Page:The man from Snowy River and other verses.pdf/202

 Where are the children that throve and grew
 * In the old homestead in days gone by?

One is away on the far Barcoo Watching his cattle the long year through,
 * Watching them starve in the droughts and die.

One in the town where all cares are rife,
 * Weary with troubles that cramp and kill,

Fain would be done with the restless strife, Fain would go back to the old bush life,
 * Back to the shadow of Kiley's Hill.

One is away on the roving quest,
 * Seeking his share of the golden spoil,

Out in the wastes of the trackless west, Wandering ever he gives the best
 * Of his years and strength to the hopeless toil.

What of the parents? That unkept mound
 * Shows where they slumber united still;

Rough is their grave, but they sleep as sound Out on the range as on holy ground,
 * Under the shadow of Kiley's Hill.