[Omoo: Adventures in the South Seas by Herman Melville]@TWC D-Link bookOmoo: Adventures in the South Seas CHAPTER LXXXI 5/8
Whether the little damsel carried her mistress' signet, that everything opened to her thus, I know not; but Marbonna himself, the bearer of infants, could not have been half so serviceable. Among other houses which we visited, was one of large size and fine exterior; the special residence of a European--formerly the mate of a merchant vessel,--who had done himself the honour of marrying into the Pomaree family.
The lady he wedded being a near kinswoman of the queen, he became a permanent member of her majesty's household.
This adventurer rose late, dressed theatrically in calico and trinkets, assumed a dictatorial tone in conversation, and was evidently upon excellent terms with himself. We found him reclining on a mat, smoking a reed-pipe of tobacco, in the midst of an admiring circle of chiefs and ladies.
He must have noticed our approach; but instead of rising and offering civilities, he went on talking and smoking, without even condescending to look at us. "His Highness feels his 'poee,'" carelessly observed the doctor.
The rest of the company gave us the ordinary salutation, our guide announcing us beforehand. In answer to our earnest requests to see the queen, we were now conducted to an edifice, by far the most spacious, in the inclosure. It was at least one hundred and fifty feet in length, very wide, with low eaves, and an exceedingly steep roof of pandannas leaves.
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