THE TONGA ISLANDS.
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CHAPTER V.
Political intrigues of Toobo Toa against Toobo Nuha—Toobo Toa's vow—Finow's character contrasted with that of Toobo Nuha—Sentiments of Toobo Toa—Assassination of Toobo Nuha—Speech of Latoo Ila over the dead body—Specious conduct of Finow—The body laid in state—Dismal lamentations of Toobo Nuha's women—Some account of the nature of the taboo—Burial of Toobo Nuha—Heroic challenge of Chioolooa—Chiefdom of Vavaoo given to Finow's aunt — Her hostile intentions—The heroic speech of her sister to the women of Vavaoo—Tóë Oomoo (Finow's aunt) builds a large and strong fortress at Vavaoo—Finow's determination to proceed immediately against it, notwithstanding the dissuasion of his priests—Sketch of his religious sentiments—Bravado of a Vavaoo warrior—Finow's son arrives from the Navigator's islands—His ceremony of marriage—A review—An instance of mercy and discrimination—Arrival of a canoe from Vavaoo—Finow embarks with 4000 men for Haano—By the advice of the gods he proceeds to Vavaoo with three canoes to offer peace—Is met by Toe Tangata, who addresses him—Finow makes a speech to the Vavaoo people—Their rejection of his offers—Beautiful appearance of the great garrison of Vavaoo—Return of the expedition to Hapai.
We are now coming to a new æra in the history of the Tonga islands, occasioned by the political intrigues of Toobó Tóa a natural son of Toogoo Ahoo, by one of that king's female attendants. Toobó Tóa was the chief that formerly had the direction of the conspiracy
