A Grammar and Vocabulary of the Language of New Zealand.
Wai Ata
Wai Ata.
( 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.