The present Natche may be considered, from the above account of it, as merely figurative.  For the small quantity of yams, which we saw the first day, could not be intended as a general contribution; and, indeed, we were given to understand, that they were a portion consecrated to the Otooa, or Divinity.  But we were informed, that, in about three months, there would be performed, on the same account, a far more important and grander solemnity; on which occasion, not only the tribute of Tongataboo, but that of Hepaee, Vavaoo, and of all the other islands; would be brought to the chief, and confirmed more awfully, by sacrificing ten human victims from amongst the inferior sort of people.  A horrid solemnity indeed! and which is a most significant instance of the influence of gloomy and ignorant superstition, over the minds of one of the most benevolent and humane nations upon earth.  On enquiring into the reasons of so barbarous a practice, they only said, that it was a necessary part of the Natche, and that, if they omitted it, the Deity would certainly destroy their king.

Before the assembly broke up, the day was far spent; and as we were at some distance from the ships, and had an intricate navigation to go through, we were in haste to set out from Mooa.  When I took leave of Poulaho, he pressed me much to stay till the next day, to be present at a funeral ceremony.  The wife of Mareewagee, who was mother-in-law to the king, had lately died, and her corpse had, on account of the Natche, been carried on board a canoe that lay in the lagoon.  Poulaho told me, that, as soon as he had paid the last offices to her, he would attend me to Eooa, but, if I did not wait, he would follow me thither.  I understood at the same time, that, if it had not been for the death of this woman, most of the chiefs would have accompanied us to that island, where, it seems, all of them have possessions.  I would gladly have waited to see this ceremony also, had not the tide been now favourable for the ships to get through the narrows.  The wind besides, which, for several days past, had been very boisterous, was now moderate and settled, and to have lost this opportunity, might have detained us a fortnight longer.  But what was decisive against my waiting, we understood that the funeral ceremonies would last five days, which was too long a time, as the ships lay in such a situation, that I could not get to sea at pleasure.  I, however, assured the king, that, if we did not sail, I should certainly visit him again the next day.  And so we all took leave of him, and set out for the ships, where we arrived about eight o’clock in the evening.