28
Not Understood
Plucky yeomen wanted leaders, and Von Tempsky’s place was there.
Are there any Forest Rangers—any of his comrades here?
If there are, then they can tell us of the hero’s bright career;
How he with the flying column drove the rebels from their lair—
In the wild Henua Ranges; how his rifle’s flash and flare
Mark’d the van in every movement; how his aim was firm and true;
How he always was the foremost where the bullets thickest flew;
How he with McDonnell venteured boldly into danger’s teeth,
Moving up at Paparata to the very mouth of death.
They could tell of Mangapiko, and of famed Orakau’s fight,
Where Von Tempsky won fresh laurels by his valor and his might.
Peace came in and spread her mantle all along Waikato’s shore;
And the hero briefly rested, till war’s demon shriek’d once more—
Through romantic Taranaki—then again he sought the front,
Ready to protect our banner and to bear the battle’s brunt;
Ready at the call of duty, ready to fill honour’s post;
Quick to grapple with the foeman, very slow to count the cost.
Self with him was next to nothing, bravery was all in all:
If we need the proof ’tis furnished in the picture of his fall.
Here it is:—Behold the forces, marching boldly through the bush;
Rurarua must be taken—must be taken with a rush.
Are there any Forest Rangers—any of his comrades here?
If there are, then they can tell us of the hero’s bright career;
How he with the flying column drove the rebels from their lair—
In the wild Henua Ranges; how his rifle’s flash and flare
Mark’d the van in every movement; how his aim was firm and true;
How he always was the foremost where the bullets thickest flew;
How he with McDonnell venteured boldly into danger’s teeth,
Moving up at Paparata to the very mouth of death.
They could tell of Mangapiko, and of famed Orakau’s fight,
Where Von Tempsky won fresh laurels by his valor and his might.
Peace came in and spread her mantle all along Waikato’s shore;
And the hero briefly rested, till war’s demon shriek’d once more—
Through romantic Taranaki—then again he sought the front,
Ready to protect our banner and to bear the battle’s brunt;
Ready at the call of duty, ready to fill honour’s post;
Quick to grapple with the foeman, very slow to count the cost.
Self with him was next to nothing, bravery was all in all:
If we need the proof ’tis furnished in the picture of his fall.
Here it is:—Behold the forces, marching boldly through the bush;
Rurarua must be taken—must be taken with a rush.
