CHAPTER XXXVI. 1821. THE COURT AND PALACES OF POMARE II. THE Directors of the Missionary Society in England, heard with delight the account of the wonderful change in the natives of the South Seas. They determined to send some persons to visit these islands, as well as other missionary stations, and to bring back an account of the things they saw. The persons, who undertook this interesting voyage, were a minister named Daniel Tyerman, and a gentleman named George Bennet. They were accompanied by several persons who wished to settle in Tahiti; namely, Mr. Jones, a missionary, Mr. Blossom, a carpenter, and Mr. Armitage, who kindly wished to teach the natives to spin, and weave cotton. The wives of these three persons, and the two little children of Mr. Armitage, were also of the party. The ship that conveyed them arrived at Tahiti in September, 1821. Mr. Tyerman and Mr. Bennet landed at Matavai, near the place where the first mission MR. BENNET'S AND MR. TYERMAN'S ARRIVAL. 341 aries had landed. But how different were the natives, who welcomed them to the shore, from the ignorant, wicked savages that had received Captain Wilson and his companions! The voyagers looked with interest at the grove which those missionaries had planted, and which was still flourishing; though their houses (as you know) had long been destroyed. Mr. Nott, who had a little dwelling at Matavai, received Mr. Bennet and Mr. Tyerman under his roof. The visiters were surprised to find that the natives came into the house, whenever they pleased, and sat upon the floor, and talked to them without seeming to fear, lest they should be in the way. On Sunday the two travellers went to the native prayer-meeting in the school-room, and found the people kneeling on the floor, while a native was praying. They were pleased to observe that no one lifted up his head to look at them as they entered, but that all continued to bend in prayer. Afterwards, the native read a chapter of St. John's Gospel, (which had just been printed,) and while he was reading, many of the people looked in their copies of that gospel. Afterwards, a hymn was sung, and the meeting concluded with prayer. As you know the manner in which the sabbath was spent in Tahiti, I will only add that Mr. Tyerman 342 WELCOME AT EIMEO. dna Mr. Bennet were delighted with all they saw. The king was not in Tahiti at that time, but in Eimeo. In a short time Mr. Tyerman and Mr. Bennet visited Eimeo, accompanied by Mr. Nott. They found Mr. Henry and Mr. Platt residing at Papetoai in Eimeo. Their welcome to that place was very delightful. They had no sooner entered Mr. Platt's house, than five deacons came in. One of them, who spoke for the rest, after expressing the joy they felt at the arrival of their friends from England, said, "We are brands plucked out of the burning; Satan was destroying us, and casting us one after another into the flames of hell, but Christ came and snatched us out of his hands, and threw water upon the fire that was consuming us; so we were saved." The two visiters were anxious to see the king, who was at this time residing near Papetoai, and was too ill to leave the house. In a few days they were sent for, and they set out, accompanied by Mr. Nott, Mr. Henry, and Mr. Platt, and by several natives, who were useful in carrying them on their shoulders over the streams that frequently crossed the path. The king's palace was merely a long shed, THE KING'S GUARDS. 343 yet a row of soldiers stood along the road, that led up to the fence of bamboos around it. These soldiers were the king's guards, and had guns in their hands: they were not dressed like English soldiers, but in native clothes of various kinds. As soon as the visiters, by the help of stones, had stepped over the bamboo fence, an officer in a scarlet coat bade them stop, and desired the soldiers to fire in honour of their arrival. Mr. Nott went first into the house, and soon returned to tell his companions that the king would see them. The visiters found Pomare seated on the ground, near the door. The floor was covered with long dry grass; a mat was spread on it near the door, a calico sheet was placed on the mat, and on this sheet the king was seated, and with it he covered his legs. As he was very ill, he was obliged to lean his back against some pillows, that were placed before one of the posts, that supported the roof. He wore a white calico shirt, and over it a most beautiful yellow tibuta, ornamented with figures of flowers. His hair was short, excepting one long piece behind, that was rolled up and fastened on the top of his head. His hands were tattooed, his complexion was very dark, and his countenance sensible. The queen his wife sat on a stool on his left hand: she was |