AustLit

Editors note: 'At one time it was supposed that the incantations recited at the Corobra by the aboriginals were wild and unmeaning rhapsodies. Afterwards it began to be suggested that these recitals were the poetry of the aborigines, and abounded with wit and meaning. A few years ago Mr. James Grassie, writing for the Geelong Advertiser, stated that he had remarked that some stanzas were received with raptures of merriment and applause, and concluded therefore that these passages were not only new, but exceedingly pleasing and witty. He supposed, therefore, that the reciter was a species of extemporaneous satirist somewhat resembling the improvistori of Italy, the troubadours of Spain, or the bards of Britain. Subsequent investigation has proved him correct. The following specimen of a corobra song was noted down carefully, word for word, by the same individual, and with the assistance of one of the kings who speaks good English, [w]as carefully translated - so that simple as it is, becomes a curiosity, being a literal transposition of one of the madrigals of a rude and unsophisticated race, whose habits still indicate a mystery and reserve which lead some to suspect that they are not without a theology and tradition which they keep profoundly dark. The song seems to be an address to Weare, a swamp at Mount Talbot.'

From the Portland Chronicle. Appears in an article titled 'Corobra Songs'. It is unclear whether this work was an actual translation of an Aboriginal song, or whether it was at least in part the work of Grassie. Notably, the work includes what must have been contemporary references, ie. 'the Coolie's spear', 'the cranky white fellow bushed on the stream', etc.