London Calls!

There is still an insistent call in Bendigo National and Liberal circles for Mr Lawson. No candidate, it is said, would be more popular. But Mr Lawson has decided to go to London.

I hear you calling me.
    Your voice is low.
Your tone is plaintive—sweet,
    My Bendigo.
But I may not lend ear
    To such sweet things;
For at stern duty's call
    I must take wings.

I hear you calling me.
    Fain would I stay—
Fain would I linger here
    And wile away—
At snaring votes—a few
    Glad weeks. But no:
Such pleasure's not for me,
    My Bendigo.

I hear you calling me;
    But Duty's call
Is stronger still, and I
    Must leave it all:
The crowds, the cheering
    And the merry round
Electioneering:
    For I'm London bound.

I hear you calling me;
    But, on a ship,
O'er sickening seas I have
    To make a trip—
A beastly trip abroad,
    Which I detest.
Had I but mine own way,
    Here would I rest.

I hear you calling me—
    Alas, my cup—
I HEAR you calling—What's
    Oh, please shut up!
I tell you, Duty calls
    As well, and I—
Oh, stop your—Eh? What's that?
    Ring off! Good-bye.