Page:The songs of a sentimental bloke (1917).djvu/13

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been validated.
PREFACE TO THE FIFTY-FIRST THOUSAND
ix

ing dreams that he never hopes to realise—dreams of appreciation from his fellow countrymen and from great writers abroad whose works he devours and loves.

And I, the recipient of compliments from high places, of praise from many places, of publisher's reports about the book that bears my name—I, who write this preface, have a kindly feeling for that somewhat younger man writing and dreaming in his little bush hut; and I feel sorry for him because he is out of it. Later perhaps, when strenuous days are over, I shall go back and live with him and tell him about it, and find out what he thinks of it all if I can find him ever again.

Melbourne, 1st September, 1916.