Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/47

28 less formidable when commanding a fleet of war canoes.

Though the power of the chieftains appears to depend upon success in arms, yet they do not undertake any warlike enterprize without a consultation of the elders, nor probably without endeavouring to find out how the destinies are disposed towards them.

When war is determined upon, the conflict must be dreadful. They have no idea of any thing short of conquest or death, and they engage in the battle with a firm reliance upon the former, though they are prepared for the latter by having no dread of it.

The warlike operations, whether carried on by land or water, are in general guided more by personal valour than by a judicious disposition of their forces. Success is therefore most likely to crown the most numerous tribe, though it is not universally the case.

The onset is accompanied by threaten-