With respect to their language, it is far from being harsh or disagreeable, though the pronunciation of it is frequently guttural; nor, if we may judge from the melody of some kinds of their songs, is it destitute of those qualities, which fit it to be associated with music.

Of its identity with the languages of the other islands throughout the South Sea, fresh proofs were exhibited during the present voyage.
At the request of Omai, Captain Cook consented to take with him two youths from New Zealand.

That they might not quit their native country under any deluding ideas of visiting it again, the captain took care to inform their parents, in the strongest terms, that they would never return.

This declaration seemed, however, to make no kind of impression.

The father of the youngest had resigned him with an indifference, which he would scarcely have shewn at parting with his dog, and even stripped the boy of the little clothing he possessed, delivering him quite naked into the hands of our voyagers.