408 MYSTIC ISLES 



times, and that often such conduct as that of the Arioi 

 was associated among ancient or primitive peoples with 

 artistic and interesting manifestations. 



He searched the memories of the old men and women 

 for other things than abominations, and gave the Arioi 

 a good name for possession of many excellent qualities 

 and for a rare development of histrionic ability. But 

 more than being mere mimes and dancers, the Arioi were 

 the warriors, the knights of that day and place, the men- 

 at-arms, the chosen companions of the king and chiefs, 

 and in general the bravest and most cultivated of the 

 Tahitians. They were an extended round-table for 

 pleasure in peace and for counsel and deeds of derring- 

 do in war. The society was a nursery of chivalry, a 

 company which recruited, but did not reproduce them- 

 selves. They had a solid basis, and lasted long because 

 the society kept out of politics. 



The members never forgot the duty due their chiefs. 

 They accompanied them in their enterprises, and they 

 killed their fellow-members in the enemy's camp, as 

 Masons fought Masons in the American Civil War and 

 in the wars of Europe. In peace they w^ere epicures. 

 They consorted together only for pleasure and comfort 

 in their reunions. The Arioi made their order no step- 

 ping-stone to power or office, but in it swam in sensuous 

 luxury, each giving his talents to please his fellows and 

 to add luster to his society. 



To the English missionaries who converted the Tahi- 

 tians to the Christian faith the Arioi adherent was the 

 chief barrier, the fiercest opponent, and, when won over, 

 the most enthusiastic neophyte. In that is found the 

 secret of the society's strength. It embraced all the 



