Ode to the Tambo (1913)
The Tambo flows with a rapid streamAdown between the hills,
And the sunlight shines with brightest gleam
As it glances o'er its rills. How sweet to stroll, when the sun is low,
Along is banks with fern clad,
To see the platypus live and swim,
And hear the magpie's note so glad. It takes its rise' among the hills,
And first it flows by Tongio's flat,
It wanders out by Ensay's Mills,
And rushes on with merry chat. It leaps o'er falls of rocky ledge,
'It gently ripples o'er the sand,
It plunges wildly through the gorge,
And Seeks with foam the glistening strand. The flocks and herds of its limpid flood
Hasten to drink their fill,
And the wallaby and kangaroo
Love to lap it still. As in days of yore when no sound of man or crack of whip
Did its sheltered nooks invade,
But scream of parrot or cockatoo,
Resounded o'er the glade. How changed ! The toiling team, the clattering coach,
Along its banks are found,
With dusty travellers horse and foot,
Hastening o'er the ground. To Haunted Stream or Omeo,
With purpose set intent,
To probe the mine, to test the lode,
In search of gold are bent. Flow on sweet Tambo, and rest in peace,
In the broad lake deep and still
That receives. thy waters, and welcomes thee,
Thou hast done thy Master's will. (By D.D.) Notes From Victorian Newspaper Snowy River Mail 12 Dec 1913 p. 4.