Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893), Tuesday 27 May 1856, page 2


Poetry.

AUSTRALIA'S DAUGHTERS.

By Robert Wisdom.

Australia's gentle daughters —

The beautiful, the bright —

With hearts like crystal waters,

And eyes like heaven's own light; Wreath every brow with gladness,

Crown every cup with wine

And be the toast "our own dear girls Of Australy divine."

Then here's Australia's daughters —

The beautiful, the bright —

With hearts like crystal waters,

And eyes like heaven's own light.

The angels who in keeping

Had these maidens from their birth,

Breath'd spells while they were sleeping

That cleansed all stains of earth; Showered gold upon their hair,

Moulded diamonds for their eyes, And gave them voices soft and low For tenderest replies.

What wealth of wondrous beauty

Is in each form and soul — Womanly love and duty

Rounding the perfect whole; The priceless boon of honor,

All other gifts above,

Is theirs, to guard from serpent wiles The meekness of the dove.

Come, each to his loved maiden,

Fill high the sparkling bowl;— What heart can be grief-laden

That owns her sweet control? Oh, not so rich a treasure

The honey-bee e'er sips,

As he, who, heart exchanged for heart,

Saluteth her ripe lips.

Then here's Australia's daughters —

The beautiful, the bright —

With hearts like crystal waters,

And eyes like heaven's own light.