 only wanted
the canoe to stay where it was, but I wanted the beauteous Fayaway to get into
it, and paddle with me about the lake. This latter proposition completely
horrified Kory-Kory's notions of propriety. He inveighed against it, as
something too monstrous to be thought of. It not only shocked their established
notions of propriety, but was at variance with all their religious ordinances.
    However, although the taboo was a ticklish thing to meddle with, I
determined to test its capabilities of resisting an attack. I consulted the
chief Mehevi, who endeavoured to persuade me from my object: but I was not to be
repulsed; and accordingly increased the warmth of my solicitations. At last he
entered into a long, and I have no doubt a very learned and eloquent exposition
of the history and nature of the taboo as affecting this particular case;
employing a variety of most extraordinary words, which, from their amazing
length and sonorousness, I have every reason to believe were of a theological
nature. But all that he said failed to convince me; partly, perhaps, because I
could not comprehend a word that he uttered; but chiefly, that for the life of
me, I could not understand why a woman should not have as much right to enter a
canoe as a man. At last he became a little more rational, and intimated that,
out of the abundant love he bore me, he would consult with the priests and see
what could be done.
    How it was that the priesthood of Typee satisfied the affair with their
consciences, I know not; but so it was, and Fayaway's dispensation from this
portion of the taboo was at length procured. Such an event, I believe, never
before had occurred in the valley; but it was high time the islanders should be
taught a little gallantry, and I trust that the example I set them may produce
beneficial effects. Ridiculous, indeed, that the lovely creatures should be
obliged to paddle about in the water, like so many ducks, while a parcel of
great strapping fellows skimmed over its surface in their canoes.
    The first day after Fayaway's emancipation I had a delightful little party
on the lake - the damsel, Kory-Kory, and myself. My zealous body-servant brought
from the house a calabash of poee-poee, half a dozen young cocoa-nuts - stripped
of their husks - three pipes, as many yams, and me on his back a part of the
way. Something of a load; but Kory-Kory was a very strong man for his size,
