92 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
first voyage, and the deep impression produced by his 
discoveries, were still vivid and universal, and anticipa¬ 
tion was raised to the highest pitch, in reference to the 
developments expected from his second visit to that 
distant part of the world. Mai being the first native 
of the islands of the South Sea, brought to Eng¬ 
land, produced an excitement as unprecedented, in 
connexion with an untutored islander, as it was power¬ 
ful and extensive, even in the most polished circles of 
society. Mai, on his arrival in London, was consi¬ 
dered a sort of prodigy; he was introduced to the most 
fashionable parties, conducted to the splendid enter¬ 
tainments of the highest classes, and presented at the 
British court amidst a brilliant assemblage of all that 
was illustrious in rank, and dignified in station. 
The Tahitians in general are good imitators of others; 
this talent he possessed in an eminent degree, and 
adopted that polite, elegant, and unembarrassed address, 
whereby the class with which he associated has ever 
been distinguished. Naturally quick in his perceptions, 
and lively in his conversation, although the structure 
and idiom of his own language effectually prevented 
his speaking English with ease or fluency, he was 
soon able to make himself understood; and the embar¬ 
rassment he occasionally felt, in giving utterance to 
his thoughts, perhaps added to the interest of those 
who were watching the effect which every object in a 
world so new to him must naturally occasion. 
Every place of public amusement, and every exhibi¬ 
tion adapted to administer pleasure, was repeatedly 
visited; and the multiplicity of spectacles thus pre¬ 
sented in rapid succession, kept his mind in a state of 
perpetual excitement and surprise. The impression 
