said to Tyreman and Bennet, the deputies of the London Missionary Society, "You have come to see me at a very bad time.

Your ancestors came in the time of men, when Tahiti was inhabited: you are come to behold just the remnant of my people." Of like import was the prediction of Teearmoar, the high-priest of Paree; who lived over a hundred years ago.

I have frequently heard it chanted, in a low, sad tone, by aged Tahitiana:-- "A harree ta fow, A toro ta farraro, A now ta tararta." "The palm-tree shall grow, The coral shall spread, But man shall cease.".