Page:An account of the natives of the Tonga Islands.djvu/224

158 general boxing-match ; the men from the north of the island combating those from the south ; till at length the men of the north drove their opponents entirely off the ground. On occa- sions of such fights the combatants are allowed to wear turbans, to resemble more nearly a real fight. It must here be observed that turbans are not allowed to be worn but in time of war, and then only by those who are going to battle, unless on occasions of formal rejoicings like the present, or at night-time by chiefs and mata- booles, or by the common people when at work in the fields or in canoes. On all other occa- sions, to wear ahead-dress would be disrespect- ful ; for although no chief be present, yet some god may be at hand unseen. This custom is k:ept up with such strictness, that if a man were to wear a head-dress on other occasions, he would be sure to be knocked down by the first person he met who was a superior, and even, perhaps, if he were an equal. On occasions, when a turban is allowed to be worn, it must be removed from the head when a superior hap- pens to approach (unless in time of actual bat- tle) ; but it is usual for the superior to say to one who is not much inferior, " toogoo ho fow,^' keep on your fozv^ — as we would say, keep on your hat, — which compliment is generally ac- cepted. The king used frequently to tell Mr.