the matchless symmetry of his form would have been
destroyed. His unclad limbs were beautifully formed; whilst the elegant
outline of his figure, together with his beardless cheeks, might have
entitled him to the distinction of standing for the statue of the
Polynesian Apollo; and indeed the oval of his countenance and the
regularity of every feature reminded me of an antique bust. But the marble
repose of art was supplied by a warmth and liveliness of expression only
to be seen in the South Sea islander under the most favourable
developments of nature. The hair of Marnoo was a rich curling brown, and
twined about his temples and neck in little close curling ringlets, which
danced up and down continually when he was animated in conversation. His
cheek was of a feminine softness, and his face was free from the least
blemish of tattooing, although the rest of his body was drawn all over
with fanciful figures, which--unlike the unconnected sketching usual among
these natives--appeared to have been executed in conformity with some
general design.

The tattooing on his back in particular attracted my attention. The artist
employed must indeed have excelled in his profession. Traced along the
course of the spine was accurately delineated the slender, tapering, and
diamond-checkered shaft of the beautiful "artu" tree. Branching from the
stem on either side, and disposed alternately, were the graceful branches
drooping with leaves all correctly drawn, and elaborately finished.
Indeed, this piece of tattooing was the best specimen of the Fine Arts I
had yet seen in Typee. A rear view of the stranger might have suggested
the idea of a spreading vine tacked against a garden wall. Upon his
breast, arms, and legs, were exhibited an infinite variety of figures;
every one of which, however, appeared to have reference to the general
effect sought to be produced. The tattooing I have described was of the
brightest blue, and when contrasted with the light olive-colour of the
skin, produced an unique and even elegant effect. A slight girdle of white
tappa, scarcely two inches in width, but hanging before and behind in
spreading tassels, composed the entire costume of the stranger.

He advanced surrounded by the islanders, carrying under one arm a small
roll of the native cloth, and grasping in his other hand a long and
richly-decorated spear. His manner was that of a traveller conscious that
he is approaching a comfortable stage in his jo