The Dauntless Three

 Chris Watson, of the Parliament, 
By his Caucus Gods he swore 
That the great Labor Party 
Should suffer wrong no more. 
By his Caucus Gods he swore it, 
And named a trysting day, 
And bade his Socialists ride forth, 
East and west and south and north, 
To summon his array. 
East and west and south and north 
The Socialists ride fast, 
And every town in New South Wales 
Has heard their trumpet's blast. 
Shame to the false elector 
Who lingers in his hole, 
While Watson and his myrmidons 
Are riding to the poll. 

Then up spake brave Horatius Gould, 
And a Liberal proud was he, 
"Now, who will stand on either hand 
And face the foe with me?" 
Then out spake bold Herminius Millen, 
And Walker out spake he, 
"We will abide on either side 
And win a seat with thee." 

"'Tis well", quoth brave Horatuis, 
"As thou sayest, so let it be." 
And straight against the proletaire 
Forth went the dauntless three.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace