Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 2 (Stockdale).djvu/174

142 of the natives informed us, that this music made a very strong and pleasing impression upon them.

The kava was then distributed to the different chiefs, by him who had given orders for its preparation. He sent it to them in cups, which were made on the spot with the leaves of the plantain, and every time he offered a cup, he pronounced, in a pretty loud voice, the name of him for whom it was intended. Feenou he served first, saying mayé maa Feenou; and he did the same to the other chiefs, all whose names we could easily pronounce. Some of these, perhaps, the reader will not be displeased to hear: they were Nufatoa, Fefé, Mafi, Famouna, Fatoumona, &c.

We may presume, it was necessary, that some of the chiefs should judge of the goodness of the liquor, before the king drank, for it was not offered to him till it came to the fourth cup. None was sent to his daughters; and indeed it always appeared to us, that this liquor was reserved entirely for the men.

Notwithstanding the presence of the General, the king very soon fell asleep, and snored aloud, with his legs crossed, and his head bowed down almost to his knees. When he awoke, we showed him a drawing of a cow, and asked if that given to King Poulaho by Captain Cook had bred.