Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BOTANY BAY, by JOHN FREETH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BOTANY BAY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Away with all whimsical bubbles of air
Last Line: Be sent to the bottom of botany bay.
Alternate Author Name(s): Free, John
Subject(s): Botany Bay, Australia; Fortune


AWAY with all whimsical bubbles of air,
Which only excite a momentary stare;
Attention to plans of utility pay,
Weigh anchor and steer towards Botany Bay.

Let no one think much of a trifling expense,
Who knows what may happen a hundred years hence;
The loss of America what can repay?
New colonies seek for at Botany Bay.

O'er Neptune's domain how extensive the scope!
Of quickly returning how distant the hope!
The Cape must be doubled, and then bear away
Two thousand good leagues to reach Botany Bay.

Of those precious souls which for nobody care,
It seems a large cargo the kingdom can spare;
To ship a few hundreds off make no delay,
They cannot too soon go to Botany Bay.

They go of an island to take special charge,
Much warmer than Britain, and ten times as large;
No Custom-house duty, no freightage to pay,
And tax-free they'll live when at Botany Bay.

This garden of Eden, this new promised land,
The time to set sail for is almost at hand;
Ye worst of land-lubbers, make ready for sea,
There's room for you all about Botany Bay.

As scores of each sex to this place must proceed,
In twenty years time—only think of the breed;
Major Semple, should Fortune much kindness display,
May live to be king over Botany Bay.

For a general good, make a general sweep,
The beauty of life is good order to keep;
With night-prowling hateful disturbers away,
And send the whole tribe into Botany Bay.

Ye chiefs who go out on this naval exploit,
The work to accomplish, and set matters right;
To Ireland be kind, call at Cork on your way,
And take a few White Boys to Botany Bay.

Commercial arrangements give prospect of joy,
Fair and firm may be kept ev'ry national tie;
And mutual confidence those who betray,
Be sent to the bottom of Botany Bay.





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