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And, now, a vacancy occurs, For very nearly sixteen years, In which I'd not the least desire, To strike the harp or tune the lyre. But having left the good old "Medway: I tried on shore to make some headway. I first a situation got, And not amiss I found my lot:- My wages good, my work was various; My living far above precarious. I then began to look around, And thought ere long to settle down: And then a letter I wrote home, And ask'd my love if she would come; Offering at once to pay her passage:- And in due time received this message:- "I'll wait till many years are past, If you'll say you'll come home at last;- But can't consent to such removal, Without my fathers full approval: Which I'm afraid he'll never give; But come home dear, we'll happy live." And, then I thought if home I went, I could not feel the same content, As if I'd never come away, But work'd for half a crown a day:- While here, I thought I'd every chance My future prospects to advance. And after some more serious thought: Another letter home I wrote;- Which now I cannot give verbatim, Though it contain'd my ultimatium. From her engagement I relieved her, And I've no doubt it sorely grieved her:- Then, married in due time I got:- Though not my first love, still my lot. We had our sorrows and our joys, And in due time we had four boys; But on the day our fifth was born, My heart was with sad anguish torn:- A fearful illness seiz'd my wife, Which nearly drain'd away her life: It was so sudden and severe; It fill'd me with a dreadful fear. We lost the babe; and my poor wife Show'd very little sign of life, For thirteen hours; then, I went near her; And what I could, I did to cheer her:- And in due time again she rallied: But oh! she look'd so deathly pallid. Her illness shook her system so; I felt my heart o'erwhelm'd with woe. With tender unremitting care, Good nourishment and change of air; Health seem'd regain'd in eleven months:- She then relaps'd, and sunk at once. I, and my boys were now alone:- My wife, their mother dead and gone:- I felt bereft of my best friend, And almost wish'd my life would end. But having made to God my prayer My all committed to his care; I begg'd He would my mind direct, My boys to support and protect. My God afforded me relief, And caus'd me to assuage my grief; And thus he gently clear'd my way; And gave me strength to suit each day, but as I'd other ills sustain'd; I thought if longer I remain'd; They might increase and break me down, And all my future prospects drown, For I'd borne wrongs of every quality, Many from sanctified rascality. So I, within a little while, Resolv'd to quit Tasmania's Isle And in due time I made a start, With Drew, "Old Hoppy" and spring-cart. Melbourne I reach'd on that day week, And stroll'd about some work to seek: Though very much a job I needed; 'Twas full twelve days ere I succeeded. Work then in Melbourne was precarious; The jobs I got were short and various: So when five months had just roll'd over: Portland I reach'd in the "Red Rover" So here I made a five months jump And from old deck planks made a pump. Thus near five years of sorrow past; I and my boys were snug at last:- I in the shop 'mong wheels and carts; At school and home they did their parts. Now all this while by some mischance, My muse on me ne'er cast a glance: But in nine months at the election She took me under her protection. I really felt like one inspired. Could spin off verse when I desired; Which made some cynics on me frown; And then for fun I wrote them down. Now I've gone over sixteen years Through joys and sorrows, smiles and tears And as I end this tale at last, You'll guess the future by the past. |