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A Grammar and Vocabulary of the Language of New Zealand.

Wai Ata

Wai Ata.

page 107

(Song.)

E táka to e áu ki te tíu marángai,
I wiua mai ai e kóinga du ánga,
Tai ráwa nei ki te púke ki ére átu.
E táta te wiunga te tai ki a Taiwa,
Ki á koe, e Taua, ka wiua, ki te tónga.
Náu i ó mai e káhu, e túriki,
E takówe e ó mo tóku nei rángi,
Ka tai ki reira, áku rángi auraki.

(Translation.)

The strong and irresistible wind blowing from the tempestuous north, made so deep an impression upon my mind for thee, O Taua, that I ascended the mountain, even to the very top, to witness thy departure. The rolling billows extend nearly as far as Stivers*. Thou art driven to the eastward, far away. Thou hast given me a garment, to wear for thy sake; and happy shall I be in the remembrance of thee, when I bind it on my shoulders. When thou art arrived at thy intended port, my affections shall be there.

* A man who is said to have visited the Bay of Islands before Captain Cook.