Page:An account of the natives of the Tonga Islands.djvu/448

382 382 TRANSACTIONS AT " people under suspicion that I, or some of " those about you, were unfaithful; but where "is the proof of infidelity? where is a single "instance of disrespect?" Then, inflicting violent blows, and deep cuts in the head with a club, stone, or knife, would again exclaim, at intervals, " Is this not a proof of my fidelity? " does this not evince loyalty and attachment " to the memory of the departed warrior?*' Then, perhaps, two or three would run up, and endeavour to seize the same club, saying, with a furious tone of voice, " Behold! the land is " torn with strife! it is smitten to pieces! it is " split by revolts! how my blood boils! let us " haste and die! I no longer wish to live! your " death, Finow, shall be mine! but why did I " wish hitherto to live, it was for you alone! " it was in your service and defence, only, that " country is ruined! Peace and happiness are "at an end! your death has insured ours! " henceforth war and destruction alone can " prosper." These speeches were accompa- nied with a wild and frantic agitation of the body, whilst the parties cut and bruised their heads every two or three words, with the knife or club they held in their hands. Others somewhat more calm and moderate in their grief, would parade up and down with
 * I wished to breathe! but now, alas, the