Serle sets out to give a 'general estimate of Frank Wilmot as a poet' (3). After pointing up some weaknesses he discovers in the poet's style and poetic techniques, and making comparisons with English poets, he concludes, however, with the 'prophesy' that future critics will appreciate Wilmot's work and that 'a high place will be given to the name of Frank Wimot. He has now served an appreticeship of over twenty years to the muse, and I think the time has come when he may acknowledge in his own name, work in which he may fairly take some pride, and of which Australia may also be not a little proud, too' (5).