A Maori Maiden.

Manawatu Herald, 28 April 1892, Page 3

A Maori Maiden.

She was a winsome maiden, A Rangatira too, With the biggest, blackest, softest of eyes, And hair of the raven's hue. Her skin was a rich dark brown And, this to some may seem droll. Her lips were blue stained, her chin was tatooed In a fanciful dark blue scroll. Her teeth were as white as pearls, Her laugh was pleasant to hear, A necklet of shark's teeth adorned her neck, A greenstone hung from her ear. lier dress was the gayest of prints In red and yellow and bine ; Though stockings and boots sometimes she did wear Bare feet were most often in view. She lived in a "pah" with her friends, Her life, like the gypsies, was free, She only followed her own sweet will, No cares or troubles had she. She laughed and chatted and smoked, And squatted at ease on the ground, She helped the women to plant and hoe A.nd thus did the days go round. An aged chieftain wooed the girl And hoped to win the prize, Although no favour at all did he find In youthful Erena's eyes. Because of his wealth he believed Her friends would back up his suit ; In vain did they plead, she listened to all With downcast eyes, and was mute. The old chief had money and lands' A snug little " whare," quite new, What more could the Maori maiden want He wondered— but so may not you. One could have told had he chosen, Young Heta - who very well knew That Erena's heart to him had been given, That her love was deep and true. Heta was tall, strong and handsome, He had known the girl all her life, And had won her promise that she some day Would be his own little wife. One morn the two were amissing, They had early stolen away To go to a neighbouring village, Which they reached at break of day. They coaxed the Maori preacher there To have the knot soon tied, And then returned home in the evening A happy bridegroom and bride. The old chief stormed at the tidings, But her friends did laugh and say, That he must just " grin and bear it," For true love had won the day. A lesson for all young maidens To give the heai t with the hand, And never to barter themselves away For house, and money, and land. R.D., Foxton.