n general, or their mode of proportioning punishments to crimes. Most
of these chiefs have possessions in other islands from whence they draw
supplies. At least, we know this is so with respect to the king, who, at
certain established times, receives the product of his distant domains
at Tongataboo, which is not only the principal place of his residence,
but seemingly of all the people of consequence amongst these isles. Its
inhabitants, in common conversation, call it the Land of Chiefs, while
the subordinate isles are distinguished by the appellation of Lands of
Servants.

These chiefs are, by the people, styled not only lords of the earth, but
of the sun and sky; and the king's family assume the name of Futtafaihe,
from the god so called, who is probably their tutelary patron, and
perhaps their common ancestor. The sovereign's peculiar earthly title is
however, simply _Tooee Tunga_.

There is a decorum observed in the presence of their principal men, and
particularly of their king, that is truly admirable. Whenever he sits,
down, whether it be in an house, or without, all the attendants seat
themselves at the same time, in a semicircle before him, leaving always
a convenient space between him and them, into which no one attempts to
come, unless he has some particular business. Neither is any one allowed
to pass, or sit behind him, nor even near him, without his order or
permission, so that our having been indulged with this privilege, was a
significant proof of the great respect that was paid us. When any one
wants to speak with the king, he advances and sits down before him,
delivers what he has to say in a few words, and, having received his
answer, retires again to the circle. But if the king speaks to any one,
that person answers from his seat, unless he is to receive some order,
in which case he gets up from his place, and sits down before the chief
with his legs across, which is a posture to which they are so much
accustomed, that any other mode of sitting is disagreeable to them.[189]
To speak to the king standing, would be accounted here as a striking
mark of rudeness, as it would be with us, for one to sit down and put on
his hat, when he addresses himself to his superior, and that superior on
his feet and uncovered.

[Footnote 189: This is peculiar to the men; the women always sitting
with both legs thrown a little on one side. We owe this remark to
Captain King.--D]

It does not, indeed, appear that an