Rewi to Grey
The Old Maori Chief's Last Message

Henry Lawson, 1894

      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.