DEATH OF POMARE's FATHER. 63 
He was remarkably venerable in his appearance, 
being tall and well made, his countenance open 
and mild, his forehead high, his hair blanched with 
age, and his beard as white as silver, hanging down 
upon his breast.* He had led a quiet and peace¬ 
ful life ever since the commencement of the Mission, 
was probably the oldest man in the island, and, 
what is rather unusual, died apparently from the 
exhaustion of nature, or old age. He was esteemed 
by the natives, and supposed to be a favourite 
with the gods. But whenever the Missionaries 
had endeavoured to pour into his benighted mind 
the light of truth, as revealed in the sacred 
volume, it was a circumstance deeply regretted 
by them, that he had generally manifested indif¬ 
ference or insensibility. 
The family at Matavai were exposed to trials 
not only from the evils of war, and the opposition 
of the heathen to their instructions, but also from 
the false reports which were circulated against 
them. An instance^ of this occurred early in the 
following year, 1803, when the Unicorn, a Lon¬ 
don ship, arrived, on her return from the north¬ 
west coast of America. Otu, the king, suddenly 
left Matavai, and repaired to his dwelling in Pare, 
incensed against some of the Missionaries, who, 
he was informed, had been endeavouring to pre¬ 
judice the captain against him, that he might not 
receive any presents, and had actually prevented 
the captain from giving the natives the price they 
had asked for their pigs. This report was most 
unfounded, and it was hoped the effects were soon 
removed. 
* In the plate of the Cession of Matavai, he appears 
standing on the right hand of the king, and immediately 
behind Pomare. 
