
　　Themountainpeaksarewhitewithsnowthatfeedsathousandrills，Alongtheriverbanksthemaizegrowstallonvirginland，Andweshalllivetoseeoncemorethosesunnysouthernhills，AndstrikeoncemorethebridletrackthatleadsalongtheBland。
　　Johnson’sAntidoteDownalongtheSnakebiteRiver，wheretheoverlanderscamp，Wheretheserpentsareinmillions，allofthemostdeadlystamp；
　　Wherethestation—cookinterror，nearlyeverytimehebakes，Mixesupamongthedoughboyshalf—a—dozenpoison—snakes：
　　Wherethewilyfree—selectorwalksinarmour—platedpants，Anddefiesthestingsofscorpions，andthebitesofbull—dogants：
　　Wheretheadderandtheviperteareachotherbythethroat，ThereitwasthatWilliamJohnsonsoughthissnake—biteantidote。
　　Johnsonwasafree—selector，andhisbrainwentratherqueer，Fortheconstantsightofserpentsfilledhimwithadeadlyfear；
　　Sohetrampedhisfree—selection，morning，afternoon，andnight，Seekingforsomegreatspecificthatwouldcuretheserpent’sbite。
　　TillKingBilly，oftheMooki，chieftainoftheflour—baghead，Toldhim，`Spos’nsnakebitepfeller，pfellermostlydropdowndead；
　　Spos’nsnakebiteoldgoanna，thenyouwatchawhileyousee，Oldgoannacurehimselfwitheatinglittlepfellertree。’
　　`That’sthecure，’saidWilliamJohnson，`pointmeoutthisplantsublime，’
　　ButKingBilly，feelinglazy，saidhe’dgoanothertime。
　　ThusitcametopassthatJohnson，havinggotthetalebyrote，Followedeverystraygoanna，seekingfortheantidote……
　　Loafingoncebesidetheriver，whilehethoughthisheartwouldbreak，Therehesawabiggoannafightingwithatiger—snake，Inandouttheyrolledandwriggled，biteachother，heartandsoul，Tillthevaliantoldgoannaswallowedhisopponentwhole。
　　Breathless，Johnsonsatandwatchedhim，sawhimstruggleupthebank，Sawhimnibblingatthebranchesofsomebushes，greenandrank；
　　Sawhim，happyandcontented，lickhislips，asoffhecrept，Whilethebulginginhisstomachshowedwherehisopponentslept。
　　ThenacheerofexultationburstaloudfromJohnson’sthroat；
　　`Luckatlast，’saidhe，`I’vestruckit!’tisthefamousantidote。’
　　`Hereitis，theGrandElixir，greatestblessingeverknown，TwentythousandmeninIndiadieeachyearofsnakesalone。
　　Thinkofalltheforeignnations，negro，chow，andblackamoor，Savedfromsuddenexpiration，bymywondroussnakebitecure。
　　Itwillbringmefameandfortune!Inthehappydaystobe，Menofeveryclimeandnationwillberoundtogazeonme——
　　Scientificmeninthousands，menofmarkandmenofnote，RushingdowntheMookiRiver，afterJohnson’santidote。
　　ItwillcureDeliriumTremens，whenthepatient’seyeballsstareAtimaginaryspiders，snakeswhichreallyarenotthere。
　　Whenhethinksheseesthemwriggle，whenhethinksheseesthembloat，ItwillcurehimjusttothinkofJohnson’sSnakebiteAntidote。’
　　Thenherushedtothemuseum，foundascientificman——
　　`Trotmeoutadeadlyserpent，justthedeadliestyoucan；
　　Iintendtolethimbiteme，alltheriskIwillendure，Justtoprovethesterlingvalueofmywondroussnakebitecure。
　　Eventhoughanadderbitme，backtolifeagainI’dfloat；
　　Snakesareoutofdate，Itellyou，sinceI’vefoundtheantidote。’
　　Saidthescientificperson，`Ifyoureallywanttodie，Goahead——but，ifyou’redoubtful，letyoursheep—doghaveatry。
　　Getapairofdogsandtryit，letthesnakegivebothanip；
　　Giveyourdogthesnakebitemixture，lettheotherfellowrip；
　　Ifhediesandyourssurviveshim，thenitprovesthethingisgood。
　　Willyoufetchyourdogandtryit？’Johnsonratherthoughthewould。
　　Sohewentandfetchedhiscanine，hauledhimforwardbythethroat。
　　`Stump，oldman，’sayshe，`we’llshowthemwe’vethegenwineantidote。’
　　Boththedogsweredulyloadedwiththepoison—gland’scontents；
　　Johnsongavehisdogthemixture，thensatdowntowaitevents。
　　`Mark，’hesaid，`intwentyminutesStump’llbea—rushinground，Whiletheotherwretchedcreatureliesacorpseupontheground。’
　　But，alasforWilliamJohnson!erethey’dwatchedahalf—hour’sspellStumpywasasdeadasmutton，t’otherdogwasliveandwell。
　　Andthescientificpersonhurriedoffwithutmostspeed，TestedJohnson’sdrugandfounditwasadeadlypoison—weed；
　　Halfatumblerkilledanemu，halfaspoonfulkilledagoat，Allthesnakesonearthwereharmlesstothatawfulantidote……
　　DownalongtheMookiRiver，ontheoverlanders’camp，Wheretheserpentsareinmillions，allofthemostdeadlystamp，Wanders，daily，WilliamJohnson，downamongthosepoisonoushordes，Shootingeverystraygoanna，callsthem`blackandyallerfrauds’。
　　AndKingBilly，oftheMooki，cadgingforthecast—offcoat，Somehowseemstododgethesubjectofthesnake—biteantidote。
　　AmbitionandArtAmbitionIamthemaidofthelustrouseyesOfgreatfruition，Whomthesonsofmenthatareover—wiseHavecalledAmbition。
　　Andtheworld’ssuccessistheonlygoalIhavewithinme；
　　ThemeanestmanwiththesmallestsoulMaywooandwinme。
　　ForthelustofpowerandtheprideofplaceToallIproffer。
　　WiltthoutakethypartinthecrowdedraceForwhatIoffer？
　　Thechoiceisthine，andtheworldiswide——
　　Thypathislonely。
　　ImaynotleadandImaynotguide——
　　Iurgetheeonly。
　　IamjustawhipandaspurthatsmitesTofierceendeavour。
　　IntherestlessdaysandthesleeplessnightsIurgetheeever。
　　Thoushaltwakefromsleepwithastartledcry，InfrightupleapingAtarival’sstepasitpassesbyWhilstthouartsleeping。
　　HonourandtruthshallbeoverthrownInfiercedesire；
　　Thoushaltusethyfriendasastepping—stoneTomounttheehigher。
　　WhenthecurtainfallsonthesordidstrifeThatseemedsosplendid，ThoushaltlookwithpainonthewastedlifeThatthouhastended。
　　ThouhastsoldthylifeforaguerdonsmallInfitfulflashes；
　　Therehasbeenreward——buttheendofallIsdustandashes。
　　ForthenighthascomeanditbringstonaughtThyprojectscherished，Andthineepitaphshallinbrassbewrought——
　　`Helivedandperished。’
　　ArtIwaitfortheeattheoutergate，Mylove，mineonly；
　　WhereforetarriestthousolateWhileIamlonely。
　　Thoushaltseekmysidewithafootstepswift，IntheeimplantedIstheloveofArtandthegreatestgiftThatGodhasgranted。
　　Andtheworld’sconcernswithitsrightsandwrongsShallseembutsmallthings——
　　Poetorpainter，asingerofsongs，Thineartisallthings。
　　Forthewineoflifeisawoman’sloveTokeepbesidethee；
　　ButtheloveofArtisathingabove——
　　Astartoguidethee。
　　AstheyearsgobywiththyloveofArtAllundiminished，Thoushaltendthydayswithaquietheart——
　　Thyworkisfinished。
　　SothepainterfashionsapicturestrongThatfadethnever，Andthesingersingethawond’roussongThatlivesforever。
　　TheDaylightisDyingThedaylightisdyingAwayinthewest，ThewildbirdsareflyingInsilencetorest；
　　InleafageandfrondageWhereshadowsaredeep，Theypasstoitsbondage——
　　Thekingdomofsleep。
　　AndwatchedintheirsleepingBystarsintheheight，Theyrestinyourkeeping，Oh，wonderfulnight。
　　WhennightdothhergloriesOfstarshineunfold，’TisthenthatthestoriesOfbush—landaretold。
　　UnnumberedIholdthemInmemoriesbright，Butwhocouldunfoldthem，Orreadthemaright？
　　BeyondalldenialsThestarsintheirgloriesThebreezeinthemyallsArepartofthesestories。
　　Thewavingofgrasses，ThesongoftheriverThatsingsasitpassesForeverandever，Thehobble—chains’rattle，Thecallingofbirds，ThelowingofcattleMustblendwiththewords。
　　Withoutthese，indeed，youWouldfinditerelong，AsthoughIshouldreadyouThewordsofasongThatlamelywouldlingerWhenlackingtherune，Thevoiceofthesinger，Theliltofthetune。
　　But，asonehalf—hearingAnold—timerefrain，Withmemoryclearing，Recallsitagain，Thesetales，roughlywroughtofThebushanditsways，MaycallbackathoughtofThewanderingdays，And，blendingwitheachInthemem’riesthatthrong，TherehaplyshallreachYousomeechoofsong。
　　InDefenceoftheBushSoyou’rebackfromupthecountry，MisterTownsman，whereyouwent，Andyou’recursingallthebusinessinabitterdiscontent；
　　Well，wegrievetodisappointyou，anditmakesussadtohearThatitwasn’tcoolandshady——andtherewasn’tplentybeer，Andtheloonybullocksnortedwhenyoufirstcameintoview；
　　Well，youknowit’snotsooftenthatheseesaswelllikeyou；
　　Andtheroadswerehotanddusty，andtheplainswereburntandbrown，Andnodoubtyou’rebettersuiteddrinkinglemon—squashintown。
　　Yet，perchance，ifyoushouldjourneydowntheverytrackyouwentInamonthortwoatfurthestyouwouldwonderwhatitmeant，WherethesunbakedearthwasgaspinglikeacreatureinitspainYouwouldfindthegrasseswavinglikeafieldofsummergrain，Andthemilesofthirstyguttersblockedwithsandandchokedwithmud，Youwouldfindthemmightyriverswithaturbid，sweepingflood；
　　Fortherainanddroughtandsunshinemakenochangesinthestreet，Inthesullenlineofbuildingsandtheceaselesstrampoffeet；
　　Butthebushhathmoodsandchanges，astheseasonsriseandfall，Andthemenwhoknowthebush—land——theyareloyalthroughitall……
　　Butyoufoundthebushwasdismalandalandofnodelight，Didyouchancetohearachorusintheshearers’hutsatnight？
　　Didthey`riseup，WilliamRiley’bythecamp—fire’scheeryblaze？
　　Didtheyrisehimaswerosehiminthegoodolddrovingdays？
　　Andthewomenofthehomesteadsandthemenyouchancedtomeet——
　　Weretheirfacessourandsaddenedlikethe`facesinthestreet’，Andthe`shyselectorchildren’——weretheybetternoworworseThanthelittlecityurchinswhowouldgreetyouwithacurse？
　　IsnotsuchalifemuchbetterthanthesqualidstreetandsquareWherethefallenwomenflauntitinthefierceelectricglare，WherethesempstressplieshersewingtillhereyesaresoreandredInafilthy，dirtyattictoilingonfordailybread？
　　DidyouhearnosweetervoicesinthemusicofthebushThantheroaroftramsand’buses，andthewar—whoopof`thepush’？
　　Didthemagpiesrouseyourslumberswiththeircarolsweetandstrange？
　　Didyouhearthesilverchimingofthebell—birdsontherange？
　　But，perchance，thewildbirds’musicbyyoursenseswasdespised，Foryousayyou’llstayintownshipstillthebushiscivilised。
　　Wouldyoumakeitatea—gardenandonSundayshaveabandWherethe`blokes’mighttaketheir`donahs’，witha`public’closeathand？
　　YouhadbettersticktoSydneyandmakemerrywiththe`push’，Forthebushwillneversuityou，andyou’llneversuitthebush。
　　LastWeekOh，thenew—chumwenttothebackblockrun，Butheshouldhavegonetherelastweek。
　　Hetrampedtenmileswithaloadedgun，Butofturkeyorduckhesawneveraone，Forheshouldhavebeentherelastweek，Theysaid，Therewereflocksof’emtherelastweek。
　　Hewendedhiswaytoawaterfall，Andheshouldhavegonetherelastweek。
　　Hecarriedacamera，legsandall，Butthedaywashot，andthestreamwassmall，Forheshouldhavegonetherelastweek，Theysaid。
　　Theydrownedamantherelastweek。
　　Hewentforadrive，andhemadeastart，Whichshouldhavebeenmadelastweek，Fortheoldhorsediedofabrokenheart；
　　Sohefootedithomeandhedraggedthecart——
　　Butthehorsewasallrightlastweek，Theysaid。
　　Hetrottedamatchlastweek。
　　SoheaskedthebushieswhocamefromfarTovisitthetownlastweek，Ifthey’ddinewithhim，andtheysaid`Hurrah!’
　　Buttherewasn’tadropinthewhiskyjar——
　　Youshouldhavebeenherelastweek，Hesaid，Idrankitalluplastweek!
　　ThoseNamesTheshearerssatinthefirelight，heartyandhaleandstrong，Afterthehardday’sshearing，passingthejokealong：
　　The`ringer’thatshoreahundred，astheyneverwereshornbefore，Andthenovicewho，toilingbravely，hadtommy—hawkedhalfascore，Thetarboy，thecook，andtheslushy，thesweeperthatswepttheboard，Thepicker—up，andthepenner，withtherestoftheshearinghorde。
　　Thereweremenfromtheinlandstationswheretheskieslikeafurnaceglow，AndmenfromtheSnowyRiver，thelandofthefrozensnow；
　　TherewereswarthyQueenslanddroverswhoreckonedalllandbymiles，Andfarmers’sonsfromtheMurray，wheremanyavineyardsmiles。
　　Theystartedattellingstorieswhentheyweariedofcardsandgames，Andtogivethesestoriesaflavourtheythrewinsomelocalnames，AndamanfromthebleakMonaro，awayonthetableland，Hefixedhiseyesontheceiling，andhestartedtoplayhishand。
　　HetoldthemofAdjintoothbong，wherethepine—cladmountainsfreeze，Andtheweightofthesnowinsummerbreaksbranchesoffthetrees，And，ashewarmedtothebusiness，heletthemhaveitstrong——
　　Nimitybelle，Conargo，Wheeo，Bongongolong；
　　Helingeredoverthemfondly，becausetheyrecalledtomindAthoughtoftheoldbushhomestead，andthegirlthatheleftbehind。
　　Thentheshearersallsatsilenttillamaninthecornerrose；
　　Saidhe，`I’vetravelleda—plentybutneverheardnameslikethose。
　　Outinthewesterndistricts，outontheCastlereaghMostofthenamesareeasy——shortforamantosay。
　　`You’veheardofMungrybamboneandtheGundablueypine，Quobbotha，Girilambone，andTerramungamine，Quambone，Eunonyhareenyha，WeeWaa，andBuntijo——’
　　Buttherestoftheshearersstoppedhim：
　　`Forthesakeofyourjaw，goslow，Ifyoureckonthosenamesareshortonesoutwheresuchnamesprevail，Justtryandremembersomelongonesbeforeyoubeginthetale。’
　　Andthemanfromthewesterndistrict，thoughneverawordhesaid，Justwinkedwithhisdextereyelid，andthenheretiredtobed。
　　ABushChristeningOntheouterBarcoowherethechurchesarefew，Andmenofreligionarescanty，Onaroadnevercross’d’ceptbyfolkthatarelost，OneMichaelMageehadashanty。
　　NowthisMikewasthedadofatenyearoldlad，Plump，healthy，andstoutlyconditioned；
　　Hewasstrongasthebest，butpoorMikehadnorestFortheyoungsterhadneverbeenchristened。
　　Andhiswifeusedtocry，`Ifthedarlin’shoulddieSaintPeterwouldnotrecognisehim。’
　　Butbyluckhesurvivedtillapreacherarrived，Whoagreedstraightawaytobaptisehim。
　　Nowtheartfulyoungrogue，whiletheyheldtheircollogue，Withhiseartothekeyholewaslistenin’，Andhemutteredinfright，whilehisfeaturesturnedwhite，`Whatthedivilandallisthischristenin’？’
　　Hewasnoneofyourdolts，hehadseenthembrandcolts，Anditseemedtohissmallunderstanding，Ifthemaninthefrockmadehimoneoftheflock，Itmustmeansomethingverylikebranding。
　　Soawaywitharushhesetoffforthebush，Whilethetearsinhiseyelidstheyglistened——
　　`’Tisoutrageous，’sayshe，`tobrandyoungsterslikeme，I’llbedashedifI’llstoptobechristened!’
　　Likeayoungnativedogheranintoalog，Andhisfatherwithlanguageuncivil，Neverheedingthe`praste’criedaloudinhishaste，`Comeoutandbechristened，youdivil!’
　　Buthelaythereassnugasabuginarug，Andhisparentsinvainmightreprovehim，Tillhisreverencespoke（hewasfondofajoke）
　　`I’veanotion，’sayshe，`that’llmovehim。’
　　`Pokeastickupthelog，givethespalpeenaprog；
　　Pokehimaisy——don’thurthimormaimhim，’Tisnotlongthathe’llstand，I’vethewaterathand，AsherushesoutthisendI’llnamehim。
　　`Herehecomes，andforshame!ye’veforgottenthename——
　　IsitPatsyorMichaelorDinnis？’
　　Heretheyoungsterranout，andthepriestgaveashout——
　　`Takeyourchance，anyhow，wid`Maginnis’!’
　　AsthehowlingyoungcubranawaytothescrubWhereheknewthatpursuitwouldberisky，Thepriest，ashefled，flungaflaskathisheadThatwaslabelled`MAGINNIS’SWHISKY’!
　　AndMaginnisMageehasbeenmadeaJ。P。，AndtheonethinghehatesmorethansinisTobeaskedbythefolk，whohaveheardofthejoke，Howhecametobechristened`Maginnis’!
　　HowtheFavouriteBeatUs`Aye，’saidtheboozer，`Itellyouit’strue，sir，Ioncewasapunterwithplentyofpelf，Butgoneismyglory，I’lltellyouthestoryHowIstiffenedmyhorseandgotstiffenedmyself。
　　`’TwasamarecalledtheCracker，Icamedowntobackher，Butfoundshewasfavouriteallofarush，Thefolkjustdidpourontolaysixtofouron，Andseveralbookieswerekilledinthecrush。
　　`ItseemsoldTomatowasstiff，thoughastarter；
　　TheyreckonedhimfitfortheCaulfieldtokeep。
　　TheBlokeandtheDonahwerescratchedbytheirowner，Heonlywasofferedthree—fourthsofthesweep。
　　`WeknewSalamanderwasslowasagander，Themarecouldhavebeathimthelengthofthestraight，AndoldManumissionwasoutofcondition，Andmostoftheotherswererunningoffweight。
　　`Nodoubtsomeone`blewit’，foreveryoneknewit，Thebetswereallgone，andImutteredinspite`IfIcan’tgetacopper，byJingo，I’llstopher，Letthepublicfallin，itwillservethebrutesright。’
　　`Isaidtothejockey，`Now，listen，mycocky，Youwatchasyou’recanteringdownbythestand，I’llwaitwherethattoffisandgiveyoutheoffice，You’reonlytowinifIliftupmyhand。’
　　`Ithentriedtobackher——`WhatpriceistheCracker？’
　　`Ourbooksareallfull，sir，’eachbookiedidswear；
　　Mymind，then，Imadeup，myfortuneIplayedupIbeteveryshillingagainstmyownmare。
　　`Istrolledtothegateway，themareinthestraightwayWasshiftinganddancing，andpawingtheground，Theboysawmeenterandwheeledforhiscanter，Whenadarnedgreatmosquitocamebuzzingaround。
　　`Theybreed’ematHexham，it’sriskytovex’em，Theysuckamandryatasitting，nodoubt，Butjustasthemarepassed，heflutteredmyhairpast，Iliftedmyhand，andIflattenedhimout。
　　`Iwasstunnedwhentheystarted，themaresimplydartedAwaytothefrontwhentheflagwasletfall，Fornonetherecouldmatchher，andnonetriedtocatchher——
　　Shefinishedafurlonginfrontofthemall。
　　`YoubetthatIwentfortheboy，whomIsentforThemomentheweighedandcameoutofthestand——
　　`Whopaidyoutowinit？Come，ownupthisminute。’
　　`Lordloveyer，’saidhe，`whyyouliftedyourhand。’
　　`’Twastrue，bySt。Peter，thatcursed`muskeeter’
　　HadbrokemesobrokethatIhadn’tabrown，Andyou’llfindthebestcourseiswhendealingwithhorsesTowinwhenyou’reable，andKEEPYOURHANDSDOWN。
　　TheGreatCalamityMacFierce’uncametoWhiskeyhurstWhensummerdayswerehot，Andbidedtherewi’JockMcThirst，AbrawnybrotherScot。
　　GudeFaith!Theymadethewhiskyfly，LikeHighlandchieftainstrue，Andwhenthey’ddrunkthebeakerdryTheysang`Wearenaefou!’
　　`Thereisnaefolklikeoorainfolk，Saegallantandsaetrue。’
　　TheysangtheonlyScottishjokeWhichis，`Wearenaefou。’
　　SaidboldMcThirst，`LetSaxonsjawAboottheirgreatconcerns，ButbonnyScotlandbeatsthema’，Thelando’cakesandBurns，Thelando’partridge，deer，andgrouse，Fillupyourglass，Ibeg，There’smucklewhuskyi’thehouse，Forbyewhat’sinthekeg。’
　　Andhereaheartylaughhelaughed，`Justcomewi’me，Ibeg。’
　　MacFierce’unsawwithpleasuredaftAfifty—gallonkeg。
　　`Losh，man，that’sgrand，’MacFierce’uncried，`Sawevermanthelike，Now，wi’thedaylight，ImaunrideTomeetaSouthrontyke，ButI’llbebackeresummer’sgone，Sobideforme，Ibeg，We’llmakeagrandassaultuponYondeevilofakeg。’……
　　MacFierce’unrodetoWhiskeyhurst，Whensummerdaysweregone，AndtherehemetwithJockMcThirstWasgreetin’allalone。
　　`McThirstwhatgarsyelooksaeblank？
　　Haveallyerwitsganedaft？
　　HasthataccursedSouthronbankCalledupyouroverdraft？
　　Isallyourgrassburntupwi’drouth？
　　Iswoolandhidesgoneflat？’
　　McThirstreplied，`Gudefriend，intruth，’Tismucklewaurthanthat。’
　　`HassairmisfortunecursedyourlifeThatyoushouldweepsaefree？
　　Isharmuponyourbonnywife，Thechildrenatyourknee？
　　Isscaithuponyourhouseandhame？’
　　McThirstupraisedhishead：
　　`Mybairnshaedonethedeedofshame——
　　’Twerebettertheyweredead。
　　`TothinkmybonnyinfantsonShoulddothedeedo’guilt——
　　HELETTHEWHUSKEYSPIGOTRUN，ANDA’THEWHUSKEY’SSPILT!’……
　　UponthemboththesewordsdidbringAsolemnsilencedeep，Gudefaith，itisafearsomethingToseetwostrongmenweep。
　　Come—by—ChanceAsIponderedverywearyo’eravolumelonganddreary——
　　Fortheplotwasvoidofinterest——’twasthePostalGuide，infact，ThereIlearntthetruelocation，distance，size，andpopulationOfeachtownship，town，andvillageintheradiusoftheAct。
　　AndIlearntthatPuckawidgeestandsbesidetheMurrumbidgee，AndthatBooleroiandBumblegettheirletterstwiceayear，Alsothatthepostinspector，whenhevisitedCollector，Closedtheofficeupinstanter，andre—openedDungalear。
　　Butmylanguidmoodforsookme，whenIfoundanamethattookme，QuitebychanceIcameacrossit——`Come—by—Chance’waswhatIread；
　　Nolocationwasassignedit，notathingtohelponefindit，JustanNwhichstoodfornorthward，andtherestwasallunsaid。
　　Ishallleavemyhome，andforthwardwanderstoutlytothenorthwardTillIcomebychanceacrossit，andI’llstraightwaysettledown，Fortherecan’tbeanyhurry，northeslightestcauseforworryWherethetelegraphdon’treachyounortherailwaysruntotown。
　　Andone’slettersandexchangescomebychanceacrosstheranges，WhereawiryyoungAustralianleadsapack—horseonceaweek，Andthegoodnewsgrowsbykeeping，andyou’resparedthepainofweepingOverbadnewswhenthemailmandropsthelettersinthecreek。
　　ButIfear，andmore’sthepity，thatthere’sreallynosuchcity，Forthere’snotamancanfinditoftheshrewdestfolkIknow，`Come—by—chance’，besureitnevermeansalandoffierceendeavour，Itisjustthecarelesscountrywherethedreamersonlygo……
　　Thoughweworkandtoilandhustleinourlifeofhasteandbustle，Allthatmakesourlifeworthlivingcomesunstrivenforandfree；
　　Manmaywearyandimportune，buttheficklegoddessFortuneDealshimouthispainorpleasure，carelesswhathisworthmaybe。
　　Allthehappytimesentrancing，daysofsportandnightsofdancing，Moonlitridesandstolenkisses，poutinglipsandlovingglance：
　　Whenyouthinkofthesebecertainyouhavelookedbehindthecurtain，Youhavehadthelucktolingerjustawhilein`Come—by—chance’。
　　UndertheShadowofKiley’sHillThisistheplacewheretheyallwerebred；
　　Someoftheraftersarestandingstill；
　　Nowtheyarescatteredandlostanddead，Everyonefromtheoldnestfled，OutoftheshadowofKiley’sHill。
　　Betteritisthattheyne’ercameback——
　　Changesandchancesarequicklyrung；
　　Nowtheoldhomesteadisgonetorack，Greenisthegrassonthewell—worntrackDownbythegatewheretherosesclung。
　　Goneisthegardentheykeptwithcare；
　　Lefttodecayatitsownsweetwill，Fruittreesandflowerbedseatenbare，Cattleandsheepwheretheroseswere，UndertheshadowofKiley’sHill。
　　WherearethechildrenthatthroveandgrewIntheoldhomesteadindaysgoneby？
　　OneisawayonthefarBarcooWatchinghiscattlethelongyearthrough，Watchingthemstarveinthedroughtsanddie。
　　Oneinthetownwhereallcaresarerife，Wearywithtroublesthatcrampandkill，Fainwouldbedonewiththerestlessstrife，Fainwouldgobacktotheoldbushlife，BacktotheshadowofKiley’sHill。
　　Oneisawayontherovingquest，Seekinghisshareofthegoldenspoil，Outinthewastesofthetracklesswest，WanderingeverhegivesthebestOfhisyearsandstrengthtothehopelesstoil。
　　Whatoftheparents？ThatunkeptmoundShowswheretheyslumberunitedstill；
　　Roughistheirgrave，buttheysleepassoundOutontherangeasonholyground，UndertheshadowofKiley’sHill。
　　JimCarewBornofathoroughbredEnglishrace，Wellproportionedandcloselyknit，Neatoffigureandhandsomeface，Alwaysreadyandalwaysfit，Hardandwiryoflimbandthew，Thatwasthene’er—do—wellJimCarew。
　　Oneofthesonsofthegoodoldland——
　　Manyayearsincehislikewasknown；
　　Neveragamebuthetookcommand，Neverasportbutheheldhisown；
　　Gainedathiscollegeatripleblue——
　　GoodastheymakethemwasJimCarew。
　　Cametogrief——wasitcardorhorse？
　　Nobodyaskedandnobodycared；
　　Shiphimawaytothebushofcourse，Ne’er—do—wellfellowsareeasilyspared；
　　OnlyofwomenatolerablefewSorrowedatpartingwithJimCarew。
　　GentlemanJimonthecattlecamp，Sittinghishorsewithaneasygrace；
　　ButtherecklesslivinghasleftitsstampInthedeepdrawnlinesofthathandsomeface，Andaharderlookinthoseeyesofblue：
　　PromptataquarrelisJimCarew。
　　BillytheLasherwasoutforgore——
　　Twelve—stonenavvywithchestofhair，WhenheopenedoutwithahungryroarOnaten—stonemanitwashardlyfair；
　　ButhiswifewaswiseifhisfacesheknewBythetimeyouweredonewithhim，JimCarew。
　　GentlemanJiminthestockmen’shutWorkswiththem，toilswiththem，sidebyside；
　　Astohispast——well，hislipsareshut。
　　`Gentlemanonce，’sayhismateswithpride；
　　AndthewildestCornstalkcanne’eroutdoInfeatsofrecklessness，JimCarew。
　　Whatshouldhelivefor？Adulldespair!
　　Drinkishismasteranddragshimdown，WaterofLethethatdrownsallcare。
　　GentlemanJimhasalottodrown，Andhereignsaskingwithadrunkencrew，Sinkingtomisery，JimCarew。
　　Suchistheendofthene’er—do—well——
　　JimmytheBoozer，alldownatheel；
　　Buthestraightensupwhenhe’saskedtotellHisnameandrace，andaflashofsteelStilllightensupinthoseeyesofblue——
　　`Iam，or——no，IWAS——JimCarew。’
　　TheSwagman’sRestWeburiedoldBobwherethebloodwoodswaveAtthefootoftheEaglehawk；
　　Wefashionedacrossontheoldman’sgrave，Forfearthathisghostmightwalk；
　　Wecarvedhisnameonabloodwoodtree，Withthedateofhissaddecease，Andinplaceof`Diedfromeffectsofspree’，Wewrote`Mayherestinpeace’。
　　ForBobwasknownontheOverland，Aregularoldbushwag，Trampingalonginthedustandsand，Humpinghiswell—wornswag。
　　Hewouldcampfordaysintheriver—bed，Andloiterand`fishforwhales’。
　　`I’mintotheswagman’syard，’hesaid，`AndInevershallfindtherails。’
　　ButhefoundtherailsonthatsummernightForabetterplace——orworse，AswewatchedbyturnsintheflickeringlightWithanoldblackginfornurse。
　　Thebreezecameinwiththescentofpine，Theriversoundedclear，Whenachangecameon，andwesawthesignThattoldustheendwasnear。
　　Buthespokeinaculturedvoiceandlow——
　　`Ifancythey’ve"senttheroute"；
　　Ioncewasanarmyman，youknow，ThoughnowI’madrunkenbrute；
　　Butburymeoutwherethebloodwoodswave，Andifeveryou’refairlystuck，JusttakeandshovelmeoutofthegraveAnd，maybe，I’llbringyouluck。
　　`ForI’vealwaysheard——’herehisvoicefellweak，Hisstrengthwaswell—nighsped，Hegaspedandstruggledandtriedtospeak，Thenfellinamoment——dead。
　　Thusendedawastedlifeandhard，Ofenergiesmisapplied——
　　OldBobwasoutofthe`swagman’syard’
　　AndovertheGreatDivide……
　　Thedroughtcamedownonthefieldandflock，Andneveraraindropfell，ThoughthetorturedmoansofthestarvingstockMightsoftenafiendfromhell。
　　AndwethoughtofthehintthattheswagmangaveWhenhewenttotheGreatUnseen——
　　WeshovelledtheskeletonoutofthegraveToseewhathishintmightmean。
　　Wedugwherethecrossandthegravepostswere，Weshovelledawaythemould，WhensuddenaveinofquartzlaybareAllgleamingwithyellowgold。
　　’TwasareefwithneverafaultnorbaulkThatranfromtherange’screst，AndtherichestmineontheEaglehawkIsknownas`TheSwagman’sRest’。