South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Friday 21 October 1859, page 2


THE GAWLER PRIZE POEM.

THE SONG OF AUSTRALIA.

By Mrs. C. J. CARLETON, West-terrace.

There is a land where summer skies Are gleaming with a thousand dyes, Blending in witching harmonies ; And grassy knoll and forest height,

Are flushing in the rosy light, And all above is azure bright— Australia! There is a land where honey flows, Where laughing corn luxuriant grows, Land of the myrtle and the rose ; On hill and plain the clust'ring vine Is gushing out with purple wine, And cups are quaffed to thee and thine— Australia! There is a land where treasures shine Deep in the dark unfathom'd mine For worshippers at Mammon's shrine; Where gold lies hid, and rubies gleam, And fabled wealth no more doth seem The idle fancy of a dream— Australia! There is a land where homesteads peep From sunny plain and woodland steep, And love and joy bright vigils keep ; Where the glad voice of childish glee Is mingling with the melody Of nature's hidden minstrelsy— Australia! There is a land where, floating free, From mountain-top to girdling sea, A proud flag waves exultingly ; And FREEDOM'S sons the banner bear, No shackled slave can breathe the air, Fairest of Britain's daughters fair— Australia We publish the above at the request of the Committee, by whom the copyright is reserved.