The Poetry Corner

Bringing Home The Cows

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Shadows of the twilight falling On the mountains brow, To each other birds are calling, In the leafy bough. Where the daisies are a-springing, And the cattle bells are ringing, Comes my Mary, gaily singing, Bringing home the cows. By a bush the pathway skirted, Room for two allows. All the cornfields are deserted, Idle are the ploughs. Striving for wealths spoil and booty, Farmer boys have finished duty, When I meet my little beauty, Bringing home the cows. Tender words and kind addresses, Most polite of bows, Rosy cheeks and wavy tresses Do my passions rouse Dress so natty and so cleanly, Air so modest and so queenly. Oh! so haughty, yet serenely, Bringing home the cows. Arm-in-arm together walking, While the cattle browse, Earnestly together talking, Plighting lovers vows. Where the daisies are a-springing, Wedding bells will soon be ringing, Then well watch our servant bringing Mine and Marys cows.