f Otaheite, on which lay a putrid
hog, and under it pieces of sugar-cane, cocoa-nuts, bread-fruit,
plantains, and sweet potatoes. Koah having placed the captain under
this stand, took down the hog, and held it toward him; and after
having a second time addressed him in a long speech, pronounced with
much vehemence and rapidity, he let it fall on the ground, and led him
to the scaffolding, which they began to climb together, not without
great risk of falling. At this time we saw, coming in solemn
procession, at the entrance of the top of the _morai_, ten men
carrying a live hog, and a large piece of red cloth. Being advanced
a few paces, they stopped, and prostrated themselves; and Kaireekeea,
the young man above-mentioned, went to them and received the cloth,
carried it to Koah, who wrapped it round the captain, and afterward
offered him the hog, which was brought by Kaireekeea with the same
ceremony.

[Footnote 4: See Captain Cook's former voyage.]

Whilst Captain Cook was aloft in this awkward situation, swathed
round with red cloth, and with difficulty keeping his hold amongst the
pieces of rotten scaffolding, Kaireekeea and Koah began their office,
chanting sometimes in concert, and sometimes alternately. This lasted
a considerable time; at length Koah let the hog drop, when he and
the captain descended together. He then led him to the images before
mentioned, and having said something to each in a sneering tone,
snapping his fingers at them as he passed, he brought him to that in
the centre, which, from its being covered with red cloth, appeared
to be in greater estimation than the rest. Before this figure he
prostrated himself, and kissed it, desiring Captain Cook to do the
same, who suffered himself to be directed by Koah throughout the whole
of this ceremony.

We were now led back into the other division of the _morai_, where
there was a space, ten or twelve feet square, sunk about three feet
below the level of the area. Into this we descended, and Captain Cook
was seated between two wooden idols, Koah supporting one of his arms,
whilst I was desired to support the other. At this time arrived a
second procession of natives, carrying a baked hog and a pudding, some
bread-fruit, cocoa-nuts, and other vegetables. When they approached
us, Kaireekeea put himself at their head, and presenting the pig to
Captain Cook in the usual manner, began the same kind of chant as
before, his companions making regular response