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CHAPTER V.

We are now coming to a new era in the history of the Tonga islands, occasioned by the political intrigues of Toobó Tóa, a natural son of Toogoo Ahoo, by one of that king's female attendants. Toobó Tóa was the chief that formerly had the direction of the conspiracy against the Port au Prince. Not so brave and disinterested as Toobó Nuha, he partook rather of the character of Finow, with a little more ferocity, but less depth of policy. It will be recollected that Toobó Nuha was the chief that assassinated Toogoo Ahoo; ever since which period Toobó Toa's desire of revenge was most implacable. He had made a vow never to drink the milk of the cocoa-nut out of the shell

till he had fully accomplished it. He had hitherto espoused the cause of Finow against the adherents of his father, which may seem strange, as Finow himself was a principal accomplice in that assassination, though his policy did not allow him to be the immediate perpetrator; but Toobó Tóa knew well that he should have no chance of success against so strong a power as that of Finow: and joined him, that he might have, some time or other, an opportunity, however dangerous the attempt, of wreaking a signal vengeance on Toobó

Nuha. The crisis was now fast approaching, for he had well prepared the way, by constantly whispering into the ear of Finow something disadvantageous to the character of Toobó Nuha. At one time he represented him to be the meditator of certain conspiracies; at another the enviable possessor of a happier island (Vavaoo), much more productive of every article of convenience and luxury. Sometimes he insinuated that Toobó Nuha did not pay sufficient annual tribute, considering the fertility of the island and the superior dignity of Finow; at other times he represented him as ambitious, that he sought to gain too much the love of the people, and by his success in this way became too powerful. He moreover never ceased to remind the king of the frequent opposition made by Toobó Nuha to his wise measures in regard to his warlike preparations against Tonga; and at last he had the boldness to propose his assassination. Finow, who was not at all startled at proposals of this nature, but who never wished, if possible, to appear to the world as a party concerned, lent an attentive ear to Toobó Tóa, and half promised his assistance, but advised that the execution of his project should be deferred till some future and more fit opportunity offered.

To enter properly into the merit of this account, Finow's character must all along be kept in view.*

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* There is a portrait of this remarkable man in Labillardière's Account of D'Entrecasteaux' Voyage. He happens also to be described in the Journal of one of Captain Cook's officers, which is now before us: « Finow, says the writer, "appeared to be about twenty-five years of age, a tall, handsome man he had much fire and vivacity, with a degree of wildness in his countenance that well tallied with our idea of an Indian warrior, and he

He was a man of a deep and designing spirit, always willing to favour any conspiracy that promised to advance his interests, but exceedingly cautious how he let any body know his intentions, even the party that proposed it. He always conducted himself with such admirable policy, that no one could dive thoroughly into his projects. Toobó Nuha, his brother, on the contrary, was a truly brave man, and, upon the whole, of an undesigning and liberal mind; for though he had proposed and perpetrated the assassination of Toogoo Ahoo, it was believed to be not so much to avenge his own personal wrongs as those of his country. He often used to express to Mr Mari

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was one of the most active men I have ever seen. western part of Tongataboo, with Anamooka, the Hapai · Islands, and all the islands to the northward, were under his jurisdiction. But what gave him more consequence, was his spirit, activity, and his post as general. When. ever the people of Tongataboo went to war, they were headed by him. His followers were numerous, and more attached to him than those of any other chief; in short, be was by much the most popular man among the islands. Nevertheless, Finow, with all his good qualities, was tainted with a degree of rapaciousness that made him guilty of actions rather bordering on meanness and dishonesty, which, I believe, he was chiefly tempted to from a desire of being liberal to his adherents." Mr Mariner and his friendly editor will read this description of their hero in his youth with much interest. Little did Finow imagine when, in directing the massacre of the ship's crew, he gave orders to spare a boy whose appearance and youth had excited his compassion, that by that boy's means his life and actions should be made known throughout the civilized world, and perhaps to the latest posterity; for Finow is not one of those men whose history is forgotten as soon as read,-his character is strongly marked and prominent,-one of those which, in future ages, will stand alone for remembrance.'-Quarterly Review, Vol. XVIK

P. 8.

ner the extent and nature of his feelings on that occasion, how he regretted that so many beautiful and innocent women should be sacrificed at the same time; * yet how strongly he felt that the liberty of his country was that moment in his power, whilst the desire of avenging its wrongs was like a raging thirst that overpowered every other sensation. No sooner was the blow struck than he saved all that he could save, a little child of three years old, which he bore away in his arms from the scene of slaughter. The liberality of his mind will also appear from his answers to those who sometimes hinted to him that Finow was not his friend, and that it was therefore proper for him always to go armed. "Finow," he replied, "is my brother—he is my superior chief he is king of these islands, and I pay him tribute as a servant. If he has any reason to be dissatisfied with my conduct, my life is at his disposal, and he is welcome to take it; for it is better to die than to live innocent, and yet be thought capable of treachery. Besides, I will not arm myself against a power to which, as long as the country is well governed, it is my duty to submit."

This brave chief was still at Lefooga with all his army, in daily expectation of receiving orders from the king for their return to Vavaoo. Toobó Tóa thinking the opportunity too advantageous to be lost, did not approve of the advice of Finow, to wait yet a little longer. What opportunity, he thought, could be better than the present, while Toobó Nuha was still on the same island with him, and the king seemed disposed to favour his views ? He had harboured sentiments of revenge so long *See note, p. 82.

within his breast, and the fitness of the occasion so spurred his resolution, that every day's delay appeared in his imagination the loss of an age. Finow's feeling upon the subject was supposed not to be very far remote from that of Toobó Tóa; but as he saw very clearly that this chief's determination was fully bent upon his purpose, and required no encouragement from him, he chose merely by an outward show of moderation and wisdom to give a sort of passive consent, and to remain by this means the spectator rather than the actor in this scene, so as to avoid if possible the odium of being an accomplice in the murder of so brave and good a man.

A few days had elapsed, and Toobó Nuha was still among the number of the living. One evening, about an hour before sun-set, the king desired Mr Mariner to accompany him and his daughter to Mahina Fekite, about three quarters of a mile off, He was going, he said, to consult an old chief, Toge he Mooana, who resided there, upon some political business. Finow usually carried out with him a large whaling knife, (the blade of which was two feet long and three inches wide). Mr Mariner observing, on this occasion, that he did not take his knife, asked him if he should take it and carry it for him; he replied, No, I have no need of it; the other obeyed, and followed him and his daughter, unarmed. In their way they came near to a pool, and Finow stepped aside, to bathe, previously sending an attendant to Toobó Nuha, to desire him to come to him. By the time he had done bathing Toobó Nuha

* When several persons walk together, it is customary for one to follow another in a row.

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