Hine-ki-tawhiti's Oriori

Te Ao Hou, Summer 1954, Page 60

Hine-ki-tawhiti's Oriori Translated by R. T. Kohere 1. Be thou apart, offspring of Tuariki, Be thou apart, offspring of Porouhorea; Let thy younger brother common be, But move thou in exclusive circle, thou of a lordly line; Ne'er alight on common ground, Let Ngapunarua be thy starting point; Turn thine eyes to gathering clouds, O'er Kautuku Hill; for my lady is seeking An exalted line from Hinemakaho, From Hinerautu and Tikitiki-o-rangi, Greeting to you both. 2. Her receive, Sire, of the common umu, she may not taste, Let her eat only the choicest taro, Refreshed, let my lady pursue her course, Until at Punaruku beach she arrives; Her Te Rangitumoana would welcome, And sleep and rest give her. 3. Thou may'st ask for a guide on the way, To Huia, to Ngarangi-kamaea, Then thou wilt clearly see Tawhiti-nui, Where Kakahu will ask, ‘Whose child is this?’ Thou wilt then reply, ‘From Auamawake’. Thine aunts and cousins will greet thee, And say, thou hast come from Kaituri crossing, Thou hast come past karaka groves at Ariuru, In thine hands, carry the treasures of Wharawhara, By these thou wilt recognised be: Paekuru in thine ear, Waikanae in thine hand, Precious ornaments for thee, my lady. Notes: Oriori may be translated lullaby. The grandmother with her little grand-daughter in her