Poem by Andrew Barton Paterson

Hard Luck

I left the course, and by my side 
There walked a ruined tout -- 
A hungry creature, evil-eyed, 
Who poured this story out. 
”You see,” he said, ”there came a swell 
To Kensington today, 
And, if I picked the winners well, 
A crown at least he’s pay. 

”I picked three winners straight, I did; 
I filled his purse with pelf, 
And then he gave me half-a-quid 
To back one for myself. 

”A half-a-quid to me he cast -- 
I wanted it indeed; 
So help me Bob, for two days past 
I haven’t had a feed. 

”But still I thought my luck was in, 
I couldn’t go astray -- 
I put it all on Little Min, 
And lost it straightaway. 

”I haven’t got a bite or bed, 
I’m absolutely stuck; 
So keep this lesson in your head: 
Don’t over-trust your luck!” 

The folks went homeward, near and far, 
The tout, oh! where is he? 
Ask where the empty boilers are 
Beside the Circular Quay.

1. A Grain of Desert Sand
2. That Half-Crown Sweep
3. Under the Shadow of Kiley’s Hill
4. Saltbush Bill, J.P.
5. The Rhyme of the O’Sullivan

Edgar Guest Hard Luck ("Ain’t no use as I can see")

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