“The cowboy code of Lonesome Dove character, Captain Augustus McRae”

In the dust-blown trails of old Lonesome Dove,  
Where the Rio Grande meets the wide blue above,  
There rides a man both witty and brave—  
Captain Augustus McRae, who knows how to behave.

With a twinkle-eyed grin and a silver mustache,  
He spins out a yarn or bets all his cash.  
He'll dice with his life for the sake of a friend,  
And ride saddle-worn miles just to make amends.

He lives by a code not written in books,  
But etched in the glances and weatherworn looks.  
"Respect every horse, and every man’s land,  
And tip your old hat when you offer your hand."

He asks little more than a laugh and a drink,  
And ponders the stars when he has reason to think.  
"Love’s worth the risking and life’s worth the ride—  
But don’t ever cheat or you’ll lose more than pride."

He'll quote you a poem or sing you a tune,  
He’ll fight for the right by the light of the moon.  
And though he might ramble, or shirk from command,  
His loyalty’s written like lines in the sand.

Between gunfights and rivers, between night and day,  
He teaches young cowhands the old cowboy way.  
In a world hard and fleeting as morning's first light,  
Gus lives for the moment, and tries to do right.

So here’s to the captain of Lonesome Dove lore,  
Who taught us what friendship and honor are for—  
A legend, a lover, a wild-hearted sage,  
Forever he rides on the Western stage.

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