And the dingo howls through the sultry night;

Where the native gathers the nardoo-seed

For his frugal meal; and the centipede—

While the worn-out traveller lies inert,

Invades the folds of his flannel shirt?

"Not there—not there, my child."

Is it where yon death-like stillness reigns

O'er the vast expanse of the salt-bush plains,

Where the shepherd leaveth his Leicester ewes

For the firm embrace of his noon-tide snooze,