The Reverend Mullineux

Read 'The Reverend Mullineux' by 'Andrew Barton Paterson' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Reverend Mullineux by Andrew Barton Paterson

 I'd reckon his weight as eight-stun-eight, 
And his height as five-foot-two, 
With a face as plain as an eight-day clock 
And a walk as brisk as a bantam-cock -- 
Game as a bantam, too, 
Hard and wiry and full of steam, 
That's the boss of the English Team, 
Reverend Mullineux! 

Makes no row when the game gets rough -- 
None of your "Strike me blue!" 
"Yous wants smacking across the snout!" 
Plays like a gentleman out-and-out -- 
Same as he ought to do. 
"Kindly remove from off my face!" 
That's the way that he states his case, 
Reverend Mullineux. 

Kick! He can kick like an army mule -- 
Run like a kangaroo! 
Hard to get by as a lawyer-plant, 
Tackles his man like a bull-dog ant -- 
Fetches hom over too! 
Didn't the public cheer and shout 
Watchin' him chuckin' big blokes about, 
Reverend Mullineux! 

Scrimmage was packed on his prostrate form, 
Somehow the ball got through -- 
Who was it tackled our big half-back, 
Flinging him down like an empty sack, 
Right on our goal-line too? 
Who but the man that we thought was dead, 
Down with a score of 'em on his head, 
Reverend Mullineux.

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