John Heki

Should Switzerland’s rude rocks be held the throne Of freedom (sanctioned there by God to quell All proud invaders, Gessler-like o’erthrown!) Because the echoes in their caves that dwell Once leaped exultant at the shout of Tell? And thine, New Zealand, yet be left unknown To glory, now that thy dark chief hath sown Broad over them a like memorial spell? Should Wallace be a word time ne’er may lose? And Hofer (he who for his mountains died Rather than see the spoiler there abuse Freedom’s rock-alter!) Be a sound of pride Yet Heki’s name remain unglorified In the grand lore of the heroic muse