He bore upon his old and indolent heart,

Scarred with the sins of war, a white device.

Taka, daughter of chiefs and Fiji's pride,

3

Desirous eyes kinged him with envy's crown.

[1] The lightning.

Scraping across the beach the boats were launched,

And as they touched the waves, they seemed to take

New shape and dignity with that caress

Of little lapping ripples round the prow.

Uhila led the fleet as one who knew

His right by reason of his age and skill.

The little isle seemed now a sleeping maid

Kirtled in green, the beach her snowy breast

Veined with the purple brooks that sought the sea.

Uhila watched it fade below the blue,

Crouched in the bow, his grizzled chin in hand,

Taking his ease, while small Kuma, keen-eyed,

Famed for his daring, paddled lustily.

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