TRANSLATION

The world is convulsed: the earth-plates sink

To the nether domain of Wakea;

Earth’s rooted foundations are broken;

Flame-billows lift their heads to the sky;

The ocean-caves and reefs, the peopled land

And the circle of island coast

Are whelmed in one common disaster:

The gleam of it reaches Kahiki:—

Such blush encircles the pale apple’s eye.