416 TAHITI. [CHAP. xvm. 



ration, candour, and prompt resolution, which were displayed on 

 all sides. I believe we all left the meeting with a very different 

 opinion of the Tahitians, from what we entertained when we 

 entered. The chiefs and people resolved to subscribe and com- 

 plete the sum which was wanting ; Captain Fitz Roy urged that 

 it was hard that their private property should be sacrificed for 

 the crimes of distant islanders. They replied, that they were 

 grateful for his consideration, but that Ponmrre was their Queen, 

 and that they were determined to help her in this her difficulty. 

 This resolution and its prompt execution, for a book was opened 

 early the next morning, made a perfect conclusion to this very 

 remarkable scene of loyalty and good feeling. 



After the main discussion was ended, several of the chiefs took 

 the opportunity of asking Captain Fitz Roy many intelligent 

 questions on international customs and laws, relating to the treat- 

 ment of ships and foreigners. On some points, as soon as the 

 decision was made, the law was issued verbally on the spot. This 

 Tahitian parliament, lasted for several hours ; and when it was 

 over Captain Fitz Roy invited Queen Pomarre to pay the Beagle 

 a visit. 



November 25th. In the evening four boats were sent for her 

 majesty ; the ship was dressed with flags, and the yards manned 

 on her coming on board. She was accompanied by most of the 

 chiefs. The behaviour of all was very proper : they begged for 

 nothing, and seemed much pleased with Captain Fitz Roy's pre- 

 sents. The Queen is a large awkward woman, without any 

 beauty, grace, or dignity. She has only one royal attribute : a 

 perfect immoveability of expression under all circumstances, and 

 that rather a sullen one. The rockets v/ere most admired ; and 

 a deep " Oh ! " could be heard from the shore, all round the dark 

 bay, after each explosion. The sailors' songs were also much 

 admired ; and the queen said she thought that one of the most 

 boisterous ones certainly could not be a hymn ! The royal party 

 did not return on shore till past midnight. 



26th. In the evening, with a gentle land-breeze, a course 

 was steered for New Zealand ; and as the sun set, we had a fare- 

 well view of the mountains of Tahiti the island to which every 

 voyager has offered up his tribute of admiration. 



