Page:Some Account of New Zealand.pdf/60

Rh able appearance of the father, who is of their religious class, made the scene truly interesting.

When this ceremony was concluded with the father, Moyhanger descended to the canoe, and embracing his mother, mingled his tears with her's, in a similar way to that which had just taken place between the father and himself—the same plaintive sounds were uttered, and evidently a great deal of affection expressed on both sides; but the time taken up in parting with his mother was not more than half of that which had been employed in taking leave of the father. His brother came next; when a similar scene of grief occurred, but of shorter duration: his sisters were embraced by him, but in a less ceremonious manner.

This interesting ceremony being concluded, Moyhanger ascended the ship's side, and all parties appeared chearful and happy.

In the early part of this parting scene, the appearance of affliction was so great, that I was induced to interrupt it, by desir-