THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 
I0 7 
defire of becoming great, appeared to actuate him from the \ 717 . 
beginning. This, however, may be excufed, if we confider f Iov ^ mben 
that it is common to his countrymen. His father was, doubt- 
lefs, a man of confiderable property in Ulietea, when that 
ifland was conquered by thofe of Bolabola; and, with many 
others, fought refuge in Huaheine, where he died, and left 
Omai, with fome other children ; who, by that means, be¬ 
came totally dependent. In this lituation he was taken up 
by Captain Furneaux, and carried to England. Whether he 
really expected, from his treatment there, that any affifl- 
ance would be given him again!! the enemies of his father 
and his country; or whether he imagined that his own per- 
fonal courage, and fuperiority of knowledge, would be fuf- 
ficient to difpoffefs the conquerors of Ulietea, is uncertain; 
but from the beginning of the voyage, this was his con- 
ftant theme. He would not lillen to our remonftrances on 
fo wild a determination; but flew into a paffion, if more 
moderate and reafonable counfels were propofed for his ad¬ 
vantage. Nay, fo infatuated and attached to his favourite 
fcheme was he, that he affedted to believe thefe people 
would certainly quit the conquered ifland, as foon as they 
fhoukl hear of his arrival in Otaheite. As we advanced, 
however, on our voyage, he became more fenfible of his 
error; and, by the time we reached the Friendly Iflands, 
had even fuch apprehenfions of his reception at home, that, 
as I have mentioned in my journal, he would fain have flaid 
behind at Tongataboo, under Feenou’s protection. At thefe 
iflands, he Squandered away much of his European treafure 
very unneceffarily ; and he was equally imprudent, as I alfo 
took notice of above, at Tiaraboo, where he could have no 
view of making friends, as he had not any intention of re¬ 
maining there. At Matavai, he continued the fame incon- 
P a „ fiderate 
