The Huia

Where is it now that once was high?

Where is it now, where is its wing?

Where is the Prince of the leaves and sky?

Where is the King?

Where is its mate of the curving bill?

Where is it now, where is it seen?

Where is the Princess of tree and hill?

Where is the Queen?

Pledge of rank on a chieftain’s brow,

Plume of black with a milky bar,

Under what sky is it dreaming now?

Under what star?

Oh! it was sweet, as sweet as a child,

Kind to its mate of the curving beak;

Where shall we hear its fluting wild,

Where shall we seek?

Where is it now that once was high?

Where is it now, where is its wing?

Where is the Prince of the leaves and sky?

Where is the King?

- Eileen Duggan

New Zealand Bird Songs, published by Harry H. Tomb Ltd, 1929