A mighty fish to grace the wedding feast.

32

And where was Taka? All the gorgeous day

She had been absent, old Akau told;

And of the stranger, wanderer, with eyes

Lit by the fires of youth, Akau told,

Like a glad wind of morning bearing spring,

Spring with the heart of summer, and his brow

Crowned with the calm white flowers of innocence.

Uhila knew, in days long past he too

Had wandered thro' the forest in the glory

And glow of youth.

With mouth set stern and grim

He followed to the pool. His heart was stirred

With turbulent emotions. She was his,—

Taka was his, the blossom that should cheer

The winter of his age. His springing step

Was stealthy as a tiger's, and the way

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Was clear before him. Rightly was he named

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