We learnt the creed at Hungerford,
We learnt the creed at Bourke;
We learnt it in the good times
And learnt it out of work.
We learnt it by the harbour-side
And on the billabong:
"No matter what a mate may do,
A mate can do no wrong!"
He’s like a king in this respect
(No matter what they do),
And, king-like, shares in storm and shine
The Throne of Life with you.
We learnt it when we were in gaol
And put it in a song:
" No matter what a mate may do,
A mate can do no wrong!"
They’ll say he said a bitter word
When he’s away or dead.
We’re loyal to his memory,
No matter what he said.
And we should never hesitate,
But strike out good and strong,
And jolt the slanderer on the jaw –
A mate can do no wrong !
In a published book
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Comments
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Now this is more my style of what I like from Lawson. Sometimes he gets a little too sentimental for my taste. At least here (Unlike in his, "The Water Lily") he adds some color and the sentiment is more muted. Maybe it's because it is more of a "guy" poem and that is why I like it...that is probably why...that makes me shallow I guess, but honest.
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this poem was written by Lawson during a time in Australian history when friends/mates were depended on heavily. Many men had survived WW1, the friendships forged during those times were unbreakable. 'Mateship' is an important aspect of Australian life even today - more evident between men rather than women. Mates can say anything about a 'mate' but lord help anyone else who tries.
Von
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not half bad is it?
From guest nothalfbad (contact)
yeh not half bad is it? i have to say that i prefer banjo's work, as it is more humourous and i think that humour reflects aussie society -
awesome!!!
From guest RLee (contact)
lol i no its been sed twice already bout...WoW! this poem is great! im doing an english assignment and have now found my perfect poem about...yep u guess it "mateship" lol -
mateship
From guest clayton (contact)
hello i am clayton and i am doing an assignment on australian mateship. this poem is everything a mate stands for, and for this reason i am using it in my portfolio of mateship texts the wording is of a particular 19th century behaviour. great poem -
Nice poem
From guest Angel (contact)
Hello i am Angel and i am doing an english assignment on australian mateship. I think this poem is great and there for will be displaying it in my english assessment article. I think the words in this poem are out of wisedom and there for well done
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