Some of them, in shaking hands, adroitly slipped
coins into the king's palm, so as to make sure that he received
their loving tribute. There had been a hui, or native meeting,
which had passed resolutions, afterwards presented to Lunalilo,
setting forth that whereas he received a great deal of money in
revenue from the haoles, they, his native people, would feel that he
did not love them if he would not receive from their own hands
contributions in silver for his support. So, in order not to wound
their feelings, he accepted these rather troublesome cash donations.
One woman, sorely afflicted with quaking palsy, dragged herself
slowly along. One hand hung by her side helpless, and the other
grasped a live fowl so tightly that she could not loosen it to shake
hands, whereupon the king raised the helpless arm, which called
forth much cheering. There was one poor cripple who had only the
use of his arms. His knees were doubled under him, and he trailed
his body along the ground. He had dragged himself two miles "to lie
for a moment at the king's feet," and even his poor arms carried a
gift. He looked hardly like a human shape, as his desire was
realised; and, I doubt not, would have been content then and there
to die.
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