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“Do you mean that I may work on it here?”

“Would you care to do so?”

I was in need, heaven knows, of something to occupy my mind. Sir Joseph’s thoughtfulness touched me deeply.

“Nothing would please me more, sir,” I replied. “I am under no illusions as to the importance of this work....”

“But it is important, my dear fellow,” he interrupted. “Make no mistake about that. I’ve brought your manuscripts not merely out of consideration for you. This task must be completed. The Royal Society is greatly interested, and it has been suggested to me that an introductory essay accompany the volume, in which the Tahitian language shall be discussed generally, and its points of difference to any of our European tongues pointed out. Such an essay is quite beyond me. I had only a superficial knowledge of the Tahitian speech, acquired during my sojourn on the island with Captain Cook, and I have forgotten most of what I learned at that time. Only you can write this essay.”

“I shall be glad to attempt it,” I replied, “if there is sufficient time....”