We learnt the creed at Hungerford, <br />We learnt the creed at Bourke; <br />We learnt it in the good times <br />And learnt it out of work. <br />We learnt it by the harbour-side <br />And on the billabong: <br />'No matter what a mate may do, <br />A mate can do no wrong!' <br />He’s like a king in this respect <br />(No matter what they do), <br />And, king-like, shares in storm and shine <br />The Throne of Life with you. <br />We learnt it when we were in gaol <br />And put it in a song: <br />' No matter what a mate may do, <br />A mate can do no wrong!' <br />They’ll say he said a bitter word <br />When he’s away or dead. <br />We’re loyal to his memory, <br />No matter what he said. <br />And we should never hesitate, <br />But strike out good and strong, <br />And jolt the slanderer on the jaw – <br />A mate can do no wrong !<br /><br />Henry Lawson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-mate-can-do-no-wrong/
