Besides, They Are Often As Fundamentally
Theoretic, As Those More Specific Notions Which They Are Used To
Supplant, Though Far
Less operative on the minds of those who maintain
them, except indeed, in so far as a conceited indolence is
Concerned,
of which, it is often difficult to say, whether they are the parent or
the offspring. But at best, your transcendental philosophers are very
like those general admirers of the fair sex, who are ready enough to
pay compliments which cost them just as little as they signify, but
who are too fond of themselves, to squander away on a single
individual, any portion of that affection which they think can be much
better bestowed elsewhere. Whereas, an attachment to some specific
theory, like the ardour of a real lover, excites to active services
and solicitous assiduity; and even when it does not obtain its object,
is deserving of gratitude at least, and rarely fails to be rewarded by
it. - E.
[3] The poor fellow, Mr G.F. informs us, paid a fortnight's
confinement in irons for his frolic, a greater price, perhaps, the
reader will think, than the matter deserved. One shudders to imagine
what would be his anguish at the simple disappointment of his purpose;
but that it is possible might render him less sensible to the weight
of his bonds. That a solitary hopeless wretch, who had not a friend or
relative in any other region of the globe, should form an attachment
to these affectionate islanders, and attempt to settle in the midst of
their proffered enjoyments, was so imperatively natural, that one
cannot help feeling indignation at the mercilessness of an artificial
discipline, which exerted so rigorous a retribution. The advantages of
this penal system must be great and obvious indeed, that can
compensate for such enormous outrage on suffering humanity. G.F. has
allowed himself to reason on this subject, in a way not much
calculated to ease the mind of his reader: a short specimen may
suffice. "The most favourable prospects of future success in England,
which this man might form in idea, could never be so flattering to his
senses, as the lowly hope of living like the meanest Otaheitan. It was
highly probable that immediately on his return home, instead of
indulging in repose those limbs which had been tossed from pole to
pole, he would be placed in another ship, where the same fatigues,
nocturnal watches, and unwholesome food, would still fall to his
share; or though he were allowed to solace himself for a few days,
after a long series of hardships, he must expect to be seized in the
midst of his enjoyments, and to be dragged an unwilling champion to
the defence of his country: to be cut off in the flower of his age, or
to remain miserably crippled with only half his limbs, might be the
alternatives to which he would be reduced." But we forbear the
distressing theme, and would willingly direct the reader's eye and
hopes, to that most beneficent provision for the repose and comfort of
our meritorious sailors, which the wisdom of the legislature, too
tardily it must be confessed, has lately contemplated. - E.
SECTION XIV.
The Arrival of the Ship at the Island of Huaheine; with an Account of an
Expedition into the Island, and several other Incidents which happened
while she lay there.
At one o'clock in the afternoon, on the 15th, we anchored in the north
entrance of O'Wharre harbour, in the island of Huaheine; hoisted out the
boats, warped into a proper birth, and moored with the bower and kedge
anchor, not quite a cable's length from the shore. While this was doing,
several of the natives made us a visit, amongst whom was old Oree the
chief, who brought a hog and some other articles, which he presented to me,
with the usual ceremony.
Next morning, the natives began to bring us fruit. I returned Oree's visit,
and made my present to him; one article of which was red feathers. Two or
three of these the chief took in his right hand, holding them up between
the finger and thumb, and said a prayer, as I understood, which was little
noticed by any present. Two hogs were soon after put into my boat, and he
and several of his friends came on board and dined with us. After dinner
Oree gave me to understand what articles would be most acceptable to him
and his friends, which were chiefly axes and nails. Accordingly I gave him
what he asked, and desired he would distribute them to the others, which he
did, seemingly to the satisfaction of every one. A youth about ten or
twelve years of age, either his son or grandson, seemed to be the person of
most note, and had the greatest share.
After the distribution was over, they all returned ashore. Mr Forster and
his party being out in the country botanizing, his servant, a feeble man,
was beset by five or six fellows, who would have stripped him, if that
moment one of the party had not come to his assistance; after which they
made off with a hatchet they had got from him.
On the 17th, I went ashore to look for the chief, in order to complain of
the outrage committed as above; but he was not in the neighbourhood. Being
ashore in the afternoon, a person came and told me Oree wanted to see me. I
went with the man, and was conducted to a large house, where the chief and
several other persons of note were assembled in council, as well as I could
understand. After I was seated, and some conversation had passed among
them, Oree made a speech, and was answered by another. I understood no more
of either, than just to know it regarded the robbery committed the day
before. The chief then began to assure me, that neither he, nor any one
present (which were the principal chiefs in the neighbourhood) had any hand
in it; and desired me to kill, with the guns, all those which had.
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