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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 64

Act II.—Scene I. — Mokoia

page 37

Act II.—Scene I.

Mokoia.

Tutanekai, tired of blowing on the flute, changes the programme by blowing his nose on his korowai, he having caught a bad influenza, through wearing boots and a flannel shirt. He holds a korero with his slave as to the best method of cooking the last war-prisoner in the family larder, and also discusses the possibility of another row soon, to keep up the supply of fresh meat. Then flutes up again, in a melody that seems to strike a happy medium between the Hundredth Psalm—learned long since from a missionary now digested—and "Pop goes the Weazel"—acquired from a stray sailor who had spoilt himself for culinary purposes by living entirely on salt junk. The music—and the thought of his love—and the influenza—and the rum administered regularly by the slave—combine to put Tutanekai in a melancholy mood. He weeps, and the flute gurgles.