Chapter LXXXII Victoria’s ‘Southern Cross’. Tune — The ‘Standard Bearer’
I
WHEN Ballaarat unfurled the ‘Southern Cross,’
Of joy a shout ascended to the heavens;
The bearer was Toronto’s Captain Ross;
And frightened into fits red-taped ravens.
Chorus. For brave Lalor—
Was found ‘all there,’
With dauntless dare:
His men inspiring:
To wolf or bear,
Defiance bidding,
He made them swear—
Be faithful to the Standard, for victory or death. (Bis.)
II
Blood-hounds were soon let loose, with grog imbued,
And murder stained that Sunday! Sunday morning;
The Southern Cross in digger’s gore imbrued,
Was torn away, and left the diggers mourning!
Chorus.
Victoria men, to scare, stifle, or tame,
Ye quarter-deck monsters are too impotent;
The Southern Cross will float again the same,
UNITED Britons, ye are OMNIPOTENT.
Chorus.
Thus I had spanned the strings of my harp, but the strain broke them asunder in the gaol.