The lightning flashes in the sky 

Splitting in two over Tauwhare 

Assuredly a token of death 

The shadow of Whāro has been withdrawn 

My friend forgotten by me has departed 

 

His weapon drawn suddenly from his hand 

Haranui the priest, Uenukuwareware has heard 

One asks “what phase is it of the moon?” 

Is is Tangaroamua, the end of the Korekore nights 

You have vanished over the hill Raukawa 

Soaring gently towards the setting sun 

The waves of the western sea are moaning 

You journeyed by way of Whareana 

While toward the south the hills ran unbroken  

Lo! The seer has been lifted to Rona 

And is thus suspended 

 

Thrust open the door to the heavens 

That you may ascend the first heaven 

To the second heaven. And Arrived below 

Should you be asked “what is this?” 

It is the cynosure of the earth withdrawn thither 

He who made calm all strife 

 

Te Tai, Te Ataoterangi is left above 

In close company with Te Whetuitetonga 

Canopus with Antares!      

 

As for me my frined, I am burdened 

With the words of other peoples, other men 

Bereft are the tribes and the land trembles 

We are as the driven stakes standing bare 

At Waimako. Your skin is moistened 

By the heavy dew of Hokianga vale 

The tides are at lowest ebb, our fortunes too  

 

I observe the mist that stands 

Above Heke; clear it away 

Disolve it entirely that it may not recur 

For the mind recollects the evil 

That was happily removed