may be reasonably presumed that science generally infuses a pride into its votary, which will lead him rather to struggle under the disadvantages of fortune, than descend to pamper vice and ignorance

There is considerable merit in the allusions to Female Boardingschools; though we think Susan and Rosa too nearly resemble Sheridan's Mrs. Candour, and the Emigrant in Cumberland's FirstLove, not to endanger a charge of plagiarism. At the same time, this idea may perhaps derive its chief force from their having the same representatives on the stage.

Upon the whole, we think this comedy, if it does not possess many striking beauties, is exempt from many of the prevailing faults of modern plays; and that were the author to pay more attention to the models of the last age than those of this, and to write less designedly for particular performers, he might acquire eminence hitherto attained by few of his contemporaries.

No critic is so despicable as one who is blind to the beauties of the age he lives in. We certainly have many respectable writers in the class of sentimental comedy; but it is in vain that we look for the graceful manners of Vanburgh, the wit of Congreve, or the plots of Centlivre. Sentiment has assumed the place of wit; and must ever prove a sorry substitute; for, while the one can only instruct, the other possesses the twofold power of entertaining and instructing. It is with a view to be entertained, principally, that we either hear or read a comedy; so that it may be fairly inferred, that wit has, in this instance, the same superiority over sentiment on the stage, that sentiment has over wit in the pulpit: and it is therefore judiciously mingling the utile with the dulce, that best distinguishes the genuine effusions of the Comic Muse from the bare morality of a Sermon, and the broad humour of a Farce.

STATE OF OTAHEITE,

IN DECEMBER, 1791.

WITH

THE CHANGES WHICH HAD TAKEN PLACE SINCE VISITED IN 1777 BY CAPTAIN COOK.

[FROM CAPTAIN VANCOUVER'S VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY.]

BY Y the time we had anchored, the ship was surrounded with canoes, laden with the different productions of the country. The natives, with every assurance of friendship, and with expres sions of the greatest joy at our arrival, were crowding on board. One or two amongst them, although not principal Chiefs, evidently assumed some little authority, and were exceedingly earnest that we should not suffer the multitude to come on board, as that would be the best means to prevent thefts, and insure that amity and good fellowship which they appeared very solicitous to establish and suppart. We complied with their advice, and found no difficulty in carrying it into execution. We had only to desire they would return to their canoes, and they immediately complied. I had the mortification of finding, on inquiry, that most of the friends I had left here in the year 1777, both male and female, were dead. Otoo, with his father, brothers, and sisters; Potatow, and his family, were the only Chiefs of my old acquaintance that were now living. Otoo was not here; nor did it appear that Otaheite was now the place of his residence, having retired to his newly acquired possession, Eimeo, or as the natives more commonly call that island, MOREA, leaving his eldest son the supreme authority over this and all the neighbouring Islands. The young King had taken the name of Otoo, and iny old friend that of Pomuney; having given up his name with his sovereign jurisdiction, though he still seemed to retain his authority as regent. Mr. Broughton had received some presents from Otoo, who being now arrived from Opane, had sent, desiring that gentleman would visit him on shore at Matavai. I had received no invitation; but, as some of the natives gave me to understand that my accom. panying Mr. Broughton would be esteemed a civility, I did not hesitate to comply, especially as Mr. Broughton had prepared a present in so handsome a way, that I considered it a sufficient compli ment to the young King from us both. As soon as the ship was sequred, Mr. Whidbey and myself attended Mr. Broughton, with

intention to fix on an eligible spot for our tents, and for transacting our necessary business on shore; and afterwards to pay our respects to his Otaheitean Majesty.

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The surf obliged us to row round the point near the mouth of the river, where we landed, and were received by the natives with every demonstration of regard. A messenger was instantly dispatched to inform the King of our arrival, and intended visit. The station of our tents, on my former visits to this country, was not likely, on the present occasion, to answer our purpose; the beach was considerably washed away, and the sand being removed from the coral rocks, rendered the landing very unsafe. The surf had also broken into the river, and made it very salt. These circumstances induced me to fix on a situation about a quarter of a mile further along the beach, to the southward. The messenger that had been dispatched to inform Otoo of our landing and proposed visit, returned with a pig, and a plantain-leaf, as a peace-offering to me; accompanied by a speech of congratulation on our arrival, and offers of whatever refreshments the country afforded. This short ceremony being finished, we proceeded along the beach in expectation of meeting the young Sove reign, until we arrived near to the place where the river had broken its banks. There we were directed to halt, under the shade of a palm-tree, to which we readily consented, the weather being nearly calm, and excessively sultry. After waiting a short time, we were acquainted that the King, having some objection to cross the fiver for the purpose of meeting strangers, requested we would go to him, A canoe was in waiting to take us over, and having walked about an hundred yards on the other side, the interview took place. We found Otoo to be a boy of about nine or ten years of age, He carried on the shoulders of a man, and was clothed in a piece of English red cloth, with ornaments of pigeon's feathers hanging over his shoulders. When we had approached within about eight paces, we were desired to stop; the present we had brought was exhibited; and although its magnitude and the value of the articles; it contained excited the admiration of the byestanders in the highest degree, it was regarded by this young Monarch with an apparently stern and cool indifference. It was not immediately to be presented; a certain previous ceremony was necessary. Not considering myself suffi ciently master of the language, I applied for assistance to an inferior Chief, named Moence, (who had been useful to Mr. Broughton) to be my prompter. At first he used some pains, but not finding me so apt a scholar as he expected, he soon took the whole office upon April.]

Was

himself. He answered for our peaceable and friendly intentions, and requested supplies of provisions, and a pledge of good faith towards us, with as much confidence as if he had been intimately acquainted with our wishes and designs. Our situation on this occasion was similar to that of his Otaheitean Majesty, who condescended to say but a few words, a person by his side sparing him that trouble by going through all the formal orations. A ratification of peace and mutual friendship being acknowledged on both sides, and these ceremonies concluded, which took up fifteen or twenty minutes, the different European articles composing the present were, with some little form, presented to Otoo; and on his shaking hands with us, which he did very heartily, his countenance became immediately altered, and he received us with the greatest cheerfulness and cordiality. He informed me that his father, my former acquaintance and friend, was at Morea, and requested I would send thither a boat for him; for, as the islanders were much accustomed to raise false reports, Pomuney would not believe that I was arrived without seeing some of us, by whom he would be convinced. He also added, that if we should sail without seeing his father, he would not only be very much concerned, but very angry. This language being in the mouths of every one around us, and feeling a great desire to see an old friend who had ever conducted himself with propriety, and appeared firmly attached to our interest, I promised to comply with the young King's request. The suffusions of joy, and a readiness to oblige, were evident in the countenances of all whom we met. Their instant compliance with all our requests, and their eagerness to be foremost in performing any little friendly office, could not be observed without the most grateful emotions. Each of us was presented with a quantity of cloth, a large hog, and some vegetables; after which we returned on board, extremely well pleased with our visit and reception. Agreeably to the promise made to too, Mr. Mudge, accompanied by Mr. Menzies, was on Saturday dispatched to the Island of Morea for Pomuney. Matooaro, who, we were informed, was, under Otoo, Sovereign of Huaheine, and who was now here on an Ercoic party, undertook to be their pilot. As soon as the boat put off, the crowd about the ship becoming acquainted with her eriand, the news was speedily carried with acclamations to the shore, and there received with great demonstrations of gladness.

Sunday morning ushered in the new year. The surf had in some measure subsided, though it still broke with great violence on the shore; which induced me to make new year's day a holiday. Every one had as much fresh pork and plum pudding as he could make use of; and lest, in the voluptuous gratifications of Otaheite, we might forget our friends in old England, all hands were served a double allowance of grog, to drink the healths of their sweethearts and friends at home. It is somewhat singular that the gunner of the Discovery was the only married man of the whole party.

The weather becoming pleasant on Monday morning, the tents, observatory, &c. were sent on shore. These were constantly protected by a guard of marines, and our field pieces; which were very properly constructed for our occasions, and answered every expected purpose. Mr. Puget was charged with the encampment, and Mr. Whidbey was particularly to attend the observatory. My attention and residence were divided between the ship and the shore. On pitching our tents, a great concourse of the natives in the most friendly and orderly manner attended. Their numbers, in some measure, proved inconvenient by interrupting our labours; but, on a line being drawn on the ground, denoting the space we intended to occupy, not one attempted to trespass; and those who were permitted to help in the debarkation of our stores, conducted them. selves with the utmost decorum, and seemed amply repaid with a few beads for their assistance.

Towards noon Mr. Mudge returned with my old friend Pomuney, who was saluted, previously to his coming on board, with four guns from each vessel, which gratified him extremely. With him came Matooara Mabou, commonly called Mabow, the reigning prince, under Otoo, of Morea. There was, however, little probability of his long enjoying this honourable station, as he appeared to be in the last stage of a deep and rapid decline; his person was reduced to a mere skeleton, which he was not able to raise without great assistance. He was hoisted on board in a chair, and supported by six people down to the cabin, where, unable to sit up, or to stand, a bed was prepared for him on the lockers. The reasons that could induce a man in his deplorable condition to undertake such a visit must, without doubt, be not less curious than extraordinary!

Pomuney had perfect recollection of me; and every expression and action indicated the sincerity of the happiness he professed on our arrival. He frequently observed, I had grown very much, and looked very old, since last we had parted. In the afternoon his two