At home we know nothing of this, which was one of the
chiefest of the blessings promised in the Old Testament. Its
GENIALISING effect is very obvious. A man feels more practically
independent, I think, when he can say to all his friends, "Drop in
to dinner whenever you like," than if he possessed the franchise six
times over; and people can indulge in hospitality and exercise the
franchise, too, here, for meat is only twopence a pound, and bananas
can be got for the gathering. The ever-increasing cost of food with
us makes free-hearted hospitality an impossibility, and withers up
all those kindly instincts which find expression in housing and
feeding both friends and strangers.
I.L.B.
LETTER XXII.
LIHUE. KAUAI.
I rode from Makaueli to Dr. Smith's, at Koloa, with two native
attendants, a luna to sustain my dignity, and an inferior native to
carry my carpet-bag. Horses are ridden with curb-bits here, and I
had only brought a light snaffle, and my horse ran away with me
again on the road, and when he stopped at last, these men rode
alongside of me, mimicking me, throwing themselves back with their
feet forwards, tugging at their bridles, and shrieking with
laughter, exclaiming Maikai! Maikai! (good).
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