396 A MISSION TO VITI. 



Those who make a philosophical digest of such myths 

 as these, will at once perceive the points of resemblance 

 it exhibits with the Mosaic narrative: The anger of 

 the supreme god has been roused by certain transgres- 



His sacred legs, with many a cowry bound, 

 Crash'd as the monster fell upon the ground. 



" ' My brother, can it be ? is this the bird 

 Whose office long has been to wake the god 

 Whose serpent form lies coil'd in yonder cave, 

 Boasting the dreaded power to kill or save ? ' 



" They strip him of his coat, by Nature given, 

 And, lo, his feathers rise in clouds to heaven, 

 Fly o'er the mountains on the gentle breeze, 

 Cover the mystic grove of sacred trees. 



" A grave, at once convenient and secure, 

 They find beneath the threshold of the door ; 

 They bury him with vows of self-defence, 

 Should Degei's anger visit their offence. 



" The god lies sleeping, nor has power to wake; 

 He turns himself, and rocks and mountains quake ; 

 When gloomy night has laid aside his pall, 

 He lists intent for Turukawas call. 



" Three suns have risen, but no call he hears ; 

 His heart now beats with boding god-like fears ; 

 The god, exhausted with suspense so sore, 

 Sends Uto his dominions to explore. 



" 'Go search my favourite bird, my precious store ; 

 Oh, shall I never hear his cooing more ? 

 If distance weary, or the sun shall burn, 

 Refreshing draughts shall wait thy glad return. 



" ' Go search 'rnong tow'ring heights, 'mong vales beneath, 

 'Mong gloomy caverns, and the cloud- capp'd cliffs ; 

 There dwell the murderers, so report declares ; 

 Vengeance shall now absorb our god-like cares.' " 



The result was, that Degei made war on the two youths, but without 

 effect ; he then caused a flood of water, with which they were drifted to 

 the Rewa district. The mystic grove of sacred trees referred to in verse 

 5, are the Balaivas (screw-pines) at the top of Degei's mountain, which 



