Girls in town and boys out back, I've rolled up my little pack, And on june's chill wintry gales Sail from pleasant New South Wales. Ere I go - a doggerel song To bid the whole caboose "So-long!"
Saddle-gear and horses sold - Fetched but scanty stock of gold - Scanty!! yet the whole lot Publicans and Flossies got. Since I in this country landed Ne'er before was I so "stranded".
Now I'm leaving Sydney's shore Harder up than e'er before; A keen appetite I feel To taste a bit o' British veal; And let's trust, across the foam They have a fatted calf at home.
From duns and debts (once safe on board) Pray deliver me, oh Lord! Here's the burden of my song: "Good-bye, old girl! Old chap, So-long!" Hardest loss of all I find To leave the good old horse behind. So-long, "Cavalier!"
First published in The Bulletin, 5 August 1899.
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