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Vol. II.
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OE THE TONGA PEOPLE.

299

sometimes sung slowly in concert with the chorus; and while thus employed they also made several very fine motions with their hands, but different from those made by the women ; at the same time inclining the body to either side alternately, by raising one leg which was stretched outward, and resting on the other: the arm of the same side being also stretched fully upward. At other times they recited sentences in a musical tone, which were answered by the chorus ; and at intervals increased the measure of the dance, by clapping the hands, and quickening the motions of the feet, which, however, were never varied. At the end, the rapidity of the music and of the dancing increased so much, that it was scarcely possible to distin- guish the different movements; though one might suppose the actors were now almost tired, as their performance had lasted near" half an hour.

After a considerable interval, another act, as we may call it, began. Twelve men now advanced, who placed themselves in double** rows, fronting each other, but on opposite sides of the circle; and on one side a man was stationed, who, as if he had been a" prompter, repeated several sentences, to which the twelve new performers and the