76 THE PASTORAL AGE IN AUSTRALASIA 



kindly-disposed of the settlers — or from thirst or hunger, 

 or from the wasting sickness that came of hope deferred. 

 Some died victorious, rich in ever-increasing flocks and 

 herds, in broad acres, in well-grassed paddocks, sometimes 

 in yellowing fields of corn. Others fell defeated, " not 

 having received the promise," leaving their bones to 

 bleach under the Western sun, or in their homes, ruined 

 by financial distress. All such men, the vanquished no 

 less than the victors, have merited well of the country 

 whose prosperity they founded ; and their much- 

 enduring, often heroic wives and daughters deserve to 

 be included in the honourable muster-roll. 



