THE CHIEFTAIN'S BRIDE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2151, 16 May 1895, Page 39

THE CHIEFTAIN'S BRIDE.

A Tale of Auckland Peninsula. The village fires were dying and the workers were at rest When a swift canoe went flying across the river's breast, And, urged by love, went leaping to win a stolen bride, Now held iv foeinan's keeping far up the river's tide. Row well, oh, swift canoe ! Row well my love unto— Pupu, my bride ! Row well ! no pau&e or stay Till she at break of day Rest by my side. The heedless watchers slept by the ford where they held guard, As the tireless searcher crept thro the home of foes ill-btarred ; And a shout rang ia the night from the rustling bush above As Te Ngam turned iv flight with his new-re-covered love. Speed thou, nay boat, my pride 1 Speed down the flowing tide, Bear me afar 1 Turn not ! speed swift and straight, Thou bearest precious freight— My light, my star I The new- waked birds were singing in greeting to the day When swift a boat came, bringing the lovers to the bay, Past danger and pursuing, safe on a friendly shore, Past fear of foes undoing, they love for evermore. w Rest, fleet canoe, now rest ! Rest from thy hurried quest, Rest throbbiug heart 1 Rest, Pupu, dearest love, No more till stars remove From me to part. Cook County, May 1893. — J. Atiielby.