I left the course, and by my side <br />There walked a ruined tout -- <br />A hungry creature, evil-eyed, <br />Who poured this story out. <br />"You see," he said, "there came a swell <br />To Kensington today, <br />And, if I picked the winners well, <br />A crown at least he's pay. <br /> <br />"I picked three winners straight, I did; <br />I filled his purse with pelf, <br />And then he gave me half-a-quid <br />To back one for myself. <br /> <br />"A half-a-quid to me he cast -- <br />I wanted it indeed; <br />So help me Bob, for two days past <br />I haven't had a feed. <br /> <br />"But still I thought my luck was in, <br />I couldn't go astray -- <br />I put it all on Little Min, <br />And lost it straightaway. <br /> <br />"I haven't got a bite or bed, <br />I'm absolutely stuck; <br />So keep this lesson in your head: <br />Don't over-trust your luck!" <br /> <br />The folks went homeward, near and far, <br />The tout, oh! where is he? <br />Ask where the empty boilers are <br />Beside the Circular Quay.<br /><br />Andrew Barton Paterson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hard-luck-2/
