le collected in an open space among the
trees, where a circle was formed by lights, and just outside the circle
a number of dances were performed, some by men, and others by women,
many of the principal people taking a part. The performances appear to
have been very graceful and perfect in every way, the natives evidently
priding themselves on them.

Making an excursion on shore, Captain Cook formed a high opinion of the
state of cultivation of Lifooga. On his return on board he found a
large double canoe, with the silent chief who had been met with at
Tongataboo, and was supposed to be the king of the island. Feenou was
on board, but neither great man took the slightest notice of the other.
Feenou now announced that business required his absence, and begged
Captain Cook to await his return. He had not been gone long when a
large sailing-canoe arrived, in which was a person named Poulaho, and
whom the natives on board affirmed to be the real King of Tongataboo and
of all the neighbouring islands. He was a sensible, sedate man,
enormously fat, and about forty years of age. He was, of course,
invited into the cabin, but his attendants observed that that could not
be. On this the captain sent Omai to say that he would give directions
that no one should approach the part of the deck above the cabin. The
king, however, settled the question by going below without making any
stipulation. Omai seemed much disappointed at discovering that the
chief he had taken to be king was no king after all. Feenou was,
however, a very powerful chief, generalissimo of the army, and head of
the police of all the islands, so that he was held in general awe.

The king was much pleased with the presents he received, and when he
went on shore ordered two more hogs to be sent off, in addition to two
he had brought with him. On landing he was taken up to the house
erected for his accommodation, on a board resembling a hand-barrow. On
Feenou's return he looked rather confused on finding that the king had
paid the voyagers a visit; and he then acknowledged who and what he
really was. After this, on one occasion, Poulaho and Feenou accompanied
the captain on board. Feenou, however, did not presume to sit with the
king, but, saluting his foot with head and hands, retired out of the
cabin. It appeared, indeed, that he declined to eat and drink in the
royal presence, though there were persons of much inferior rank who did
so.

At the req