Saltbush Bill and other Verses

Not on It

Andrew Barton ‘Banjo’ Paterson

THE NEW CHUM’S polo pony was the smartest pony yet —
The owner backed it for the Cup for all that he could get.
The books were laying fives to one, in tenners; and you bet
            He was on it.

The bell was rung, the nags came out their quality to try,
The band played “What Ho! Robbo!” as our hero cantered by,
The people in the Leger Stand cried out, “Hi, Mister, Hi!
            Are you on it?”

They watched him as the flag went down; his fate is quickly told —
The pony gave a sudden spring, and off the rider rolled.
The pony finished first all right, but then our hero bold
            Was not on it.

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