New Zealand Bird Songs
The First Night
The First Night
In the deep December night,
When each sandalled wind was still,
To the listening ear of earth
Spoke the Bell-bird from the hill:
“O my bubbling peal of bells,
O my little melody,
Let me chime Your coming in,
Let me bless You from a tree!”
Said the Hihi, glowing gold:
“With my stitch that comes and goes,
O my naked little Christ,
Let me stitch Your bits of clothes!”
Said the Bittern, booming deep:
“Little Soldier, in that night
When the spears shall crowd you thick,
Let me drum Your foes to flight.”
And the Tern, with sailor wing:
“Little Salt, Who'll choose to be
Friend of all poor fishermen,
Take a blessing from the sea.”
Sang the Tui—God, how clear—
“Little Love, oh, come away!
Come into the bush to-night;
We shall love You more than they.”
So into the quiet dripped
The great tender, fluting words,
And a cross of stars burned blue
At the blessing of the birds.