The Bushman
The Bushman
Original Text
Thomas Pringle, African Sketches (London: Edward Moxon, 1834): 103. 010097.e.63 British Library
2In the lone wilderness. Around him lie
3His wife and little ones unfearingly --
5No herds, loud lowing, call him down the glen:
6He fears no foe but famine; and may try
7To wear away the hot noon slumberingly;
8Then rise to search for roots -- and dance again.
9But he shall dance no more! His secret lair,
10Surrounded, echoes to the thundering gun,
11And the wild shriek of anguish and despair!
12He dies -- yet, ere life's ebbing sands are run,
13Leaves to his sons a curse, should they be friends
14With the proud 'Christian-Men' -- for they are fiends!
Notes
1] bushman: Dutch term for natives living in the wilderness. Back to Line
4] Christian Men: the boers, Dutch colonists in Africa. Back to Line
Publication Start Year
1827
Publication Notes
See George Thompson, Travels and Adventures in Southern Africa, ed. Vernon S. Forbes (Cape Town: Van Riebeeck Society, 1967): II, 6. DT 756 .T47 1967. Also London: H. Colburn, 1827. DT 756 .T47 1827A Robarts Library
RPO poem Editors
Ian Lancashire
RPO Edition
RPO 2000.
Rhyme
Form