Hard Luck

I left the course, and by my side

There walked a ruined tout —

A hungry creature evil-eyed,

Who poured this story out.

‘ You see,’ he said,‘ there came a swell

To Kensington to-day,

And if I picked the winners well,

A crown at least he'd pay.

‘ I picked three winners straight, I did,

I filled his purse with pelf,

And then he gave me half-a-quid,

To back one for myself.

‘ A half-a-quid to me he cast,

I wanted it indeed.

So help me Bob, for two days past

I have n't had a feed.

‘ But still I thought my luck was in,

I could n't go astray,

I put it all on Little Min,

And lost it straightaway.

‘ I have n't got a bite or bed,

I'm absolutely stuck,

So keep this lesson in your head:

Do n't over-trust your luck!’

The folks went homeward, near and far,

The tout, Oh! where was he?

Ask where the empty boilers are,

Beside the Circular Quay.