416 TAHITI. |cHapP, XVIII. 
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- 
plgte the sum which was wanting; Captain Fitz Roy urged that 
itwas 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 Pomarre 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 were 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 bea 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. 
