Cirrus@Austlit

Preface on p.3 is signed W.H.R., Rockhampton, January 16, 1903, and explains that he intended to write an epic poem about Australians going to fight in the Boer War but owing to his age at the time (85) and his ill-health, it became a succession of 'Snap Shots, Nothing More'

Cover and title page epigraph : 'Vis Unita Fortior'.

Dedication: a lengthy dedication (pp.4-6) to the members of the Australian contingents including those of New Zealand, about their 'devoted loyalty, dauntless courage in meeting the Boers with our Canadian brothers', and likening the situation historically to Marlborough, Wellington and Russia 'sweeping down upon India', but by 'standing shoulder to shoulder Great Britain will maintain supremacy'.

Epigraph: Up be bold,/ vanquish fatigue by energy of mind,/ for not in plumes, or canopied in state / the soul wins fame. Dante.

Consists of sixteen parts called snap shots, with a three line epigram What has Britain Done? at the end.