The Lost Leichhardt

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Ballad
Another search for Leichhard's tomb, Though fifty years have fled Since Leichhardt vanished in the gloom, Our one Illustrious Dead! But daring men from Britain's shore, The fearless bulldog breed, Renew the fearful task once more, Determined to succeed. Rash men, that know not what they seek, Will find their courage tried. For things have changed on Cooper's Creek Since Ludwig Leichhardt died. Along where Leichhardt journeyed slow And toiled and starved in vain; These rash excursionists must go Per Queensland railway train. Out on those deserts lone and drear The fierce Australian black Will say, "You show it pint o' beer, It show you Leichhardt track!" And loud from every squatter's door Each pioneering swell Will hear the wild pianos roar The strains of "Daisy Bell". The watchers in those forests vast Will see, at fall of night, Commercial travelers bounding past And darting out of sight. About their path a fearful fate Will hover always near. A dreadful scourge that lies in wait, The Longreach Horehound Beer! And then, to crown this tale of guilt, They'll find some scurvy knave, Regardless of their quest, has built A pub on Leichhardt's grave! Ah, yes! Those British pioneers Had best at home abide, For things have changed in fifty years Since Ludwig Leichhardt died.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a somber yet satirical reflection on the passage of time and the changes it brings, focusing on the historical figure Ludwig Leichhardt, a Prussian explorer known for his exploration of northern and central Australia. The duality of the poem's tone is striking, oscillating between respect for the past and mockery of the present.

The poem starts with a mournful tribute to Leichhardt, who disappeared mysteriously, hence "vanished in the gloom". It then introduces the theme of modern adventurers, or "daring men from Britain's shore", who are portrayed as naïve and foolish, attempting to trace Leichhardt's path but with the modern conveniences of a "Queensland railway train". This contrast between the past and present, and the hardships faced by Leichhardt versus the ease of the present day, is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

The poet employs a variety of literary devices, including strong imagery and irony. The imagery of the "fierce Australian black" offering to show the way for a pint of beer and the "wild pianos roar[ing] the strains of 'Daisy Bell'" paints a vivid picture of the changes that have occurred over time. The irony lies in the modern-day explorers trying to follow in the footsteps of a legendary explorer while being surrounded by a world Leichhardt would never recognize.

The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyming scheme, creates a rhythm that serves to reinforce the satirical elements of the poem. The poem concludes with a poignant reminder that the world has drastically changed in the fifty years since Leichhardt's death, reinforcing the poem's themes of time, change, and the loss of the past.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.