– 6 –

III Naming

1
They were bemused as to what sex the strangers were.
Finally, one of the sailors dropped his pants to reveal his manhood—
a cry of recognition—

2
In Sydney the Gamaraigal's anger increased
when they realised the British were here to stay.

3
Their Ngooraialum neighbours had all got
white names, so
they took the matter up.
Several came to me daily.

In the course of a week
or two, I
christened the whole tribe, men,
women and children: Plato,
Jolly Chops, Tallyho. They
repeated their names
until they were sure of them.

4
The disease
was of a very virulent type and
after a week or so they were
unable to bury the dead.

By day and by day kept moving onwards,
leaving their dead behind them.