Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/110

 84 FIJI AXD THE FIJIANS. The aspect of the Fijian, considered with reference to his mental character, so far from supporting the decision which would thrust him almost outside of mankind, presents many points of great interest, showing that, if an ordinary amount of attention were bestowed on him, he would take no mean rank in the great human family, to which, hitherto, he has been a disgrace. Dull, barren stupidity forms no part of his character. His feelings are acute, but not lasting ; his emotions easily roused, but transient ; he can love truly, and hate deeply ; he can sympathize with thorough sincerity, and feign with consummate skill ; his fidelity and loyalty are strong and enduring, while his re- venge never dies, but waits to avail itself of circumstances, or of the blackest treachery, to accomplish its purpose. His senses are keen, and so well employed, that he often excels the white man in ordinary things. Tact has been called " ready cash," and of this the native of Fiji has a full share, enabling him to surmount at once many difficulties, and ac- complish many tasks, that would have " fixed " an Englishman. Tools, cord, or packing materials, he finds directly, where the white man would be at a loss for either ; and nature seems to him but a general store for his use, where the article he wants is always within reach. In social diplomacy the Fijian is very cautious and clever. That he ever paid a visit merely en passant, is hard to be believed. If no re- quest leaves his lips, he has brought the desire, and only waits for a good chance to present it now, or prepare the way for its favourable re- ception at some other time. His face and voice are all pleasantness, and he has the rare skill of finding out just the subject on which you most like to talk, or sees at once whether you desire silence. Earely will he fail to read your comitenance ; and the case must be urgent in- deed, which obliges him to ask a favour when he sees a frown. The more important he feels his business, the more earnestly he protests that he has none at all ; and the subject uppermost in his thoughts comes last to his lips, or is not even named ; for he will make a second, or even a third visit, rather than risk a failure through precipitancy. He seems to read other men by intuition, especially where selfishness or lust are prominent traits. If it serves his purpose, he will study difficult and peculiar characters, reserving the results for future use : if, afterwards, he wishes to please them, he will know how ; and if to annoy them, it will be done most exactly. His sense of hearing is acute, and by a stroke of his nail he judges of the ripeness of fruits, or soundness of various substances. Great command of temper, and power to conceal his emotions, are often displayed by the Fijian. Let some one, for instance, bring a val-