JACK CORRIGAN
‘It’s my shout this time, boys; so come along and breast the bar,
And kindly mention what you’re going to take;
I don’t feel extra thirsty, so I’ll sample that three-star’—
Now, lad! come, look alive, for goodness sake!’
So spake he, as he raised the brimming glass towards the light;
So spake Long Jack, the boldest mountaineer
Who ever down from Nungar raced a brumby mob in flight,
Or laid a stockwhip on a stubborn steer.
From Jindabyne to Providence along the Eucumbene
The kindest-hearted fellow to be found;
And when he crossed the saddle not a horse was ever seen
That could make Jack quit his hold to seek the ground.
The women smiled with pleasure, the children laughed aloud,
The very dogs came barking to his feet,
While outside the Squatters’ Arms the men came forward in a crowd
To welcome Jack when he rode up the street.
