Take the first poem for instance, where the Sentimental Bloke
gets the hump. How many men, in how many different parts of
the world--and of how many different languages--have had the
same feeling--the longing for something better--to be something
better?

The exquisite humour of The Sentimental Bloke speaks for itself;
but there's a danger that its brilliance may obscure the rest,
especially for minds, of all stations, that, apart from sport
and racing, are totally devoted to boiling
"The cabbitch storks or somethink"
in this social "pickle found-ery" of ours.

Doreen stands for all good women, whether down in the smothering
alleys or up in the frozen heights. And so, having introduced
the little woman (they all seem "little" women), I "dips me lid"--
and stand aside.

HENRY LAWSON
SYDNEY, 1st September, 1915.


Contents

I. A SPRING SONG
The world 'as got me snouted jist a treat;...

II. THE INTRO
'Er name's Doreen...Well, spare me bloomin' days!...