I observed a large monster with a body as thick as a man's leg, and
a hideous head, which I took to be a great snake, but which he told me
was an eel of vast age, showing me some eels to explain his meaning, and
also that it was a spirit which he worshipped. This was the only
worship I ever saw him engaged in.

I had spent upwards of a year on the island, or it may have been two,
when the old chief fell ill. He sat moping by himself in the corner of
his house, and no one could tell what was the matter with him. One day
his son came in, and taking his hand, just as if he had been going to
say something very affectionately to him, told him that the time had
arrived when it would be better for him to die! The old man bowed his
head, and replied that he was of the same opinion! The son mentioned a
day for the burial, to which the old man willingly consented; and till
the time arrived, as if a weight had been taken off his mind, he seemed
very much the better that everything had been so satisfactorily
arranged. I could discover no compunction on the part of the son, nor
regret on that of the father, who was cheerful and contented, and ate
his meals with far more relish than he had before done. As the fatal
day approached I attempted to remonstrate with the young chief on so
unnatural a proceeding; but he sternly rebuked me, and told me not to
interfere with the immemorial customs of the people. His father had
been chief long enough--he was worn-out and weary of life--and he
himself wished to be chief. When he should become old, his son would
probably wish to finish him in the same honourable way, and that he
should be content to submit to the usage of his nation.

The day arrived, and all the relatives and friends and neighbouring
chiefs assembled. The old chief got up, and was followed by a
procession of all his people, some bearing spades, and others cloths
with which to wrap him up in the grave. The grave was about four feet
deep. A cloth having been spread at the bottom, the old man was
conducted to it. He stepped down with as little unwillingness as if he
had been entering a bath, and having been placed on his back, the cloth
was folded over him. Instantly others began shovelling in the earth,
and then his son and nearest relatives came and stamped it down,
exerting all their force with their feet. Not a sound was uttered by
the old man. Leaves were scattered on the grave, and then all engaged
in the ce