The Rhyme Of The OSullivan And Pro Bono Publico

By Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

Narrative Poem
Pro Bono Publico Went out the streets to scan, And marching to and fro He met a seedy man, Who did a tale unfold In solemn tones and slow And this is what he told Pro Bono Publico. "For many years I led The people's onward march; I was the 'Fountain Head', The 'Democratic Arch'. "In more than regal state I used to sit and smile, And bridges I'd donate, And railways by the mile. "I pawned the country off For many million quid, And spent it like a toff, So hel me, Bob, I did. "But now those times are gone, The wind blows cold and keen; I sit and think upon The thing that I have been. "And if a country town Its obligation shirks, I press for money down To pay for water works. "A million pounds or two Was naught at all to me, And now I have to sue For paltry s d! "Alas, that such a fate Should come to such a man, Who once was called the Great, The great O'Sullivan!" With weary steps and slow, With tears of sympathy Pro Bono Publico Went sadly home to tea. Remarking, as he went, With sad and mournful brow, "The cash that party spent, I wish I had it now!"

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under analysis is a robust satire that uses humor to explore themes of political hubris, corruption, and the fleeting nature of power. The narrative structure of the poem allows the reader to gain insight into the rise and fall of a politician, characterized through the voice of the 'seedy man' who once stood as the 'Fountain Head', the 'Democratic Arch'. The use of grandiose titles here reflects the inflated self-image of the politician, emphasizing the gap between his perception of himself and the reality of his fall.

The tone of the poem is both humorous and melancholy, capturing the absurdity and the tragedy of the politician's situation. The poet uses irony effectively, as seen in the contrast between the politician's past extravagance and his current struggles to collect small debts. The final lines of the poem serve as a wistful reflection on the misuse of public funds— a sentiment expressed by the character Pro Bono Publico, symbolizing the general public. The poem's rhyme scheme and rhythm add to its satirical nature, giving it a sing-song quality that contrasts sharply with the grave implications of the story being told. In essence, the poem is a cautionary tale of unchecked power and misuse of public trust, delivered with a humorous and satirical twist.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.