THE SOUTHERN CROSS.

Observer, Volume 7, Issue 236, 21 March 1885, Page 14

THE SOUTHERN CROSS.

("Written foe the " Observer.") They tell me wild romantic tales of old oliivalric times — They sing me soul-impassioned songs, the lays of other climes. Each stranger boasts, with kindling eye, hi 3 land of storied fame, The sages lore, the martyr's death, the bard's immortal name ; With glance of pity in their looks they tell me of my loss, 3Tor I was born 'neath alien skie3 — beneath the Southern Cross. The Southern Cross, the Southern Cross, That shed its rays on me : The starry cross on high that holds The free man's destiny ! I love to hear of noble deeds, how Nelson led the ran, When o'er the deck, in purple tide, the hero's life-blood ran ; Or mourn the royal exiles's fate, that child of wild romance, That led through many a brilliant field, the martial sons of Prance ; And through this warm, impulsive heart, I feel the hot blood course, •Though I was reared 'mid Nature's wilds — beneath the Southern Cross. And, for this fair land of my birth, an honest love I feol, For here no craven groans beneath the depot's iron heel ; Its cities fair have never felt the scathing hand of war ; Its happy homes and peaceful shrines were never steeped in gore ; But should the proud invader dare our hearths and homes to force, There's stalwart arms, and gallant hearts, beneath the Southern Cross ! The Southern Cross, the Southern Cross, That sheds its rays on me : The starry cross on high that holds The free man's destiny ! Kangakoo. Kere Kere, March sth.