488 POLYNESIAN RESEARCHES, 
ing person and military prowess, arrayed only in a 
girdle of the leaves of the ti-plant round their waist ; 
sometimes carrying a light spear in the left, but always 
a small bunch of green ti-leaves in the right hand. In 
this bunch of leaves the principal weapon, a small, sharp, 
serrated, and barbed atro fai^ (bone of the sting-ray,) was 
concealed, which they were reported to use dexterously 
when in contact with the enemy. The principal object 
of these Rautis was, to animate the troops by recount¬ 
ing the deeds of their forefathers, the fame of their 
tribe or island, and the interests involved in the contest. 
In the discharge of their duties they were indefatigable, 
and by night and day went through the camp rousing 
the ardour of the warriors. On the day of battle they 
marched with the army to the onset, mingled in the fury, 
and hurried to and fro among the combatants, cheering 
them with the recital of heroic deeds, or stimulating 
them to achievements of daring and valour. 
Any attempt at translating their expressions would 
convey so inadequate an idea of their original force, as to 
destroy their effect. Roll onward like the billows—break 
on them with te haruru o te taiy the ocean’s foam and 
roar when bursting on the reefs — hang on them as 
te uira mau tai^ the forked lightning plays above the 
frothing surf—give out the vigilance, give out the 
strength, give out the anger, the anger of the devouring 
wild dog,—till their line is broken, till they flow back 
like the receding tide.” These were the expressions 
sometimes used, and the recollection of their spirit-stir¬ 
ring harangues is still vivid in the recollection of many 
who, when any thing is forcibly urged upon them, often 
involuntarily exclaim, Tint Rauti teiay" this is equal 
to a Rauti. 
