Note 41 — PREFACE. (continued 2)

After nine days the king and the priests again went to the temple, and in the evening of Mohalu41 (when the moon was twelve nights old), entered it. Two men were stationed there. The high priest picked up two coconuts, and standing called upon the god Lono saying: “O Lononuiakea, here are the coconuts. Safety to thine attendant (or keeper), and to the land, and to the people.” These were the nights of Hua. And when the priest had offered the petition to the deities, and had thrown the coconuts (to the men), one from each hand, he sat down, all joining in the supplication. The two men then stood up calling with loud voices, feeding the stars42 and the moon this very same night. The king then offered pig and coconut to the deities after which they left the temple. And when they had gone on the outside it was dark, so they rested that night. They expressed approval during the night, and the hearts of all the people were thankful, for they said: “The king’s gifts of coconuts were good; the country is indeed safe.”