378 
POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES. 
worship was subverted^ many of their ancient usages 
perished in its ruins. They remained for some years 
without any system or form of government, excepting 
the will of the king, to whom the inhabitants usually 
furnished liberal supplies of all that was necessary for 
the maintenance of his household, and the accomplish¬ 
ment of his designs. 
The raatiras exercised the supreme authority in the 
divisions over which the king had placed them. But 
when circumstances occurred, in which, under idolatry, 
they would have acted according to their ancient custom, 
they felt embarrassed. Many of the people, free in a 
great degree from exposure to seizure, and the more 
dreadful apprehension of being offered to the gods, 
evinced a disinclination to render the king the supplies 
and support he needed. 
The sacrificing of human victims to the idols had been 
one of the most powerful engines in the hands of the 
government, the requisition for them being always made 
by the ruler, to whom the priests applied when the gods 
required them. The king, therefore, sent his herald to 
the petty chieftain, who selected the victims. An indi¬ 
vidual who had shewn any marked disaffection towards 
the government, or incurred the displeasure of the king 
and chiefs, was usually chosen. The people knew this, 
and therefore rendered the most unhesitating obedience. 
Since the subversion of idolatry, this motive has ceased 
to operate; and many, free from the restraint it had 
imposed, seemed to refuse almost all lawful obedience and 
rightful support. 
Their government continued in this unsettled state for 
four or five years; during which, the people brought 
provisions and supplies to the king, and furnished the 
