Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/101

82 it not that the beating encreases in violence as the concert proceeds, so that toward the end of a song, a by-stander would be much alarmed for the safety, or, indeed, for the life of the performer.

It is customary for the song to be begun by one person, and, at the end of each verse, all the company join in chorus, beating their breasts as before-mentioned. This union of singing and action they call aroroikee, and it is a very favorite amusement.

Their songs to the rising and setting sun, are peculiarly well adapted to express their feelings. On the rising of the sun the air is cheerful, the arms are spread out as a token of welcome, and the whole action denotes a great degree of unmixed joy; while on the contrary, his setting is regretted in tones of a most mournful nature; the head is bowed down in a melancholy manner, and every other action denotes their sorrow for his departure.

The song to the moon is of a grave and