SONNETS OF THE MAORI. XVIII.— REINGA.
[According to tradition, the departed Maori leapt into spirit land from the northernmost point of New Zealand, which point is called by Europeans Cape Keinga.] Towards the northern sun, as homeward flight To fatherland, the Maori spirit flies, Till, from the craggy bluff, before hi's eyes, He sees the tree of death with flow'rets bright. Ah. well the brave, who leaps with ' spirit Shall fare, and mount Haaiora's^gentle skies : But, wop the slave, whose fear the leap ■ deniesj ' The eager Hine drags him down to night. So runs the 'egend old, fo?*all to read, The brave, the' cheerful ever higher mount ; The slothful -aiid the base, by fear betrayed, Fall shrieking, as a meal the ghouls to feed. Though M-aui, baffled^ brought no living founi To man, his footsteps way for valovir made. — .T. A. December, 1904.
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Otago Witness, Issue 2650, 28 December 1904, Page 63
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143SONNETS OF THE MAORI. XVIII.—REINGA. Otago Witness, Issue 2650, 28 December 1904, Page 63
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