THIRD VOYAGE 265 



formed the first rank ; the whole number continuing to 

 recite the sentences as before. The other ranks did the 

 same successively, till that which at first was the front 

 became the rear ; and their evolution continued in the same 

 manner till the last rank regained its first situation. They 

 then began a much quicker dance, though slow at first, 

 and sung about ten minutes, when the whole body divided 

 into two parts, retreated a little, and then approached, 

 forming a sort of circular figure, which finished the dance. 



" In a short time seventy men sat down as a chorus to 

 another dance. This consisted of two ranks of sixteen 

 persons each, with young Toobou at their head. These 

 danced, sung, and twirled the pagge as before, but, in 

 general, much quicker. A motion that met with particular 

 approbation was one in which they held the face aside as if 

 ashamed. The back rank closed before the front one, and 

 that again resumed its place, as in the two former dances. 

 At that instant two men entered very hastily, and exercised 

 the clubs which they use in battle. They did this, by first 

 twirling them in their hands, and making circular strokes 

 before them with great force and quickness, but so skilfully 

 managed, that, though standing quite close, they never 

 interfered. To them succeeded a person with a spear, in 

 the same hasty manner ; looking about eagerly as if in 

 search of somebody to throw it at. He then ran hastily 

 to one side of the crowd in the front, and put himself in a 

 threatening attitude, as if he meant to strike with his 

 spear at one of them, bending the knee a little, and tremb- 

 ling, as it were with rage. He continued in this manner 

 only a few seconds when he moved to the other side, and 

 having stood in the same posture there for the same short 

 time, retreated from the ground as fast as when he made 

 his appearance ; and various other evolutions were per- 

 formed with much adroitness. 



" These dances lasted from eleven till near three o'clock ; 

 and though they were doubtless intended to shew us a 

 specimen of their dexterity, vast numbers of their own 

 people attended as spectators. Some of us computed 

 that there were not less than ten or twelve thousand within 

 the compass of a quarter of a mile, drawn together for 

 the most part by mere curiosity. 



" No pen can describe the numerous actions and motions, 

 the singularity of which was not greater than was the ease 

 and gracefulness with which they were performed ; and the 

 whole was conducted with far better order than could have 

 been expected in so large an assembly. 



" Early in the morning of the 18th an accident happened, 

 that strongly marked one of their customs. A man got out 



