Every man should own a rifle

[FWiedner]

So I sit and write and ponder, while the house is deaf and dumb,
Seeing visions "over yonder" of the war I know must come.
In the corner - not a vision - but a sign of coming days
Stand a box of ammunition and a rifle in green baize.
And in this, the living present, let the word go through the land,
Every tradesman, clerk and peasant should have these two things at hand.

No - no ranting song is needed, and no meeting, flag or fuss -
In the future, still unheeded, shall the spirit come to us!
Without feathers, drum or riot on the day that is to be,
We shall march down, very quiet, to our stations by the sea.
While the bitter parties stifle every voice that warns of war,
Every man should own a rifle and have cartidges in store!

Henry Lawson, 1907

 :-)

[Shorty]

Interesting.  Do you know where Henry Lawson was writing this in 1907?

[Rummer]

Lawson was an Australian.

[Greysky]

I consider it wise for competent men of good character to bear arms. But no one should be forced to bear arms.