The Digger's Daughter

The waratah has stained her cheek, Her lips are even brighter; Like virgin quartz without a streak Her teeth are, but far whiter. Her eyes are large, and soft, and dark, And clear as running water; And straight as any stringy bark Is Lil, the digger's daughter. She'll wash a prospect quick and well, And deftly use the ladle; The weight of gold at sight she'll tell, And work with tub and cradle. She was her father's only mate, And wound up wash and water; She worked all day and studied late, And all she knows he taught her. She stood alone above the shaft A test for woman, rather When I sprang to the windlass haft And helped her land her father. She turned her pretty face to me To thank me, and I thought her The grandest girl of all her race Sweet Lil, the digger's daughter. And when my luck began to change I grew a trifle bolder And told my love, but thought it strange She knew before I told her. She said that she would be my wife; Then home I proudly brought her, To be my loving mate for life, But still the digger's daughter.