1 "Pukukare" was older than the "pet Kourapapa." A deceased young sister is "the third" referred to in this song, which pertains to the "deathtalk of Kourapapa."

2 Riuvaka was a worshipper of Tane. Hence the praises of his deity are celebrated throughout this "Introductory Song." Kirikovi was supreme temporal chief of Mangaia at the date of the discovery of the island by Captain Cook, in 1777.

The "

of Papa.

66

parent Tane," was ‘Tane-papa-kai,” i.e. Tane-piler-up-of-food, son

Is it a fiat of the gods? Break
through it.

Is it the lowering clouds of war?
Dissipate them.

Ha! Ha! Great Papa is my (Tane's)
mother.

But why, Papa, didst thou descend
To Avaiki, to obtain the honours of
a goddess?

Ah! thou hast shaved thy head!1
Should it be asked, Which of the
gods

Devoured our parents?

The fault is all my own.

I (Tane) am a sovereign possessed of an evil spirit.

Tane glories

1 Shaving the head was one way of mourning for the dead. in having occasioned this mourning. This is a reference to Tane-Ngakiau, or Tane-striving-for-power, from Iti (Tahiti), who was believed to kill people prematurely, by devouring their souls. Of course, their bodies, however strong and healthy formerly, quickly faded and died after this!

1 The dance was specially under the patronage of Tane. drum used on the occasion is called "the voice of Tane."

Hence the big

1 The peerless daughters never failed to honour the fêtes of Tane with their presence. Like mortals, they will come attired with sweet-scented flowers and myrtle sprigs. It is pretended that the fairy toilet is nearly complete; the dance must for very shame lead off without delay.

2 The night of the 26th of each month was sacred to Tane; the night following to Rongo.

CHAPTER X.

ADVENTURES IN SPIRIT-WORLD.

AN ESCAPE FROM SPIRIT-LAND.

IN the Sacred Islet lived Eneene, his wife Kura, and his sister Umuei. These women were young and fair, and loved to roam the woods in quest of sweet-scented flowers, which they weaved into wreaths and necklaces. On one occasion they fortunately discovered a noble bua (beslaria laurifolia), whose far-spreading branches were covered with fragrant yellow blossoms. The sisters-in-law sat awhile at the foot of the tree discussing the division of the spoil. It was clear that Kura should collect on one side of the tree, and Umuei on the other. But the great central branch seemed the richest prize of all. It was eventually agreed that Kura should have this treasure.

The young women set to work in good earnest; but, after a time, it became evident that Kura was gathering more than fell to her share. To punish her, Umuei took possession of the coveted central branch. The wife of Eneene was speedily chastised for her covetousness without the intervention of Umuei; for the branch on which she was leaning heavily in order to steal some of