Are You the Cove?
“Are you the Cove?” He spoke the words
As freeman only can.
The squatter freezingly inquir’d,
“What do you mean, my man?”
“Are you the Cove?” His voice was stern,
His look was firm and keen.
Again the squatter made reply,
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“O dash my rags! let’s have some sense—
You ain’t a fool, by Jove!
Gammon you don’t know what I mean—
I mean, ARE YOU THE COVE?”
“Yes, I’m the Cove,” the squatter said.
The swagman answered, “Right!
I thought as much. Show me some place
Where I can doss to-night.”
