CHORAL IDYLL

New Zealand Graphic, Volume VIII, Issue 39, 26 September 1891, Page 416

CHORAL IDYLL

* NEW ZEALANDIA.’ Men, I know a being fair. Chorus—Who is she? Who is she ? She’s the pet of sun and air. Chorus—Can it be ! Can it be ! None who’ve sung of Aphrodite rising glorious from the main Tell how stately New Zealandia from the womb of ocean came, Chorus—New Zealandia ! That’s her name ! Ages passed, and no man sought her, Chorus—Not a lover, not one lover ? Yes, two constantly did court her, Chorus—New Zealandia-like all over. Daily drew the sun his tribute of hot kisses and went roaming, While the monster sea kept crawling round her feet with love sick moaning, Chorus—New Zealandia I Woman-owning. Now she boasts of lovers more, Chorus—We are some of those blest fellows. But she should have countless score. Chorus—So she ought, for we’re not jealous. Come then, brothers, chant in cadence sweet and sounding as we go, Of the health and wealth and beauty New Zealandia has to show. Chorus—Ready, brothers, on we go. Northwards far to Mongonui, Chorus—Glow the orange, peach, and lime. Auckland, o’er thy meadows dewy Chorus—Citrons gleam in winter time. On the fields of Canterburia wheaten-seas wave in the sun, Over wild Otagan pastures sheep and kine in thousands run. Chorus—New Zealandia, blessed one. On the West her frosted mountains, Chorus—Smite the sky and foil the main. Flowing from them tiny fountains Chorus—Swell to rivers in the plain. Land of bold and placid beauty, land of all the temperate zone, With its various fruits and breezes, set bj’ Nature thus alone; Chorus—For us happy folk to own. Sing then, brothers, sing in cadence. Chorus—Shout we rather—’tis her due. There would run a world-wide fame hence, Chorus—lf all but her merits knew. Rugged pleasures of Helvetia, charms of Andalusian land, Wait on those who seek the favours poured from New Zealandia’s hand. Chorus—New Zealandia fair and grand.

Milligan Hogg.