SANDWICH ISLANDS. 
139 
their ordinary occupations, and again sit down and lament, 
as their feelings fluctuate between sorrow for their dead, 
and the necessary calls and avocations of their lives: grief 
is not the less real for these interruptions. 
May 23.—This day has been one of no small interest. Our 
surgeon has, to the great surprise of the natives, successfully 
performed the operation of tapping Karaimoku. Lord Byron 
and some of the officers were present, as well as a number 
of the chiefs, some of whom were exceedingly anxious about 
the safety of the regent, and could scarcely be made to com¬ 
prehend that an opening in so material a part, considered 
by them as the seat of life, could be made without danger; 
and they seriously expected to see his highness’s breakfast 
issue through the aperture. Their wonder and delight were 
accordingly extreme at the complete success of the surgeon; 
and Karaimoku, himself, though he had generously trusted 
himself into the hands of a stranger, must have experienced 
a more than ordinary satisfaction at having done so. When 
asked, before the operation, if he objected to it, he an¬ 
swered—“ N o: my life is in your hands ; do as you think 
good.” And though he suffered considerable pain, when it 
was over he exclaimed, “ maitai, maitai,” good, good. Iva- 
humanu was extremely affected; and though not in the 
habit of displaying much tenderness of nature, the tears 
