Page:Moyarra- An Australian Legend in Two Cantos, 1891.djvu/15

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Moyarra lived a reckless child And deemed, albeit a savage, wild: His mimic spear was early sped Far o'er each wondering comrade's head: The eucalyptus on the hill Was silent challenge to his skill:— Did torrents deck the mountain's side, Moyarra stemmed the foaming tide:— If spies went forth to circumvent The neighbouring tribes on plunder bent, Moyarra clasped his hands in prayer That he, though young, th' exploit might share.

Long years have passed; those rites1 are done Which, handed down from sire to son. Still from that wandering people claim Obeisance to religion's name: Their temple is the earth, air, sky, And through the gorgeous canopy The moon, their priestess, wades in light— While round her path, in order bright,