THE SANDWICH ISLANDS. 349 



liberties on board the latter, for they perceive the 

 endeavours of the European merchants to cheat 

 them in every way, and they have, therefore, en- 

 tirely lost their esteem. Kareimoku would have 

 had very sufficient reason for refusing me the exhi- 

 bition of the lance-exercise, for, since the conquest 

 of the island of Woahoo, by Tamaahmaah, the in- 

 habitants are always disposed to insurrection, and 

 seize every opportunity that offers. Only persons 

 of distinction are allowed to take part in this ex- 

 ercise, which generally proves serious, as it seldom 

 terminates without some killed, or wounded. Two 

 years ago, when Tamaahmaah ordered one of these 

 warlike spectacles, he had his soldiers at hand, 

 with loaded muskets, who soon put an end to the 

 rising fury. From this it appears, that Kareimoku 

 had reason not to grant me this spectacle, till I 

 promised to aid him with all my crew. The day 

 intended for the combat, is fixed beforehand, that 

 the nobles from all parts may assemble to display 

 their courage and dexterity. There are sometimes 

 above a hundred, who divide themselves into equal 

 parties, and occupy a large place for the scene of 

 combat. Both parties take their positions, and the 

 leader of each advances to the middle of the place. 

 These two, then, endeavour to hit each otlier with 

 their lances, of which they have several in their 

 hand; each of them tries to avoid the lance of his 

 opponent, by dexterous turns of the body, and both 

 are in constant motion, springing backwards and 



