The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 14Stevenson, Robert Louis
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The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 14
Stevenson, Robert Louis
Children's poetry; English literature -- 19th century; Poetry
Note 1, page 140. "_The aito_", _quasi_ champion, or brave. One skilled
in the use of some weapon, who wandered the country challenging
distinguished rivals and taking part in local quarrels. It was in the
natural course of his advancement to be at last employed by a chief, or
king; and it would then be a part of his duties to purvey the victim for
sacrifice. One of the doomed families was indicated; the aito took his
weapon and went forth alone; a little behind him bearers followed with
the sacrificial basket. Sometimes the victim showed fight, sometimes
prevailed; more often, without doubt, he fell. But whatever body was
found, the bearers indifferently took up.
Note 2, page 141. "_Pai_", "_Honoura_", and "_Ahupu_". Legendary persons
of Tahiti, all natives of Taiarapu. Of the first two I have collected
singular although imperfect legends, which I hope soon to lay before the
public in another place. Of Ahupu, except in snatches of song, little
memory appears to linger. She dwelt at least about Tepari,--"the
sea-cliffs,"--the eastern fastness of the isle; walked by paths known
only to herself upon the mountains; was courted by dangerous suitors who
came swimming from adjacent islands, and defended and rescued (as I
gather) by the loyalty of native fish. My anxiety to learn more of
"Ahupu Vehine" became (during my stay in Taiarapu) a cause of some
diversion to that mirthful people, the inhabitants.
Note 3, page 142. "_Covered an oven._" The cooking fire is made in a
hole in the ground, and is then buried.
Note 4, page 143. "_Flies._" This is perhaps an anachronism. Even
speaking of to-day in Tahiti, the phrase would have to be understood as
referring mainly to mosquitoes, and these only in watered valleys with
close woods, such as I suppose to form the surroundings of Rahero's
homestead. A quarter of a mile away, where the air moves freely, you
shall look in vain for one.
Note 5, page 144. "_Hook_" of mother-of-pearl. Bright-hook fishing, and
that with the spear, appear to be the favourite native methods.
Note 6, page 145. "_Leaves_," the plates of Tahiti.
Note 7, page 146. "_Yottowas_," so spelt for convenience of
pronunciation, _quasi_ Tacksmen in the Scottish Highlands. The
organisation of eight sub-districts and eight yottowas to a division,
which was in use (until yesterday) among the Tevas, I have attributed
without authority to the next clan (see page 155).
Note 8, page 146. "_Omare_," pronounce as a dactyl. A loaded
quarterstaff, one of the two favourite weapons of the Tahitian brave;
the javelin, or casting spear, was the other.
Note 9, page 148. "_The ribbon of light._" Still to be seen (and heard)
spinning from one marae to another on Tahiti; or so I have it upon
evidence that would rejoice the Psychical Society.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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