3io 
A VOYAGE TO 
177S. trace the caufe, or the object of his difpleafure. In fuch 
1 cafes they never difcover the lead: fymptom of timidity, 
but feem determined, at all events, to punilh the infult. 
For, even with refpedt to us, they never appeared to be un¬ 
der the leaft apprehenfion of our fuperiority; but when 
any difference happened, were jud: as ready to avenge the 
wrong, as amongft themfelves. 
Their other paflions, efpecially their curiofity, appear in 
fome meafure to lie dormant. For few expreffed any defire 
to fee or examine things wholly unknown to them; and 
which, to thofe truly poffefied of that paftion, would have 
appeared aftonifhing. They were always contented to pro¬ 
cure the articles they knew and wanted, regarding every 
thing elfe with great indifference; nor did our perfons, ap¬ 
parel, and manners, fo different from their own, or even the 
extraordinary fize and conftrudtion of our flrips, feem to 
excite admiration, or even engage attention. 
One caufe of this may be their indolence, which feems 
con fider able. But, on the other hand, they are certainly 
not wholly unfufceptible of the tender paffions ; if we may 
judge from their being fo fond of mufic, which is moftly 
of the grave or ferious, but truly pathetic fort. They keep 
the exadteft concert in their fongs, which are often fung by 
great numbers together, as thofe already mentioned, with 
which they ufed to entertain us in their canoes. Thefe are 
generally flow and folemn ; but the mufic is not of that 
confined fort found amongft many rude nations; for the 
variations are very numerous and expreflive, and the ca¬ 
dence or melody powerfully foothing. Befides their full 
concerts, fonnets of the fame grave call: were frequently 
fung by lingfle performers, who keep time by ftriking the 
hand againft the thigh. However, the mufic was fometimes 
1 varied, 
