Queen Of Sud-Est
p. 12 · Read in the full issue
Mrs. Elizabeth Mahony, known to an earlier generation as “the Queen of Sud-Est Island," and still remembered and loved by all the older residents of Eastern Papua, is now living in Bathurst, N.S.W.
DEAR lady, if you would but please— For you amongst them long did. dwell — What stories of the tropic seas And Islands frolics you could tell!
You queened it o’er that coral isle, And ruled your subjects white and brown, At times by force, at times by guile, And some times merely with, a frown.
With confidence the natives came To sell to you the gold they’d won; You held respect, but, all the same, They knew how you could use a gun.
The gentle savage, white or tan.
Would see he didn’t get too. gay, While it was known you’d “get your man/ From over fifty yards away.
And when the stocks were getting low Around your little trading store You’d take a native crew and! go Away to Samarai, for more.
You’d safely steer your little craft Past island, atoll, reef, and palm, When seas were crashing fore and aft, Or when both wind and sea were calm-.
Whether skies were grey or blue, You’d never seem to care a rap; You’d bring your vessel safely through, With neither sextant, chart, nor map.
And when the stores were in the hold.
Be it sunshine, storm, or rain, Perchance if cyclone were foretold, You’d sail her straight back home* again.
Sick miners in that tropic land Young and blithe or old and grey, They blessed your skilful, soothing handl That drove their fevered pains away.
And victims of misfortune’s whim, Your help were always sure to find — Tho’ sometimes you looked rather grim, Your heart was tender, warm and kind.
Old days are gone; but know that we All join to wish you Fortune’s best.
In you, old timers always see Their Queen of Fair Sud-Est.