"There was no excuse for her, because one of the much-maligned Chinese race - who seldom appeared in that court as criminal offenders -- a countryman of her late husband had generously provided her with maintenance. He would pass the minimum sentence -- two years' imprisonment." Chief Justice Way sentencing one Mary for annexing the cheque of a drunken bushman.

The Chow's a law-abiding cuss;
   A martyr much maligned:
Scarce ever brought before the court
   And seldom jailed or fined.
A model cit. -- a man of peace,
   Who troubles not the law,
Nor needs attention of police,
   Nor judge, nor beak -- Wha' for?

The winsome maid was plump and fair,
   Susceptible, Ah Foo.
They wooed, and wedded on the square,
   As common Christians do.
Too soon, alas did Ah Foo pass
   Unto a brighter shore.
Ting Lum, his pal, took Mary gal
   And cared for her -- Wha' for?

But Mary spurned the love of Lum:
   A wilful maid, and rude.
She scorned fan tan and opium
   And Chow solicitude.
A bearded bushman came her way,
   With hard-earned quids, a score;
She kissed his neck and took his cheque
   As payment due -- Wha' for?

The judge wept salt and bitter tears
   Of deep and poignant griefm
"Thus to disdain a yellow swain!"
   'Twas passing all belief.
Then, clearing out his throat anew,
   This learned man of law,
In voice that thrilled the maiden thro',
   Spake: "Two years' hard" -- Wha' for?

"C.J.D."
The Critic, 8 March 1902, p7

Note:
This poem was originally published without a title.