POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES, 
121 
effectual: but all were unavailing; the young chief, who 
had scarcely arrived at the age of manhood, died in the 
district of Pare on the 19th of June 1803. The Mis¬ 
sionaries frequently visited him after his arrival in Pare, 
and, as far as their scanty means would allow, ad¬ 
ministered cordials suited to his languid state. They 
were, however, most anxious to direct his mind to the 
great Physician of souls, and to lead him to apply for 
those remedies that would heal his spiritual maladies, 
and prepare him for his approaching dissolution. 
On this subject, they noticed with distress not only the 
unwillingness of his friends that any thing should be said, 
but also the insensibility of the young chieftain himself. 
It was supposed by the people, that his illness and death 
were occasioned by the incantations of Metia, a priest of 
Oro, a famous Wrestler and sorcerer, whose influence, 
ceremonies, and prayers, had induced the evil spirits to 
enter into the young prince, and destroy him. Coun¬ 
ter ceremonies were performed; prayers, called faatere, 
were offered, to drive the evil spirits from him, and 
these, it was imagined, would all be unavailing, 
should the Missionaries direct his mind to any other 
source, or offer on his behalf prayers to any other 
god, and hence in part may have proceeded the aver¬ 
sion of his friends to the presence and efforts of the 
Missionaries. 
Another large meeting of chiefs, priests, and warriors, 
was held during the summer of 1803 at Atehuru, and 
rumours of war were again spread through the land. 
Here Otu once more demanded the body or image of 
the great god Oro, which the chiefs agreed ultimately to 
give up to the custody of the king, but which they were 
not so ready at once to surrender. 
R 
