I boldly appeal to my slanderers whether
I was ever the covey to show the white feather?
And Bendigo’s conduct I cannot think right,
When he stripp’d me of something that lost me the fight.
That he acted unfairly I do not advance—
He was perfectly right not to part with a chance;
Still I say, but for this, whosoever may scoff,
He would not have easily polished me off.
And may I again never put on a glove,
If once more I don’t fight him for money or love;