'Marshall 's Mate' by Henry Lawson
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You almost heard the surface bake, and saw the gum-leaves turn --
You could have watched the grass scorch brown had there been grass to burn.
In such a drought the strongest heart might well grow faint and weak --
'Twould frighten Satan to his home -- not far from Dingo Creek.
The tanks went dry on Ninety Mile, as tanks go dry out back,
The Half-Way Spring had failed at last when Marshall missed the track;
Beneath a dead tree on the plain we saw a pack-horse reel --
Too blind to see there was no shade, and too done-up to feel.
And charcoaled on the canvas bag (`twas written pretty clear)
We read the message Marshall wrote.It said:`I'm taken queer --
I'm somewhere off of Deadman's Track, half-blind and nearly dead;
Find Crowbar, get him sobered up, and follow back,' it said.
`Let Mitchell go to Bandicoot.You'll find him there,' said Mack.
`I'll start the chaps from Starving Steers, and take the dry-holes back.'
We tramped till dark, and tried to track the pack-horse on the sands,
And just at daylight Crowbar came with Milroy's station hands.
His cheeks were drawn, his face was white, but he was sober then --
In times of trouble, fire, and flood, 'twas Crowbar led the men.
`Spread out as widely as you can each side the track,' said he;
`The first to find him make a smoke that all the rest can see.'
We took the track and followed back where Crowbar followed fate,
We found a dead man in the scrub -- but 'twas not Crowbar's mate.
The station hands from Starving Steers were searching all the week --
But never news of Marshall's fate came back to Dingo Creek.
And no one, save the spirit of the sand-waste, fierce and lone,
Knew where Jack Marshall crawled to die -- but Crowbar might have known.
He'd scarcely closed his quiet eyes or drawn a sleeping breath --
They say that Crowbar slept no more until he slept in death.
A careless, roving scamp, that loved to laugh and drink and joke,
But no man saw him smile again (and no one saw him smoke),
And, when we spelled at night, he'd lie with eyes still open wide,
And watch the stars as if they'd point the place where Marshall died.
The search was made as searches are (and often made in vain),
And on the seventh day we saw a smoke across the plain;
We left the track and followed back -- 'twas Crowbar still that led,
And when his horse gave out at last he walked and ran ahead.
We reached the place and turned again -- dragged back and no man spoke --
It was a bush-fire in the scrubs that made the cursed smoke.
And when we gave it best at last, he said, `I'LL see it through,'
Although he knew we'd done as much as mortal men could do.
`I'll not -- I won't give up!' he said, his hand pressed to his brow;
`My God! the cursed flies and ants, they might be at him now.
I'll see it so in twenty years, 'twill haunt me all my life --
I could not face his sister, and I could not face his wife.
It's no use talking to me now -- I'm going back,' he said,
`I'm going back to find him, and I will -- alive or dead!'
.....
He packed his horse with water and provisions for a week,
And then, at sunset, crossed the plain, away from Dingo Creek.
We watched him tramp beside the horse till we, as it grew late,
Could not tell which was Bonypart and which was Marshall's mate.
The dam went dry at Dingo Creek, and we were driven back,
And none dared face the Ninety Mile when Crowbar took the track.
They saw him at Dead Camel and along the Dry Hole Creeks --
There came a day when none had heard of Marshall's mate for weeks;
They'd seen him at No Sunday, he called at Starving Steers --
There came a time when none had heard of Marshall's mate for years.
They found old Bonypart at last, picked clean by hungry crows,
But no one knew how Crowbar died -- the soul of Marshall knows!
And now, way out on Dingo Creek, when winter days are late,
The bushmen talk of Crowbar's ghost `what's looking for his mate';
For let the fools indulge their mirth, and let the wise men doubt --
The soul of Crowbar and his mate have travelled further out.
Beyond the furthest two-rail fence, Colanne and Nevertire --
Beyond the furthest rabbit-proof, barbed wire and common wire --
Beyond the furthest `Gov'ment' tank, and past the furthest bore --
The Never-Never, No Man's Land, No More, and Nevermore --
Beyond the Land o' Break-o'-Day, and Sunset and the Dawn,
The soul of Marshall and the soul of Marshall's mate have gone
Unto that Loving, Laughing Land where life is fresh and clean --
Where the rivers flow all summer, and the grass is always green.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Critical Interpretation of Henry Lawson's "Marshall's Mate"
As a classic work of Australian literature, "Marshall's Mate" by Henry Lawson is a deeply poignant and evocative poem that captures the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback. Through his vivid descriptions and powerful imagery, Lawson creates a compelling portrait of a man struggling to come to terms with his own mortality.
At its core, "Marshall's Mate" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life in the bush. The poem's central character, Marshall, is a grizzled old drover who has spent his entire life working the harsh and unforgiving land. As he lies dying under the stars, he reflects on the many years he has spent in the bush and the countless dangers he has faced.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Lawson uses the natural world to underscore the fragility of human life. Throughout the poem, he draws attention to the harshness and unpredictability of the Australian landscape, using it as a metaphor for the equally harsh and unpredictable nature of life itself. For example, when Marshall reflects on his encounters with snakes and other dangerous creatures, he is also reflecting on the precariousness of his own existence.
Furthermore, Lawson's use of language is masterful in its ability to convey the stark realities of life in the bush. His descriptions of the landscape are vivid and detailed, capturing the harsh beauty of the Australian outback. At the same time, his use of colloquial language and slang serves to underscore the roughness and grittiness of life in the bush.
One of the most powerful aspects of the poem is the way in which Lawson captures the sense of isolation and loneliness that is inherent in life in the bush. As Marshall lies dying, he is surrounded by the vast emptiness of the Australian landscape, with nothing but the stars to keep him company. This sense of profound loneliness is further emphasized by Marshall's reflections on the many friends and comrades he has lost over the years.
In many ways, Marshall's reflections on his own mortality are a microcosm of the broader themes of the poem. At its heart, "Marshall's Mate" is a meditation on the fleeting nature of life in the bush, and the many dangers and challenges that come with it. Lawson's use of language and imagery serves to underscore the harshness and unpredictability of the Australian landscape, while also capturing the sense of isolation and loneliness that is inherent in life in the bush.
Overall, "Marshall's Mate" is a deeply moving and evocative work of Australian literature, one that serves as a powerful reminder of the harsh realities of life in the bush. Through his masterful use of language and imagery, Henry Lawson has created a portrait of a man struggling to come to terms with his own mortality, while also capturing the beauty and brutality of the Australian landscape. It is a work that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Marshall's Mate: A Masterpiece of Australian Literature
Henry Lawson, one of the most celebrated Australian writers, is known for his realistic and poignant portrayals of the Australian bush and its people. His short story, Poetry Marshall's Mate, is a classic example of his literary genius. This story, published in 1892, is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of life in the Australian outback and the struggles of the working-class people who inhabit it. In this article, we will explore the themes, characters, and literary techniques used in this masterpiece of Australian literature.
The story is set in the small town of Bourke, in western New South Wales. The protagonist, Poetry Marshall, is a swagman, a wandering laborer who travels from place to place looking for work. He is a poet at heart, and his love for poetry is evident in his constant recitation of verses from his favorite poets, such as Shakespeare and Tennyson. However, his love for poetry is not shared by the people he meets on his travels, who often ridicule him for his intellectual pursuits.
The story begins with Poetry Marshall arriving in Bourke, where he meets a fellow swagman named Jack Mitchell. Jack is a rough and tough character, who is not interested in poetry or anything else that does not involve hard work and survival. However, Poetry Marshall is drawn to Jack, and the two become friends. They work together on various jobs, such as shearing sheep and digging wells, and share their meager earnings.
The story takes a tragic turn when Jack falls ill with typhoid fever. Poetry Marshall takes care of him, nursing him back to health. However, Jack's illness has left him weak and unable to work. The two men are now destitute, with no money and no prospects for work. They are forced to beg for food and shelter, and their friendship is put to the test.
The theme of friendship is central to the story. The bond between Poetry Marshall and Jack is tested by their dire circumstances, but it ultimately proves to be unbreakable. Despite their differences in temperament and interests, the two men share a deep respect and affection for each other. This is evident in the scene where Poetry Marshall recites a poem to Jack, who is too weak to speak. The poem, which speaks of the beauty of nature and the power of love, brings tears to Jack's eyes, and he realizes the depth of Poetry Marshall's friendship.
Another theme that runs through the story is the struggle of the working-class people in the Australian outback. The harsh conditions of life in the bush, with its extreme weather, isolation, and lack of resources, make it difficult for people to survive. The swagmen, who are often itinerant workers, have to rely on their wits and physical strength to make a living. They are at the mercy of the landowners and employers, who often exploit them and pay them meager wages.
Henry Lawson uses a variety of literary techniques to convey the themes and emotions of the story. One of the most striking techniques is his use of dialect and colloquial language. The characters in the story speak in a distinctive Australian vernacular, which adds to the authenticity and realism of the narrative. For example, when Poetry Marshall recites a poem to Jack, he says:
"An' the stars was bright above us, An' the moon was bright an' fair, An' we heard the night-birds callin' As we sat beside the mare."
This use of colloquial language creates a vivid picture of the scene and the characters, and helps to immerse the reader in the story.
Another technique used by Lawson is his use of imagery and symbolism. The landscape of the Australian outback is described in vivid detail, with its red earth, vast skies, and sparse vegetation. This imagery creates a sense of the harshness and beauty of the land, and the struggle of the people who inhabit it. The symbolism of the poem recited by Poetry Marshall is also significant. The poem speaks of the power of love and the beauty of nature, which are contrasted with the harsh realities of life in the bush. This contrast highlights the resilience and strength of the human spirit, which can find beauty and hope even in the most difficult circumstances.
In conclusion, Poetry Marshall's Mate is a masterpiece of Australian literature, which explores the themes of friendship, struggle, and resilience in the Australian outback. Henry Lawson's use of dialect, imagery, and symbolism creates a vivid and powerful narrative, which captures the essence of life in the bush. The story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the working-class people of Australia, who have faced many challenges and hardships, but have always found a way to survive and thrive.
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