78 CUSTOMS OF THE FEEJEE GROUP. 
vaka turanga Ratu Vasu-levu,” (Hail! good is the coming hither of 
our noble Lord Nephew.) 
When the Vasu-levu of Mbenga goes thither, honours almost divine 
are rendered him, for he is supposed to be descended in a direct line 
from gods. Mbenga formerly played a very conspicuous part in the 
affairs of the group, but of late years it happened to get into difficul- 
ties with Rewa, in consequence of which Ngaraningiou attacked it, 
conquered its inhabitants, and massacred many of them. Since that 
time it has had little or no political influence. 
The hostile feelings of the different tribes makes war the principal 
employment of the males throughout the group; and where there is so. 
strong a disposition to attack their neighbours, plausible reasons for 
beginning hostilities are not difficult to find. The wars of the Fee- 
jeeans usually arise from some accidental affront or misunderstanding, 
of which the most powerful party takes advantage to extend his 
dominions or increase his wealth. This is sometimes accomplished 
by a mere threat, by which the weaker party is terrified into submis- 
sion to the demand for territory or property. 
When threats fail, a formal declaration of war is made by an 
officer, resembling in his functions the heralds (feciales) of the Ro- 
mans. Every town has one of these, who is held in much respect, 
and whose words are always taken as true. When he repairs to the 
town of the adverse party, where he is always received with great 
attention, he carries with him an ava root, which he presents to the 
chiefs, saying, “‘ Korai sa tatau, sa kalu,” (I bid you goodbye, it is 
war.) ‘The usual answer is, “ Sa vi naka, sa lako talo ki,” (it is well, 
return home.) Preparations are then made on both sides, and when 
they mean to have a fair open fight, a messenger is sent from one 
party to ask the other, what town they intend to attack first. The 
reply is sometimes true, but is sometimes intended merely as a cover 
for their real intentions. In the latter case, however, it rarely suc- 
ceeds; in the former, both parties repair to the appointed place. 
In preparing for war, and during its continuance, they abstain from 
the company of women; and nes were instances related to me, 
where this abstinence had continued for several years. 
When a body made up of several tribes has approached near the 
enemy, the vunivalu, or general, makes a speech to each separate 
tribe. In this he does all in his power by praises, taunts, or exhorta- 
tions, as he thinks best suited to the purpose, to excite them to deeds 
of bravery. To one he will talk in the following manner: 
“ You say you are a brave people. You have made me great pro- 
