Page:The man from Snowy River and other verses.pdf/207

 But he found the rails on that summer night
 * For a better place—or worse,

As we watched by turns in the flickering light
 * With an old black gin for nurse.

The breeze came in with the scent of pine,
 * The river sounded clear,

When a change came on, and we saw the sign
 * That told us the end was near.

But he spoke in a cultured voice and low—
 * 'I fancy they've "sent the route;"

'I once was an army man, you know,
 * 'Though now I'm a drunken brute;

'But bury me out where the bloodwoods wave,
 * 'And if ever you're fairly stuck,

'Just take and shovel me out of the grave
 * 'And, maybe, I'll bring you luck.

'For I've always heard—' here his voice fell weak,
 * His strength was well-nigh sped,

He gasped and struggled and tried to speak,
 * Then fell in a moment—dead.

Thus ended a wasted life and hard,
 * Of energies misapplied—

Old Bob was out of the 'swagman's yard'
 * And over the Great Divide.