Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/64

 44: FIJI AKD THE FIJIANS. Scythians ; the dui approaches the double axe of the Phrygians, and the toiokea is like a spiked hammer, while very many are like the club described by Spenser, as " All armed with ragged snubbes and knottie graine." Of Fijian spears or javelins there is a great variety, having from one to four points, and showing a round, square, or semicircular section. Some are armed with the thorns of the sting-ray, some are barbed, and some formed of a wood which bursts when moist, so that it can scarcely be extracted from a wound. They are deadly weapons, generally of heavy wood, and from ten to fifteen feet long. One variety is significantly called, " The priest is too late" In hard sieges the bow is sometimes used with effect by women. Fiery arrows are occasionally employed to burn a place into submission. The sling is wielded by powerful hands. I saw a musket which had been struck by a slung stone. The barrel was considerably indented and bent nearly half an inch in its length. Another weapon much used is the missile club, which is worn stuck in the girdle, sometimes in pairs, like pistols. It resembles the induhu of the Kaffirs, a short stick with a large knob at one end, either plain or ornamented. This is hurled with great precision, and used formerly to be the favourite implement of assassination. Clubs — the most primitive weapon — are, as already stated, greatly prized by the Fijian. Those which belong to distinguished warriors have emphatic names, e. g. : A sauiu, lamolamora, " For war, though all be at peace." J^a tagi, ka kere bole, " The weeping " [i. e., for the dead I slew) " urges me again to action." Veitalakote, " The disperser." Kadiga ni damimi, " Damaging beyond hope." Defensive armour is not used. Security is sought by many in dis- guise. This is especially the case with men of rank. Bamboo spikes are set in the approaches to a fort, and burnt cross-wise so as to break off* into the foot. Sometimes these are planted in a shallow trench, and lightly covered over with earth. Regarding it from any point of view whatever, there is scarcely anything to excite admiration in Fijian warfare ; and the deeds of which they boast niost proudly, are such as the truly brave would scorn. Nevertheless I o^Yn to having felt keenly when taking leave of Chiefs who were going direct to war. Although nearly naked, their step was proud, and their carriage truly martial. More than one I have known who paced haughtily forth like a war-horse to the battle, to be soon after dragged ignobly to the oven. Here and there an instance occurs of manly daring, intelligent activity, and bold enterprise ; but such are