Lovely Rarotonga

Of all the islands, east or west,

One charming spot I love the best ~

A land of loveliness and rest

   Is beauteous Rarotonga!

Like mermaid from her ocean cave,

The island rises o’er the wave,

Where bluest waters gently lave ~

   The shore of Rarotonga!

How nobly grand the hills appear,

As clothed in verdure all the year

Their bold and striking peaks they rear

  In lovely Rarotonga.

How rich and fragrant are the glades,

How fresh and cool the forest shades,

How brave the men, how fond the maids

  Of happy Rarotonga!

And she who rules this fairy scene ~

Makea ~ loved and loving Queen,

Peaceful and just her reign has been

  In lovely Rarotonga.

May she be spared for many a day

To reign in Awarua Bay,

While commerce thrives beneath her way

  In fertile Rarotonga!

And Tinuomana ~ Mere Paa ~

Who in their districts make the law,

May they protect from blot or flaw

  This isle of Rarotonga.

May industry and useful arts

Send wealth to many busy marts,

While joy and peace rule all the hearts

  In lovely Rarotonga!

May Maori and Papa unite

In friendship firm and honour bright,

While soft religion sheds her light

  On beauteous Rarotonga.

Safe may you dwell from war’s alarm,

While strangers find an added charm

In hospitable, welcome warm

  and lovely Rarotonga!

For far New Zealand, whence we come,

We soon must leave this island home,

But oft in fancy we will roam

  The woods of Rarotonga.

Thou lovely island, fare-thee-well,

But henceforth, wheresoe’er we dwell,

Bright sun and sky a tale shall tell

  Of radiant Rarotonga!

(author unknown)