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 Karemaku and Kahumanna return, all 

 thy wants shall be provided for. The King s 

 brother comes with them ; but he is yet only 

 an inexperienced boy, and does not know how 

 to distinguish good from evil. 



&quot; 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 



