Poem by Andrew Barton Paterson

The Ballad of G. R. Dibbs

This is the story of G.R.D., 
Who went on a mission across the sea 
To borrow some money for you and me. 

This G. R. Dibbs was a stalwart man 
Who was built on a most extensive plan, 
And a regular staunch Republican. 

But he fell in the hands of the Tory crew 
Who said, ”It’s a shame that a man like you 
Should teach Australia this nasty view. 

”From her mother’s side she should ne’er be gone, 
And she ought to be glad to be smiled upon, 
And proud to be known as our hanger-on.” 

And G. R. Dibbs, he went off his peg 
At the swells who came for his smiles to beg 
And the Prince of Wales -- who was pulling his leg 

And he told them all when the wine had flown, 
”The Australian has got no land of his own, 
His home is England, and there alone.” 

So he strutted along with the titled band 
And he sold the pride of his native land 
For a bow and a smile and a shake of the hand. 

And the Tory drummers they sit and call: 
”Send over your leaders great and small; 
For the price is low, and we’ll buy them all 

”With a tinsel title, a tawdry star 
Of a lower grade than our titles are, 
And a puff at a prince’s big cigar.” 

And the Tories laugh till they crack their ribs 
When they think how they purchased G. R. Dibbs.

1. A Grain of Desert Sand
2. That Half-Crown Sweep
3. Under the Shadow of Kiley’s Hill
4. White Cockatoos
5. The Geebung Polo Club

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