Papua Answered.
p. 39 · Read in the full issue
(Being a reply to “Unconquered Papua,’’
August, 1933.)
WHAT have we won from thee?
We came perhaps to take, but stayed to give A just benignant rule, live and let live.
Where lust and murder reigned we have set peace, Nor on thy coast line let our labours cease; The very heart of thy great mountains know The step of bearded men who come and go, Patient and honey-tongued, their faith to sow.
Thy monstrous rivers pregnant with cruel life Are mapped and named, thy people called from strife, Taught by pale women who have set at naught The fears and fevers thy black magic wrought.
And all about are made a hundred doors Unlatched by each patrol whose foot ex plores The secret hidden place, the treacherous shores.
Ah, Papua! think not because we fail To all at once descry the golden sail Of that bright ship that comes from faerie realm, With Fortune standing steersman at the helm, That we shall never have our will of thee!
Thy neck must bow beneath Man’s mastery, Thy treasure chest must open to his key.
Norfolk Is. 17/10/33. —M.M.