PROCEEDINGS OF SECTION F. * 415 



66. " ToTO LE Usi MA LE Mamae." — " Plant the Usi and the 

 Mamae." 



This saying is a play on words. The usi and the mamae are 

 two good kinds of bananas. The usi is the first part of the word 

 • ■ usitai ' ' (obey) and the mamae is indicated in the word 

 ' ' maemalo ' ' (to wish to be in favour with the Government or 

 rulers). 



67. " Na o gata e fasi a vaai." — " Only snakes are killed 

 when only staring." 



This phrase would be used by a man or by a district on whom 

 unjust and humiliating demands had been made, or who were 

 being unjustly accused. "Do you think we are afraid? Only 

 snakes are killed staring, men fight." 



68. " E SOLA LE FAi A TUU LE FOTO." — " The Fai (stinging ray- 

 fish) swims away, but he leaves his barb behind." 



The criminal often escapes, whilst the consequences of his crime 

 have to be borne by others. Or, a man gives up his evil ways 

 and is forgiven, but still lias to suffer from the effects of his pre- 

 vious actions. This is a very popular proverb, and is used in 

 many ways. 



69. " ToLONA E LE MASiNA MATUA." — "Swept away by the 

 full-grown moon." 



The full moon is said by the natives to clear away clouds from 

 the sky. The simile is used of the advice of a wise old man in 

 times of trouble, and also of the work of a peacemaker in any 

 quarrel. 



70. " 0_LE MAE FULu o LE Tavae."— " The care of the Tavae 

 for its feathers." 



The frigate bird {Phaeton cethereus) is said to be so careful 

 that its long tail feathers should not be injured that if approached 

 in front, when it is on the ground, it will not go backward for 

 fear that the feathers should be broken or crushed. It will flee 

 if a man tries to seize it from behind, but is easily captured by 

 any one who approaches it in front. " It loves its feathers, but 

 throv.'s away its life." The application is to those who value 

 things of little or no value to those which are of supreme import- 

 ance, 



71. " Sei luai lou LE *ULU TAUMAMAO." — " First pluck the 

 bread-fruit which is the furthest away." 



The bread-fruit is plucked by means of a long pole with a 

 crotch at the end of it. Used as advice to do the most difficult 

 part of the work first. 



