New Zealand Minstrelsy [electronic resource]

COME TO THE BUSH.

Tune—“March to the Battle Field.”

Come to the bush, my boys,
Where Fortune’s way ’s before ye;
Leave the city’s idle joys,
And follow fame and glory.

Your billhooks get, and have them whet,
Your axes put in order;
By morning’s light, with all your might,
Attack the forest border.

Come to the bush, &c.

By sweat of face the human race
Was doom’d to gain a living;
So let us till the fertile soil,
Nor be in doubts misgiving.

Come to the bush, &c.

For Industry is still the way
To gain wild fortune’s favour;
And Heaven will bless with good success
A manly bold endeavour.

Come to the bush, &c.

Let traders pore their ledgers o’er,
Contrasting gains with losses;
While we shall try a better ploy,
Nor dread the fear of crosses.

Come to the bush, &c.

Now, why sit down, complain and frown,
Though stubborn fate should teaze ye?
But, up, be brave! down with the knave!
Should England’s flesh-pots please ye?

Come to the bush, my boys,
Where fortune’s way ’s before ye;
Leave the city’s idle joys,
And follow fame and glory.