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’。