When the last gift was deposited, the lawn in front of the court-
house was one densely-packed, variegated mass of excited, buzzing
Hawaiians. While the king was taking a short rest, two ancient and
hideous females, who looked like heathen priestesses, chanted a
monotonous and heathenish-sounding chant or mele, in eulogy of some
ancient idolater. It just served to remind me that this attractive
crowd was but one generation removed from slaughter-loving gods and
human sacrifices.
The king and his suite re-appeared in the upper balcony, where all
the foreigners were assembled, including the two venerable
missionaries and a French priest of benign aspect, and his
appearance was the signal for a fresh outburst of enthusiasm.
Advancing to the front, he made an extemporaneous speech, of which
the following is a literal translation:--
"To all present I tender my warmest aloha. This day, on which you
are gathered to pay your respects to me, I will remember to the day
of my death. (Cheers.) I am filled with love for you all, fellow-
citizens (makaainana), who have come here on this occasion, and for
all the people, because by your unanimous choice I have been made
your King, a young sovereign, to reign over you, and to fill the
very distinguished office which I now occupy.
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