My Army, O, My Army! and Other Songs

Interlude. A Mate Can Do No Wrong

Henry Lawson


WE LEARNT the creed at Hungerford,
    We learnt the creed at Bourke;
We learnt it in the good times,
    And learnt it out of work.
We learnt it by the harbour-side
    And on the billabong:
“No matter what a mate may do,
    A mate can do no wrong!”

He’s like a king in this respect
    (No matter what they do),
And, king-like, shares in storm and shine
    The Throne of Life with you.
We learnt it when we were in gaol,
    And put it in a song:
“No matter what a mate may do,
    A mate can do no wrong!”

They’ll say he said a bitter word
    When he’s away or dead.
We’re loyal to his memory,
    No matter what he said.
And we should never hesitate,
    But strike out good and strong,
And jolt the slanderer on the jaw—
    A mate can do no wrong!


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