THE CHIEFS OF THE LAND.

New Zealander, Volume 7, Issue 551, 26 July 1851, Page 4

THE CHIEFS OF THE LAND.

Where the uplands lie fairest, and nearest the sun, Where the sparkling waters of rivers run, Where the kauri trees thickest and goodliest stand, They dwell midst their vassals, the Chiefs of the Land! The broad flag of England now waves from yon hill, And strangers their plains, and their green valleys fill, But let ne'er be forgotten, that haughty-eyed band, [Land ! The dark-browed—the strong-handed—the Chiefs of the Such once were our sires 'ere the Cӕsar's dread eye First learnt how barbarians could conquer, or die; Our shores were not fairer than this sea-girt strand, Nor our fathers more brave, than these Chiefs of the Land. The Romans by mercy their conquests retained, And their benefits kept what their falchions had gained; The sweet dove of peace should be seen in our hand, When we dwell near the homes of the Chiefs of the Land. The native is groaning on Tasman's broad plain, On the sands of Australia his tears fall like rain; The red Indian must bow to the white man's command; But the Maori is free—and a Chief in the Land! Oh, long may he dwell where his fathers have dwelt, And soon may he kneel where they never have knelt, The God of the Christian stretch forth his strong hand And soften the hearts of the Chiefs of the Land.

St. George. Auckland, July 23rd, 1851.