misfortune, relieved of all serious anxieties, and deprived of what

we call our liberty. Did they like it? and what was their

sentiment toward the ruler? The first question I could not of

course ask, nor perhaps the natives answer. Even the second was

delicate; yet at last, and under charming and strange

circumstances, I found my opportunity to put it and a man to reply.

It was near the full of the moon, with a delicious breeze; the isle

was bright as day--to sleep would have been sacrilege; and I walked

in the bush, playing my pipe. It must have been the sound of what

I am pleased to call my music that attracted in my direction

another wanderer of the night. This was a young man attired in a

fine mat, and with a garland on his hair, for he was new come from

dancing and singing in the public hall; and his body, his face, and

his eyes were all of an enchanting beauty. Every here and there in

the Gilberts youths are to be found of this absurd perfection; I

have seen five of us pass half an hour in admiration of a boy at

Mariki; and Te Kop (my friend in the fine mat and garland) I had

already several times remarked, and long ago set down as the

loveliest animal in Apemama. The philtre of admiration must be

very strong, or these natives specially susceptible to its effects,

for I have scarce ever admired a person in the islands but what he

has sought my particular acquaintance. So it was with Te Kop. He

led me to the ocean side; and for an hour or two we sat smoking and

talking on the resplendent sand and under the ineffable brightness

of the moon. My friend showed himself very sensible of the beauty

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