BADLY SHAKEN.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 118, 4 October 1902, Page 25

BADLY SHAKEN.

"You talk to me of earthquakes, man " The Maorilander said, "but can You a more quakier country name Than that dear land from winch I came?" (This man,, observe, thought people fools Who bowed to Lindley Murray's mles.) "Why, look here, chaps, I'll let >ou see How these earthquakes they ruined me. For I was noli, had stacks of chink. And now — will someone stand a drink?" They ordered drinks his heart to cheer He called for haJf-a-yard of beer. "Well, I had coin, and one fine day In Maoriland I struck a lay, Great wealth to win as bv a ohami, And started there a poultry farm. I stocked in ducks and hens and geese , I thought the natural increase Would haul in coin and never cease "What happened ? Chaps, this ain't a joke! In two years I was stony broke The earthquakes done it — left me how You decent fellows see me now Those earthquakes shook me off my legs An' addled all my bloomin' ceres 1 " - — Melbourne 'Punch."

Drink, and the gang drinks with you , Swear off and you go it aJone, For the bar-room bum, who drinks your rum, Has a quenchless thirst of his own. Feast, and your friends are many Fast, and they cut dead , They'll not get mad if you treat them bad, So long as their stomachs are fed. Steal, if you get a million, For then you can furnish bail It's the great big thief who gets out on leave, But the little one goes to gaol.