Classic Poem

Come out from among them, ye sons of Australia!
Come out and denounce them with tongue and with pen.
Tear off from each traitor her honoured regalia,
Give back to Australia her birthright again!

The golden tiara that flashed o'er the mountain,
The girdle of opals like fires on the sea,
Were stolen and scattered like drops from a fountain.
Shall ye, her protectors, say thus shall it be?

To robe her in sackcloth, to crown her with ashes,
Cast lots for her raiment and sully her fame?
Rob, wrong and belie her, until with wet lashes
She bows her fair forehead in sorrow and shame?

She who is so queenly—our tender girl-mother—
Beloved of heroes. By white virgins blest.
From pole unto pole find ye never another
Like her—of Earth's daughters, the fairest and best.

Come out from among them, true sons of Australia!
Come out from among them, and show yourselves men
With courage undaunted, and fearing not failure;
Give back to Australia her prestige again!