POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 505 
authority of a parent, to lead him from those evil courses ; 
but his efforts, and those of other friends, failed. 
In order to draw him from this influence, a matri¬ 
monial connexion was arranged, and he was united in 
marriage with the daughter of Hautia, who, next to 
Mahine, was the highest chief, and deputy-governor of 
the island. His daughter was near the age of the king’s 
son; and though rather inferior in rank, she was in every 
other respect a suitable partner, and proved a faithful 
and affectionate wife. 
A house was built for him near the dwelling of his 
wife’s family, and subsequently a domestic establish¬ 
ment formed for the youthful couple, adjacent to his 
father’s residence. It was, however, soon manifest that 
the baneful influence of his former associates was not 
destroyed. They gathered around him again, and he 
gave himself up to their guidance and counsel. 
His wife was treated with cruelty, but still continued 
attentive to his comfort. A number of the most pro¬ 
fligate of the young men attached to his establishment, 
having tataued themselves, he was induced to submit to 
the same, it is supposed, with a view to skreen them 
from punishment. They imagined the magistrates would 
not bring him to public trial ; and if /le was exempted, 
they knew should escape. In this, however, they 
were mistaken. 
When it was found that the young chief had actually 
violated the laws, the magistrates came to the king, to 
ask him whether he should be tried. The struggle was 
severe; but, under the influence of a patriotism worthy 
of his station, he said he wished the laws to be regarded, 
rather than those feelings which would lead him to spare 
his son the disgrace to which he had subjected himself. 
3t 
