310 



A VOYAGE TO 



>77i'- trace the caufc, or the obje(fl of his difpleafure. In fuch 



1— V ' cafes they never difcover the leaft fymptom of timidity, 



but feem determined, at all events, to punifli the infulc. 

 For, even with refpecft to us, they never appeared to be un- 

 der the leaft apprchenfion of our fuperiority ; but when any 

 difference happened, were juft as ready to avenge the wrong, 

 as araongft thcmfelves. 



Their other palTions, cfpecially their curlofity, appear in 

 fome meafure to lie dormant. For few exprcfTcd any defire 

 to fee or examine things wholly unknown to them ; and 

 which, to thofe truly pofFefled of that paffion, would have 

 appeared aftonifliing. They were alway's contented to pro- 

 cure the articles they knew and wanted, regarding every 

 thing elfe with great indifference ; nor did our perfons, ap- 

 p^^rel, and manners, fo different from their own, or even the 

 extraordinary fize and conllrucflion of our lliips, feem to ex- 

 cite admiration, or even engage attention. 



One caufc of this may be their indolence, which fcems 

 confiderable. But, on the other hand, they are certainly 

 not wholly unfufceptible of the tender paffions ; if we may 

 judge from their being fo fond of mufic, which is moftly 

 of the grave or ferious, but truly pathetic fort. They keep 

 the exatfleft concert in their fongs, which are often fung by 

 great numbers together, as thofe already mentioned, with 

 which they ufed to entertain us in their canoes. Thefe are 

 generally How and folemn; but the mufic is not of that con- 

 fined fort found amongfl many rude nations ; for the vari- 

 ations arc very numerous and cxpieflive, and the cadence or' 

 melody powerfully foothing. Befidcs their full concerts, 

 fonnets of the fame grave caft were frequently fung by 

 fingle performers, who keep time by ftriking the hand 

 3 againft 



