She knelt by the dead, in her passionate grief, <br />Beneath a weird forest of Tanna; <br />She kissed the stern brow of her father and chief, <br />And cursed the dark race of Alkanna. <br />With faces as wild as the clouds in the rain, <br />The sons of Kerrara came down to the plain, <br />And spoke to the mourner and buried the slain. <br />Oh, the glory that died with Deloya! <br /> <br />'Wahina,' they whispered, 'Alkanna lies low, <br />And the ghost of thy sire hath been gladdened, <br />For the men of his people have fought with the foe <br />Till the rivers of Warra are reddened!' <br />She lifted her eyes to the glimmering hill, <br />Then spoke, with a voice like a musical rill, <br />'The time is too short; can I sojourn here still?' <br />Oh, the Youth that was sad for Deloya! <br /> <br />'Wahina, why linger,' Annatanam said, <br />'When the tent of a chieftain is lonely? <br />There are others who grieve for the light that has fled, <br />And one who waits here for you only!' <br />'Go - leave me!' she cried. 'I would fain be alone; <br />I must stay where the trees and the wild waters moan; <br />For my heart is as cold as a wave-beaten stone.' <br />Oh, the Beauty that was broke for Deloya! <br /> <br />'Wahina, why weep o'er a handful of dust, <br />When the souls of the brave are approaching? <br />Oh, look to the fires that are lit for the just, <br />And the mighty who sleep in Arrochin!' <br />But she turned from the glare of the flame-smitten sea, <br />And a cry, like a whirlwind, came over the lea - <br />'Away to the mountains and leave her with me!' <br />Oh, the heart that was broke for Deloya!<br /><br />Henry Kendall<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-ballad-of-tanna/
