Rewi to Grey
The Old Maori Chief’s Last Message
We have lived till these times, brother,
We who lived in this;
We have not grown old together,
Soon our lives must close—
Rewi’s first! For I am dying
Ere I got where all is true
From my heart a wish is flying—
This is my great word to you:
Mine to you and those who love us—
Be they white or brown—
Let there be one stone above is
When they’ve laid us down;
Let us rest together, brother,
When our gods recall us two.
Grant my wish—I have no other:
This is my great word to you.
Let there be one stone above us,
Standing for a sign:
On one side your name be written
On the other mine.
In my heart your name is lying;
We shall meet where all is true—
From my heart this wish is flying
This is my great word to you.
1894
