Rore belonged to the cannibal age, but he was overtaken by the Christian era of today. He was the author of that song, ‘How Great is My Love for Divine Glory,’ which he professed on becoming a professed Christian. It might be more correct to say he was a doubtful convert; at times he would yearn for the former life of his people, a life then already beyond recall, and this (hankering within his soul) would emerge in his songs.
Biographical sources
- Nga Moteatea: He Maramara Rere No Nga Waka Maha: The Songs: Scattered Pieces From Many Canoe Areas. Comp. Apirana Ngata and trans. Pei Te Hurinui. Pt. 2. Wellington, N.Z.: Published for the Polynesian Society by A. H. & A. W. Reed, 1961. 281.
Music
- "How great is my love for divine glory." No details.
- "He Waiata Whakatangitangi/A Song Of Regret." Nga Moteatea: He Maramara Rere No Nga Waka Maha: The Songs: Scattered Pieces From Many Canoe Areas. Comp. Apirana Ngata and trans. Pei Te Hurinui. Pt. 2. Wellington, N.Z.: Published for the Polynesian Society by A. H. & A. W. Reed, 1961.
Traditional
- "He Tangi Mo Te Ohonga/A Lament For Te Ohonga." Nga Moteatea: He Maramara Rere No Nga Waka Maha: The Songs: Scattered Pieces From Many Canoe Areas. Comp. Apirana Ngata and trans. Pei Te Hurinui. Pt. 2. Wellington, N.Z.: Published for the Polynesian Society by A. H. & A. W. Reed, 1961. 280-283.
- "The text of the song and the explanations are by Paora Rokino and Ngamotu Wiremu" (Nga Moteatea Pt. 2: 281).