
And cannot treat with any man who basely counts his lambs.
My ration must be varied with poultry, soup, and fish,
And to my table carried at whatever time I wish:
Then--if the tea is gunpowder1, the water filter'd clear,
And the sugar English loaf--why, I'll dispense with bottled beer.
My hut must be of weather-boards, and kept in good repair,--
I must decline the task myself of patching here and there;
For when a man brings home his flock, 'twould be a sorry joke
To waste the time that Providence intended for a smoke.
I can't suppose a civilised employer will neglect
Those moderate indulgencies we shepherds now expect;
A glass of decent claret, a cigar, a saddle horse,
And olives with my wine, are indispensable, of course.
I don't think I'll engage at first for longer than a week,-
By that time I shall know if it’s the pleasant berth I seek.
All letters (duly paid) must be address'd to "Modesty"-
At home at the "Victoria" from two o'clock to three.
Moreton Bay Courier 30/10/47, -3
1 'Gunpowder' is a form of rolled up tea popular in the 1800s.