`We will show the boss how a shear-blade shines
When we reach those ewes,' said the two Devines.

But it chanced next day when the stunted pines
Were swayed and stirred with the dawn-wind's breath,
That a message came for the two Devines
That their father lay at the point of death.
So away at speed through the whispering pines
Down the bridle track rode the two Devines.

It was fifty miles to their father's hut,
And the dawn was bright when they rode away;
At the fall of night when the shed was shut
And the men had rest from the toilsome day,
To the shed once more through the dark'ning pines
On their weary steeds came the two Devines.

`Well, you're back right sudden,' the super. said;
`Is the old man dead and the funeral done?'
`Well, no, sir, he ain't not exactly dead,
But as good as dead,' said the eldest son --
`And we couldn't bear such a chance to lose,
So we came straight back to tackle the ewes.'

. . . . .

They are shearing ewes at the Myall Lake,
And the shed is merry the livelong day
With the clashing sound that the shear-blades make
When the fastest shearers are making play,