Said to her, "My country sends me,
Trusted with a high command,
With the 'Zeehan' and the 'Heemskirk,'
To explore the southern strand."

"I must claim it for my country,
Plant her flag upon its shore;
But I hope to win you, darling,
When the dangerous cruise is o'er."
And her haughty sire relenting,
Did not care to say him nay:
Flushing high with love and valour,
Sailed the gallant far away.

And the captain, Abel Tasman,
Sailing under southern skies,
Mingled with his hopes of glory,
Thoughts of one with starlight eyes.
Onward sailed he, where the crested
White waves broke around his ship,
With the lovelight in his true eyes,
And the song upon his lip.

Onward sailed he, ever onward,
Faithful as the stars above;
Many a cape and headland pointing
Tells the legend of his love:
For he linked their names together,
Speeding swiftly o'er the wave--
Tasman's Isle and Cape Maria,