Fijian Lullaby

By village trees, benign and tall, (Sleep safe, my little one!) The south winds flee From swelling sea, But you, safe in your palm thatched home, Shall heedless be when spirits roam.

A “bu” is set before the door Lest some sad ghost-one thirsts, and more Tavutu nuts, in magic ring— These for each evil threatening.

Here garden foods and loving care— So much we have and gladlv share.

To-morrow, bv the peep-o’-day, We seek for shell-fish in the bay.

Safe on my arm. secure from harm, Sleep, sleep, my little one.

Alice Allen Innes.