A Hunting Song
A Hunting Song
Original Text
Poems, ed. Robert A. Thompson (London and Melbourne: A. H. Massina, 1920). Sydney Electronic Text and Image Service (SETIS), digital text sponsored by AustLit: http://setis.library.usyd.edu.au/ozlit
1Here's a health to every sportsman, be he stableman or lord,
2If his heart be true, I care not what his pocket may afford;
3And may he ever pleasantly each gallant sport pursue,
4If he takes his liquor fairly, and his fences fairly, too.
5He cares not for the bubbles of Fortune's fickle tide,
7He laughs at those who caution, at those who chide he'll frown,
9The dull, cold world may blame us, boys! but what care we the while,
10If coral lips will cheer us, and bright eyes on us smile?
11For beauty's fond caresses can most tenderly repay
12The weariness and trouble of many an anxious day.
13Then fill your glass, and drain it, too, with all your heart and soul,
15To a stout heart in adversity through every ill to steer,
16And when Fortune smiles, a score of friends like those around us here.
Notes
6] Bendigo: a renowned pugilist-shepherd after whom the town of Benigo is named.
Olliver: Thomas Olliver, an Australian steeplechase jockey who won three Grand Nationals in the 1840s and 1850s. Back to Line
Olliver: Thomas Olliver, an Australian steeplechase jockey who won three Grand Nationals in the 1840s and 1850s. Back to Line
8] peeler: policeman. Back to Line
14] The Fair Ones: the ladies.
the Bowl: lawn-bowling. Back to Line
the Bowl: lawn-bowling. Back to Line
RPO poem Editors
Cameron La Follette
RPO Edition
2012
Rhyme
Form