Page:Backblock Ballads and Later Verses (C.J. Dennis, 1918).djvu/50



It was told me by a bushman, bald and bent, and very old, Upon the road to Poolyerleg; and here's the tale he told. 'Twould seem absurd to doubt his word, so honest he appeared— And, as he spoke, the sou'-west wind toyed gently with his beard. "First it was the Grimble Grubs,                   Which they et his taters;                An' all we buried in the end                    Was Martin's boots an gaiters."

With this cryptic observation he began his anecdote; And, when I sought particulars, he smiled and cleared his throat; Then sat him down, and with his brown, rough hands about his knees He told it all. And, as he spoke, his beard waved in the breeze.

"First it was the Grimble Grubs—                   As I sez at startin'—               Which they et his tater crop,                    Which it troubled Martin.