44 
nanimity and commiseration ; for if it should happen 
that one party is suffering through a want of pro¬ 
visions, the other will send them a few bullocks, or 
a quantity of rice, to show that they excel them in 
generosity. 
They are, notwithstanding, easily provoked, and 
quick in their resentments upon receiving any slight 
or injury; and, on such occasions, they act with pre¬ 
cipitation, and giving scope to their passion, frequently 
commit acts of cruelty, for which they afterwards ex¬ 
press regret, and endeavour to atone. 
Polygamy is practised throughout the island, and 
every man is allowed to keep as many wives as he 
can maintain ; but the first wife is always considered 
as superior to the rest, and the marriage ceremonies 
are observed only in her ease, the others being looked 
upon as concubines. Contrary to the custom of most 
uncivilized tribes, the women are treated with great 
attention and tenderness. Indeed the men seem to 
enjoy the society of their wives in a high degree, and 
are always cheerful in their presence. The disposi¬ 
tion of the w omen is easy, cheerful, and captivating; 
and the deportment of those who are married, is, 
generally speaking, marked with modesty and de¬ 
corum. Both men and w omen are allowed to separate 
at pleasure, and a restitution of dowry takes place 
on such occasions. Adultery is accounted equal in 
criminality to theft, and is punished by fining, accord¬ 
ing to the quality of the person aggrieved : but if the 
woman is the wife of a chief or king, the offending 
