ENTERTAINMENTS TO THE NATIVES. 21 
Banks, had recommended him to obtain. In- 
deed, the time and attention which he had 
bestowed on the main object of his undertaking 
may be mentioned as accounting in some de- 
gree for what might else appear to have been a 
needless delay at Otaheite. It is probable that 
he would have been spared much trouble and 
misery had he quitted Otaheite sooner ; but he 
had been induced, partly by the reason above 
given, and partly by the kind persuasions of 
the chiefs, to defer his departure. 
The events which were now impending over 
Bligh, contrast darkly with the scenes of cheer- 
fulness, and gaiety, and full success, which had 
hitherto marked his enterprise. On one occa- 
sion, (Nov. 13, 1788,) he had a large company 
to dine with him on board. Some of his Ota- 
heitan visitors had observed, that they always 
drank his Britannic Majesty's health as soon 
as the cloth was removed. " But, n says Bligh, 
in his own simple style, " they were become, by 
this time, so fond of wine, that they would fre- 
quently remind me of the health in the middle 
of dinner, by calling out, * King George, Earee 
no Pretanie ! ' (the chief of Britain,) and would 
banter me, if the glass was not filled to the brim. 
Nothing could exceed the mirth and jollity of 
these people when they met on board." 
Among the company on all these occasions 
was the sociable chief, Tinah, of whom more 
will be said presently. He was fed at dinner 
by one of his attendants, who sat by him for 
that purpose; this being a custom among the 
superior chiefs. " I must do him the justice, 11 
