FUNERAL OF THE KING AND QUEEN. 351

of the Blonde, were placed on the platform. Immediately after, the rest of the company entered, and 'formed numerous groups around the apartment, while, accompanied by the band drawn up on one side, we sung the native funeral anthem to the tune of Pleyel's Hymn, and Mr. Bingham made a short prayer in the same language. This scene was by far the most striking incident of the day. The sable drapery of the room, the full mourning suits of the majority, interspersed and relieved by the rich and glittering uniforms of the officers, the handsome half-mourning dresses and white plumes of Mrs. Charlton and sister, Madam Boki, and one of the young queens-dowager, who has lately become a bride, with a variety of other becoming and appropriate dresses, the melancholy tones of the instruments, and the solemn truths of the chant in the chamber of the dead, combined to make it a truly interesting and affecting moment.

Thus, under the mournful reverberations of the minuteguns, have been received, and peacefully deposited on their native shores, the king and queen of the Sandwich Islands, whose short reign has been marked by epochs no less momentous than the abolition of a cruel system of idolatry; the introduction of the elements of literature, and the arts and usages of civilized life; and, above all, the promulgation of the Gospel, with all the bright hopes and eternal retributions of Christianity! To these dark monarchs of this western archipelago, in the gloomy mansion of their repose, I gave one more tear; one more tear, in remembrance of the better characteristics, which, not unfrequently, shone through

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SORROW FOR THE KING AND QUEEN.

their follies and their sins; one more tear for the attachment I had felt, and the prayers I had offered, for them; one more tear for the early disappointment of the hopes I had entertained, that they would return to their rude subjects, from the bright regions of Christendom, only "to point to heaven, and to lead the way." I shudder to think, that, so imperfectly instructed, so partially reclaimed, and, as it is to be feared, so little prepared, they have been launched into eternity, and have stood before their God.

CHAPTER XIV.

KINDNESS OF LORD BYKUN.

Thursday, 26. The physicians having recommended a change of air, as most likely to benefit H's health, Lord Byron has most kindly assigned us accommodations in the Blonde, for a trip to the harbour of Waiakea, at Hido, on Hawaii, where he is going for a month, to refit and explore the windward of that island, with the intention of returning to this port again. It is uncertain on what day she may sail, though probably in the course of a week.

The very favourable impression of the character of this nobleman, made at the first interview, has been greatly strengthened and deepened by after-intercourse. To the apparent quickness, vigour, and cultivation of intellect, which you would naturally expect to see in a Byron, he adds a kindness of heart, and benevolence of disposition, that would secure your respect and affection, with any name. Few men of his rank, and indeed any rank, would have completed the objects of his mission to the Islands in so condescending and unexceptionable a manner; and the influence he is exert

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GO ON BOARD THE BLONDE.

ing, is calculated to open more fully than ever to this people, a way for the introduction of all the illimitable blessings of civilization and Christianity.

It is with no inconsiderable pleasure that I anticipate, from the excursion to Hawaii, a prolonged intercourse with himself, and some of his immediate friends, with whom I have become more particularly acquainted.

Nothing I have yet known on Missionary ground, causes me so deeply to feel the sacrifice of our situation, as the occasional society of such men. The lowliness of our habitation, the plainness and poverty of our table, the known and unknown inconveniences and privations of our whole establishment-never rouse the recollections of mind and heart, excited by the intercourse of a week, a day, an hour, with the polished, the intelligent, the amiable, the virtuous; those who have heads to think, hearts to feel, characters to respect, and conversation and manners to win. When I meet and when I part with such, at this extremity of the globe, I feel that I am cut off from some of the choicest enjoyments of life.

On board H. B. M. Ship Blonde, June 5, 1825. At eleven o'clock yesterday morning, a messenger from Lord Byron came to inform us that he was in readiness, on the point, to take us on board the frigate in his boat. HI was carried down in an arm-chair, ana his lordship's gig being in waiting, we were immediately rowed off to the vessel, a distance of two miles, in the open roads: the possibility that H might not live to return to Oahu, made the separation from her children a severe trial. We left them, however,

with the persuasion, that they will receive every kind and affectionate attention from our faithful friend Band from the ladies of the station.

The anchor was not taken up till four o'clock, until which time, H remained on a sofa in Lord Byron's cabin but beginning to be slightly affected by the motion of the ship after she was under sail, before we sat down to dinner, she was removed to her own cabin, adjoining the dining room. The captain and all the gentlemen of the ship are exceedingly polite and attentive; and our whole situation is made, by them, as pleasant as possible. We shall feel ourselves under very lasting obligations to Lord Byron, every development of whose character increases our respect, gratitude, and love. He is at all times affable and communicative; but while at the tea-table this evening, where we were joined by the chaplain Mr. Andrew Bloxam, his brother, and Mr. Dampier the artist, he exhibited powers of conversation which must make him a charming companion to his intimate friends and family circle. He is a great favourite with the chiefs; and in order most fully to secure every attention and service to himself and ship, Kaahumanu, her sister Hoapiri, and Wahine, accompany him to Hawaii. Mr. Goodrich of the Mission, who has paid a short visit at Oahu, improves this opportunity also, of returning to his station at Waiakea.

The Blonde is a forty-six gun ship, of fine model, and perfectly new, this being her first voyage. Lord Byron's accommodations consist of an after-cabin, fitted up as a reading and sitting room, in which tea is served; a for