Note 7 — PREFACE. (continued 5)

Hiku did as he was instructed by the priest, and after collecting all the kowali vines he could get, he took a double canoe and paddled out to mid-ocean; he then lowered one of the kowali vines into the sea, and taking another vine he lowered himself down. Just as he was going over the side of the canoe he told the men: “When you feel a jerky motion, haul up the vine.” Hiku then lowered himself down and when he reached the lower world he began to swing himself on his vine.7 When the people of the lower world saw Hiku swinging himself back and forth, they all wanted to have a ride. Kawelu was by the side of Milu. The spirits then called out: “Say, you ill-smelling spirit,” but Hiku paid them no attention. The spirits were all anxious for a ride on the swing and were also taken with the chant Hiku was singing: