Page:Voyage in search of La Perouse, volume 2 (Stockdale).djvu/220

180 Captain Cook, to have a considerable affinity to the feudal system.

Several natives requested to embark with us, in order to accompany us to France; and Captain Huon allotted a birth on board the Esperance to Kové, a son of the queen. This chief, to convince us that he was prompted only by the wish to accompany us, would not accept any of the articles we offered him. The General, whom he came to see, set before him the principal inconveniencies attendant on long voyages; yet he persisted in his resolution, and returned on board the Esperance. Just as he was sitting down to dinner, however, several natives came to intreat him to go on shore to see his family at least once more, before he undertook a voyage of such a length. He complied with their intreaties, and never returned on board again. Some of the natives informed us, that he was unable to resist the prayers and tears of nine wives and several children, whom he was going to leave, perhaps never to see more; and that he had promised not to quit them. Kové had a fine countenance, but not the gaiety of the other natives. Perhaps some domestic uneasiness had been one of the chief causes of his desire to leave his country. Had he carried his design into execution, he would many times have regretted the delicious