The Young Lover Was Not, However,
Easily Repulsed, But Renewed His Suit, On Our Return In The Afternoon,
With Such Warmth Of Solicitation, As To Cause An Evident Alteration
In The Sentiments Of The Lady.
To heighten the good humour which pervaded both parties, we began to play
and romp with them.
Feats of bodily strength were tried, and their
inferiority was glaring. One of our party lifted with ease two of them
from the ground, in spite of their efforts to prevent him, whereas in return,
no one of them could move him. They called him 'murree mulla'
(a large strong man). Compared with our English labourers, their muscular
power would appear very feeble and inadequate.
Before we parted, Baneelon informed us that his countrymen had lately
been plundered of fish-gigs, spears, a sword, and many other articles,
by some of our people, and expressed a wish that they should be restored,
promising, that if they were, the governor's dirk should be produced
and returned to us to-morrow, if we would meet him here.
Accordingly on the following day we rowed to the spot, carrying with us
the stolen property. We found here several natives, but not Baneelon.
We asked for him, and were told that he was gone down the harbour
with Barangaroo to fish. Although disappointed at his breach of promise,
we went on shore, and mingled without distrust among those we found,
acquainting them that we had brought with us the articles of which
they had been plundered. On hearing this account, they expressed great joy,
and Imeerawanyee darting forward, claimed the sword. It was given to him,
and he had no sooner grasped it, than he hastened to convince his mistress,
that his prowess in war, was not inferior to his skill in courtship.
Singling out a yellow gum-tree for the foe, he attacked it with great
fierceness, calling to us to look on, and accompanying his onset with all
the gestures and vociferation which they use in battle. Having conquered
his enemy, he laid aside his fighting face, and joined us with a countenance
which carried in it every mark of youth and good nature.
Whether Abaroo's coyness, and preference of another, had displeased him,
or it was owing to natural fickleness, he paid her no farther attention,
but seemed more delighted with us. He had no beard, but was highly gratified
in being combed and having his hair clipped.
All the stolen property being brought on shore, an old man came up,
and claimed one of the fish-gigs, singling it from the bundle,
and taking only his own; and this honesty, within the circle of their society,
seemed to characterize them all.
During this time, it was observed, that one of the Indians, instead of mixing
with the rest, stood aloof, in a musing posture, contemplating what passed.
When we offered to approach him, he shunned us not, and willingly shook hands
with all who chose to do so.
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