"Victor"

Henry Lawson, 1906

      And his death came in December,
      When our summer was aglow —
      Like a song that we remember,
      Like a child's dream long ago,
      And it brought Australia to him,
      Her sweetest singer dead,
      While in silence friends who knew him
      Bowed their heads beside his bed.

      Angel Death comes softly stealing
      When the watchers' eyes are dim,
      And, when all has failed in healing
      Wounded heart or helpless limb —
      With a whisper we may hear not
      'Till with "Adsum" we respond,
      And a vision we shall fear not
      Of the Peaceful Land beyond.

      While Australians in their blindness
      Fail to realize their loss,
      Place the wreath of loving kindness
      And raise the simple cross.
      For he taught us to be brothers
      And he taught us to be brave —
      And we'll banish pride and envy
      With a hand-clasp by his grave.