THROUGH HAWAII. 
145 
every island.” And after much more rhodomontade, 
one would ask the other, “ Know you how to lift the 
spear Y 9 or club ; and immediately commence the com¬ 
bat. We are not certain, but think it probable, that, 
like the Society Islanders, they had orators, whose 
duty it was to go through the camp, and through the 
ranks, on the day of battle, stimulating the men, by 
reciting, with most violent gesticulations, the warlike 
deeds of their ancestors, and the victories their island 
or district had formerly obtained. 
Their battles were with confused noise, and boastful 
shouts. The first that either party slew, they called 
erehua; frequently the victor jumped upon the expiring 
body, or, spurning it contemptuously, dedicated its 
spirit to his gods. He then cut or tore off the hair from 
the top of the forehead, and, elevating it in the air, 
shouted aloud. He oho , a frontlet; and if it was a chief 
or warrior of note he had slain, his name was added. 
He oho ! He oho ! was reiterated through the ranks of 
the victor, while he despoiled the fallen warrior of his 
ornaments, and then dragged the heana , slain body, to 
the king, or the priest, who, in a short address, offered 
the victim to his god. The first offering they called 
urukoJco, increasing blood. The second slain was call¬ 
ed maka-wai, face of water, and the third herua-oni , 
sand-dug. They were all likewise brought and offered 
to the gods on the field. 
Their conflicts were sometimes continued for several 
successive days before either army retreated; and, on 
some occasions, both parties discontinued the contest 
as if by mutual consent, from despair of victory, or an 
evil omen revealed by the diviners. Such a battle 
was called rukurua, both beaten. This, however, was 
u 
