XVIII 
VISIT OF THE QUEEN TO THE ‘BEAGLE’ 
44 3 
meeting with a very different opinion of the Tahitians from 
what we entertained when we entered. The chiefs and people 
resolved to subscribe and complete the sum which was wanting; 
Captain Fitz Roy urged that it was 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 treatment 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 25 th .—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 presents. The Queen is a large awkward woman, 
without any beauty, grace, or dignity. She has only one royal 
attribute : a perfect immovability 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 
be a hymn ! The royal party did not return on shore till past 
midnight. 
2 6th .—In the evening, with a gentle land-breeze, a course 
was steered for New Zealand ; and as the sun set, we had a 
farewell view of the mountains of Tahiti—the island to which 
every voyager has offered up his tribute of admiration. 
