I went and examined
them. I found, that to the middle of each, two or three small sticks
were tied, as has been related. Yet we had been repeatedly told by the
natives, who stood near us, that they were young yams, insomuch that
some of our gentlemen believed them, rather than their own eyes. As I
had the demonstration of my senses to satisfy me, that they were not
real yams, it is clear, that we ought to have understood them, that they
were only the artificial representations of these roots.

Our supper was got ready about seven o'clock. It consisted of fish and
yams. We might have had pork also, but we did not choose to kill a large
hog, which the king had given to us for that purpose. He supped with us,
and drank pretty freely of brandy and water, so that he went to bed with
a sufficient dose. We passed the night in the same house with him and
several of his attendants.

About one or two o'clock in the morning they waked, and conversed for
about an hour, and then went to sleep again. All, but Poulaho himself,
rose at day-break, and went, I know not whither. Soon after a woman, one
of those who generally attended upon the chief, came in, and enquired
where he was. I pointed him out to her, and she immediately sat down by
him, and began the same operation, which Mr Anderson had seen practised
upon Futtafaihe, tapping of beating gently, with her clinched fists, on
his thighs. This, instead of prolonging his sleep, as was intended, had
the contrary effect; however, though he awaked, he continued to lie
down.

Omai and I now went to visit the prince, who had parted from us early in
the evening. For he did not lodge with the king, but in apartments of
his own, or at least such as had been allotted to him at some distance
from his father's house. We found him with a circle of boys or youths
about his own age, sitting before him, and an old woman and an old man,
who seemed to have the care of him, sitting behind. There were others,
both men and women, employed about their necessary affairs in different
departments, who probably belonged to his household.

From the prince we returned to the king. By this time he had got up, and
had a crowded circle before him, composed chiefly of old men. While a
large bowl of _kava_ was preparing, a baked hog and yarns, smoking hot,
were brought in; the greatest part of which fell to our share, and was
very acceptable to the boat's crew; for these people eat very little in
a morning, esp