Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/490

 456 FIJI Am) THE FIJIANS. asked Mr. Calvert to lecture one of the fraternity who sat in the house, not allowing the Missionary to sit on the floor in the attitude of sub- mission. This gave a good opportunity for setting forth the truth, and all pi esent paid great attention. Thakombau urged the Missionary to witness the ceremonies at the temple, offering, as an inducement, the assurance that the Priest would have a paroxysm of holy shaking. The King opposed the wish of the orthodox old Heathens to have the usual large supplies of food prepared. Early in the morning, several priests assembled in the area at the foot of Na Vata-ni-Tawake, the chief temple, seating themselves in order on the flags. The King and Mr. Calvert went together. Thakombau went first to his small family temple, where a kind-looking old man was waiting. A principal messenger of the Chief, seated before the priest, offered a root of 't/aqona, and called upon the god for protection and success. The priest was surprised to see the Missionary, and had some difficulty in commencing his address. With a little excitement, he promised protection, but would not undertake to destroy. The Chief then said : " Yes, you have always protected us ; that we expect. But now we require the destruction of our enemies.' We have renewed your fences, and made special offerings to you ; and we now look to you for extra proof of your concern for us, by revenging our insults." The mild old man would not, however, give promises of greater success ; but requested that any oflferings for peace might be accepted. They then proceeded to the gathering at the principal temple. When Mr. Calvert reached the foot of the steps, the high priest came down, having many folds of native cloth wrapped round him, and accosted him very pompously, saying, " Why have you come ? Do you think I shall refrain from making promises because you are here 1 " The Missionary gave the priest's hand a shake and spoke in friendly tones to him, whereupon he returned and seated himself in the centre of the row of priests. Mr. Calvert sat in an elevated position, where every eye was upon him, as all knew for what purpose he had come ; and many suspected that the King shared the Missionary's feelings about the whole affair. Presently an old Chief, the principal cannibal, advanced, bearing on his shoulder a root of green yaqona. He appealed to the gods, to help them to destroy their enemies and avenge the grievances which he de- scribed. In a few minutes the high priest was seized with trembling, which increased in violence, until he seemed convulsed, and in danger of suffocation. Then the god, through the lips of the priest, pro- claimed his advent, and every head-dress was doffed, and all ornaments stripped from the persons of the spectators. Thakombau, not wishing