LETTER FROM NOMAHANNA. 235 



a joy which our poor language is unequal to 

 express. Thou wilt find all here much changed. 

 While Tameamea lived, the country flourished ; 

 but since his death, all has gone to ruin. The 

 young King is in London. Karemaku and 

 Kahumanna are absent ; and Chinau, who fills 

 their place, has too little power over the people 

 to receive thee as becomes thy rank. He can- 

 not procure for thee as many hogs and sweet 

 potatoes, and as much tarro as thou hast need 

 of. How sincerely do I regret that my great 

 possessions lie upon the Island of Muwe, so far 

 away across the sea ! Were they nearer, thou 

 shouldst daily be surrounded by hogs. As 

 soon as Karem.aku and Kahumanna return, all 

 thy wants shall be provided for. The King's 

 brother combes with them ; but he is yet only 

 an inexperienced boy, and does not know how 

 to distinguish good from evil. 



'^ I beg thee to embrace thine Emperor in 

 my name. Tell him, that I would willingly do 

 so myself, but for the wide sea that lies be- 

 tween us. Do not forget to carry my saluta- 

 tions to thy whole nation. Since I am a Chris- 

 tian, and that thou art also such, thou wilt 



