ETYMOLOGYSuppliedbyaLateConsumptiveUshertoaGrammarSchoolThepaleUsherthreadbareincoatheartbodyandbrainIseehimnowHewaseverdustinghisoldlexiconsandgrammarswithaqueerhandkerchiefmockinglyembellishedwithallthegayflagsofalltheknownnationsoftheworldHelovedtodusthisoldgrammarsitsomehowmildlyremindedhimofhismortalityWhileyoutakeinhandtoschoolothersandtoteachthembywhatnameawhalefishistobecalledinourtongueleavingoutthroughignorancetheletterHwhichalmostalonemakethupthesignificationofthewordyoudeliverthatwhichisnottrueHackluytWHALESwandDanhvalThisanimalisnamedfromroundnessorrollingforinDanhvaltisarchedorvaultedWebstersDictionaryWHALEItismoreimmediatelyfromtheDutandGerWallenASWalwiantorolltowallowRichardsonsDictionaryHebrewGreekCETUSLatinWHLAngloSaxonHVALTDanishWALDutchHWALSwedishWHALEIcelandicWHALEEnglishBALEINEFrenchBALLENASpanishPEKEENUEENUEEFegeePEHEENUEENUEEErromangoanEXTRACTSSuppliedbyaSubSubLibrarianItwillbeseenthatthismerepainstakingburrowerandgrubwormofapoordevilofaSubSubappearstohavegonethroughthelongVaticansandstreetstallsoftheearthpickingupwhateverrandomallusionstowhaleshecouldanywaysfindinanybookwhatsoeversacredorprofaneThereforeyoumustnotineverycaseatleasttakethehiggledypiggledywhalestatementshoweverauthenticintheseextractsforveritablegospelcetologyFarfromitAstouchingtheancientauthorsgenerallyaswellasthepoetshereappearingtheseextractsaresolelyvaluableorentertainingasaffordingaglancingbirdseyeviewofwhathasbeenpromiscuouslysaidthoughtfanciedandsungofLeviathanbymanynationsandgenerationsincludingourownSofaretheewellpoordevilofaSubSubwhosecommentatorIamThoubelongesttothathopelesssallowtribewhichnowineofthisworldwilleverwarmandforwhomevenPaleSherrywouldbetoorosystrongbutwithwhomonesometimeslovestositandfeelpoordevilishtooandgrowconvivialupontearsandsaytothembluntlywithfulleyesandemptyglassesandinnotaltogetherunpleasantsadnessGiveitupSubSubsForbyhowmuchthemorepainsyetaketopleasetheworldbysomuchthemoreshallyeforevergothanklessWouldthatIcouldclearoutHamptonCourtandtheTuileriesforyeButgulpdownyourtearsandhiealofttotheroyalmastwithyourheartsforyourfriendswhohavegonebeforeareclearingoutthesevenstoriedheavensandmakingrefugeesoflongpamperedGabrielMichaelandRaphaelagainstyourcomingHereyestrikebutsplinteredheartstogetherthereyeshallstrikeunsplinterableglassesEXTRACTSAndGodcreatedgreatwhalesGenesisLeviathanmakethapathtoshineafterhimOnewouldthinkthedeeptobehoaryJobNowtheLordhadpreparedagreatfishtoswallowupJonahJonahTheregotheshipsthereisthatLeviathanwhomthouhastmadetoplaythereinPsalmsInthatdaytheLordwithhissoreandgreatandstrongswordshallpunishLeviathanthepiercingserpentevenLeviathanthatcrookedserpentandheshallslaythedragonthatisintheseaIsaiahAndwhatthingsoeverbesidescomethwithinthechaosofthismonstersmouthbeitbeastboatorstonedownitgoesallincontinentlythatfoulgreatswallowofhisandperishethinthebottomlessgulfofhispaunchHollandsPlutarchsMoralsTheIndianSeabreedeththemostandthebiggestfishesthatareamongwhichtheWhalesandWhirlpoolescalledBalaenetakeupasmuchinlengthasfouracresorarpensoflandHollandsPlinyScarcelyhadweproceededtwodaysontheseawhenaboutsunriseagreatmanyWhalesandothermonstersoftheseaappearedAmongtheformeronewasofamostmonstroussizeThiscametowardsusopenmouthedraisingthewavesonallsidesandbeatingtheseabeforehimintoafoamTookesLucianTheTrueHistoryHevisitedthiscountryalsowithaviewofcatchinghorsewhaleswhichhadbonesofverygreatvaluefortheirteethofwhichhebroughtsometothekingThebestwhaleswerecatchedinhisowncountryofwhichsomewerefortyeightsomefiftyyardslongHesaidthathewasoneofsixwhohadkilledsixtyintwodaysOtherorOthersverbalnarrativetakendownfromhismouthbyKingAlfredAD890AndwhereasalltheotherthingswhetherbeastorvesselthatenterintothedreadfulgulfofthismonsterswhalesmouthareimmediatelylostandswalloweduptheseagudgeonretiresintoitingreatsecurityandtheresleepsMONTAIGNEApologyforRaimondSebondLetusflyletusflyOldNicktakemeifisnotLeviathandescribedbythenobleprophetMosesinthelifeofpatientJobRabelaisThiswhalesliverwastwocartloadsStowesAnnalsThegreatLeviathanthatmakeththeseastoseethelikeboilingpanLordBaconsVersionofthePsalmsTouchingthatmonstrousbulkofthewhaleororkwehavereceivednothingcertainTheygrowexceedingfatinsomuchthatanincrediblequantityofoilwillbeextractedoutofonewhaleIbidHistoryofLifeandDeathThesovereignestthingonearthisparmacettiforaninwardbruiseKingHenryVerylikeawhaleHamletWhichtosecurenoskillofleachsartMotehimavaillebuttoreturneagaineTohiswoundsworkerthatwithlowlydartDintinghisbreasthadbredhisrestlesspaineLikeasthewoundedwhaletoshorefliesthrothemaineTheFaerieQueenImmenseaswhalesthemotionofwhosevastbodiescaninapeacefulcalmtroubletheoceantillitboilSirWilliamDavenantPrefacetoGondibertWhatspermacettiismenmightjustlydoubtsincethelearnedHosmannusinhisworkofthirtyyearssaithplainlyNescioquidsitSirTBrowneOfSpermaCetiandtheSpermaCetiWhaleVidehisVELikeSpencersTaluswithhismodernflailHethreatensruinwithhisponderoustailTheirfixedjavlinsinhissidehewearsAndonhisbackagroveofpikesappearsWallersBattleoftheSummerIslandsByartiscreatedthatgreatLeviathancalledaCom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eriousinstinctsthroughthatwasteAndtracklessregionthoughoneverysideAssaultedbyvoraciousenemiesWhalessharksandmonstersarmdinfrontorjawWithswordssawsspiralhornsorhookedfangsMontgomerysWorldbeforetheFloodIoPaeanIosingTothefinnypeopleskingNotamightierwhalethanthisInthevastAtlanticisNotafatterfishthanheFloundersroundthePolarSeaCharlesLambsTriumphoftheWhaleIntheyear1690somepersonswereonahighhillobservingthewhalesspoutingandsportingwitheachotherwhenoneobservedtherepointingtotheseaisagreenpasturewhereourchildrensgrandchildrenwillgoforbreadObedMacysHistoryofNantucketIbuiltacottageforSusanandmyselfandmadeagatewayintheformofaGothicArchbysettingupawhalesjawbonesHawthornesTwiceToldTalesShecametobespeakamonumentforherfirstlovewhohadbeenkilledbyawhaleinthePacificoceannolessthanfortyyearsagoIbidNoSirtisaRightWhaleansweredTomIsawhissprouthethrewupapairofasprettyrainbowsasaChristianwouldwishtolookatHesaraaloilbuttthatfellowCoopersPilotThepaperswerebroughtinandwesawintheBerlinGazettethatwhaleshadbeenintroducedonthestagethereEckermannsConversationswithGoetheMyGodMrChacewhatisthematterIansweredwehavebeenstovebyawhaleNarrativeoftheShipwreckoftheWhaleShipEssexofNantucketwhichwasattackedandfinallydestroyedbyalargeSpermWhaleinthePacificOceanByOwenChaceofNantucketfirstmateofsaidvesselNewYork1821AmarinersatintheshroudsonenightThewindwaspipingfreeNowbrightnowdimmedwasthemoonlightpaleAndthephosphergleamedinthewakeofthewhaleAsitflounderedintheseaElizabethOakesSmithThequantityoflinewithdrawnfromtheboatsengagedinthecaptureofthisonewhaleamountedaltogetherto10440yardsornearlysixEnglishmilesSometimesthewhaleshakesitstremendoustailintheairwhichcrackinglikeawhipresoundstothedistanceofthreeorfourmilesScoresbyMadwiththeagoniesheenduresfromthesefreshattackstheinfuriatedSpermWhalerollsoverandoverherearshisenormousheadandwithwideexpandedjawssnapsateverythingaroundhimherushesattheboatswithhisheadtheyarepropelledbeforehimwithvastswiftnessandsometimesutterlydestroyedItisamatterofgreatastonishmentthattheconsiderationofthehabitsofsointerestingandinacommercialpointofviewsoimportantananimalastheSpermWhaleshouldhavebeensoentirelyneglectedorshouldhaveexcitedsolittlecuriosityamongthenumerousandmanyofthemcompetentobserversthatoflateyearsmusthavepossessedthemostabundantandthemostconvenientopportunitiesofwitnessingtheirhabitudesThomasBealesHistoryoftheSpermWhale1839TheCachalotSpermWhaleisnotonlybetterarmedthantheTrueWhaleGreenlandorRightWhaleinpossessingaformidableweaponateitherextremityofitsbodybutalsomorefrequentlydisplaysadispositiontoemploytheseweaponsoffensivelyandinmanneratoncesoartfulboldandmischievousastoleadtoitsbeingregardedasthemostdangeroustoattackofalltheknownspeciesofthewhaletribeFrederickDebellBennettsWhalingVoyageRoundtheGlobe1840October13TheresheblowswassungoutfromthemastheadWhereawaydemandedthecaptainThreepointsofftheleebowsirRaiseupyourwheelSteadySteadysirMastheadahoyDoyouseethatwhalenowAyaysirAshoalofSpermWhalesTheresheblowsThereshebreachesSingoutsingouteverytimeAyAysirTheresheblowstheretheretharsheblowsbowesbooosHowfaroffTwomilesandahalfThunderandlightningsonearCallallhandsJRossBrownesEtchingsofaWhalingCruize1846TheWhaleshipGlobeonboardofwhichvesseloccurredthehorridtransactionsweareabouttorelatebelongedtotheislandofNantucketNarrativeoftheGlobeMutinybyLayandHusseysurvivorsAD1828BeingoncepursuedbyawhalewhichhehadwoundedheparriedtheassaultforsometimewithalancebutthefuriousmonsteratlengthrushedontheboathimselfandcomradesonlybeingpreservedbyleapingintothewaterwhentheysawtheonsetwasinevitableMissionaryJournalofTyermanandBennettNantucketitselfsaidMrWebsterisaverystrikingandpeculiarportionoftheNationalinterestThereisapopulationofeightorninethousandpersonslivinghereintheseaaddinglargelyeveryyeartotheNationalwealthbytheboldestandmostperseveringindustryReportofDanielWebstersSpeechintheUSSenateontheapplicationfortheErectionofaBreakwateratNantucket1828ThewhalefelldirectlyoverhimandprobablykilledhiminamomentTheWhaleandhisCaptorsorTheWhalemansAdventuresandtheWhalesBiographygatheredontheHomewardCruiseoftheCommodorePrebleByRevHenryTCheeverIfyoumaketheleastdamnbitofnoiserepliedSamuelIwillsendyoutohellLifeofSamuelComstockthemutineerbyhisbrotherWilliamComstockAnotherVersionofthewhaleshipGlobenarrativeThevoyagesoftheDutchandEnglishtotheNorthernOceaninorderifpossibletodiscoverapassagethroughittoIndiathoughtheyfailedoftheirmainobjectlaidopenthehauntsofthewhaleMcCullochsCommercialDictionaryThesethingsarereciprocaltheballreboundsonlytoboundforwardagainfornowinlayingopenthehauntsofthewhalethewhalemenseemtohaveindirectlyhituponnewclewstothatsamemysticNorthWestPassageFromSomethingunpublishedItisimpossibletomeetawhaleshipontheoceanwithoutbeingstruckbyhernearappearanceThevesselundershortsailwithlookoutsatthemastheadseagerlyscanningthewideexpansearoundthemhasatotallydifferentairfromthoseengagedinregularvoyageCurrentsandWhalingUSExExPedestriansinthevicinityofLondonandelsewheremayrecollecthavingseenlargecurvedbonessetuprightintheeartheithertoformarchesovergatewaysorentrancestoalcovesandtheymayperhapshavebeentoldthattheseweretheribsofwhalesTalesofaWhaleVoyagertotheArcticOceanItwasnottilltheboatsreturnedfromthepursuitofthesewhalesthatthewhitessawtheirshipinbloodypossessionofthesavagesenrolledamongthecrewNewspaperAccountoftheTakingandRetakingoftheWhaleShipHobomackItisgenerallywellknownthatoutofthecrewsofWhalingvesselsAmericanfeweverreturnintheshipsonboardofwhichtheydepartedCruiseinaWhaleBoatSuddenlyamightymassemergedfromthewaterandshotupperpendicularlyintotheairItwasthewhaleMiriamCoffinortheWhaleFishermanTheWhaleisharpoonedtobesurebutbethinkyouhowyouwouldmanageapowerfulunbrokencoltwiththemereapplianceofaropetiedtotherootofhistailAChapteronWhalinginRibsandTrucksOnoneoccasionIsawtwoofthesemonsterswhalesprobablymaleandfemaleslowlyswimmingoneaftertheotherwithinlessthanastonesthrowoftheshoreTerraDelFuegooverwhichthebeechtreeextendeditsbranchesDarwinsVoyageofaNaturalistSternallexclaimedthemateasuponturninghisheadhesawthedistendedjawsofalargeSpermWhaleclosetotheheadoftheboatthreateningitwithinstantdestructionSternallforyourlivesWhartontheWhaleKillerSobecheerymyladsletyourheartsneverfailWhiletheboldharpooneerisstrikingthewhaleNantucketSongOhtherareoldWhalemidstormandgaleInhisoceanhomewillbeAgiantinmightwheremightisrightAndKingoftheboundlessseaWhaleSongCHAPTER1LoomingsCallmeIshmaelSomeyearsagonevermindhowlongpreciselyhavinglittleornomoneyinmypurseandnothingparticulartointerestmeonshoreIthoughtIwouldsailaboutalittleandseethewaterypartoftheworldItisawayIhaveofdrivingoffthespleenandregulatingthecirculationWheneverIfindmyselfgrowinggrimaboutthemouthwheneveritisadampdrizzlyNovemberinmysoulwheneverIfindmyselfinvoluntarilypausingbeforecoffinwarehousesandbringinguptherearofeveryfuneralImeetandespeciallywhenevermyhyposgetsuchanupperhandofmethatitrequiresastrongmoralprincipletopreventmefromdeliberatelysteppingintothestreetandmethodicallyknockingpeopleshatsoffthenIaccountithightimetogettoseaassoonasIcanThisismysubstituteforpistolandballWithaphilosophicalflourishCatothrowshimselfuponhisswordIquietlytaketotheshipThereisnothingsurprisinginthisIftheybutknewitalmostallmenintheirdegreesometimeorothercherishverynearlythesamefeelingstowardstheoceanwithmeTherenowisyourinsularcityoftheManhattoesbeltedroundbywharvesasIndianislesbycoralreefscommercesurroundsitwithhersurfRightandleftthestreetstakeyouwaterwardItsextremedowntownisthebatterywherethatnoblemoleiswashedbywavesandcooledbybreezeswhichafewhourspreviouswereoutofsightoflandLookatthecrowdsofwatergazersthereCircumambulatethecityofadreamySabbathafternoonGofromCorlearsHooktoCoentiesSlipandfromthencebyWhitehallnorthwardWhatdoyouseePostedlikesilentsentinelsallaroundthetownstandthousandsuponthousandsofmortalmenfixedinoceanreveriesSomeleaningagainstthespilessomeseateduponthepierheadssomelookingoverthebulwarksofshipsfromChinasomehighaloftintheriggingasifstrivingtogetastillbetterseawardpeepButthesearealllandsmenofweekdayspentupinlathandplastertiedtocountersnailedtobenchesclinchedtodesksHowthenisthisArethegreenfieldsgoneWhatdotheyhereButlookherecomemorecrowdspacingstraightforthewaterandseeminglyboundforadiveStrangeNothingwillcontentthembuttheextremestlimitofthelandloiteringundertheshadyleeofyonderwarehouseswillnotsufficeNoTheymustgetjustasnighthewaterastheypossiblycanwithoutfallinginAndtheretheystandmilesofthemleaguesInlandersalltheycomefromlanesandalleysstreetsandavenuesnortheastsouthandwestYetheretheyalluniteTellmedoesthemagneticvirtueoftheneedlesofthecompassesofallthoseshipsattractthemthitherOncemoreSayyouareinthecountryinsomehighlandoflakesTakealmostanypathyoupleaseandtentooneitcarriesyoudowninadaleandleavesyoutherebyapoolinthestreamThereismagicinitLetthemostabsentmindedofmenbeplungedinhisdeepestreveriesstandthatmanonhislegssethisfeetagoingandhewillinfalliblyleadyoutowaterifwatertherebeinallthatregionShouldyoueverbeathirstinthegreatAmericandeserttrythisexperimentifyourcaravanhappentobesuppliedwithametaphysicalprofessorYesaseveryoneknowsmeditationandwaterareweddedforeverButhereisanartistHedesirestopaintyouthedreamiestshadiestquietestmostenchantingbitofromanticlandscapeinallthevalleyoftheSacoWhatisthechiefelementheemploysTherestandhistreeseachwithahollowtrunkasifahermitandacrucifixwerewithinandheresleepshismeadowandtheresleephiscattleandupfromyondercottagegoesasleepysmokeDeepintodistantwoodlandswindsamazywayreachingtooverlappingspursofmountainsbathedintheirhillsideblueButthoughthepictureliesthustrancedandthoughthispinetreeshakesdownitssighslikeleavesuponthisshepherdsheadyetallwerevainunlesstheshepherdseyewerefixeduponthemagicstreambeforehimGovisitthePrairiesinJunewhenforscoresonscoresofmilesyouwadekneedeepamongTigerlilieswhatistheonecharmwantingWaterthereisnotadropofwaterthereWereNiagarabutacataractofsandwouldyoutravelyourthousandmilestoseeitWhydidthepoorpoetofTennesseeuponsuddenlyreceivingtwohandfulsofsilverdeliberatewhethertobuyhimacoatwhichhesadlyneededorinvesthismoneyinapedestriantriptoRockawayBeachWhyisalmosteveryrobusthealthyboywitharobusthealthysoulinhimatsometimeorothercrazytogotoseaWhyuponyourfirstvoyageasapassengerdidyouyourselffeelsuchamysticalvibrationwhenfirsttoldthatyouandyourshipwerenowoutofsightoflandWhydidtheoldPersiansholdtheseaholyWhydidtheGreeksgiveitaseparatedeityandownbrotherofJoveSurelyallthisisnotwithoutmeaningAndstilldeeperthemeaningofthatstoryofNarcissuswhobecausehecouldnotgraspthetormentingmildimagehesawinthefountainplungedintoitandwasdrownedButthatsameimageweourselvesseeinallriversandoceansItistheimageoftheungraspablephantomoflifeandthisisthekeytoitallNowwhenIsaythatIaminthehabitofgoingtoseawheneverIbegintogrowhazyabouttheeyesandbegintobeoverconsciousofmylungsIdonotmeantohaveitinferredthatIevergotoseaasapassengerFortogoasapassengeryoumustneedshaveapurseandapurseisbutaragunlessyouhavesomethinginitBesidespassengersgetseasickgrowquarrelsomedontsleepofnightsdonotenjoythemselvesmuchasageneralthingnoInevergoasapassengernorthoughIamsomethingofasaltdoIevergotoseaasaCommodoreoraCaptainoraCookIabandonthegloryanddistinctionofsuchofficestothosewholikethemFormypartIabominateallhonorablerespectabletoilstrialsandtribulationsofeverykindwhatsoeverItisquiteasmuchasIcandototakecareofmyselfwithouttakingcareofshipsbarquesbrigsschoonersandwhatnotAndasforgoingascookthoughIconfessthereisconsiderablegloryinthatacookbeingasortofofficeronshipboardyetsomehowIneverfanciedbroilingfowlsthoughoncebroiledjudiciouslybutteredandjudgmaticallysaltedandpepperedthereisnoonewhowillspeakmorerespectfullynottosayreverentiallyofabroiledfowlthanIwillItisoutoftheidolatrousdotingsoftheoldEgyptiansuponbroiledibisandroastedriverhorsethatyouseethemummiesofthosecreaturesintheirhugebakehousesthepyramidsNowhenIgotoseaIgoasasimplesailorrightbeforethemastplumbdownintotheforecastlealofttheretotheroyalmastheadTruetheyratherordermeaboutsomeandmakemejumpfromspartosparlikeagrasshopperinaMaymeadowAndatfirstthissortofthingisunpleasantenoughIttouchesonessenseofhonorparticularlyifyoucomeofanoldestablishedfamilyinthelandtheVanRensselaersorRandolphsorHardicanutesAndmorethanallifjustprevioustoputtingyourhandintothetarpotyouhavebeenlordingitasacountryschoolmastermakingthetallestboysstandinaweofyouThetransitionisakeenoneIassureyoufromaschoolmastertoasailorandrequiresastrongdecoctionofSenecaandtheStoicstoenableyoutogrinandbearitButeventhiswearsoffintimeWhatofitifsomeoldhunksofaseacaptainordersmetogetabroomandsweepdownthedecksWhatdoesthatindignityamounttoweighedImeaninthescalesoftheNewTestamentDoyouthinkthearchangelGabrielthinksanythingthelessofmebecauseIpromptlyandrespectfullyobeythatoldhunksinthatparticularinstanceWhoaintaslaveTellmethatWellthenhowevertheoldseacaptainsmayordermeabouthowevertheymaythumpandpunchmeaboutIhavethesatisfactionofknowingthatitisallrightthateverybodyelseisonewayorotherservedinmuchthesamewayeitherinaphysicalormetaphysicalpointofviewthatisandsotheuniversalthumpispassedroundandallhandsshouldrubeachothersshoulderbladesandbecontentAgainIalwaysgotoseaasasailorbecausetheymakeapointofpayingmeformytroublewhereastheyneverpaypassengersasinglepennythatIeverheardofOnthecontrarypassengersthemselvesmustpayAndthereisallthedifferenceintheworldbetweenpayingandbeingpaidTheactofpayingisperhapsthemostuncomfortableinflictionthatthetwoorchardthievesentaileduponusButbeingpaidwhatwillcomparewithitTheurbaneactivitywithwhichamanreceivesmoneyisreallymarvellousconsideringthatwesoearnestlybelievemoneytobetherootofallearthlyillsandthatonnoaccountcanamoniedmanenterheavenAhhowcheerfullyweconsignourselvestoperditionFinallyIalwaysgotoseaasasailorbecauseofthewholesomeexerciseandpureairoftheforecastledeckForasinthisworldheadwindsarefarmoreprevalentthanwindsfromasternthatisifyouneverviolatethePythagoreanmaximsoforthemostparttheCommodoreonthequarterdeckgetshisatmosphereatsecondhandfromthesailorsontheforecastleHethinkshebreathesitfirstbutnotsoInmuchthesamewaydothecommonaltyleadtheirleadersinmanyotherthingsatthesametimethattheleaderslittlesuspectitButwhereforeitwasthatafterhavingrepeatedlysmelttheseaasamerchantsailorIshouldnowtakeitintomyheadtogoonawhalingvoyagethistheinvisiblepoliceofficeroftheFateswhohastheconstantsurveillanceofmeandsecretlydogsmeandinfluencesmeinsomeunaccountablewayhecanbetteranswerthananyoneelseAnddoubtlessmygoingonthiswhalingvoyageformedpartofthegrandprogrammeofProvidencethatwasdrawnupalongtimeagoItcameinasasortofbriefinterludeandsolobetweenmoreextensiveperformancesItakeitthatthispartofthebillmusthaverunsomethinglikethisGrandContestedElectionforthePresidencyoftheUnitedStatesWHALINGVOYAGEBYONEISHMAELBLOODYBATTLEINAFFGHANISTANThoughIcannottellwhyitwasexactlythatthosestagemanagerstheFatesputmedownforthisshabbypartofawhalingvoyagewhenothersweresetdownformagnificentpartsinhightragediesandshortandeasypartsingenteelcomediesandjollypartsinfarcesthoughIcannottellwhythiswasexactlyyetnowthatIrecallallthecircumstancesIthinkIcanseealittleintothespringsandmotiveswhichbeingcunninglypresentedtomeundervariousdisguisesinducedmetosetaboutperformingthepartIdidbesidescajolingmeintothedelusionthatitwasachoiceresultingfrommyownunbiasedfreewillanddiscriminatingjudgmentChiefamongthesemotiveswastheoverwhelmingideaofthegreatwhalehimselfSuchaportentousandmysteriousmonsterrousedallmycuriosityThenthewildanddistantseaswhereherolledhisislandbulktheundeliverablenamelessperilsofthewhalethesewithalltheattendingmarvelsofathousandPatagoniansightsandsoundshelpedtoswaymetomywishWithothermenperhapssuchthingswouldnothavebeeninducementsbutasformeIamtormentedwithaneverlastingitchforthingsremoteIlovetosailforbiddenseasandlandonbarbarouscoastsNotignoringwhatisgoodIamquicktoperceiveahorrorandcouldstillbesocialwithitwouldtheyletmesinceitisbutwelltobeonfriendlytermswithalltheinmatesoftheplaceonelodgesinByreasonofthesethingsthenthewhalingvoyagewaswelcomethegreatfloodgatesofthewonderworldswungopenandinthewildconceitsthatswayedmetomypurposetwoandtwotherefloatedintomyinmostsoulendlessprocessionsofthewhaleandmidmostofthemallonegrandhoodedphantomlikeasnowhillintheairCHAPTER2TheCarpetBagIstuffedashirtortwointomyoldcarpetbagtuckeditundermyarmandstartedforCapeHornandthePacificQuittingthegoodcityofoldManhattoIdulyarrivedinNewBedfordItwasaSaturdaynightinDecemberMuchwasIdisappointeduponlearningthatthelittlepacketforNantuckethadalreadysailedandthatnowayofreachingthatplacewouldoffertillthefollowingMondayAsmostyoungcandidatesforthepainsandpenaltiesofwhalingstopatthissameNewBedfordthencetoembarkontheirvoyageitmayaswellberelatedthatIforonehadnoideaofsodoingFormymindwasmadeuptosailinnootherthanaNantucketcraftbecausetherewasafineboisteroussomethingabouteverythingconnectedwiththatfamousoldislandwhichamazinglypleasedmeBesidesthoughNewBedfordhasoflatebeengraduallymonopolisingthebusinessofwhalingandthoughinthismatterpooroldNantucketisnowmuchbehindheryetNantucketwashergreatoriginaltheTyreofthisCarthagetheplacewherethefirstdeadAmericanwhalewasstrandedWhereelsebutfromNantucketdidthoseaboriginalwhalementheRedMenfirstsallyoutincanoestogivechasetotheLeviathanAndwherebutfromNantuckettoodidthatfirstadventurouslittlesloopputforthpartlyladenwithimportedcobblestonessogoesthestorytothrowatthewhalesinordertodiscoverwhentheywerenighenoughtoriskaharpoonfromthebowspritNowhavinganightadayandstillanothernightfollowingbeforemeinNewBedfordereIcouldembarkformydestinedportitbecameamatterofconcernmentwhereIwastoeatandsleepmeanwhileItwasaverydubiouslookingnayaverydarkanddismalnightbitinglycoldandcheerlessIknewnooneintheplaceWithanxiousgrapnelsIhadsoundedmypocketandonlybroughtupafewpiecesofsilverSowhereveryougoIshmaelsaidItomyselfasIstoodinthemiddleofadrearystreetshoulderingmybagandcomparingthegloomtowardsthenorthwiththedarknesstowardsthesouthwhereverinyourwisdomyoumayconcludetolodgeforthenightmydearIshmaelbesuretoinquirethepriceanddontbetooparticularWithhaltingstepsIpacedthestreetsandpassedthesignofTheCrossedHarpoonsbutitlookedtooexpensiveandjollythereFurtheronfromthebrightredwindowsoftheSwordFishInntherecamesuchferventraysthatitseemedtohavemeltedthepackedsnowandicefrombeforethehouseforeverywhereelsethecongealedfrostlayteninchesthickinahardasphalticpavementratherwearyformewhenIstruckmyfootagainsttheflintyprojectionsbecausefromhardremorselessservicethesolesofmybootswereinamostmiserableplightTooexpensiveandjollyagainthoughtIpausingonemomenttowatchthebroadglareinthestreetandhearthesoundsofthetinklingglasseswithinButgoonIshmaelsaidIatlastdontyouheargetawayfrombeforethedooryourpatchedbootsarestoppingthewaySoonIwentInowbyinstinctfollowedthestreetsthattookmewaterwardfortheredoubtlesswerethecheapestifnotthecheeriestinnsSuchdrearystreetsblocksofblacknessnothousesoneitherhandandhereandthereacandlelikeacandlemovingaboutinatombAtthishourofthenightofthelastdayoftheweekthatquarterofthetownprovedallbutdesertedButpresentlyIcametoasmokylightproceedingfromalowwidebuildingthedoorofwhichstoodinvitinglyopenIthadacarelesslookasifitweremeantfortheusesofthepublicsoenteringthefirstthingIdidwastostumbleoveranashboxintheporchHathoughtIhaastheflyingparticlesalmostchokedmearetheseashesfromthatdestroyedcityGomorrahButTheCrossedHarpoonsandTheSwordFishthisthenmustneedsbethesignofTheTrapHoweverIpickedmyselfupandhearingaloudvoicewithinpushedonandopenedasecondinteriordoorItseemedthegreatBlackParliamentsittinginTophetAhundredblackfacesturnedroundintheirrowstopeerandbeyondablackAngelofDoomwasbeatingabookinapulpitItwasanegrochurchandthepreacherstextwasabouttheblacknessofdarknessandtheweepingandwailingandteethgnashingthereHaIshmaelmutteredIbackingoutWretchedentertainmentatthesignofTheTrapMovingonIatlastcametoadimsortoflightnotfarfromthedocksandheardaforlorncreakingintheairandlookingupsawaswingingsignoverthedoorwithawhitepaintinguponitfaintlyrepresentingatallstraightjetofmistysprayandthesewordsunderneathTheSpouterInnPeterCoffinCoffinSpouterRatherominousinthatparticularconnexionthoughtIButitisacommonnameinNantuckettheysayandIsupposethisPeterhereisanemigrantfromthereAsthelightlookedsodimandtheplaceforthetimelookedquietenoughandthedilapidatedlittlewoodenhouseitselflookedasifitmighthavebeencartedherefromtheruinsofsomeburntdistrictandastheswingingsignhadapovertystrickensortofcreaktoitIthoughtthatherewastheveryspotforcheaplodgingsandthebestofpeacoffeeItwasaqueersortofplaceagableendedoldhouseonesidepalsiedasitwereandleaningoversadlyItstoodonasharpbleakcornerwherethattempestuouswindEuroclydonkeptupaworsehowlingthaneveritdidaboutpoorPaulstossedcraftEuroclydonneverthelessisamightypleasantzephyrtoanyoneindoorswithhisfeetonthehobquietlytoastingforbedInjudgingofthattempestuouswindcalledEuroclydonsaysanoldwriterofwhoseworksIpossesstheonlycopyextantitmakethamarvellousdifferencewhetherthoulookestoutatitfromaglasswindowwherethefrostisallontheoutsideorwhetherthouobservestitfromthatsashlesswindowwherethefrostisonbothsidesandofwhichthewightDeathistheonlyglazierTrueenoughthoughtIasthispassageoccurredtomymindoldblackletterthoureasonestwellYestheseeyesarewindowsandthisbodyofmineisthehouseWhatapitytheydidntstopupthechinksandthecranniesthoughandthrustinalittlelinthereandthereButitstoolatetomakeanyimprovementsnowTheuniverseisfinishedthecopestoneisonandthechipswerecartedoffamillionyearsagoPoorLazarustherechatteringhisteethagainstthecurbstoneforhispillowandshakingoffhistatterswithhisshiveringshemightplugupbothearswithragsandputacorncobintohismouthandyetthatwouldnotkeepoutthetempestuousEuroclydonEuroclydonsaysoldDivesinhisredsilkenwrapperhehadaredderoneafterwardspoohpoohWhatafinefrostynighthowOrionglitterswhatnorthernlightsLetthemtalkoftheirorientalsummerclimesofeverlastingconservatoriesgivemetheprivilegeofmakingmyownsummerwithmyowncoalsButwhatthinksLazarusCanhewarmhisbluehandsbyholdingthemuptothegrandnorthernlightsWouldnotLazarusratherbeinSumatrathanhereWouldhenotfarratherlayhimdownlengthwisealongthelineoftheequatoryeayegodsgodowntothefierypititselfinordertokeepoutthisfrostNowthatLazarusshouldliestrandedthereonthecurbstonebeforethedoorofDivesthisismorewonderfulthanthatanicebergshouldbemooredtooneoftheMoluccasYetDiveshimselfhetooliveslikeaCzarinanicepalacemadeoffrozensighsandbeingapresidentofatemperancesocietyheonlydrinksthetepidtearsoforphansButnomoreofthisblubberingnowwearegoingawhalingandthereisplentyofthatyettocomeLetusscrapetheicefromourfrostedfeetandseewhatsortofaplacethisSpoutermaybeCHAPTER3TheSpouterInnEnteringthatgableendedSpouterInnyoufoundyourselfinawidelowstragglingentrywitholdfashionedwainscotsremindingoneofthebulwarksofsomecondemnedoldcraftOnonesidehungaverylargeoilpaintingsothoroughlybesmokedandeverywaydefacedthatintheunequalcrosslightsbywhichyouviewedititwasonlybydiligentstudyandaseriesofsystematicvisitstoitandcarefulinquiryoftheneighborsthatyoucouldanywayarriveatanunderstandingofitspurposeSuchunaccountablemassesofshadesandshadowsthatatfirstyoualmostthoughtsomeambitiousyoungartistinthetimeoftheNewEnglandhagshadendeavoredtodelineatechaosbewitchedButbydintofmuchandearnestcontemplationandoftrepeatedponderingsandespeciallybythrowingopenthelittlewindowtowardsthebackoftheentryyouatlastcometotheconclusionthatsuchanideahoweverwildmightnotbealtogetherunwarrantedButwhatmostpuzzledandconfoundedyouwasalonglimberportentousblackmassofsomethinghoveringinthecentreofthepictureoverthreebluedimperpendicularlinesfloatinginanamelessyeastAboggysoggysquitchypicturetrulyenoughtodriveanervousmandistractedYetwasthereasortofindefinitehalfattainedunimaginablesublimityaboutitthatfairlyfrozeyoutoittillyouinvoluntarilytookanoathwithyourselftofindoutwhatthatmarvellouspaintingmeantEverandanonabrightbutalasdeceptiveideawoulddartyouthroughItstheBlackSeainamidnightgaleItstheunnaturalcombatofthefourprimalelementsItsablastedheathItsaHyperboreanwintersceneItsthebreakingupoftheiceboundstreamofTimeButatlastallthesefanciesyieldedtothatoneportentoussomethinginthepicturesmidstThatoncefoundoutandalltherestwereplainButstopdoesitnotbearafaintresemblancetoagiganticfisheventhegreatleviathanhimselfInfacttheartistsdesignseemedthisafinaltheoryofmyownpartlybasedupontheaggregatedopinionsofmanyagedpersonswithwhomIconverseduponthesubjectThepicturerepresentsaCapeHornerinagreathurricanethehalffounderedshipwelteringtherewithitsthreedismantledmastsalonevisibleandanexasperatedwhalepurposingtospringcleanoverthecraftisintheenormousactofimpalinghimselfuponthethreemastheadsTheoppositewallofthisentrywashungalloverwithaheathenisharrayofmonstrousclubsandspearsSomewerethicklysetwithglitteringteethresemblingivorysawsothersweretuftedwithknotsofhumanhairandonewassickleshapedwithavasthandlesweepingroundlikethesegmentmadeinthenewmowngrassbyalongarmedmowerYoushudderedasyougazedandwonderedwhatmonstrouscannibalandsavagecouldeverhavegoneadeathharvestingwithsuchahackinghorrifyingimplementMixedwiththesewererustyoldwhalinglancesandharpoonsallbrokenanddeformedSomewerestoriedweaponsWiththisoncelonglancenowwildlyelbowedfiftyyearsagodidNathanSwainkillfifteenwhalesbetweenasunriseandasunsetAndthatharpoonsolikeacorkscrewnowwasflunginJavanseasandrunawaywithbyawhaleyearsafterwardsslainofftheCapeofBlancoTheoriginalironenterednighthetailandlikearestlessneedlesojourninginthebodyofamantravelledfullfortyfeetandatlastwasfoundimbeddedinthehumpCrossingthisduskyentryandonthroughyonlowarchedwaycutthroughwhatinoldtimesmusthavebeenagreatcentralchimneywithfireplacesallroundyouenterthepublicroomAstillduskierplaceisthiswithsuchlowponderousbeamsaboveandsucholdwrinkledplanksbeneaththatyouwouldalmostfancyyoutrodsomeoldcraftscockpitsespeciallyofsuchahowlingnightwhenthiscorneranchoredoldarkrockedsofuriouslyOnonesidestoodalonglowshelfliketablecoveredwithcrackedglasscasesfilledwithdustyraritiesgatheredfromthiswideworldsremotestnooksProjectingfromthefurtherangleoftheroomstandsadarklookingdenthebararudeattemptatarightwhalesheadBethathowitmaytherestandsthevastarchedboneofthewhalesjawsowideacoachmightalmostdrivebeneathitWithinareshabbyshelvesrangedroundwitholddecantersbottlesflasksandinthosejawsofswiftdestructionlikeanothercursedJonahbywhichnameindeedtheycalledhimbustlesalittlewitheredoldmanwhofortheirmoneydearlysellsthesailorsdeliriumsanddeathAbominablearethetumblersintowhichhepourshispoisonThoughtruecylinderswithoutwithinthevillanousgreengogglingglassesdeceitfullytapereddownwardstoacheatingbottomParallelmeridiansrudelypeckedintotheglasssurroundthesefootpadsgobletsFilltothismarkandyourchargeisbutapennytothisapennymoreandsoontothefullglasstheCapeHornmeasurewhichyoumaygulpdownforashillingUponenteringtheplaceIfoundanumberofyoungseamengatheredaboutatableexaminingbyadimlightdiversspecimensofskrimshanderIsoughtthelandlordandtellinghimIdesiredtobeaccommodatedwitharoomreceivedforanswerthathishousewasfullnotabedunoccupiedButavastheaddedtappinghisforeheadyouhaintnoobjectionstosharingaharpooneersblankethaveyeIsposeyouaregoinawhalinsoyoudbettergetusedtothatsortofthingItoldhimthatIneverlikedtosleeptwoinabedthatifIshouldeverdosoitwoulddependuponwhotheharpooneermightbeandthatifhethelandlordreallyhadnootherplaceformeandtheharpooneerwasnotdecidedlyobjectionablewhyratherthanwanderfurtheraboutastrangetownonsobitteranightIwouldputupwiththehalfofanydecentmansblanketIthoughtsoAllrighttakeaseatSupperyouwantsupperSupperllbereadydirectlyIsatdownonanoldwoodensettlecarvedalloverlikeabenchontheBatteryAtoneendaruminatingtarwasstillfurtheradorningitwithhisjackknifestoopingoveranddiligentlyworkingawayatthespacebetweenhislegsHewastryinghishandatashipunderfullsailbuthedidntmakemuchheadwayIthoughtAtlastsomefourorfiveofusweresummonedtoourmealinanadjoiningroomItwascoldasIcelandnofireatallthelandlordsaidhecouldntafforditNothingbuttwodismaltallowcandleseachinawindingsheetWewerefaintobuttonupourmonkeyjacketsandholdtoourlipscupsofscaldingteawithourhalffrozenfingersButthefarewasofthemostsubstantialkindnotonlymeatandpotatoesbutdumplingsgoodheavensdumplingsforsupperOneyoungfellowinagreenboxcoataddressedhimselftothesedumplingsinamostdirefulmannerMyboysaidthelandlordyoullhavethenightmaretoadeadsartaintyLandlordIwhisperedthatainttheharpooneerisitOhnosaidhelookingasortofdiabolicallyfunnytheharpooneerisadarkcomplexionedchapHenevereatsdumplingshedontheeatsnothingbutsteaksandhelikesemrareThedevilhedoessaysIWhereisthatharpooneerIshehereHellbehereaforelongwastheanswerIcouldnothelpitbutIbegantofeelsuspiciousofthisdarkcomplexionedharpooneerAtanyrateImadeupmymindthatifitsoturnedoutthatweshouldsleeptogetherhemustundressandgetintobedbeforeIdidSupperoverthecompanywentbacktothebarroomwhenknowingnotwhatelsetodowithmyselfIresolvedtospendtherestoftheeveningasalookeronPresentlyariotingnoisewasheardwithoutStartingupthelandlordcriedThatstheGrampusscrewIseedherreportedintheoffingthismorningathreeyearsvoyageandafullshipHurrahboysnowwellhavethelatestnewsfromtheFeegeesAtrampingofseabootswasheardintheentrythedoorwasflungopenandinrolledawildsetofmarinersenoughEnvelopedintheirshaggywatchcoatsandwiththeirheadsmuffledinwoollencomfortersallbedarnedandraggedandtheirbeardsstiffwithiciclestheyseemedaneruptionofbearsfromLabradorTheyhadjustlandedfromtheirboatandthiswasthefirsthousetheyenteredNowonderthenthattheymadeastraightwakeforthewhalesmouththebarwhenthewrinkledlittleoldJonahthereofficiatingsoonpouredthemoutbrimmersallroundOnecomplainedofabadcoldinhisheaduponwhichJonahmixedhimapitchlikepotionofginandmolasseswhichhesworewasasovereigncureforallcoldsandcatarrhswhatsoevernevermindofhowlongstandingorwhethercaughtoffthecoastofLabradororontheweathersideofaniceislandTheliquorsoonmountedintotheirheadsasitgenerallydoesevenwiththearrantesttopersnewlylandedfromseaandtheybegancaperingaboutmostobstreperouslyIobservedhoweverthatoneofthemheldsomewhataloofandthoughheseemeddesirousnottospoilthehilarityofhisshipmatesbyhisownsoberfaceyetuponthewholeherefrainedfrommakingasmuchnoiseastherestThismaninterestedmeatonceandsincetheseagodshadordainedthatheshouldsoonbecomemyshipmatethoughbutasleepingpartneronesofarasthisnarrativeisconcernedIwillhereventureuponalittledescriptionofhimHestoodfullsixfeetinheightwithnobleshouldersandachestlikeacofferdamIhaveseldomseensuchbrawninamanHisfacewasdeeplybrownandburntmakinghiswhiteteethdazzlingbythecontrastwhileinthedeepshadowsofhiseyesfloatedsomereminiscencesthatdidnotseemtogivehimmuchjoyHisvoiceatonceannouncedthathewasaSouthern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harpooneerwhomIhavenotyetseenyoupersistintellingmethemostmystifyingandexasperatingstoriestendingtobegetinmeanuncomfortablefeelingtowardsthemanwhomyoudesignformybedfellowasortofconnexionlandlordwhichisanintimateandconfidentialoneinthehighestdegreeInowdemandofyoutospeakoutandtellmewhoandwhatthisharpooneerisandwhetherIshallbeinallrespectssafetospendthenightwithhimAndinthefirstplaceyouwillbesogoodastounsaythatstoryaboutsellinghisheadwhichiftrueItaketobegoodevidencethatthisharpooneerisstarkmadandIvenoideaofsleepingwithamadmanandyousiryouImeanlandlordyousirbytryingtoinducemetodosoknowinglywouldtherebyrenderyourselfliabletoacriminalprosecutionWallsaidthelandlordfetchingalongbreaththatsapurtylongsarmonforachapthatripsalittlenowandthenButbeeasybeeasythishereharpooneerIhavebeentellinyouofhasjustarrivedfromthesouthseaswhereheboughtupalotofbalmedNewZealandheadsgreatcuriosyouknowandhessoldallonembutoneandthatonehestryingtoselltonightcausetomorrowsSundayanditwouldnotdotobesellinhumanheadsaboutthestreetswhenfolksisgointochurchesHewantedtolastSundaybutIstoppedhimjustashewasgoinoutofthedoorwithfourheadsstrungonastringforalltheairthlikeastringofinionsThisaccountcleareduptheotherwiseunaccountablemysteryandshowedthatthelandlordafterallhadhadnoideaoffoolingmebutatthesametimewhatcouldIthinkofaharpooneerwhostayedoutofaSaturdaynightcleanintotheholySabbathengagedinsuchacannibalbusinessassellingtheheadsofdeadidolatorsDependuponitlandlordthatharpooneerisadangerousmanHepaysreglarwastherejoinderButcomeitsgettingdreadfullateyouhadbetterbeturningflukesitsanicebedSalandmesleptinthaterebedthenightweweresplicedTheresplentyofroomfortwotokickaboutinthatbeditsanalmightybigbedthatWhyaforewegiveitupSalusedtoputourSamandlittleJohnnyinthefootofitButIgotadreamingandsprawlingaboutonenightandsomehowSamgotpitchedonthefloorandcamenearbreakinghisarmArterthatSalsaiditwouldntdoComealonghereIllgiveyeagliminajiffyandsosayinghelightedacandleandheldittowardsmeofferingtoleadthewayButIstoodirresolutewhenlookingataclockinthecornerheexclaimedIvumitsSundayyouwontseethatharpooneertonighthescometoanchorsomewherecomealongthendocomewontyecomeIconsideredthematteramomentandthenupstairswewentandIwasusheredintoasmallroomcoldasaclamandfurnishedsureenoughwithaprodigiousbedalmostbigenoughindeedforanyfourharpooneerstosleepabreastTheresaidthelandlordplacingthecandleonacrazyoldseachestthatdiddoubledutyasawashstandandcentretabletheremakeyourselfcomfortablenowandgoodnighttoyeIturnedroundfromeyeingthebedbuthehaddisappearedFoldingbackthecounterpaneIstoopedoverthebedThoughnoneofthemostelegantityetstoodthescrutinytolerablywellIthenglancedroundtheroomandbesidesthebedsteadandcentretablecouldseenootherfurniturebelongingtotheplacebutarudeshelfthefourwallsandapaperedfireboardrepresentingamanstrikingawhaleOfthingsnotproperlybelongingtotheroomtherewasahammocklashedupandthrownuponthefloorinonecorneralsoalargeseamansbagcontainingtheharpooneerswardrobenodoubtinlieuofalandtrunkLikewisetherewasaparcelofoutlandishbonefishhooksontheshelfoverthefireplaceandatallharpoonstandingattheheadofthebedButwhatisthisonthechestItookitupandhelditclosetothelightandfeltitandsmeltitandtriedeverywaypossibletoarriveatsomesatisfactoryconclusionconcerningitIcancompareittonothingbutalargedoormatornamentedattheedgeswithlittletinklingtagssomethinglikethestainedporcupinequillsroundanIndianmoccasinTherewasaholeorslitinthemiddleofthismatasyouseethesameinSouthAmericanponchosButcoulditbepossiblethatanysoberharpooneerwouldgetintoadoormatandparadethestreetsofanyChristiantowninthatsortofguiseIputitontotryitanditweighedmedownlikeahamperbeinguncommonlyshaggyandthickandIthoughtalittledampasthoughthismysteriousharpooneerhadbeenwearingitofarainydayIwentupinittoabitofglassstuckagainstthewallandIneversawsuchasightinmylifeItoremyselfoutofitinsuchahurrythatIgavemyselfakinkintheneckIsatdownonthesideofthebedandcommencedthinkingaboutthisheadpeddlingharpooneerandhisdoormatAfterthinkingsometimeonthebedsideIgotupandtookoffmymonkeyjacketandthenstoodinthemiddleoftheroomthinkingIthentookoffmycoatandthoughtalittlemoreinmyshirtsleevesButbeginningtofeelverycoldnowhalfundressedasIwasandrememberingwhatthelandlordsaidabouttheharpooneersnotcominghomeatallthatnightitbeingsoverylateImadenomoreadobutjumpedoutofmypantaloonsandbootsandthenblowingoutthelighttumbledintobedandcommendedmyselftothecareofheavenWhetherthatmattresswasstuffedwithcorncobsorbrokencrockerythereisnotellingbutIrolledaboutagooddealandcouldnotsleepforalongtimeAtlastIslidoffintoalightdozeandhadprettynearlymadeagoodoffingtowardsthelandofNodwhenIheardaheavyfootfallinthepassageandsawaglimmeroflightcomeintotheroomfromunderthedoorLordsavemethinksIthatmustbetheharpooneertheinfernalheadpeddlerButIlayperfectlystillandresolvednottosayawordtillspokentoHoldingalightinonehandandthatidenticalNewZealandheadintheotherthestrangerenteredtheroomandwithoutlookingtowardsthebedplacedhiscandleagoodwayofffrommeonthefloorinonecornerandthenbeganworkingawayattheknottedcordsofthelargebagIbeforespokeofasbeingintheroomIwasalleagernesstoseehisfacebuthekeptitavertedforsometimewhileemployedinunlacingthebagsmouthThisaccomplishedhoweverheturnedroundwhengoodheavenswhatasightSuchafaceItwasofadarkpurplishyellowcolourhereandtherestuckoverwithlargeblackishlookingsquaresYesitsjustasIthoughthesaterriblebedfellowhesbeeninafightgotdreadfullycutandhereheisjustfromthesurgeonButatthatmomenthechancedtoturnhisfacesotowardsthelightthatIplainlysawtheycouldnotbestickingplastersatallthoseblacksquaresonhischeeksTheywerestainsofsomesortorotherAtfirstIknewnotwhattomakeofthisbutsoonaninklingofthetruthoccurredtomeIrememberedastoryofawhitemanawhalemantoowhofallingamongthecannibalshadbeentattooedbythemIconcludedthatthisharpooneerinthecourseofhisdistantvoyagesmusthavemetwithasimilaradventureAndwhatisitthoughtIafterallItsonlyhisoutsideamancanbehonestinanysortofskinButthenwhattomakeofhisunearthlycomplexionthatpartofitImeanlyingroundaboutandcompletelyindependentofthesquaresoftattooingTobesureitmightbenothingbutagoodcoatoftropicaltanningbutIneverheardofahotsunstanningawhitemanintoapurplishyellowoneHoweverIhadneverbeenintheSouthSeasandperhapsthesunthereproducedtheseextraordinaryeffectsupontheskinNowwhilealltheseideaswerepassingthroughmelikelightningthisharpooneernevernoticedmeatallButaftersomedifficultyhavingopenedhisbaghecommencedfumblinginitandpresentlypulledoutasortoftomahawkandasealskinwalletwiththehaironPlacingtheseontheoldchestinthemiddleoftheroomhethentooktheNewZealandheadaghastlythingenoughandcrammeditdownintothebagHenowtookoffhishatanewbeaverhatwhenIcamenighsingingoutwithfreshsurpriseTherewasnohaironhisheadnonetospeakofatleastnothingbutasmallscalpknottwisteduponhisforeheadHisbaldpurplishheadnowlookedforalltheworldlikeamildewedskullHadnotthestrangerstoodbetweenmeandthedoorIwouldhaveboltedoutofitquickerthaneverIboltedadinnerEvenasitwasIthoughtsomethingofslippingoutofthewindowbutitwasthesecondfloorbackIamnocowardbutwhattomakeofthisheadpeddlingpurplerascalaltogetherpassedmycomprehensionIgnoranceistheparentoffearandbeingcompletelynonplussedandconfoundedaboutthestrangerIconfessIwasnowasmuchafraidofhimasifitwasthedevilhimselfwhohadthusbrokenintomyroomatthedeadofnightInfactIwassoafraidofhimthatIwasnotgameenoughjustthentoaddresshimanddemandasatisfactoryanswerconcerningwhatseemedinexplicableinhimMeanwhilehecontinuedthebusinessofundressingandatlastshowedhischestandarmsAsIlivethesecoveredpartsofhimwerecheckeredwiththesamesquaresashisfacehisbacktoowasalloverthesamedarksquaresheseemedtohavebeeninaThirtyYearsWarandjustescapedfromitwithastickingplastershirtStillmorehisverylegsweremarkedasifaparcelofdarkgreenfrogswererunningupthetrunksofyoungpalmsItwasnowquiteplainthathemustbesomeabominablesavageorothershippedaboardofawhalemanintheSouthSeasandsolandedinthisChristiancountryIquakedtothinkofitApeddlerofheadstooperhapstheheadsofhisownbrothersHemighttakeafancytomineheavenslookatthattomahawkButtherewasnotimeforshudderingfornowthesavagewentaboutsomethingthatcompletelyfascinatedmyattentionandconvincedmethathemustindeedbeaheathenGoingtohisheavygregoorwrapallordreadnaughtwhichhehadpreviouslyhungonachairhefumbledinthepocketsandproducedatlengthacuriouslittledeformedimagewithahunchonitsbackandexactlythecolourofathreedaysoldCongobabyRememberingtheembalmedheadatfirstIalmostthoughtthatthisblackmanikinwasarealbabypreservedinsomesimilarmannerButseeingthatitwasnotatalllimberandthatitglistenedagooddeallikepolishedebonyIconcludedthatitmustbenothingbutawoodenidolwhichindeeditprovedtobeFornowthesavagegoesuptotheemptyfireplaceandremovingthepaperedfireboardsetsupthislittlehunchbackedimagelikeatenpinbetweentheandironsThechimneyjambsandallthebricksinsidewereverysootysothatIthoughtthisfireplacemadeaveryappropriatelittleshrineorchapelforhisCongoidolInowscrewedmyeyeshardtowardsthehalfhiddenimagefeelingbutillateasemeantimetoseewhatwasnexttofollowFirsthetakesaboutadoublehandfulofshavingsoutofhisgregopocketandplacesthemcarefullybeforetheidolthenlayingabitofshipbiscuitontopandapplyingtheflamefromthelamphekindledtheshavingsintoasacrificialblazePresentlyaftermanyhastysnatchesintothefireandstillhastierwithdrawalsofhisfingerswherebyheseemedtobescorchingthembadlyheatlastsucceededindrawingoutthebiscuitthenblowingofftheheatandashesalittlehemadeapoliteofferofittothelittlenegroButthelittledevildidnotseemtofancysuchdrysortoffareatallhenevermovedhislipsAllthesestrangeanticswereaccompaniedbystillstrangergutturalnoisesfromthedevoteewhoseemedtobeprayinginasingsongorelsesingingsomepaganpsalmodyorotherduringwhichhisfacetwitchedaboutinthemostunnaturalmannerAtlastextinguishingthefirehetooktheidolupveryunceremoniouslyandbaggeditagaininhisgregopocketascarelesslyasifhewereasportsmanbaggingadeadwoodcockAllthesequeerproceedingsincreasedmyuncomfortablenessandseeinghimnowexhibitingstrongsymptomsofconcludinghisbusinessoperationsandjumpingintobedwithmeIthoughtitwashightimenoworneverbeforethelightwasputouttobreakthespellinwhichIhadsolongbeenboundButtheintervalIspentindeliberatingwhattosaywasafataloneTakinguphistomahawkfromthetableheexaminedtheheadofitforaninstantandthenholdingittothelightwithhismouthatthehandlehepuffedoutgreatcloudsoftobaccosmokeThenextmomentthelightwasextinguishedandthiswildcannibaltomahawkbetweenhisteethsprangintobedwithmeIsangoutIcouldnothelpitnowandgivingasuddengruntofastonishmenthebeganfeelingmeStammeringoutsomethingIknewnotwhatIrolledawayfromhimagainstthewallandthenconjuredhimwhoeverorwhateverhemightbetokeepquietandletmegetupandlightthelampagainButhisgutturalresponsessatisfiedmeatoncethathebutillcomprehendedmymeaningWhoedebelyouheatlastsaidyounospeakedammeIkilleAndsosayingthelightedtomahawkbeganflourishingaboutmeinthedarkLandlordforGodssakePeterCoffinshoutedILandlordWatchCoffinAngelssavemeSpeaketelleemewhoeebeordammeIkilleagaingrowledthecannibalwhilehishorridflourishingsofthetomahawkscatteredthehottobaccoashesaboutmetillIthoughtmylinenwouldgetonfireButthankheavenatthatmomentthelandlordcameintotheroomlightinhandandleapingfromthebedIranuptohimDontbeafraidnowsaidhegrinningagainQueequegherewouldntharmahairofyourheadStopyourgrinningshoutedIandwhydidntyoutellmethatthatinfernalharpooneerwasacannibalIthoughtyeknowditdidntItellyehewasapeddlinheadsaroundtownbutturnflukesagainandgotosleepQueequeglookhereyousabbeemeIsabbeeyouthismansleepeyouyousabbeeMesabbeeplentygruntedQueequegpuffingawayathispipeandsittingupinbedYougetteeinheaddedmotioningtomewithhistomahawkandthrowingtheclothestoonesideHereallydidthisinnotonlyacivilbutareallykindandcharitablewayIstoodlookingathimamomentForallhistattooingshewasonthewholeacleancomelylookingcannibalWhatsallthisfussIhavebeenmakingaboutthoughtItomyselfthemansahumanbeingjustasIamhehasjustasmuchreasontofearmeasIhavetobeafraidofhimBettersleepwithasobercannibalthanadrunkenChristianLandlordsaidItellhimtostashhistomahawkthereorpipeorwhateveryoucallittellhimtostopsmokinginshortandIwillturninwithhimButIdontfancyhavingamansmokinginbedwithmeItsdangerousBesidesIaintinsuredThisbeingtoldtoQueequegheatoncecompliedandagainpolitelymotionedmetogetintobedrollingovertoonesideasmuchastosayIwonttouchalegofyeGoodnightlandlordsaidIyoumaygoIturnedinandneversleptbetterinmylifeCHAPTER4TheCounterpaneUponwakingnextmorningaboutdaylightIfoundQueequegsarmthrownovermeinthemostlovingandaffectionatemannerYouhadalmostthoughtIhadbeenhiswifeThecounterpanewasofpatchworkfullofoddlittleparticolouredsquaresandtrianglesandthisarmofhistattooedalloverwithaninterminableCretanlabyrinthofafigurenotwopartsofwhichwereofonepreciseshadeowingIsupposetohiskeepinghisarmatseaunmethodicallyinsunandshadehisshirtsleevesirregularlyrolledupatvarioustimesthissamearmofhisIsaylookedforalltheworldlikeastripofthatsamepatchworkquiltIndeedpartlylyingonitasthearmdidwhenIfirstawokeIcouldhardlytellitfromthequilttheysoblendedtheirhuestogetheranditwasonlybythesenseofweightandpressurethatIcouldtellthatQueequegwashuggingmeMysensationswerestrangeLetmetrytoexplainthemWhenIwasachildIwellrememberasomewhatsimilarcircumstancethatbefellmewhetheritwasarealityoradreamInevercouldentirelysettleThecircumstancewasthisIhadbeencuttingupsomecaperorotherIthinkitwastryingtocrawlupthechimneyasIhadseenalittlesweepdoafewdayspreviousandmystepmotherwhosomehoworotherwasallthetimewhippingmeorsendingmetobedsupperlessmymotherdraggedmebythelegsoutofthechimneyandpackedmeofftobedthoughitwasonlytwooclockintheafternoonofthe21stJunethelongestdayintheyearinourhemisphereIfeltdreadfullyButtherewasnohelpforitsoupstairsIwenttomylittleroominthethirdfloorundressedmyselfasslowlyaspossiblesoastokilltimeandwithabittersighgotbetweenthesheetsIlaytheredismallycalculatingthatsixteenentirehoursmustelapsebeforeIcouldhopeforaresurrectionSixteenhoursinbedthesmallofmybackachedtothinkofitAnditwassolighttoothesunshininginatthewindowandagreatrattlingofcoachesinthestreetsandthesoundofgayvoicesalloverthehouseIfeltworseandworseatlastIgotupdressedandsoftlygoingdowninmystockingedfeetsoughtoutmystepmotherandsuddenlythrewmyselfatherfeetbeseechingherasaparticularfavourtogivemeagoodslipperingformymisbehaviouranythingindeedbutcondemningmetolieabedsuchanunendurablelengthoftimeButshewasthebestandmostconscientiousofstepmothersandbackIhadtogotomyroomForseveralhoursIlaytherebroadawakefeelingagreatdealworsethanIhaveeverdonesinceevenfromthegreatestsubsequentmisfortunesAtlastImusthavefallenintoatroublednightmareofadozeandslowlywakingfromithalfsteepedindreamsIopenedmyeyesandthebeforesunlitroomwasnowwrappedinouterdarknessInstantlyIfeltashockrunningthroughallmyframenothingwastobeseenandnothingwastobeheardbutasupernaturalhandseemedplacedinmineMyarmhungoverthecounterpaneandthenamelessunimaginablesilentformorphantomtowhichthehandbelongedseemedcloselyseatedbymybedsideForwhatseemedagespiledonagesIlaytherefrozenwiththemostawfulfearsnotdaringtodragawaymyhandyeteverthinkingthatifIcouldbutstiritonesingleinchthehorridspellwouldbebrokenIknewnothowthisconsciousnessatlastglidedawayfrommebutwakinginthemorningIshudderinglyremembereditallandfordaysandweeksandmonthsafterwardsIlostmyselfinconfoundingattemptstoexplainthemysteryNaytothisveryhourIoftenpuzzlemyselfwithitNowtakeawaytheawfulfearandmysensationsatfeelingthesupernaturalhandinminewereverysimilarintheirstrangenesstothosewhichIexperiencedonwakingupandseeingQueequegspaganarmthrownroundmeButatlengthallthepastnightseventssoberlyrecurredonebyoneinfixedrealityandthenIlayonlyalivetothecomicalpredicamentForthoughItriedtomovehisarmunlockhisbridegroomclaspyetsleepingashewashestillhuggedmetightlyasthoughnaughtbutdeathshouldpartustwainInowstrovetorousehimQueequegbuthisonlyanswerwasasnoreIthenrolledovermyneckfeelingasifitwereinahorsecollarandsuddenlyfeltaslightscratchThrowingasidethecounterpanetherelaythetomahawksleepingbythesavagessideasifitwereahatchetfacedbabyAprettypickletrulythoughtIabedhereinastrangehouseinthebroaddaywithacannibalandatomahawkQueequeginthenameofgoodnessQueequegwakeAtlengthbydintofmuchwrigglingandloudandincessantexpostulationsupontheunbecomingnessofhishuggingafellowmaleinthatmatrimonialsortofstyleIsucceededinextractingagruntandpresentlyhedrewbackhisarmshookhimselfalloverlikeaNewfoundlanddogjustfromthewaterandsatupinbedstiffasapikestafflookingatmeandrubbinghiseyesasifhedidnotaltogetherrememberhowIcametobetherethoughadimconsciousnessofknowingsomethingaboutmeseemedslowlydawningoverhimMeanwhileIlayquietlyeyeinghimhavingnoseriousmisgivingsnowandbentuponnarrowlyobservingsocuriousacreatureWhenatlasthismindseemedmadeuptouchingthecharacterofhisbedfellowandhebecameasitwerereconciledtothefacthejumpedoutuponthefloorandbycertainsignsandsoundsgavemetounderstandthatifitpleasedmehewoulddressfirstandthenleavemetodressafterwardsleavingthewholeapartmenttomyselfThinksIQueequegunderthecircumstancesthisisaverycivilizedoverturebutthetruthisthesesavageshaveaninnatesenseofdelicacysaywhatyouwillitismarvelloushowessentiallypolitetheyareIpaythisparticularcomplimenttoQueequegbecausehetreatedmewithsomuchcivilityandconsiderationwhileIwasguiltyofgreatrudenessstaringathimfromthebedandwatchingallhistoilettemotionsforthetimemycuriositygettingthebetterofmybreedingNeverthelessamanlikeQueequegyoudontseeeverydayheandhiswayswerewellworthunusualregardingHecommenceddressingattopbydonninghisbeaverhataverytallonebythebyandthenstillminushistrowsershehunteduphisbootsWhatundertheheavenshediditforIcannottellbuthisnextmovementwastocrushhimselfbootsinhandandhatonunderthebedwhenfromsundryviolentgaspingsandstrainingsIinferredhewashardatworkbootinghimselfthoughbynolawofproprietythatIeverheardofisanymanrequiredtobeprivatewhenputtingonhisbootsButQueequegdoyouseewasacreatureinthetransitionstageneithercaterpillarnorbutterflyHewasjustenoughcivilizedtoshowoffhisoutlandishnessinthestrangestpossiblemannersHiseducationwasnotyetcompletedHewasanundergraduateIfhehadnotbeenasmalldegreecivilizedheveryprobablywouldnothavetroubledhimselfwithbootsatallbutthenifhehadnotbeenstillasavageheneverwouldhavedreamtofgettingunderthebedtoputthemonAtlastheemergedwithhishatverymuchdentedandcrusheddownoverhiseyesandbegancreakingandlimpingabouttheroomasifnotbeingmuchaccustomedtobootshispairofdampwrinkledcowhideonesprobablynotmadetoordereitherratherpinchedandtormentedhimatthefirstgooffofabittercoldmorningSeeingnowthattherewerenocurtainstothewindowandthatthestreetbeingverynarrowthehouseoppositecommandedaplainviewintotheroomandobservingmoreandmoretheindecorousfigurethatQueequegmadestavingaboutwithlittleelsebuthishatandbootsonIbeggedhimaswellasIcouldtoacceleratehistoiletsomewhatandparticularlytogetintohispantaloonsassoonaspossibleHecompliedandthenproceededtowashhimselfAtthattimeinthemorninganyChristianwouldhavewashedhisfacebutQueequegtomyamazementcontentedhimselfwithrestrictinghisablutionstohischestarmsandhandsHethendonnedhiswaistcoatandtakingupapieceofhardsoaponthewashstandcentretabledippeditintowaterandcommencedlatheringhisfaceIwaswatchingtoseewherehekepthisrazorwhenloandbeholdhetakestheharpoonfromthebedcornerslipsoutthelongwoodenstockunsheathestheheadwhetsitalittleonhisbootandstridinguptothebitofmirroragainstthewallbeginsavigorousscrapingorratherharpooningofhischeeksThinksIQueequegthisisusingRogerssbestcutlerywithavengeanceAfterwardsIwonderedthelessatthisoperationwhenIcametoknowofwhatfinesteeltheheadofaharpoonismadeandhowexceedinglysharpthelongstraightedgesarealwayskeptTherestofhistoiletwassoonachievedandheproudlymarchedoutoftheroomwrappedupinhisgreatpilotmonkeyjacketandsportinghisharpoonlikeamarshalsbatonCHAPTER5BreakfastIquicklyfollowedsuitanddescendingintothebarroomaccostedthegrinninglandlordverypleasantlyIcherishednomalicetowardshimthoughhehadbeenskylarkingwithmenotalittleinthematterofmybedfellowHoweveragoodlaughisamightygoodthingandrathertooscarceagoodthingthemoresthepitySoifanyonemaninhisownproperpersonaffordstuffforagoodjoketoanybodylethimnotbebackwardbutlethimcheerfullyallowhimselftospendandbespentinthatwayAndthemanthathasanythingbountifullylaughableabouthimbesurethereismoreinthatmanthanyouperhapsthinkforThebarroomwasnowfulloftheboarderswhohadbeendroppinginthenightpreviousandwhomIhadnotasyethadagoodlookatTheywerenearlyallwhalemenchiefmatesandsecondmatesandthirdmatesandseacarpentersandseacoopersandseablacksmithsandharpooneersandshipkeepersabrownandbrawnycompanywithboskybeardsanunshornshaggysetallwearingmonkeyjacketsformorninggownsYoucouldprettyplainlytellhowlongeachonehadbeenashoreThisyoungfellowshealthycheekislikeasuntoastedpearinhueandwouldseemtosmellalmostasmuskyhecannothavebeenthreedayslandedfromhisIndianvoyageThatmannexthimlooksafewshadeslighteryoumightsayatouchofsatinwoodisinhimInthecomplexionofathirdstilllingersatropictawnbutslightlybleachedwithalhedoubtlesshastarriedwholeweeksashoreButwhocouldshowacheeklikeQueequegwhichbarredwithvarioustintsseemedliketheAndeswesternslopetoshowforthinonearraycontrastingclimateszonebyzoneGrubhonowcriedthelandlordflingingopenadoorandinwewenttobreakfastTheysaythatmenwhohaveseentheworldtherebybecomequiteateaseinmannerquiteselfpossessedincompanyNotalwaysthoughLedyardthegreatNewEnglandtravellerandMungoParktheScotchoneofallmentheypossessedtheleastassuranceintheparlorButperhapsthemerecrossingofSiberiainasledgedrawnbydogsasLedyarddidorthetakingalongsolitarywalkonanemptystomachinthenegroheartofAfricawhichwasthesumofpoorMungosperformancesthiskindoftravelIsaymaynotbetheverybestmodeofattainingahighsocialpolishStillforthemostpartthatsortofthingistobehadanywhereThesereflectionsjusthereareoccasionedbythecircumstancethatafterwewereallseatedatthetableandIwaspreparingtohearsomegoodstoriesaboutwhalingtomynosmallsurprisenearlyeverymanmaintainedaprofoundsilenceAndnotonlythatbuttheylookedembarrassedYesherewereasetofseadogsmanyofwhomwithouttheslightestbashfulnesshadboardedgreatwhalesonthehighseasentirestrangerstothemandduelledthemdeadwithoutwinkingandyetheretheysatatasocialbreakfasttableallofthesamecallingallofkindredtasteslookingroundassheepishlyateachotherasthoughtheyhadneverbeenoutofsightofsomesheepfoldamongtheGreenMountainsAcurioussightthesebashfulbearsthesetimidwarriorwhalemenButasforQueequegwhyQueequegsatthereamongthemattheheadofthetabletooitsochancedascoolasanicicleTobesureIcannotsaymuchforhisbreedingHisgreatestadmirercouldnothavecordiallyjustifiedhisbringinghisharpoonintobreakfastwithhimandusingittherewithoutceremonyreachingoverthetablewithittotheimminentjeopardyofmanyheadsandgrapplingthebeefsteakstowardshimButthatwascertainlyverycoollydonebyhimandeveryoneknowsthatinmostpeoplesestimationtodoanythingcoollyistodoitgenteellyWewillnotspeakofallQueequegspeculiaritiesherehowheeschewedcoffeeandhotrollsandappliedhisundividedattentiontobeefsteaksdonerareEnoughthatwhenbreakfastwasoverhewithdrewliketherestintothepublicroomlightedhistomahawkpipeandwassittingtherequietlydigestingandsmokingwithhisinseparablehatonwhenIsalliedoutforastrollCHAPTER6TheStreetIfIhadbeenastonishedatfirstcatchingaglimpseofsooutlandishanindividualasQueequegcirculatingamongthepolitesocietyofacivilizedtownthatastonishmentsoondepartedupontakingmyfirstdaylightstrollthroughthestreetsofNewBedfordInthoroughfaresnighthedocksanyconsiderableseaportwillfrequentlyoffertoviewthequeerestlookingnondescriptsfromforeignpartsEveninBroadwayandChestnutstreetsMediterraneanmarinerswillsometimesjostletheaffrightedladiesRegentStreetisnotunknowntoLascarsandMalaysandatBombayintheApolloGreenliveYankeeshaveoftenscaredthenativesButNewBedfordbeatsallWaterStreetandWappingIntheselastmentionedhauntsyouseeonlysailorsbutinNewBedfordactualcannibalsstandchattingatstreetcornerssavagesoutrightmanyofwhomyetcarryontheirbonesunholyfleshItmakesastrangerstareButbesidestheFeegeeansTongatobooarrsErromanggoansPannangiansandBrighggiansandbesidesthewildspecimensofthewhalingcraftwhichunheededreelaboutthestreetsyouwillseeothersightsstillmorecuriouscertainlymorecomicalThereweeklyarriveinthistownscoresofgreenVermontersandNewHampshiremenallathirstforgainandgloryinthefisheryTheyaremostlyyoungofstalwartframesfellowswhohavefelledforestsandnowseektodroptheaxeandsnatchthewhalelanceManyareasgreenastheGreenMountainswhencetheycameInsomethingsyouwouldthinkthembutafewhoursoldLooktherethatchapstruttingroundthecornerHewearsabeaverhatandswallowtailedcoatgirdledwithasailorbeltandsheathknifeHerecomesanotherwithasouwesterandabombazinecloakNotownbreddandywillcomparewithacountrybredoneImeanadownrightbumpkindandyafellowthatinthedogdayswillmowhistwoacresinbuckskinglovesforfearoftanninghishandsNowwhenacountrydandylikethistakesitintohisheadtomakeadistinguishedreputationandjoinsthegreatwhalefisheryyoushouldseethecomicalthingshedoesuponreachingtheseaportInbespeakinghisseaoutfitheordersbellbuttonstohiswaistcoatsstrapstohiscanvastrowsersAhpoorHaySeedhowbitterlywillburstthosestrapsinthefirsthowlinggalewhenthouartdrivenstrapsbuttonsandalldownthethroatofthetempestButthinknotthatthisfamoustownhasonlyharpooneerscannibalsandbumpkinstoshowhervisitorsNotatallStillNewBedfordisaqueerplaceHaditnotbeenforuswhalementhattractoflandwouldthisdayperhapshavebeeninashowlingconditionasthecoastofLabradorAsitispartsofherbackcountryareenoughtofrightenonetheylooksobonyThetownitselfisperhapsthedearestplacetoliveininallNewEnglandItisalandofoiltrueenoughbutnotlikeCanaanalandalsoofcornandwineThestreetsdonotrunwithmilknorinthespringtimedotheypavethemwithfresheggsYetinspiteofthisnowhereinallAmericawillyoufindmorepatricianlikehousesparksandgardensmoreopulentthaninNewBedfordWhencecametheyhowplanteduponthisoncescraggyscoriaofacountryGoandgazeupontheironemblematicalharpoonsroundyonderloftymansionandyourquestionwillbeansweredYesallthesebravehousesandflowerygardenscamefromtheAtlanticPacificandIndianoceansOneandalltheywereharpoonedanddraggeduphitherfromthebottomoftheseaCanHerrAlexanderperformafeatlikethatInNewBedfordfatherstheysaygivewhalesfordowerstotheirdaughtersandportionofftheirnieceswithafewporpoisesapieceYoumustgotoNewBedfordtoseeabrilliantweddingfortheysaytheyhavereservoirsofoilineveryhouseandeverynightrecklesslyburntheirlengthsinspermaceticandlesInsummertimethetownissweettoseefulloffinemapleslongavenuesofgreenandgoldAndinAugusthighinairthebeautifulandbountifulhorsechestnutscandelabrawiseprofferthepasserbytheirtaperinguprightconesofcongregatedblossomsSoomnipotentisartwhichinmanyadistrictofNewBedfordhassuperinducedbrightterracesofflowersuponthebarrenrefuserocksthrownasideatcreationsfinaldayAndthewomenofNewBedfordtheybloomliketheirownredrosesButrosesonlybloominsummerwhereasthefinecarnationoftheircheeksisperennialassunlightintheseventhheavensElsewherematchthatbloomoftheirsyecannotsaveinSalemwheretheytellmetheyounggirlsbreathesuchmusktheirsailorsweetheartssmellthemmilesoffshoreasthoughtheyweredrawingnightheodorousMoluccasinsteadofthePuritanicsandsCHAPTER7TheChapelInthissameNewBedfordtherestandsaWhalemansChapelandfewarethemoodyfishermenshortlyboundfortheIndianOceanorPacificwhofailtomakeaSundayvisittothespotIamsurethatIdidnotReturningfrommyfirstmorningstrollIagainsalliedoutuponthisspecialerrandTheskyhadchangedfromclearsunnycoldtodrivingsleetandmistWrappingmyselfinmyshaggyjacketoftheclothcalledbearskinIfoughtmywayagainstthestubbornstormEnteringIfoundasmallscatteredcongregationofsailorsandsailorswivesandwidowsAmuffledsilencereignedonlybrokenattimesbytheshrieksofthestormEachsilentworshipperseemedpurposelysittingapartfromtheotherasifeachsilentgriefwereinsularandincommunicableThechaplainhadnotyetarrivedandtherethesesilentislandsofmenandwomensatsteadfastlyeyeingseveralmarbletabletswithblackbordersmasonedintothewalloneithersidethepulpitThreeofthemransomethinglikethefollowingbutIdonotpretendtoquoteSACREDTOTHEMEMORYOFJOHNTALBOTWhoattheageofeighteenwaslostoverboardNeartheIsleofDesolationoffPatagoniaNovember1st1836THISTABLETIserectedtohisMemoryBYHISSISTERSACREDTOTHEMEMORYOFROBERTLONGWILLISELLERYNATHANCOLEMANWALTERCANNYSETHMACYANDSAMUELGLEIGFormingoneoftheboatscrewsOFTHESHIPELIZAWhoweretowedoutofsightbyaWhaleOntheOffshoreGroundinthePACIFICDecember31st1839THISMARBLEIshereplacedbytheirsurvivingSHIPMATESSACREDTOTHEMEMORYOFThelateCAPTAINEZEKIELHARDYWhointhebowsofhisboatwaskilledbyaSpermWhaleonthecoastofJapanAugust3d1833THISTABLETIserectedtohisMemoryBYHISWIDOWShakingoffthesleetfrommyiceglazedhatandjacketIseatedmyselfnearthedoorandturningsidewayswassurprisedtoseeQueequegnearmeAffectedbythesolemnityofthescenetherewasawonderinggazeofincredulouscuriosityinhiscountenanceThissavagewastheonlypersonpresentwhoseemedtonoticemyentrancebecausehewastheonlyonewhocouldnotreadandthereforewasnotreadingthosefrigidinscriptionsonthewallWhetheranyoftherelativesoftheseamenwhosenamesappearedtherewerenowamongthecongregationIknewnotbutsomanyaretheunrecordedaccidentsinthefisheryandsoplainlydidseveralwomenpresentwearthecountenanceifnotthetrappingsofsomeunceasinggriefthatIfeelsurethatherebeforemewereassembledthoseinwhoseunhealingheartsthesightofthosebleaktabletssympatheticallycausedtheoldwoundstobleedafreshOhyewhosedeadlieburiedbeneaththegreengrasswhostandingamongflowerscansayherehereliesmybelovedyeknownotthedesolationthatbroodsinbosomsliketheseWhatbitterblanksinthoseblackborderedmarbleswhichcovernoashesWhatdespairinthoseimmovableinscriptionsWhatdeadlyvoidsandunbiddeninfidelitiesinthelinesthatseemtognawuponallFaithandrefuseresurrectionstothebeingswhohaveplacelesslyperishedwithoutagraveAswellmightthosetabletsstandinthecaveofElephantaashereInwhatcensusoflivingcreaturesthedeadofmankindareincludedwhyitisthatauniversalproverbsaysofthemthattheytellnotalesthoughcontainingmoresecretsthantheGoodwinSandshowitisthattohisnamewhoyesterdaydepartedfortheotherworldweprefixsosignificantandinfidelawordandyetdonotthusentitlehimifhebutembarksfortheremotestIndiesofthislivingearthwhytheLifeInsuranceCompaniespaydeathforfeituresuponimmortalsinwhateternalunstirringparalysisanddeadlyhopelesstranceyetliesantiqueAdamwhodiedsixtyroundcenturiesagohowitisthatwestillrefusetobecomfortedforthosewhoweneverthelessmaintainaredwellinginunspeakableblisswhyallthelivingsostrivetohushallthedeadwhereforebuttherumorofaknockinginatombwillterrifyawholecityAllthesethingsarenotwithouttheirmeaningsButFaithlikeajackalfeedsamongthetombsandevenfromthesedeaddoubtsshegathershermostvitalhopeItneedsscarcelytobetoldwithwhatfeelingsontheeveofaNantucketvoyageIregardedthosemarbletabletsandbythemurkylightofthatdarkeneddolefuldayreadthefateofthewhalemenwhohadgonebeforemeYesIshmaelthesamefatemaybethineButsomehowIgrewmerryagainDelightfulinducementstoembarkfinechanceforpromotionitseemsayeastoveboatwillmakemeanimmortalbybrevetYesthereisdeathinthisbusinessofwhalingaspeechlesslyquickchaoticbundlingofamanintoEternityButwhatthenMethinkswehavehugelymistakenthismatterofLifeandDeathMethinksthatwhattheycallmyshadowhereonearthismytruesubstanceMethinksthatinlookingatthingsspiritualwearetoomuchlikeoystersobservingthesunthroughthewaterandthinkingthatthickwaterthethinnestofairMethinksmybodyisbuttheleesofmybetterbeingInfacttakemybodywhowilltakeitIsayitisnotmeAndthereforethreecheersforNantucketandcomeastoveboatandstovebodywhentheywillforstavemysoulJovehimselfcannotCHAPTER8ThePulpitIhadnotbeenseatedverylongereamanofacertainvenerablerobustnessenteredimmediatelyasthestormpelteddoorflewbackuponadmittinghimaquickregardfuleyeingofhimbyallthecongregationsufficientlyattestedthatthisfineoldmanwasthechaplainYesitwasthefamousFatherMapplesocalledbythewhalemenamongwhomhewasaverygreatfavouriteHehadbeenasailorandaharpooneerinhisyouthbutformanyyearspasthaddedicatedhislifetotheministryAtthetimeInowwriteofFatherMapplewasinthehardywinterofahealthyoldagethatsortofoldagewhichseemsmergingintoasecondfloweringyouthforamongallthefissuresofhiswrinklesthereshonecertainmildgleamsofanewlydevelopingbloomthespringverdurepeepingforthevenbeneathFebruaryssnowNoonehavingpreviouslyheardhishistorycouldforthefirsttimebeholdFatherMapplewithouttheutmostinterestbecausetherewerecertainengraftedclericalpeculiaritiesabouthimimputabletothatadventurousmaritimelifehehadledWhenheenteredIobservedthathecarriednoumbrellaandcertainlyhadnotcomeinhiscarriageforhistarpaulinhatrandownwithmeltingsleetandhisgreatpilotclothjacketseemedalmosttodraghimtothefloorwiththeweightofthewaterithadabsorbedHoweverhatandcoatandovershoeswereonebyoneremovedandhungupinalittlespaceinanadjacentcornerwhenarrayedinadecentsuithequietlyapproachedthepulpitLikemostoldfashionedpulpitsitwasaveryloftyoneandsincearegularstairstosuchaheightwouldbyitslonganglewiththefloorseriouslycontractthealreadysmallareaofthechapelthearchitectitseemedhadacteduponthehintofFatherMappleandfinishedthepulpitwithoutastairssubstitutingaperpendicularsideladderlikethoseusedinmountingashipfromaboatatseaThewifeofawhalingcaptainhadprovidedthechapelwithahandsomepairofredworstedmanropesforthisladderwhichbeingitselfnicelyheadedandstainedwithamahoganycolourthewholecontrivanceconsideringwhatmannerofchapelitwasseemedbynomeansinbadtasteHaltingforaninstantatthefootoftheladderandwithbothhandsgraspingtheornamentalknobsofthemanropesFatherMapplecastalookupwardsandthenwithatrulysailorlikebutstillreverentialdexterityhandoverhandmountedthestepsasifascendingthemaintopofhisvesselTheperpendicularpartsofthissideladderasisusuallythecasewithswingingoneswereofclothcoveredropeonlytheroundswereofwoodsothatateverysteptherewasajointAtmyfirstglimpseofthepulpitithadnotescapedmethathoweverconvenientforashipthesejointsinthepresentinstanceseemedunnecessaryForIwasnotpreparedtoseeFatherMappleaftergainingtheheightslowlyturnroundandstoopingoverthepulpitdeliberatelydraguptheladderstepbysteptillthewholewasdepositedwithinleavinghimimpregnableinhislittleQuebecIponderedsometimewithoutfullycomprehendingthereasonforthisFatherMappleenjoyedsuchawidereputationforsincerityandsanctitythatIcouldnotsuspecthimofcourtingnotorietybyanymeretricksofthestageNothoughtItheremustbesomesoberreasonforthisthingfurthermoreitmustsymbolizesomethingunseenCanitbethenthatbythatactofphysicalisolationhesignifieshisspiritualwithdrawalforthetimefromalloutwardworldlytiesandconnexionsYesforreplenishedwiththemeatandwineofthewordtothefaithfulmanofGodthispulpitIseeisaselfcontainingstrongholdaloftyEhrenbreitsteinwithaperennialwellofwaterwithinthewallsButthesideladderwasnottheonlystrangefeatureoftheplaceborrowedfromthechaplainsformerseafaringsBetweenthemarblecenotaphsoneitherhandofthepulpitthewallwhichformeditsbackwasadornedwithalargepaintingrepresentingagallantshipbeatingagainstaterriblestormoffaleecoastofblackrocksandsnowybreakersButhighabovetheflyingscudanddarkrollingcloudstherefloatedalittleisleofsunlightfromwhichbeamedforthanangelsfaceandthisbrightfaceshedadistinctspotofradianceupontheshipstosseddecksomethinglikethatsilverplatenowinsertedintotheVictorysplankwhereNelsonfellAhnobleshiptheangelseemedtosaybeatonbeatonthounobleshipandbearahardyhelmforlothesunisbreakingthroughthecloudsarerollingoffserenestazureisathandNorwasthepulpititselfwithoutatraceofthesameseatastethathadachievedtheladderandthepictureItspanelledfrontwasinthelikenessofashipsbluffbowsandtheHolyBiblerestedonaprojectingpieceofscrollworkfashionedafterashipsfiddleheadedbeakWhatcouldbemorefullofmeaningforthepulpitiseverthisearthsforemostpartalltherestcomesinitsrearthepulpitleadstheworldFromthenceitisthestormofGodsquickwrathisfirstdescriedandthebowmustbeartheearliestbruntFromthenceitistheGodofbreezesfairorfoulisfirstinvokedforfavourablewindsYestheworldsashiponitspassageoutandnotavoyagecompleteandthepulpitisitsprowCHAPTER9TheSermonFatherMappleroseandinamildvoiceofunassumingauthorityorderedthescatteredpeopletocondenseStarboardgangwaytheresideawaytolarboardlarboardgangwaytostarboardMidshipsmidshipsTherewasalowrumblingofheavyseabootsamongthebenchesandastillslightershufflingofwomensshoesandallwasquietagainandeveryeyeonthepreacherHepausedalittlethenkneelinginthepulpitsbowsfoldedhislargebrownhandsacrosshischestupliftedhisclosedeyesandofferedaprayersodeeplydevoutthatheseemedkneelingandprayingatthebottomoftheseaThisendedinprolongedsolemntoneslikethecontinualtollingofabellinashipthatisfounderingatseainafoginsuchtoneshecommencedreadingthefollowinghymnbutchanginghismannertowardstheconcludingstanzasburstforthwithapealingexultationandjoyTheribsandterrorsinthewhaleArchedovermeadismalgloomWhileallGodssunlitwavesrolledbyAndliftmedeepeningdowntodoomIsawtheopeningmawofhellWithendlesspainsandsorrowsthereWhichnonebuttheythatfeelcantellOhIwasplungingtodespairInblackdistressIcalledmyGodWhenIcouldscarcebelievehimmineHebowedhiseartomycomplaintsNomorethewhaledidmeconfineWithspeedheflewtomyreliefAsonaradiantdolphinborneAwfulyetbrightaslightningshoneThefaceofmyDelivererGodMysongforevershallrecordThatterriblethatjoyfulhourIgivetheglorytomyGodHisallthemercyandthepowerNearlyalljoinedinsingingthishymnwhichswelledhighabovethehowlingofthestormAbriefpauseensuedthepreacherslowlyturnedovertheleavesoftheBibleandatlastfoldinghishanddownupontheproperpagesaidBelovedshipmatesclinchthelastverseofthefirstchapterofJonahAndGodhadpreparedagreatfishtoswallowupJonahShipmatesthisbookcontainingonlyfourchaptersfouryarnsisoneofthesmalleststrandsinthemightycableoftheScripturesYetwhatdepthsofthesouldoesJonahsdeepsealinesoundwhatapregnantlessontousisthisprophetWhatanoblethingisthatcanticleinthefishsbellyHowbillowlikeandboisterouslygrandWefeelthefloodssurgingoveruswesoundwithhimtothekelpybottomofthewatersseaweedandalltheslimeoftheseaisaboutusButwhatisthislessonthatthebookofJonahteachesShipmatesitisatwostrandedlessonalessontousallassinfulmenandalessontomeasapilotofthelivingGodAssinfulmenitisalessontousallbecauseitisastoryofthesinhardheartednesssuddenlyawakenedfearstheswiftpunishmentrepentanceprayersandfinallythedeliveranceandjoyofJonahAswithallsinnersamongmenthesinofthissonofAmittaiwasinhiswilfuldisobedienceofthecommandofGodnevermindnowwhatthatcommandwasorhowconveyedwhichhefoundahardcommandButallthethingsthatGodwouldhaveusdoarehardforustodorememberthatandhenceheoftenercommandsusthanendeavorstopersuadeAndifweobeyGodwemustdisobeyourselvesanditisinthisdisobeyingourselveswhereinthehardnessofobeyingGodconsistsWiththissinofdisobedienceinhimJonahstillfurtherfloutsatGodbyseekingtofleefromHimHethinksthatashipmadebymenwillcarryhimintocountrieswhereGoddoesnotreignbutonlytheCaptainsofthisearthHeskulksaboutthewharvesofJoppaandseeksashipthatsboundforTarshishTherelurksperhapsahithertounheededmeaninghereByallaccountsTarshishcouldhavebeennoothercitythanthemodernCadizThatstheopinionoflearnedmenAndwhereisCadizshipmatesCadizisinSpainasfarbywaterfromJoppaasJonahcouldpossiblyhavesailedinthoseancientdayswhentheAtlanticwasanalmostunknownseaBecauseJoppathemodernJaffashipmatesisonthemosteasterlycoastoftheMediterraneantheSyrianandTarshishorCadizmorethantwothousandmilestothewestwardfromthatjustoutsidetheStraitsofGibraltarSeeyenotthenshipmatesthatJonahsoughttofleeworldwidefromGodMiserablemanOhmostcontemptibleandworthyofallscornwithslouchedhatandguiltyeyeskulkingfromhisGodprowlingamongtheshippinglikeavileburglarhasteningtocrosstheseasSodisorderedselfcondemningishislookthathadtherebeenpolicemeninthosedaysJonahonthemeresuspicionofsomethingwronghadbeenarrestederehetouchedadeckHowplainlyhesafugitivenobaggagenotahatboxvaliseorcarpetbagnofriendsaccompanyhimtothewharfwiththeiradieuxAtlastaftermuchdodgingsearchhefindstheTarshishshipreceivingthelastitemsofhercargoandashestepsonboardtoseeitsCaptaininthecabinallthesailorsforthemomentdesistfromhoistinginthegoodstomarkthestrangersevileyeJonahseesthisbutinvainhetriestolookalleaseandconfidenceinvainessayshiswretchedsmileStrongintuitionsofthemanassurethemarinershecanbenoinnocentIntheirgamesomebutstillseriouswayonewhisperstotheotherJackhesrobbedawidoworJoedoyoumarkhimhesabigamistorHarryladIguesshestheadultererthatbrokejailinoldGomorrahorbelikeoneofthemissingmurderersfromSodomAnotherrunstoreadthebillthatsstuckagainstthespileuponthewharftowhichtheshipismooredofferingfivehundredgoldcoinsfortheapprehensionofaparricideandcontainingadescriptionofhispersonHereadsandlooksfromJonahtothebillwhileallhissympatheticshipmatesnowcrowdroundJonahpreparedtolaytheirhandsuponhimFrightedJonahtremblesandsummoningallhisboldnesstohisfaceonlylookssomuchthemoreacowardHewillnotconfesshimselfsuspectedbutthatitselfisstrongsuspicionSohemakesthebestofitandwhenthesailorsfindhimnottobethemanthatisadvertisedtheylethimpassandhedescendsintothecabinWhostherecriestheCaptainathisbusydeskhurriedlymakingouthispapersfortheCustomsWhosthereOhhowthatharmlessquestionmanglesJonahFortheinstanthealmostturnstofleeagainButheralliesIseekapassageinthisshiptoTarshishhowsoonsailyesirThusfarthebusyCaptainhadnotlookeduptoJonahthoughthemannowstandsbeforehimbutnosoonerdoeshehearthathollowvoicethanhedartsascrutinizingglanceWesailwiththenextcomingtideatlastheslowlyansweredstillintentlyeyeinghimNosoonersirSoonenoughforanyhonestmanthatgoesapassengerHaJonahthatsanotherstabButheswiftlycallsawaytheCaptainfromthatscentIllsailwithyehesaysthepassagemoneyhowmuchisthatIllpaynowForitisparticularlywrittenshipmatesasifitwereathingnottobeoverlookedinthishistorythathepaidthefarethereoferethecraftdidsailAndtakenwiththecontextthisisfullofmeaningNowJonahsCaptainshipmateswasonewhosediscernmentdetectscrimeinanybutwhosecupidityexposesitonlyinthepennilessInthisworldshipmatessinthatpaysitswaycantravelfreelyandwithoutapassportwhereasVirtueifapauperisstoppedatallfrontiersSoJonahsCaptainpreparestotestthelengthofJonahspurseerehejudgehimopenlyHechargeshimthricetheusualsumanditsassentedtoThentheCaptainknowsthatJonahisafugitivebutatthesametimeresolvestohelpaflightthatpavesitsrearwithgoldYetwhenJonahfairlytakesouthispurseprudentsuspicionsstillmolesttheCaptainHeringseverycointofindacounterfeitNotaforgeranywayhemuttersandJonahisputdownforhispassagePointoutmystateroomSirsaysJonahnowImtravelwearyIneedsleepThoulookestlikeitsaystheCaptaintheresthyroomJonahentersandwouldlockthedoorbutthelockcontainsnokeyHearinghimfoolishlyfumblingtheretheCaptainlaughslowlytohimselfandmutterssomethingaboutthedoorsofconvictscellsbeingneverallowedtobelockedwithinAlldressedanddustyasheisJonahthrowshimselfintohisberthandfindsthelittlestateroomceilingalmostrestingonhisforeheadTheairiscloseandJonahgaspsTheninthatcontractedholesunktoobeneaththeshipswaterlineJonahfeelstheheraldingpresentimentofthatstiflinghourwhenthewhaleshallholdhiminthesmallestofhisbowelswardsScrewedatitsaxisagainstthesideaswinginglampslightlyoscillatesinJonahsroomandtheshipheelingovertowardsthewharfwiththeweightofthelastbalesreceivedthelampflameandallthoughinslightmotionstillmaintainsapermanentobliquitywithreferencetotheroomthoughintruthinfalliblystraightitselfitbutmadeobviousthefalselyinglevelsamongwhichithungThelampalarmsandfrightensJonahaslyinginhisberthhistormentedeyesrollroundtheplaceandthisthusfarsuccessfulfugitivefindsnorefugeforhisrestlessglanceButthatcontradictioninthelampmoreandmoreappalshimThefloortheceilingandthesideareallawryOhsomyconsciencehangsinmehegroansstraightupwardssoitburnsbutthechambersofmysoulareallincrookednessLikeonewhoafteranightofdrunkenrevelryhiestohisbedstillreelingbutwithconscienceyetprickinghimastheplungingsoftheRomanracehorsebutsomuchthemorestrikehissteeltagsintohimasonewhointhatmiserableplightstillturnsandturnsingiddyanguishprayingGodforannihilationuntilthefitbepassedandatlastamidthewhirlofwoehefeelsadeepstuporstealsoverhimasoverthemanwhobleedstodeathforconscienceisthewoundandtheresnaughttostaunchitsoaftersorewrestlingsinhisberthJonahsprodigyofponderousmiserydragshimdrowningdowntosleepAndnowthetimeoftidehascometheshipcastsoffhercablesandfromthedesertedwharftheuncheeredshipforTarshishallcareeningglidestoseaThatshipmyfriendswasthefirstofrecordedsmugglersthecontrabandwasJonahButthesearebelshewillnotbearthewickedburdenAdreadfulstormcomesontheshipisliketobreakButnowwhentheboatswaincallsallhandstolightenherwhenboxesbalesandjarsareclatteringoverboardwhenthewindisshriekingandthemenareyellingandeveryplankthunderswithtramplingfeetrightoverJonahsheadinallthisragingtumultJonahsleepshishideoussleepHeseesnoblackskyandragingseafeelsnotthereelingtimbersandlittlehearsheorheedshethefarrushofthemightywhalewhichevennowwithopenmouthiscleavingtheseasafterhimAyeshipmatesJonahwasgonedownintothesidesoftheshipaberthinthecabinasIhavetakenitandwasfastasleepButthefrightenedmastercomestohimandshrieksinhisdeadearWhatmeanestthouOsleeperariseStartledfromhislethargybythatdirefulcryJonahstaggerstohisfeetandstumblingtothedeckgraspsashroudtolookoutupontheseaButatthatmomentheissprunguponbyapantherbillowleapingoverthebulwarksWaveafterwavethusleapsintotheshipandfindingnospeedyventrunsroaringforeandafttillthemarinerscomenightodrowningwhileyetafloatAndeverasthewhitemoonshowsheraffrightedfacefromthesteepgulliesintheblacknessoverheadaghastJonahseestherearingbowspritpointinghighupwardbutsoonbeatdownwardagaintowardsthetormenteddeepTerrorsuponterrorsrunshoutingthroughhissoulInallhiscringingattitudestheGodfugitiveisnowtooplainlyknownThesailorsmarkhimmoreandmorecertaingrowtheirsuspicionsofhimandatlastfullytotestthetruthbyreferringthewholemattertohighHeaventheyfalltocastinglotstoseeforwhosecausethisgreattempestwasuponthemThelotisJonahsthatdiscoveredthenhowfuriouslytheymobhimwiththeirquestionsWhatisthineoccupationWhencecomestthouThycountryWhatpeopleButmarknowmyshipmatesthebehaviorofpoorJonahTheeagermarinersbutaskhimwhoheisandwherefromwhereastheynotonlyreceiveananswertothosequestionsbutlikewiseanotheranswertoaquestionnotputbythembuttheunsolicitedanswerisforcedfromJonahbythehardhandofGodthatisuponhimIamaHebrewhecriesandthenIfeartheLordtheGodofHeavenwhohathmadetheseaandthedrylandFearhimOJonahAyewellmightestthoufeartheLordGodthenStraightwayhenowgoesontomakeafullconfessionwhereuponthemarinersbecamemoreandmoreappalledbutstillarepitifulForwhenJonahnotyetsupplicatingGodformercysincehebuttoowellknewthedarknessofhisdesertswhenwretchedJonahcriesouttothemtotakehimandcasthimforthintotheseaforheknewthatforhissakethisgreattempestwasuponthemtheymercifullyturnfromhimandseekbyothermeanstosavetheshipButallinvaintheindignantgalehowlslouderthenwithonehandraisedinvokinglytoGodwiththeothertheynotunreluctantlylayholdofJonahAndnowbeholdJonahtakenupasananchoranddroppedintotheseawheninstantlyanoilycalmnessfloatsoutfromtheeastandtheseaisstillasJonahcarriesdownthegalewithhimleavingsmoothwaterbehindHegoesdowninthewhirlingheartofsuchamasterlesscommotionthathescarceheedsthemomentwhenhedropsseethingintotheyawningjawsawaitinghimandthewhaleshootstoallhisivoryteethlikesomanywhiteboltsuponhisprisonThenJonahprayeduntotheLordoutofthefishsbellyButobservehisprayerandlearnaweightylessonForsinfulasheisJonahdoesnotweepandwailfordirectdeliveranceHefeelsthathisdreadfulpunishmentisjustHeleavesallhisdeliverancetoGodcontentinghimselfwiththisthatspiteofallhispainsandpangshewillstilllooktowardsHisholytempleAndhereshipmatesistrueandfaithfulrepentancenotclamorousforpardonbutgratefulforpunishmentAndhowpleasingtoGodwasthisconductinJonahisshownintheeventualdeliveranceofhimfromtheseaandthewhaleShipmatesIdonotplaceJonahbeforeyoutobecopiedforhissinbutIdoplacehimbeforeyouasamodelforrepentanceSinnotbutifyoudotakeheedtorepentofitlikeJonahWhilehewasspeakingthesewordsthehowlingoftheshriekingslantingstormwithoutseemedtoaddnewpowertothepreacherwhowhendescribingJonahsseastormseemedtossedbyastormhimselfHisdeepchestheavedaswithagroundswellhistossedarmsseemedthewarringelementsatworkandthethundersthatrolledawayfromoffhisswarthybrowandthelightleapingfromhiseyemadeallhissimplehearerslookonhimwithaquickfearthatwasstrangetothemTherenowcamealullinhislookashesilentlyturnedovertheleavesoftheBookoncemoreandatlaststandingmotionlesswithclosedeyesforthemomentseemedcommuningwithGodandhimselfButagainheleanedovertowardsthepeopleandbowinghisheadlowlywithanaspectofthedeepestyetmanliesthumilityhespakethesewordsShipmatesGodhaslaidbutonehanduponyoubothhishandspressuponmeIhavereadyebywhatmurkylightmaybeminethelessonthatJonahteachestoallsinnersandthereforetoyeandstillmoretomeforIamagreatersinnerthanyeAndnowhowgladlywouldIcomedownfromthismastheadandsitonthehatchestherewhereyousitandlistenasyoulistenwhilesomeoneofyoureadsmethatotherandmoreawfullessonwhichJonahteachestomeasapilotofthelivingGodHowbeingananointedpilotprophetorspeakeroftruethingsandbiddenbytheLordtosoundthoseunwelcometruthsintheearsofawickedNinevehJonahappalledatthehostilityheshouldraisefledfromhismissionandsoughttoescapehisdutyandhisGodbytakingshipatJoppaButGodiseverywhereTarshishheneverreachedAswehaveseenGodcameuponhiminthewhaleandswallowedhimdowntolivinggulfsofdoomandwithswiftslantingstorehimalongintothemidstoftheseaswheretheeddyingdepthssuckedhimtenthousandfathomsdownandtheweedswerewrappedabouthisheadandallthewateryworldofwoebowledoverhimYeteventhenbeyondthereachofanyplummetoutofthebellyofhellwhenthewhalegroundedupontheoceansutmostboneseventhenGodheardtheengulphedrepentingprophetwhenhecriedThenGodspakeuntothefishandfromtheshudderingcoldandblacknessoftheseathewhalecamebreechinguptowardsthewarmandpleasantsunandallthedelightsofairandearthandvomitedoutJonahuponthedrylandwhenthewordoftheLordcameasecondtimeandJonahbruisedandbeatenhisearsliketwoseashellsstillmultitudinouslymurmuringoftheoceanJonahdidtheAlmightysbiddingAndwhatwasthatshipmatesTopreachtheTruthtothefaceofFalsehoodThatwasitThisshipmatesthisisthatotherlessonandwoetothatpilotofthelivingGodwhoslightsitWoetohimwhomthisworldcharmsfromGospeldutyWoetohimwhoseekstopouroiluponthewaterswhenGodhasbrewedthemintoagaleWoetohimwhoseekstopleaseratherthantoappalWoetohimwhosegoodnameismoretohimthangoodnessWoetohimwhointhisworldcourtsnotdishonorWoetohimwhowouldnotbetrueeventhoughtobefalseweresalvationYeawoetohimwhoasthegreatPilotPaulhasitwhilepreachingtoothersishimselfacastawayHedroppedandfellawayfromhimselfforamomentthenliftinghisfacetothemagainshowedadeepjoyinhiseyesashecriedoutwithaheavenlyenthusiasmButohshipmatesonthestarboardhandofeverywoethereisasuredelightandhigherthetopofthatdelightthanthebottomofthewoeisdeepIsnotthemaintruckhigherthanthekelsonislowDelightistohimafarfarupwardandinwarddelightwhoagainsttheproudgodsandcommodoresofthiseartheverstandsforthhisowninexorableselfDelightistohimwhosestrongarmsyetsupporthimwhentheshipofthisbasetreacherousworldhasgonedownbeneathhimDelightistohimwhogivesnoquarterinthetruthandkillsburnsanddestroysallsinthoughhepluckitoutfromundertherobesofSenatorsandJudgesDelighttopgallantdelightistohimwhoacknowledgesnolaworlordbuttheLordhisGodandisonlyapatriottoheavenDelightistohimwhomallthewavesofthebillowsoftheseasoftheboisterousmobcannevershakefromthissureKeeloftheAgesAndeternaldelightanddeliciousnesswillbehiswhocomingtolayhimdowncansaywithhisfinalbreathOFatherchieflyknowntomebyThyrodmortalorimmortalhereIdieIhavestriventobeThinemorethantobethisworldsormineownYetthisisnothingIleaveeternitytoTheeforwhatismanthatheshouldliveoutthelifetimeofhisGodHesaidnomorebutslowlywavingabenedictioncoveredhisfacewithhishandsandsoremainedkneelingtillallthepeoplehaddepartedandhewasleftaloneintheplaceCHAPTER10ABosomFriendReturningtotheSpouterInnfromtheChapelIfoundQueequegtherequitealonehehavinglefttheChapelbeforethebenedictionsometimeHewassittingonabenchbeforethefirewithhisfeetonthestovehearthandinonehandwasholdingcloseuptohisfacethatlittlenegroidolofhispeeringhardintoitsfaceandwithajackknifegentlywhittlingawayatitsnosemeanwhilehummingtohimselfinhisheathenishwayButbeingnowinterruptedheputuptheimageandprettysoongoingtothetabletookupalargebookthereandplacingitonhislapbegancountingthepageswithdeliberateregularityateveryfiftiethpageasIfanciedstoppingamomentlookingvacantlyaroundhimandgivingutterancetoalongdrawngurglingwhistleofastonishmentHewouldthenbeginagainatthenextfiftyseemingtocommenceatnumberoneeachtimeasthoughhecouldnotcountmorethanfiftyanditwasonlybysuchalargenumberoffiftiesbeingfoundtogetherthathisastonishmentatthemultitudeofpageswasexcitedWithmuchinterestIsatwatchinghimSavagethoughhewasandhideouslymarredaboutthefaceatleasttomytastehiscountenanceyethadasomethinginitwhichwasbynomeansdisagreeableYoucannothidethesoulThroughallhisunearthlytattooingsIthoughtIsawthetracesofasimplehonestheartandinhislargedeepeyesfieryblackandboldthereseemedtokensofaspiritthatwoulddareathousanddevilsAndbesidesallthistherewasacertainloftybearingaboutthePaganwhichevenhisuncouthnesscouldnotaltogethermaimHelookedlikeamanwhohadnevercringedandneverhadhadacreditorWhetheritwastoothathisheadbeingshavedhisforeheadwasdrawnoutinfreerandbrighterreliefandlookedmoreexpansivethanitotherwisewouldthisIwillnotventuretodecidebutcertainitwashisheadwasphrenologicallyanexcellentoneItmayseemridiculousbutitremindedmeofGeneralWashingtonsheadasseeninthepopularbustsofhimIthadthesamelongregularlygradedretreatingslopefromabovethebrowswhichwerelikewiseveryprojectingliketwolongpromontoriesthicklywoodedontopQueequegwasGeorgeWashingtoncannibalisticallydevelopedWhilstIwasthuscloselyscanninghimhalfpretendingmeanwhiletobelookingoutatthestormfromthecasementheneverheededmypresencenevertroubledhimselfwithsomuchasasingleglancebutappearedwhollyoccupiedwithcountingthepagesofthemarvellousbookConsideringhowsociablywehadbeensleepingtogetherthenightpreviousandespeciallyconsideringtheaffectionatearmIhadfoundthrownovermeuponwakinginthemorningIthoughtthisindifferenceofhisverystrangeButsavagesarestrangebeingsattimesyoudonotknowexactlyhowtotakethemAtfirsttheyareoverawingtheircalmselfcollectednessofsimplicityseemsaSocraticwisdomIhadnoticedalsothatQueequegneverconsortedatallorbutverylittlewiththeotherseamenintheinnHemadenoadvanceswhateverappearedtohavenodesiretoenlargethecircleofhisacquaintancesAllthisstruckmeasmightysingularyetuponsecondthoughtstherewassomethingalmostsublimeinitHerewasamansometwentythousandmilesfromhomebythewayofCapeHornthatiswhichwastheonlywayhecouldgettherethrownamongpeopleasstrangetohimasthoughhewereintheplanetJupiterandyetheseemedentirelyathiseasepreservingtheutmostserenitycontentwithhisowncompanionshipalwaysequaltohimselfSurelythiswasatouchoffinephilosophythoughnodoubthehadneverheardtherewassuchathingasthatButperhapstobetruephilosopherswemortalsshouldnotbeconsciousofsolivingorsostrivingSosoonasIhearthatsuchorsuchamangiveshimselfoutforaphilosopherIconcludethatlikethedyspepticoldwomanhemusthavebrokenhisdigesterAsIsatthereinthatnowlonelyroomthefireburninglowinthatmildstagewhenafteritsfirstintensityhaswarmedtheairitthenonlyglowstobelookedattheeveningshadesandphantomsgatheringroundthecasementsandpeeringinuponussilentsolitarytwainthestormboomingwithoutinsolemnswellsIbegantobesensibleofstrangefeelingsIfeltameltinginmeNomoremysplinteredheartandmaddenedhandwereturnedagainstthewolfishworldThissoothingsavagehadredeemeditTherehesathisveryindifferencespeakinganatureinwhichtherelurkednocivilizedhypocrisiesandblanddeceitsWildhewasaverysightofsightstoseeyetIbegantofeelmyselfmysteriouslydrawntowardshimAndthosesamethingsthatwouldhaverepelledmostotherstheyweretheverymagnetsthatthusdrewmeIlltryapaganfriendthoughtIsinceChristiankindnesshasprovedbuthollowcourtesyIdrewmybenchnearhimandmadesomefriendlysignsandhintsdoingmybesttotalkwithhimmeanwhileAtfirsthelittlenoticedtheseadvancesbutpresentlyuponmyreferringtohislastnightshospitalitieshemadeouttoaskmewhetherwewereagaintobebedfellowsItoldhimyeswhereatIthoughthelookedpleasedperhapsalittlecomplimentedWethenturnedoverthebooktogetherandIendeavoredtoexplaintohimthepurposeoftheprintingandthemeaningofthefewpicturesthatwereinitThusIsoonengagedhisinterestandfromthatwewenttojabberingthebestwecouldaboutthevariousoutersightstobeseeninthisfamoustownSoonIproposedasocialsmokeandproducinghispouchandtomahawkhequietlyofferedmeapuffAndthenwesatexchangingpuffsfromthatwildpipeofhisandkeepingitregularlypassingbetweenusIfthereyetlurkedanyiceofindifferencetowardsmeinthePagansbreastthispleasantgenialsmokewehadsoonthaweditoutandleftuscroniesHeseemedtotaketomequiteasnaturallyandunbiddenlyasItohimandwhenoursmokewasoverhepressedhisforeheadagainstmineclaspedmeroundthewaistandsaidthathenceforthweweremarriedmeaninginhiscountrysphrasethatwewerebosomfriendshewouldgladlydieformeifneedshouldbeInacountrymanthissuddenflameoffriendshipwouldhaveseemedfartooprematureathingtobemuchdistrustedbutinthissimplesavagethoseoldruleswouldnotapplyAftersupperandanothersocialchatandsmokewewenttoourroomtogetherHemademeapresentofhisembalmedheadtookouthisenormoustobaccowalletandgropingunderthetobaccodrewoutsomethirtydollarsinsilverthenspreadingthemonthetableandmechanicallydividingthemintotwoequalportionspushedoneofthemtowardsmeandsaiditwasmineIwasgoingtoremonstratebuthesilencedmebypouringthemintomytrowserspocketsIletthemstayHethenwentabouthiseveningprayerstookouthisidolandremovedthepaperfireboardBycertainsignsandsymptomsIthoughtheseemedanxiousformetojoinhimbutwellknowingwhatwastofollowIdeliberatedamomentwhetherincaseheinvitedmeIwouldcomplyorotherwiseIwasagoodChristianbornandbredinthebosomoftheinfalliblePresbyterianChurchHowthencouldIunitewiththiswildidolatorinworshippinghispieceofwoodButwhatisworshipthoughtIDoyousupposenowIshmaelthatthemagnanimousGodofheavenandearthpagansandallincludedcanpossiblybejealousofaninsignificantbitofblackwoodImpossibleButwhatisworshiptodothewillofGodthatisworshipAndwhatisthewillofGodtodotomyfellowmanwhatIwouldhavemyfellowmantodotomethatisthewillofGodNowQueequegismyfellowmanAndwhatdoIwishthatthisQueequegwoulddotomeWhyunitewithmeinmyparticularPresbyterianformofworshipConsequentlyImustthenunitewithhiminhisergoImustturnidolatorSoIkindledtheshavingshelpedpropuptheinnocentlittleidolofferedhimburntbiscuitwithQueequegsalamedbeforehimtwiceorthricekissedhisnoseandthatdoneweundressedandwenttobedatpeacewithourownconsciencesandalltheworldButwedidnotgotosleepwithoutsomelittlechatHowitisIknownotbutthereisnoplacelikeabedforconfidentialdisclosuresbetweenfriendsManandwifetheysaythereopentheverybottomoftheirsoulstoeachotherandsomeoldcouplesoftenlieandchatoveroldtimestillnearlymorningThustheninourheartshoneymoonlayIandQueequegacosylovingpairCHAPTER11NightgownWehadlainthusinbedchattingandnappingatshortintervalsandQueequegnowandthenaffectionatelythrowinghisbrowntattooedlegsovermineandthendrawingthembacksoentirelysociableandfreeandeasywerewewhenatlastbyreasonofourconfabulationswhatlittlenappishnessremainedinusaltogetherdepartedandwefeltlikegettingupagainthoughdaybreakwasyetsomewaydownthefutureYeswebecameverywakefulsomuchsothatourrecumbentpositionbegantogrowwearisomeandbylittleandlittlewefoundourselvessittinguptheclotheswelltuckedaroundusleaningagainsttheheadboardwithourfourkneesdrawnupclosetogetherandourtwonosesbendingoverthemasifourkneepanswerewarmingpansWefeltveryniceandsnugthemoresosinceitwassochillyoutofdoorsindeedoutofbedclothestooseeingthattherewasnofireintheroomThemoresoIsaybecausetrulytoenjoybodilywarmthsomesmallpartofyoumustbecoldforthereisnoqualityinthisworldthatisnotwhatitismerelybycontrastNothingexistsinitselfIfyouflatteryourselfthatyouareallovercomfortableandhavebeensoalongtimethenyoucannotbesaidtobecomfortableanymoreButiflikeQueequegandmeinthebedthetipofyournoseorthecrownofyourheadbeslightlychilledwhythenindeedinthegeneralconsciousnessyoufeelmostdelightfullyandunmistakablywarmForthisreasonasleepingapartmentshouldneverbefurnishedwithafirewhichisoneoftheluxuriousdiscomfortsoftherichFortheheightofthissortofdeliciousnessistohavenothingbuttheblanketbetweenyouandyoursnugnessandthecoldoftheouterairThenthereyoulieliketheonewarmsparkintheheartofanarcticcrystalWehadbeensittinginthiscrouchingmannerforsometimewhenallatonceIthoughtIwouldopenmyeyesforwhenbetweensheetswhetherbydayorbynightandwhetherasleeporawakeIhaveawayofalwayskeepingmyeyesshutinorderthemoretoconcentratethesnugnessofbeinginbedBecausenomancaneverfeelhisownidentityarightexcepthiseyesbeclosedasifdarknesswereindeedtheproperelementofouressencesthoughlightbemorecongenialtoourclayeypartUponopeningmyeyesthenandcomingoutofmyownpleasantandselfcreateddarknessintotheimposedandcoarseoutergloomoftheunilluminatedtwelveoclockatnightIexperiencedadisagreeablerevulsionNordidIatallobjecttothehintfromQueequegthatperhapsitwerebesttostrikealightseeingthatweweresowideawakeandbesideshefeltastrongdesiretohaveafewquietpuffsfromhisTomahawkBeitsaidthatthoughIhadfeltsuchastrongrepugnancetohissmokinginthebedthenightbeforeyetseehowelasticourstiffprejudicesgrowwhenloveoncecomestobendthemFornowIlikednothingbetterthantohaveQueequegsmokingbymeeveninbedbecauseheseemedtobefullofsuchserenehouseholdjoythenInomorefeltundulyconcernedforthelandlordspolicyofinsuranceIwasonlyalivetothecondensedconfidentialcomfortablenessofsharingapipeandablanketwitharealfriendWithourshaggyjacketsdrawnaboutourshoulderswenowpassedtheTomahawkfromonetotheothertillslowlytheregrewoverusabluehangingtesterofsmokeilluminatedbytheflameofthenewlitlampWhetheritwasthatthisundulatingtesterrolledthesavageawaytofardistantscenesIknownotbuthenowspokeofhisnativeislandandeagertohearhishistoryIbeggedhimtogoonandtellitHegladlycompliedThoughatthetimeIbutillcomprehendednotafewofhiswordsyetsubsequentdisclosureswhenIhadbecomemorefamiliarwithhisbrokenphraseologynowenablemetopresentthewholestorysuchasitmayproveinthemereskeletonIgiveCHAPTER12BiographicalQueequegwasanativeofRokovokoanislandfarawaytotheWestandSouthItisnotdowninanymaptrueplacesneverareWhenanewhatchedsavagerunningwildabouthisnativewoodlandsinagrasscloutfollowedbythenibblinggoatsasifhewereagreensaplingeventheninQueequegsambitioussoullurkedastrongdesiretoseesomethingmoreofChristendomthanaspecimenwhalerortwoHisfatherwasaHighChiefaKinghisuncleaHighPriestandonthematernalsideheboastedauntswhowerethewivesofunconquerablewarriorsTherewasexcellentbloodinhisveinsroyalstuffthoughsadlyvitiatedIfearbythecannibalpropensityhenourishedinhisuntutoredyouthASagHarborshipvisitedhisfathersbayandQueequegsoughtapassagetoChristianlandsButtheshiphavingherfullcomplementofseamenspurnedhissuitandnotalltheKinghisfathersinfluencecouldprevailButQueequegvowedavowAloneinhiscanoehepaddledofftoadistantstraitwhichheknewtheshipmustpassthroughwhenshequittedtheislandOnonesidewasacoralreefontheotheralowtongueoflandcoveredwithmangrovethicketsthatgrewoutintothewaterHidinghiscanoestillafloatamongthesethicketswithitsprowseawardhesatdowninthesternpaddlelowinhandandwhentheshipwasglidingbylikeaflashhedartedoutgainedhersidewithonebackwarddashofhisfootcapsizedandsankhiscanoeclimbedupthechainsandthrowinghimselfatfulllengthuponthedeckgrappledaringboltthereandsworenottoletitgothoughhackedinpiecesInvainthecaptainthreatenedtothrowhimoverboardsuspendedacutlassoverhisnakedwristsQueequegwasthesonofaKingandQueequegbudgednotStruckbyhisdesperatedauntlessnessandhiswilddesiretovisitChristendomthecaptainatlastrelentedandtoldhimhemightmakehimselfathomeButthisfineyoungsavagethisseaPrinceofWalesneversawtheCaptainscabinTheyputhimdownamongthesailorsandmadeawhalemanofhimButlikeCzarPetercontenttotoilintheshipyardsofforeigncitiesQueequegdisdainednoseemingignominyiftherebyhemighthappilygainthepowerofenlighteninghisuntutoredcountrymenForatbottomsohetoldmehewasactuatedbyaprofounddesiretolearnamongtheChristianstheartswherebytomakehispeoplestillhappierthantheywereandmorethanthatstillbetterthantheywereButalasthepracticesofwhalemensoonconvincedhimthatevenChristianscouldbebothmiserableandwickedinfinitelymoresothanallhisfathersheathensArrivedatlastinoldSagHarborandseeingwhatthesailorsdidthereandthengoingontoNantucketandseeinghowtheyspenttheirwagesinthatplacealsopoorQueequeggaveitupforlostThoughtheitsawickedworldinallmeridiansIlldieapaganAndthusanoldidolatoratheartheyetlivedamongtheseChristiansworetheirclothesandtriedtotalktheirgibberishHencethequeerwaysabouthimthoughnowsometimefromhomeByhintsIaskedhimwhetherhedidnotproposegoingbackandhavingacoronationsincehemightnowconsiderhisfatherdeadandgonehebeingveryoldandfeebleatthelastaccountsHeanswerednonotyetandaddedthathewasfearfulChristianityorratherChristianshadunfittedhimforascendingthepureandundefiledthroneofthirtypaganKingsbeforehimButbyandbyhesaidhewouldreturnassoonashefelthimselfbaptizedagainForthenoncehoweverheproposedtosailaboutandsowhiswildoatsinallfouroceansTheyhadmadeaharpooneerofhimandthatbarbedironwasinlieuofasceptrenowIaskedhimwhatmightbehisimmediatepurposetouchinghisfuturemovementsHeansweredtogotoseaagaininhisoldvocationUponthisItoldhimthatwhalingwasmyowndesignandinformedhimofmyintentiontosailoutofNantucketasbeingthemostpromisingportforanadventurouswhalemantoembarkfromHeatonceresolvedtoaccompanymetothatislandshipaboardthesamevesselgetintothesamewatchthesameboatthesamemesswithmeinshorttosharemyeveryhapwithbothmyhandsinhisboldlydipintothePotluckofbothworldsToallthisIjoyouslyassentedforbesidestheaffectionInowfeltforQueequeghewasanexperiencedharpooneerandassuchcouldnotfailtobeofgreatusefulnesstoonewholikemewaswhollyignorantofthemysteriesofwhalingthoughwellacquaintedwiththeseaasknowntomerchantseamenHisstorybeingendedwithhispipeslastdyingpuffQueequegembracedmepressedhisforeheadagainstmineandblowingoutthelightwerolledoverfromeachotherthiswayandthatandverysoonweresleepingCHAPTER13WheelbarrowNextmorningMondayafterdisposingoftheembalmedheadtoabarberforablockIsettledmyownandcomradesbillusinghowevermycomradesmoneyThegrinninglandlordaswellastheboardersseemedamazinglytickledatthesuddenfriendshipwhichhadsprungupbetweenmeandQueequegespeciallyasPeterCoffinscockandbullstoriesabouthimhadpreviouslysomuchalarmedmeconcerningtheverypersonwhomInowcompaniedwithWeborrowedawheelbarrowandembarkingourthingsincludingmyownpoorcarpetbagandQueequegscanvassackandhammockawaywewentdowntotheMossthelittleNantucketpacketschoonermooredatthewharfAsweweregoingalongthepeoplestarednotatQueequegsomuchfortheywereusedtoseeingcannibalslikehimintheirstreetsbutatseeinghimandmeuponsuchconfidentialtermsButweheededthemnotgoingalongwheelingthebarrowbyturnsandQueequegnowandthenstoppingtoadjustthesheathonhisharpoonbarbsIaskedhimwhyhecarriedsuchatroublesomethingwithhimashoreandwhetherallwhalingshipsdidnotfindtheirownharpoonsTothisinsubstanceherepliedthatthoughwhatIhintedwastrueenoughyethehadaparticularaffectionforhisownharpoonbecauseitwasofassuredstuffwelltriedinmanyamortalcombatanddeeplyintimatewiththeheartsofwhalesInshortlikemanyinlandreapersandmowerswhogointothefarmersmeadowsarmedwiththeirownscythesthoughinnowiseobligedtofurnishthemevensoQueequegforhisownprivatereasonspreferredhisownharpoonShiftingthebarrowfrommyhandtohishetoldmeafunnystoryaboutthefirstwheelbarrowhehadeverseenItwasinSagHarborTheownersofhisshipitseemshadlenthimoneinwhichtocarryhisheavychesttohisboardinghouseNottoseemignorantaboutthethingthoughintruthhewasentirelysoconcerningtheprecisewayinwhichtomanagethebarrowQueequegputshischestuponitlashesitfastandthenshouldersthebarrowandmarchesupthewharfWhysaidIQueequegyoumighthaveknownbetterthanthatonewouldthinkDidntthepeoplelaughUponthishetoldmeanotherstoryThepeopleofhisislandofRokovokoitseemsattheirweddingfeastsexpressthefragrantwaterofyoungcocoanutsintoalargestainedcalabashlikeapunchbowlandthispunchbowlalwaysformsthegreatcentralornamentonthebraidedmatwherethefeastisheldNowacertaingrandmerchantshiponcetouchedatRokovokoanditscommanderfromallaccountsaverystatelypunctiliousgentlemanatleastforaseacaptainthiscommanderwasinvitedtotheweddingfeastofQueequegssisteraprettyyoungprincessjustturnedoftenWellwhenalltheweddingguestswereassembledatthebridesbamboocottagethisCaptainmarchesinandbeingassignedthepostofhonorplacedhimselfoveragainstthepunchbowlandbetweentheHighPriestandhismajestytheKingQueequegsfatherGracebeingsaidforthosepeoplehavetheirgraceaswellaswethoughQueequegtoldmethatunlikeuswhoatsuchtimeslookdownwardstoourplatterstheyonthecontrarycopyingtheducksglanceupwardstothegreatGiverofallfeastsGraceIsaybeingsaidtheHighPriestopensthebanquetbytheimmemorialceremonyoftheislandthatisdippinghisconsecratedandconsecratingfingersintothebowlbeforetheblessedbeveragecirculatesSeeinghimselfplacednextthePriestandnotingtheceremonyandthinkinghimselfbeingCaptainofashipashavingplainprecedenceoveramereislandKingespeciallyintheKingsownhousetheCaptaincoollyproceedstowashhishandsinthepunchbowltakingitIsupposeforahugefingerglassNowsaidQueequegwhatyoutinknowDidntourpeoplelaughAtlastpassagepaidandluggagesafewestoodonboardtheschoonerHoistingsailitglideddowntheAcushnetriverOnonesideNewBedfordroseinterracesofstreetstheiricecoveredtreesallglitteringintheclearcoldairHugehillsandmountainsofcasksoncaskswerepileduponherwharvesandsidebysidetheworldwanderingwhaleshipslaysilentandsafelymooredatlastwhilefromotherscameasoundofcarpentersandcooperswithblendednoisesoffiresandforgestomeltthepitchallbetokeningthatnewcruiseswereonthestartthatonemostperilousandlongvoyageendedonlybeginsasecondandasecondendedonlybeginsathirdandsoonforeverandforayeSuchistheendlessnessyeatheintolerablenessofallearthlyeffortGainingthemoreopenwaterthebracingbreezewaxedfreshthelittleMosstossedthequickfoamfromherbowsasayoungcolthissnortingsHowIsnuffedthatTartarairhowIspurnedthatturnpikeearththatcommonhighwayalloverdentedwiththemarksofslavishheelsandhoofsandturnedmetoadmirethemagnanimityoftheseawhichwillpermitnorecordsAtthesamefoamfountainQueequegseemedtodrinkandreelwithmeHisduskynostrilsswelledapartheshowedhisfiledandpointedteethOnonweflewandouroffinggainedtheMossdidhomagetotheblastduckedanddivedherbowsasaslavebeforetheSultanSidewaysleaningwesidewaysdartedeveryropeyarntinglinglikeawirethetwotallmastsbucklinglikeIndiancanesinlandtornadoesSofullofthisreelingscenewereweaswestoodbytheplungingbowspritthatforsometimewedidnotnoticethejeeringglancesofthepassengersalubberlikeassemblywhomarvelledthattwofellowbeingsshouldbesocompanionableasthoughawhitemanwereanythingmoredignifiedthanawhitewashednegroButthereweresomeboobiesandbumpkinstherewhobytheirintensegreennessmusthavecomefromtheheartandcentreofallverdureQueequegcaughtoneoftheseyoungsaplingsmimickinghimbehindhisbackIthoughtthebumpkinshourofdoomwascomeDroppinghisharpoonthebrawnysavagecaughthiminhisarmsandbyanalmostmiraculousdexterityandstrengthsenthimhighupbodilyintotheairthenslightlytappinghissterninmidsomersetthefellowlandedwithburstinglungsuponhisfeetwhileQueequegturninghisbackuponhimlightedhistomahawkpipeandpassedittomeforapuffCaptingCaptingyelledthebumpkinrunningtowardsthatofficerCaptingCaptingheresthedevilHalloyousircriedtheCaptainagauntriboftheseastalkinguptoQueequegwhatinthunderdoyoumeanbythatDontyouknowyoumighthavekilledthatchapWhathimsaysaidQueequegashemildlyturnedtomeHesaysaidIthatyoucamenearkillethatmantherepointingtothestillshiveringgreenhornKillecriedQueequegtwistinghistattooedfaceintoanunearthlyexpressionofdisdainahhimbevysmallefisheQueequegnokillesosmallefisheQueequegkillebigwhaleLookyouroaredtheCaptainIllkilleyouyoucannibalifyoutryanymoreofyourtricksaboardheresomindyoureyeButitsohappenedjustthenthatitwashightimefortheCaptaintomindhisowneyeTheprodigiousstrainuponthemainsailhadpartedtheweathersheetandthetremendousboomwasnowflyingfromsidetosidecompletelysweepingtheentireafterpartofthedeckThepoorfellowwhomQueequeghadhandledsoroughlywassweptoverboardallhandswereinapanicandtoattemptsnatchingattheboomtostayitseemedmadnessItflewfromrighttoleftandbackagainalmostinonetickingofawatchandeveryinstantseemedonthepointofsnappingintosplintersNothingwasdoneandnothingseemedcapableofbeingdonethoseondeckrushedtowardsthebowsandstoodeyeingtheboomasifitwerethelowerjawofanexasperatedwhaleInthemidstofthisconsternationQueequegdroppeddeftlytohiskneesandcrawlingunderthepathoftheboomwhippedholdofaropesecuredoneendtothebulwarksandthenflingingtheotherlikealassocaughtitroundtheboomasitsweptoverhisheadandatthenextjerkthesparwasthatwaytrappedandallwassafeTheschoonerwasrunintothewindandwhilethehandswereclearingawaythesternboatQueequegstrippedtothewaistdartedfromthesidewithalonglivingarcofaleapForthreeminutesormorehewasseenswimminglikeadogthrowinghislongarmsstraightoutbeforehimandbyturnsrevealinghisbrawnyshouldersthroughthefreezingfoamIlookedatthegrandandgloriousfellowbutsawnoonetobesavedThegreenhornhadgonedownShootinghimselfperpendicularlyfromthewaterQueequegnowtookaninstantsglancearoundhimandseemingtoseejusthowmatterswerediveddownanddisappearedAfewminutesmoreandheroseagainonearmstillstrikingoutandwiththeotherdraggingalifelessformTheboatsoonpickedthemupThepoorbumpkinwasrestoredAllhandsvotedQueequeganobletrumpthecaptainbeggedhispardonFromthathourIclovetoQueequeglikeabarnacleyeatillpoorQueequegtookhislastlongdiveWasthereeversuchunconsciousnessHedidnotseemtothinkthatheatalldeservedamedalfromtheHumaneandMagnanimousSocietiesHeonlyaskedforwaterfreshwatersomethingtowipethebrineoffthatdoneheputondryclotheslightedhispipeandleaningagainstthebulwarksandmildlyeyeingthosearoundhimseemedtobesayingtohimselfItsamutualjointstockworldinallmeridiansWecannibalsmusthelptheseChristiansCHAPTER14NantucketNothingmorehappenedonthepassageworthythementioningsoafterafinerunwesafelyarrivedinNantucketNantucketTakeoutyourmapandlookatitSeewhatarealcorneroftheworlditoccupieshowitstandsthereawayoffshoremorelonelythantheEddystonelighthouseLookatitamerehillockandelbowofsandallbeachwithoutabackgroundThereismoresandtherethanyouwoulduseintwentyyearsasasubstituteforblottingpaperSomegamesomewightswilltellyouthattheyhavetoplantweedstheretheydontgrownaturallythattheyimportCanadathistlesthattheyhavetosendbeyondseasforaspiletostopaleakinanoilcaskthatpiecesofwoodinNantucketarecarriedaboutlikebitsofthetruecrossinRomethatpeoplethereplanttoadstoolsbeforetheirhousestogetundertheshadeinsummertimethatonebladeofgrassmakesanoasisthreebladesinadayswalkaprairiethattheywearquicksandshoessomethinglikeLaplandersnowshoesthattheyaresoshutupbeltedabouteverywayinclosedsurroundedandmadeanutterislandofbytheoceanthattotheirverychairsandtablessmallclamswillsometimesbefoundadheringastothebacksofseaturtlesButtheseextravaganzasonlyshowthatNantucketisnoIllinoisLooknowatthewondroustraditionalstoryofhowthisislandwassettledbytheredmenThusgoesthelegendInoldentimesaneagleswoopeddownupontheNewEnglandcoastandcarriedoffaninfantIndianinhistalonsWithloudlamenttheparentssawtheirchildborneoutofsightoverthewidewatersTheyresolvedtofollowinthesamedirectionSettingoutintheircanoesafteraperilouspassagetheydiscoveredtheislandandtheretheyfoundanemptyivorycasketthepoorlittleIndiansskeletonWhatwonderthenthattheseNantucketersbornonabeachshouldtaketotheseaforalivelihoodTheyfirstcaughtcrabsandquohogsinthesandgrownboldertheywadedoutwithnetsformackerelmoreexperiencedtheypushedoffinboatsandcapturedcodandatlastlaunchinganavyofgreatshipsontheseaexploredthiswateryworldputanincessantbeltofcircumnavigationsrounditpeepedinatBehringsStraitsandinallseasonsandalloceansdeclaredeverlastingwarwiththemightiestanimatedmassthathassurvivedthefloodmostmonstrousandmostmountainousThatHimmalehansaltseaMastodonclothedwithsuchportentousnessofunconsciouspowerthathisverypanicsaremoretobedreadedthanhismostfearlessandmaliciousassaultsAndthushavethesenakedNantucketerstheseseahermitsissuingfromtheiranthillintheseaoverrunandconqueredthewateryworldlikesomanyAlexandersparcellingoutamongthemtheAtlanticPacificandIndianoceansasthethreepiratepowersdidPolandLetAmericaaddMexicotoTexasandpileCubauponCanadalettheEnglishoverswarmallIndiaandhangouttheirblazingbannerfromthesuntwothirdsofthisterraqueousglobearetheNantucketersFortheseaishisheownsitasEmperorsownempiresotherseamenhavingbutarightofwaythroughitMerchantshipsarebutextensionbridgesarmedonesbutfloatingfortsevenpiratesandprivateersthoughfollowingtheseaashighwaymentheroadtheybutplunderothershipsotherfragmentsofthelandlikethemselveswithoutseekingtodrawtheirlivingfromthebottomlessdeepitselfTheNantucketerhealoneresidesandriotsontheseahealoneinBiblelanguagegoesdowntoitinshipstoandfroploughingitashisownspecialplantationThereishishometherelieshisbusinesswhichaNoahsfloodwouldnotinterruptthoughitoverwhelmedallthemillionsinChinaHelivesontheseaasprairiecocksintheprairiehehidesamongthewavesheclimbsthemaschamoishuntersclimbtheAlpsForyearsheknowsnotthelandsothatwhenhecomestoitatlastitsmellslikeanotherworldmorestrangelythanthemoonwouldtoanEarthsmanWiththelandlessgullthatatsunsetfoldsherwingsandisrockedtosleepbetweenbillowssoatnightfalltheNantucketeroutofsightoflandfurlshissailsandlayshimtohisrestwhileunderhisverypillowrushherdsofwalrusesandwhalesCHAPTER15ChowderItwasquitelateintheeveningwhenthelittleMosscamesnuglytoanchorandQueequegandIwentashoresowecouldattendtonobusinessthatdayatleastnonebutasupperandabedThelandlordoftheSpouterInnhadrecommendedustohiscousinHoseaHusseyoftheTryPotswhomheassertedtobetheproprietorofoneofthebestkepthotelsinallNantucketandmoreoverhehadassuredusthatCousinHoseaashecalledhimwasfamousforhischowdersInshortheplainlyhintedthatwecouldnotpossiblydobetterthantrypotluckattheTryPotsButthedirectionshehadgivenusaboutkeepingayellowwarehouseonourstarboardhandtillweopenedawhitechurchtothelarboardandthenkeepingthatonthelarboardhandtillwemadeacornerthreepointstothestarboardandthatdonethenaskthefirstmanwemetwheretheplacewasthesecrookeddirectionsofhisverymuchpuzzledusatfirstespeciallyasattheoutsetQueequeginsistedthattheyellowwarehouseourfirstpointofdeparturemustbeleftonthelarboardhandwhereasIhadunderstoodPeterCoffintosayitwasonthestarboardHoweverbydintofbeatingaboutalittleinthedarkandnowandthenknockingupapeaceableinhabitanttoinquirethewayweatlastcametosomethingwhichtherewasnomistakingTwoenormouswoodenpotspaintedblackandsuspendedbyassesearsswungfromthecrosstreesofanoldtopmastplantedinfrontofanolddoorwayThehornsofthecrosstreesweresawedoffontheothersidesothatthisoldtopmastlookednotalittlelikeagallowsPerhapsIwasoversensitivetosuchimpressionsatthetimebutIcouldnothelpstaringatthisgallowswithavaguemisgivingAsortofcrickwasinmyneckasIgazeduptothetworemaininghornsyestwoofthemoneforQueequegandoneformeItsominousthinksIACoffinmyInnkeeperuponlandinginmyfirstwhalingporttombstonesstaringatmeinthewhalemenschapelandhereagallowsandapairofprodigiousblackpotstooAretheselastthrowingoutobliquehintstouchingTophetIwascalledfromthesereflectionsbythesightofafreckledwomanwithyellowhairandayellowgownstandingintheporchoftheinnunderadullredlampswingingtherethatlookedmuchlikeaninjuredeyeandcarryingonabriskscoldingwithamaninapurplewoollenshirtGetalongwithyesaidshetothemanorIllbecombingyeComeonQueequegsaidIallrightTheresMrsHusseyAndsoitturnedoutMrHoseaHusseybeingfromhomebutleavingMrsHusseyentirelycompetenttoattendtoallhisaffairsUponmakingknownourdesiresforasupperandabedMrsHusseypostponingfurtherscoldingforthepresentusheredusintoalittleroomandseatingusatatablespreadwiththerelicsofarecentlyconcludedrepastturnedroundtousandsaidClamorCodWhatsthataboutCodsmaamsaidIwithmuchpolitenessClamorCodsherepeatedAclamforsupperacoldclamisthatwhatyoumeanMrsHusseysaysIbutthatsarathercoldandclammyreceptioninthewintertimeaintitMrsHusseyButbeinginagreathurrytoresumescoldingthemaninthepurpleShirtwhowaswaitingforitintheentryandseemingtohearnothingbutthewordclamMrsHusseyhurriedtowardsanopendoorleadingtothekitchenandbawlingoutclamfortwodisappearedQueequegsaidIdoyouthinkthatwecanmakeoutasupperforusbothononeclamHoweverawarmsavorysteamfromthekitchenservedtobelietheapparentlycheerlessprospectbeforeusButwhenthatsmokingchowdercameinthemysterywasdelightfullyexplainedOhsweetfriendshearkentomeItwasmadeofsmalljuicyclamsscarcelybiggerthanhazelnutsmixedwithpoundedshipbiscuitandsaltedporkcutupintolittleflakesthewholeenrichedwithbutterandplentifullyseasonedwithpepperandsaltOurappetitesbeingsharpenedbythefrostyvoyageandinparticularQueequegseeinghisfavouritefishingfoodbeforehimandthechowderbeingsurpassinglyexcellentwedespatcheditwithgreatexpeditionwhenleaningbackamomentandbethinkingmeofMrsHusseysclamandcodannouncementIthoughtIwouldtryalittleexperimentSteppingtothekitchendoorIutteredthewordcodwithgreatemphasisandresumedmyseatInafewmomentsthesavourysteamcameforthagainbutwithadifferentflavorandingoodtimeafinecodchowderwasplacedbeforeusWeresumedbusinessandwhileplyingourspoonsinthebowlthinksItomyselfIwondernowifthisherehasanyeffectontheheadWhatsthatstultifyingsayingaboutchowderheadedpeopleButlookQueequegaintthataliveeelinyourbowlWheresyourharpoonFishiestofallfishyplaceswastheTryPotswhichwelldeserveditsnameforthepotstherewerealwaysboilingchowdersChowderforbreakfastandchowderfordinnerandchowderforsuppertillyoubegantolookforfishbonescomingthroughyourclothesTheareabeforethehousewaspavedwithclamshellsMrsHusseyworeapolishednecklaceofcodfishvertebraandHoseaHusseyhadhisaccountbooksboundinsuperioroldsharkskinTherewasafishyflavortothemilktoowhichIcouldnotatallaccountfortillonemorninghappeningtotakeastrollalongthebeachamongsomefishermensboatsIsawHoseasbrindledcowfeedingonfishremnantsandmarchingalongthesandwitheachfootinacodsdecapitatedheadlookingveryslipshodIassureyeSupperconcludedwereceivedalampanddirectionsfromMrsHusseyconcerningthenearestwaytobedbutasQueequegwasabouttoprecedemeupthestairstheladyreachedforthherarmanddemandedhisharpoonsheallowednoharpooninherchambersWhynotsaidIeverytruewhalemansleepswithhisharpoonbutwhynotBecauseitsdangeroussayssheEversinceyoungStiggscomingfromthatunfortntvygeofhiswhenhewasgonefouryearsandahalfwithonlythreebarrelsofilewasfounddeadinmyfirstfloorbackwithhisharpooninhissideeversincethenIallownoboarderstotakesichdangerousweeponsintheirroomsatnightSoMrQueequegforshehadlearnedhisnameIwilljusttakethishereironandkeepitforyoutillmorningButthechowderclamorcodtomorrowforbreakfastmenBothsaysIandletshaveacoupleofsmokedherringbywayofvarietyCHAPTER16TheShipInbedweconcoctedourplansforthemorrowButtomysurpriseandnosmallconcernQueequegnowgavemetounderstandthathehadbeendiligentlyconsultingYojothenameofhisblacklittlegodandYojohadtoldhimtwoorthreetimesoverandstronglyinsisteduponiteverywaythatinsteadofourgoingtogetheramongthewhalingfleetinharborandinconcertselectingourcraftinsteadofthisIsayYojoearnestlyenjoinedthattheselectionoftheshipshouldrestwhollywithmeinasmuchasYojopurposedbefriendingusandinordertodosohadalreadypitcheduponavesselwhichiflefttomyselfIIshmaelshouldinfalliblylightuponforalltheworldasthoughithadturnedoutbychanceandinthatvesselImustimmediatelyshipmyselfforthepresentirrespectiveofQueequegIhaveforgottentomentionthatinmanythingsQueequegplacedgreatconfidenceintheexcellenceofYojosjudgmentandsurprisingforecastofthingsandcherishedYojowithconsiderableesteemasarathergoodsortofgodwhoperhapsmeantwellenoughuponthewholebutinallcasesdidnotsucceedinhisbenevolentdesignsNowthisplanofQueequegsorratherYojostouchingtheselectionofourcraftIdidnotlikethatplanatallIhadnotalittlerelieduponQueequegssagacitytopointoutthewhalerbestfittedtocarryusandourfortunessecurelyButasallmyremonstrancesproducednoeffectuponQueequegIwasobligedtoacquiesceandaccordinglypreparedtosetaboutthisbusinesswithadeterminedrushingsortofenergyandvigorthatshouldquicklysettlethattriflinglittleaffairNextmorningearlyleavingQueequegshutupwithYojoinourlittlebedroomforitseemedthatitwassomesortofLentorRamadanordayoffastinghumiliationandprayerwithQueequegandYojothatdayhowitwasInevercouldfindoutforthoughIappliedmyselftoitseveraltimesInevercouldmasterhisliturgiesandXXXIXArticlesleavingQueequegthenfastingonhistomahawkpipeandYojowarminghimselfathissacrificialfireofshavingsIsalliedoutamongtheshippingAftermuchprolongedsaunteringandmanyrandominquiriesIlearntthattherewerethreeshipsupforthreeyearsvoyagesTheDevildamtheTitbitandthePequodDevilDamIdonotknowtheoriginofTitbitisobviousPequodyouwillnodoubtrememberwasthenameofacelebratedtribeofMassachusettsIndiansnowextinctastheancientMedesIpeeredandpryedabouttheDevildamfromherhoppedovertotheTitbitandfinallygoingonboardthePequodlookedaroundherforamomentandthendecidedthatthiswastheveryshipforusYoumayhaveseenmanyaquaintcraftinyourdayforaughtIknowsquaretoedluggersmountainousJapanesejunksbutterboxgalliotsandwhatnotbuttakemywordforityouneversawsucharareoldcraftasthissamerareoldPequodShewasashipoftheoldschoolrathersmallifanythingwithanoldfashionedclawfootedlookaboutherLongseasonedandweatherstainedinthetyphoonsandcalmsofallfouroceansheroldhullscomplexionwasdarkenedlikeaFrenchgrenadierswhohasalikefoughtinEgyptandSiberiaHervenerablebowslookedbeardedHermastscutsomewhereonthecoastofJapanwhereheroriginaloneswerelostoverboardinagalehermastsstoodstifflyuplikethespinesofthethreeoldkingsofCologneHerancientdeckswerewornandwrinkledlikethepilgrimworshippedflagstoneinCanterburyCathedralwhereBecketbledButtoalltheseheroldantiquitieswereaddednewandmarvellousfeaturespertainingtothewildbusinessthatformorethanhalfacenturyshehadfollowedOldCaptainPelegmanyyearsherchiefmatebeforehecommandedanothervesselofhisownandnowaretiredseamanandoneoftheprincipalownersofthePequodthisoldPelegduringthetermofhischiefmateshiphadbuiltuponheroriginalgrotesquenessandinlaiditalloverwithaquaintnessbothofmaterialanddeviceunmatchedbyanythingexceptitbeThorkillHakescarvedbucklerorbedsteadShewasapparelledlikeanybarbaricEthiopianemperorhisneckheavywithpendantsofpolishedivoryShewasathingoftrophiesAcannibalofacrafttrickingherselfforthinthechasedbonesofherenemiesAllroundherunpanelledopenbulwarksweregarnishedlikeonecontinuousjawwiththelongsharpteethofthespermwhaleinsertedthereforpinstofastenheroldhempenthewsandtendonstoThosethewsrannotthroughbaseblocksoflandwoodbutdeftlytravelledoversheavesofseaivoryScorningaturnstilewheelatherreverendhelmshesportedthereatillerandthattillerwasinonemasscuriouslycarvedfromthelongnarrowlowerjawofherhereditaryfoeThehelmsmanwhosteeredbythattillerinatempestfeltliketheTartarwhenheholdsbackhisfierysteedbyclutchingitsjawAnoblecraftbutsomehowamostmelancholyAllnoblethingsaretouchedwiththatNowwhenIlookedaboutthequarterdeckforsomeonehavingauthorityinordertoproposemyselfasacandidateforthevoyageatfirstIsawnobodybutIcouldnotwelloverlookastrangesortoftentorratherwigwampitchedalittlebehindthemainmastItseemedonlyatemporaryerectionusedinportItwasofaconicalshapesometenfeethighconsistingofthelonghugeslabsoflimberblackbonetakenfromthemiddleandhighestpartofthejawsoftherightwhalePlantedwiththeirbroadendsonthedeckacircleoftheseslabslacedtogethermutuallyslopedtowardseachotherandattheapexunitedinatuftedpointwheretheloosehairyfibreswavedtoandfrolikethetopknotonsomeoldPottowottamieSachemsheadAtriangularopeningfacedtowardsthebowsoftheshipsothattheinsidercommandedacompleteviewforwardAndhalfconcealedinthisqueertenementIatlengthfoundonewhobyhisaspectseemedtohaveauthorityandwhoitbeingnoonandtheshipsworksuspendedwasnowenjoyingrespitefromtheburdenofcommandHewasseatedonanoldfashionedoakenchairwrigglingalloverwithcuriouscarvingandthebottomofwhichwasformedofastoutinterlacingofthesameelasticstuffofwhichthewigwamwasconstructedTherewasnothingsoveryparticularperhapsabouttheappearanceoftheelderlymanIsawhewasbrownandbrawnylikemostoldseamenandheavilyrolledupinbluepilotclothcutintheQuakerstyleonlytherewasafineandalmostmicroscopicnetworkoftheminutestwrinklesinterlacingroundhiseyeswhichmusthavearisenfromhiscontinualsailingsinmanyhardgalesandalwayslookingtowindwardforthiscausesthemusclesabouttheeyestobecomepursedtogetherSucheyewrinklesareveryeffectualinascowlIsthistheCaptainofthePequodsaidIadvancingtothedoorofthetentSupposingitbethecaptainofthePequodwhatdostthouwantofhimhedemandedIwasthinkingofshippingThouwastwastthouIseethouartnoNantucketereverbeeninastoveboatNoSirIneverhaveDostknownothingatallaboutwhalingIdaresayehNothingSirbutIhavenodoubtIshallsoonlearnIvebeenseveralvoyagesinthemerchantserviceandIthinkthatMerchantservicebedamnedTalknotthatlingotomeDostseethatlegIlltakethatlegawayfromthysternifeverthoutalkestofthemarchantservicetomeagainMarchantserviceindeedIsupposenowyefeelconsiderableproudofhavingservedinthosemarchantshipsButflukesmanwhatmakestheewanttogoawhalingehitlooksalittlesuspiciousdontitehHastnotbeenapiratehastthouDidstnotrobthylastCaptaindidstthouDostnotthinkofmurderingtheofficerswhenthougettesttoseaIprotestedmyinnocenceofthesethingsIsawthatunderthemaskofthesehalfhumorousinnuendoesthisoldseamanasaninsulatedQuakerishNantucketerwasfullofhisinsularprejudicesandratherdistrustfulofallaliensunlesstheyhailedfromCapeCodortheVineyardButwhattakestheeawhalingIwanttoknowthatbeforeIthinkofshippingyeWellsirIwanttoseewhatwhalingisIwanttoseetheworldWanttoseewhatwhalingisehHaveyeclappedeyeonCaptainAhabWhoisCaptainAhabsirAyeayeIthoughtsoCaptainAhabistheCaptainofthisshipIammistakenthenIthoughtIwasspeakingtotheCaptainhimselfThouartspeakingtoCaptainPelegthatswhoyearespeakingtoyoungmanItbelongstomeandCaptainBildadtoseethePequodfittedoutforthevoyageandsuppliedwithallherneedsincludingcrewWearepartownersandagentsButasIwasgoingtosayifthouwantesttoknowwhatwhalingisasthoutellestyedoIcanputyeinawayoffindingitoutbeforeyebindyourselftoitpastbackingoutClapeyeonCaptainAhabyoungmanandthouwiltfindthathehasonlyonelegWhatdoyoumeansirWastheotheronelostbyawhaleLostbyawhaleYoungmancomenearertomeitwasdevouredchewedupcrunchedbythemonstrousestparmacettythateverchippedaboatahahIwasalittlealarmedbyhisenergyperhapsalsoalittletouchedattheheartygriefinhisconcludingexclamationbutsaidascalmlyasIcouldWhatyousayisnodoubttrueenoughsirbuthowcouldIknowtherewasanypeculiarferocityinthatparticularwhalethoughindeedImighthaveinferredasmuchfromthesimplefactoftheaccidentLookyenowyoungmanthylungsareasortofsoftdyeseethoudostnottalksharkabitSureyevebeentoseabeforenowsureofthatSirsaidIIthoughtItoldyouthatIhadbeenfourvoyagesinthemerchantHarddownoutofthatMindwhatIsaidaboutthemarchantservicedontaggravatemeIwonthaveitButletusunderstandeachotherIhavegiventheeahintaboutwhatwhalingisdoyeyetfeelinclinedforitIdosirVerygoodNowartthouthemantopitchaharpoondownalivewhalesthroatandthenjumpafteritAnswerquickIamsirifitshouldbepositivelyindispensabletodosonottobegotridofthatiswhichIdonttaketobethefactGoodagainNowthenthounotonlywantesttogoawhalingtofindoutbyexperiencewhatwhalingisbutyealsowanttogoinordertoseetheworldWasnotthatwhatyesaidIthoughtsoWellthenjuststepforwardthereandtakeapeepovertheweatherbowandthenbacktomeandtellmewhatyeseethereForamomentIstoodalittlepuzzledbythiscuriousrequestnotknowingexactlyhowtotakeitwhetherhumorouslyorinearnestButconcentratingallhiscrowsfeetintoonescowlCaptainPelegstartedmeontheerrandGoingforwardandglancingovertheweatherbowIperceivedthattheshipswingingtoheranchorwiththefloodtidewasnowobliquelypointingtowardstheopenoceanTheprospectwasunlimitedbutexceedinglymonotonousandforbiddingnottheslightestvarietythatIcouldseeWellwhatsthereportsaidPelegwhenIcamebackwhatdidyeseeNotmuchIrepliednothingbutwaterconsiderablehorizonthoughandtheresasquallcomingupIthinkWellwhatdoesthouthinkthenofseeingtheworldDoyewishtogoroundCapeHorntoseeanymoreofitehCantyeseetheworldwhereyoustandIwasalittlestaggeredbutgoawhalingImustandIwouldandthePequodwasasgoodashipasanyIthoughtthebestandallthisInowrepeatedtoPelegSeeingmesodeterminedheexpressedhiswillingnesstoshipmeAndthoumayestaswellsignthepapersrightoffheaddedcomealongwithyeAndsosayingheledthewaybelowdeckintothecabinSeatedonthetransomwaswhatseemedtomeamostuncommonandsurprisingfigureItturnedouttobeCaptainBildadwhoalongwithCaptainPelegwasoneofthelargestownersofthevesseltheothersharesasissometimesthecaseintheseportsbeingheldbyacrowdofoldannuitantswidowsfatherlesschildrenandchancerywardseachowningaboutthevalueofatimberheadorafootofplankoranailortwointheshipPeopleinNantucketinvesttheirmoneyinwhalingvesselsthesamewaythatyoudoyoursinapprovedstatestocksbringingingoodinterestNowBildadlikePelegandindeedmanyotherNantucketerswasaQuakertheislandhavingbeenoriginallysettledbythatsectandtothisdayitsinhabitantsingeneralretaininanuncommonmeasurethepeculiaritiesoftheQuakeronlyvariouslyandanomalouslymodifiedbythingsaltogetheralienandheterogeneousForsomeofthesesameQuakersarethemostsanguinaryofallsailorsandwhalehuntersTheyarefightingQuakerstheyareQuakerswithavengeanceSothatthereareinstancesamongthemofmenwhonamedwithScripturenamesasingularlycommonfashionontheislandandinchildhoodnaturallyimbibingthestatelydramatictheeandthouoftheQuakeridiomstillfromtheaudaciousdaringandboundlessadventureoftheirsubsequentlivesstrangelyblendwiththeseunoutgrownpeculiaritiesathousandbolddashesofcharacternotunworthyaScandinavianseakingorapoeticalPaganRomanAndwhenthesethingsuniteinamanofgreatlysuperiornaturalforcewithaglobularbrainandaponderousheartwhohasalsobythestillnessandseclusionofmanylongnightwatchesintheremotestwatersandbeneathconstellationsneverseenhereatthenorthbeenledtothinkuntraditionallyandindependentlyreceivingallnaturessweetorsavageimpressionsfreshfromherownvirginvoluntaryandconfidingbreastandtherebychieflybutwithsomehelpfromaccidentaladvantagestolearnaboldandnervousloftylanguagethatmanmakesoneinawholenationscensusamightypageantcreatureformedfornobletragediesNorwillitatalldetractfromhimdramaticallyregardedifeitherbybirthorothercircumstanceshehavewhatseemsahalfwilfuloverrulingmorbidnessatthebottomofhisnatureForallmentragicallygreataremadesothroughacertainmorbidnessBesureofthisOyoungambitionallmortalgreatnessisbutdiseaseButasyetwehavenottodowithsuchanonebutwithquiteanotherandstillamanwhoifindeedpeculiaritonlyresultsagainfromanotherphaseoftheQuakermodifiedbyindividualcircumstancesLikeCaptainPelegCaptainBildadwasawelltodoretiredwhalemanButunlikeCaptainPelegwhocarednotarushforwhatarecalledseriousthingsandindeeddeemedthoseselfsameseriousthingstheveriestofalltriflesCaptainBildadhadnotonlybeenoriginallyeducatedaccordingtothestrictestsectofNantucketQuakerismbutallhissubsequentoceanlifeandthesightofmanyuncladlovelyislandcreaturesroundtheHornallthathadnotmovedthisnativebornQuakeronesinglejothadnotsomuchasalteredoneangleofhisvestStillforallthisimmutablenesswastheresomelackofcommonconsistencyaboutworthyCaptainBildadThoughrefusingfromconscientiousscruplestobeararmsagainstlandinvadersyethimselfhadillimitablyinvadedtheAtlanticandPacificandthoughaswornfoetohumanbloodshedyethadheinhisstraightbodiedcoatspilledtunsupontunsofleviathangoreHownowinthecontemplativeeveningofhisdaysthepiousBildadreconciledthesethingsinthereminiscenceIdonotknowbutitdidnotseemtoconcernhimmuchandveryprobablyhehadlongsincecometothesageandsensibleconclusionthatamansreligionisonethingandthispracticalworldquiteanotherThisworldpaysdividendsRisingfromalittlecabinboyinshortclothesofthedrabbestdrabtoaharpooneerinabroadshadbelliedwaistcoatfromthatbecomingboatheaderchiefmateandcaptainandfinallyashipownerBildadasIhintedbeforehadconcludedhisadventurouscareerbywhollyretiringfromactivelifeatthegoodlyageofsixtyanddedicatinghisremainingdaystothequietreceivingofhiswellearnedincomeNowBildadIamsorrytosayhadthereputationofbeinganincorrigibleoldhunksandinhisseagoingdaysabitterhardtaskmasterTheytoldmeinNantucketthoughitcertainlyseemsacuriousstorythatwhenhesailedtheoldCategutwhalemanhiscrewuponarrivinghomeweremostlyallcarriedashoretothehospitalsoreexhaustedandwornoutForapiousmanespeciallyforaQuakerhewascertainlyratherhardheartedtosaytheleastHeneverusedtoswearthoughathismentheysaidbutsomehowhegotaninordinatequantityofcruelunmitigatedhardworkoutofthemWhenBildadwasachiefmatetohavehisdrabcolouredeyeintentlylookingatyoumadeyoufeelcompletelynervoustillyoucouldclutchsomethingahammeroramarlingspikeandgotoworklikemadatsomethingorothernevermindwhatIndolenceandidlenessperishedbeforehimHisownpersonwastheexactembodimentofhisutilitariancharacterOnhislonggauntbodyhecarriednosparefleshnosuperfluousbeardhischinhavingasofteconomicalnaptoitlikethewornnapofhisbroadbrimmedhatSuchthenwasthepersonthatIsawseatedonthetransomwhenIfollowedCaptainPelegdownintothecabinThespacebetweenthedeckswassmallandthereboltuprightsatoldBildadwhoalwayssatsoandneverleanedandthistosavehiscoattailsHisbroadbrimwasplacedbesidehimhislegswerestifflycrossedhisdrabvesturewasbuttoneduptohischinandspectaclesonnoseheseemedabsorbedinreadingfromaponderousvolumeBildadcriedCaptainPelegatitagainBildadehYehavebeenstudyingthoseScripturesnowforthelastthirtyyearstomycertainknowledgeHowfaryegotBildadAsiflonghabituatedtosuchprofanetalkfromhisoldshipmateBildadwithoutnoticinghispresentirreverencequietlylookedupandseeingmeglancedagaininquiringlytowardsPelegHesayshesourmanBildadsaidPeleghewantstoshipDosttheesaidBildadinahollowtoneandturningroundtomeIdostsaidIunconsciouslyhewassointenseaQuakerWhatdoyethinkofhimBildadsaidPelegHelldosaidBildadeyeingmeandthenwentonspellingawayathisbookinamumblingtonequiteaudibleIthoughthimthequeerestoldQuakerIeversawespeciallyasPeleghisfriendandoldshipmateseemedsuchablustererButIsaidnothingonlylookingroundmesharplyPelegnowthrewopenachestanddrawingforththeshipsarticlesplacedpenandinkbeforehimandseatedhimselfatalittletableIbegantothinkitwashightimetosettlewithmyselfatwhattermsIwouldbewillingtoengageforthevoyageIwasalreadyawarethatinthewhalingbusinesstheypaidnowagesbutallhandsincludingthecaptainreceivedcertainsharesoftheprofitscalledlaysandthattheselayswereproportionedtothedegreeofimportancepertainingtotherespectivedutiesoftheshipscompanyIwasalsoawarethatbeingagreenhandatwhalingmyownlaywouldnotbeverylargebutconsideringthatIwasusedtotheseacouldsteerashipsplicearopeandallthatImadenodoubtthatfromallIhadheardIshouldbeofferedatleastthe275thlaythatisthe275thpartoftheclearnetproceedsofthevoyagewhateverthatmighteventuallyamounttoAndthoughthe275thlaywaswhattheycallaratherlonglayyetitwasbetterthannothingandifwehadaluckyvoyagemightprettynearlypayfortheclothingIwouldwearoutonitnottospeakofmythreeyearsbeefandboardforwhichIwouldnothavetopayonestiverItmightbethoughtthatthiswasapoorwaytoaccumulateaprincelyfortuneandsoitwasaverypoorwayindeedButIamoneofthosethatnevertakeonaboutprincelyfortunesandamquitecontentiftheworldisreadytoboardandlodgemewhileIamputtingupatthisgrimsignoftheThunderCloudUponthewholeIthoughtthatthe275thlaywouldbeaboutthefairthingbutwouldnothavebeensurprisedhadIbeenofferedthe200thconsideringIwasofabroadshoulderedmakeButonethingneverthelessthatmademealittledistrustfulaboutreceivingagenerousshareoftheprofitswasthisAshoreIhadheardsomethingofbothCaptainPelegandhisunaccountableoldcronyBildadhowthattheybeingtheprincipalproprietorsofthePequodthereforetheotherandmoreinconsiderableandscatteredownersleftnearlythewholemanagementoftheshipsaffairstothesetwoAndIdidnotknowbutwhatthestingyoldBildadmighthaveamightydealtosayaboutshippinghandsespeciallyasInowfoundhimonboardthePequodquiteathomethereinthecabinandreadinghisBibleasifathisownfiresideNowwhilePelegwasvainlytryingtomendapenwithhisjackknifeoldBildadtomynosmallsurpriseconsideringthathewassuchaninterestedpartyintheseproceedingsBildadneverheededusbutwentonmumblingtohimselfoutofhisbookLaynotupforyourselvestreasuresuponearthwheremothWellCaptainBildadinterruptedPelegwhatdyesaywhatlayshallwegivethisyoungmanThouknowestbestwasthesepulchralreplythesevenhundredandseventyseventhwouldntbetoomuchwoulditwheremothandrustdocorruptbutlayLayindeedthoughtIandsuchalaythesevenhundredandseventyseventhWelloldBildadyouaredeterminedthatIforoneshallnotlayupmanylaysherebelowwheremothandrustdocorruptItwasanexceedinglylonglaythatindeedandthoughfromthemagnitudeofthefigureitmightatfirstdeceivealandsmanyettheslightestconsiderationwillshowthatthoughsevenhundredandseventysevenisaprettylargenumberyetwhenyoucometomakeateenthofityouwillthenseeIsaythatthesevenhundredandseventyseventhpartofafarthingisagooddeallessthansevenhundredandseventysevengolddoubloonsandsoIthoughtatthetimeWhyblastyoureyesBildadcriedPelegthoudostnotwanttoswindlethisyoungmanhemusthavemorethanthatSevenhundredandseventyseventhagainsaidBildadwithoutliftinghiseyesandthenwentonmumblingforwhereyourtreasureistherewillyourheartbealsoIamgoingtoputhimdownforthethreehundredthsaidPelegdoyehearthatBildadThethreehundredthlayIsayBildadlaiddownhisbookandturningsolemnlytowardshimsaidCaptainPelegthouhastagenerousheartbutthoumustconsiderthedutythouowesttotheotherownersofthisshipwidowsandorphansmanyofthemandthatifwetooabundantlyrewardthelaborsofthisyoungmanwemaybetakingthebreadfromthosewidowsandthoseorphansThesevenhundredandseventyseventhlayCaptainPelegThouBildadroaredPelegstartingupandclatteringaboutthecabinBlastyeCaptainBildadifIhadfollowedthyadviceinthesemattersIwouldaforenowhadaconsciencetolugaboutthatwouldbeheavyenoughtofounderthelargestshipthateversailedroundCapeHornCaptainPelegsaidBildadsteadilythyconsciencemaybedrawingteninchesofwaterortenfathomsIcanttellbutasthouartstillanimpenitentmanCaptainPelegIgreatlyfearlestthyconsciencebebutaleakyoneandwillintheendsinktheefounderingdowntothefierypitCaptainPelegFierypitfierypityeinsultmemanpastallnaturalbearingyeinsultmeItsanallfiredoutragetotellanyhumancreaturethathesboundtohellFlukesandflamesBildadsaythatagaintomeandstartmysoulboltsbutIllIllyesIllswallowalivegoatwithallhishairandhornsonOutofthecabinyecantingdrabcolouredsonofawoodengunastraightwakewithyeAshethunderedoutthishemadearushatBildadbutwithamarvellousobliqueslidingcelerityBildadforthattimeeludedhimAlarmedatthisterribleoutburstbetweenthetwoprincipalandresponsibleownersoftheshipandfeelinghalfamindtogiveupallideaofsailinginavesselsoquestionablyownedandtemporarilycommandedIsteppedasidefromthedoortogiveegresstoBildadwhoImadenodoubtwasalleagernesstovanishfrombeforetheawakenedwrathofPelegButtomyastonishmenthesatdownagainonthetransomveryquietlyandseemedtohavenottheslightestintentionofwithdrawingHeseemedquiteusedtoimpenitentPelegandhiswaysAsforPelegafterlettingoffhisrageashehadthereseemednomoreleftinhimandhetoosatdownlikealambthoughhetwitchedalittleasifstillnervouslyagitatedWhewhewhistledatlastthesquallsgoneofftoleewardIthinkBildadthouusedtobegoodatsharpeningalancemendthatpenwillyeMyjackknifehereneedsthegrindstoneThatshethankyeBildadNowthenmyyoungmanIshmaelsthynamedidntyesayWellthendownyegohereIshmaelforthethreehundredthlayCaptainPelegsaidIIhaveafriendwithmewhowantstoshiptooshallIbringhimdowntomorrowTobesuresaidPelegFetchhimalongandwelllookathimWhatlaydoeshewantgroanedBildadglancingupfromthebookinwhichhehadagainbeenburyinghimselfOhnevertheemindaboutthatBildadsaidPelegHasheeverwhaleditanyturningtomeKilledmorewhalesthanIcancountCaptainPelegWellbringhimalongthenAndaftersigningthepapersoffIwentnothingdoubtingbutthatIhaddoneagoodmorningsworkandthatthePequodwastheidenticalshipthatYojohadprovidedtocarryQueequegandmeroundtheCapeButIhadnotproceededfarwhenIbegantobethinkmethattheCaptainwithwhomIwastosailyetremainedunseenbymethoughindeedinmanycasesawhaleshipwillbecompletelyfittedoutandreceiveallhercrewonboarderethecaptainmakeshimselfvisiblebyarrivingtotakecommandforsometimesthesevoyagesaresoprolongedandtheshoreintervalsathomesoexceedinglybriefthatifthecaptainhaveafamilyoranyabsorbingconcernmentofthatsorthedoesnottroublehimselfmuchabouthisshipinportbutleaveshertotheownerstillallisreadyforseaHoweveritisalwaysaswelltohavealookathimbeforeirrevocablycommittingyourselfintohishandsTurningbackIaccostedCaptainPeleginquiringwhereCaptainAhabwastobefoundAndwhatdostthouwantofCaptainAhabItsallrightenoughthouartshippedYesbutIshouldliketoseehimButIdontthinkthouwiltbeabletoatpresentIdontknowexactlywhatsthematterwithhimbuthekeepscloseinsidethehouseasortofsickandyethedontlooksoInfactheaintsickbutnoheisntwelleitherAnyhowyoungmanhewontalwaysseemesoIdontsupposehewilltheeHesaqueermanCaptainAhabsosomethinkbutagoodoneOhthoultlikehimwellenoughnofearnofearHesagrandungodlygodlikemanCaptainAhabdoesntspeakmuchbutwhenhedoesspeakthenyoumaywelllistenMarkyebeforewarnedAhabsabovethecommonAhabsbeenincollegesaswellasmongthecannibalsbeenusedtodeeperwondersthanthewavesfixedhisfierylanceinmightierstrangerfoesthanwhalesHislanceayethekeenestandthesurestthatoutofallourisleOhheaintCaptainBildadnoandheaintCaptainPeleghesAhabboyandAhabofoldthouknowestwasacrownedkingAndaveryvileoneWhenthatwickedkingwasslainthedogsdidtheynotlickhisbloodComehithertomehitherhithersaidPelegwithasignificanceinhiseyethatalmoststartledmeLookyeladneversaythatonboardthePequodNeversayitanywhereCaptainAhabdidnotnamehimselfTwasafoolishignorantwhimofhiscrazywidowedmotherwhodiedwhenhewasonlyatwelvemontholdAndyettheoldsquawTistigatGayheadsaidthatthenamewouldsomehowprovepropheticAndperhapsotherfoolslikehermaytelltheethesameIwishtowarntheeItsalieIknowCaptainAhabwellIvesailedwithhimasmateyearsagoIknowwhatheisagoodmannotapiousgoodmanlikeBildadbutaswearinggoodmansomethinglikemeonlytheresagooddealmoreofhimAyeayeIknowthathewasneververyjollyandIknowthatonthepassagehomehewasalittleoutofhismindforaspellbutitwasthesharpshootingpainsinhisbleedingstumpthatbroughtthataboutasanyonemightseeIknowtoothateversincehelosthisleglastvoyagebythataccursedwhalehesbeenakindofmoodydesperatemoodyandsavagesometimesbutthatwillallpassoffAndonceforallletmetelltheeandassuretheeyoungmanitsbettertosailwithamoodygoodcaptainthanalaughingbadoneSogoodbyetotheeandwrongnotCaptainAhabbecausehehappenstohaveawickednameBesidesmyboyhehasawifenotthreevoyagesweddedasweetresignedgirlThinkofthatbythatsweetgirlthatoldmanhasachildholdyethentherecanbeanyutterhopelessharminAhabNonomyladstrickenblastedifhebeAhabhashishumanitiesAsIwalkedawayIwasfullofthoughtfulnesswhathadbeenincidentallyrevealedtomeofCaptainAhabfilledmewithacertainwildvaguenessofpainfulnessconcerninghimAndsomehowatthetimeIfeltasympathyandasorrowforhimbutforIdontknowwhatunlessitwasthecruellossofhislegAndyetIalsofeltastrangeaweofhimbutthatsortofawewhichIcannotatalldescribewasnotexactlyaweIdonotknowwhatitwasButIfeltitanditdidnotdisinclinemetowardshimthoughIfeltimpatienceatwhatseemedlikemysteryinhimsoimperfectlyashewasknowntomethenHowevermythoughtswereatlengthcarriedinotherdirectionssothatforthepresentdarkAhabslippedmymindCHAPTER17TheRamadanAsQueequegsRamadanorFastingandHumiliationwastocontinuealldayIdidnotchoosetodisturbhimtilltowardsnightfallforIcherishthegreatestrespecttowardseverybodysreligiousobligationsnevermindhowcomicalandcouldnotfinditinmyhearttoundervalueevenacongregationofantsworshippingatoadstoolorthoseothercreaturesincertainpartsofourearthwhowithadegreeoffootmanismquiteunprecedentedinotherplanetsbowdownbeforethetorsoofadeceasedlandedproprietormerelyonaccountoftheinordinatepossessionsyetownedandrentedinhisnameIsaywegoodPresbyterianChristiansshouldbecharitableinthesethingsandnotfancyourselvessovastlysuperiortoothermortalspagansandwhatnotbecauseoftheirhalfcrazyconceitsonthesesubjectsTherewasQueequegnowcertainlyentertainingthemostabsurdnotionsaboutYojoandhisRamadanbutwhatofthatQueequegthoughtheknewwhathewasaboutIsupposeheseemedtobecontentandtherelethimrestAllourarguingwithhimwouldnotavaillethimbeIsayandHeavenhavemercyonusallPresbyteriansandPagansalikeforweareallsomehowdreadfullycrackedabouttheheadandsadlyneedmendingTowardseveningwhenIfeltassuredthatallhisperformancesandritualsmustbeoverIwentuptohisroomandknockedatthedoorbutnoanswerItriedtoopenitbutitwasfastenedinsideQueequegsaidIsoftlythroughthekeyholeallsilentIsayQueequegwhydontyouspeakItsIIshmaelButallremainedstillasbeforeIbegantogrowalarmedIhadallowedhimsuchabundanttimeIthoughthemighthavehadanapoplecticfitIlookedthroughthekeyholebutthedooropeningintoanoddcorneroftheroomthekeyholeprospectwasbutacrookedandsinisteroneIcouldonlyseepartofthefootboardofthebedandalineofthewallbutnothingmoreIwassurprisedtobeholdrestingagainstthewallthewoodenshaftofQueequegsharpoonwhichthelandladytheeveningprevioushadtakenfromhimbeforeourmountingtothechamberThatsstrangethoughtIbutatanyratesincetheharpoonstandsyonderandheseldomornevergoesabroadwithoutitthereforehemustbeinsidehereandnopossiblemistakeQueequegQueequegallstillSomethingmusthavehappenedApoplexyItriedtoburstopenthedoorbutitstubbornlyresistedRunningdownstairsIquicklystatedmysuspicionstothefirstpersonImetthechambermaidLalashecriedIthoughtsomethingmustbethematterIwenttomakethebedafterbreakfastandthedoorwaslockedandnotamousetobeheardanditsbeenjustsosilenteversinceButIthoughtmaybeyouhadbothgoneoffandlockedyourbaggageinforsafekeepingLalamaamMistressmurderMrsHusseyapoplexyandwiththesecriessherantowardsthekitchenIfollowingMrsHusseysoonappearedwithamustardpotinonehandandavinegarcruetintheotherhavingjustbrokenawayfromtheoccupationofattendingtothecastorsandscoldingherlittleblackboymeantimeWoodhousecriedIwhichwaytoitRunforGodssakeandfetchsomethingtopryopenthedoortheaxetheaxeheshadastrokedependuponitandsosayingIwasunmethodicallyrushingupstairsagainemptyhandedwhenMrsHusseyinterposedthemustardpotandvinegarcruetandtheentirecastorofhercountenanceWhatsthematterwithyouyoungmanGettheaxeForGodssakerunforthedoctorsomeonewhileIpryitopenLookheresaidthelandladyquicklyputtingdownthevinegarcruetsoastohaveonehandfreelookhereareyoutalkingaboutpryingopenanyofmydoorsandwiththatsheseizedmyarmWhatsthematterwithyouWhatsthematterwithyoushipmateInascalmbutrapidamanneraspossibleIgavehertounderstandthewholecaseUnconsciouslyclappingthevinegarcruettoonesideofhernosesheruminatedforaninstantthenexclaimedNoIhaventseenitsinceIputitthereRunningtoalittleclosetunderthelandingofthestairssheglancedinandreturningtoldmethatQueequegsharpoonwasmissingHeskilledhimselfshecriedItsunfortnateStiggsdoneoveragaintheregoesanothercounterpaneGodpityhispoormotheritwillbetheruinofmyhouseHasthepoorladasisterWheresthatgirlthereBettygotoSnarlesthePainterandtellhimtopaintmeasignwithnosuicidespermittedhereandnosmokingintheparlormightaswellkillbothbirdsatonceKillTheLordbemercifultohisghostWhatsthatnoisethereYouyoungmanavastthereAndrunningupaftermeshecaughtmeasIwasagaintryingtoforceopenthedoorIdontallowitIwonthavemypremisesspoiledGoforthelocksmiththeresoneaboutamilefromhereButavastputtingherhandinhersidepocketheresakeythatllfitIguessletsseeAndwiththatsheturneditinthelockbutalasQueequegssupplementalboltremainedunwithdrawnwithinHavetoburstitopensaidIandwasrunningdowntheentryalittleforagoodstartwhenthelandladycaughtatmeagainvowingIshouldnotbreakdownherpremisesbutItorefromherandwithasuddenbodilyrushdashedmyselffullagainstthemarkWithaprodigiousnoisethedoorflewopenandtheknobslammingagainstthewallsenttheplastertotheceilingandtheregoodheavenstheresatQueequegaltogethercoolandselfcollectedrightinthemiddleoftheroomsquattingonhishamsandholdingYojoontopofhisheadHelookedneitheronewaynortheotherwaybutsatlikeacarvedimagewithscarceasignofactivelifeQueequegsaidIgoinguptohimQueequegwhatsthematterwithyouHehaintbeenasittinsoalldayhashesaidthelandladyButallwesaidnotawordcouldwedragoutofhimIalmostfeltlikepushinghimoversoastochangehispositionforitwasalmostintolerableitseemedsopainfullyandunnaturallyconstrainedespeciallyasinallprobabilityhehadbeensittingsoforupwardsofeightortenhoursgoingtoowithouthisregularmealsMrsHusseysaidIhesaliveatalleventssoleaveusifyoupleaseandIwillseetothisstrangeaffairmyselfClosingthedooruponthelandladyIendeavoredtoprevailuponQueequegtotakeachairbutinvainTherehesatandallhecoulddoforallmypoliteartsandblandishmentshewouldnotmoveapegnorsayasinglewordnorevenlookatmenornoticemypresenceintheslightestwayIwonderthoughtIifthiscanpossiblybeapartofhisRamadandotheyfastontheirhamsthatwayinhisnativeislandItmustbesoyesitspartofhiscreedIsupposewellthenlethimresthellgetupsoonerorlaternodoubtItcantlastforeverthankGodandhisRamadanonlycomesonceayearandIdontbelieveitsverypunctualthenIwentdowntosupperAftersittingalongtimelisteningtothelongstoriesofsomesailorswhohadjustcomefromaplumpuddingvoyageastheycalleditthatisashortwhalingvoyageinaschoonerorbrigconfinedtothenorthofthelineintheAtlanticOceanonlyafterlisteningtotheseplumpuddingerstillnearlyelevenoclockIwentupstairstogotobedfeelingquitesurebythistimeQueequegmustcertainlyhavebroughthisRamadantoaterminationButnotherehewasjustwhereIhadlefthimhehadnotstirredaninchIbegantogrowvexedwithhimitseemedsodownrightsenselessandinsanetobesittingtherealldayandhalfthenightonhishamsinacoldroomholdingapieceofwoodonhisheadForheavenssakeQueequeggetupandshakeyourselfgetupandhavesomesupperYoullstarveyoullkillyourselfQueequegButnotaworddidhereplyDespairingofhimthereforeIdeterminedtogotobedandtosleepandnodoubtbeforeagreatwhilehewouldfollowmeButprevioustoturninginItookmyheavybearskinjacketandthrewitoverhimasitpromisedtobeaverycoldnightandhehadnothingbuthisordinaryroundjacketonForsometimedoallIwouldIcouldnotgetintothefaintestdozeIhadblownoutthecandleandthemerethoughtofQueequegnotfourfeetoffsittingthereinthatuneasypositionstarkaloneinthecoldanddarkthismademereallywretchedThinkofitsleepingallnightinthesameroomwithawideawakepaganonhishamsinthisdrearyunaccountableRamadanButsomehowIdroppedoffatlastandknewnothingmoretillbreakofdaywhenlookingoverthebedsidetheresquattedQueequegasifhehadbeenscreweddowntothefloorButassoonasthefirstglimpseofsunenteredthewindowuphegotwithstiffandgratingjointsbutwithacheerfullooklimpedtowardsmewhereIlaypressedhisforeheadagainagainstmineandsaidhisRamadanwasoverNowasIbeforehintedIhavenoobjectiontoanypersonsreligionbeitwhatitmaysolongasthatpersondoesnotkillorinsultanyotherpersonbecausethatotherpersondontbelieveitalsoButwhenamansreligionbecomesreallyfranticwhenitisapositivetormenttohimandinfinemakesthisearthofoursanuncomfortableinntolodgeinthenIthinkithightimetotakethatindividualasideandarguethepointwithhimAndjustsoInowdidwithQueequegQueequegsaidIgetintobednowandlieandlistentomeIthenwentonbeginningwiththeriseandprogressoftheprimitivereligionsandcomingdowntothevariousreligionsofthepresenttimeduringwhichtimeIlaboredtoshowQueequegthatalltheseLentsRamadansandprolongedhamsquattingsincoldcheerlessroomswerestarknonsensebadforthehealthuselessforthesoulopposedinshorttotheobviouslawsofHygieneandcommonsenseItoldhimtoothathebeinginotherthingssuchanextremelysensibleandsagacioussavageitpainedmeverybadlypainedmetoseehimnowsodeplorablyfoolishaboutthisridiculousRamadanofhisBesidesarguedIfastingmakesthebodycaveinhencethespiritcavesinandallthoughtsbornofafastmustnecessarilybehalfstarvedThisisthereasonwhymostdyspepticreligionistscherishsuchmelancholynotionsabouttheirhereaftersInonewordQueequegsaidIratherdigressivelyhellisanideafirstbornonanundigestedappledumplingandsincethenperpetuatedthroughthehereditarydyspepsiasnurturedbyRamadansIthenaskedQueequegwhetherhehimselfwasevertroubledwithdyspepsiaexpressingtheideaveryplainlysothathecouldtakeitinHesaidnoonlyupononememorableoccasionItwasafteragreatfeastgivenbyhisfatherthekingonthegainingofagreatbattlewhereinfiftyoftheenemyhadbeenkilledbyabouttwooclockintheafternoonandallcookedandeatenthatveryeveningNomoreQueequegsaidIshudderingthatwilldoforIknewtheinferenceswithouthisfurtherhintingthemIhadseenasailorwhohadvisitedthatveryislandandhetoldmethatitwasthecustomwhenagreatbattlehadbeengainedtheretobarbecuealltheslainintheyardorgardenofthevictorandthenonebyonetheywereplacedingreatwoodentrenchersandgarnishedroundlikeapilauwithbreadfruitandcocoanutsandwithsomeparsleyintheirmouthsweresentroundwiththevictorscomplimentstoallhisfriendsjustasthoughthesepresentsweresomanyChristmasturkeysAfterallIdonotthinkthatmyremarksaboutreligionmademuchimpressionuponQueequegBecauseinthefirstplacehesomehowseemeddullofhearingonthatimportantsubjectunlessconsideredfromhisownpointofviewandinthesecondplacehedidnotmorethanonethirdunderstandmecouchmyideassimplyasIwouldandfinallyhenodoubtthoughtheknewagooddealmoreaboutthetruereligionthanIdidHelookedatmewithasortofcondescendingconcernandcompassionasthoughhethoughtitagreatpitythatsuchasensibleyoungmanshouldbesohopelesslylosttoevangelicalpaganpietyAtlastweroseanddressedandQueequegtakingaprodigiouslyheartybreakfastofchowdersofallsortssothatthelandladyshouldnotmakemuchprofitbyreasonofhisRamadanwesalliedouttoboardthePequodsaunteringalongandpickingourteethwithhalibutbonesCHAPTER18HisMarkAswewerewalkingdowntheendofthewharftowardstheshipQueequegcarryinghisharpoonCaptainPeleginhisgruffvoiceloudlyhailedusfromhiswigwamsayinghehadnotsuspectedmyfriendwasacannibalandfurthermoreannouncingthatheletnocannibalsonboardthatcraftunlesstheypreviouslyproducedtheirpapersWhatdoyoumeanbythatCaptainPelegsaidInowjumpingonthebulwarksandleavingmycomradestandingonthewharfImeanherepliedhemustshowhispapersYessaidCaptainBildadinhishollowvoicestickinghisheadfrombehindPelegsoutofthewigwamHemustshowthathesconvertedSonofdarknessheaddedturningtoQueequegartthouatpresentincommunionwithanyChristianchurchWhysaidIhesamemberofthefirstCongregationalChurchHerebeitsaidthatmanytattooedsavagessailinginNantucketshipsatlastcometobeconvertedintothechurchesFirstCongregationalChurchcriedBildadwhatthatworshipsinDeaconDeuteronomyColemansmeetinghouseandsosayingtakingouthisspectaclesherubbedthemwithhisgreatyellowbandanahandkerchiefandputtingthemonverycarefullycameoutofthewigwamandleaningstifflyoverthebulwarkstookagoodlonglookatQueequegHowlonghathhebeenamemberhethensaidturningtomenotverylongIratherguessyoungmanNosaidPelegandhehasntbeenbaptizedrighteitheroritwouldhavewashedsomeofthatdevilsblueoffhisfaceDotellnowcriedBildadisthisPhilistinearegularmemberofDeaconDeuteronomysmeetingIneversawhimgoingthereandIpassiteveryLordsdayIdontknowanythingaboutDeaconDeuteronomyorhismeetingsaidIallIknowisthatQueequeghereisabornmemberoftheFirstCongregationalChurchHeisadeaconhimselfQueequegisYoungmansaidBildadsternlythouartskylarkingwithmeexplainthyselfthouyoungHittiteWhatchurchdosttheemeananswermeFindingmyselfthushardpushedIrepliedImeansirthesameancientCatholicChurchtowhichyouandIandCaptainPelegthereandQueequeghereandallofusandeverymotherssonandsoulofusbelongthegreatandeverlastingFirstCongregationofthiswholeworshippingworldweallbelongtothatonlysomeofuscherishsomequeercrotchetsnowaystouchingthegrandbeliefinthatwealljoinhandsSplicethoumeanstsplicehandscriedPelegdrawingnearerYoungmanyoudbettershipforamissionaryinsteadofaforemasthandIneverheardabettersermonDeaconDeuteronomywhyFatherMapplehimselfcouldntbeatitandhesreckonedsomethingComeaboardcomeaboardnevermindaboutthepapersIsaytellQuohogtherewhatsthatyoucallhimtellQuohogtostepalongBythegreatanchorwhataharpoonhesgottherelookslikegoodstuffthatandhehandlesitaboutrightIsayQuohogorwhateveryournameisdidyoueverstandintheheadofawhaleboatdidyoueverstrikeafishWithoutsayingawordQueequeginhiswildsortofwayjumpeduponthebulwarksfromthenceintothebowsofoneofthewhaleboatshangingtothesideandthenbracinghisleftkneeandpoisinghisharpooncriedoutinsomesuchwayasthisCapainyouseehimsmalldroptaronwaterdereYouseehimwellsposehimonewhaleeyewelldenandtakingsharpaimatithedartedtheironrightoveroldBildadsbroadbrimcleanacrosstheshipsdecksandstrucktheglisteningtarspotoutofsightNowsaidQueequegquietlyhaulinginthelinesposeehimwhaleeeyewhydadwhaledeadQuickBildadsaidPeleghispartnerwhoaghastattheclosevicinityoftheflyingharpoonhadretreatedtowardsthecabingangwayQuickIsayyouBildadandgettheshipspapersWemusthaveHedgehogthereImeanQuohoginoneofourboatsLookyeQuohogwellgiveyetheninetiethlayandthatsmorethaneverwasgivenaharpooneeryetoutofNantucketSodownwewentintothecabinandtomygreatjoyQueequegwassoonenrolledamongthesameshipscompanytowhichImyselfbelongedWhenallpreliminarieswereoverandPeleghadgoteverythingreadyforsigningheturnedtomeandsaidIguessQuohogtheredontknowhowtowritedoesheIsayQuohogblastyedostthousignthynameormakethymarkButatthisquestionQueequegwhohadtwiceorthricebeforetakenpartinsimilarceremonieslookednowaysabashedbuttakingtheofferedpencopieduponthepaperintheproperplaceanexactcounterpartofaqueerroundfigurewhichwastattooeduponhisarmsothatthroughCaptainPelegsobstinatemistaketouchinghisappellativeitstoodsomethinglikethisQuohoghisXmarkMeanwhileCaptainBildadsatearnestlyandsteadfastlyeyeingQueequegandatlastrisingsolemnlyandfumblinginthehugepocketsofhisbroadskirteddrabcoattookoutabundleoftractsandselectingoneentitledTheLatterDayComingorNoTimetoLoseplaceditinQueequegshandsandthengraspingthemandthebookwithbothhislookedearnestlyintohiseyesandsaidSonofdarknessImustdomydutybytheeIampartownerofthisshipandfeelconcernedforthesoulsofallitscrewifthoustillclingesttothyPaganwayswhichIsadlyfearIbeseechtheeremainnotforayeaBelialbondsmanSpurntheidolBellandthehideousdragonturnfromthewrathtocomemindthineeyeIsayohgoodnessgracioussteerclearofthefierypitSomethingofthesaltseayetlingeredinoldBildadslanguageheterogeneouslymixedwithScripturalanddomesticphrasesAvastthereavastthereBildadavastnowspoilingourharpooneercriedPelegPiousharpooneersnevermakegoodvoyagersittakesthesharkoutofemnoharpooneerisworthastrawwhoaintprettysharkishTherewasyoungNatSwaineoncethebravestboatheaderoutofallNantucketandtheVineyardhejoinedthemeetingandnevercametogoodHegotsofrightenedabouthisplaguysoulthatheshrinkedandsheeredawayfromwhalesforfearofafterclapsincasehegotstoveandwenttoDavyJonesPelegPelegsaidBildadliftinghiseyesandhandsthouthyselfasImyselfhastseenmanyaperiloustimethouknowestPelegwhatitistohavethefearofdeathhowthencanstthouprateinthisungodlyguiseThoubeliestthineownheartPelegTellmewhenthissamePequodherehadherthreemastsoverboardinthattyphoononJapanthatsamevoyagewhenthouwentmatewithCaptainAhabdidstthounotthinkofDeathandtheJudgmentthenHearhimhearhimnowcriedPelegmarchingacrossthecabinandthrustinghishandsfardownintohispocketshearhimallofyeThinkofthatWheneverymomentwethoughttheshipwouldsinkDeathandtheJudgmentthenWhatWithallthreemastsmakingsuchaneverlastingthunderingagainstthesideandeveryseabreakingoverusforeandaftThinkofDeathandtheJudgmentthenNonotimetothinkaboutDeaththenLifewaswhatCaptainAhabandIwasthinkingofandhowtosaveallhandshowtorigjurymastshowtogetintothenearestportthatwaswhatIwasthinkingofBildadsaidnomorebutbuttoninguphiscoatstalkedondeckwherewefollowedhimTherehestoodveryquietlyoverlookingsomesailmakerswhoweremendingatopsailinthewaistNowandthenhestoopedtopickupapatchorsaveanendoftarredtwinewhichotherwisemighthavebeenwastedCHAPTER19TheProphetShipmateshaveyeshippedinthatshipQueequegandIhadjustleftthePequodandweresaunteringawayfromthewaterforthemomenteachoccupiedwithhisownthoughtswhentheabovewordswereputtousbyastrangerwhopausingbeforeuslevelledhismassiveforefingeratthevesselinquestionHewasbutshabbilyapparelledinfadedjacketandpatchedtrowsersaragofablackhandkerchiefinvestinghisneckAconfluentsmallpoxhadinalldirectionsflowedoverhisfaceandleftitlikethecomplicatedribbedbedofatorrentwhentherushingwatershavebeendriedupHaveyeshippedinherherepeatedYoumeantheshipPequodIsupposesaidItryingtogainalittlemoretimeforanuninterruptedlookathimAyethePequodthatshiptherehesaiddrawingbackhiswholearmandthenrapidlyshovingitstraightoutfromhimwiththefixedbayonetofhispointedfingerdartedfullattheobjectYessaidIwehavejustsignedthearticlesAnythingdownthereaboutyoursoulsAboutwhatOhperhapsyouhavntgotanyhesaidquicklyNomatterthoughIknowmanychapsthathavntgotanygoodlucktoemandtheyareallthebetteroffforitAsoulsasortofafifthwheeltoawagonWhatareyoujabberingaboutshipmatesaidIHesgotenoughthoughtomakeupforalldeficienciesofthatsortinotherchapsabruptlysaidthestrangerplacinganervousemphasisuponthewordheQueequegsaidIletsgothisfellowhasbrokenloosefromsomewherehestalkingaboutsomethingandsomebodywedontknowStopcriedthestrangerYesaidtrueyehavntseenOldThunderyethaveyeWhosOldThundersaidIagainrivetedwiththeinsaneearnestnessofhismannerCaptainAhabWhatthecaptainofourshipthePequodAyeamongsomeofusoldsailorchapshegoesbythatnameYehavntseenhimyethaveyeNowehavntHessicktheysaybutisgettingbetterandwillbeallrightagainbeforelongAllrightagainbeforelonglaughedthestrangerwithasolemnlyderisivesortoflaughLookyewhenCaptainAhabisallrightthenthisleftarmofminewillbeallrightnotbeforeWhatdoyouknowabouthimWhatdidtheytellyouabouthimSaythatTheydidnttellmuchofanythingabouthimonlyIveheardthathesagoodwhalehunterandagoodcaptaintohiscrewThatstruethatstrueyesbothtrueenoughButyoumustjumpwhenhegivesanorderStepandgrowlgrowlandgothatsthewordwithCaptainAhabButnothingaboutthatthingthathappenedtohimoffCapeHornlongagowhenhelaylikedeadforthreedaysandnightsnothingaboutthatdeadlyskrimmagewiththeSpaniardaforethealtarinSantaheardnothingaboutthatehNothingaboutthesilvercalabashhespatintoAndnothingabouthislosinghisleglastvoyageaccordingtotheprophecyDidntyehearawordaboutthemmattersandsomethingmoreehNoIdontthinkyedidhowcouldyeWhoknowsitNotallNantucketIguessButhowsevermayhapyeveheardtellaboutthelegandhowhelostitayeyehaveheardofthatIdaresayOhyesthateveryoneknowsamostImeantheyknowhesonlyonelegandthataparmacettitooktheotheroffMyfriendsaidIwhatallthisgibberishofyoursisaboutIdontknowandIdontmuchcareforitseemstomethatyoumustbealittledamagedintheheadButifyouarespeakingofCaptainAhabofthatshiptherethePequodthenletmetellyouthatIknowallaboutthelossofhislegAllaboutitehsureyoudoallPrettysureWithfingerpointedandeyelevelledatthePequodthebeggarlikestrangerstoodamomentasifinatroubledreveriethenstartingalittleturnedandsaidYeveshippedhaveyeNamesdownonthepapersWellwellwhatssignedissignedandwhatstobewillbeandthenagainperhapsitwontbeafterallAnyhowitsallfixedandarrangedareadyandsomesailorsorothermustgowithhimIsupposeaswelltheseasanyothermenGodpityemMorningtoyeshipmatesmorningtheineffableheavensblessyeImsorryIstoppedyeLookherefriendsaidIifyouhaveanythingimportanttotellusoutwithitbutifyouareonlytryingtobamboozleusyouaremistakeninyourgamethatsallIhavetosayAnditssaidverywellandIliketohearachaptalkupthatwayyouarejustthemanforhimthelikesofyeMorningtoyeshipmatesmorningOhwhenyegettheretellemIveconcludednottomakeoneofemAhmydearfellowyoucantfoolusthatwayyoucantfoolusItistheeasiestthingintheworldforamantolookasifhehadagreatsecretinhimMorningtoyeshipmatesmorningMorningitissaidIComealongQueequegletsleavethiscrazymanButstoptellmeyournamewillyouElijahElijahthoughtIandwewalkedawaybothcommentingaftereachothersfashionuponthisraggedoldsailorandagreedthathewasnothingbutahumbugtryingtobeabugbearButwehadnotgoneperhapsaboveahundredyardswhenchancingtoturnacornerandlookingbackasIdidsowhoshouldbeseenbutElijahfollowingusthoughatadistanceSomehowthesightofhimstruckmesothatIsaidnothingtoQueequegofhisbeingbehindbutpassedonwithmycomradeanxioustoseewhetherthestrangerwouldturnthesamecornerthatwedidHedidandthenitseemedtomethathewasdoggingusbutwithwhatintentIcouldnotforthelifeofmeimagineThiscircumstancecoupledwithhisambiguoushalfhintinghalfrevealingshroudedsortoftalknowbegatinmeallkindsofvaguewondermentsandhalfapprehensionsandallconnectedwiththePequodandCaptainAhabandtheleghehadlostandtheCapeHornfitandthesilvercalabashandwhatCaptainPeleghadsaidofhimwhenIlefttheshipthedaypreviousandthepredictionofthesquawTistigandthevoyagewehadboundourselvestosailandahundredothershadowythingsIwasresolvedtosatisfymyselfwhetherthisraggedElijahwasreallydoggingusornotandwiththatintentcrossedthewaywithQueequegandonthatsideofitretracedourstepsButElijahpassedonwithoutseemingtonoticeusThisrelievedmeandoncemoreandfinallyasitseemedtomeIpronouncedhiminmyheartahumbugCHAPTER20AllAstirAdayortwopassedandtherewasgreatactivityaboardthePequodNotonlyweretheoldsailsbeingmendedbutnewsailswerecomingonboardandboltsofcanvasandcoilsofrigginginshorteverythingbetokenedthattheshipspreparationswerehurryingtoacloseCaptainPelegseldomorneverwentashorebutsatinhiswigwamkeepingasharplookoutuponthehandsBildaddidallthepurchasingandprovidingatthestoresandthemenemployedintheholdandontheriggingwereworkingtilllongafternightfallOnthedayfollowingQueequegssigningthearticleswordwasgivenatalltheinnswheretheshipscompanywerestoppingthattheirchestsmustbeonboardbeforenightfortherewasnotellinghowsoonthevesselmightbesailingSoQueequegandIgotdownourtrapsresolvinghowevertosleepashoretillthelastButitseemstheyalwaysgiveverylongnoticeinthesecasesandtheshipdidnotsailforseveraldaysButnowondertherewasagooddealtobedoneandthereisnotellinghowmanythingstobethoughtofbeforethePequodwasfullyequippedEveryoneknowswhatamultitudeofthingsbedssaucepansknivesandforksshovelsandtongsnapkinsnutcrackersandwhatnotareindispensabletothebusinessofhousekeepingJustsowithwhalingwhichnecessitatesathreeyearshousekeepinguponthewideoceanfarfromallgrocerscostermongersdoctorsbakersandbankersAndthoughthisalsoholdstrueofmerchantvesselsyetnotbyanymeanstothesameextentaswithwhalemenForbesidesthegreatlengthofthewhalingvoyagethenumerousarticlespeculiartotheprosecutionofthefisheryandtheimpossibilityofreplacingthemattheremoteharborsusuallyfrequenteditmustberememberedthatofallshipswhalingvesselsarethemostexposedtoaccidentsofallkindsandespeciallytothedestructionandlossoftheverythingsuponwhichthesuccessofthevoyagemostdependsHencethespareboatssparesparsandsparelinesandharpoonsandspareeverythingsalmostbutaspareCaptainandduplicateshipAttheperiodofourarrivalattheIslandtheheavieststorageofthePequodhadbeenalmostcompletedcomprisingherbeefbreadwaterfuelandironhoopsandstavesButasbeforehintedforsometimetherewasacontinualfetchingandcarryingonboardofdiversoddsandendsofthingsbothlargeandsmallChiefamongthosewhodidthisfetchingandcarryingwasCaptainBildadssisteraleanoldladyofamostdeterminedandindefatigablespiritbutwithalverykindheartedwhoseemedresolvedthatifshecouldhelpitnothingshouldbefoundwantinginthePequodafteroncefairlygettingtoseaAtonetimeshewouldcomeonboardwithajarofpicklesforthestewardspantryanothertimewithabunchofquillsforthechiefmatesdeskwherehekepthislogathirdtimewitharollofflannelforthesmallofsomeonesrheumaticbackNeverdidanywomanbetterdeservehernamewhichwasCharityAuntCharityaseverybodycalledherAndlikeasisterofcharitydidthischaritableAuntCharitybustleabouthitherandthitherreadytoturnherhandandhearttoanythingthatpromisedtoyieldsafetycomfortandconsolationtoallonboardashipinwhichherbelovedbrotherBildadwasconcernedandinwhichsheherselfownedascoreortwoofwellsaveddollarsButitwasstartlingtoseethisexcellentheartedQuakeresscomingonboardasshedidthelastdaywithalongoilladleinonehandandastilllongerwhalinglanceintheotherNorwasBildadhimselfnorCaptainPelegatallbackwardAsforBildadhecarriedaboutwithhimalonglistofthearticlesneededandateveryfresharrivaldownwenthismarkoppositethatarticleuponthepaperEveryonceinawhilePelegcamehobblingoutofhiswhalebonedenroaringatthemendownthehatchwaysroaringuptotheriggersatthemastheadandthenconcludedbyroaringbackintohiswigwamDuringthesedaysofpreparationQueequegandIoftenvisitedthecraftandasoftenIaskedaboutCaptainAhabandhowhewasandwhenhewasgoingtocomeonboardhisshipTothesequestionstheywouldanswerthathewasgettingbetterandbetterandwasexpectedaboardeverydaymeantimethetwocaptainsPelegandBildadcouldattendtoeverythingnecessarytofitthevesselforthevoyageIfIhadbeendownrighthonestwithmyselfIwouldhaveseenveryplainlyinmyheartthatIdidbuthalffancybeingcommittedthiswaytosolongavoyagewithoutoncelayingmyeyesonthemanwhowastobetheabsolutedictatorofitsosoonastheshipsailedoutupontheopenseaButwhenamansuspectsanywrongitsometimeshappensthatifhebealreadyinvolvedinthematterheinsensiblystrivestocoveruphissuspicionsevenfromhimselfAndmuchthiswayitwaswithmeIsaidnothingandtriedtothinknothingAtlastitwasgivenoutthatsometimenextdaytheshipwouldcertainlysailSonextmorningQueequegandItookaveryearlystartCHAPTER21GoingAboardItwasnearlysixoclockbutonlygreyimperfectmistydawnwhenwedrewnighthewharfTherearesomesailorsrunningaheadthereifIseerightsaidItoQueequegitcantbeshadowsshesoffbysunriseIguesscomeonAvastcriedavoicewhoseowneratthesametimecomingclosebehinduslaidahanduponbothourshouldersandtheninsinuatinghimselfbetweenusstoodstoopingforwardalittleintheuncertaintwilightstrangelypeeringfromQueequegtomeItwasElijahGoingaboardHandsoffwillyousaidILookeeheresaidQueequegshakinghimselfgowayAintgoingaboardthenYeswearesaidIbutwhatbusinessisthatofyoursDoyouknowMrElijahthatIconsideryoualittleimpertinentNononoIwasntawareofthatsaidElijahslowlyandwonderinglylookingfrommetoQueequegwiththemostunaccountableglancesElijahsaidIyouwillobligemyfriendandmebywithdrawingWearegoingtotheIndianandPacificOceansandwouldprefernottobedetainedYebebeyeComingbackaforebreakfastHescrackedQueequegsaidIcomeonHolloacriedstationaryElijahhailinguswhenwehadremovedafewpacesNevermindhimsaidIQueequegcomeonButhestoleuptousagainandsuddenlyclappinghishandonmyshouldersaidDidyeseeanythinglookinglikemengoingtowardsthatshipawhileagoStruckbythisplainmatteroffactquestionIansweredsayingYesIthoughtIdidseefourorfivemenbutitwastoodimtobesureVerydimverydimsaidElijahMorningtoyeOncemorewequittedhimbutoncemorehecamesoftlyafterusandtouchingmyshoulderagainsaidSeeifyoucanfindemnowwillyeFindwhoMorningtoyemorningtoyeherejoinedagainmovingoffOhIwasgoingtowarnyeagainstbutnevermindneverminditsalloneallinthefamilytoosharpfrostthismorningaintitGoodbyetoyeShantseeyeagainverysoonIguessunlessitsbeforetheGrandJuryAndwiththesecrackedwordshefinallydepartedleavingmeforthemomentinnosmallwondermentathisfranticimpudenceAtlaststeppingonboardthePequodwefoundeverythinginprofoundquietnotasoulmovingThecabinentrancewaslockedwithinthehatcheswereallonandlumberedwithcoilsofriggingGoingforwardtotheforecastlewefoundtheslideofthescuttleopenSeeingalightwewentdownandfoundonlyanoldriggertherewrappedinatatteredpeajacketHewasthrownatwholelengthupontwochestshisfacedownwardsandinclosedinhisfoldedarmsTheprofoundestslumbersleptuponhimThosesailorswesawQueequegwherecantheyhavegonetosaidIlookingdubiouslyatthesleeperButitseemedthatwhenonthewharfQueequeghadnotatallnoticedwhatInowalludedtohenceIwouldhavethoughtmyselftohavebeenopticallydeceivedinthatmatterwereitnotforElijahsotherwiseinexplicablequestionButIbeatthethingdownandagainmarkingthesleeperjocularlyhintedtoQueequegthatperhapswehadbestsitupwiththebodytellinghimtoestablishhimselfaccordinglyHeputhishanduponthesleepersrearasthoughfeelingifitwassoftenoughandthenwithoutmoreadosatquietlydownthereGraciousQueequegdontsittheresaidIOhperrydoodseatsaidQueequegmycountrywaywonthurthimfaceFacesaidIcallthathisfaceverybenevolentcountenancethenbuthowhardhebreatheshesheavinghimselfgetoffQueequegyouareheavyitsgrindingthefaceofthepoorGetoffQueequegLookhelltwitchyouoffsoonIwonderhedontwakeQueequegremovedhimselftojustbeyondtheheadofthesleeperandlightedhistomahawkpipeIsatatthefeetWekeptthepipepassingoverthesleeperfromonetotheotherMeanwhileuponquestioninghiminhisbrokenfashionQueequeggavemetounderstandthatinhislandowingtotheabsenceofsetteesandsofasofallsortsthekingchiefsandgreatpeoplegenerallywereinthecustomoffatteningsomeofthelowerordersforottomansandtofurnishahousecomfortablyinthatrespectyouhadonlytobuyupeightortenlazyfellowsandlaythemroundinthepiersandalcovesBesidesitwasveryconvenientonanexcursionmuchbetterthanthosegardenchairswhichareconvertibleintowalkingsticksuponoccasionachiefcallinghisattendantanddesiringhimtomakeasetteeofhimselfunderaspreadingtreeperhapsinsomedampmarshyplaceWhilenarratingthesethingseverytimeQueequegreceivedthetomahawkfrommeheflourishedthehatchetsideofitoverthesleepersheadWhatsthatforQueequegPerryeasykilleohperryeasyHewasgoingonwithsomewildreminiscencesabouthistomahawkpipewhichitseemedhadinitstwousesbothbrainedhisfoesandsoothedhissoulwhenweweredirectlyattractedtothesleepingriggerThestrongvapornowcompletelyfillingthecontractedholeitbegantotelluponhimHebreathedwithasortofmufflednessthenseemedtroubledinthenosethenrevolvedoveronceortwicethensatupandrubbedhiseyesHolloahebreathedatlastwhobeyesmokersShippedmenansweredIwhendoesshesailAyeayeyearegoinginherbeyeShesailstodayTheCaptaincameaboardlastnightWhatCaptainAhabWhobuthimindeedIwasgoingtoaskhimsomefurtherquestionsconcerningAhabwhenweheardanoiseondeckHolloaStarbucksastirsaidtheriggerHesalivelychiefmatethatgoodmanandapiousbutallalivenowImustturntoAndsosayinghewentondeckandwefollowedItwasnowclearsunriseSoonthecrewcameonboardintwosandthreestheriggersbestirredthemselvesthemateswereactivelyengagedandseveraloftheshorepeoplewerebusyinbringingvariouslastthingsonboardMeanwhileCaptainAhabremainedinvisiblyenshrinedwithinhiscabinCHAPTER22MerryChristmasAtlengthtowardsnoonuponthefinaldismissaloftheshipsriggersandafterthePequodhadbeenhauledoutfromthewharfandaftertheeverthoughtfulCharityhadcomeoffinawhaleboatwithherlastgiftanightcapforStubbthesecondmateherbrotherinlawandaspareBibleforthestewardafterallthisthetwoCaptainsPelegandBildadissuedfromthecabinandturningtothechiefmatePelegsaidNowMrStarbuckareyousureeverythingisrightCaptainAhabisallreadyjustspoketohimnothingmoretobegotfromshoreehWellcallallhandsthenMusteremafthereblastemNoneedofprofanewordshowevergreatthehurryPelegsaidBildadbutawaywiththeefriendStarbuckanddoourbiddingHownowHereupontheverypointofstartingforthevoyageCaptainPelegandCaptainBildadweregoingitwithahighhandonthequarterdeckjustasiftheyweretobejointcommandersatseaaswellastoallappearancesinportAndasforCaptainAhabnosignofhimwasyettobeseenonlytheysaidhewasinthecabinButthentheideawasthathispresencewasbynomeansnecessaryingettingtheshipunderweighandsteeringherwellouttoseaIndeedasthatwasnotatallhisproperbusinessbutthepilotsandashewasnotyetcompletelyrecoveredsotheysaidthereforeCaptainAhabstayedbelowAndallthisseemednaturalenoughespeciallyasinthemerchantservicemanycaptainsnevershowthemselvesondeckforaconsiderabletimeafterheavinguptheanchorbutremainoverthecabintablehavingafarewellmerrymakingwiththeirshorefriendsbeforetheyquittheshipforgoodwiththepilotButtherewasnotmuchchancetothinkoverthematterforCaptainPelegwasnowallaliveHeseemedtodomostofthetalkingandcommandingandnotBildadAfthereyesonsofbachelorshecriedasthesailorslingeredatthemainmastMrStarbuckdriveemaftStrikethetenttherewasthenextorderAsIhintedbeforethiswhalebonemarqueewasneverpitchedexceptinportandonboardthePequodforthirtyyearstheordertostrikethetentwaswellknowntobethenextthingtoheavinguptheanchorManthecapstanBloodandthunderjumpwasthenextcommandandthecrewsprangforthehandspikesNowingettingunderweighthestationgenerallyoccupiedbythepilotistheforwardpartoftheshipAndhereBildadwhowithPelegbeitknowninadditiontohisotherofficerswasoneofthelicensedpilotsoftheporthebeingsuspectedtohavegothimselfmadeapilotinordertosavetheNantucketpilotfeetoalltheshipshewasconcernedinforheneverpilotedanyothercraftBildadIsaymightnowbeseenactivelyengagedinlookingoverthebowsfortheapproachinganchorandatintervalssingingwhatseemedadismalstaveofpsalmodytocheerthehandsatthewindlasswhoroaredforthsomesortofachorusaboutthegirlsinBoobleAlleywithheartygoodwillNeverthelessnotthreedayspreviousBildadhadtoldthemthatnoprofanesongswouldbeallowedonboardthePequodparticularlyingettingunderweighandCharityhissisterhadplacedasmallchoicecopyofWattsineachseamansberthMeantimeoverseeingtheotherpartoftheshipCaptainPelegrippedandsworeasterninthemostfrightfulmannerIalmostthoughthewouldsinktheshipbeforetheanchorcouldbegotupinvoluntarilyIpausedonmyhandspikeandtoldQueequegtodothesamethinkingoftheperilswebothraninstartingonthevoyagewithsuchadevilforapilotIwascomfortingmyselfhoweverwiththethoughtthatinpiousBildadmightbefoundsomesalvationspiteofhissevenhundredandseventyseventhlaywhenIfeltasuddensharppokeinmyrearandturningroundwashorrifiedattheapparitionofCaptainPelegintheactofwithdrawinghislegfrommyimmediatevicinityThatwasmyfirstkickIsthatthewaytheyheaveinthemarchantserviceheroaredSpringthousheepheadspringandbreakthybackboneWhydontyespringIsayallofyespringQuohogspringthouchapwiththeredwhiskersspringthereScotchcapspringthougreenpantsSpringIsayallofyeandspringyoureyesoutAndsosayinghemovedalongthewindlasshereandthereusinghislegveryfreelywhileimperturbableBildadkeptleadingoffwithhispsalmodyThinksICaptainPelegmusthavebeendrinkingsomethingtodayAtlasttheanchorwasupthesailsweresetandoffweglidedItwasashortcoldChristmasandastheshortnortherndaymergedintonightwefoundourselvesalmostbroaduponthewintryoceanwhosefreezingspraycasedusiniceasinpolishedarmorThelongrowsofteethonthebulwarksglistenedinthemoonlightandlikethewhiteivorytusksofsomehugeelephantvastcurvingiciclesdependedfromthebowsLankBildadaspilotheadedthefirstwatchandeverandanonastheoldcraftdeepdivedintothegreenseasandsenttheshiveringfrostalloverherandthewindshowledandthecordageranghissteadynoteswereheardSweetfieldsbeyondtheswellingfloodStanddressedinlivinggreenSototheJewsoldCanaanstoodWhileJordanrolledbetweenNeverdidthosesweetwordssoundmoresweetlytomethanthenTheywerefullofhopeandfruitionSpiteofthisfrigidwinternightintheboisterousAtlanticspiteofmywetfeetandwetterjackettherewasyetitthenseemedtomemanyapleasanthaveninstoreandmeadsandgladessoeternallyvernalthatthegrassshotupbythespringuntroddenunwiltedremainsatmidsummerAtlastwegainedsuchanoffingthatthetwopilotswereneedednolongerThestoutsailboatthathadaccompaniedusbeganrangingalongsideItwascuriousandnotunpleasinghowPelegandBildadwereaffectedatthisjunctureespeciallyCaptainBildadForloathtodepartyetveryloathtoleaveforgoodashipboundonsolongandperilousavoyagebeyondbothstormyCapesashipinwhichsomethousandsofhishardearneddollarswereinvestedashipinwhichanoldshipmatesailedascaptainamanalmostasoldasheoncemorestartingtoencounteralltheterrorsofthepitilessjawloathtosaygoodbyetoathingsoeverywaybrimfulofeveryinteresttohimpooroldBildadlingeredlongpacedthedeckwithanxiousstridesrandownintothecabintospeakanotherfarewellwordthereagaincameondeckandlookedtowindwardlookedtowardsthewideandendlesswatersonlyboundedbythefaroffunseenEasternContinentslookedtowardsthelandlookedaloftlookedrightandleftlookedeverywhereandnowhereandatlastmechanicallycoilingaropeuponitspinconvulsivelygraspedstoutPelegbythehandandholdingupalanternforamomentstoodgazingheroicallyinhisfaceasmuchastosayNeverthelessfriendPelegIcanstandityesIcanAsforPeleghimselfhetookitmorelikeaphilosopherbutforallhisphilosophytherewasateartwinklinginhiseyewhenthelanterncametoonearAndhetoodidnotalittlerunfromcabintodecknowawordbelowandnowawordwithStarbuckthechiefmateButatlastheturnedtohiscomradewithafinalsortoflookabouthimCaptainBildadcomeoldshipmatewemustgoBackthemainyardthereBoatahoyStandbytocomeclosealongsidenowCarefulcarefulcomeBildadboysayyourlastLucktoyeStarbucklucktoyeMrStubblucktoyeMrFlaskgoodbyeandgoodlucktoyeallandthisdaythreeyearsIllhaveahotsuppersmokingforyeinoldNantucketHurrahandawayGodblessyeandhaveyeinHisholykeepingmenmurmuredoldBildadalmostincoherentlyIhopeyellhavefineweathernowsothatCaptainAhabmaysoonbemovingamongyeapleasantsunisallheneedsandyellhaveplentyoftheminthetropicvoyageyegoBecarefulinthehuntyematesDontstavetheboatsneedlesslyyeharpooneersgoodwhitecedarplankisraisedfullthreepercentwithintheyearDontforgetyourprayerseitherMrStarbuckmindthatcooperdontwastethesparestavesOhthesailneedlesareinthegreenlockerDontwhaleittoomuchaLordsdaysmenbutdontmissafairchanceeitherthatsrejectingHeavensgoodgiftsHaveaneyetothemolassestierceMrStubbitwasalittleleakyIthoughtIfyetouchattheislandsMrFlaskbewareoffornicationGoodbyegoodbyeDontkeepthatcheesetoolongdownintheholdMrStarbuckitllspoilBecarefulwiththebuttertwentycentsthepounditwasandmindyeifComecomeCaptainBildadstoppalaveringawayandwiththatPeleghurriedhimoverthesideandbothdroptintotheboatShipandboatdivergedthecolddampnightbreezeblewbetweenascreaminggullflewoverheadthetwohullswildlyrolledwegavethreeheavyheartedcheersandblindlyplungedlikefateintotheloneAtlanticCHAPTER23TheLeeShoreSomechaptersbackoneBulkingtonwasspokenofatallnewlandedmarinerencounteredinNewBedfordattheinnWhenonthatshiveringwintersnightthePequodthrusthervindictivebowsintothecoldmaliciouswaveswhoshouldIseestandingatherhelmbutBulkingtonIlookedwithsympatheticaweandfearfulnessuponthemanwhoinmidwinterjustlandedfromafouryearsdangerousvoyagecouldsounrestinglypushoffagainforstillanothertempestuoustermThelandseemedscorchingtohisfeetWonderfullestthingsareevertheunmentionabledeepmemoriesyieldnoepitaphsthissixinchchapteristhestonelessgraveofBulkingtonLetmeonlysaythatitfaredwithhimaswiththestormtossedshipthatmiserablydrivesalongtheleewardlandTheportwouldfaingivesuccortheportispitifulintheportissafetycomforthearthstonesupperwarmblanketsfriendsallthatskindtoourmortalitiesButinthatgaletheportthelandisthatshipsdirestjeopardyshemustflyallhospitalityonetouchoflandthoughitbutgrazethekeelwouldmakehershudderthroughandthroughWithallhermightshecrowdsallsailoffshoreinsodoingfightsgainsttheverywindsthatfainwouldblowherhomewardseeksallthelashedseaslandlessnessagainforrefugessakeforlornlyrushingintoperilheronlyfriendherbitterestfoeKnowyenowBulkingtonGlimpsesdoyeseemtoseeofthatmortallyintolerabletruththatalldeepearnestthinkingisbuttheintrepideffortofthesoultokeeptheopenindependenceofherseawhilethewildestwindsofheavenandearthconspiretocastheronthetreacherousslavishshoreButasinlandlessnessaloneresideshighesttruthshorelessindefiniteasGodsobetterisittoperishinthathowlinginfinitethanbeingloriouslydashedupontheleeevenifthatweresafetyForwormlikethenohwhowouldcravencrawltolandTerrorsoftheterribleisallthisagonysovainTakehearttakeheartOBulkingtonBeartheegrimlydemigodUpfromthesprayofthyoceanperishingstraightupleapsthyapotheosisCHAPTER24TheAdvocateAsQueequegandIarenowfairlyembarkedinthisbusinessofwhalingandasthisbusinessofwhalinghassomehowcometoberegardedamonglandsmenasaratherunpoeticalanddisreputablepursuitthereforeIamallanxietytoconvinceyeyelandsmenoftheinjusticeherebydonetoushuntersofwhalesInthefirstplaceitmaybedeemedalmostsuperfluoustoestablishthefactthatamongpeopleatlargethebusinessofwhalingisnotaccountedonalevelwithwhatarecalledtheliberalprofessionsIfastrangerwereintroducedintoanymiscellaneousmetropolitansocietyitwouldbutslightlyadvancethegeneralopinionofhismeritswerehepresentedtothecompanyasaharpooneersayandifinemulationofthenavalofficersheshouldappendtheinitialsSWFSpermWhaleFisherytohisvisitingcardsuchaprocedurewouldbedeemedpreeminentlypresumingandridiculousDoubtlessoneleadingreasonwhytheworlddeclineshonoringuswhalemenisthistheythinkthatatbestourvocationamountstoabutcheringsortofbusinessandthatwhenactivelyengagedthereinwearesurroundedbyallmannerofdefilementsButcherswearethatistrueButbutchersalsoandbutchersofthebloodiestbadgehavebeenallMartialCommanderswhomtheworldinvariablydelightstohonorAndasforthematteroftheallegeduncleanlinessofourbusinessyeshallsoonbeinitiatedintocertainfactshithertoprettygenerallyunknownandwhichuponthewholewilltriumphantlyplantthespermwhaleshipatleastamongthecleanliestthingsofthistidyearthButevengrantingthechargeinquestiontobetruewhatdisorderedslipperydecksofawhaleshiparecomparabletotheunspeakablecarrionofthosebattlefieldsfromwhichsomanysoldiersreturntodrinkinallladiesplauditsAndiftheideaofperilsomuchenhancesthepopularconceitofthesoldiersprofessionletmeassureyethatmanyaveteranwhohasfreelymarcheduptoabatterywouldquicklyrecoilattheapparitionofthespermwhalesvasttailfanningintoeddiestheairoverhisheadForwhatarethecomprehensibleterrorsofmancomparedwiththeinterlinkedterrorsandwondersofGodButthoughtheworldscoutsatuswhalehuntersyetdoesitunwittinglypayustheprofoundesthomageyeaanallaboundingadorationforalmostallthetaperslampsandcandlesthatburnroundtheglobeburnasbeforesomanyshrinestoourgloryButlookatthismatterinotherlightsweighitinallsortsofscalesseewhatwewhalemenareandhavebeenWhydidtheDutchinDeWittstimehaveadmiralsoftheirwhalingfleetsWhydidLouisXVIofFranceathisownpersonalexpensefitoutwhalingshipsfromDunkirkandpolitelyinvitetothattownsomescoreortwooffamiliesfromourownislandofNantucketWhydidBritainbetweentheyears1750and1788paytoherwhalemeninbountiesupwardsof1000000AndlastlyhowcomesitthatwewhalemenofAmericanowoutnumberalltherestofthebandedwhalemenintheworldsailanavyofupwardsofsevenhundredvesselsmannedbyeighteenthousandmenyearlyconsuming4000000ofdollarstheshipsworthatthetimeofsailing20000000andeveryyearimportingintoourharborsawellreapedharvestof7000000HowcomesallthisiftherebenotsomethingpuissantinwhalingButthisisnotthehalflookagainIfreelyassertthatthecosmopolitephilosophercannotforhislifepointoutonesinglepeacefulinfluencewhichwithinthelastsixtyyearshasoperatedmorepotentiallyuponthewholebroadworldtakeninoneaggregatethanthehighandmightybusinessofwhalingOnewayandanotherithasbegotteneventssoremarkableinthemselvesandsocontinuouslymomentousintheirsequentialissuesthatwhalingmaywellberegardedasthatEgyptianmotherwhoboreoffspringthemselvespregnantfromherwombItwouldbeahopelessendlesstasktocatalogueallthesethingsLetahandfulsufficeFormanyyearspastthewhaleshiphasbeenthepioneerinferretingouttheremotestandleastknownpartsoftheearthShehasexploredseasandarchipelagoeswhichhadnochartwherenoCookorVancouverhadeversailedIfAmericanandEuropeanmenofwarnowpeacefullyrideinoncesavageharborsletthemfiresalutestothehonorandgloryofthewhaleshipwhichoriginallyshowedthemthewayandfirstinterpretedbetweenthemandthesavagesTheymaycelebrateastheywilltheheroesofExploringExpeditionsyourCooksyourKrusensternsbutIsaythatscoresofanonymousCaptainshavesailedoutofNantucketthatwereasgreatandgreaterthanyourCookandyourKrusensternForintheirsuccourlessemptyhandednesstheyintheheathenishsharkedwatersandbythebeachesofunrecordedjavelinislandsbattledwithvirginwondersandterrorsthatCookwithallhismarinesandmusketswouldnotwillinglyhavedaredAllthatismadesuchaflourishofintheoldSouthSeaVoyagesthosethingswerebutthelifetimecommonplacesofourheroicNantucketersOftenadventureswhichVancouverdedicatesthreechapterstothesemenaccountedunworthyofbeingsetdownintheshipscommonlogAhtheworldOhtheworldUntilthewhalefisheryroundedCapeHornnocommercebutcolonialscarcelyanyintercoursebutcolonialwascarriedonbetweenEuropeandthelonglineoftheopulentSpanishprovincesonthePacificcoastItwasthewhalemanwhofirstbrokethroughthejealouspolicyoftheSpanishcrowntouchingthosecoloniesandifspacepermitteditmightbedistinctlyshownhowfromthosewhalemenatlasteventuatedtheliberationofPeruChiliandBoliviafromtheyokeofOldSpainandtheestablishmentoftheeternaldemocracyinthosepartsThatgreatAmericaontheothersideofthesphereAustraliawasgiventotheenlightenedworldbythewhalemanAfteritsfirstblunderborndiscoverybyaDutchmanallothershipslongshunnedthoseshoresaspestiferouslybarbarousbutthewhaleshiptouchedthereThewhaleshipisthetruemotherofthatnowmightycolonyMoreoverintheinfancyofthefirstAustraliansettlementtheemigrantswereseveraltimessavedfromstarvationbythebenevolentbiscuitofthewhaleshipluckilydroppingananchorintheirwatersTheuncountedislesofallPolynesiaconfessthesametruthanddocommercialhomagetothewhaleshipthatclearedthewayforthemissionaryandthemerchantandinmanycasescarriedtheprimitivemissionariestotheirfirstdestinationsIfthatdoubleboltedlandJapanisevertobecomehospitableitisthewhaleshipalonetowhomthecreditwillbedueforalreadysheisonthethresholdButifinthefaceofallthisyoustilldeclarethatwhalinghasnostheticallynobleassociationsconnectedwithitthenamIreadytoshiverfiftylanceswithyouthereandunhorseyouwithasplithelmeteverytimeThewhalehasnofamousauthorandwhalingnofamouschronicleryouwillsayThewhalenofamousauthorandwhalingnofamouschroniclerWhowrotethefirstaccountofourLeviathanWhobutmightyJobAndwhocomposedthefirstnarrativeofawhalingvoyageWhobutnolessaprincethanAlfredtheGreatwhowithhisownroyalpentookdownthewordsfromOthertheNorwegianwhalehunterofthosetimesAndwhopronouncedourglowingeulogyinParliamentWhobutEdmundBurkeTrueenoughbutthenwhalementhemselvesarepoordevilstheyhavenogoodbloodintheirveinsNogoodbloodintheirveinsTheyhavesomethingbetterthanroyalbloodthereThegrandmotherofBenjaminFranklinwasMaryMorrelafterwardsbymarriageMaryFolgeroneoftheoldsettlersofNantucketandtheancestresstoalonglineofFolgersandharpooneersallkithandkintonobleBenjaminthisdaydartingthebarbedironfromonesideoftheworldtotheotherGoodagainbutthenallconfessthatsomehowwhalingisnotrespectableWhalingnotrespectableWhalingisimperialByoldEnglishstatutorylawthewhaleisdeclaredaroyalfishOhthatsonlynominalThewhalehimselfhasneverfiguredinanygrandimposingwayThewhaleneverfiguredinanygrandimposingwayInoneofthemightytriumphsgiventoaRomangeneraluponhisenteringtheworldscapitalthebonesofawhalebroughtallthewayfromtheSyriancoastwerethemostconspicuousobjectinthecymballedprocessionSeesubsequentchaptersforsomethingmoreonthisheadGrantitsinceyouciteitbutsaywhatyouwillthereisnorealdignityinwhalingNodignityinwhalingThedignityofourcallingtheveryheavensattestCetusisaconstellationintheSouthNomoreDrivedownyourhatinpresenceoftheCzarandtakeitofftoQueequegNomoreIknowamanthatinhislifetimehastakenthreehundredandfiftywhalesIaccountthatmanmorehonorablethanthatgreatcaptainofantiquitywhoboastedoftakingasmanywalledtownsAndasformeifbyanypossibilitytherebeanyasyetundiscoveredprimethinginmeifIshalleverdeserveanyrealreputeinthatsmallbuthighhushedworldwhichImightnotbeunreasonablyambitiousofifhereafterIshalldoanythingthatuponthewholeamanmightratherhavedonethantohaveleftundoneifatmydeathmyexecutorsormoreproperlymycreditorsfindanypreciousMSSinmydeskthenhereIprospectivelyascribeallthehonorandtheglorytowhalingforawhaleshipwasmyYaleCollegeandmyHarvardCHAPTER25PostscriptInbehalfofthedignityofwhalingIwouldfainadvancenaughtbutsubstantiatedfactsButafterembattlinghisfactsanadvocatewhoshouldwhollysuppressanotunreasonablesurmisewhichmighttelleloquentlyuponhiscausesuchanadvocatewouldhenotbeblameworthyItiswellknownthatatthecoronationofkingsandqueensevenmodernonesacertaincuriousprocessofseasoningthemfortheirfunctionsisgonethroughThereisasaltcellarofstatesocalledandtheremaybeacastorofstateHowtheyusethesaltpreciselywhoknowsCertainIamhoweverthatakingsheadissolemnlyoiledathiscoronationevenasaheadofsaladCanitbethoughthattheyanointitwithaviewofmakingitsinteriorrunwellastheyanointmachineryMuchmightberuminatedhereconcerningtheessentialdignityofthisregalprocessbecauseincommonlifeweesteembutmeanlyandcontemptiblyafellowwhoanointshishairandpalpablysmellsofthatanointingIntruthamaturemanwhouseshairoilunlessmedicinallythatmanhasprobablygotaquoggyspotinhimsomewhereAsageneralrulehecantamounttomuchinhistotalityButtheonlythingtobeconsideredhereisthiswhatkindofoilisusedatcoronationsCertainlyitcannotbeoliveoilnormacassaroilnorcastoroilnorbearsoilnortrainoilnorcodliveroilWhatthencanitpossiblybebutspermoilinitsunmanufacturedunpollutedstatethesweetestofalloilsThinkofthatyeloyalBritonswewhalemensupplyyourkingsandqueenswithcoronationstuffCHAPTER26KnightsandSquiresThechiefmateofthePequodwasStarbuckanativeofNantucketandaQuakerbydescentHewasalongearnestmanandthoughbornonanicycoastseemedwelladaptedtoendurehotlatitudeshisfleshbeinghardastwicebakedbiscuitTransportedtotheIndieshislivebloodwouldnotspoillikebottledaleHemusthavebeenborninsometimeofgeneraldroughtandfamineorupononeofthosefastdaysforwhichhisstateisfamousOnlysomethirtyaridsummershadheseenthosesummershaddriedupallhisphysicalsuperfluousnessButthishisthinnesssotospeakseemednomorethetokenofwastinganxietiesandcaresthanitseemedtheindicationofanybodilyblightItwasmerelythecondensationofthemanHewasbynomeansilllookingquitethecontraryHispuretightskinwasanexcellentfitandcloselywrappedupinitandembalmedwithinnerhealthandstrengthlikearevivifiedEgyptianthisStarbuckseemedpreparedtoendureforlongagestocomeandtoendurealwaysasnowforbeitPolarsnowortorridsunlikeapatentchronometerhisinteriorvitalitywaswarrantedtodowellinallclimatesLookingintohiseyesyouseemedtoseetheretheyetlingeringimagesofthosethousandfoldperilshehadcalmlyconfrontedthroughlifeAstaidsteadfastmanwhoselifeforthemostpartwasatellingpantomimeofactionandnotatamechapterofsoundsYetforallhishardysobrietyandfortitudetherewerecertainqualitiesinhimwhichattimesaffectedandinsomecasesseemedwellnightooverbalancealltherestUncommonlyconscientiousforaseamanandenduedwithadeepnaturalreverencethewildwaterylonelinessofhislifedidthereforestronglyinclinehimtosuperstitionbuttothatsortofsuperstitionwhichinsomeorganizationsseemsrathertospringsomehowfromintelligencethanfromignoranceOutwardportentsandinwardpresentimentswerehisAndifattimesthesethingsbenttheweldedironofhissoulmuchmoredidhisfarawaydomesticmemoriesofhisyoungCapewifeandchildtendtobendhimstillmorefromtheoriginalruggednessofhisnatureandopenhimstillfurthertothoselatentinfluenceswhichinsomehonestheartedmenrestrainthegushofdaredevildaringsooftenevincedbyothersinthemoreperilousvicissitudesofthefisheryIwillhavenomaninmyboatsaidStarbuckwhoisnotafraidofawhaleBythisheseemedtomeannotonlythatthemostreliableandusefulcouragewasthatwhicharisesfromthefairestimationoftheencounteredperilbutthatanutterlyfearlessmanisafarmoredangerouscomradethanacowardAyeayesaidStubbthesecondmateStarbuckthereisascarefulamanasyoullfindanywhereinthisfisheryButweshallerelongseewhatthatwordcarefulpreciselymeanswhenusedbyamanlikeStubboralmostanyotherwhalehunterStarbuckwasnocrusaderafterperilsinhimcouragewasnotasentimentbutathingsimplyusefultohimandalwaysathanduponallmortallypracticaloccasionsBesideshethoughtperhapsthatinthisbusinessofwhalingcouragewasoneofthegreatstapleoutfitsoftheshiplikeherbeefandherbreadandnottobefoolishlywastedWhereforehehadnofancyforloweringforwhalesaftersundownnorforpersistinginfightingafishthattoomuchpersistedinfightinghimForthoughtStarbuckIamhereinthiscriticaloceantokillwhalesformylivingandnottobekilledbythemfortheirsandthathundredsofmenhadbeensokilledStarbuckwellknewWhatdoomwashisownfathersWhereinthebottomlessdeepscouldhefindthetornlimbsofhisbrotherWithmemoriesliketheseinhimandmoreovergiventoacertainsuperstitiousnessashasbeensaidthecourageofthisStarbuckwhichcouldneverthelessstillflourishmustindeedhavebeenextremeButitwasnotinreasonablenaturethatamansoorganizedandwithsuchterribleexperiencesandremembrancesashehaditwasnotinnaturethatthesethingsshouldfailinlatentlyengenderinganelementinhimwhichundersuitablecircumstanceswouldbreakoutfromitsconfinementandburnallhiscourageupAndbraveashemightbeitwasthatsortofbraverychieflyvisibleinsomeintrepidmenwhichwhilegenerallyabidingfirmintheconflictwithseasorwindsorwhalesoranyoftheordinaryirrationalhorrorsoftheworldyetcannotwithstandthosemoreterrificbecausemorespiritualterrorswhichsometimesmenaceyoufromtheconcentratingbrowofanenragedandmightymanButwerethecomingnarrativetorevealinanyinstancethecompleteabasementofpoorStarbucksfortitudescarcemightIhavethehearttowriteitforitisathingmostsorrowfulnayshockingtoexposethefallofvalourinthesoulMenmayseemdetestableasjointstockcompaniesandnationsknavesfoolsandmurdererstheremaybemenmayhavemeanandmeagrefacesbutmanintheidealissonobleandsosparklingsuchagrandandglowingcreaturethatoveranyignominiousblemishinhimallhisfellowsshouldruntothrowtheircostliestrobesThatimmaculatemanlinesswefeelwithinourselvessofarwithinusthatitremainsintactthoughalltheoutercharacterseemgonebleedswithkeenestanguishattheundrapedspectacleofavalorruinedmanNorcanpietyitselfatsuchashamefulsightcompletelystifleherupbraidingsagainstthepermittingstarsButthisaugustdignityItreatofisnotthedignityofkingsandrobesbutthataboundingdignitywhichhasnorobedinvestitureThoushaltseeitshininginthearmthatwieldsapickordrivesaspikethatdemocraticdignitywhichonallhandsradiateswithoutendfromGodHimselfThegreatGodabsoluteThecentreandcircumferenceofalldemocracyHisomnipresenceourdivineequalityIfthentomeanestmarinersandrenegadesandcastawaysIshallhereafterascribehighqualitiesthoughdarkweaveroundthemtragicgracesifeventhemostmournfulperchancethemostabasedamongthemallshallattimeslifthimselftotheexaltedmountsifIshalltouchthatworkmansarmwithsomeethereallightifIshallspreadarainbowoverhisdisastroussetofsunthenagainstallmortalcriticsbearmeoutinitthoujustSpiritofEqualitywhichhastspreadoneroyalmantleofhumanityoverallmykindBearmeoutinitthougreatdemocraticGodwhodidstnotrefusetotheswartconvictBunyanthepalepoeticpearlThouwhodidstclothewithdoublyhammeredleavesoffinestgoldthestumpedandpauperedarmofoldCervantesThouwhodidstpickupAndrewJacksonfromthepebbleswhodidsthurlhimuponawarhorsewhodidstthunderhimhigherthanathroneThouwhoinallThymightyearthlymarchingsevercullestThyselectestchampionsfromthekinglycommonsbearmeoutinitOGodCHAPTER27KnightsandSquiresStubbwasthesecondmateHewasanativeofCapeCodandhenceaccordingtolocalusagewascalledaCapeCodmanAhappygoluckyneithercravennorvalianttakingperilsastheycamewithanindifferentairandwhileengagedinthemostimminentcrisisofthechasetoilingawaycalmandcollectedasajourneymanjoinerengagedfortheyearGoodhumoredeasyandcarelesshepresidedoverhiswhaleboatasifthemostdeadlyencounterwerebutadinnerandhiscrewallinvitedguestsHewasasparticularaboutthecomfortablearrangementofhispartoftheboatasanoldstagedriverisaboutthesnugnessofhisboxWhenclosetothewhaleintheverydeathlockofthefighthehandledhisunpityinglancecoollyandoffhandedlyasawhistlingtinkerhishammerHewouldhumoverhisoldrigadigtuneswhileflankandflankwiththemostexasperatedmonsterLongusagehadforthisStubbconvertedthejawsofdeathintoaneasychairWhathethoughtofdeathitselfthereisnotellingWhetherheeverthoughtofitatallmightbeaquestionbutifheeverdidchancetocasthismindthatwayafteracomfortabledinnernodoubtlikeagoodsailorhetookittobeasortofcallofthewatchtotumblealoftandbestirthemselvesthereaboutsomethingwhichhewouldfindoutwhenheobeyedtheorderandnotsoonerWhatperhapswithotherthingsmadeStubbsuchaneasygoingunfearingmansocheerilytrudgingoffwiththeburdenoflifeinaworldfullofgravepedlarsallbowedtothegroundwiththeirpackswhathelpedtobringaboutthatalmostimpiousgoodhumorofhisthatthingmusthavebeenhispipeForlikehisnosehisshortblacklittlepipewasoneoftheregularfeaturesofhisfaceYouwouldalmostassoonhaveexpectedhimtoturnoutofhisbunkwithouthisnoseaswithouthispipeHekeptawholerowofpipestherereadyloadedstuckinarackwithineasyreachofhishandandwheneverheturnedinhesmokedthemalloutinsuccessionlightingonefromtheothertotheendofthechapterthenloadingthemagaintobeinreadinessanewForwhenStubbdressedinsteadoffirstputtinghislegsintohistrowsersheputhispipeintohismouthIsaythiscontinualsmokingmusthavebeenonecauseatleastofhispeculiardispositionforeveryoneknowsthatthisearthlyairwhetherashoreorafloatisterriblyinfectedwiththenamelessmiseriesofthenumberlessmortalswhohavediedexhalingitandasintimeofthecholerasomepeoplegoaboutwithacamphoratedhandkerchieftotheirmouthssolikewiseagainstallmortaltribulationsStubbstobaccosmokemighthaveoperatedasasortofdisinfectingagentThethirdmatewasFlaskanativeofTisburyinMarthasVineyardAshortstoutruddyyoungfellowverypugnaciousconcerningwhaleswhosomehowseemedtothinkthatthegreatleviathanshadpersonallyandhereditarilyaffrontedhimandthereforeitwasasortofpointofhonorwithhimtodestroythemwheneverencounteredSoutterlylostwashetoallsenseofreverenceforthemanymarvelsoftheirmajesticbulkandmysticwaysandsodeadtoanythinglikeanapprehensionofanypossibledangerfromencounteringthemthatinhispooropinionthewondrouswhalewasbutaspeciesofmagnifiedmouseoratleastwaterratrequiringonlyalittlecircumventionandsomesmallapplicationoftimeandtroubleinordertokillandboilThisignorantunconsciousfearlessnessofhismadehimalittlewaggishinthematterofwhaleshefollowedthesefishforthefunofitandathreeyearsvoyageroundCapeHornwasonlyajollyjokethatlastedthatlengthoftimeAsacarpentersnailsaredividedintowroughtnailsandcutnailssomankindmaybesimilarlydividedLittleFlaskwasoneofthewroughtonesmadetoclinchtightandlastlongTheycalledhimKingPostonboardofthePequodbecauseinformhecouldbewelllikenedtotheshortsquaretimberknownbythatnameinArcticwhalersandwhichbythemeansofmanyradiatingsidetimbersinsertedintoitservestobracetheshipagainsttheicyconcussionsofthosebatteringseasNowthesethreematesStarbuckStubbandFlaskweremomentousmenTheyitwaswhobyuniversalprescriptioncommandedthreeofthePequodsboatsasheadsmenInthatgrandorderofbattleinwhichCaptainAhabwouldprobablymarshalhisforcestodescendonthewhalesthesethreeheadsmenwereascaptainsofcompaniesOrbeingarmedwiththeirlongkeenwhalingspearstheywereasapickedtriooflancersevenastheharpooneerswereflingersofjavelinsAndsinceinthisfamousfisheryeachmateorheadsmanlikeaGothicKnightofoldisalwaysaccompaniedbyhisboatsteererorharpooneerwhoincertainconjuncturesprovideshimwithafreshlancewhentheformeronehasbeenbadlytwistedorelbowedintheassaultandmoreoverastheregenerallysubsistsbetweenthetwoacloseintimacyandfriendlinessitisthereforebutmeetthatinthisplacewesetdownwhothePequodsharpooneerswereandtowhatheadsmaneachofthembelongedFirstofallwasQueequegwhomStarbuckthechiefmatehadselectedforhissquireButQueequegisalreadyknownNextwasTashtegoanunmixedIndianfromGayHeadthemostwesterlypromontoryofMarthasVineyardwheretherestillexiststhelastremnantofavillageofredmenwhichhaslongsuppliedtheneighboringislandofNantucketwithmanyofhermostdaringharpooneersInthefisherytheyusuallygobythegenericnameofGayHeadersTashtegoslongleansablehairhishighcheekbonesandblackroundingeyesforanIndianOrientalintheirlargenessbutAntarcticintheirglitteringexpressionallthissufficientlyproclaimedhimaninheritoroftheunvitiatedbloodofthoseproudwarriorhunterswhoinquestofthegreatNewEnglandmoosehadscouredbowinhandtheaboriginalforestsofthemainButnolongersnuffinginthetrailofthewildbeastsofthewoodlandTashtegonowhuntedinthewakeofthegreatwhalesoftheseatheunerringharpoonofthesonfitlyreplacingtheinfalliblearrowofthesiresTolookatthetawnybrawnofhislithesnakylimbsyouwouldalmosthavecreditedthesuperstitionsofsomeoftheearlierPuritansandhalfbelievedthiswildIndiantobeasonofthePrinceofthePowersoftheAirTashtegowasStubbthesecondmatessquireThirdamongtheharpooneerswasDaggooagiganticcoalblacknegrosavagewithalionliketreadanAhasuerustobeholdSuspendedfromhisearsweretwogoldenhoopssolargethatthesailorscalledthemringboltsandwouldtalkofsecuringthetopsailhalyardstothemInhisyouthDaggoohadvoluntarilyshippedonboardofawhalerlyinginalonelybayonhisnativecoastAndneverhavingbeenanywhereintheworldbutinAfricaNantucketandthepaganharborsmostfrequentedbywhalemenandhavingnowledformanyyearstheboldlifeofthefisheryintheshipsofownersuncommonlyheedfulofwhatmannerofmentheyshippedDaggooretainedallhisbarbaricvirtuesanderectasagiraffemovedaboutthedecksinallthepompofsixfeetfiveinhissocksTherewasacorporealhumilityinlookingupathimandawhitemanstandingbeforehimseemedawhiteflagcometobegtruceofafortressCurioustotellthisimperialnegroAhasuerusDaggoowastheSquireoflittleFlaskwholookedlikeachessmanbesidehimAsfortheresidueofthePequodscompanybeitsaidthatatthepresentdaynotoneintwoofthemanythousandmenbeforethemastemployedintheAmericanwhalefisheryareAmericansbornthoughprettynearlyalltheofficersareHereinitisthesamewiththeAmericanwhalefisheryaswiththeAmericanarmyandmilitaryandmerchantnaviesandtheengineeringforcesemployedintheconstructionoftheAmericanCanalsandRailroadsThesameIsaybecauseinallthesecasesthenativeAmericanliberallyprovidesthebrainstherestoftheworldasgenerouslysupplyingthemusclesNosmallnumberofthesewhalingseamenbelongtotheAzoreswheretheoutwardboundNantucketwhalersfrequentlytouchtoaugmenttheircrewsfromthehardypeasantsofthoserockyshoresInlikemannertheGreenlandwhalerssailingoutofHullorLondonputinattheShetlandIslandstoreceivethefullcomplementoftheircrewUponthepassagehomewardstheydropthemthereagainHowitisthereisnotellingbutIslandersseemtomakethebestwhalemenTheywerenearlyallIslandersinthePequodIsolatoestooIcallsuchnotacknowledgingthecommoncontinentofmenbuteachIsolatolivingonaseparatecontinentofhisownYetnowfederatedalongonekeelwhatasettheseIsolatoeswereAnAnacharsisClootzdeputationfromalltheislesoftheseaandalltheendsoftheearthaccompanyingOldAhabinthePequodtolaytheworldsgrievancesbeforethatbarfromwhichnotverymanyofthemevercomebackBlackLittlePipheneverdidohnohewentbeforePoorAlabamaboyOnthegrimPequodsforecastleyeshallerelongseehimbeatinghistambourineprelusiveoftheeternaltimewhensentfortothegreatquarterdeckonhighhewasbidstrikeinwithangelsandbeathistambourineinglorycalledacowardherehailedaherothereCHAPTER28AhabForseveraldaysafterleavingNantucketnothingabovehatcheswasseenofCaptainAhabThematesregularlyrelievedeachotheratthewatchesandforaughtthatcouldbeseentothecontrarytheyseemedtobetheonlycommandersoftheshiponlytheysometimesissuedfromthecabinwithorderssosuddenandperemptorythatafterallitwasplaintheybutcommandedvicariouslyYestheirsupremelordanddictatorwastherethoughhithertounseenbyanyeyesnotpermittedtopenetrateintothenowsacredretreatofthecabinEverytimeIascendedtothedeckfrommywatchesbelowIinstantlygazedafttomarkifanystrangefacewerevisibleformyfirstvaguedisquietudetouchingtheunknowncaptainnowintheseclusionoftheseabecamealmostaperturbationThiswasstrangelyheightenedattimesbytheraggedElijahsdiabolicalincoherencesuninvitedlyrecurringtomewithasubtleenergyIcouldnothavebeforeconceivedofButpoorlycouldIwithstandthemmuchasinothermoodsIwasalmostreadytosmileatthesolemnwhimsicalitiesofthatoutlandishprophetofthewharvesButwhateveritwasofapprehensivenessoruneasinesstocallitsowhichIfeltyetwheneverIcametolookaboutmeintheshipitseemedagainstallwarrantrytocherishsuchemotionsForthoughtheharpooneerswiththegreatbodyofthecrewwereafarmorebarbaricheathenishandmotleysetthananyofthetamemerchantshipcompanieswhichmypreviousexperienceshadmademeacquaintedwithstillIascribedthisandrightlyascribedittothefierceuniquenessoftheverynatureofthatwildScandinavianvocationinwhichIhadsoabandonedlyembarkedButitwasespeciallytheaspectofthethreechiefofficersoftheshipthemateswhichwasmostforciblycalculatedtoallaythesecolourlessmisgivingsandinduceconfidenceandcheerfulnessineverypresentmentofthevoyageThreebettermorelikelyseaofficersandmeneachinhisowndifferentwaycouldnotreadilybefoundandtheywereeveryoneofthemAmericansaNantucketeraVineyarderaCapemanNowitbeingChristmaswhentheshipshotfromoutherharborforaspacewehadbitingPolarweatherthoughallthetimerunningawayfromittothesouthwardandbyeverydegreeandminuteoflatitudewhichwesailedgraduallyleavingthatmercilesswinterandallitsintolerableweatherbehindusItwasoneofthoselessloweringbutstillgreyandgloomyenoughmorningsofthetransitionwhenwithafairwindtheshipwasrushingthroughthewaterwithavindictivesortofleapingandmelancholyrapiditythatasImountedtothedeckatthecalloftheforenoonwatchsosoonasIlevelledmyglancetowardsthetaffrailforebodingshiversranovermeRealityoutranapprehensionCaptainAhabstooduponhisquarterdeckThereseemednosignofcommonbodilyillnessabouthimnoroftherecoveryfromanyHelookedlikeamancutawayfromthestakewhenthefirehasoverrunninglywastedallthelimbswithoutconsumingthemortakingawayoneparticlefromtheircompactedagedrobustnessHiswholehighbroadformseemedmadeofsolidbronzeandshapedinanunalterablemouldlikeCelliniscastPerseusThreadingitswayoutfromamonghisgreyhairsandcontinuingrightdownonesideofhistawnyscorchedfaceandnecktillitdisappearedinhisclothingyousawaslenderrodlikemarklividlywhitishItresembledthatperpendicularseamsometimesmadeinthestraightloftytrunkofagreattreewhentheupperlightningtearinglydartsdownitandwithoutwrenchingasingletwigpeelsandgroovesoutthebarkfromtoptobottomererunningoffintothesoilleavingthetreestillgreenlyalivebutbrandedWhetherthatmarkwasbornwithhimorwhetheritwasthescarleftbysomedesperatewoundnoonecouldcertainlysayBysometacitconsentthroughoutthevoyagelittleornoallusionwasmadetoitespeciallybythematesButonceTashtegossenioranoldGayHeadIndianamongthecrewsuperstitiouslyassertedthatnottillhewasfullfortyyearsolddidAhabbecomethatwaybrandedandthenitcameuponhimnotinthefuryofanymortalfraybutinanelementalstrifeatseaYetthiswildhintseemedinferentiallynegativedbywhatagreyManxmaninsinuatedanoldsepulchralmanwhohavingneverbeforesailedoutofNantuckethadnevererethislaideyeuponwildAhabNeverthelesstheoldseatraditionstheimmemorialcredulitiespopularlyinvestedthisoldManxmanwithpreternaturalpowersofdiscernmentSothatnowhitesailorseriouslycontradictedhimwhenhesaidthatifeverCaptainAhabshouldbetranquillylaidoutwhichmighthardlycometopasssohemutteredthenwhoevershoulddothatlastofficeforthedeadwouldfindabirthmarkonhimfromcrowntosoleSopowerfullydidthewholegrimaspectofAhabaffectmeandthelividbrandwhichstreakeditthatforthefirstfewmomentsIhardlynotedthatnotalittleofthisoverbearinggrimnesswasowingtothebarbaricwhiteleguponwhichhepartlystoodIthadpreviouslycometomethatthisivoryleghadatseabeenfashionedfromthepolishedboneofthespermwhalesjawAyehewasdismastedoffJapansaidtheoldGayHeadIndianoncebutlikehisdismastedcraftheshippedanothermastwithoutcominghomeforitHehasaquiverofemIwasstruckwiththesingularposturehemaintainedUponeachsideofthePequodsquarterdeckandprettyclosetothemizzenshroudstherewasanaugerholeboredabouthalfaninchorsointotheplankHisbonelegsteadiedinthatholeonearmelevatedandholdingbyashroudCaptainAhabstooderectlookingstraightoutbeyondtheshipseverpitchingprowTherewasaninfinityoffirmestfortitudeadeterminateunsurrenderablewilfulnessinthefixedandfearlessforwarddedicationofthatglanceNotawordhespokenordidhisofficerssayaughttohimthoughbyalltheirminutestgesturesandexpressionstheyplainlyshowedtheuneasyifnotpainfulconsciousnessofbeingunderatroubledmastereyeAndnotonlythatbutmoodystrickenAhabstoodbeforethemwithacrucifixioninhisfaceinallthenamelessregaloverbearingdignityofsomemightywoeErelongfromhisfirstvisitintheairhewithdrewintohiscabinButafterthatmorninghewaseverydayvisibletothecreweitherstandinginhispivotholeorseateduponanivorystoolhehadorheavilywalkingthedeckAstheskygrewlessgloomyindeedbegantogrowalittlegenialhebecamestilllessandlessarecluseasifwhentheshiphadsailedfromhomenothingbutthedeadwintrybleaknessoftheseahadthenkepthimsosecludedAndbyandbyitcametopassthathewasalmostcontinuallyintheairbutasyetforallthathesaidorperceptiblydidontheatlastsunnydeckheseemedasunnecessarythereasanothermastButthePequodwasonlymakingapassagenownotregularlycruisingnearlyallwhalingpreparativesneedingsupervisionthemateswerefullycompetenttosothattherewaslittleornothingoutofhimselftoemployorexciteAhabnowandthuschaseawayforthatoneintervalthecloudsthatlayeruponlayerwerepileduponhisbrowaseverallcloudschoosetheloftiestpeakstopilethemselvesuponNeverthelesserelongthewarmwarblingpersuasivenessofthepleasantholidayweatherwecametoseemedgraduallytocharmhimfromhismoodForaswhentheredcheekeddancinggirlsAprilandMaytriphometothewintrymisanthropicwoodseventhebarestruggedestmostthunderclovenoldoakwillatleastsendforthsomefewgreensproutstowelcomesuchgladheartedvisitantssoAhabdidintheendalittlerespondtotheplayfulalluringsofthatgirlishairMorethanoncedidheputforththefaintblossomofalookwhichinanyothermanwouldhavesoonfloweredoutinasmileCHAPTER29EnterAhabtoHimStubbSomedayselapsedandiceandicebergsallasternthePequodnowwentrollingthroughthebrightQuitospringwhichatseaalmostperpetuallyreignsonthethresholdoftheeternalAugustoftheTropicThewarmlycoolclearringingperfumedoverflowingredundantdayswereascrystalgobletsofPersiansherbetheapedupflakedupwithrosewatersnowThestarredandstatelynightsseemedhaughtydamesinjewelledvelvetsnursingathomeinlonelypridethememoryoftheirabsentconqueringEarlsthegoldenhelmetedsunsForsleepingmantwashardtochoosebetweensuchwinsomedaysandsuchseducingnightsButallthewitcheriesofthatunwaningweatherdidnotmerelylendnewspellsandpotenciestotheoutwardworldInwardtheyturneduponthesoulespeciallywhenthestillmildhoursofevecameonthenmemoryshothercrystalsastheclearicemostformsofnoiselesstwilightsAndallthesesubtleagenciesmoreandmoretheywroughtonAhabstextureOldageisalwayswakefulasifthelongerlinkedwithlifethelessmanhastodowithaughtthatlookslikedeathAmongseacommanderstheoldgreybeardswilloftenestleavetheirberthstovisitthenightcloakeddeckItwassowithAhabonlythatnowoflateheseemedsomuchtoliveintheopenairthattrulyspeakinghisvisitsweremoretothecabinthanfromthecabintotheplanksItfeelslikegoingdownintoonestombhewouldmuttertohimselfforanoldcaptainlikemetobedescendingthisnarrowscuttletogotomygravedugberthSoalmosteverytwentyfourhourswhenthewatchesofthenightweresetandthebandondecksentinelledtheslumbersofthebandbelowandwhenifaropewastobehauledupontheforecastlethesailorsflungitnotrudelydownasbydaybutwithsomecautiousnessdroptittoitsplaceforfearofdisturbingtheirslumberingshipmateswhenthissortofsteadyquietudewouldbegintoprevailhabituallythesilentsteersmanwouldwatchthecabinscuttleanderelongtheoldmanwouldemergegrippingattheironbanistertohelphiscrippledwaySomeconsideringtouchofhumanitywasinhimforattimesliketheseheusuallyabstainedfrompatrollingthequarterdeckbecausetohisweariedmatesseekingreposewithinsixinchesofhisivoryheelsuchwouldhavebeenthereverberatingcrackanddinofthatbonystepthattheirdreamswouldhavebeenonthecrunchingteethofsharksButoncethemoodwasonhimtoodeepforcommonregardingsandaswithheavylumberlikepacehewasmeasuringtheshipfromtaffrailtomainmastStubbtheoldsecondmatecameupfrombelowwithacertainunassureddeprecatinghumorousnesshintedthatifCaptainAhabwaspleasedtowalktheplanksthennoonecouldsaynaybuttheremightbesomewayofmufflingthenoisehintingsomethingindistinctlyandhesitatinglyaboutaglobeoftowandtheinsertionintoitoftheivoryheelAhStubbthoudidstnotknowAhabthenAmIacannonballStubbsaidAhabthatthouwouldstwadmethatfashionButgothywaysIhadforgotBelowtothynightlygravewheresuchasyesleepbetweenshroudstouseyetothefillingoneatlastDowndogandkennelStartingattheunforseenconcludingexclamationofthesosuddenlyscornfuloldmanStubbwasspeechlessamomentthensaidexcitedlyIamnotusedtobespokentothatwaysirIdobutlessthanhalflikeitsirAvastgrittedAhabbetweenhissetteethandviolentlymovingawayasiftoavoidsomepassionatetemptationNosirnotyetsaidStubbemboldenedIwillnottamelybecalledadogsirThenbecalledtentimesadonkeyandamuleandanassandbegoneorIllcleartheworldoftheeAshesaidthisAhabadvanceduponhimwithsuchoverbearingterrorsinhisaspectthatStubbinvoluntarilyretreatedIwasneverservedsobeforewithoutgivingahardblowforitmutteredStubbashefoundhimselfdescendingthecabinscuttleItsveryqueerStopStubbsomehownowIdontwellknowwhethertogobackandstrikehimorwhatsthatdownhereonmykneesandprayforhimYesthatwasthethoughtcomingupinmebutitwouldbethefirsttimeIeverdidprayItsqueerveryqueerandhesqueertooayetakehimforeandafthesaboutthequeerestoldmanStubbeversailedwithHowheflashedatmehiseyeslikepowderpansishemadAnywaytheressomethingonhismindassureastheremustbesomethingonadeckwhenitcracksHeaintinhisbednoweithermorethanthreehoursoutofthetwentyfourandhedontsleepthenDidntthatDoughBoythestewardtellmethatofamorninghealwaysfindstheoldmanshammockclothesallrumpledandtumbledandthesheetsdownatthefootandthecoverlidalmosttiedintoknotsandthepillowasortoffrightfulhotasthoughabakedbrickhadbeenonitAhotoldmanIguesshesgotwhatsomefolksashorecallaconscienceitsakindofTicDollyrowtheysayworsenoratoothacheWellwellIdontknowwhatitisbuttheLordkeepmefromcatchingitHesfullofriddlesIwonderwhathegoesintotheafterholdforeverynightasDoughBoytellsmehesuspectswhatsthatforIshouldliketoknowWhosmadeappointmentswithhimintheholdAintthatqueernowButtheresnotellingitstheoldgameHeregoesforasnoozeDamnmeitsworthafellowswhiletobebornintotheworldifonlytofallrightasleepAndnowthatIthinkofitthatsaboutthefirstthingbabiesdoandthatsasortofqueertooDamnmebutallthingsarequeercometothinkofemButthatsagainstmyprinciplesThinknotismyeleventhcommandmentandsleepwhenyoucanismytwelfthSoheregoesagainButhowsthatdidnthecallmeadogblazeshecalledmetentimesadonkeyandpiledalotofjackassesontopofthatHemightaswellhavekickedmeanddonewithitMaybehedidkickmeandIdidntobserveitIwassotakenallabackwithhisbrowsomehowItflashedlikeableachedboneWhatthedevilsthematterwithmeIdontstandrightonmylegsComingafoulofthatoldmanhasasortofturnedmewrongsideoutBytheLordImusthavebeendreamingthoughHowhowhowbuttheonlywaystostashitsoheregoestohammockagainandinthemorningIllseehowthisplagueyjugglingthinksoverbydaylightCHAPTER30ThePipeWhenStubbhaddepartedAhabstoodforawhileleaningoverthebulwarksandthenashadbeenusualwithhimoflatecallingasailorofthewatchhesenthimbelowforhisivorystoolandalsohispipeLightingthepipeatthebinnaclelampandplantingthestoolontheweathersideofthedeckhesatandsmokedInoldNorsetimesthethronesofthesealovingDanishkingswerefabricatedsaithtraditionofthetusksofthenarwhaleHowcouldonelookatAhabthenseatedonthattripodofboneswithoutbethinkinghimoftheroyaltyitsymbolizedForaKhanoftheplankandakingoftheseaandagreatlordofLeviathanswasAhabSomemomentspassedduringwhichthethickvaporcamefromhismouthinquickandconstantpuffswhichblewbackagainintohisfaceHownowhesoliloquizedatlastwithdrawingthetubethissmokingnolongersoothesOhmypipehardmustitgowithmeifthycharmbegoneHerehaveIbeenunconsciouslytoilingnotpleasuringayeandignorantlysmokingtowindwardallthewhiletowindwardandwithsuchnervouswhiffsasiflikethedyingwhalemyfinaljetswerethestrongestandfullestoftroubleWhatbusinesshaveIwiththispipeThisthingthatismeantforserenenesstosendupmildwhitevaporsamongmildwhitehairsnotamongtornirongreylockslikemineIllsmokenomoreHetossedthestilllightedpipeintotheseaThefirehissedinthewavesthesameinstanttheshipshotbythebubblethesinkingpipemadeWithslouchedhatAhablurchinglypacedtheplanksCHAPTER31QueenMabNextmorningStubbaccostedFlaskSuchaqueerdreamKingPostIneverhadYouknowtheoldmansivorylegwellIdreamedhekickedmewithitandwhenItriedtokickbackuponmysoulmylittlemanIkickedmylegrightoffAndthenprestoAhabseemedapyramidandIlikeablazingfoolkeptkickingatitButwhatwasstillmorecuriousFlaskyouknowhowcuriousalldreamsarethroughallthisragethatIwasinIsomehowseemedtobethinkingtomyselfthatafterallitwasnotmuchofaninsultthatkickfromAhabWhythinksIwhatstherowItsnotareallegonlyafalselegAndtheresamightydifferencebetweenalivingthumpandadeadthumpThatswhatmakesablowfromthehandFlaskfiftytimesmoresavagetobearthanablowfromacaneThelivingmemberthatmakesthelivinginsultmylittlemanAndthinksItomyselfallthewhilemindwhileIwasstubbingmysillytoesagainstthatcursedpyramidsoconfoundedlycontradictorywasitallallthewhileIsayIwasthinkingtomyselfwhatshislegnowbutacaneawhalebonecaneYesthinksIitwasonlyaplayfulcudgellinginfactonlyawhaleboningthathegavemenotabasekickBesidesthinksIlookatitoncewhytheendofitthefootpartwhatasmallsortofenditiswhereasifabroadfootedfarmerkickedmetheresadevilishbroadinsultButthisinsultiswhittleddowntoapointonlyButnowcomesthegreatestjokeofthedreamFlaskWhileIwasbatteringawayatthepyramidasortofbadgerhairedoldmermanwithahumponhisbacktakesmebytheshouldersandslewsmeroundWhatareyouboutsaysheSlidmanbutIwasfrightenedSuchaphizButsomehownextmomentIwasoverthefrightWhatamIaboutsaysIatlastAndwhatbusinessisthatofyoursIshouldliketoknowMrHumpbackDoyouwantakickBythelordFlaskIhadnosoonersaidthatthanheturnedroundhissterntomebentoveranddraggingupalotofseaweedhehadforacloutwhatdoyouthinkIsawwhythunderalivemanhissternwasstuckfullofmarlinspikeswiththepointsoutSaysIonsecondthoughtsIguessIwontkickyouoldfellowWiseStubbsaidhewiseStubbandkeptmutteringitallthetimeasortofeatingofhisowngumslikeachimneyhagSeeinghewasntgoingtostopsayingoverhiswiseStubbwiseStubbIthoughtImightaswellfalltokickingthepyramidagainButIhadonlyjustliftedmyfootforitwhenheroaredoutStopthatkickingHalloasaysIwhatsthematternowoldfellowLookyeheresaysheletsarguetheinsultCaptainAhabkickedyedidntheYeshedidsaysIrighthereitwasVerygoodsaysheheusedhisivorylegdidntheYeshedidsaysIWellthensayshewiseStubbwhathaveyoutocomplainofDidnthekickwithrightgoodwillitwasntacommonpitchpineleghekickedwithwasitNoyouwerekickedbyagreatmanandwithabeautifulivorylegStubbItsanhonorIconsideritanhonorListenwiseStubbInoldEnglandthegreatestlordsthinkitgreatglorytobeslappedbyaqueenandmadegarterknightsofbutbeyourboastStubbthatyewerekickedbyoldAhabandmadeawisemanofRememberwhatIsaybekickedbyhimaccounthiskickshonorsandonnoaccountkickbackforyoucanthelpyourselfwiseStubbDontyouseethatpyramidWiththatheallofasuddenseemedsomehowinsomequeerfashiontoswimoffintotheairIsnoredrolledoverandthereIwasinmyhammockNowwhatdoyouthinkofthatdreamFlaskIdontknowitseemsasortoffoolishtomethoMaybemaybeButitsmadeawisemanofmeFlaskDyeseeAhabstandingtheresidewayslookingoverthesternWellthebestthingyoucandoFlaskistolettheoldmanaloneneverspeaktohimwhateverhesaysHalloaWhatsthatheshoutsHarkMastheadthereLooksharpallofyeTherearewhaleshereaboutsIfyeseeawhiteonesplityourlungsforhimWhatdoyouthinkofthatnowFlaskaintthereasmalldropofsomethingqueeraboutthatehAwhitewhaledidyemarkthatmanLookyetheressomethingspecialinthewindStandbyforitFlaskAhabhasthatthatsbloodyonhismindButmumhecomesthiswayCHAPTER32CetologyAlreadyweareboldlylauncheduponthedeepbutsoonweshallbelostinitsunshoredharbourlessimmensitiesErethatcometopasserethePequodsweedyhullrollssidebysidewiththebarnacledhullsoftheleviathanattheoutsetitisbutwelltoattendtoamatteralmostindispensabletoathoroughappreciativeunderstandingofthemorespecialleviathanicrevelationsandallusionsofallsortswhicharetofollowItissomesystematizedexhibitionofthewhaleinhisbroadgenerathatIwouldnowfainputbeforeyouYetisitnoeasytaskTheclassificationoftheconstituentsofachaosnothinglessishereessayedListentowhatthebestandlatestauthoritieshavelaiddownNobranchofZoologyissomuchinvolvedasthatwhichisentitledCetologysaysCaptainScoresbyAD1820ItisnotmyintentionwereitinmypowertoenterintotheinquiryastothetruemethodofdividingthecetaceaintogroupsandfamiliesUtterconfusionexistsamongthehistoriansofthisanimalspermwhalesaysSurgeonBealeAD1839UnfitnesstopursueourresearchintheunfathomablewatersImpenetrableveilcoveringourknowledgeofthecetaceaAfieldstrewnwiththornsAlltheseincompleteindicationsbutservetotortureusnaturalistsThusspeakofthewhalethegreatCuvierandJohnHunterandLessonthoselightsofzoologyandanatomyNeverthelessthoughofrealknowledgetherebelittleyetofbooksthereareaplentyandsoinsomesmalldegreewithcetologyorthescienceofwhalesManyarethemensmallandgreatoldandnewlandsmenandseamenwhohaveatlargeorinlittlewrittenofthewhaleRunoverafewTheAuthorsoftheBibleAristotlePlinyAldrovandiSirThomasBrowneGesnerRayLinnusRondeletiusWilloughbyGreenArtediSibbaldBrissonMartenLacpdeBonneterreDesmarestBaronCuvierFrederickCuvierJohnHunterOwenScoresbyBealeBennettJRossBrownetheAuthorofMiriamCoffinOlmsteadandtheRevTCheeverButtowhatultimategeneralizingpurposeallthesehavewrittentheabovecitedextractswillshowOfthenamesinthislistofwhaleauthorsonlythosefollowingOweneversawlivingwhalesandbutoneofthemwasarealprofessionalharpooneerandwhalemanImeanCaptainScoresbyOntheseparatesubjectoftheGreenlandorrightwhaleheisthebestexistingauthorityButScoresbyknewnothingandsaysnothingofthegreatspermwhalecomparedwithwhichtheGreenlandwhaleisalmostunworthymentioningAndherebeitsaidthattheGreenlandwhaleisanusurperuponthethroneoftheseasHeisnotevenbyanymeansthelargestofthewhalesYetowingtothelongpriorityofhisclaimsandtheprofoundignorancewhichtillsomeseventyyearsbackinvestedthethenfabulousorutterlyunknownspermwhaleandwhichignorancetothispresentdaystillreignsinallbutsomefewscientificretreatsandwhaleportsthisusurpationhasbeeneverywaycompleteReferencetonearlyalltheleviathanicallusionsinthegreatpoetsofpastdayswillsatisfyyouthattheGreenlandwhalewithoutonerivalwastothemthemonarchoftheseasButthetimehasatlastcomeforanewproclamationThisisCharingCrosshearyegoodpeoplealltheGreenlandwhaleisdeposedthegreatspermwhalenowreignethThereareonlytwobooksinbeingwhichatallpretendtoputthelivingspermwhalebeforeyouandatthesametimeintheremotestdegreesucceedintheattemptThosebooksareBealesandBennettsbothintheirtimesurgeonstoEnglishSouthSeawhaleshipsandbothexactandreliablemenTheoriginalmattertouchingthespermwhaletobefoundintheirvolumesisnecessarilysmallbutsofarasitgoesitisofexcellentqualitythoughmostlyconfinedtoscientificdescriptionAsyethoweverthespermwhalescientificorpoeticlivesnotcompleteinanyliteratureFaraboveallotherhuntedwhaleshisisanunwrittenlifeNowthevariousspeciesofwhalesneedsomesortofpopularcomprehensiveclassificationifonlyaneasyoutlineoneforthepresenthereaftertobefilledinallitsdepartmentsbysubsequentlaborersAsnobettermanadvancestotakethismatterinhandIhereuponoffermyownpoorendeavorsIpromisenothingcompletebecauseanyhumanthingsupposedtobecompletemustforthatveryreasoninfalliblybefaultyIshallnotpretendtoaminuteanatomicaldescriptionofthevariousspeciesorinthisplaceatleasttomuchofanydescriptionMyobjecthereissimplytoprojectthedraughtofasystematizationofcetologyIamthearchitectnotthebuilderButitisaponderoustasknoordinarylettersorterinthePostOfficeisequaltoitTogropedownintothebottomoftheseaafterthemtohaveoneshandsamongtheunspeakablefoundationsribsandverypelvisoftheworldthisisafearfulthingWhatamIthatIshouldessaytohookthenoseofthisleviathanTheawfultauntingsinJobmightwellappalmeWillhetheleviathanmakeacovenantwiththeeBeholdthehopeofhimisvainButIhaveswamthroughlibrariesandsailedthroughoceansIhavehadtodowithwhaleswiththesevisiblehandsIaminearnestandIwilltryTherearesomepreliminariestosettleFirstTheuncertainunsettledconditionofthisscienceofCetologyisintheveryvestibuleattestedbythefactthatinsomequartersitstillremainsamootpointwhetherawhalebeafishInhisSystemofNatureAD1776LinnusdeclaresIherebyseparatethewhalesfromthefishButofmyownknowledgeIknowthatdowntotheyear1850sharksandshadalewivesandherringagainstLinnussexpressedictwerestillfounddividingthepossessionofthesameseaswiththeLeviathanThegroundsuponwhichLinnuswouldfainhavebanishedthewhalesfromthewatershestatesasfollowsOnaccountoftheirwarmbilocularhearttheirlungstheirmovableeyelidstheirhollowearspenemintrantemfeminammammislactantemandfinallyexlegenaturjuremeritoqueIsubmittedallthistomyfriendsSimeonMaceyandCharleyCoffinofNantucketbothmessmatesofmineinacertainvoyageandtheyunitedintheopinionthatthereasonssetforthwerealtogetherinsufficientCharleyprofanelyhintedtheywerehumbugBeitknownthatwaivingallargumentItakethegoodoldfashionedgroundthatthewhaleisafishandcalluponholyJonahtobackmeThisfundamentalthingsettledthenextpointisinwhatinternalrespectdoesthewhaledifferfromotherfishAboveLinnushasgivenyouthoseitemsButinbrieftheyaretheselungsandwarmbloodwhereasallotherfisharelunglessandcoldbloodedNexthowshallwedefinethewhalebyhisobviousexternalssoasconspicuouslytolabelhimforalltimetocomeTobeshortthenawhaleisaspoutingfishwithahorizontaltailThereyouhavehimHowevercontractedthatdefinitionistheresultofexpandedmeditationAwalrusspoutsmuchlikeawhalebutthewalrusisnotafishbecauseheisamphibiousButthelasttermofthedefinitionisstillmorecogentascoupledwiththefirstAlmostanyonemusthavenoticedthatallthefishfamiliartolandsmenhavenotaflatbutaverticalorupanddowntailWhereasamongspoutingfishthetailthoughitmaybesimilarlyshapedinvariablyassumesahorizontalpositionBytheabovedefinitionofwhatawhaleisIdobynomeansexcludefromtheleviathanicbrotherhoodanyseacreaturehithertoidentifiedwiththewhalebythebestinformedNantucketersnorontheotherhandlinkwithitanyfishhithertoauthoritativelyregardedasalienHenceallthesmallerspoutingandhorizontaltailedfishmustbeincludedinthisgroundplanofCetologyNowthencomethegranddivisionsoftheentirewhalehostIamawarethatdowntothepresenttimethefishstyledLamatinsandDugongsPigfishandSowfishoftheCoffinsofNantucketareincludedbymanynaturalistsamongthewhalesButasthesepigfishareanoisycontemptiblesetmostlylurkinginthemouthsofriversandfeedingonwethayandespeciallyastheydonotspoutIdenytheircredentialsaswhalesandhavepresentedthemwiththeirpassportstoquittheKingdomofCetologyFirstAccordingtomagnitudeIdividethewhalesintothreeprimaryBOOKSsubdivisibleintoCHAPTERSandtheseshallcomprehendthemallbothsmallandlargeITHEFOLIOWHALEIItheOCTAVOWHALEIIItheDUODECIMOWHALEAsthetypeoftheFOLIOIpresenttheSpermWhaleoftheOCTAVOtheGrampusoftheDUODECIMOthePorpoiseFOLIOSAmongtheseIhereincludethefollowingchaptersITheSpermWhaleIItheRightWhaleIIItheFinBackWhaleIVtheHumpbackedWhaleVtheRazorBackWhaleVItheSulphurBottomWhaleBOOKIFolioCHAPTERISpermWhaleThiswhaleamongtheEnglishofoldvaguelyknownastheTrumpawhaleandthePhyseterwhaleandtheAnvilHeadedwhaleisthepresentCachalotoftheFrenchandthePottsfichoftheGermansandtheMacrocephalusoftheLongWordsHeiswithoutdoubtthelargestinhabitantoftheglobethemostformidableofallwhalestoencounterthemostmajesticinaspectandlastlybyfarthemostvaluableincommercehebeingtheonlycreaturefromwhichthatvaluablesubstancespermacetiisobtainedAllhispeculiaritieswillinmanyotherplacesbeenlargeduponItischieflywithhisnamethatInowhavetodoPhilologicallyconsidereditisabsurdSomecenturiesagowhentheSpermwhalewasalmostwhollyunknowninhisownproperindividualityandwhenhisoilwasonlyaccidentallyobtainedfromthestrandedfishinthosedaysspermacetiitwouldseemwaspopularlysupposedtobederivedfromacreatureidenticalwiththeonethenknowninEnglandastheGreenlandorRightWhaleItwastheideaalsothatthissamespermacetiwasthatquickeninghumoroftheGreenlandWhalewhichthefirstsyllableofthewordliterallyexpressesInthosetimesalsospermacetiwasexceedinglyscarcenotbeingusedforlightbutonlyasanointmentandmedicamentItwasonlytobehadfromthedruggistsasyounowadaysbuyanounceofrhubarbWhenasIopineinthecourseoftimethetruenatureofspermacetibecameknownitsoriginalnamewasstillretainedbythedealersnodoubttoenhanceitsvaluebyanotionsostrangelysignificantofitsscarcityAndsotheappellationmustatlasthavecometobebestoweduponthewhalefromwhichthisspermacetiwasreallyderivedBOOKIFolioCHAPTERIIRightWhaleInonerespectthisisthemostvenerableoftheleviathansbeingtheonefirstregularlyhuntedbymanItyieldsthearticlecommonlyknownaswhaleboneorbaleenandtheoilspeciallyknownaswhaleoilaninferiorarticleincommerceAmongthefishermenheisindiscriminatelydesignatedbyallthefollowingtitlesTheWhaletheGreenlandWhaletheBlackWhaletheGreatWhaletheTrueWhaletheRightWhaleThereisadealofobscurityconcerningtheidentityofthespeciesthusmultitudinouslybaptisedWhatthenisthewhalewhichIincludeinthesecondspeciesofmyFoliosItistheGreatMysticetusoftheEnglishnaturaliststheGreenlandWhaleoftheEnglishwhalementheBaleineOrdinaireoftheFrenchwhalementheGrowlandsWalfishoftheSwedesItisthewhalewhichformorethantwocenturiespasthasbeenhuntedbytheDutchandEnglishintheArcticseasitisthewhalewhichtheAmericanfishermenhavelongpursuedintheIndianoceanontheBrazilBanksontheNorWestCoastandvariousotherpartsoftheworlddesignatedbythemRightWhaleCruisingGroundsSomepretendtoseeadifferencebetweentheGreenlandwhaleoftheEnglishandtherightwhaleoftheAmericansButtheypreciselyagreeinalltheirgrandfeaturesnorhasthereyetbeenpresentedasingledeterminatefactuponwhichtogroundaradicaldistinctionItisbyendlesssubdivisionsbaseduponthemostinconclusivedifferencesthatsomedepartmentsofnaturalhistorybecomesorepellinglyintricateTherightwhalewillbeelsewheretreatedofatsomelengthwithreferencetoelucidatingthespermwhaleBOOKIFolioCHAPTERIIIFinBackUnderthisheadIreckonamonsterwhichbythevariousnamesofFinBackTallSpoutandLongJohnhasbeenseenalmostineveryseaandiscommonlythewhalewhosedistantjetissooftendescriedbypassengerscrossingtheAtlanticintheNewYorkpackettracksInthelengthheattainsandinhisbaleentheFinbackresemblestherightwhalebutisofalessportlygirthandalightercolourapproachingtooliveHisgreatlipspresentacablelikeaspectformedbytheintertwistingslantingfoldsoflargewrinklesHisgranddistinguishingfeaturethefinfromwhichhederiveshisnameisoftenaconspicuousobjectThisfinissomethreeorfourfeetlonggrowingverticallyfromthehinderpartofthebackofanangularshapeandwithaverysharppointedendEvenifnottheslightestotherpartofthecreaturebevisiblethisisolatedfinwillattimesbeseenplainlyprojectingfromthesurfaceWhentheseaismoderatelycalmandslightlymarkedwithsphericalripplesandthisgnomonlikefinstandsupandcastsshadowsuponthewrinkledsurfaceitmaywellbesupposedthatthewaterycirclesurroundingitsomewhatresemblesadialwithitsstyleandwavyhourlinesgravedonitOnthatAhazdialtheshadowoftengoesbackTheFinBackisnotgregariousHeseemsawhalehaterassomemenaremanhatersVeryshyalwaysgoingsolitaryunexpectedlyrisingtothesurfaceintheremotestandmostsullenwatershisstraightandsingleloftyjetrisinglikeatallmisanthropicspearuponabarrenplaingiftedwithsuchwondrouspowerandvelocityinswimmingastodefyallpresentpursuitfrommanthisleviathanseemsthebanishedandunconquerableCainofhisracebearingforhismarkthatstyleuponhisbackFromhavingthebaleeninhismouththeFinBackissometimesincludedwiththerightwhaleamongatheoreticspeciesdenominatedWhalebonewhalesthatiswhaleswithbaleenOfthesesocalledWhalebonewhalestherewouldseemtobeseveralvarietiesmostofwhichhoweverarelittleknownBroadnosedwhalesandbeakedwhalespikeheadedwhalesbunchedwhalesunderjawedwhalesandrostratedwhalesarethefishermensnamesforafewsortsInconnectionwiththisappellativeofWhalebonewhalesitisofgreatimportancetomentionthathoweversuchanomenclaturemaybeconvenientinfacilitatingallusionstosomekindofwhalesyetitisinvaintoattemptaclearclassificationoftheLeviathanfoundeduponeitherhisbaleenorhumporfinorteethnotwithstandingthatthosemarkedpartsorfeaturesveryobviouslyseembetteradaptedtoaffordthebasisforaregularsystemofCetologythananyotherdetachedbodilydistinctionswhichthewhaleinhiskindspresentsHowthenThebaleenhumpbackfinandteeththesearethingswhosepeculiaritiesareindiscriminatelydispersedamongallsortsofwhaleswithoutanyregardtowhatmaybethenatureoftheirstructureinotherandmoreessentialparticularsThusthespermwhaleandthehumpbackedwhaleeachhasahumpbuttherethesimilitudeceasesThenthissamehumpbackedwhaleandtheGreenlandwhaleeachofthesehasbaleenbutthereagainthesimilitudeceasesAnditisjustthesamewiththeotherpartsabovementionedInvarioussortsofwhalestheyformsuchirregularcombinationsorinthecaseofanyoneofthemdetachedsuchanirregularisolationasutterlytodefyallgeneralmethodizationformeduponsuchabasisOnthisrockeveryoneofthewhalenaturalistshassplitButitmaypossiblybeconceivedthatintheinternalpartsofthewhaleinhisanatomythereatleastweshallbeabletohittherightclassificationNaywhatthingforexampleisthereintheGreenlandwhalesanatomymorestrikingthanhisbaleenYetwehaveseenthatbyhisbaleenitisimpossiblecorrectlytoclassifytheGreenlandwhaleAndifyoudescendintothebowelsofthevariousleviathanswhythereyouwillnotfinddistinctionsafiftiethpartasavailabletothesystematizerasthoseexternalonesalreadyenumeratedWhatthenremainsnothingbuttotakeholdofthewhalesbodilyintheirentireliberalvolumeandboldlysortthemthatwayAndthisistheBibliographicalsystemhereadoptedanditistheonlyonethatcanpossiblysucceedforitaloneispracticableToproceedBOOKIFolioCHAPTERIVHumpBackThiswhaleisoftenseenonthenorthernAmericancoastHehasbeenfrequentlycapturedthereandtowedintoharborHehasagreatpackonhimlikeapeddleroryoumightcallhimtheElephantandCastlewhaleAtanyratethepopularnameforhimdoesnotsufficientlydistinguishhimsincethespermwhalealsohasahumpthoughasmalleroneHisoilisnotveryvaluableHehasbaleenHeisthemostgamesomeandlightheartedofallthewhalesmakingmoregayfoamandwhitewatergenerallythananyotherofthemBOOKIFolioCHAPTERVRazorBackOfthiswhalelittleisknownbuthisnameIhaveseenhimatadistanceoffCapeHornOfaretiringnatureheeludesbothhuntersandphilosophersThoughnocowardhehasneveryetshownanypartofhimbuthisbackwhichrisesinalongsharpridgeLethimgoIknowlittlemoreofhimnordoesanybodyelseBOOKIFolioCHAPTERVISulphurBottomAnotherretiringgentlemanwithabrimstonebellydoubtlessgotbyscrapingalongtheTartariantilesinsomeofhisprofounderdivingsHeisseldomseenatleastIhaveneverseenhimexceptintheremotersouthernseasandthenalwaysattoogreatadistancetostudyhiscountenanceHeisneverchasedhewouldrunawaywithropewalksoflineProdigiesaretoldofhimAdieuSulphurBottomIcansaynothingmorethatistrueofyenorcantheoldestNantucketerThusendsBOOKIFolioandnowbeginsBOOKIIOctavoOCTAVOESTheseembracethewhalesofmiddlingmagnitudeamongwhichpresentmaybenumberedItheGrampusIItheBlackFishIIItheNarwhaleIVtheThrasherVtheKillerWhythisbookofwhalesisnotdenominatedtheQuartoisveryplainBecausewhilethewhalesofthisorderthoughsmallerthanthoseoftheformerorderneverthelessretainaproportionatelikenesstotheminfigureyetthebookbindersQuartovolumeinitsdimensionedformdoesnotpreservetheshapeoftheFoliovolumebuttheOctavovolumedoesBOOKIIOctavoCHAPTERIGrampusThoughthisfishwhoseloudsonorousbreathingorratherblowinghasfurnishedaproverbtolandsmenissowellknownadenizenofthedeepyetishenotpopularlyclassedamongwhalesButpossessingallthegranddistinctivefeaturesoftheleviathanmostnaturalistshaverecognisedhimforoneHeisofmoderateoctavosizevaryingfromfifteentotwentyfivefeetinlengthandofcorrespondingdimensionsroundthewaistHeswimsinherdsheisneverregularlyhuntedthoughhisoilisconsiderableinquantityandprettygoodforlightBysomefishermenhisapproachisregardedaspremonitoryoftheadvanceofthegreatspermwhaleBOOKIIOctavoCHAPTERIIBlackFishIgivethepopularfishermensnamesforallthesefishforgenerallytheyarethebestWhereanynamehappenstobevagueorinexpressiveIshallsaysoandsuggestanotherIdosonowtouchingtheBlackFishsocalledbecauseblacknessistheruleamongalmostallwhalesSocallhimtheHyenaWhaleifyoupleaseHisvoracityiswellknownandfromthecircumstancethattheinneranglesofhislipsarecurvedupwardshecarriesaneverlastingMephistopheleangrinonhisfaceThiswhaleaveragessomesixteenoreighteenfeetinlengthHeisfoundinalmostalllatitudesHehasapeculiarwayofshowinghisdorsalhookedfininswimmingwhichlookssomethinglikeaRomannoseWhennotmoreprofitablyemployedthespermwhalehunterssometimescapturetheHyenawhaletokeepupthesupplyofcheapoilfordomesticemploymentassomefrugalhousekeepersintheabsenceofcompanyandquitealonebythemselvesburnunsavorytallowinsteadofodorouswaxThoughtheirblubberisverythinsomeofthesewhaleswillyieldyouupwardsofthirtygallonsofoilBOOKIIOctavoCHAPTERIIINarwhalethatisNostrilwhaleAnotherinstanceofacuriouslynamedwhalesonamedIsupposefromhispeculiarhornbeingoriginallymistakenforapeakednoseThecreatureissomesixteenfeetinlengthwhileitshornaveragesfivefeetthoughsomeexceedtenandevenattaintofifteenfeetStrictlyspeakingthishornisbutalengthenedtuskgrowingoutfromthejawinalinealittledepressedfromthehorizontalButitisonlyfoundonthesinistersidewhichhasanilleffectgivingitsownersomethinganalogoustotheaspectofaclumsylefthandedmanWhatprecisepurposethisivoryhornorlanceanswersitwouldbehardtosayItdoesnotseemtobeusedlikethebladeoftheswordfishandbillfishthoughsomesailorstellmethattheNarwhaleemploysitforarakeinturningoverthebottomoftheseaforfoodCharleyCoffinsaiditwasusedforanicepiercerfortheNarwhalerisingtothesurfaceofthePolarSeaandfindingitsheetedwithicethrustshishornupandsobreaksthroughButyoucannotproveeitherofthesesurmisestobecorrectMyownopinionisthathoweverthisonesidedhornmayreallybeusedbytheNarwhalehoweverthatmaybeitwouldcertainlybeveryconvenienttohimforafolderinreadingpamphletsTheNarwhaleIhaveheardcalledtheTuskedwhaletheHornedwhaleandtheUnicornwhaleHeiscertainlyacuriousexampleoftheUnicornismtobefoundinalmosteverykingdomofanimatednatureFromcertaincloisteredoldauthorsIhavegatheredthatthissameseaunicornshornwasinancientdaysregardedasthegreatantidoteagainstpoisonandassuchpreparationsofitbroughtimmensepricesItwasalsodistilledtoavolatilesaltsforfaintingladiesthesamewaythatthehornsofthemaledeeraremanufacturedintohartshornOriginallyitwasinitselfaccountedanobjectofgreatcuriosityBlackLettertellsmethatSirMartinFrobisheronhisreturnfromthatvoyagewhenQueenBessdidgallantlywaveherjewelledhandtohimfromawindowofGreenwichPalaceashisboldshipsaileddowntheThameswhenSirMartinreturnedfromthatvoyagesaithBlackLetteronbendedkneeshepresentedtoherhighnessaprodigiouslonghornoftheNarwhalewhichforalongperiodafterhunginthecastleatWindsorAnIrishauthoraversthattheEarlofLeicesteronbendedkneesdidlikewisepresenttoherhighnessanotherhornpertainingtoalandbeastoftheunicornnatureTheNarwhalehasaverypicturesqueleopardlikelookbeingofamilkwhitegroundcolourdottedwithroundandoblongspotsofblackHisoilisverysuperiorclearandfinebutthereislittleofitandheisseldomhuntedHeismostlyfoundinthecircumpolarseasBOOKIIOctavoCHAPTERIVKillerOfthiswhalelittleispreciselyknowntotheNantucketerandnothingatalltotheprofessednaturalistFromwhatIhaveseenofhimatadistanceIshouldsaythathewasaboutthebignessofagrampusHeisverysavageasortofFeegeefishHesometimestakesthegreatFoliowhalesbythelipandhangstherelikealeechtillthemightybruteisworriedtodeathTheKillerisneverhuntedIneverheardwhatsortofoilhehasExceptionmightbetakentothenamebestoweduponthiswhaleonthegroundofitsindistinctnessForweareallkillersonlandandonseaBonapartesandSharksincludedBOOKIIOctavoCHAPTERVThrasherThisgentlemanisfamousforhistailwhichheusesforaferuleinthrashinghisfoesHemountstheFoliowhalesbackandasheswimsheworkshispassagebyflogginghimassomeschoolmastersgetalongintheworldbyasimilarprocessStilllessisknownoftheThrasherthanoftheKillerBothareoutlawseveninthelawlessseasThusendsBOOKIIOctavoandbeginsBOOKIIIDuodecimoDUODECIMOESTheseincludethesmallerwhalesITheHuzzaPorpoiseIITheAlgerinePorpoiseIIITheMealymouthedPorpoiseTothosewhohavenotchancedspeciallytostudythesubjectitmaypossiblyseemstrangethatfishesnotcommonlyexceedingfourorfivefeetshouldbemarshalledamongWHALESawordwhichinthepopularsensealwaysconveysanideaofhugenessButthecreaturessetdownaboveasDuodecimoesareinfalliblywhalesbythetermsofmydefinitionofwhatawhaleisieaspoutingfishwithahorizontaltailBOOKIIIDuodecimoCHAPTER1HuzzaPorpoiseThisisthecommonporpoisefoundalmostallovertheglobeThenameisofmyownbestowalfortherearemorethanonesortofporpoisesandsomethingmustbedonetodistinguishthemIcallhimthusbecausehealwaysswimsinhilariousshoalswhichuponthebroadseakeeptossingthemselvestoheavenlikecapsinaFourthofJulycrowdTheirappearanceisgenerallyhailedwithdelightbythemarinerFulloffinespiritstheyinvariablycomefromthebreezybillowstowindwardTheyaretheladsthatalwayslivebeforethewindTheyareaccountedaluckyomenIfyouyourselfcanwithstandthreecheersatbeholdingthesevivaciousfishthenheavenhelpyethespiritofgodlygamesomenessisnotinyeAwellfedplumpHuzzaPorpoisewillyieldyouonegoodgallonofgoodoilButthefineanddelicatefluidextractedfromhisjawsisexceedinglyvaluableItisinrequestamongjewellersandwatchmakersSailorsputitontheirhonesPorpoisemeatisgoodeatingyouknowItmayneverhaveoccurredtoyouthataporpoisespoutsIndeedhisspoutissosmallthatitisnotveryreadilydiscernibleButthenexttimeyouhaveachancewatchhimandyouwillthenseethegreatSpermwhalehimselfinminiatureBOOKIIIDuodecimoCHAPTERIIAlgerinePorpoiseApirateVerysavageHeisonlyfoundIthinkinthePacificHeissomewhatlargerthantheHuzzaPorpoisebutmuchofthesamegeneralmakeProvokehimandhewillbuckletoasharkIhaveloweredforhimmanytimesbutneveryetsawhimcapturedBOOKIIIDuodecimoCHAPTERIIIMealymouthedPorpoiseThelargestkindofPorpoiseandonlyfoundinthePacificsofarasitisknownTheonlyEnglishnamebywhichhehashithertobeendesignatedisthatofthefishersRightWhalePorpoisefromthecircumstancethatheischieflyfoundinthevicinityofthatFolioInshapehediffersinsomedegreefromtheHuzzaPorpoisebeingofalessrotundandjollygirthindeedheisofquiteaneatandgentlemanlikefigureHehasnofinsonhisbackmostotherporpoiseshavehehasalovelytailandsentimentalIndianeyesofahazelhueButhismealymouthspoilsallThoughhisentirebackdowntohissidefinsisofadeepsableyetaboundarylinedistinctasthemarkinashipshullcalledthebrightwaistthatlinestreakshimfromstemtosternwithtwoseparatecoloursblackaboveandwhitebelowThewhitecomprisespartofhisheadandthewholeofhismouthwhichmakeshimlookasifhehadjustescapedfromafeloniousvisittoamealbagAmostmeanandmealyaspectHisoilismuchlikethatofthecommonporpoiseBeyondtheDUODECIMOthissystemdoesnotproceedinasmuchasthePorpoiseisthesmallestofthewhalesAboveyouhavealltheLeviathansofnoteButtherearearabbleofuncertainfugitivehalffabulouswhaleswhichasanAmericanwhalemanIknowbyreputationbutnotpersonallyIshallenumeratethembytheirforecastleappellationsforpossiblysuchalistmaybevaluabletofutureinvestigatorswhomaycompletewhatIhaveherebutbegunIfanyofthefollowingwhalesshallhereafterbecaughtandmarkedthenhecanreadilybeincorporatedintothisSystemaccordingtohisFolioOctavoorDuodecimomagnitudeTheBottleNoseWhaletheJunkWhalethePuddingHeadedWhaletheCapeWhaletheLeadingWhaletheCannonWhaletheScraggWhaletheCopperedWhaletheElephantWhaletheIcebergWhaletheQuogWhaletheBlueWhaleetcFromIcelandicDutchandoldEnglishauthoritiestheremightbequotedotherlistsofuncertainwhalesblessedwithallmannerofuncouthnamesButIomitthemasaltogetherobsoleteandcanhardlyhelpsuspectingthemformeresoundsfullofLeviathanismbutsignifyingnothingFinallyItwasstatedattheoutsetthatthissystemwouldnotbehereandatonceperfectedYoucannotbutplainlyseethatIhavekeptmywordButInowleavemycetologicalSystemstandingthusunfinishedevenasthegreatCathedralofColognewasleftwiththecranestillstandinguponthetopoftheuncompletedtowerForsmallerectionsmaybefinishedbytheirfirstarchitectsgrandonestrueoneseverleavethecopestonetoposterityGodkeepmefromevercompletinganythingThiswholebookisbutadraughtnaybutthedraughtofadraughtOhTimeStrengthCashandPatienceCHAPTER33TheSpecksnyderConcerningtheofficersofthewhalecraftthisseemsasgoodaplaceasanytosetdownalittledomesticpeculiarityonshipboardarisingfromtheexistenceoftheharpooneerclassofofficersaclassunknownofcourseinanyothermarinethanthewhalefleetThelargeimportanceattachedtotheharpooneersvocationisevincedbythefactthatoriginallyintheoldDutchFisherytwocenturiesandmoreagothecommandofawhaleshipwasnotwhollylodgedinthepersonnowcalledthecaptainbutwasdividedbetweenhimandanofficercalledtheSpecksnyderLiterallythiswordmeansFatCutterusagehoweverintimemadeitequivalenttoChiefHarpooneerInthosedaysthecaptainsauthoritywasrestrictedtothenavigationandgeneralmanagementofthevesselwhileoverthewhalehuntingdepartmentandallitsconcernstheSpecksnyderorChiefHarpooneerreignedsupremeIntheBritishGreenlandFisheryunderthecorruptedtitleofSpecksioneerthisoldDutchofficialisstillretainedbuthisformerdignityissadlyabridgedAtpresentherankssimplyasseniorHarpooneerandassuchisbutoneofthecaptainsmoreinferiorsubalternsNeverthelessasuponthegoodconductoftheharpooneersthesuccessofawhalingvoyagelargelydependsandsinceintheAmericanFisheryheisnotonlyanimportantofficerintheboatbutundercertaincircumstancesnightwatchesonawhalinggroundthecommandoftheshipsdeckisalsohisthereforethegrandpoliticalmaximoftheseademandsthatheshouldnominallyliveapartfromthemenbeforethemastandbeinsomewaydistinguishedastheirprofessionalsuperiorthoughalwaysbythemfamiliarlyregardedastheirsocialequalNowthegranddistinctiondrawnbetweenofficerandmanatseaisthisthefirstlivesaftthelastforwardHenceinwhaleshipsandmerchantmenalikethemateshavetheirquarterswiththecaptainandsotooinmostoftheAmericanwhalerstheharpooneersarelodgedintheafterpartoftheshipThatistosaytheytaketheirmealsinthecaptainscabinandsleepinaplaceindirectlycommunicatingwithitThoughthelongperiodofaSouthernwhalingvoyagebyfarthelongestofallvoyagesnoworevermadebymanthepeculiarperilsofitandthecommunityofinterestprevailingamongacompanyallofwhomhighorlowdependfortheirprofitsnotuponfixedwagesbutupontheircommonlucktogetherwiththeircommonvigilanceintrepidityandhardworkthoughallthesethingsdoinsomecasestendtobegetalessrigorousdisciplinethaninmerchantmengenerallyyetnevermindhowmuchlikeanoldMesopotamianfamilythesewhalemenmayinsomeprimitiveinstanceslivetogetherforallthatthepunctiliousexternalsatleastofthequarterdeckareseldommateriallyrelaxedandinnoinstancedoneawayIndeedmanyaretheNantucketshipsinwhichyouwillseetheskipperparadinghisquarterdeckwithanelatedgrandeurnotsurpassedinanymilitarynavynayextortingalmostasmuchoutwardhomageasifheworetheimperialpurpleandnottheshabbiestofpilotclothAndthoughofallmenthemoodycaptainofthePequodwastheleastgiventothatsortofshallowestassumptionandthoughtheonlyhomageheeverexactedwasimplicitinstantaneousobediencethoughherequirednomantoremovetheshoesfromhisfeeteresteppinguponthequarterdeckandthoughthereweretimeswhenowingtopeculiarcircumstancesconnectedwitheventshereaftertobedetailedheaddressedtheminunusualtermswhetherofcondescensionorinterroremorotherwiseyetevenCaptainAhabwasbynomeansunobservantoftheparamountformsandusagesoftheseaNorperhapswillitfailtobeeventuallyperceivedthatbehindthoseformsandusagesasitwerehesometimesmaskedhimselfincidentallymakinguseofthemforotherandmoreprivateendsthantheywerelegitimatelyintendedtosubserveThatcertainsultanismofhisbrainwhichhadotherwiseinagooddegreeremainedunmanifestedthroughthoseformsthatsamesultanismbecameincarnateinanirresistibledictatorshipForbeamansintellectualsuperioritywhatitwillitcanneverassumethepracticalavailablesupremacyoverothermenwithouttheaidofsomesortofexternalartsandentrenchmentsalwaysinthemselvesmoreorlesspaltryandbaseThisitisthatforeverkeepsGodstrueprincesoftheEmpirefromtheworldshustingsandleavesthehighesthonorsthatthisaircangivetothosemenwhobecomefamousmorethroughtheirinfiniteinferioritytothechoicehiddenhandfuloftheDivineInertthanthroughtheirundoubtedsuperiorityoverthedeadlevelofthemassSuchlargevirtuelurksinthesesmallthingswhenextremepoliticalsuperstitionsinvestthemthatinsomeroyalinstanceseventoidiotimbecilitytheyhaveimpartedpotencyButwhenasinthecaseofNicholastheCzartheringedcrownofgeographicalempireencirclesanimperialbrainthentheplebeianherdscrouchabasedbeforethetremendouscentralizationNorwillthetragicdramatistwhowoulddepictmortalindomitablenessinitsfullestsweepanddirectswingeverforgetahintincidentallysoimportantinhisartastheonenowalludedtoButAhabmyCaptainstillmovesbeforemeinallhisNantucketgrimnessandshagginessandinthisepisodetouchingEmperorsandKingsImustnotconcealthatIhaveonlytodowithapooroldwhalehunterlikehimandthereforealloutwardmajesticaltrappingsandhousingsaredeniedmeOhAhabwhatshallbegrandintheeitmustneedsbepluckedatfromtheskiesanddivedforinthedeepandfeaturedintheunbodiedairCHAPTER34TheCabinTableItisnoonandDoughBoythestewardthrustinghispaleloafofbreadfacefromthecabinscuttleannouncesdinnertohislordandmasterwhosittingintheleequarterboathasjustbeentakinganobservationofthesunandisnowmutelyreckoningthelatitudeonthesmoothmedallionshapedtabletreservedforthatdailypurposeontheupperpartofhisivorylegFromhiscompleteinattentiontothetidingsyouwouldthinkthatmoodyAhabhadnotheardhismenialButpresentlycatchingholdofthemizenshroudsheswingshimselftothedeckandinanevenunexhilaratedvoicesayingDinnerMrStarbuckdisappearsintothecabinWhenthelastechoofhissultansstephasdiedawayandStarbuckthefirstEmirhaseveryreasontosupposethatheisseatedthenStarbuckrousesfromhisquietudetakesafewturnsalongtheplanksandafteragravepeepintothebinnaclesayswithsometouchofpleasantnessDinnerMrStubbanddescendsthescuttleThesecondEmirloungesabouttheriggingawhileandthenslightlyshakingthemainbracetoseewhetheritwillbeallrightwiththatimportantropehelikewisetakesuptheoldburdenandwitharapidDinnerMrFlaskfollowsafterhispredecessorsButthethirdEmirnowseeinghimselfallaloneonthequarterdeckseemstofeelrelievedfromsomecuriousrestraintfortippingallsortsofknowingwinksinallsortsofdirectionsandkickingoffhisshoeshestrikesintoasharpbutnoiselesssquallofahornpiperightovertheGrandTurksheadandthenbyadexteroussleightpitchinghiscapupintothemizentopforashelfhegoesdownrollickingsofaratleastasheremainsvisiblefromthedeckreversingallotherprocessionsbybringinguptherearwithmusicButeresteppingintothecabindoorwaybelowhepausesshipsanewfacealtogetherandthenindependenthilariouslittleFlaskentersKingAhabspresenceinthecharacterofAbjectusortheSlaveItisnottheleastamongthestrangethingsbredbytheintenseartificialnessofseausagesthatwhileintheopenairofthedecksomeofficerswilluponprovocationbearthemselvesboldlyanddefyinglyenoughtowardstheircommanderyettentooneletthoseveryofficersthenextmomentgodowntotheircustomarydinnerinthatsamecommanderscabinandstraightwaytheirinoffensivenottosaydeprecatoryandhumbleairtowardshimashesitsattheheadofthetablethisismarvelloussometimesmostcomicalWhereforethisdifferenceAproblemPerhapsnotTohavebeenBelshazzarKingofBabylonandtohavebeenBelshazzarnothaughtilybutcourteouslythereincertainlymusthavebeensometouchofmundanegrandeurButhewhointherightlyregalandintelligentspiritpresidesoverhisownprivatedinnertableofinvitedgueststhatmansunchallengedpoweranddominionofindividualinfluenceforthetimethatmansroyaltyofstatetranscendsBelshazzarsforBelshazzarwasnotthegreatestWhohasbutoncedinedhisfriendshastastedwhatitistobeCsarItisawitcheryofsocialczarshipwhichthereisnowithstandingNowiftothisconsiderationyousuperaddtheofficialsupremacyofashipmasterthenbyinferenceyouwillderivethecauseofthatpeculiarityofsealifejustmentionedOverhisivoryinlaidtableAhabpresidedlikeamutemanedsealiononthewhitecoralbeachsurroundedbyhiswarlikebutstilldeferentialcubsInhisownproperturneachofficerwaitedtobeservedTheywereaslittlechildrenbeforeAhabandyetinAhabthereseemednottolurkthesmallestsocialarroganceWithonemindtheirintenteyesallfastenedupontheoldmansknifeashecarvedthechiefdishbeforehimIdonotsupposethatfortheworldtheywouldhaveprofanedthatmomentwiththeslightestobservationevenuponsoneutralatopicastheweatherNoAndwhenreachingouthisknifeandforkbetweenwhichthesliceofbeefwaslockedAhabtherebymotionedStarbucksplatetowardshimthematereceivedhismeatasthoughreceivingalmsandcutittenderlyandalittlestartedifperchancetheknifegrazedagainsttheplateandcheweditnoiselesslyandswalloweditnotwithoutcircumspectionForliketheCoronationbanquetatFrankfortwheretheGermanEmperorprofoundlydineswiththesevenImperialElectorssothesecabinmealsweresomehowsolemnmealseateninawfulsilenceandyetattableoldAhabforbadenotconversationonlyhehimselfwasdumbWhatareliefitwastochokingStubbwhenaratmadeasuddenracketintheholdbelowAndpoorlittleFlaskhewastheyoungestsonandlittleboyofthiswearyfamilypartyHisweretheshinbonesofthesalinebeefhiswouldhavebeenthedrumsticksForFlasktohavepresumedtohelphimselfthismusthaveseemedtohimtantamounttolarcenyinthefirstdegreeHadhehelpedhimselfatthattabledoubtlessnevermorewouldhehavebeenabletoholdhisheadupinthishonestworldneverthelessstrangetosayAhabneverforbadehimAndhadFlaskhelpedhimselfthechanceswereAhabhadneversomuchasnoticeditLeastofalldidFlaskpresumetohelphimselftobutterWhetherhethoughttheownersoftheshipdeniedittohimonaccountofitsclottinghisclearsunnycomplexionorwhetherhedeemedthatonsolongavoyageinsuchmarketlesswatersbutterwasatapremiumandthereforewasnotforhimasubalternhoweveritwasFlaskalaswasabutterlessmanAnotherthingFlaskwasthelastpersondownatthedinnerandFlaskisthefirstmanupConsiderForherebyFlasksdinnerwasbadlyjammedinpointoftimeStarbuckandStubbbothhadthestartofhimandyettheyalsohavetheprivilegeofloungingintherearIfStubbevenwhoisbutapeghigherthanFlaskhappenstohavebutasmallappetiteandsoonshowssymptomsofconcludinghisrepastthenFlaskmustbestirhimselfhewillnotgetmorethanthreemouthfulsthatdayforitisagainstholyusageforStubbtoprecedeFlasktothedeckThereforeitwasthatFlaskonceadmittedinprivatethateversincehehadarisentothedignityofanofficerfromthatmomenthehadneverknownwhatitwastobeotherwisethanhungrymoreorlessForwhatheatedidnotsomuchrelievehishungeraskeepitimmortalinhimPeaceandsatisfactionthoughtFlaskhaveforeverdepartedfrommystomachIamanofficerbuthowIwishIcouldfishabitofoldfashionedbeefintheforecastleasIusedtowhenIwasbeforethemastTheresthefruitsofpromotionnowtheresthevanityofglorytherestheinsanityoflifeBesidesifitweresothatanymeresailorofthePequodhadagrudgeagainstFlaskinFlasksofficialcapacityallthatsailorhadtodoinordertoobtainamplevengeancewastogoaftatdinnertimeandgetapeepatFlaskthroughthecabinskylightsittingsillyanddumfounderedbeforeawfulAhabNowAhabandhisthreematesformedwhatmaybecalledthefirsttableinthePequodscabinAftertheirdeparturetakingplaceininvertedordertotheirarrivalthecanvasclothwasclearedorratherwasrestoredtosomehurriedorderbythepallidstewardAndthenthethreeharpooneerswerebiddentothefeasttheybeingitsresiduarylegateesTheymadeasortoftemporaryservantshallofthehighandmightycabinInstrangecontrasttothehardlytolerableconstraintandnamelessinvisibledomineeringsofthecaptainstablewastheentirecarefreelicenseandeasethealmostfranticdemocracyofthoseinferiorfellowstheharpooneersWhiletheirmastersthematesseemedafraidofthesoundofthehingesoftheirownjawstheharpooneerschewedtheirfoodwithsucharelishthattherewasareporttoitTheydinedlikelordstheyfilledtheirbellieslikeIndianshipsalldayloadingwithspicesSuchportentousappetiteshadQueequegandTashtegothattofilloutthevacanciesmadebythepreviousrepastoftenthepaleDoughBoywasfaintobringonagreatbaronofsaltjunkseeminglyquarriedoutofthesolidoxAndifhewerenotlivelyaboutitifhedidnotgowithanimblehopskipandjumpthenTashtegohadanungentlemanlywayofacceleratinghimbydartingaforkathisbackharpoonwiseAndonceDaggooseizedwithasuddenhumorassistedDoughBoysmemorybysnatchinghimupbodilyandthrustinghisheadintoagreatemptywoodentrencherwhileTashtegoknifeinhandbeganlayingoutthecirclepreliminarytoscalpinghimHewasnaturallyaverynervousshudderingsortoflittlefellowthisbreadfacedstewardtheprogenyofabankruptbakerandahospitalnurseAndwhatwiththestandingspectacleoftheblackterrificAhabandtheperiodicaltumultuousvisitationsofthesethreesavagesDoughBoyswholelifewasonecontinuallipquiverCommonlyafterseeingtheharpooneersfurnishedwithallthingstheydemandedhewouldescapefromtheirclutchesintohislittlepantryadjoiningandfearfullypeepoutatthemthroughtheblindsofitsdoortillallwasoverItwasasighttoseeQueequegseatedoveragainstTashtegoopposinghisfiledteethtotheIndianscrosswisetothemDaggooseatedonthefloorforabenchwouldhavebroughthishearseplumedheadtothelowcarlinesateverymotionofhiscolossallimbsmakingthelowcabinframeworktoshakeaswhenanAfricanelephantgoespassengerinashipButforallthisthegreatnegrowaswonderfullyabstemiousnottosaydaintyItseemedhardlypossiblethatbysuchcomparativelysmallmouthfulshecouldkeepupthevitalitydiffusedthroughsobroadbaronialandsuperbapersonButdoubtlessthisnoblesavagefedstronganddrankdeepoftheaboundingelementofairandthroughhisdilatednostrilssnuffedinthesublimelifeoftheworldsNotbybeeforbybreadaregiantsmadeornourishedButQueequeghehadamortalbarbaricsmackofthelipineatinganuglysoundenoughsomuchsothatthetremblingDoughBoyalmostlookedtoseewhetheranymarksofteethlurkedinhisownleanarmsAndwhenhewouldhearTashtegosingingoutforhimtoproducehimselfthathisbonesmightbepickedthesimplewittedstewardallbutshatteredthecrockeryhangingroundhiminthepantrybyhissuddenfitsofthepalsyNordidthewhetstonewhichtheharpooneerscarriedintheirpocketsfortheirlancesandotherweaponsandwithwhichwhetstonesatdinnertheywouldostentatiouslysharpentheirknivesthatgratingsounddidnotatalltendtotranquillizepoorDoughBoyHowcouldheforgetthatinhisIslanddaysQueequegforonemustcertainlyhavebeenguiltyofsomemurderousconvivialindiscretionsAlasDoughBoyhardfaresthewhitewaiterwhowaitsuponcannibalsNotanapkinshouldhecarryonhisarmbutabucklerIngoodtimethoughtohisgreatdelightthethreesaltseawarriorswouldriseanddeparttohiscredulousfablemongeringearsalltheirmartialbonesjinglinginthemateverysteplikeMoorishscimetarsinscabbardsButthoughthesebarbariansdinedinthecabinandnominallylivedtherestillbeinganythingbutsedentaryintheirhabitstheywerescarcelyeverinitexceptatmealtimesandjustbeforesleepingtimewhentheypassedthroughittotheirownpeculiarquartersInthisonematterAhabseemednoexceptiontomostAmericanwhalecaptainswhoasasetratherinclinetotheopinionthatbyrightstheshipscabinbelongstothemandthatitisbycourtesyalonethatanybodyelseisatanytimepermittedthereSothatinrealtruththematesandharpooneersofthePequodmightmoreproperlybesaidtohavelivedoutofthecabinthaninitForwhentheydidenterititwassomethingasastreetdoorentersahouseturninginwardsforamomentonlytobeturnedoutthenextandasapermanentthingresidingintheopenairNordidtheylosemuchherebyinthecabinwasnocompanionshipsociallyAhabwasinaccessibleThoughnominallyincludedinthecensusofChristendomhewasstillanalientoitHelivedintheworldasthelastoftheGrislyBearslivedinsettledMissouriAndaswhenSpringandSummerhaddepartedthatwildLoganofthewoodsburyinghimselfinthehollowofatreelivedoutthewintertheresuckinghisownpawssoinhisinclementhowlingoldageAhabssoulshutupinthecavedtrunkofhisbodytherefeduponthesullenpawsofitsgloomCHAPTER35TheMastHeadItwasduringthemorepleasantweatherthatinduerotationwiththeotherseamenmyfirstmastheadcameroundInmostAmericanwhalementhemastheadsaremannedalmostsimultaneouslywiththevesselsleavingherporteventhoughshemayhavefifteenthousandmilesandmoretosailerereachingherpropercruisinggroundAndifafterathreefourorfiveyearsvoyagesheisdrawingnighhomewithanythingemptyinhersayanemptyvialeventhenhermastheadsarekeptmannedtothelastandnottillherskysailpolessailinamongthespiresoftheportdoesshealtogetherrelinquishthehopeofcapturingonewhalemoreNowasthebusinessofstandingmastheadsashoreorafloatisaveryancientandinterestingoneletusinsomemeasureexpatiatehereItakeitthattheearlieststandersofmastheadsweretheoldEgyptiansbecauseinallmyresearchesIfindnonepriortothemForthoughtheirprogenitorsthebuildersofBabelmustdoubtlessbytheirtowerhaveintendedtoreartheloftiestmastheadinallAsiaorAfricaeitheryeterethefinaltruckwasputtoitasthatgreatstonemastoftheirsmaybesaidtohavegonebytheboardinthedreadgaleofGodswraththereforewecannotgivetheseBabelbuilderspriorityovertheEgyptiansAndthattheEgyptianswereanationofmastheadstandersisanassertionbaseduponthegeneralbeliefamongarchologiststhatthefirstpyramidswerefoundedforastronomicalpurposesatheorysingularlysupportedbythepeculiarstairlikeformationofallfoursidesofthoseedificeswherebywithprodigiouslongupliftingsoftheirlegsthoseoldastronomerswerewonttomounttotheapexandsingoutfornewstarsevenasthelookoutsofamodernshipsingoutforasailorawhalejustbearinginsightInSaintStylitesthefamousChristianhermitofoldtimeswhobuilthimaloftystonepillarinthedesertandspentthewholelatterportionofhislifeonitssummithoistinghisfoodfromthegroundwithatackleinhimwehavearemarkableinstanceofadauntlessstanderofmastheadswhowasnottobedrivenfromhisplacebyfogsorfrostsrainhailorsleetbutvaliantlyfacingeverythingouttothelastliterallydiedathispostOfmodernstandersofmastheadswehavebutalifelesssetmerestoneironandbronzemenwhothoughwellcapableoffacingoutastiffgalearestillentirelyincompetenttothebusinessofsingingoutupondiscoveringanystrangesightThereisNapoleonwhouponthetopofthecolumnofVendomestandswitharmsfoldedsomeonehundredandfiftyfeetintheaircarelessnowwhorulesthedecksbelowwhetherLouisPhilippeLouisBlancorLouistheDevilGreatWashingtontoostandshighaloftonhistoweringmainmastinBaltimoreandlikeoneofHerculespillarshiscolumnmarksthatpointofhumangrandeurbeyondwhichfewmortalswillgoAdmiralNelsonalsoonacapstanofgunmetalstandshismastheadinTrafalgarSquareandeverwhenmostobscuredbythatLondonsmoketokenisyetgiventhatahiddenheroisthereforwherethereissmokemustbefireButneithergreatWashingtonnorNapoleonnorNelsonwillanswerasinglehailfrombelowhowevermadlyinvokedtobefriendbytheircounselsthedistracteddecksuponwhichtheygazehoweveritmaybesurmisedthattheirspiritspenetratethroughthethickhazeofthefutureanddescrywhatshoalsandwhatrocksmustbeshunnedItmayseemunwarrantabletocoupleinanyrespectthemastheadstandersofthelandwiththoseoftheseabutthatintruthitisnotsoisplainlyevincedbyanitemforwhichObedMacythesolehistorianofNantucketstandsaccountableTheworthyObedtellsusthatintheearlytimesofthewhalefisheryereshipswereregularlylaunchedinpursuitofthegamethepeopleofthatislanderectedloftysparsalongtheseacoasttowhichthelookoutsascendedbymeansofnailedcleatssomethingasfowlsgoupstairsinahenhouseAfewyearsagothissameplanwasadoptedbytheBaywhalemenofNewZealandwhoupondescryingthegamegavenoticetothereadymannedboatsnighthebeachButthiscustomhasnowbecomeobsoleteturnwethentotheonepropermastheadthatofawhaleshipatseaThethreemastheadsarekeptmannedfromsunrisetosunsettheseamentakingtheirregularturnsasatthehelmandrelievingeachothereverytwohoursInthesereneweatherofthetropicsitisexceedinglypleasantthemastheadnaytoadreamymeditativemanitisdelightfulThereyoustandahundredfeetabovethesilentdecksstridingalongthedeepasifthemastsweregiganticstiltswhilebeneathyouandbetweenyourlegsasitwereswimthehugestmonstersoftheseaevenasshipsoncesailedbetweenthebootsofthefamousColossusatoldRhodesThereyoustandlostintheinfiniteseriesoftheseawithnothingruffledbutthewavesThetrancedshipindolentlyrollsthedrowsytradewindsbloweverythingresolvesyouintolanguorForthemostpartinthistropicwhalinglifeasublimeuneventfulnessinvestsyouyouhearnonewsreadnogazettesextraswithstartlingaccountsofcommonplacesneverdeludeyouintounnecessaryexcitementsyouhearofnodomesticafflictionsbankruptsecuritiesfallofstocksarenevertroubledwiththethoughtofwhatyoushallhavefordinnerforallyourmealsforthreeyearsandmorearesnuglystowedincasksandyourbilloffareisimmutableInoneofthosesouthernwhalesmenonalongthreeorfouryearsvoyageasoftenhappensthesumofthevarioushoursyouspendatthemastheadwouldamounttoseveralentiremonthsAnditismuchtobedeploredthattheplacetowhichyoudevotesoconsiderableaportionofthewholetermofyournaturallifeshouldbesosadlydestituteofanythingapproachingtoacosyinhabitivenessoradaptedtobreedacomfortablelocalnessoffeelingsuchaspertainstoabedahammockahearseasentryboxapulpitacoachoranyotherofthosesmallandsnugcontrivancesinwhichmentemporarilyisolatethemselvesYourmostusualpointofperchistheheadofthetgallantmastwhereyoustandupontwothinparallelsticksalmostpeculiartowhalemencalledthetgallantcrosstreesHeretossedaboutbytheseathebeginnerfeelsaboutascosyashewouldstandingonabullshornsTobesureincoldweatheryoumaycarryyourhousealoftwithyouintheshapeofawatchcoatbutproperlyspeakingthethickestwatchcoatisnomoreofahousethantheuncladbodyforasthesoulisgluedinsideofitsfleshytabernacleandcannotfreelymoveaboutinitnorevenmoveoutofitwithoutrunninggreatriskofperishinglikeanignorantpilgrimcrossingthesnowyAlpsinwintersoawatchcoatisnotsomuchofahouseasitisamereenvelopeoradditionalskinencasingyouYoucannotputashelforchestofdrawersinyourbodyandnomorecanyoumakeaconvenientclosetofyourwatchcoatConcerningallthisitismuchtobedeploredthatthemastheadsofasouthernwhaleshipareunprovidedwiththoseenviablelittletentsorpulpitscalledcrowsnestsinwhichthelookoutsofaGreenlandwhalerareprotectedfromtheinclementweatherofthefrozenseasInthefiresidenarrativeofCaptainSleetentitledAVoyageamongtheIcebergsinquestoftheGreenlandWhaleandincidentallyfortherediscoveryoftheLostIcelandicColoniesofOldGreenlandinthisadmirablevolumeallstandersofmastheadsarefurnishedwithacharminglycircumstantialaccountofthethenrecentlyinventedcrowsnestoftheGlacierwhichwasthenameofCaptainSleetsgoodcraftHecalledittheSleetscrowsnestinhonorofhimselfhebeingtheoriginalinventorandpatenteeandfreefromallridiculousfalsedelicacyandholdingthatifwecallourownchildrenafterourownnameswefathersbeingtheoriginalinventorsandpatenteessolikewiseshouldwedenominateafterourselvesanyotherapparatuswemaybegetInshapetheSleetscrowsnestissomethinglikealargetierceorpipeitisopenabovehoweverwhereitisfurnishedwithamovablesidescreentokeeptowindwardofyourheadinahardgaleBeingfixedonthesummitofthemastyouascendintoitthroughalittletraphatchinthebottomOntheaftersideorsidenextthesternoftheshipisacomfortableseatwithalockerunderneathforumbrellascomfortersandcoatsInfrontisaleatherrackinwhichtokeepyourspeakingtrumpetpipetelescopeandothernauticalconveniencesWhenCaptainSleetinpersonstoodhismastheadinthiscrowsnestofhishetellsusthathealwayshadariflewithhimalsofixedintheracktogetherwithapowderflaskandshotforthepurposeofpoppingoffthestraynarwhalesorvagrantseaunicornsinfestingthosewatersforyoucannotsuccessfullyshootatthemfromthedeckowingtotheresistanceofthewaterbuttoshootdownuponthemisaverydifferentthingNowitwasplainlyalaborofloveforCaptainSleettodescribeashedoesallthelittledetailedconveniencesofhiscrowsnestbutthoughhesoenlargesuponmanyoftheseandthoughhetreatsustoaveryscientificaccountofhisexperimentsinthiscrowsnestwithasmallcompasshekeptthereforthepurposeofcounteractingtheerrorsresultingfromwhatiscalledthelocalattractionofallbinnaclemagnetsanerrorascribabletothehorizontalvicinityoftheironintheshipsplanksandintheGlacierscaseperhapstotherehavingbeensomanybrokendownblacksmithsamonghercrewIsaythatthoughtheCaptainisverydiscreetandscientifichereyetforallhislearnedbinnacledeviationsazimuthcompassobservationsandapproximateerrorsheknowsverywellCaptainSleetthathewasnotsomuchimmersedinthoseprofoundmagneticmeditationsastofailbeingattractedoccasionallytowardsthatwellreplenishedlittlecasebottlesonicelytuckedinononesideofhiscrowsnestwithineasyreachofhishandThoughuponthewholeIgreatlyadmireandevenlovethebravethehonestandlearnedCaptainyetItakeitveryillofhimthatheshouldsoutterlyignorethatcasebottleseeingwhatafaithfulfriendandcomforteritmusthavebeenwhilewithmittenedfingersandhoodedheadhewasstudyingthemathematicsaloftthereinthatbirdsnestwithinthreeorfourperchesofthepoleButifweSouthernwhalefishersarenotsosnuglyhousedaloftasCaptainSleetandhisGreenlandmenwereyetthatdisadvantageisgreatlycounterbalancedbythewidelycontrastingserenityofthoseseductiveseasinwhichweSouthfishersmostlyfloatForoneIusedtoloungeuptheriggingveryleisurelyrestinginthetoptohaveachatwithQueequegoranyoneelseoffdutywhomImightfindtherethenascendingalittlewayfurtherandthrowingalazylegoverthetopsailyardtakeapreliminaryviewofthewaterypasturesandsoatlastmounttomyultimatedestinationLetmemakeacleanbreastofithereandfranklyadmitthatIkeptbutsorryguardWiththeproblemoftheuniverserevolvinginmehowcouldIbeingleftcompletelytomyselfatsuchathoughtengenderingaltitudehowcouldIbutlightlyholdmyobligationstoobserveallwhaleshipsstandingordersKeepyourweathereyeopenandsingouteverytimeAndletmeinthisplacemovinglyadmonishyouyeshipownersofNantucketBewareofenlistinginyourvigilantfisheriesanyladwithleanbrowandholloweyegiventounseasonablemeditativenessandwhoofferstoshipwiththePhdoninsteadofBowditchinhisheadBewareofsuchanoneIsayyourwhalesmustbeseenbeforetheycanbekilledandthissunkeneyedyoungPlatonistwilltowyoutenwakesroundtheworldandnevermakeyouonepintofspermthericherNorarethesemonitionsatallunneededFornowadaysthewhalefisheryfurnishesanasylumformanyromanticmelancholyandabsentmindedyoungmendisgustedwiththecarkingcaresofearthandseekingsentimentintarandblubberChildeHaroldnotunfrequentlypercheshimselfuponthemastheadofsomelucklessdisappointedwhaleshipandinmoodyphraseejaculatesRollonthoudeepanddarkblueoceanrollTenthousandblubberhunterssweepovertheeinvainVeryoftendothecaptainsofsuchshipstakethoseabsentmindedyoungphilosopherstotaskupbraidingthemwithnotfeelingsufficientinterestinthevoyagehalfhintingthattheyaresohopelesslylosttoallhonorableambitionasthatintheirsecretsoulstheywouldrathernotseewhalesthanotherwiseButallinvainthoseyoungPlatonistshaveanotionthattheirvisionisimperfecttheyareshortsightedwhatusethentostrainthevisualnerveTheyhavelefttheiroperaglassesathomeWhythoumonkeysaidaharpooneertooneoftheseladswevebeencruisingnowharduponthreeyearsandthouhastnotraisedawhaleyetWhalesarescarceashensteethwheneverthouartupherePerhapstheywereorperhapstheremighthavebeenshoalsoftheminthefarhorizonbutlulledintosuchanopiumlikelistlessnessofvacantunconsciousreverieisthisabsentmindedyouthbytheblendingcadenceofwaveswiththoughtsthatatlastheloseshisidentitytakesthemysticoceanathisfeetforthevisibleimageofthatdeepbluebottomlesssoulpervadingmankindandnatureandeverystrangehalfseenglidingbeautifulthingthateludeshimeverydimlydiscovereduprisingfinofsomeundiscernibleformseemstohimtheembodimentofthoseelusivethoughtsthatonlypeoplethesoulbycontinuallyflittingthroughitInthisenchantedmoodthyspiritebbsawaytowhenceitcamebecomesdiffusedthroughtimeandspacelikeCranmerssprinkledPantheisticashesformingatlastapartofeveryshoretheroundglobeoverThereisnolifeintheenowexceptthatrockinglifeimpartedbyagentlyrollingshipbyherborrowedfromtheseabytheseafromtheinscrutabletidesofGodButwhilethissleepthisdreamisonyemoveyourfootorhandaninchslipyourholdatallandyouridentitycomesbackinhorrorOverDescartianvorticesyouhoverAndperhapsatmiddayinthefairestweatherwithonehalfthrottledshriekyoudropthroughthattransparentairintothesummerseanomoretoriseforeverHeeditwellyePantheistsCHAPTER36TheQuarterDeckEnterAhabThenallItwasnotagreatwhileaftertheaffairofthepipethatonemorningshortlyafterbreakfastAhabaswashiswontascendedthecabingangwaytothedeckTheremostseacaptainsusuallywalkatthathourascountrygentlemenafterthesamemealtakeafewturnsinthegardenSoonhissteadyivorystridewasheardastoandfrohepacedhisoldroundsuponplankssofamiliartohistreadthattheywerealloverdentedlikegeologicalstoneswiththepeculiarmarkofhiswalkDidyoufixedlygazetoouponthatribbedanddentedbrowtherealsoyouwouldseestillstrangerfootprintsthefootprintsofhisoneunsleepingeverpacingthoughtButontheoccasioninquestionthosedentslookeddeeperevenashisnervousstepthatmorningleftadeepermarkAndsofullofhisthoughtwasAhabthatateveryuniformturnthathemadenowatthemainmastandnowatthebinnacleyoucouldalmostseethatthoughtturninhimasheturnedandpaceinhimashepacedsocompletelypossessinghimindeedthatitallbutseemedtheinwardmouldofeveryoutermovementDyemarkhimFlaskwhisperedStubbthechickthatsinhimpeckstheshellTwillsoonbeoutThehoursworeonAhabnowshutupwithinhiscabinanonpacingthedeckwiththesameintensebigotryofpurposeinhisaspectItdrewnearthecloseofdaySuddenlyhecametoahaltbythebulwarksandinsertinghisbonelegintotheaugerholethereandwithonehandgraspingashroudheorderedStarbucktosendeverybodyaftSirsaidthemateastonishedatanorderseldomornevergivenonshipboardexceptinsomeextraordinarycaseSendeverybodyaftrepeatedAhabMastheadstherecomedownWhentheentireshipscompanywereassembledandwithcuriousandnotwhollyunapprehensivefaceswereeyeinghimforhelookednotunliketheweatherhorizonwhenastormiscomingupAhabafterrapidlyglancingoverthebulwarksandthendartinghiseyesamongthecrewstartedfromhisstandpointandasthoughnotasoulwerenighhimresumedhisheavyturnsuponthedeckWithbentheadandhalfslouchedhathecontinuedtopaceunmindfulofthewonderingwhisperingamongthementillStubbcautiouslywhisperedtoFlaskthatAhabmusthavesummonedthemthereforthepurposeofwitnessingapedestrianfeatButthisdidnotlastlongVehementlypausinghecriedWhatdoyedowhenyeseeawhalemenSingoutforhimwastheimpulsiverejoinderfromascoreofclubbedvoicesGoodcriedAhabwithawildapprovalinhistonesobservingtheheartyanimationintowhichhisunexpectedquestionhadsomagneticallythrownthemAndwhatdoyenextmenLowerawayandafterhimAndwhattuneisityepulltomenAdeadwhaleorastoveboatMoreandmorestrangelyandfiercelygladandapprovinggrewthecountenanceoftheoldmanateveryshoutwhilethemarinersbegantogazecuriouslyateachotherasifmarvellinghowitwasthattheythemselvesbecamesoexcitedatsuchseeminglypurposelessquestionsButtheywerealleagernessagainasAhabnowhalfrevolvinginhispivotholewithonehandreachinghighupashroudandtightlyalmostconvulsivelygraspingitaddressedthemthusAllyemastheadershavebeforenowheardmegiveordersaboutawhitewhaleLookyedyeseethisSpanishounceofgoldholdingupabroadbrightcointothesunitisasixteendollarpiecemenDyeseeitMrStarbuckhandmeyontopmaulWhilethematewasgettingthehammerAhabwithoutspeakingwasslowlyrubbingthegoldpieceagainsttheskirtsofhisjacketasiftoheightenitslustreandwithoutusinganywordswasmeanwhilelowlyhummingtohimselfproducingasoundsostrangelymuffledandinarticulatethatitseemedthemechanicalhummingofthewheelsofhisvitalityinhimReceivingthetopmaulfromStarbuckheadvancedtowardsthemainmastwiththehammerupliftedinonehandexhibitingthegoldwiththeotherandwithahighraisedvoiceexclaimingWhosoeverofyeraisesmeawhiteheadedwhalewithawrinkledbrowandacrookedjawwhosoeverofyeraisesmethatwhiteheadedwhalewiththreeholespuncturedinhisstarboardflukelookyewhosoeverofyeraisesmethatsamewhitewhaleheshallhavethisgoldouncemyboysHuzzahuzzacriedtheseamenaswithswingingtarpaulinstheyhailedtheactofnailingthegoldtothemastItsawhitewhaleIsayresumedAhabashethrewdownthetopmaulawhitewhaleSkinyoureyesforhimmenlooksharpforwhitewaterifyeseebutabubblesingoutAllthiswhileTashtegoDaggooandQueequeghadlookedonwithevenmoreintenseinterestandsurprisethantherestandatthementionofthewrinkledbrowandcrookedjawtheyhadstartedasifeachwasseparatelytouchedbysomespecificrecollectionCaptainAhabsaidTashtegothatwhitewhalemustbethesamethatsomecallMobyDickMobyDickshoutedAhabDoyeknowthewhitewhalethenTashDoeshefantailalittlecurioussirbeforehegoesdownsaidtheGayHeaderdeliberatelyAndhasheacuriousspouttoosaidDaggooverybushyevenforaparmacettyandmightyquickCaptainAhabAndhehaveonetwothreeohgoodmanyironinhimhidetooCaptaincriedQueequegdisjointedlyalltwisketeebetwisklikehimhimfalteringhardforawordandscrewinghishandroundandroundasthoughuncorkingabottlelikehimhimCorkscrewcriedAhabayeQueequegtheharpoonsliealltwistedandwrenchedinhimayeDaggoohisspoutisabigonelikeawholeshockofwheatandwhiteasapileofourNantucketwoolafterthegreatannualsheepshearingayeTashtegoandhefantailslikeasplitjibinasquallDeathanddevilsmenitisMobyDickyehaveseenMobyDickMobyDickCaptainAhabsaidStarbuckwhowithStubbandFlaskhadthusfarbeeneyeinghissuperiorwithincreasingsurprisebutatlastseemedstruckwithathoughtwhichsomewhatexplainedallthewonderCaptainAhabIhaveheardofMobyDickbutitwasnotMobyDickthattookoffthylegWhotoldtheethatcriedAhabthenpausingAyeStarbuckayemyheartiesallrounditwasMobyDickthatdismastedmeMobyDickthatbroughtmetothisdeadstumpIstandonnowAyeayeheshoutedwithaterrificloudanimalsoblikethatofaheartstrickenmooseAyeayeitwasthataccursedwhitewhalethatrazedmemadeapoorpegginglubberofmeforeverandadayThentossingbotharmswithmeasurelessimprecationsheshoutedoutAyeayeandIllchasehimroundGoodHopeandroundtheHornandroundtheNorwayMaelstromandroundperditionsflamesbeforeIgivehimupAndthisiswhatyehaveshippedformentochasethatwhitewhaleonbothsidesoflandandoverallsidesofearthtillhespoutsblackbloodandrollsfinoutWhatsayyemenwillyesplicehandsonitnowIthinkyedolookbraveAyeayeshoutedtheharpooneersandseamenrunningclosertotheexcitedoldmanAsharpeyeforthewhitewhaleasharplanceforMobyDickGodblessyeheseemedtohalfsobandhalfshoutGodblessyemenStewardgodrawthegreatmeasureofgrogButwhatsthislongfaceaboutMrStarbuckwiltthounotchasethewhitewhaleartnotgameforMobyDickIamgameforhiscrookedjawandforthejawsofDeathtooCaptainAhabifitfairlycomesinthewayofthebusinesswefollowbutIcameheretohuntwhalesnotmycommandersvengeanceHowmanybarrelswillthyvengeanceyieldtheeevenifthougettestitCaptainAhabitwillnotfetchtheemuchinourNantucketmarketNantucketmarketHootButcomecloserStarbuckthourequirestalittlelowerlayerIfmoneystobethemeasurermanandtheaccountantshavecomputedtheirgreatcountinghousetheglobebygirdlingitwithguineasonetoeverythreepartsofaninchthenletmetelltheethatmyvengeancewillfetchagreatpremiumhereHesmiteshischestwhisperedStubbwhatsthatformethinksitringsmostvastbuthollowVengeanceonadumbbrutecriedStarbuckthatsimplysmotetheefromblindestinstinctMadnessTobeenragedwithadumbthingCaptainAhabseemsblasphemousHarkyeyetagainthelittlelowerlayerAllvisibleobjectsmanarebutaspasteboardmasksButineacheventinthelivingacttheundoubteddeedtheresomeunknownbutstillreasoningthingputsforththemouldingsofitsfeaturesfrombehindtheunreasoningmaskIfmanwillstrikestrikethroughthemaskHowcantheprisonerreachoutsideexceptbythrustingthroughthewallTomethewhitewhaleisthatwallshovedneartomeSometimesIthinktheresnaughtbeyondButtisenoughHetasksmeheheapsmeIseeinhimoutrageousstrengthwithaninscrutablemalicesinewingitThatinscrutablethingischieflywhatIhateandbethewhitewhaleagentorbethewhitewhaleprincipalIwillwreakthathateuponhimTalknottomeofblasphemymanIdstrikethesunifitinsultedmeForcouldthesundothatthencouldIdotheothersincethereiseverasortoffairplayhereinjealousypresidingoverallcreationsButnotmymastermaniseventhatfairplayWhosovermeTruthhathnoconfinesTakeoffthineeyemoreintolerablethanfiendsglaringsisadoltishstareSosothoureddenestandpalestmyheathasmeltedtheetoangerglowButlookyeStarbuckwhatissaidinheatthatthingunsaysitselfTherearemenfromwhomwarmwordsaresmallindignityImeantnottoincensetheeLetitgoLookseeyonderTurkishcheeksofspottedtawnlivingbreathingpicturespaintedbythesunThePaganleopardstheunreckingandunworshippingthingsthatliveandseekandgivenoreasonsforthetorridlifetheyfeelThecrewmanthecrewAretheynotoneandallwithAhabinthismatterofthewhaleSeeStubbhelaughsSeeyonderChilianhesnortstothinkofitStandupamidthegeneralhurricanethyonetostsaplingcannotStarbuckAndwhatisitReckonitTisbuttohelpstrikeafinnowondrousfeatforStarbuckWhatisitmoreFromthisonepoorhuntthenthebestlanceoutofallNantucketsurelyhewillnothangbackwheneveryforemasthandhasclutchedawhetstoneAhconstrainingsseizetheeIseethebillowliftstheeSpeakbutspeakAyeayethysilencethenthatvoicestheeAsideSomethingshotfrommydilatednostrilshehasinhaleditinhislungsStarbucknowisminecannotopposemenowwithoutrebellionGodkeepmekeepusallmurmuredStarbucklowlyButinhisjoyattheenchantedtacitacquiescenceofthemateAhabdidnothearhisforebodinginvocationnoryetthelowlaughfromtheholdnoryetthepresagingvibrationsofthewindsinthecordagenoryetthehollowflapofthesailsagainstthemastsasforamomenttheirheartssankinForagainStarbucksdowncasteyeslightedupwiththestubbornnessoflifethesubterraneanlaughdiedawaythewindsblewonthesailsfilledouttheshipheavedandrolledasbeforeAhyeadmonitionsandwarningswhystayyenotwhenyecomeButratherareyepredictionsthanwarningsyeshadowsYetnotsomuchpredictionsfromwithoutasverificationsoftheforegoingthingswithinForwithlittleexternaltoconstrainustheinnermostnecessitie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hershadtakenouroathsofviolenceandrevengeForsometimepastthoughatintervalsonlytheunaccompaniedsecludedWhiteWhalehadhauntedthoseuncivilizedseasmostlyfrequentedbytheSpermWhalefishermenButnotallofthemknewofhisexistenceonlyafewofthemcomparativelyhadknowinglyseenhimwhilethenumberwhoasyethadactuallyandknowinglygivenbattletohimwassmallindeedForowingtothelargenumberofwhalecruisersthedisorderlywaytheyweresprinkledovertheentirewaterycircumferencemanyofthemadventurouslypushingtheirquestalongsolitarylatitudessoasseldomorneverforawholetwelvemonthormoreonastretchtoencounterasinglenewstellingsailofanysorttheinordinatelengthofeachseparatevoyagetheirregularityofthetimesofsailingfromhomeallthesewithothercircumstancesdirectandindirectlongobstructedthespreadthroughthewholeworldwidewhalingfleetofthespecialindividualizingtidingsconcerningMobyDickItwashardlytobedoubtedthatseveralvesselsreportedtohaveencounteredatsuchorsuchatimeoronsuchorsuchameridianaSpermWhaleofuncommonmagnitudeandmalignitywhichwhaleafterdoinggreatmischieftohisassailantshadcompletelyescapedthemtosomemindsitwasnotanunfairpresumptionIsaythatthewhaleinquestionmusthavebeennootherthanMobyDickYetasoflatetheSpermWhalefisheryhadbeenmarkedbyvariousandnotunfrequentinstancesofgreatferocitycunningandmaliceinthemonsterattackedthereforeitwasthatthosewhobyaccidentignorantlygavebattletoMobyDicksuchhuntersperhapsforthemostpartwerecontenttoascribethepeculiarterrorhebredmoreasitweretotheperilsoftheSpermWhalefisheryatlargethantotheindividualcauseInthatwaymostlythedisastrousencounterbetweenAhabandthewhalehadhithertobeenpopularlyregardedAndasforthosewhopreviouslyhearingoftheWhiteWhalebychancecaughtsightofhiminthebeginningofthethingtheyhadeveryoneofthemalmostasboldlyandfearlesslyloweredforhimasforanyotherwhaleofthatspeciesButatlengthsuchcalamitiesdidensueintheseassaultsnotrestrictedtosprainedwristsandanklesbrokenlimbsordevouringamputationsbutfataltothelastdegreeoffatalitythoserepeateddisastrousrepulsesallaccumulatingandpilingtheirterrorsuponMobyDickthosethingshadgonefartoshakethefortitudeofmanybravehunterstowhomthestoryoftheWhiteWhalehadeventuallycomeNordidwildrumorsofallsortsfailtoexaggerateandstillthemorehorrifythetruehistoriesofthesedeadlyencountersFornotonlydofabulousrumorsnaturallygrowoutoftheverybodyofallsurprisingterribleeventsasthesmittentreegivesbirthtoitsfungibutinmaritimelifefarmorethaninthatofterrafirmawildrumorsaboundwhereverthereisanyadequaterealityforthemtoclingtoAndastheseasurpassesthelandinthismattersothewhalefisherysurpasseseveryothersortofmaritimelifeinthewonderfulnessandfearfulnessoftherumorswhichsometimescirculatethereFornotonlyarewhalemenasabodyunexemptfromthatignoranceandsuperstitiousnesshereditarytoallsailorsbutofallsailorstheyarebyalloddsthemostdirectlybroughtintocontactwithwhateverisappallinglyastonishingintheseafacetofacetheynotonlyeyeitsgreatestmarvelsbuthandtojawgivebattletothemAloneinsuchremotestwatersthatthoughyousailedathousandmilesandpassedathousandshoresyouwouldnotcometoanychiseledhearthstoneoraughthospitablebeneaththatpartofthesuninsuchlatitudesandlongitudespursuingtoosuchacallingashedoesthewhalemaniswrappedbyinfluencesalltendingtomakehisfancypregnantwithmanyamightybirthNowonderthenthatevergatheringvolumefromthemeretransitoverthewidestwateryspacestheoutblownrumorsoftheWhiteWhaledidintheendincorporatewiththemselvesallmannerofmorbidhintsandhalfformedftalsuggestionsofsupernaturalagencieswhicheventuallyinvestedMobyDickwithnewterrorsunborrowedfromanythingthatvisiblyappearsSothatinmanycasessuchapanicdidhefinallystrikethatfewwhobythoserumorsatleasthadheardoftheWhiteWhalefewofthosehunterswerewillingtoencountertheperilsofhisjawButtherewerestillotherandmorevitalpracticalinfluencesatworkNotevenatthepresentdayhastheoriginalprestigeoftheSpermWhaleasfearfullydistinguishedfromallotherspeciesoftheleviathandiedoutofthemindsofthewhalemenasabodyTherearethosethisdayamongthemwhothoughintelligentandcourageousenoughinofferingbattletotheGreenlandorRightwhalewouldperhapseitherfromprofessionalinexperienceorincompetencyortimiditydeclineacontestwiththeSpermWhaleatanyratethereareplentyofwhalemenespeciallyamongthosewhalingnationsnotsailingundertheAmericanflagwhohaveneverhostilelyencounteredtheSpermWhalebutwhosesoleknowledgeoftheleviathanisrestrictedtotheignoblemonsterprimitivelypursuedintheNorthseatedontheirhatchesthesemenwillhearkenwithachildishfiresideinterestandawetothewildstrangetalesofSouthernwhalingNoristhepreeminenttremendousnessofthegreatSpermWhaleanywheremorefeelinglycomprehendedthanonboardofthoseprowswhichstemhimAndasifthenowtestedrealityofhismighthadinformerlegendarytimesthrownitsshadowbeforeitwefindsomebooknaturalistsOlassenandPovelsondeclaringtheSpermWhalenotonlytobeaconsternationtoeveryothercreatureintheseabutalsotobesoincrediblyferociousascontinuallytobeathirstforhumanbloodNorevendowntosolateatimeasCuviersweretheseoralmostsimilarimpressionseffacedForinhisNaturalHistorytheBaronhimselfaffirmsthatatsightoftheSpermWhaleallfishsharksincludedarestruckwiththemostlivelyterrorsandoftenintheprecipitancyoftheirflightdashthemselvesagainsttherockswithsuchviolenceastocauseinstantaneousdeathAndhoweverthegeneralexperiencesinthefisherymayamendsuchreportsastheseyetintheirfullterriblenesseventothebloodthirstyitemofPovelsonthesuperstitiousbeliefinthemisinsomevicissitudesoftheirvocationrevivedinthemindsofthehuntersSothatoverawedbytherumorsandportentsconcerninghimnotafewofthefishermenrecalledinreferencetoMobyDicktheearlierdaysoftheSpermWhalefisherywhenitwasoftentimeshardtoinducelongpractisedRightwhalementoembarkintheperilsofthisnewanddaringwarfaresuchmenprotestingthatalthoughotherleviathansmightbehopefullypursuedyettochaseandpointlanceatsuchanapparitionastheSpermWhalewasnotformortalmanThattoattemptitwouldbeinevitablytobetornintoaquicketernityOnthisheadtherearesomeremarkabledocumentsthatmaybeconsultedNeverthelesssometherewerewhoeveninthefaceofthesethingswerereadytogivechasetoMobyDickandastillgreaternumberwhochancingonlytohearofhimdistantlyandvaguelywithoutthespecificdetailsofanycertaincalamityandwithoutsuperstitiousaccompanimentsweresufficientlyhardynottofleefromthebattleifofferedOneofthewildsuggestionsreferredtoasatlastcomingtobelinkedwiththeWhiteWhaleinthemindsofthesuperstitiouslyinclinedwastheunearthlyconceitthatMobyDickwasubiquitousthathehadactuallybeenencounteredinoppositelatitudesatoneandthesameinstantoftimeNorcredulousassuchmindsmusthavebeenwasthisconceitaltogetherwithoutsomefaintshowofsuperstitiousprobabilityForasthesecretsofthecurrentsintheseashaveneveryetbeendivulgedeventothemosteruditeresearchsothehiddenwaysoftheSpermWhalewhenbeneaththesurfaceremainingreatpartunaccountabletohispursuersandfromtimetotimehaveoriginatedthemostcuriousandcontradictoryspeculationsregardingthemespeciallyconcerningthemysticmodeswherebyaftersoundingtoagreatdepthhetransportshimselfwithsuchvastswiftnesstothemostwidelydistantpointsItisathingwellknowntobothAmericanandEnglishwhaleshipsandaswellathingplaceduponauthoritativerecordyearsagobyScoresbythatsomewhaleshavebeencapturedfarnorthinthePacificinwhosebodieshavebeenfoundthebarbsofharpoonsdartedintheGreenlandseasNorisittobegainsaidthatinsomeoftheseinstancesithasbeendeclaredthattheintervaloftimebetweenthetwoassaultscouldnothaveexceededverymanydaysHencebyinferenceithasbeenbelievedbysomewhalementhattheNorWestPassagesolongaproblemtomanwasneveraproblemtothewhaleSothathereinthereallivingexperienceoflivingmentheprodigiesrelatedinoldtimesoftheinlandStrellomountaininPortugalnearwhosetoptherewassaidtobealakeinwhichthewrecksofshipsfloateduptothesurfaceandthatstillmorewonderfulstoryoftheArethusafountainnearSyracusewhosewaterswerebelievedtohavecomefromtheHolyLandbyanundergroundpassagethesefabulousnarrationsarealmostfullyequalledbytherealitiesofthewhalemenForcedintofamiliaritythenwithsuchprodigiesastheseandknowingthatafterrepeatedintrepidassaultstheWhiteWhalehadescapedaliveitcannotbemuchmatterofsurprisethatsomewhalemenshouldgostillfurtherintheirsuperstitionsdeclaringMobyDicknotonlyubiquitousbutimmortalforimmortalityisbutubiquityintimethatthoughgrovesofspearsshouldbeplantedinhisflankshewouldstillswimawayunharmedorifindeedheshouldeverbemadetospoutthickbloodsuchasightwouldbebutaghastlydeceptionforagaininunensanguinedbillowshundredsofleaguesawayhisunsulliedjetwouldoncemorebeseenButevenstrippedofthesesupernaturalsurmisingstherewasenoughintheearthlymakeandincontestablecharacterofthemonstertostriketheimaginationwithunwontedpowerForitwasnotsomuchhisuncommonbulkthatsomuchdistinguishedhimfromotherspermwhalesbutaswaselsewherethrownoutapeculiarsnowwhitewrinkledforeheadandahighpyramidicalwhitehumpThesewerehisprominentfeaturesthetokenswherebyeveninthelimitlessunchartedseasherevealedhisidentityatalongdistancetothosewhoknewhimTherestofhisbodywassostreakedandspottedandmarbledwiththesameshroudedhuethatintheendhehadgainedhisdistinctiveappellationoftheWhiteWhaleanameindeedliterallyjustifiedbyhisvividaspectwhenseenglidingathighnoonthroughadarkbluesealeavingamilkywaywakeofcreamyfoamallspangledwithgoldengleamingsNorwasithisunwontedmagnitudenorhisremarkablehuenoryethisdeformedlowerjawthatsomuchinvestedthewhalewithnaturalterrorasthatunexampledintelligentmalignitywhichaccordingtospecificaccountshehadoverandoveragainevincedinhisassaultsMorethanallhistreacherousretreatsstruckmoreofdismaythanperhapsaughtelseForwhenswimmingbeforehisexultingpursuerswitheveryapparentsymptomofalarmhehadseveraltimesbeenknowntoturnroundsuddenlyandbearingdownuponthemeitherstavetheirboatstosplintersordrivethembackinconsternationtotheirshipAlreadyseveralfatalitieshadattendedhischaseButthoughsimilardisastershoweverlittlebruitedashorewerebynomeansunusualinthefisheryyetinmostinstancessuchseemedtheWhiteWhalesinfernalaforethoughtofferocitythateverydismemberingordeaththathecausedwasnotwhollyregardedashavingbeeninflictedbyanunintelligentagentJudgethentowhatpitchesofinflameddistractedfurythemindsofhismoredesperatehunterswereimpelledwhenamidthechipsofchewedboatsandthesinkinglimbsoftorncomradestheyswamoutofthewhitecurdsofthewhalesdirefulwrathintothesereneexasperatingsunlightthatsmiledonasifatabirthorabridalHisthreeboatsstovearoundhimandoarsandmenbothwhirlingintheeddiesonecaptainseizingthelineknifefromhisbrokenprowhaddashedatthewhaleasanArkansasduellistathisfoeblindlyseekingwithasixinchbladetoreachthefathomdeeplifeofthewhaleThatcaptainwasAhabAndthenitwasthatsuddenlysweepinghissickleshapedlowerjawbeneathhimMobyDickhadreapedawayAhabslegasamowerabladeofgrassinthefieldNoturbanedTurknohiredVenetianorMalaycouldhavesmotehimwithmoreseemingmaliceSmallreasonwastheretodoubtthenthateversincethatalmostfatalencounterAhabhadcherishedawildvindictivenessagainstthewhaleallthemorefellforthatinhisfranticmorbidnessheatlastcametoidentifywithhimnotonlyallhisbodilywoesbutallhisintellectualandspiritualexasperationsTheWhiteWhaleswambeforehimasthemonomaniacincarnationofallthosemaliciousagencieswhichsomedeepmenfeeleatinginthemtilltheyareleftlivingonwithhalfaheartandhalfalungThatintangiblemalignitywhichhasbeenfromthebeginningtowhosedominioneventhemodernChristiansascribeonehalfoftheworldswhichtheancientOphitesoftheeastreverencedintheirstatuedevilAhabdidnotfalldownandworshipitlikethembutdeliriouslytransferringitsideatotheabhorredwhitewhalehepittedhimselfallmutilatedagainstitAllthatmostmaddensandtormentsallthatstirsuptheleesofthingsalltruthwithmaliceinitallthatcracksthesinewsandcakesthebrainallthesubtledemonismsoflifeandthoughtalleviltocrazyAhabwerevisiblypersonifiedandmadepracticallyassailableinMobyDickHepileduponthewhaleswhitehumpthesumofallthegeneralrageandhatefeltbyhiswholeracefromAdamdownandthenasifhischesthadbeenamortarhebursthishotheartsshelluponitItisnotprobablethatthismonomaniainhimtookitsinstantriseattheprecisetimeofhisbodilydismembermentThenindartingatthemonsterknifeinhandhehadbutgivenloosetoasuddenpassionatecorporalanimosityandwhenhereceivedthestrokethattorehimheprobablybutfelttheagonizingbodilylacerationbutnothingmoreYetwhenbythiscollisionforcedtoturntowardshomeandforlongmonthsofdaysandweeksAhabandanguishlaystretchedtogetherinonehammockroundinginmidwinterthatdrearyhowlingPatagonianCapethenitwasthathistornbodyandgashedsoulbledintooneanotherandsointerfusingmadehimmadThatitwasonlythenonthehomewardvoyageaftertheencounterthatthefinalmonomaniaseizedhimseemsallbutcertainfromthefactthatatintervalsduringthepassagehewasaravinglunaticandthoughunlimbedofalegyetsuchvitalstrengthyetlurkedinhisEgyptianchestandwasmoreoverintensifiedbyhisdeliriumthathismateswereforcedtolacehimfasteventhereashesailedravinginhishammockInastraitjacketheswungtothemadrockingsofthegalesAndwhenrunningintomoresufferablelatitudestheshipwithmildstunsailsspreadfloatedacrossthetranquiltropicsandtoallappearancestheoldmansdeliriumseemedleftbehindhimwiththeCapeHornswellsandhecameforthfromhisdarkdenintotheblessedlightandaireventhenwhenheborethatfirmcollectedfronthoweverpaleandissuedhiscalmordersonceagainandhismatesthankedGodthedirefulmadnesswasnowgoneeventhenAhabinhishiddenselfravedonHumanmadnessisoftentimesacunningandmostfelinethingWhenyouthinkitfleditmayhavebutbecometransfiguredintosomestillsubtlerformAhabsfulllunacysubsidednotbutdeepeninglycontractedliketheunabatedHudsonwhenthatnobleNorthmanflowsnarrowlybutunfathomablythroughtheHighlandgorgeButasinhisnarrowflowingmonomanianotonejotofAhabsbroadmadnesshadbeenleftbehindsointhatbroadmadnessnotonejotofhisgreatnaturalintellecthadperishedThatbeforelivingagentnowbecamethelivinginstrumentIfsuchafurioustropemaystandhisspeciallunacystormedhisgeneralsanityandcarrieditandturnedallitsconcentredcannonuponitsownmadmarksothatfarfromhavinglosthisstrengthAhabtothatoneenddidnowpossessathousandfoldmorepotencythaneverhehadsanelybroughttobearuponanyonereasonableobjectThisismuchyetAhabslargerdarkerdeeperpartremainsunhintedButvaintopopularizeprofunditiesandalltruthisprofoundWindingfardownfromwithintheveryheartofthisspikedHoteldeClunywhereweherestandhowevergrandandwonderfulnowquititandtakeyourwayyenoblersaddersoulstothosevastRomanhallsofThermeswherefarbeneaththefantastictowersofmansupperearthhisrootofgrandeurhiswholeawfulessencesitsinbeardedstateanantiqueburiedbeneathantiquitiesandthronedontorsoesSowithabrokenthronethegreatgodsmockthatcaptivekingsolikeaCaryatidhepatientsitsupholdingonhisfrozenbrowthepiledentablaturesofagesWindyedownthereyeproudersaddersoulsquestionthatproudsadkingAfamilylikenessayehedidbegetyeyeyoungexiledroyaltiesandfromyourgrimsireonlywilltheoldStatesecretcomeNowinhisheartAhabhadsomeglimpseofthisnamelyallmymeansaresanemymotiveandmyobjectmadYetwithoutpowertokillorchangeorshunthefacthelikewiseknewthattomankindhedidlongdissembleinsomesortdidstillButthatthingofhisdissemblingwasonlysubjecttohisperceptibilitynottohiswilldeterminateNeverthelesssowelldidhesucceedinthatdissemblingthatwhenwithivoryleghesteppedashoreatlastnoNantucketerthoughthimotherwisethanbutnaturallygrievedandthattothequickwiththeterriblecasualtywhichhadovertakenhimThereportofhisundeniabledeliriumatseawaslikewisepopularlyascribedtoakindredcauseAndsotooalltheaddedmoodinesswhichalwaysafterwardstotheverydayofsailinginthePequodonthepresentvoyagesatbroodingonhisbrowNorisitsoveryunlikelythatfarfromdistrustinghisfitnessforanotherwhalingvoyageonaccountofsuchdarksymptomsthecalculatingpeopleofthatprudentislewereinclinedtoharbortheconceitthatforthoseveryreasonshewasallthebetterqualifiedandsetonedgeforapursuitsofullofrageandwildnessasthebloodyhuntofwhalesGnawedwithinandscorchedwithoutwiththeinfixedunrelentingfangsofsomeincurableideasuchanonecouldhebefoundwouldseemtheverymantodarthisironandlifthislanceagainstthemostappallingofallbrutesOrifforanyreasonthoughttobecorporeallyincapacitatedforthatyetsuchanonewouldseemsuperlativelycompetenttocheerandhowlonhisunderlingstotheattackButbeallthisasitmaycertainitisthatwiththemadsecretofhisunabatedrageboltedupandkeyedinhimAhabhadpurposelysaileduponthepresentvoyagewiththeoneonlyandallengrossingobjectofhuntingtheWhiteWhaleHadanyoneofhisoldacquaintancesonshorebuthalfdreamedofwhatwaslurkinginhimthenhowsoonwouldtheiraghastandrighteoussoulshavewrenchedtheshipfromsuchafiendishmanTheywerebentonprofitablecruisestheprofittobecounteddownindollarsfromthemintHewasintentonanaudaciousimmitigableandsupernaturalrevengeHerethenwasthisgreyheadedungodlyoldmanchasingwithcursesaJobswhaleroundtheworldattheheadofacrewtoochieflymadeupofmongrelrenegadesandcastawaysandcannibalsmorallyenfeebledalsobytheincompetenceofmereunaidedvirtueorrightmindednessinStarbucktheinvulnerablejollityofindifferenceandrecklessnessinStubbandthepervadingmediocrityinFlaskSuchacrewsoofficeredseemedspeciallypickedandpackedbysomeinfernalfatalitytohelphimtohismonomaniacrevengeHowitwasthattheysoaboundinglyrespondedtotheoldmansirebywhatevilmagictheirsoulswerepossessedthatattimeshishateseemedalmosttheirstheWhiteWhaleasmuchtheirinsufferablefoeashishowallthiscametobewhattheWhiteWhalewastothemorhowtotheirunconsciousunderstandingsalsoinsomedimunsuspectedwayhemighthaveseemedtheglidinggreatdemonoftheseasoflifeallthistoexplainwouldbetodivedeeperthanIshmaelcangoThesubterraneanminerthatworksinusallhowcanonetellwhitherleadshisshaftbytheevershiftingmuffledsoundofhispickWhodoesnotfeeltheirresistiblearmdragWhatskiffintowofaseventyfourcanstandstillForoneIgavemyselfuptotheabandonmentofthetimeandtheplacebutwhileyetallarushtoencounterthewhalecouldseenaughtinthatbrutebutthedeadliestillCHAPTER42TheWhitenessoftheWhaleWhatthewhitewhalewastoAhabhasbeenhintedwhatattimeshewastomeasyetremainsunsaidAsidefromthosemoreobviousconsiderationstouchingMobyDickwhichcouldnotbutoccasionallyawakeninanymanssoulsomealarmtherewasanotherthoughtorrathervaguenamelesshorrorconcerninghimwhichattimesbyitsintensitycompletelyoverpoweredalltherestandyetsomysticalandwellnighineffablewasitthatIalmostdespairofputtingitinacomprehensibleformItwasthewhitenessofthewhalethataboveallthingsappalledmeButhowcanIhopetoexplainmyselfhereandyetinsomedimrandomwayexplainmyselfImustelseallthesechaptersmightbenaughtThoughinmanynaturalobjectswhitenessrefininglyenhancesbeautyasifimpartingsomespecialvirtueofitsownasinmarblesjaponicasandpearlsandthoughvariousnationshaveinsomewayrecognisedacertainroyalpreeminenceinthishueeventhebarbaricgrandoldkingsofPeguplacingthetitleLordoftheWhiteElephantsabovealltheirothermagniloquentascriptionsofdominionandthemodernkingsofSiamunfurlingthesamesnowwhitequadrupedintheroyalstandardandtheHanoverianflagbearingtheonefigureofasnowwhitechargerandthegreatAustrianEmpireCsarianheirtooverlordingRomehavingfortheimperialcolourthesameimperialhueandthoughthispreeminenceinitappliestothehumanraceitselfgivingthewhitemanidealmastershipovereveryduskytribeandthoughbesidesallthiswhitenesshasbeenevenmadesignificantofgladnessforamongtheRomansawhitestonemarkedajoyfuldayandthoughinothermortalsympathiesandsymbolizingsthissamehueismadetheemblemofmanytouchingnoblethingstheinnocenceofbridesthebenignityofagethoughamongtheRedMenofAmericathegivingofthewhitebeltofwampumwasthedeepestpledgeofhonorthoughinmanyclimeswhitenesstypifiesthemajestyofJusticeintheermineoftheJudgeandcontributestothedailystateofkingsandqueensdrawnbymilkwhitesteedsthougheveninthehighermysteriesofthemostaugustreligionsithasbeenmadethesymbolofthedivinespotlessnessandpowerbythePersianfireworshippersthewhiteforkedflamebeingheldtheholiestonthealtarandintheGreekmythologiesGreatJovehimselfbeingmadeincarnateinasnowwhitebullandthoughtothenobleIroquoisthemidwintersacrificeofthesacredWhiteDogwasbyfartheholiestfestivaloftheirtheologythatspotlessfaithfulcreaturebeingheldthepurestenvoytheycouldsendtotheGreatSpiritwiththeannualtidingsoftheirownfidelityandthoughdirectlyfromtheLatinwordforwhiteallChristianpriestsderivethenameofonepartoftheirsacredvesturethealbortunicwornbeneaththecassockandthoughamongtheholypompsoftheRomishfaithwhiteisspeciallyemployedinthecelebrationofthePassionofourLordthoughintheVisionofStJohnwhiterobesaregiventotheredeemedandthefourandtwentyeldersstandclothedinwhitebeforethegreatwhitethroneandtheHolyOnethatsitteththerewhitelikewoolyetforalltheseaccumulatedassociationswithwhateverissweetandhonorableandsublimethereyetlurksanelusivesomethingintheinnermostideaofthishuewhichstrikesmoreofpanictothesoulthanthatrednesswhichaffrightsinbloodThiselusivequalityitiswhichcausesthethoughtofwhitenesswhendivorcedfrommorekindlyassociationsandcoupledwithanyobjectterribleinitselftoheightenthatterrortothefurthestboundsWitnessthewhitebearofthepolesandthewhitesharkofthetropicswhatbuttheirsmoothflakywhitenessmakesthemthetranscendenthorrorstheyareThatghastlywhitenessitiswhichimpartssuchanabhorrentmildnessevenmoreloathsomethanterrifictothedumbgloatingoftheiraspectSothatnotthefiercefangedtigerinhisheraldiccoatcansostaggercourageasthewhiteshroudedbearorsharkWithreferencetothePolarbearitmaypossiblybeurgedbyhimwhowouldfaingostilldeeperintothismatterthatitisnotthewhitenessseparatelyregardedwhichheightenstheintolerablehideousnessofthatbruteforanalysedthatheightenedhideousnessitmightbesaidonlyrisesfromthecircumstancethattheirresponsibleferociousnessofthecreaturestandsinvestedinthefleeceofcelestialinnocenceandloveandhencebybringingtogethertwosuchoppositeemotionsinourmindsthePolarbearfrightensuswithsounnaturalacontrastButevenassumingallthistobetrueyetwereitnotforthewhitenessyouwouldnothavethatintensifiedterrorAsforthewhitesharkthewhiteglidingghostlinessofreposeinthatcreaturewhenbeheldinhisordinarymoodsstrangelytallieswiththesamequalityinthePolarquadrupedThispeculiarityismostvividlyhitbytheFrenchinthenametheybestowuponthatfishTheRomishmassforthedeadbeginswithRequiemeternameternalrestwhenceRequiemdenominatingthemassitselfandanyotherfuneralmusicNowinallusiontothewhitesilentstillnessofdeathinthissharkandthemilddeadlinessofhishabitstheFrenchcallhimRequinBethinktheeofthealbatrosswhencecomethosecloudsofspiritualwondermentandpaledreadinwhichthatwhitephantomsailsinallimaginationsNotColeridgefirstthrewthatspellbutGodsgreatunflatteringlaureateNatureIrememberthefirstalbatrossIeversawItwasduringaprolongedgaleinwatershardupontheAntarcticseasFrommyforenoonwatchbelowIascendedtotheovercloudeddeckandtheredasheduponthemainhatchesIsawaregalfeatherythingofunspottedwhitenessandwithahookedRomanbillsublimeAtintervalsitarchedforthitsvastarchangelwingsasiftoembracesomeholyarkWondrousflutteringsandthrobbingsshookitThoughbodilyunharmeditutteredcriesassomekingsghostinsupernaturaldistressThroughitsinexpressiblestrangeeyesmethoughtIpeepedtosecretswhichtookholdofGodAsAbrahambeforetheangelsIbowedmyselfthewhitethingwassowhiteitswingssowideandinthoseforeverexiledwatersIhadlostthemiserablewarpingmemoriesoftraditionsandoftownsLongIgazedatthatprodigyofplumageIcannottellcanonlyhintthethingsthatdartedthroughmethenButatlastIawokeandturningaskedasailorwhatbirdwasthisAgoneyherepliedGoneyneverhadheardthatnamebeforeisitconceivablethatthisgloriousthingisutterlyunknowntomenashoreneverButsometimeafterIlearnedthatgoneywassomeseamansnameforalbatrossSothatbynopossibilitycouldColeridgeswildRhymehavehadaughttodowiththosemysticalimpressionswhichwereminewhenIsawthatbirduponourdeckForneitherhadIthenreadtheRhymenorknewthebirdtobeanalbatrossYetinsayingthisIdobutindirectlyburnishalittlebrighterthenoblemeritofthepoemandthepoetIassertthenthatinthewondrousbodilywhitenessofthebirdchieflylurksthesecretofthespellatruththemoreevincedinthisthatbyasolecismoftermstherearebirdscalledgreyalbatrossesandtheseIhavefrequentlyseenbutneverwithsuchemotionsaswhenIbeheldtheAntarcticfowlButhowhadthemysticthingbeencaughtWhisperitnotandIwilltellwithatreacheroushookandlineasthefowlfloatedontheseaAtlasttheCaptainmadeapostmanofittyingaletteredleatherntallyrounditsneckwiththeshipstimeandplaceandthenlettingitescapeButIdoubtnotthatleatherntallymeantformanwastakenoffinHeavenwhenthewhitefowlflewtojointhewingfoldingtheinvokingandadoringcherubimMostfamousinourWesternannalsandIndiantraditionsisthatoftheWhiteSteedofthePrairiesamagnificentmilkwhitechargerlargeeyedsmallheadedbluffchestedandwiththedignityofathousandmonarchsinhisloftyoverscorningcarriageHewastheelectedXerxesofvastherdsofwildhorseswhosepasturesinthosedayswereonlyfencedbytheRockyMountainsandtheAlleghaniesAttheirflamingheadhewestwardtroopeditlikethatchosenstarwhicheveryeveningleadsonthehostsoflightTheflashingcascadeofhismanethecurvingcometofhistailinvestedhimwithhousingsmoreresplendentthangoldandsilverbeaterscouldhavefurnishedhimAmostimperialandarchangelicalapparitionofthatunfallenwesternworldwhichtotheeyesoftheoldtrappersandhuntersrevivedthegloriesofthoseprimevaltimeswhenAdamwalkedmajesticasagodbluffbrowedandfearlessasthismightysteedWhethermarchingamidhisaidesandmarshalsinthevanofcountlesscohortsthatendlesslystreameditovertheplainslikeanOhioorwhetherwithhiscircumambientsubjectsbrowsingallaroundatthehorizontheWhiteSteedgallopinglyreviewedthemwithwarmnostrilsreddeningthroughhiscoolmilkinessinwhateveraspecthepresentedhimselfalwaystothebravestIndianshewastheobjectoftremblingreverenceandaweNorcanitbequestionedfromwhatstandsonlegendaryrecordofthisnoblehorsethatitwashisspiritualwhitenesschieflywhichsoclothedhimwithdivinenessandthatthisdivinenesshadthatinitwhichthoughcommandingworshipatthesametimeenforcedacertainnamelessterrorButthereareotherinstanceswherethiswhitenesslosesallthataccessoryandstrangeglorywhichinvestsitintheWhiteSteedandAlbatrossWhatisitthatintheAlbinomansopeculiarlyrepelsandoftenshockstheeyeasthatsometimesheisloathedbyhisownkithandkinItisthatwhitenesswhichinvestshimathingexpressedbythenamehebearsTheAlbinoisaswellmadeasothermenhasnosubstantivedeformityandyetthismereaspectofallpervadingwhitenessmakeshimmorestrangelyhideousthantheugliestabortionWhyshouldthisbesoNorinquiteotheraspectsdoesNatureinherleastpalpablebutnotthelessmaliciousagenciesfailtoenlistamongherforcesthiscrowningattributeoftheterribleFromitssnowyaspectthegauntletedghostoftheSouthernSeashasbeendenominatedtheWhiteSquallNorinsomehistoricinstanceshastheartofhumanmaliceomittedsopotentanauxiliaryHowwildlyitheightenstheeffectofthatpassageinFroissartwhenmaskedinthesnowysymboloftheirfactionthedesperateWhiteHoodsofGhentmurdertheirbailiffinthemarketplaceNorinsomethingsdoesthecommonhereditaryexperienceofallmankindfailtobearwitnesstothesupernaturalismofthishueItcannotwellbedoubtedthattheonevisiblequalityintheaspectofthedeadwhichmostappalsthegazeristhemarblepallorlingeringthereasifindeedthatpallorwereasmuchlikethebadgeofconsternationintheotherworldasofmortaltrepidationhereAndfromthatpallorofthedeadweborrowtheexpressivehueoftheshroudinwhichwewrapthemNoreveninoursuperstitionsdowefailtothrowthesamesnowymantleroundourphantomsallghostsrisinginamilkwhitefogYeawhiletheseterrorsseizeusletusaddthateventhekingofterrorswhenpersonifiedbytheevangelistridesonhispallidhorseThereforeinhisothermoodssymbolizewhatevergrandorgraciousthinghewillbywhitenessnomancandenythatinitsprofoundestidealizedsignificanceitcallsupapeculiarapparitiontothesoulButthoughwithoutdissentthispointbefixedhowismortalmantoaccountforitToanalyseitwouldseemimpossibleCanwethenbythecitationofsomeofthoseinstanceswhereinthisthingofwhitenessthoughforthetimeeitherwhollyoringreatpartstrippedofalldirectassociationscalculatedtoimparttoitaughtfearfulbutneverthelessisfoundtoexertoverusthesamesorceryhowevermodifiedcanwethushopetolightuponsomechancecluetoconductustothehiddencauseweseekLetustryButinamatterlikethissubtletyappealstosubtletyandwithoutimaginationnomancanfollowanotherintothesehallsAndthoughdoubtlesssomeatleastoftheimaginativeimpressionsabouttobepresentedmayhavebeensharedbymostmenyetfewperhapswereentirelyconsciousofthematthetimeandthereforemaynotbeabletorecallthemnowWhytothemanofuntutoredidealitywhohappenstobebutlooselyacquaintedwiththepeculiarcharacterofthedaydoesthebarementionofWhitsuntidemarshalinthefancysuchlongdrearyspeechlessprocessionsofslowpacingpilgrimsdowncastandhoodedwithnewfallensnowOrtotheunreadunsophisticatedProtestantoftheMiddleAmericanStateswhydoesthepassingmentionofaWhiteFriaroraWhiteNunevokesuchaneyelessstatueinthesoulOrwhatisthereapartfromthetraditionsofdungeonedwarriorsandkingswhichwillnotwhollyaccountforitthatmakestheWhiteTowerofLondontellsomuchmorestronglyontheimaginationofanuntravelledAmericanthanthoseotherstoriedstructuresitsneighborstheBywardToweroreventheBloodyAndthosesublimertowerstheWhiteMountainsofNewHampshirewhenceinpeculiarmoodscomesthatgiganticghostlinessoverthesoulatthebarementionofthatnamewhilethethoughtofVirginiasBlueRidgeisfullofasoftdewydistantdreaminessOrwhyirrespectiveofalllatitudesandlongitudesdoesthenameoftheWhiteSeaexertsuchaspectralnessoverthefancywhilethatoftheYellowSealullsuswithmortalthoughtsoflonglacqueredmildafternoonsonthewavesfollowedbythegaudiestandyetsleepiestofsunsetsOrtochooseawhollyunsubstantialinstancepurelyaddressedtothefancywhyinreadingtheoldfairytalesofCentralEuropedoesthetallpalemanoftheHartzforestswhosechangelesspallorunrustlinglyglidesthroughthegreenofthegroveswhyisthisphantommoreterriblethanallthewhoopingimpsoftheBlocksburgNorisitaltogethertheremembranceofhercathedraltopplingearthquakesnorthestampedoesofherfranticseasnorthetearlessnessofaridskiesthatneverrainnorthesightofherwidefieldofleaningspireswrenchedcopestonesandcrossesalladrooplikecantedyardsofanchoredfleetsandhersuburbanavenuesofhousewallslyingoveruponeachotherasatossedpackofcardsitisnotthesethingsalonewhichmaketearlessLimathestrangestsaddestcitythoucanstseeForLimahastakenthewhiteveilandthereisahigherhorrorinthiswhitenessofherwoeOldasPizarrothiswhitenesskeepsherruinsforevernewadmitsnotthecheerfulgreennessofcompletedecayspreadsoverherbrokenrampartstherigidpallorofanapoplexythatfixesitsowndistortionsIknowthattothecommonapprehensionthisphenomenonofwhitenessisnotconfessedtobetheprimeagentinexaggeratingtheterrorofobjectsotherwiseterriblenortotheunimaginativemindisthereaughtofterrorinthoseappearanceswhoseawfulnesstoanothermindalmostsolelyconsistsinthisonephenomenonespeciallywhenexhibitedunderanyformatallapproachingtomutenessoruniversalityWhatImeanbythesetwostatementsmayperhapsberespectivelyelucidatedbythefollowingexamplesFirstThemarinerwhendrawingnighthecoastsofforeignlandsifbynightheheartheroarofbreakersstartstovigilanceandfeelsjustenoughoftrepidationtosharpenallhisfacultiesbutunderpreciselysimilarcircumstanceslethimbecalledfromhishammocktoviewhisshipsailingthroughamidnightseaofmilkywhitenessasiffromencirclingheadlandsshoalsofcombedwhitebearswereswimmingroundhimthenhefeelsasilentsuperstitiousdreadtheshroudedphantomofthewhitenedwatersishorribletohimasarealghostinvaintheleadassureshimheisstilloffsoundingsheartandhelmtheybothgodownheneverreststillbluewaterisunderhimagainYetwhereisthemarinerwhowilltelltheeSiritwasnotsomuchthefearofstrikinghiddenrocksasthefearofthathideouswhitenessthatsostirredmeSecondTothenativeIndianofPeruthecontinualsightofthesnowhowdahedAndesconveysnaughtofdreadexceptperhapsinthemerefancyingoftheeternalfrosteddesolatenessreigningatsuchvastaltitudesandthenaturalconceitofwhatafearfulnessitwouldbetoloseoneselfinsuchinhumansolitudesMuchthesameisitwiththebackwoodsmanoftheWestwhowithcomparativeindifferenceviewsanunboundedprairiesheetedwithdrivensnownoshadowoftreeortwigtobreakthefixedtranceofwhitenessNotsothesailorbeholdingthesceneryoftheAntarcticseaswhereattimesbysomeinfernaltrickoflegerdemaininthepowersoffrostandairheshiveringandhalfshipwreckedinsteadofrainbowsspeakinghopeandsolacetohismiseryviewswhatseemsaboundlesschurchyardgrinninguponhimwithitsleanicemonumentsandsplinteredcrossesButthousayestmethinksthatwhiteleadchapteraboutwhitenessisbutawhiteflaghungoutfromacravensoulthousurrenderesttoahypoIshmaelTellmewhythisstrongyoungcoltfoaledinsomepeacefulvalleyofVermontfarremovedfromallbeastsofpreywhyisitthatuponthesunniestdayifyoubutshakeafreshbuffalorobebehindhimsothathecannotevenseeitbutonlysmellsitswildanimalmuskinesswhywillhestartsnortandwithburstingeyespawthegroundinphrensiesofaffrightThereisnoremembranceinhimofanygoringsofwildcreaturesinhisgreennorthernhomesothatthestrangemuskinesshesmellscannotrecalltohimanythingassociatedwiththeexperienceofformerperilsforwhatknowshethisNewEnglandcoltoftheblackbisonsofdistantOregonNobutherethoubeholdesteveninadumbbrutetheinstinctoftheknowledgeofthedemonismintheworldThoughthousandsofmilesfromOregonstillwhenhesmellsthatsavagemusktherendinggoringbisonherdsareaspresentastothedesertedwildfoaloftheprairieswhichthisinstanttheymaybetramplingintodustThusthenthemuffledrollingsofamilkyseathebleakrustlingsofthefestoonedfrostsofmountainsthedesolateshiftingsofthewindrowedsnowsofprairiesallthesetoIshmaelareastheshakingofthatbuffalorobetothefrightenedcoltThoughneitherknowswhereliethenamelessthingsofwhichthemysticsigngivesforthsuchhintsyetwithmeaswiththecoltsomewherethosethingsmustexistThoughinmanyofitsaspectsthisvisibleworldseemsformedinlovetheinvisiblesphereswereformedinfrightButnotyethavewesolvedtheincantationofthiswhitenessandlearnedwhyitappealswithsuchpowertothesoulandmorestrangeandfarmoreportentouswhyaswehaveseenitisatoncethemostmeaningsymbolofspiritualthingsnaytheveryveiloftheChristiansDeityandyetshouldbeasitistheintensifyingagentinthingsthemostappallingtomankindIsitthatbyitsindefinitenessitshadowsforththeheartlessvoidsandimmensitiesoftheuniverseandthusstabsusfrombehindwiththethoughtofannihilationwhenbeholdingthewhitedepthsofthemilkywayOrisitthatasinessencewhitenessisnotsomuchacolourasthevisibleabsenceofcolourandatthesametimetheconcreteofallcoloursisitforthesereasonsthatthereissuchadumbblanknessfullofmeaninginawidelandscapeofsnowsacolourlessallcolourofatheismfromwhichweshrinkAndwhenweconsiderthatothertheoryofthenaturalphilosophersthatallotherearthlyhueseverystatelyorlovelyemblazoningthesweettingesofsunsetskiesandwoodsyeaandthegildedvelvetsofbutterfliesandthebutterflycheeksofyounggirlsallthesearebutsubtiledeceitsnotactuallyinherentinsubstancesbutonlylaidonfromwithoutsothatalldeifiedNatureabsolutelypaintsliketheharlotwhoseallurementscovernothingbutthecharnelhousewithinandwhenweproceedfurtherandconsiderthatthemysticalcosmeticwhichproduceseveryoneofherhuesthegreatprincipleoflightforeverremainswhiteorcolorlessinitselfandifoperatingwithoutmediumuponmatterwouldtouchallobjectseventulipsandroseswithitsownblanktingeponderingallthisthepalsieduniverseliesbeforeusaleperandlikewilfultravellersinLaplandwhorefusetowearcolouredandcolouringglassesupontheireyessothewretchedinfidelgazeshimselfblindatthemonumentalwhiteshroudthatwrapsalltheprospectaroundhimAndofallthesethingstheAlbinowhalewasthesymbolWonderyethenatthefieryhuntCHAPTER43HarkHISTDidyouhearthatnoiseCabacoItwasthemiddlewatchafairmoonlighttheseamenwerestandinginacordonextendingfromoneofthefreshwaterbuttsinthewaisttothescuttlebuttnearthetaffrailInthismannertheypassedthebucketstofillthescuttlebuttStandingforthemostpartonthehallowedprecinctsofthequarterdecktheywerecarefulnottospeakorrustletheirfeetFromhandtohandthebucketswentinthedeepestsilenceonlybrokenbytheoccasionalflapofasailandthesteadyhumoftheunceasinglyadvancingkeelItwasinthemidstofthisreposethatArchyoneofthecordonwhosepostwasneartheafterhatcheswhisperedtohisneighboraCholothewordsaboveHistdidyouhearthatnoiseCabacoTakethebucketwillyeArchywhatnoisedyemeanThereitisagainunderthehatchesdontyouhearitacoughitsoundedlikeacoughCoughbedamnedPassalongthatreturnbucketThereagainthereitisitsoundsliketwoorthreesleepersturningovernowCarambahavedoneshipmatewillyeItsthethreesoakedbiscuitsyeeatforsupperturningoverinsideofyenothingelseLooktothebucketSaywhatyewillshipmateIvesharpearsAyeyouarethechapaintyethatheardthehumoftheoldQuakeresssknittingneedlesfiftymilesatseafromNantucketyourethechapGrinawaywellseewhatturnsupHarkyeCabacothereissomebodydownintheafterholdthathasnotyetbeenseenondeckandIsuspectouroldMogulknowssomethingofittooIheardStubbtellFlaskonemorningwatchthattherewassomethingofthatsortinthewindTishthebucketCHAPTER44TheChartHadyoufollowedCaptainAhabdownintohiscabinafterthesquallthattookplaceonthenightsucceedingthatwildratificationofhispurposewithhiscrewyouwouldhaveseenhimgotoalockerinthetransomandbringingoutalargewrinkledrollofyellowishseachartsspreadthembeforehimonhisscreweddowntableThenseatinghimselfbeforeityouwouldhaveseenhimintentlystudythevariouslinesandshadingswhichtheremethiseyeandwithslowbutsteadypenciltraceadditionalcoursesoverspacesthatbeforewereblankAtintervalshewouldrefertopilesofoldlogbooksbesidehimwhereinweresetdowntheseasonsandplacesinwhichonvariousformervoyagesofvariousshipsspermwhaleshadbeencapturedorseenWhilethusemployedtheheavypewterlampsuspendedinchainsoverhisheadcontinuallyrockedwiththemotionoftheshipandforeverthrewshiftinggleamsandshadowsoflinesuponhiswrinkledbrowtillitalmostseemedthatwhilehehimselfwasmarkingoutlinesandcoursesonthewrinkledchartssomeinvisiblepencilwasalsotracinglinesandcoursesuponthedeeplymarkedchartofhisforeheadButitwasnotthisnightinparticularthatinthesolitudeofhiscabinAhabthusponderedoverhischartsAlmosteverynighttheywerebroughtoutalmosteverynightsomepencilmarkswereeffacedandothersweresubstitutedForwiththechartsofallfouroceansbeforehimAhabwasthreadingamazeofcurrentsandeddieswithaviewtothemorecertainaccomplishmentofthatmonomaniacthoughtofhissoulNowtoanyonenotfullyacquaintedwiththewaysoftheleviathansitmightseemanabsurdlyhopelesstaskthustoseekoutonesolitarycreatureintheunhoopedoceansofthisplanetButnotsodiditseemtoAhabwhoknewthesetsofalltidesandcurrentsandtherebycalculatingthedriftingsofthespermwhalesfoodandalsocallingtomindtheregularascertainedseasonsforhuntinghiminparticularlatitudescouldarriveatreasonablesurmisesalmostapproachingtocertaintiesconcerningthetimeliestdaytobeuponthisorthatgroundinsearchofhispreySoassuredindeedisthefactconcerningtheperiodicalnessofthespermwhalesresortingtogivenwatersthatmanyhuntersbelievethatcouldhebecloselyobservedandstudiedthroughouttheworldwerethelogsforonevoyageoftheentirewhalefleetcarefullycollatedthenthemigrationsofthespermwhalewouldbefoundtocorrespondininvariabilitytothoseoftheherringshoalsortheflightsofswallowsOnthishintattemptshavebeenmadetoconstructelaboratemigratorychartsofthespermwhaleSincetheabovewaswrittenthestatementishappilyborneoutbyanofficialcircularissuedbyLieutenantMauryoftheNationalObservatoryWashingtonApril16th1851BythatcircularitappearsthatpreciselysuchachartisincourseofcompletionandportionsofitarepresentedinthecircularThischartdividestheoceanintodistrictsoffivedegreesoflatitudebyfivedegreesoflongitudeperpendicularlythrougheachofwhichdistrictsaretwelvecolumnsforthetwelvemonthsandhorizontallythrougheachofwhichdistrictsarethreelinesonetoshowthenumberofdaysthathavebeenspentineachmonthineverydistrictandthetwootherstoshowthenumberofdaysinwhichwhalesspermorrighthavebeenseenBesideswhenmakingapassagefromonefeedinggroundtoanotherthespermwhalesguidedbysomeinfallibleinstinctsayrathersecretintelligencefromtheDeitymostlyswiminveinsastheyarecalledcontinuingtheirwayalongagivenoceanlinewithsuchundeviatingexactitudethatnoshipeversailedhercoursebyanychartwithonetitheofsuchmarvellousprecisionThoughinthesecasesthedirectiontakenbyanyonewhalebestraightasasurveyorsparallelandthoughthelineofadvancebestrictlyconfinedtoitsownunavoidablestraightwakeyetthearbitraryveininwhichatthesetimesheissaidtoswimgenerallyembracessomefewmilesinwidthmoreorlessastheveinispresumedtoexpandorcontractbutneverexceedsthevisualsweepfromthewhaleshipsmastheadswhencircumspectlyglidingalongthismagiczoneThesumisthatatparticularseasonswithinthatbreadthandalongthatpathmigratingwhalesmaywithgreatconfidencebelookedforAndhencenotonlyatsubstantiatedtimesuponwellknownseparatefeedinggroundscouldAhabhopetoencounterhispreybutincrossingthewidestexpansesofwaterbetweenthosegroundshecouldbyhisartsoplaceandtimehimselfonhiswayaseventhennottobewhollywithoutprospectofameetingTherewasacircumstancewhichatfirstsightseemedtoentanglehisdeliriousbutstillmethodicalschemeButnotsointherealityperhapsThoughthegregariousspermwhaleshavetheirregularseasonsforparticulargroundsyetingeneralyoucannotconcludethattheherdswhichhauntedsuchandsuchalatitudeorlongitudethisyearsaywillturnouttobeidenticallythesamewiththosethatwerefoundtheretheprecedingseasonthoughtherearepeculiarandunquestionableinstanceswherethecontraryofthishasprovedtrueIngeneralthesameremarkonlywithinalesswidelimitappliestothesolitariesandhermitsamongthematuredagedspermwhalesSothatthoughMobyDickhadinaformeryearbeenseenforexampleonwhatiscalledtheSeychellegroundintheIndianoceanorVolcanoBayontheJapaneseCoastyetitdidnotfollowthatwerethePequodtovisiteitherofthosespotsatanysubsequentcorrespondingseasonshewouldinfalliblyencounterhimthereSotoowithsomeotherfeedinggroundswherehehadattimesrevealedhimselfButalltheseseemedonlyhiscasualstoppingplacesandoceaninnssotospeaknothisplacesofprolongedabodeAndwhereAhabschancesofaccomplishinghisobjecthavehithertobeenspokenofallusionhasonlybeenmadetowhateverwaysideantecedentextraprospectswerehisereaparticularsettimeorplacewereattainedwhenallpossibilitieswouldbecomeprobabilitiesandasAhabfondlythoughteverypossibilitythenextthingtoacertaintyThatparticularsettimeandplacewereconjoinedintheonetechnicalphrasetheSeasonontheLineForthereandthenforseveralconsecutiveyearsMobyDickhadbeenperiodicallydescriedlingeringinthosewatersforawhileasthesuninitsannualroundloitersforapredictedintervalinanyonesignoftheZodiacThereitwastoothatmostofthedeadlyencounterswiththewhitewhalehadtakenplacetherethewaveswerestoriedwithhisdeedstherealsowasthattragicspotwherethemonomaniacoldmanhadfoundtheawfulmotivetohisvengeanceButinthecautiouscomprehensivenessandunloiteringvigilancewithwhichAhabthrewhisbroodingsoulintothisunfalteringhunthewouldnotpermithimselftorestallhishopesupontheonecrowningfactabovementionedhoweverflatteringitmightbetothosehopesnorinthesleeplessnessofhisvowcouldhesotranquillizehisunquietheartastopostponeallinterveningquestNowthePequodhadsailedfromNantucketattheverybeginningoftheSeasonontheLineNopossibleendeavorthencouldenablehercommandertomakethegreatpassagesouthwardsdoubleCapeHornandthenrunningdownsixtydegreesoflatitudearriveintheequatorialPacificintimetocruisethereThereforehemustwaitforthenextensuingseasonYettheprematurehourofthePequodssailinghadperhapsbeencorrectlyselectedbyAhabwithaviewtothisverycomplexionofthingsBecauseanintervalofthreehundredandsixtyfivedaysandnightswasbeforehimanintervalwhichinsteadofimpatientlyenduringashorehewouldspendinamiscellaneoushuntifbychancetheWhiteWhalespendinghisvacationinseasfarremotefromhisperiodicalfeedinggroundsshouldturnuphiswrinkledbrowoffthePersianGulforintheBengalBayorChinaSeasorinanyotherwatershauntedbyhisraceSothatMonsoonsPampasNorWestersHarmattansTradesanywindbuttheLevanterandSimoonmightblowMobyDickintothedeviouszigzagworldcircleofthePequodscircumnavigatingwakeButgrantingallthisyetregardeddiscreetlyandcoollyseemsitnotbutamadideathisthatinthebroadboundlessoceanonesolitarywhaleevenifencounteredshouldbethoughtcapableofindividualrecognitionfromhishunterevenasawhitebeardedMuftiinthethrongedthoroughfaresofConstantinopleYesForthepeculiarsnowwhitebrowofMobyDickandhissnowwhitehumpcouldnotbutbeunmistakableAndhaveInottalliedthewhaleAhabwouldmuttertohimselfasafterporingoverhischartstilllongaftermidnighthewouldthrowhimselfbackinreveriestalliedhimandshallheescapeHisbroadfinsareboredandscallopedoutlikealostsheepsearAndherehismadmindwouldrunoninabreathlessracetillawearinessandfaintnessofponderingcameoverhimandintheopenairofthedeckhewouldseektorecoverhisstrengthAhGodwhattrancesoftormentsdoesthatmanendurewhoisconsumedwithoneunachievedrevengefuldesireHesleepswithclenchedhandsandwakeswithhisownbloodynailsinhispalmsOftenwhenforcedfromhishammockbyexhaustingandintolerablyvividdreamsofthenightwhichresuminghisownintensethoughtsthroughthedaycarriedthemonamidaclashingofphrensiesandwhirledthemroundandroundandroundinhisblazingbraintilltheverythrobbingofhislifespotbecameinsufferableanguishandwhenaswassometimesthecasethesespiritualthroesinhimheavedhisbeingupfromitsbaseandachasmseemedopeninginhimfromwhichforkedflamesandlightningsshotupandaccursedfiendsbeckonedhimtoleapdownamongthemwhenthishellinhimselfyawnedbeneathhimawildcrywouldbeheardthroughtheshipandwithglaringeyesAhabwouldburstfromhisstateroomasthoughescapingfromabedthatwasonfireYettheseperhapsinsteadofbeingtheunsuppressablesymptomsofsomelatentweaknessorfrightathisownresolvewerebuttheplainesttokensofitsintensityForatsuchtimescrazyAhabtheschemingunappeasedlysteadfasthunterofthewhitewhalethisAhabthathadgonetohishammockwasnottheagentthatsocausedhimtoburstfromitinhorroragainThelatterwastheeternallivingprincipleorsoulinhimandinsleepbeingforthetimedissociatedfromthecharacterizingmindwhichatothertimesemployeditforitsoutervehicleoragentitspontaneouslysoughtescapefromthescorchingcontiguityofthefranticthingofwhichforthetimeitwasnolongeranintegralButastheminddoesnotexistunlessleaguedwiththesoulthereforeitmusthavebeenthatinAhabscaseyieldingupallhisthoughtsandfanciestohisonesupremepurposethatpurposebyitsownsheerinveteracyofwillforceditselfagainstgodsanddevilsintoakindofselfassumedindependentbeingofitsownNaycouldgrimlyliveandburnwhilethecommonvitalitytowhichitwasconjoinedfledhorrorstrickenfromtheunbiddenandunfatheredbirthThereforethetormentedspiritthatglaredoutofbodilyeyeswhenwhatseemedAhabrushedfromhisroomwasforthetimebutavacatedthingaformlesssomnambulisticbeingarayoflivinglighttobesurebutwithoutanobjecttocolourandthereforeablanknessinitselfGodhelptheeoldmanthythoughtshavecreatedacreatureintheeandhewhoseintensethinkingthusmakeshimaPrometheusavulturefeedsuponthatheartforeverthatvulturetheverycreaturehecreatesCHAPTER45TheAffidavitSofaraswhattheremaybeofanarrativeinthisbookandindeedasindirectlytouchingoneortwoveryinterestingandcuriousparticularsinthehabitsofspermwhalestheforegoingchapterinitsearlierpartisasimportantaoneaswillbefoundinthisvolumebuttheleadingmatterofitrequirestobestillfurtherandmorefamiliarlyenlargeduponinordertobeadequatelyunderstoodandmoreovertotakeawayanyincredulitywhichaprofoundignoranceoftheentiresubjectmayinduceinsomemindsastothenaturalverityofthemainpointsofthisaffairIcarenottoperformthispartofmytaskmethodicallybutshallbecontenttoproducethedesiredimpressionbyseparatecitationsofitemspracticallyorreliablyknowntomeasawhalemanandfromthesecitationsItakeittheconclusionaimedatwillnaturallyfollowofitselfFirstIhavepersonallyknownthreeinstanceswhereawhaleafterreceivingaharpoonhaseffectedacompleteescapeandafteranintervalinoneinstanceofthreeyearshasbeenagainstruckbythesamehandandslainwhenthetwoironsbothmarkedbythesameprivatecypherhavebeentakenfromthebodyIntheinstancewherethreeyearsintervenedbetweentheflingingofthetwoharpoonsandIthinkitmayhavebeensomethingmorethanthatthemanwhodartedthemhappeningintheintervaltogoinatradingshiponavoyagetoAfricawentashoretherejoinedadiscoverypartyandpenetratedfarintotheinteriorwherehetravelledforaperiodofnearlytwoyearsoftenendangeredbyserpentssavagestigerspoisonousmiasmaswithalltheothercommonperilsincidenttowanderingintheheartofunknownregionsMeanwhilethewhalehehadstruckmustalsohavebeenonitstravelsnodoubtithadthricecircumnavigatedtheglobebrushingwithitsflanksallthecoastsofAfricabuttonopurposeThismanandthiswhaleagaincametogetherandtheonevanquishedtheotherIsayImyselfhaveknownthreeinstancessimilartothisthatisintwoofthemIsawthewhalesstruckanduponthesecondattacksawthetwoironswiththerespectivemarkscutinthemafterwardstakenfromthedeadfishInthethreeyearinstanceitsofelloutthatIwasintheboatbothtimesfirstandlastandthelasttimedistinctlyrecognisedapeculiarsortofhugemoleunderthewhaleseyewhichIhadobservedtherethreeyearspreviousIsaythreeyearsbutIamprettysureitwasmorethanthatHerearethreeinstancesthenwhichIpersonallyknowthetruthofbutIhaveheardofmanyotherinstancesfrompersonswhoseveracityinthematterthereisnogoodgroundtoimpeachSecondlyItiswellknownintheSpermWhaleFisheryhoweverignoranttheworldashoremaybeofitthattherehavebeenseveralmemorablehistoricalinstanceswhereaparticularwhaleintheoceanhasbeenatdistanttimesandplacespopularlycognisableWhysuchawhalebecamethusmarkedwasnotaltogetherandoriginallyowingtohisbodilypeculiaritiesasdistinguishedfromotherwhalesforhoweverpeculiarinthatrespectanychancewhalemaybetheysoonputanendtohispeculiaritiesbykillinghimandboilinghimdownintoapeculiarlyvaluableoilNothereasonwasthisthatfromthefatalexperiencesofthefisherytherehungaterribleprestigeofperilousnessaboutsuchawhaleastheredidaboutRinaldoRinaldiniinsomuchthatmostfishermenwerecontenttorecognisehimbymerelytouchingtheirtarpaulinswhenhewouldbediscoveredloungingbythemontheseawithoutseekingtocultivateamoreintimateacquaintanceLikesomepoordevilsashorethathappentoknowanirasciblegreatmantheymakedistantunobtrusivesalutationstohiminthestreetlestiftheypursuedtheacquaintancefurthertheymightreceiveasummarythumpfortheirpresumptionButnotonlydideachofthesefamouswhalesenjoygreatindividualcelebrityNayyoumaycallitanoceanwiderenownnotonlywashefamousinlifeandnowisimmortalinforecastlestoriesafterdeathbuthewasadmittedintoalltherightsprivilegesanddistinctionsofanamehadasmuchanameindeedasCambysesorCsarWasitnotsoOTimorTomthoufamedleviathanscarredlikeanicebergwhosolongdidstlurkintheOrientalstraitsofthatnamewhosespoutwasoftseenfromthepalmybeachofOmbayWasitnotsoONewZealandJackthouterrorofallcruisersthatcrossedtheirwakesinthevicinityoftheTattooLandWasitnotsoOMorquanKingofJapanwhoseloftyjettheysayattimesassumedthesemblanceofasnowwhitecrossagainsttheskyWasitnotsoODonMiguelthouChilianwhalemarkedlikeanoldtortoisewithmystichieroglyphicsuponthebackInplainproseherearefourwhalesaswellknowntothestudentsofCetaceanHistoryasMariusorSyllatotheclassicscholarButthisisnotallNewZealandTomandDonMiguelafteratvarioustimescreatinggreathavocamongtheboatsofdifferentvesselswerefinallygoneinquestofsystematicallyhuntedoutchasedandkilledbyvaliantwhalingcaptainswhoheaveduptheiranchorswiththatexpressobjectasmuchinviewasinsettingoutthroughtheNarragansettWoodsCaptainButlerofoldhaditinhismindtocapturethatnotoriousmurderoussavageAnnawontheheadmostwarrioroftheIndianKingPhilipIdonotknowwhereIcanfindabetterplacethanjustheretomakementionofoneortwootherthingswhichtomeseemimportantasinprintedformestablishinginallrespectsthereasonablenessofthewholestoryoftheWhiteWhalemoreespeciallythecatastropheForthisisoneofthosedishearteninginstanceswheretruthrequiresfullasmuchbolsteringaserrorSoignorantaremostlandsmenofsomeoftheplainestandmostpalpablewondersoftheworldthatwithoutsomehintstouchingtheplainfactshistoricalandotherwiseofthefisherytheymightscoutatMobyDickasamonstrousfableorstillworseandmoredetestableahideousandintolerableallegoryFirstThoughmostmenhavesomevagueflittingideasofthegeneralperilsofthegrandfisheryyettheyhavenothinglikeafixedvividconceptionofthoseperilsandthefrequencywithwhichtheyrecurOnereasonperhapsisthatnotoneinfiftyoftheactualdisastersanddeathsbycasualtiesinthefisheryeverfindsapublicrecordathomehowevertransientandimmediatelyforgottenthatrecordDoyousupposethatthatpoorfellowtherewhothismomentperhapscaughtbythewhalelineoffthecoastofNewGuineaisbeingcarrieddowntothebottomoftheseabythesoundingleviathandoyousupposethatthatpoorfellowsnamewillappearinthenewspaperobituaryyouwillreadtomorrowatyourbreakfastNobecausethemailsareveryirregularbetweenhereandNewGuineaInfactdidyoueverhearwhatmightbecalledregularnewsdirectorindirectfromNewGuineaYetItellyouthatupononeparticularvoyagewhichImadetothePacificamongmanyotherswespokethirtydifferentshipseveryoneofwhichhadhadadeathbyawhalesomeofthemmorethanoneandthreethathadeachlostaboatscrewForGodssakebeeconomicalwithyourlampsandcandlesnotagallonyouburnbutatleastonedropofmansbloodwasspilledforitSecondlyPeopleashorehaveindeedsomeindefiniteideathatawhaleisanenormouscreatureofenormouspowerbutIhaveeverfoundthatwhennarratingtothemsomespecificexampleofthistwofoldenormousnesstheyhavesignificantlycomplimentedmeuponmyfacetiousnesswhenIdeclareuponmysoulIhadnomoreideaofbeingfacetiousthanMoseswhenhewrotethehistoryoftheplaguesofEgyptButfortunatelythespecialpointIhereseekcanbeestablishedupontestimonyentirelyindependentofmyownThatpointisthisTheSpermWhaleisinsomecasessufficientlypowerfulknowingandjudiciouslymaliciousaswithdirectaforethoughttostaveinutterlydestroyandsinkalargeshipandwhatismoretheSpermWhalehasdoneitFirstIntheyear1820theshipEssexCaptainPollardofNantucketwascruisinginthePacificOceanOnedayshesawspoutsloweredherboatsandgavechasetoashoalofspermwhalesErelongseveralofthewhaleswerewoundedwhensuddenlyaverylargewhaleescapingfromtheboatsissuedfromtheshoalandboredirectlydownupontheshipDashinghisforeheadagainstherhullhesostoveherinthatinlessthantenminutesshesettleddownandfelloverNotasurvivingplankofherhasbeenseensinceAftertheseverestexposurepartofthecrewreachedthelandintheirboatsBeingreturnedhomeatlastCaptainPollardoncemoresailedforthePacificincommandofanothershipbutthegodsshipwreckedhimagainuponunknownrocksandbreakersforthesecondtimehisshipwasutterlylostandforthwithforswearingtheseahehasnevertempteditsinceAtthisdayCaptainPollardisaresidentofNantucketIhaveseenOwenChacewhowaschiefmateoftheEssexatthetimeofthetragedyIhavereadhisplainandfaithfulnarrativeIhaveconversedwithhissonandallthiswithinafewmilesofthesceneofthecatastropheThefollowingareextractsfromChacesnarrativeEveryfactseemedtowarrantmeinconcludingthatitwasanythingbutchancewhichdirectedhisoperationshemadetwoseveralattacksupontheshipatashortintervalbetweenthembothofwhichaccordingtotheirdirectionwerecalculatedtodousthemostinjurybybeingmadeaheadandtherebycombiningthespeedofthetwoobjectsfortheshocktoeffectwhichtheexactmanuvreswhichhemadewerenecessaryHisaspectwasmosthorribleandsuchasindicatedresentmentandfuryHecamedirectlyfromtheshoalwhichwehadjustbeforeenteredandinwhichwehadstruckthreeofhiscompanionsasiffiredwithrevengefortheirsufferingsAgainAtalleventsthewholecircumstancestakentogetherallhappeningbeforemyowneyesandproducingatthetimeimpressionsinmymindofdecidedcalculatingmischiefonthepartofthewhalemanyofwhichimpressionsIcannotnowrecallinducemetobesatisfiedthatIamcorrectinmyopinionHerearehisreflectionssometimeafterquittingtheshipduringablacknightinanopenboatwhenalmostdespairingofreachinganyhospitableshoreThedarkoceanandswellingwaterswerenothingthefearsofbeingswallowedupbysomedreadfultempestordasheduponhiddenrockswithalltheotherordinarysubjectsoffearfulcontemplationseemedscarcelyentitledtoamomentsthoughtthedismallookingwreckandthehorridaspectandrevengeofthewhalewhollyengrossedmyreflectionsuntildayagainmadeitsappearanceInanotherplacep45hespeaksofthemysteriousandmortalattackoftheanimalSecondlyTheshipUnionalsoofNantucketwasintheyear1807totallylostofftheAzoresbyasimilaronsetbuttheauthenticparticularsofthiscatastropheIhaveneverchancedtoencounterthoughfromthewhalehuntersIhavenowandthenheardcasualallusionstoitThirdlySomeeighteenortwentyyearsagoCommodoreJthencommandinganAmericansloopofwarofthefirstclasshappenedtobediningwithapartyofwhalingcaptainsonboardaNantucketshipintheharborofOahuSandwichIslandsConversationturninguponwhalestheCommodorewaspleasedtobescepticaltouchingtheamazingstrengthascribedtothembytheprofessionalgentlemenpresentHeperemptorilydeniedforexamplethatanywhalecouldsosmitehisstoutsloopofwarastocausehertoleaksomuchasathimblefulVerygoodbutthereismorecomingSomeweeksaftertheCommodoresetsailinthisimpregnablecraftforValparaisoButhewasstoppedonthewaybyaportlyspermwhalethatbeggedafewmomentsconfidentialbusinesswithhimThatbusinessconsistedinfetchingtheCommodorescraftsuchathwackthatwithallhispumpsgoinghemadestraightforthenearestporttoheavedownandrepairIamnotsuperstitiousbutIconsidertheCommodoresinterviewwiththatwhaleasprovidentialWasnotSaulofTarsusconvertedfromunbeliefbyasimilarfrightItellyouthespermwhalewillstandnononsenseIwillnowreferyoutoLangsdorffsVoyagesforalittlecircumstanceinpointpeculiarlyinterestingtothewriterhereofLangsdorffyoumustknowbythewaywasattachedtotheRussianAdmiralKrusensternsfamousDiscoveryExpeditioninthebeginningofthepresentcenturyCaptainLangsdorffthusbeginshisseventeenthchapterBythethirteenthofMayourshipwasreadytosailandthenextdaywewereoutintheopenseaonourwaytoOchotshTheweatherwasveryclearandfinebutsointolerablycoldthatwewereobligedtokeeponourfurclothingForsomedayswehadverylittlewinditwasnottillthenineteenththatabriskgalefromthenorthwestsprangupAnuncommonlargewhalethebodyofwhichwaslargerthantheshipitselflayalmostatthesurfaceofthewaterbutwasnotperceivedbyanyoneonboardtillthemomentwhentheshipwhichwasinfullsailwasalmostuponhimsothatitwasimpossibletopreventitsstrikingagainsthimWewerethusplacedinthemostimminentdangerasthisgiganticcreaturesettingupitsbackraisedtheshipthreefeetatleastoutofthewaterThemastsreeledandthesailsfellaltogetherwhilewewhowerebelowallspranginstantlyuponthedeckconcludingthatwehadstruckuponsomerockinsteadofthiswesawthemonstersailingoffwiththeutmostgravityandsolemnityCaptainDWolfappliedimmediatelytothepumpstoexaminewhetherornotthevesselhadreceivedanydamagefromtheshockbutwefoundthatveryhappilyithadescapedentirelyuninjuredNowtheCaptainDWolfherealludedtoascommandingtheshipinquestionisaNewEnglanderwhoafteralonglifeofunusualadventuresasaseacaptainthisdayresidesinthevillageofDorchesternearBostonIhavethehonorofbeinganephewofhisIhaveparticularlyquestionedhimconcerningthispassageinLangsdorffHesubstantiateseverywordTheshiphoweverwasbynomeansalargeoneaRussiancraftbuiltontheSiberiancoastandpurchasedbymyuncleafterbarteringawaythevesselinwhichhesailedfromhomeInthatupanddownmanlybookofoldfashionedadventuresofulltooofhonestwondersthevoyageofLionelWaferoneofancientDampiersoldchumsIfoundalittlemattersetdownsolikethatjustquotedfromLangsdorffthatIcannotforbearinsertingithereforacorroborativeexampleifsuchbeneededLionelitseemswasonhiswaytoJohnFerdinandoashecallsthemodernJuanFernandesInourwaythitherhesaysaboutfouroclockinthemorningwhenwewereaboutonehundredandfiftyleaguesfromtheMainofAmericaourshipfeltaterribleshockwhichputourmeninsuchconsternationthattheycouldhardlytellwheretheywereorwhattothinkbuteveryonebegantopreparefordeathAndindeedtheshockwassosuddenandviolentthatwetookitforgrantedtheshiphadstruckagainstarockbutwhentheamazementwasalittleoverwecasttheleadandsoundedbutfoundnogroundThesuddennessoftheshockmadethegunsleapintheircarriagesandseveralofthemenwereshakenoutoftheirhammocksCaptainDaviswholaywithhisheadonagunwasthrownoutofhiscabinLionelthengoesontoimputetheshocktoanearthquakeandseemstosubstantiatetheimputationbystatingthatagreatearthquakesomewhereaboutthattimedidactuallydogreatmischiefalongtheSpanishlandButIshouldnotmuchwonderifinthedarknessofthatearlyhourofthemorningtheshockwasafterallcausedbyanunseenwhaleverticallybumpingthehullfrombeneathImightproceedwithseveralmoreexamplesonewayoranotherknowntomeofthegreatpowerandmaliceattimesofthespermwhaleInmorethanoneinstancehehasbeenknownnotonlytochasetheassailingboatsbacktotheirshipsbuttopursuetheshipitselfandlongwithstandallthelanceshurledathimfromitsdecksTheEnglishshipPusieHallcantellastoryonthatheadandasforhisstrengthletmesaythattherehavebeenexampleswherethelinesattachedtoarunningspermwhalehaveinacalmbeentransferredtotheshipandsecuredtherethewhaletowinghergreathullthroughthewaterasahorsewalksoffwithacartAgainitisveryoftenobservedthatifthespermwhaleoncestruckisallowedtimetorallyhethenactsnotsooftenwithblindrageaswithwilfuldeliberatedesignsofdestructiontohispursuersnorisitwithoutconveyingsomeeloquentindicationofhischaracterthatuponbeingattackedhewillfrequentlyopenhismouthandretainitinthatdreadexpansionforseveralconsecutiveminutesButImustbecontentwithonlyonemoreandaconcludingillustrationaremarkableandmostsignificantonebywhichyouwillnotfailtoseethatnotonlyisthemostmarvellouseventinthisbookcorroboratedbyplainfactsofthepresentdaybutthatthesemarvelslikeallmarvelsaremererepetitionsoftheagessothatforthemillionthtimewesayamenwithSolomonVerilythereisnothingnewunderthesunInthesixthChristiancenturylivedProcopiusaChristianmagistrateofConstantinopleinthedayswhenJustinianwasEmperorandBelisariusgeneralAsmanyknowhewrotethehistoryofhisowntimesaworkeverywayofuncommonvalueBythebestauthoritieshehasalwaysbeenconsideredamosttrustworthyandunexaggeratinghistorianexceptinsomeoneortwoparticularsnotatallaffectingthematterpresentlytobementionedNowinthishistoryofhisProcopiusmentionsthatduringthetermofhisprefectureatConstantinopleagreatseamonsterwascapturedintheneighboringPropontisorSeaofMarmoraafterhavingdestroyedvesselsatintervalsinthosewatersforaperiodofmorethanfiftyyearsAfactthussetdowninsubstantialhistorycannoteasilybegainsaidNoristhereanyreasonitshouldbeOfwhatprecisespeciesthisseamonsterwasisnotmentionedButashedestroyedshipsaswellasforotherreasonshemusthavebeenawhaleandIamstronglyinclinedtothinkaspermwhaleAndIwilltellyouwhyForalongtimeIfanciedthatthespermwhalehadbeenalwaysunknownintheMediterraneanandthedeepwatersconnectingwithitEvennowIamcertainthatthoseseasarenotandperhapsnevercanbeinthepresentconstitutionofthingsaplaceforhishabitualgregariousresortButfurtherinvestigationshaverecentlyprovedtomethatinmoderntimestherehavebeenisolatedinstancesofthepresenceofthespermwhaleintheMediterraneanIamtoldongoodauthoritythatontheBarbarycoastaCommodoreDavisoftheBritishnavyfoundtheskeletonofaspermwhaleNowasavesselofwarreadilypassesthroughtheDardanelleshenceaspermwhalecouldbythesameroutepassoutoftheMediterraneanintothePropontisInthePropontisasfarasIcanlearnnoneofthatpeculiarsubstancecalledbritistobefoundthealimentoftherightwhaleButIhaveeveryreasontobelievethatthefoodofthespermwhalesquidorcuttlefishlurksatthebottomofthatseabecauselargecreaturesbutbynomeansthelargestofthatsorthavebeenfoundatitssurfaceIfthenyouproperlyputthesestatementstogetherandreasonuponthemabityouwillclearlyperceivethataccordingtoallhumanreasoningProcopiussseamonsterthatforhalfacenturystovetheshipsofaRomanEmperormustinallprobabilityhavebeenaspermwhaleCHAPTER46SurmisesThoughconsumedwiththehotfireofhispurposeAhabinallhisthoughtsandactionseverhadinviewtheultimatecaptureofMobyDickthoughheseemedreadytosacrificeallmortalintereststothatonepassionneverthelessitmayhavebeenthathewasbynatureandlonghabituationfartooweddedtoafierywhalemanswaysaltogethertoabandonthecollateralprosecutionofthevoyageOratleastifthiswereotherwisetherewerenotwantingothermotivesmuchmoreinfluentialwithhimItwouldberefiningtoomuchperhapsevenconsideringhismonomaniatohintthathisvindictivenesstowardstheWhiteWhalemighthavepossiblyextendeditselfinsomedegreetoallspermwhalesandthatthemoremonstersheslewbysomuchthemorehemultipliedthechancesthateachsubsequentlyencounteredwhalewouldprovetobethehatedonehehuntedButifsuchanhypothesisbeindeedexceptionabletherewerestilladditionalconsiderationswhichthoughnotsostrictlyaccordingwiththewildnessofhisrulingpassionyetwerebynomeansincapableofswayinghimToaccomplishhisobjectAhabmustusetoolsandofalltoolsusedintheshadowofthemoonmenaremostapttogetoutoforderHeknewforexamplethathowevermagnetichisascendencyinsomerespectswasoverStarbuckyetthatascendencydidnotcoverthecompletespiritualmananymorethanmerecorporealsuperiorityinvolvesintellectualmastershipfortothepurelyspiritualtheintellectualbutstandinasortofcorporealrelationStarbucksbodyandStarbuckscoercedwillwereAhabssolongasAhabkepthismagnetatStarbucksbrainstillheknewthatforallthisthechiefmateinhissoulabhorredhiscaptainsquestandcouldhewouldjoyfullydisintegratehimselffromitorevenfrustrateitItmightbethatalongintervalwouldelapseeretheWhiteWhalewasseenDuringthatlongintervalStarbuckwouldeverbeapttofallintoopenrelapsesofrebellionagainsthiscaptainsleadershipunlesssomeordinaryprudentialcircumstantialinfluenceswerebroughttobearuponhimNotonlythatbutthesubtleinsanityofAhabrespectingMobyDickwasnowaysmoresignificantlymanifestedthaninhissuperlativesenseandshrewdnessinforeseeingthatforthepresentthehuntshouldinsomewaybestrippedofthatstrangeimaginativeimpiousnesswhichnaturallyinvesteditthatthefullterrorofthevoyagemustbekeptwithdrawnintotheobscurebackgroundforfewmenscourageisproofagainstprotractedmeditationunrelievedbyactionthatwhentheystoodtheirlongnightwatcheshisofficersandmenmusthavesomenearerthingstothinkofthanMobyDickForhowevereagerlyandimpetuouslythesavagecrewhadhailedtheannouncementofhisquestyetallsailorsofallsortsaremoreorlesscapriciousandunreliabletheyliveinthevaryingouterweatherandtheyinhaleitsficklenessandwhenretainedforanyobjectremoteandblankinthepursuithoweverpromissoryoflifeandpassionintheenditisaboveallthingsrequisitethattemporaryinterestsandemploymentsshouldinterveneandholdthemhealthilysuspendedforthefinaldashNorwasAhabunmindfulofanotherthingIntimesofstrongemotionmankinddisdainallbaseconsiderationsbutsuchtimesareevanescentThepermanentconstitutionalconditionofthemanufacturedmanthoughtAhabissordidnessGrantingthattheWhiteWhalefullyincitestheheartsofthismysavagecrewandplayingroundtheirsavagenessevenbreedsacertaingenerousknighterrantisminthemstillwhilefortheloveofittheygivechasetoMobyDicktheymustalsohavefoodfortheirmorecommondailyappetitesForeventhehighliftedandchivalricCrusadersofoldtimeswerenotcontenttotraversetwothousandmilesoflandtofightfortheirholysepulchrewithoutcommittingburglariespickingpocketsandgainingotherpiousperquisitesbythewayHadtheybeenstrictlyheldtotheironefinalandromanticobjectthatfinalandromanticobjecttoomanywouldhaveturnedfromindisgustIwillnotstripthesementhoughtAhabofallhopesofcashayecashTheymayscorncashnowbutletsomemonthsgobyandnoperspectivepromiseofittothemandthenthissamequiescentcashallatoncemutinyinginthemthissamecashwouldsooncashierAhabNorwastherewantingstillanotherprecautionarymotivemorerelatedtoAhabpersonallyHavingimpulsivelyitisprobableandperhapssomewhatprematurelyrevealedtheprimebutprivatepurposeofthePequodsvoyageAhabwasnowentirelyconsciousthatinsodoinghehadindirectlylaidhimselfopentotheunanswerablechargeofusurpationandwithperfectimpunitybothmoralandlegalhiscrewifsodisposedandtothatendcompetentcouldrefuseallfurtherobediencetohimandevenviolentlywrestfromhimthecommandFromeventhebarelyhintedimputationofusurpationandthepossibleconsequencesofsuchasuppressedimpressiongaininggroundAhabmustofcoursehavebeenmostanxioustoprotecthimselfThatprotectioncouldonlyconsistinhisownpredominatingbrainandheartandhandbackedbyaheedfulcloselycalculatingattentiontoeveryminuteatmosphericinfluencewhichitwaspossibleforhiscrewtobesubjectedtoForallthesereasonsthenandothersperhapstooanalytictobeverballydevelopedhereAhabplainlysawthathemuststillinagooddegreecontinuetruetothenaturalnominalpurposeofthePequodsvoyageobserveallcustomaryusagesandnotonlythatbutforcehimselftoevinceallhiswellknownpassionateinterestinthegeneralpursuitofhisprofessionBeallthisasitmayhisvoicewasnowoftenheardhailingthethreemastheadsandadmonishingthemtokeepabrightlookoutandnotomitreportingevenaporpoiseThisvigilancewasnotlongwithoutrewardCHAPTER47TheMatMakerItwasacloudysultryafternoontheseamenwerelazilyloungingaboutthedecksorvacantlygazingoverintotheleadcolouredwatersQueequegandIweremildlyemployedweavingwhatiscalledaswordmatforanadditionallashingtoourboatSostillandsubduedandyetsomehowpreludingwasallthesceneandsuchanincantationofreverielurkedintheairthateachsilentsailorseemedresolvedintohisowninvisibleselfIwastheattendantorpageofQueequegwhilebusyatthematAsIkeptpassingandrepassingthefillingorwoofofmarlinebetweenthelongyarnsofthewarpusingmyownhandfortheshuttleandasQueequegstandingsidewayseverandanonslidhisheavyoakenswordbetweenthethreadsandidlylookingoffuponthewatercarelesslyandunthinkinglydrovehomeeveryyarnIsaysostrangeadreaminessdidtherethenreignallovertheshipandallovertheseaonlybrokenbytheintermittingdullsoundoftheswordthatitseemedasifthisweretheLoomofTimeandImyselfwereashuttlemechanicallyweavingandweavingawayattheFatesTherelaythefixedthreadsofthewarpsubjecttobutonesingleeverreturningunchangingvibrationandthatvibrationmerelyenoughtoadmitofthecrosswiseinterblendingofotherthreadswithitsownThiswarpseemednecessityandherethoughtIwithmyownhandIplymyownshuttleandweavemyowndestinyintotheseunalterablethreadsMeantimeQueequegsimpulsiveindifferentswordsometimeshittingthewoofslantinglyorcrookedlyorstronglyorweaklyasthecasemightbeandbythisdifferenceintheconcludingblowproducingacorrespondingcontrastinthefinalaspectofthecompletedfabricthissavagesswordthoughtIwhichthusfinallyshapesandfashionsbothwarpandwoofthiseasyindifferentswordmustbechanceayechancefreewillandnecessitynowiseincompatibleallinterweavinglyworkingtogetherThestraightwarpofnecessitynottobeswervedfromitsultimatecourseitseveryalternatingvibrationindeedonlytendingtothatfreewillstillfreetoplyhershuttlebetweengiventhreadsandchancethoughrestrainedinitsplaywithintherightlinesofnecessityandsidewaysinitsmotionsdirectedbyfreewillthoughthusprescribedtobybothchancebyturnsruleseitherandhasthelastfeaturingblowateventsThuswewereweavingandweavingawaywhenIstartedatasoundsostrangelongdrawnandmusicallywildandunearthlythattheballoffreewilldroppedfrommyhandandIstoodgazingupatthecloudswhencethatvoicedroppedlikeawingHighaloftinthecrosstreeswasthatmadGayHeaderTashtegoHisbodywasreachingeagerlyforwardhishandstretchedoutlikeawandandatbriefsuddenintervalshecontinuedhiscriesTobesurethesamesoundwasthatverymomentperhapsbeingheardallovertheseasfromhundredsofwhalemenslookoutsperchedashighintheairbutfromfewofthoselungscouldthataccustomedoldcryhavederivedsuchamarvellouscadenceasfromTashtegotheIndiansAshestoodhoveringoveryouhalfsuspendedinairsowildlyandeagerlypeeringtowardsthehorizonyouwouldhavethoughthimsomeprophetorseerbeholdingtheshadowsofFateandbythosewildcriesannouncingtheircomingTheresheblowstheretheretheresheblowssheblowsWhereawayOntheleebeamabouttwomilesoffaschoolofthemInstantlyallwascommotionTheSpermWhaleblowsasaclocktickswiththesameundeviatingandreliableuniformityAndtherebywhalemendistinguishthisfishfromothertribesofhisgenusTheregoflukeswasnowthecryfromTashtegoandthewhalesdisappearedQuickstewardcriedAhabTimetimeDoughBoyhurriedbelowglancedatthewatchandreportedtheexactminutetoAhabTheshipwasnowkeptawayfromthewindandshewentgentlyrollingbeforeitTashtegoreportingthatthewhaleshadgonedownheadingtoleewardweconfidentlylookedtoseethemagaindirectlyinadvanceofourbowsForthatsingularcraftattimesevincedbytheSpermWhalewhensoundingwithhisheadinonedirectionheneverthelesswhileconcealedbeneaththesurfacemillsroundandswiftlyswimsoffintheoppositequarterthisdeceitfulnessofhiscouldnotnowbeinactionfortherewasnoreasontosupposethatthefishseenbyTashtegohadbeeninanywayalarmedorindeedknewatallofourvicinityOneofthemenselectedforshipkeepersthatisthosenotappointedtotheboatsbythistimerelievedtheIndianatthemainmastheadThesailorsattheforeandmizzenhadcomedownthelinetubswerefixedintheirplacesthecraneswerethrustoutthemainyardwasbackedandthethreeboatsswungoverthesealikethreesamphirebasketsoverhighcliffsOutsideofthebulwarkstheireagercrewswithonehandclungtotherailwhileonefootwasexpectantlypoisedonthegunwaleSolookthelonglineofmanofwarsmenabouttothrowthemselvesonboardanenemysshipButatthiscriticalinstantasuddenexclamationwasheardthattookeveryeyefromthewhaleWithastartallglaredatdarkAhabwhowassurroundedbyfiveduskyphantomsthatseemedfreshformedoutofairCHAPTER48TheFirstLoweringThephantomsforsotheythenseemedwereflittingontheothersideofthedeckandwithanoiselessceleritywerecastingloosethetacklesandbandsoftheboatwhichswungthereThisboathadalwaysbeendeemedoneofthespareboatsthoughtechnicallycalledthecaptainsonaccountofitshangingfromthestarboardquarterThefigurethatnowstoodbyitsbowswastallandswartwithonewhitetoothevillyprotrudingfromitssteellikelipsArumpledChinesejacketofblackcottonfunereallyinvestedhimwithwideblacktrowsersofthesamedarkstuffButstrangelycrowningthisebonnesswasaglisteningwhiteplaitedturbanthelivinghairbraidedandcoiledroundandrounduponhisheadLessswartinaspectthecompanionsofthisfigurewereofthatvividtigeryellowcomplexionpeculiartosomeoftheaboriginalnativesoftheManillasaracenotoriousforacertaindiabolismofsubtiltyandbysomehonestwhitemarinerssupposedtobethepaidspiesandsecretconfidentialagentsonthewaterofthedeviltheirlordwhosecountingroomtheysupposetobeelsewhereWhileyetthewonderingshipscompanyweregazinguponthesestrangersAhabcriedouttothewhiteturbanedoldmanattheirheadAllreadythereFedallahReadywasthehalfhissedreplyLowerawaythendyehearshoutingacrossthedeckLowerawaythereIsaySuchwasthethunderofhisvoicethatspiteoftheiramazementthemensprangovertherailthesheaveswhirledroundintheblockswithawallowthethreeboatsdroppedintotheseawhilewithadexterousoffhandeddaringunknowninanyothervocationthesailorsgoatlikeleapeddowntherollingshipssideintothetossedboatsbelowHardlyhadtheypulledoutfromundertheshipsleewhenafourthkeelcomingfromthewindwardsidepulledroundunderthesternandshowedthefivestrangersrowingAhabwhostandingerectinthesternloudlyhailedStarbuckStubbandFlasktospreadthemselveswidelysoastocoveralargeexpanseofwaterButwithalltheireyesagainrivetedupontheswartFedallahandhiscrewtheinmatesoftheotherboatsobeyednotthecommandCaptainAhabsaidStarbuckSpreadyourselvescriedAhabgivewayallfourboatsThouFlaskpulloutmoretoleewardAyeayesircheerilycriedlittleKingPostsweepingroundhisgreatsteeringoarLaybackaddressinghiscrewTheretherethereagainTheresheblowsrightaheadboyslaybackNeverheedyonderyellowboysArchyOhIdontmindemsirsaidArchyIknewitallbeforenowDidntIhearemintheholdAnddidntItellCabacohereofitWhatsayyeCabacoTheyarestowawaysMrFlaskPullpullmyfineheartsalivepullmychildrenpullmylittleonesdrawlinglyandsoothinglysighedStubbtohiscrewsomeofwhomstillshowedsignsofuneasinessWhydontyoubreakyourbackbonesmyboysWhatisityoustareatThosechapsinyonderboatTutTheyareonlyfivemorehandscometohelpusnevermindfromwherethemorethemerrierPullthendopullnevermindthebrimstonedevilsaregoodfellowsenoughSosothereyouarenowthatsthestrokeforathousandpoundsthatsthestroketosweepthestakesHurrahforthegoldcupofspermoilmyheroesThreecheersmenallheartsaliveEasyeasydontbeinahurrydontbeinahurryWhydontyousnapyouroarsyourascalsBitesomethingyoudogsSososothensoftlysoftlyThatsitthatsitlongandstrongGivewaytheregivewayThedevilfetchyeyeragamuffinrapscallionsyeareallasleepStopsnoringyesleepersandpullPullwillyepullcantyepullwontyeWhyinthenameofgudgeonsandgingercakesdontyepullpullandbreaksomethingpullandstartyoureyesoutHerewhippingoutthesharpknifefromhisgirdleeverymotherssonofyedrawhisknifeandpullwiththebladebetweenhisteethThatsitthatsitNowyedosomethingthatlookslikeitmysteelbitsStartherstarthermysilverspoonsStarthermarlingspikesStubbsexordiumtohiscrewisgivenhereatlargebecausehehadratherapeculiarwayoftalkingtothemingeneralandespeciallyininculcatingthereligionofrowingButyoumustnotsupposefromthisspecimenofhissermonizingsthatheeverflewintodownrightpassionswithhiscongregationNotatallandthereinconsistedhischiefpeculiarityHewouldsaythemostterrificthingstohiscrewinatonesostrangelycompoundedoffunandfuryandthefuryseemedsocalculatedmerelyasaspicetothefunthatnooarsmancouldhearsuchqueerinvocationswithoutpullingfordearlifeandyetpullingforthemerejokeofthethingBesidesheallthetimelookedsoeasyandindolenthimselfsolounginglymanagedhissteeringoarandsobroadlygapedopenmouthedattimesthatthemeresightofsuchayawningcommanderbysheerforceofcontrastactedlikeacharmuponthecrewThenagainStubbwasoneofthoseoddsortofhumoristswhosejollityissometimessocuriouslyambiguousastoputallinferiorsontheirguardinthematterofobeyingthemInobediencetoasignfromAhabStarbuckwasnowpullingobliquelyacrossStubbsbowandwhenforaminuteorsothetwoboatswereprettyneartoeachotherStubbhailedthemateMrStarbucklarboardboatthereahoyawordwithyesirifyepleaseHalloareturnedStarbuckturningroundnotasingleinchashespokestillearnestlybutwhisperinglyurginghiscrewhisfacesetlikeaflintfromStubbsWhatthinkyeofthoseyellowboyssirSmuggledonboardsomehowbeforetheshipsailedStrongstrongboysinawhispertohiscrewthenspeakingoutloudagainAsadbusinessMrStubbseetheherseethehermyladsbutnevermindMrStubballforthebestLetallyourcrewpullstrongcomewhatwillSpringmymenspringThereshogsheadsofspermaheadMrStubbandthatswhatyecameforPullmyboysSpermspermstheplayThisatleastisdutydutyandprofithandinhandAyeayeIthoughtasmuchsoliloquizedStubbwhentheboatsdivergedassoonasIclapteyeonemIthoughtsoAyeandthatswhathewentintotheafterholdforsooftenasDoughBoylongsuspectedTheywerehiddendownthereTheWhiteWhalesatthebottomofitWellwellsobeitCantbehelpedAllrightGivewaymenItainttheWhiteWhaletodayGivewayNowtheadventoftheseoutlandishstrangersatsuchacriticalinstantastheloweringoftheboatsfromthedeckthishadnotunreasonablyawakenedasortofsuperstitiousamazementinsomeoftheshipscompanybutArchysfancieddiscoveryhavingsometimepreviousgotabroadamongthemthoughindeednotcreditedthenthishadinsomesmallmeasurepreparedthemfortheeventIttookofftheextremeedgeoftheirwonderandsowhatwithallthisandStubbsconfidentwayofaccountingfortheirappearancetheywereforthetimefreedfromsuperstitioussurmisingsthoughtheaffairstillleftabundantroomforallmannerofwildconjecturesastodarkAhabspreciseagencyinthematterfromthebeginningFormeIsilentlyrecalledthemysteriousshadowsIhadseencreepingonboardthePequodduringthedimNantucketdawnaswellastheenigmaticalhintingsoftheunaccountableElijahMeantimeAhaboutofhearingofhisofficershavingsidedthefurthesttowindwardwasstillrangingaheadoftheotherboatsacircumstancebespeakinghowpotentacrewwaspullinghimThosetigeryellowcreaturesofhisseemedallsteelandwhalebonelikefivetriphammerstheyroseandfellwithregularstrokesofstrengthwhichperiodicallystartedtheboatalongthewaterlikeahorizontalburstboileroutofaMississippisteamerAsforFedallahwhowasseenpullingtheharpooneeroarhehadthrownasidehisblackjacketanddisplayedhisnakedchestwiththewholepartofhisbodyabovethegunwaleclearlycutagainstthealternatingdepressionsofthewateryhorizonwhileattheotherendoftheboatAhabwithonearmlikeafencersthrownhalfbackwardintotheairasiftocounterbalanceanytendencytotripAhabwasseensteadilymanaginghissteeringoarasinathousandboatloweringseretheWhiteWhalehadtornhimAllatoncetheoutstretchedarmgaveapeculiarmotionandthenremainedfixedwhiletheboatsfiveoarswereseensimultaneouslypeakedBoatandcrewsatmotionlessontheseaInstantlythethreespreadboatsintherearpausedontheirwayThewhaleshadirregularlysettledbodilydownintothebluethusgivingnodistantlydiscernibletokenofthemovementthoughfromhiscloservicinityAhabhadobserveditEverymanlookoutalonghisoarscriedStarbuckThouQueequegstandupNimblyspringinguponthetriangularraisedboxinthebowthesavagestooderectthereandwithintenselyeagereyesgazedofftowardsthespotwherethechasehadlastbeendescriedLikewiseupontheextremesternoftheboatwhereitwasalsotriangularlyplatformedlevelwiththegunwaleStarbuckhimselfwasseencoollyandadroitlybalancinghimselftothejerkingtossingsofhischipofacraftandsilentlyeyeingthevastblueeyeoftheseaNotveryfardistantFlasksboatwasalsolyingbreathlesslystillitscommanderrecklesslystandinguponthetopoftheloggerheadastoutsortofpostrootedinthekeelandrisingsometwofeetabovethelevelofthesternplatformItisusedforcatchingturnswiththewhalelineItstopisnotmorespaciousthanthepalmofamanshandandstandinguponsuchabaseasthatFlaskseemedperchedatthemastheadofsomeshipwhichhadsunktoallbuthertrucksButlittleKingPostwassmallandshortandatthesametimelittleKingPostwasfullofalargeandtallambitionsothatthisloggerheadstandpointofhisdidbynomeanssatisfyKingPostIcantseethreeseasofftipusupanoarthereandletmeontothatUponthisDaggoowitheitherhanduponthegunwaletosteadyhiswayswiftlyslidaftandthenerectinghimselfvolunteeredhisloftyshouldersforapedestalGoodamastheadasanysirWillyoumountThatIwillandthankyeverymuchmyfinefellowonlyIwishyoufiftyfeettallerWhereuponplantinghisfeetfirmlyagainsttwooppositeplanksoftheboatthegiganticnegrostoopingalittlepresentedhisflatpalmtoFlasksfootandthenputtingFlaskshandonhishearseplumedheadandbiddinghimspringashehimselfshouldtosswithonedexterousflinglandedthelittlemanhighanddryonhisshouldersAndherewasFlasknowstandingDaggoowithoneliftedarmfurnishinghimwithabreastbandtoleanagainstandsteadyhimselfbyAtanytimeitisastrangesighttothetyrotoseewithwhatwondroushabitudeofunconsciousskillthewhalemanwillmaintainanerectpostureinhisboatevenwhenpitchedaboutbythemostriotouslyperverseandcrossrunningseasStillmorestrangetoseehimgiddilyperchedupontheloggerheaditselfundersuchcircumstancesButthesightoflittleFlaskmountedupongiganticDaggoowasyetmorecuriousforsustaininghimselfwithacoolindifferenteasyunthoughtofbarbaricmajestythenoblenegrotoeveryrolloftheseaharmoniouslyrolledhisfineformOnhisbroadbackflaxenhairedFlaskseemedasnowflakeThebearerlookednoblerthantheriderThoughtrulyvivacioustumultuousostentatiouslittleFlaskwouldnowandthenstampwithimpatiencebutnotoneaddedheavedidhetherebygivetothenegroslordlychestSohaveIseenPassionandVanitystampingthelivingmagnanimousearthbuttheearthdidnotalterhertidesandherseasonsforthatMeanwhileStubbthethirdmatebetrayednosuchfargazingsolicitudesThewhalesmighthavemadeoneoftheirregularsoundingsnotatemporarydivefrommerefrightandifthatwerethecaseStubbashiswontinsuchcasesitseemswasresolvedtosolacethelanguishingintervalwithhispipeHewithdrewitfromhishatbandwherehealwaysworeitaslantlikeafeatherHeloadeditandrammedhometheloadingwithhisthumbendbuthardlyhadheignitedhismatchacrosstheroughsandpaperofhishandwhenTashtegohisharpooneerwhoseeyeshadbeensettingtowindwardliketwofixedstarssuddenlydroppedlikelightfromhiserectattitudetohisseatcryingoutinaquickphrensyofhurryDowndownallandgivewaytheretheyareToalandsmannowhalenoranysignofaherringwouldhavebeenvisibleatthatmomentnothingbutatroubledbitofgreenishwhitewaterandthinscatteredpuffsofvaporhoveringoveritandsuffusinglyblowingofftoleewardliketheconfusedscudfromwhiterollingbillowsTheairaroundsuddenlyvibratedandtingledasitwereliketheairoverintenselyheatedplatesofironBeneaththisatmosphericwavingandcurlingandpartiallybeneathathinlayerofwateralsothewhaleswereswimmingSeeninadvanceofalltheotherindicationsthepuffsofvaportheyspoutedseemedtheirforerunningcouriersanddetachedflyingoutridersAllfourboatswerenowinkeenpursuitofthatonespotoftroubledwaterandairButitbadefairtooutstripthemitflewonandonasamassofinterblendingbubblesbornedownarapidstreamfromthehillsPullpullmygoodboyssaidStarbuckinthelowestpossiblebutintensestconcentratedwhispertohismenwhilethesharpfixedglancefromhiseyesdartedstraightaheadofthebowalmostseemedastwovisibleneedlesintwounerringbinnaclecompassesHedidnotsaymuchtohiscrewthoughnordidhiscrewsayanythingtohimOnlythesilenceoftheboatwasatintervalsstartlinglypiercedbyoneofhispeculiarwhispersnowharshwithcommandnowsoftwithentreatyHowdifferenttheloudlittleKingPostSingoutandsaysomethingmyheartiesRoarandpullmythunderboltsBeachmebeachmeontheirblackbacksboysonlydothatformeandIllsignovertoyoumyMarthasVineyardplantationboysincludingwifeandchildrenboysLaymeonlaymeonOLordLordbutIshallgostarkstaringmadSeeseethatwhitewaterAndsoshoutinghepulledhishatfromhisheadandstampedupanddownonitthenpickingitupflirteditfaroffupontheseaandfinallyfelltorearingandplungingintheboatssternlikeacrazedcoltfromtheprairieLookatthatchapnowphilosophicallydrawledStubbwhowithhisunlightedshortpipemechanicallyretainedbetweenhisteethatashortdistancefollowedafterHesgotfitsthatFlaskhasFitsyesgivehimfitsthatstheverywordpitchfitsintoemMerrilymerrilyheartsalivePuddingforsupperyouknowmerrysthewordPullbabespullsucklingspullallButwhatthedevilareyouhurryingaboutSoftlysoftlyandsteadilymymenOnlypullandkeeppullingnothingmoreCrackallyourbackbonesandbiteyourknivesintwothatsallTakeiteasywhydontyetakeiteasyIsayandburstallyourliversandlungsButwhatitwasthatinscrutableAhabsaidtothattigeryellowcrewofhisthesewerewordsbestomittedhereforyouliveundertheblessedlightoftheevangelicallandOnlytheinfidelsharksintheaudaciousseasmaygiveeartosuchwordswhenwithtornadobrowandeyesofredmurderandfoamgluedlipsAhableapedafterhispreyMeanwhilealltheboatstoreonTherepeatedspecificallusionsofFlasktothatwhaleashecalledthefictitiousmonsterwhichhedeclaredtobeincessantlytantalizinghisboatsbowwithitstailtheseallusionsofhiswereattimessovividandlifelikethattheywouldcausesomeoneortwoofhismentosnatchafearfullookovertheshoulderButthiswasagainstallrulefortheoarsmenmustputouttheireyesandramaskewerthroughtheirnecksusagepronouncingthattheymusthavenoorgansbutearsandnolimbsbutarmsinthesecriticalmomentsItwasasightfullofquickwonderandaweThevastswellsoftheomnipotentseathesurginghollowroartheymadeastheyrolledalongtheeightgunwaleslikegiganticbowlsinaboundlessbowlinggreenthebriefsuspendedagonyoftheboatasitwouldtipforaninstantontheknifelikeedgeofthesharperwavesthatalmostseemedthreateningtocutitintwothesuddenprofounddipintothewateryglensandhollowsthekeenspurringsandgoadingstogainthetopoftheoppositehilltheheadlongsledlikeslidedownitsothersideallthesewiththecriesoftheheadsmenandharpooneersandtheshudderinggaspsoftheoarsmenwiththewondroussightoftheivoryPequodbearingdownuponherboatswithoutstretchedsailslikeawildhenafterherscreamingbroodallthiswasthrillingNottherawrecruitmarchingfromthebosomofhiswifeintothefeverheatofhisfirstbattlenotthedeadmansghostencounteringthefirstunknownphantomintheotherworldneitherofthesecanfeelstrangerandstrongeremotionsthanthatmandoeswhoforthefirsttimefindshimselfpullingintothecharmedchurnedcircleofthehuntedspermwhaleThedancingwhitewatermadebythechasewasnowbecomingmoreandmorevisibleowingtotheincreasingdarknessoftheduncloudshadowsflungupontheseaThejetsofvapornolongerblendedbuttiltedeverywheretorightandleftthewhalesseemedseparatingtheirwakesTheboatswerepulledmoreapartStarbuckgivingchasetothreewhalesrunningdeadtoleewardOursailwasnowsetandwiththestillrisingwindwerushedalongtheboatgoingwithsuchmadnessthroughthewaterthattheleeoarscouldscarcelybeworkedrapidlyenoughtoescapebeingtornfromtherowlocksSoonwewererunningthroughasuffusingwideveilofmistneithershipnorboattobeseenGivewaymenwhisperedStarbuckdrawingstillfurtheraftthesheetofhissailthereistimetokillafishyetbeforethesquallcomesThereswhitewateragainclosetoSpringSoonaftertwocriesinquicksuccessiononeachsideofusdenotedthattheotherboatshadgotfastbuthardlyweretheyoverheardwhenwithalightninglikehurtlingwhisperStarbucksaidStandupandQueequegharpooninhandsprangtohisfeetThoughnotoneoftheoarsmenwasthenfacingthelifeanddeathperilsoclosetothemaheadyetwiththeireyesontheintensecountenanceofthemateinthesternoftheboattheyknewthattheimminentinstanthadcometheyheardtooanenormouswallowingsoundasoffiftyelephantsstirringintheirlitterMeanwhiletheboatwasstillboomingthroughthemistthewavescurlingandhissingaroundusliketheerectedcrestsofenragedserpentsThatshishumpTheretheregiveittohimwhisperedStarbuckAshortrushingsoundleapedoutoftheboatitwasthedartedironofQueequegThenallinoneweldedcommotioncameaninvisiblepushfromasternwhileforwardtheboatseemedstrikingonaledgethesailcollapsedandexplodedagushofscaldingvaporshotupnearbysomethingrolledandtumbledlikeanearthquakebeneathusThewholecrewwerehalfsuffocatedastheyweretossedhelterskelterintothewhitecurdlingcreamofthesquallSquallwhaleandharpoonhadallblendedtogetherandthewhalemerelygrazedbytheironescapedThoughcompletelyswampedtheboatwasnearlyunharmedSwimmingrounditwepickedupthefloatingoarsandlashingthemacrossthegunwaletumbledbacktoourplacesTherewesatuptoourkneesintheseathewatercoveringeveryribandplanksothattoourdownwardgazingeyesthesuspendedcraftseemedacoralboatgrownuptousfromthebottomoftheoceanThewindincreasedtoahowlthewavesdashedtheirbucklerstogetherthewholesquallroaredforkedandcrackledarounduslikeawhitefireupontheprairieinwhichunconsumedwewereburningimmortalinthesejawsofdeathInvainwehailedtheotherboatsaswellroartothelivecoalsdownthechimneyofaflamingfurnaceashailthoseboatsinthatstormMeanwhilethedrivingscudrackandmistgrewdarkerwiththeshadowsofnightnosignoftheshipcouldbeseenTherisingseaforbadeallattemptstobaleouttheboatTheoarswereuselessaspropellersperformingnowtheofficeoflifepreserversSocuttingthelashingofthewaterproofmatchkegaftermanyfailuresStarbuckcontrivedtoignitethelampinthelanternthenstretchingitonawaifpolehandedittoQueequegasthestandardbearerofthisforlornhopeTherethenhesatholdingupthatimbecilecandleintheheartofthatalmightyforlornnessTherethenhesatthesignandsymbolofamanwithoutfaithhopelesslyholdinguphopeinthemidstofdespairWetdrenchedthroughandshiveringcolddespairingofshiporboatweliftedupoureyesasthedawncameonThemiststillspreadovertheseatheemptylanternlaycrushedinthebottomoftheboatSuddenlyQueequegstartedtohisfeethollowinghishandtohisearWeallheardafaintcreakingasofropesandyardshithertomuffledbythestormThesoundcamenearerandnearerthethickmistsweredimlypartedbyahugevagueformAffrightedweallsprangintotheseaastheshipatlastloomedintoviewbearingrightdownuponuswithinadistanceofnotmuchmorethanitslengthFloatingonthewaveswesawtheabandonedboatasforoneinstantittossedandgapedbeneaththeshipsbowslikeachipatthebaseofacataractandthenthevasthullrolledoveritanditwasseennomoretillitcameupwelteringasternAgainweswamforitweredashedagainstitbytheseasandwereatlasttakenupandsafelylandedonboardErethesquallcameclosetotheotherboatshadcutloosefromtheirfishandreturnedtotheshipingoodtimeTheshiphadgivenusupbutwasstillcruisingifhaplyitmightlightuponsometokenofourperishinganoaroralancepoleCHAPTER49TheHyenaTherearecertainqueertimesandoccasionsinthisstrangemixedaffairwecalllifewhenamantakesthiswholeuniverseforavastpracticaljokethoughthewitthereofhebutdimlydiscernsandmorethansuspectsthatthejokeisatnobodysexpensebuthisownHowevernothingdispiritsandnothingseemsworthwhiledisputingHeboltsdownalleventsallcreedsandbeliefsandpersuasionsallhardthingsvisibleandinvisiblenevermindhowknobbyasanostrichofpotentdigestiongobblesdownbulletsandgunflintsAndasforsmalldifficultiesandworryingsprospectsofsuddendisasterperiloflifeandlimballtheseanddeathitselfseemtohimonlyslygoodnaturedhitsandjollypunchesinthesidebestowedbytheunseenandunaccountableoldjokerThatoddsortofwaywardmoodIamspeakingofcomesoveramanonlyinsometimeofextremetribulationitcomesintheverymidstofhisearnestnesssothatwhatjustbeforemighthaveseemedtohimathingmostmomentousnowseemsbutapartofthegeneraljokeThereisnothingliketheperilsofwhalingtobreedthisfreeandeasysortofgenialdesperadophilosophyandwithitInowregardedthiswholevoyageofthePequodandthegreatWhiteWhaleitsobjectQueequegsaidIwhentheyhaddraggedmethelastmantothedeckandIwasstillshakingmyselfinmyjackettoflingoffthewaterQueequegmyfinefrienddoesthissortofthingoftenhappenWithoutmuchemotionthoughsoakedthroughjustlikemehegavemetounderstandthatsuchthingsdidoftenhappenMrStubbsaidIturningtothatworthywhobuttonedupinhisoiljacketwasnowcalmlysmokinghispipeintherainMrStubbIthinkIhaveheardyousaythatofallwhalemenyouevermetourchiefmateMrStarbuckisbyfarthemostcarefulandprudentIsupposethenthatgoingplumponaflyingwhalewithyoursailsetinafoggysquallistheheightofawhalemansdiscretionCertainIveloweredforwhalesfromaleakingshipinagaleoffCapeHornMrFlasksaidIturningtolittleKingPostwhowasstandingclosebyyouareexperiencedinthesethingsandIamnotWillyoutellmewhetheritisanunalterablelawinthisfisheryMrFlaskforanoarsmantobreakhisownbackpullinghimselfbackforemostintodeathsjawsCantyoutwistthatsmallersaidFlaskYesthatsthelawIshouldliketoseeaboatscrewbackingwateruptoawhalefaceforemostHahathewhalewouldgivethemsquintforsquintmindthatHerethenfromthreeimpartialwitnessesIhadadeliberatestatementoftheentirecaseConsideringthereforethatsquallsandcapsizingsinthewaterandconsequentbivouacksonthedeepweremattersofcommonoccurrenceinthiskindoflifeconsideringthatatthesuperlativelycriticalinstantofgoingontothewhaleImustresignmylifeintothehandsofhimwhosteeredtheboatoftentimesafellowwhoatthatverymomentisinhisimpetuousnessuponthepointofscuttlingthecraftwithhisownfranticstampingsconsideringthattheparticulardisastertoourownparticularboatwaschieflytobeimputedtoStarbucksdrivingontohiswhalealmostintheteethofasquallandconsideringthatStarbucknotwithstandingwasfamousforhisgreatheedfulnessinthefisheryconsideringthatIbelongedtothisuncommonlyprudentStarbucksboatandfinallyconsideringinwhatadevilschaseIwasimplicatedtouchingtheWhiteWhaletakingallthingstogetherIsayIthoughtImightaswellgobelowandmakearoughdraftofmywillQueequegsaidIcomealongyoushallbemylawyerexecutorandlegateeItmayseemstrangethatofallmensailorsshouldbetinkeringattheirlastwillsandtestamentsbuttherearenopeopleintheworldmorefondofthatdiversionThiswasthefourthtimeinmynauticallifethatIhaddonethesamethingAftertheceremonywasconcludeduponthepresentoccasionIfeltalltheeasierastonewasrolledawayfrommyheartBesidesallthedaysIshouldnowlivewouldbeasgoodasthedaysthatLazaruslivedafterhisresurrectionasupplementarycleangainofsomanymonthsorweeksasthecasemightbeIsurvivedmyselfmydeathandburialwerelockedupinmychestIlookedroundmetranquillyandcontentedlylikeaquietghostwithacleanconsciencesittinginsidethebarsofasnugfamilyvaultNowthenthoughtIunconsciouslyrollingupthesleevesofmyfrockheregoesforacoolcollecteddiveatdeathanddestructionandthedevilfetchthehindmostCHAPTER50AhabsBoatandCrewFedallahWhowouldhavethoughtitFlaskcriedStubbifIhadbutonelegyouwouldnotcatchmeinaboatunlessmaybetostoptheplugholewithmytimbertoeOhhesawonderfuloldmanIdontthinkitsostrangeafterallonthataccountsaidFlaskIfhislegwereoffatthehipnowitwouldbeadifferentthingThatwoulddisablehimbuthehasonekneeandgoodpartoftheotherleftyouknowIdontknowthatmylittlemanIneveryetsawhimkneelAmongwhalewisepeopleithasoftenbeenarguedwhetherconsideringtheparamountimportanceofhislifetothesuccessofthevoyageitisrightforawhalingcaptaintojeopardizethatlifeintheactiveperilsofthechaseSoTamerlanessoldiersoftenarguedwithtearsintheireyeswhetherthatinvaluablelifeofhisoughttobecarriedintothethickestofthefightButwithAhabthequestionassumedamodifiedaspectConsideringthatwithtwolegsmanisbutahobblingwightinalltimesofdangerconsideringthatthepursuitofwhalesisalwaysundergreatandextraordinarydifficultiesthateveryindividualmomentindeedthencomprisesaperilunderthesecircumstancesisitwiseforanymaimedmantoenterawhaleboatinthehuntAsageneralthingthejointownersofthePequodmusthaveplainlythoughtnotAhabwellknewthatalthoughhisfriendsathomewouldthinklittleofhisenteringaboatincertaincomparativelyharmlessvicissitudesofthechaseforthesakeofbeingnearthesceneofactionandgivinghisordersinpersonyetforCaptainAhabtohaveaboatactuallyapportionedtohimasaregularheadsmaninthehuntaboveallforCaptainAhabtobesuppliedwithfiveextramenasthatsameboatscrewhewellknewthatsuchgenerousconceitsneverenteredtheheadsoftheownersofthePequodThereforehehadnotsolicitedaboatscrewfromthemnorhadheinanywayhintedhisdesiresonthatheadNeverthelesshehadtakenprivatemeasuresofhisowntouchingallthatmatterUntilCabacospublisheddiscoverythesailorshadlittleforeseenitthoughtobesurewhenafterbeingalittlewhileoutofportallhandshadconcludedthecustomarybusinessoffittingthewhaleboatsforservicewhensometimeafterthisAhabwasnowandthenfoundbestirringhimselfinthematterofmakingtholepinswithhisownhandsforwhatwasthoughttobeoneofthespareboatsandevensolicitouslycuttingthesmallwoodenskewerswhichwhenthelineisrunningoutarepinnedoverthegrooveinthebowwhenallthiswasobservedinhimandparticularlyhissolicitudeinhavinganextracoatofsheathinginthebottomoftheboatasiftomakeitbetterwithstandthepointedpressureofhisivorylimbandalsotheanxietyheevincedinexactlyshapingthethighboardorclumsycleatasitissometimescalledthehorizontalpieceintheboatsbowforbracingthekneeagainstindartingorstabbingatthewhalewhenitwasobservedhowoftenhestoodupinthatboatwithhissolitarykneefixedinthesemicirculardepressioninthecleatandwiththecarpenterschiselgougedoutalittlehereandstraighteneditalittlethereallthesethingsIsayhadawakenedmuchinterestandcuriosityatthetimeButalmosteverybodysupposedthatthisparticularpreparativeheedfulnessinAhabmustonlybewithaviewtotheultimatechaseofMobyDickforhehadalreadyrevealedhisintentiontohuntthatmortalmonsterinpersonButsuchasuppositiondidbynomeansinvolvetheremotestsuspicionastoanyboatscrewbeingassignedtothatboatNowwiththesubordinatephantomswhatwonderremainedsoonwanedawayforinawhalerwonderssoonwaneBesidesnowandthensuchunaccountableoddsandendsofstrangenationscomeupfromtheunknownnooksandashholesoftheearthtomanthesefloatingoutlawsofwhalersandtheshipsthemselvesoftenpickupsuchqueercastawaycreaturesfoundtossingabouttheopenseaonplanksbitsofwreckoarswhaleboatscanoesblownoffJapanesejunksandwhatnotthatBeelzebubhimselfmightclimbupthesideandstepdownintothecabintochatwiththecaptainanditwouldnotcreateanyunsubduableexcitementintheforecastleButbeallthisasitmaycertainitisthatwhilethesubordinatephantomssoonfoundtheirplaceamongthecrewthoughstillasitweresomehowdistinctfromthemyetthathairturbanedFedallahremainedamuffledmysterytothelastWhencehecameinamannerlyworldlikethisbywhatsortofunaccountabletiehesoonevincedhimselftobelinkedwithAhabspeculiarfortunesnaysofarastohavesomesortofahalfhintedinfluenceHeavenknowsbutitmighthavebeenevenauthorityoverhimallthisnoneknewButonecannotsustainanindifferentairconcerningFedallahHewassuchacreatureascivilizeddomesticpeopleinthetemperatezoneonlyseeintheirdreamsandthatbutdimlybutthelikeofwhomnowandthenglideamongtheunchangingAsiaticcommunitiesespeciallytheOrientalislestotheeastofthecontinentthoseinsulatedimmemorialunalterablecountrieswhicheveninthesemoderndaysstillpreservemuchoftheghostlyaboriginalnessofearthsprimalgenerationswhenthememoryofthefirstmanwasadistinctrecollectionandallmenhisdescendantsunknowingwhencehecameeyedeachotherasrealphantomsandaskedofthesunandthemoonwhytheywerecreatedandtowhatendwhenthoughaccordingtoGenesistheangelsindeedconsortedwiththedaughtersofmenthedevilsalsoaddtheuncanonicalRabbinsindulgedinmundaneamoursCHAPTER51TheSpiritSpoutDaysweekspassedandundereasysailtheivoryPequodhadslowlysweptacrossfourseveralcruisinggroundsthatofftheAzoresofftheCapedeVerdesonthePlatesocalledbeingoffthemouthoftheRiodelaPlataandtheCarrolGroundanunstakedwaterylocalitysoutherlyfromStHelenaItwaswhileglidingthroughtheselatterwatersthatonesereneandmoonlightnightwhenallthewavesrolledbylikescrollsofsilverandbytheirsoftsuffusingseethingsmadewhatseemedasilverysilencenotasolitudeonsuchasilentnightasilveryjetwasseenfarinadvanceofthewhitebubblesatthebowLitupbythemoonitlookedcelestialseemedsomeplumedandglitteringgoduprisingfromtheseaFedallahfirstdescriedthisjetForofthesemoonlightnightsitwashiswonttomounttothemainmastheadandstandalookouttherewiththesameprecisionasifithadbeendayAndyetthoughherdsofwhaleswereseenbynightnotonewhalemaninahundredwouldventurealoweringforthemYoumaythinkwithwhatemotionsthentheseamenbeheldthisoldOrientalperchedaloftatsuchunusualhourshisturbanandthemooncompanionsinoneskyButwhenafterspendinghisuniformintervalthereforseveralsuccessivenightswithoututteringasinglesoundwhenafterallthissilencehisunearthlyvoicewasheardannouncingthatsilverymoonlitjeteveryrecliningmarinerstartedtohisfeetasifsomewingedspirithadlightedintheriggingandhailedthemortalcrewTheresheblowsHadthetrumpofjudgmentblowntheycouldnothavequiveredmoreyetstilltheyfeltnoterrorratherpleasureForthoughitwasamostunwontedhouryetsoimpressivewasthecryandsodeliriouslyexcitingthatalmosteverysoulonboardinstinctivelydesiredaloweringWalkingthedeckwithquicksidelungingstridesAhabcommandedthetgallantsailsandroyalstobesetandeverystunsailspreadThebestmanintheshipmusttakethehelmThenwitheverymastheadmannedthepiledupcraftrolleddownbeforethewindThestrangeupheavingliftingtendencyofthetaffrailbreezefillingthehollowsofsomanysailsmadethebuoyanthoveringdecktofeellikeairbeneaththefeetwhilestillsherushedalongasiftwoantagonisticinfluenceswerestrugglinginheronetomountdirecttoheaventheothertodriveyawinglytosomehorizontalgoalAndhadyouwatchedAhabsfacethatnightyouwouldhavethoughtthatinhimalsotwodifferentthingswerewarringWhilehisonelivelegmadelivelyechoesalongthedeckeverystrokeofhisdeadlimbsoundedlikeacoffintapOnlifeanddeaththisoldmanwalkedButthoughtheshipsoswiftlyspedandthoughfromeveryeyelikearrowstheeagerglancesshotyetthesilveryjetwasnomoreseenthatnightEverysailorsworehesawitoncebutnotasecondtimeThismidnightspouthadalmostgrownaforgottenthingwhensomedaysafterloatthesamesilenthouritwasagainannouncedagainitwasdescriedbyallbutuponmakingsailtoovertakeitoncemoreitdisappearedasifithadneverbeenAndsoitservedusnightafternighttillnooneheededitbuttowonderatitMysteriouslyjettedintotheclearmoonlightorstarlightasthecasemightbedisappearingagainforonewholedayortwodaysorthreeandsomehowseemingateverydistinctrepetitiontobeadvancingstillfurtherandfurtherinourvanthissolitaryjetseemedforeveralluringusonNorwiththeimmemorialsuperstitionoftheirraceandinaccordancewiththepreternaturalnessasitseemedwhichinmanythingsinvestedthePequodweretherewantingsomeoftheseamenwhosworethatwheneverandwhereverdescriedathoweverremotetimesorinhoweverfarapartlatitudesandlongitudesthatunnearablespoutwascastbyoneselfsamewhaleandthatwhaleMobyDickForatimetherereignedtooasenseofpeculiardreadatthisflittingapparitionasifitweretreacherouslybeckoningusonandoninorderthatthemonstermightturnrounduponusandrendusatlastintheremotestandmostsavageseasThesetemporaryapprehensionssovaguebutsoawfulderivedawondrouspotencyfromthecontrastingserenityoftheweatherinwhichbeneathallitsblueblandnesssomethoughttherelurkedadevilishcharmasfordaysanddayswevoyagedalongthroughseassowearilylonesomelymildthatallspaceinrepugnancetoourvengefulerrandseemedvacatingitselfoflifebeforeoururnlikeprowButatlastwhenturningtotheeastwardtheCapewindsbeganhowlingaroundusandweroseandfelluponthelongtroubledseasthataretherewhentheivorytuskedPequodsharplybowedtotheblastandgoredthedarkwavesinhermadnesstilllikeshowersofsilverchipsthefoamflakesflewoverherbulwarksthenallthisdesolatevacuityoflifewentawaybutgaveplacetosightsmoredismalthanbeforeClosetoourbowsstrangeformsinthewaterdartedhitherandthitherbeforeuswhilethickinourrearflewtheinscrutablesearavensAndeverymorningperchedonourstaysrowsofthesebirdswereseenandspiteofourhootingsforalongtimeobstinatelyclungtothehempasthoughtheydeemedourshipsomedriftinguninhabitedcraftathingappointedtodesolationandthereforefitroostingplacefortheirhomelessselvesAndheavedandheavedstillunrestinglyheavedtheblackseaasifitsvasttideswereaconscienceandthegreatmundanesoulwereinanguishandremorseforthelongsinandsufferingithadbredCapeofGoodHopedotheycallyeRatherCapeTormentosoascalledofyoreforlongalluredbytheperfidioussilencesthatbeforehadattendeduswefoundourselveslaunchedintothistormentedseawhereguiltybeingstransformedintothosefowlsandthesefishseemedcondemnedtoswimoneverlastinglywithoutanyhaveninstoreorbeatthatblackairwithoutanyhorizonButcalmsnowwhiteandunvaryingstilldirectingitsfountainoffeatherstotheskystillbeckoningusonfrombeforethesolitaryjetwouldattimesbedescriedDuringallthisblacknessoftheelementsAhabthoughassumingforthetimethealmostcontinualcommandofthedrenchedanddangerousdeckmanifestedthegloomiestreserveandmoreseldomthaneveraddressedhismatesIntempestuoustimesliketheseaftereverythingaboveandalofthasbeensecurednothingmorecanbedonebutpassivelytoawaittheissueofthegaleThenCaptainandcrewbecomepracticalfatalistsSowithhisivoryleginsertedintoitsaccustomedholeandwithonehandfirmlygraspingashroudAhabforhoursandhourswouldstandgazingdeadtowindwardwhileanoccasionalsquallofsleetorsnowwouldallbutcongealhisveryeyelashestogetherMeantimethecrewdrivenfromtheforwardpartoftheshipbytheperilousseasthatburstinglybrokeoveritsbowsstoodinalinealongthebulwarksinthewaistandthebettertoguardagainsttheleapingwaveseachmanhadslippedhimselfintoasortofbowlinesecuredtotherailinwhichheswungasinaloosenedbeltFewornowordswerespokenandthesilentshipasifmannedbypaintedsailorsinwaxdayafterdaytoreonthroughalltheswiftmadnessandgladnessofthedemoniacwavesBynightthesamemutenessofhumanitybeforetheshrieksoftheoceanprevailedstillinsilencethemenswunginthebowlinesstillwordlessAhabstooduptotheblastEvenwhenweariednatureseemeddemandingreposehewouldnotseekthatreposeinhishammockNevercouldStarbuckforgettheoldmansaspectwhenonenightgoingdownintothecabintomarkhowthebarometerstoodhesawhimwithclosedeyessittingstraightinhisfloorscrewedchairtherainandhalfmeltedsleetofthestormfromwhichhehadsometimebeforeemergedstillslowlydrippingfromtheunremovedhatandcoatOnthetablebesidehimlayunrolledoneofthosechartsoftidesandcurrentswhichhavepreviouslybeenspokenofHislanternswungfromhistightlyclenchedhandThoughthebodywaserecttheheadwasthrownbacksothattheclosedeyeswerepointedtowardstheneedleofthetelltalethatswungfromabeamintheceilingThecabincompassiscalledthetelltalebecausewithoutgoingtothecompassatthehelmtheCaptainwhilebelowcaninformhimselfofthecourseoftheshipTerribleoldmanthoughtStarbuckwithashuddersleepinginthisgalestillthousteadfastlyeyestthypurposeCHAPTER52TheAlbatrossSoutheastwardfromtheCapeoffthedistantCrozettsagoodcruisinggroundforRightWhalemenasailloomedaheadtheGoneyAlbatrossbynameAssheslowlydrewnighfrommyloftyperchattheforemastheadIhadagoodviewofthatsightsoremarkabletoatyrointhefaroceanfisheriesawhaleratseaandlongabsentfromhomeAsifthewaveshadbeenfullersthiscraftwasbleachedliketheskeletonofastrandedwalrusAlldownhersidesthisspectralappearancewastracedwithlongchannelsofreddenedrustwhileallhersparsandherriggingwerelikethethickbranchesoftreesfurredoverwithhoarfrostOnlyherlowersailsweresetAwildsightitwastoseeherlongbeardedlookoutsatthosethreemastheadsTheyseemedcladintheskinsofbeastssotornandbepatchedtheraimentthathadsurvivednearlyfouryearsofcruisingStandinginironhoopsnailedtothemasttheyswayedandswungoverafathomlessseaandthoughwhentheshipslowlyglidedcloseunderoursternwesixmenintheaircamesonightoeachotherthatwemightalmosthaveleapedfromthemastheadsofoneshiptothoseoftheotheryetthoseforlornlookingfishermenmildlyeyeingusastheypassedsaidnotonewordtoourownlookoutswhilethequarterdeckhailwasbeingheardfrombelowShipahoyHaveyeseentheWhiteWhaleButasthestrangecaptainleaningoverthepallidbulwarkswasintheactofputtinghistrumpettohismouthitsomehowfellfromhishandintotheseaandthewindnowrisingamainheinvainstrovetomakehimselfheardwithoutitMeantimehisshipwasstillincreasingthedistancebetweenWhileinvarioussilentwaystheseamenofthePequodwereevincingtheirobservanceofthisominousincidentatthefirstmerementionoftheWhiteWhalesnametoanothershipAhabforamomentpauseditalmostseemedasthoughhewouldhaveloweredaboattoboardthestrangerhadnotthethreateningwindforbadeButtakingadvantageofhiswindwardpositionheagainseizedhistrumpetandknowingbyheraspectthatthestrangervesselwasaNantucketerandshortlyboundhomeheloudlyhailedAhoythereThisisthePequodboundroundtheworldTellthemtoaddressallfutureletterstothePacificoceanandthistimethreeyearsifIamnotathometellthemtoaddressthemtoAtthatmomentthetwowakeswerefairlycrossedandinstantlytheninaccordancewiththeirsingularwaysshoalsofsmallharmlessfishthatforsomedaysbeforehadbeenplacidlyswimmingbyoursidedartedawaywithwhatseemedshudderingfinsandrangedthemselvesforeandaftwiththestrangersflanksThoughinthecourseofhiscontinualvoyagingsAhabmustoftenbeforehavenoticedasimilarsightyettoanymonomaniacmantheveriesttriflescapriciouslycarrymeaningsSwimawayfrommedoyemurmuredAhabgazingoverintothewaterThereseemedbutlittleinthewordsbutthetoneconveyedmoreofdeephelplesssadnessthantheinsaneoldmanhadeverbeforeevincedButturningtothesteersmanwhothusfarhadbeenholdingtheshipinthewindtodiminishherheadwayhecriedoutinhisoldlionvoiceUphelmKeepheroffroundtheworldRoundtheworldThereismuchinthatsoundtoinspireproudfeelingsbutwheretodoesallthatcircumnavigationconductOnlythroughnumberlessperilstotheverypointwhencewestartedwherethosethatweleftbehindsecurewereallthetimebeforeusWerethisworldanendlessplainandbysailingeastwardwecouldforeverreachnewdistancesanddiscoversightsmoresweetandstrangethananyCycladesorIslandsofKingSolomonthentherewerepromiseinthevoyageButinpursuitofthosefarmysterieswedreamoforintormentedchaseofthatdemonphantomthatsometimeorotherswimsbeforeallhumanheartswhilechasingsuchoverthisroundglobetheyeitherleadusoninbarrenmazesormidwayleaveuswhelmedCHAPTER53TheGamTheostensiblereasonwhyAhabdidnotgoonboardofthewhalerwehadspokenwasthisthewindandseabetokenedstormsButevenhadthisnotbeenthecasehewouldnotafterallperhapshaveboardedherjudgingbyhissubsequentconductonsimilaroccasionsifsoithadbeenthatbytheprocessofhailinghehadobtainedanegativeanswertothequestionheputForasiteventuallyturnedouthecarednottoconsortevenforfiveminuteswithanystrangercaptainexcepthecouldcontributesomeofthatinformationhesoabsorbinglysoughtButallthismightremaininadequatelyestimatedwerenotsomethingsaidhereofthepeculiarusagesofwhalingvesselswhenmeetingeachotherinforeignseasandespeciallyonacommoncruisinggroundIftwostrangerscrossingthePineBarrensinNewYorkStateortheequallydesolateSalisburyPlaininEnglandifcasuallyencounteringeachotherinsuchinhospitablewildsthesetwainforthelifeofthemcannotwellavoidamutualsalutationandstoppingforamomenttointerchangethenewsandperhapssittingdownforawhileandrestinginconcertthenhowmuchmorenaturalthatupontheillimitablePineBarrensandSalisburyPlainsoftheseatwowhalingvesselsdescryingeachotherattheendsoftheearthoffloneFanningsIslandorthefarawayKingsMillshowmuchmorenaturalIsaythatundersuchcircumstancestheseshipsshouldnotonlyinterchangehailsbutcomeintostillclosermorefriendlyandsociablecontactAndespeciallywouldthisseemtobeamatterofcourseinthecaseofvesselsownedinoneseaportandwhosecaptainsofficersandnotafewofthemenarepersonallyknowntoeachotherandconsequentlyhaveallsortsofdeardomesticthingstotalkaboutForthelongabsentshiptheoutwardbounderperhapshaslettersonboardatanyrateshewillbesuretoletherhavesomepapersofadateayearortwolaterthanthelastoneonherblurredandthumbwornfilesAndinreturnforthatcourtesytheoutwardboundshipwouldreceivethelatestwhalingintelligencefromthecruisinggroundtowhichshemaybedestinedathingoftheutmostimportancetoherAndindegreeallthiswillholdtrueconcerningwhalingvesselscrossingeachotherstrackonthecruisinggrounditselfeventhoughtheyareequallylongabsentfromhomeForoneofthemmayhavereceivedatransferoflettersfromsomethirdandnowfarremotevesselandsomeofthoselettersmaybeforthepeopleoftheshipshenowmeetsBesidestheywouldexchangethewhalingnewsandhaveanagreeablechatFornotonlywouldtheymeetwithallthesympathiesofsailorsbutlikewisewithallthepeculiarcongenialitiesarisingfromacommonpursuitandmutuallysharedprivationsandperilsNorwoulddifferenceofcountrymakeanyveryessentialdifferencethatissolongasbothpartiesspeakonelanguageasisthecasewithAmericansandEnglishThoughtobesurefromthesmallnumberofEnglishwhalerssuchmeetingsdonotveryoftenoccurandwhentheydooccurthereistooapttobeasortofshynessbetweenthemforyourEnglishmanisratherreservedandyourYankeehedoesnotfancythatsortofthinginanybodybuthimselfBesidestheEnglishwhalerssometimesaffectakindofmetropolitansuperiorityovertheAmericanwhalersregardingthelongleanNantucketerwithhisnondescriptprovincialismsasasortofseapeasantButwherethissuperiorityintheEnglishwhalemendoesreallyconsistitwouldbehardtosayseeingthattheYankeesinonedaycollectivelykillmorewhalesthanalltheEnglishcollectivelyintenyearsButthisisaharmlesslittlefoibleintheEnglishwhalehunterswhichtheNantucketerdoesnottakemuchtoheartprobablybecauseheknowsthathehasafewfoibleshimselfSothenweseethatofallshipsseparatelysailingtheseathewhalershavemostreasontobesociableandtheyaresoWhereassomemerchantshipscrossingeachotherswakeinthemidAtlanticwilloftentimespassonwithoutsomuchasasinglewordofrecognitionmutuallycuttingeachotheronthehighseaslikeabraceofdandiesinBroadwayandallthetimeindulgingperhapsinfinicalcriticismuponeachothersrigAsforMenofWarwhentheychancetomeetatseatheyfirstgothroughsuchastringofsillybowingsandscrapingssuchaduckingofensignsthattheredoesnotseemtobemuchrightdownheartygoodwillandbrotherlyloveaboutitatallAstouchingSlaveshipsmeetingwhytheyareinsuchaprodigioushurrytheyrunawayfromeachotherassoonaspossibleAndasforPirateswhentheychancetocrosseachotherscrossbonesthefirsthailisHowmanyskullsthesamewaythatwhalershailHowmanybarrelsAndthatquestiononceansweredpiratesstraightwaysteerapartfortheyareinfernalvillainsonbothsidesanddontliketoseeovermuchofeachothersvillanouslikenessesButlookatthegodlyhonestunostentatioushospitablesociablefreeandeasywhalerWhatdoesthewhalerdowhenshemeetsanotherwhalerinanysortofdecentweatherShehasaGamathingsoutterlyunknowntoallothershipsthattheyneverheardofthenameevenandifbychancetheyshouldhearofittheyonlygrinatitandrepeatgamesomestuffaboutspoutersandblubberboilersandsuchlikeprettyexclamationsWhyitisthatallMerchantseamenandalsoallPiratesandManofWarsmenandSlaveshipsailorscherishsuchascornfulfeelingtowardsWhaleshipsthisisaquestionitwouldbehardtoanswerBecauseinthecaseofpiratessayIshouldliketoknowwhetherthatprofessionoftheirshasanypeculiargloryaboutitItsometimesendsinuncommonelevationindeedbutonlyatthegallowsAndbesideswhenamaniselevatedinthatoddfashionhehasnoproperfoundationforhissuperioraltitudeHenceIconcludethatinboastinghimselftobehighliftedaboveawhalemaninthatassertionthepiratehasnosolidbasistostandonButwhatisaGamYoumightwearoutyourindexfingerrunningupanddownthecolumnsofdictionariesandneverfindthewordDrJohnsonneverattainedtothateruditionNoahWebstersarkdoesnotholditNeverthelessthissameexpressivewordhasnowformanyyearsbeeninconstantuseamongsomefifteenthousandtruebornYankeesCertainlyitneedsadefinitionandshouldbeincorporatedintotheLexiconWiththatviewletmelearnedlydefineitGAMNOUNAsocialmeetingoftwoormoreWhaleshipsgenerallyonacruisinggroundwhenafterexchanginghailstheyexchangevisitsbyboatscrewsthetwocaptainsremainingforthetimeonboardofoneshipandthetwochiefmatesontheotherThereisanotherlittleitemaboutGammingwhichmustnotbeforgottenhereAllprofessionshavetheirownlittlepeculiaritiesofdetailsohasthewhalefisheryInapiratemanofwarorslaveshipwhenthecaptainisrowedanywhereinhisboathealwayssitsinthesternsheetsonacomfortablesometimescushionedseatthereandoftensteershimselfwithaprettylittlemillinerstillerdecoratedwithgaycordsandribbonsButthewhaleboathasnoseatasternnosofaofthatsortwhateverandnotilleratallHightimesindeedifwhalingcaptainswerewheeledaboutthewateroncastorslikegoutyoldaldermeninpatentchairsAndasforatillerthewhaleboatneveradmitsofanysucheffeminacyandthereforeasingammingacompleteboatscrewmustleavetheshipandhenceastheboatsteererorharpooneerisofthenumberthatsubordinateisthesteersmanupontheoccasionandthecaptainhavingnoplacetositinispulledofftohisvisitallstandinglikeapinetreeAndoftenyouwillnoticethatbeingconsciousoftheeyesofthewholevisibleworldrestingonhimfromthesidesofthetwoshipsthisstandingcaptainisallalivetotheimportanceofsustaininghisdignitybymaintaininghislegsNoristhisanyveryeasymatterforinhisrearistheimmenseprojectingsteeringoarhittinghimnowandtheninthesmallofhisbacktheafteroarreciprocatingbyrappinghiskneesinfrontHeisthuscompletelywedgedbeforeandbehindandcanonlyexpandhimselfsidewaysbysettlingdownonhisstretchedlegsbutasuddenviolentpitchoftheboatwilloftengofartotopplehimbecauselengthoffoundationisnothingwithoutcorrespondingbreadthMerelymakeaspreadangleoftwopolesandyoucannotstandthemupThenagainitwouldneverdoinplainsightoftheworldsrivetedeyesitwouldneverdoIsayforthisstraddlingcaptaintobeseensteadyinghimselftheslightestparticlebycatchingholdofanythingwithhishandsindeedastokenofhisentirebuoyantselfcommandhegenerallycarrieshishandsinhistrowserspocketsbutperhapsbeinggenerallyverylargeheavyhandshecarriesthemthereforballastNeverthelesstherehaveoccurredinstanceswellauthenticatedonestoowherethecaptainhasbeenknownforanuncommonlycriticalmomentortwoinasuddensquallsaytoseizeholdofthenearestoarsmanshairandholdontherelikegrimdeathCHAPTER54TheTownHosStoryAstoldattheGoldenInnTheCapeofGoodHopeandallthewateryregionroundaboutthereismuchlikesomenotedfourcornersofagreathighwaywhereyoumeetmoretravellersthaninanyotherpartItwasnotverylongafterspeakingtheGoneythatanotherhomewardboundwhalemantheTownHowasencounteredShewasmannedalmostwhollybyPolynesiansIntheshortgamthatensuedshegaveusstrongnewsofMobyDickTosomethegeneralinterestintheWhiteWhalewasnowwildlyheightenedbyacircumstanceoftheTownHosstorywhichseemedobscurelytoinvolvewiththewhaleacertainwondrousinvertedvisitationofoneofthosesocalledjudgmentsofGodwhichattimesaresaidtoovertakesomemenThislattercircumstancewithitsownparticularaccompanimentsformingwhatmaybecalledthesecretpartofthetragedyabouttobenarratedneverreachedtheearsofCaptainAhaborhismatesForthatsecretpartofthestorywasunknowntothecaptainoftheTownHohimselfItwastheprivatepropertyofthreeconfederatewhiteseamenofthatshiponeofwhomitseemscommunicatedittoTashtegowithRomishinjunctionsofsecrecybutthefollowingnightTashtegorambledinhissleepandrevealedsomuchofitinthatwaythatwhenhewaswakenedhecouldnotwellwithholdtherestNeverthelesssopotentaninfluencedidthisthinghaveonthoseseameninthePequodwhocametothefullknowledgeofitandbysuchastrangedelicacytocallitsoweretheygovernedinthismatterthattheykeptthesecretamongthemselvessothatitnevertranspiredabaftthePequodsmainmastInterweavinginitsproperplacethisdarkerthreadwiththestoryaspubliclynarratedontheshipthewholeofthisstrangeaffairInowproceedtoputonlastingrecordTheancientwhalecryuponfirstsightingawhalefromthemastheadstillusedbywhalemeninhuntingthefamousGallipagosterrapinFormyhumorssakeIshallpreservethestyleinwhichIoncenarrateditatLimatoaloungingcircleofmySpanishfriendsonesaintsevesmokinguponthethickgilttiledpiazzaoftheGoldenInnOfthosefinecavalierstheyoungDonsPedroandSebastianwereontheclosertermswithmeandhencetheinterludingquestionstheyoccasionallyputandwhicharedulyansweredatthetimeSometwoyearspriortomyfirstlearningtheeventswhichIamaboutrehearsingtoyougentlementheTownHoSpermWhalerofNantucketwascruisinginyourPacificherenotverymanydayssaileastwardfromtheeavesofthisgoodGoldenInnShewassomewheretothenorthwardoftheLineOnemorninguponhandlingthepumpsaccordingtodailyusageitwasobservedthatshemademorewaterinherholdthancommonTheysupposedaswordfishhadstabbedhergentlemenButthecaptainhavingsomeunusualreasonforbelievingthatraregoodluckawaitedhiminthoselatitudesandthereforebeingveryaversetoquitthemandtheleaknotbeingthenconsideredatalldangerousthoughindeedtheycouldnotfinditaftersearchingtheholdaslowdownaswaspossibleinratherheavyweathertheshipstillcontinuedhercruisingsthemarinersworkingatthepumpsatwideandeasyintervalsbutnogoodluckcamemoredayswentbyandnotonlywastheleakyetundiscoveredbutitsensiblyincreasedSomuchsothatnowtakingsomealarmthecaptainmakingallsailstoodawayforthenearestharboramongtheislandstheretohavehishullhoveoutandrepairedThoughnosmallpassagewasbeforeheryetifthecommonestchancefavouredhedidnotatallfearthathisshipwouldfounderbythewaybecausehispumpswereofthebestandbeingperiodicallyrelievedatthemthosesixandthirtymenofhiscouldeasilykeeptheshipfreenevermindiftheleakshoulddoubleonherIntruthwellnighthewholeofthispassagebeingattendedbyveryprosperousbreezestheTownHohadallbutcertainlyarrivedinperfectsafetyatherportwithouttheoccurrenceoftheleastfatalityhaditnotbeenforthebrutaloverbearingofRadneythemateaVineyarderandthebitterlyprovokedvengeanceofSteelkiltaLakemananddesperadofromBuffaloLakemanBuffaloPraywhatisaLakemanandwhereisBuffalosaidDonSebastianrisinginhisswingingmatofgrassOntheeasternshoreofourLakeErieDonbutIcraveyourcourtesymaybeyoushallsoonhearfurtherofallthatNowgentlemeninsquaresailbrigsandthreemastedshipswellnighaslargeandstoutasanythateversailedoutofyouroldCallaotofarManillathisLakemaninthelandlockedheartofourAmericahadyetbeennurturedbyallthoseagrarianfreebootingimpressionspopularlyconnectedwiththeopenoceanForintheirinterflowingaggregatethosegrandfreshwaterseasofoursErieandOntarioandHuronandSuperiorandMichiganpossessanoceanlikeexpansivenesswithmanyoftheoceansnoblesttraitswithmanyofitsrimmedvarietiesofracesandofclimesTheycontainroundarchipelagoesofromanticislesevenasthePolynesianwatersdoinlargepartareshoredbytwogreatcontrastingnationsastheAtlanticistheyfurnishlongmaritimeapproachestoournumerousterritorialcoloniesfromtheEastdottedallroundtheirbankshereandtherearefrowneduponbybatteriesandbythegoatlikecraggygunsofloftyMackinawtheyhaveheardthefleetthunderingsofnavalvictoriesatintervalstheyyieldtheirbeachestowildbarbarianswhoseredpaintedfacesflashfromouttheirpeltrywigwamsforleaguesandleaguesareflankedbyancientandunenteredforestswherethegauntpinesstandlikeserriedlinesofkingsinGothicgenealogiesthosesamewoodsharboringwildAfricbeastsofpreyandsilkencreatureswhoseexportedfursgiverobestoTartarEmperorstheymirrorthepavedcapitalsofBuffaloandClevelandaswellasWinnebagovillagestheyfloatalikethefullriggedmerchantshipthearmedcruiseroftheStatethesteamerandthebeechcanoetheyaresweptbyBoreananddismastingblastsasdirefulasanythatlashthesaltedwavetheyknowwhatshipwrecksareforoutofsightoflandhoweverinlandtheyhavedrownedfullmanyamidnightshipwithallitsshriekingcrewThusgentlementhoughaninlanderSteelkiltwaswildoceanbornandwildoceannurturedasmuchofanaudaciousmarinerasanyAndforRadneythoughinhisinfancyhemayhavelaidhimdownontheloneNantucketbeachtonurseathismaternalseathoughinafterlifehehadlongfollowedouraustereAtlanticandyourcontemplativePacificyetwashequiteasvengefulandfullofsocialquarrelasthebackwoodsseamanfreshfromthelatitudesofbuckhornhandledBowieknivesYetwasthisNantucketeramanwithsomegoodheartedtraitsandthisLakemanamarinerwhothoughasortofdevilindeedmightyetbyinflexiblefirmnessonlytemperedbythatcommondecencyofhumanrecognitionwhichisthemeanestslavesrightthustreatedthisSteelkilthadlongbeenretainedharmlessanddocileAtalleventshehadprovedsothusfarbutRadneywasdoomedandmademadandSteelkiltbutgentlemenyoushallhearItwasnotmorethanadayortwoatthefurthestafterpointingherprowforherislandhaventhattheTownHosleakseemedagainincreasingbutonlysoastorequireanhourormoreatthepumpseverydayYoumustknowthatinasettledandcivilizedoceanlikeourAtlanticforexamplesomeskippersthinklittleofpumpingtheirwholewayacrossitthoughofastillsleepynightshouldtheofficerofthedeckhappentoforgethisdutyinthatrespecttheprobabilitywouldbethatheandhisshipmateswouldneveragainrememberitonaccountofallhandsgentlysubsidingtothebottomNorinthesolitaryandsavageseasfarfromyoutothewestwardgentlemenisitaltogetherunusualforshipstokeepclangingattheirpumphandlesinfullchorusevenforavoyageofconsiderablelengththatisifitliealongatolerablyaccessiblecoastorifanyotherreasonableretreatisaffordedthemItisonlywhenaleakyvesselisinsomeveryoutofthewaypartofthosewaterssomereallylandlesslatitudethathercaptainbeginstofeelalittleanxiousMuchthiswayhaditbeenwiththeTownHosowhenherleakwasfoundgainingoncemoretherewasintruthsomesmallconcernmanifestedbyseveralofhercompanyespeciallybyRadneythemateHecommandedtheuppersailstobewellhoistedsheetedhomeanewandeverywayexpandedtothebreezeNowthisRadneyIsupposewasaslittleofacowardandaslittleinclinedtoanysortofnervousapprehensivenesstouchinghisownpersonasanyfearlessunthinkingcreatureonlandoronseathatyoucanconvenientlyimaginegentlemenThereforewhenhebetrayedthissolicitudeaboutthesafetyoftheshipsomeoftheseamendeclaredthatitwasonlyonaccountofhisbeingapartownerinherSowhentheywereworkingthateveningatthepumpstherewasonthisheadnosmallgamesomenessslilygoingonamongthemastheystoodwiththeirfeetcontinuallyoverflowedbytheripplingclearwaterclearasanymountainspringgentlementhatbubblingfromthepumpsranacrossthedeckandpoureditselfoutinsteadyspoutsattheleescupperholesNowasyouwellknowitisnotseldomthecaseinthisconventionalworldofourswateryorotherwisethatwhenapersonplacedincommandoverhisfellowmenfindsoneofthemtobeverysignificantlyhissuperioringeneralprideofmanhoodstraightwayagainstthatmanheconceivesanunconquerabledislikeandbitternessandifhehaveachancehewillpulldownandpulverizethatsubalternstowerandmakealittleheapofdustofitBethisconceitofmineasitmaygentlemenatalleventsSteelkiltwasatallandnobleanimalwithaheadlikeaRomanandaflowinggoldenbeardlikethetasseledhousingsofyourlastviceroyssnortingchargerandabrainandaheartandasoulinhimgentlemenwhichhadmadeSteelkiltCharlemagnehadhebeenbornsontoCharlemagnesfatherButRadneythematewasuglyasamuleyetashardyasstubbornasmaliciousHedidnotloveSteelkiltandSteelkiltknewitEspyingthematedrawingnearashewastoilingatthepumpwiththeresttheLakemanaffectednottonoticehimbutunawedwentonwithhisgaybanteringsAyeayemymerryladsitsalivelyleakthisholdacannikinoneofyeandletshaveatasteBytheLorditsworthbottlingItellyewhatmenoldRadsinvestmentmustgoforithehadbestcutawayhispartofthehullandtowithomeThefactisboysthatswordfishonlybeganthejobhescomebackagainwithagangofshipcarpenterssawfishandfilefishandwhatnotandthewholeposseofemarenowhardatworkcuttingandslashingatthebottommakingimprovementsIsupposeIfoldRadwereherenowIdtellhimtojumpoverboardandscatteremTheyreplayingthedevilwithhisestateIcantellhimButhesasimpleoldsoulRadandabeautytooBoystheysaytherestofhispropertyisinvestedinlookingglassesIwonderifhedgiveapoordevillikemethemodelofhisnoseDamnyoureyeswhatsthatpumpstoppingforroaredRadneypretendingnottohaveheardthesailorstalkThunderawayatitAyeayesirsaidSteelkiltmerryasacricketLivelyboyslivelynowAndwiththatthepumpclangedlikefiftyfireenginesthementossedtheirhatsofftoitanderelongthatpeculiargaspingofthelungswasheardwhichdenotesthefullesttensionoflifesutmostenergiesQuittingthepumpatlastwiththerestofhisbandtheLakemanwentforwardallpantingandsathimselfdownonthewindlasshisfacefieryredhiseyesbloodshotandwipingtheprofusesweatfromhisbrowNowwhatcozeningfienditwasgentlementhatpossessedRadneytomeddlewithsuchamaninthatcorporeallyexasperatedstateIknownotbutsoithappenedIntolerablystridingalongthedeckthematecommandedhimtogetabroomandsweepdowntheplanksandalsoashovelandremovesomeoffensivemattersconsequentuponallowingapigtorunatlargeNowgentlemensweepingashipsdeckatseaisapieceofhouseholdworkwhichinalltimesbutraginggalesisregularlyattendedtoeveryeveningithasbeenknowntobedoneinthecaseofshipsactuallyfounderingatthetimeSuchgentlemenistheinflexibilityofseausagesandtheinstinctiveloveofneatnessinseamensomeofwhomwouldnotwillinglydrownwithoutfirstwashingtheirfacesButinallvesselsthisbroombusinessistheprescriptiveprovinceoftheboysifboystherebeaboardBesidesitwasthestrongermenintheTownHothathadbeendividedintogangstakingturnsatthepumpsandbeingthemostathleticseamanofthemallSteelkilthadbeenregularlyassignedcaptainofoneofthegangsconsequentlyheshouldhavebeenfreedfromanytrivialbusinessnotconnectedwithtrulynauticaldutiessuchbeingthecasewithhiscomradesImentionalltheseparticularssothatyoumayunderstandexactlyhowthisaffairstoodbetweenthetwomenButtherewasmorethanthistheorderabouttheshovelwasalmostasplainlymeanttostingandinsultSteelkiltasthoughRadneyhadspatinhisfaceAnymanwhohasgonesailorinawhaleshipwillunderstandthisandallthisanddoubtlessmuchmoretheLakemanfullycomprehendedwhenthemateutteredhiscommandButashesatstillforamomentandashesteadfastlylookedintothematesmalignanteyeandperceivedthestacksofpowdercasksheapedupinhimandtheslowmatchsilentlyburningalongtowardsthemasheinstinctivelysawallthisthatstrangeforbearanceandunwillingnesstostirupthedeeperpassionatenessinanyalreadyirefulbeingarepugnancemostfeltwhenfeltatallbyreallyvaliantmenevenwhenaggrievedthisnamelessphantomfeelinggentlemenstoleoverSteelkiltThereforeinhisordinarytoneonlyalittlebrokenbythebodilyexhaustionhewastemporarilyinheansweredhimsayingthatsweepingthedeckwasnothisbusinessandhewouldnotdoitAndthenwithoutatallalludingtotheshovelhepointedtothreeladsasthecustomarysweeperswhonotbeingbilletedatthepumpshaddonelittleornothingalldayTothisRadneyrepliedwithanoathinamostdomineeringandoutrageousmannerunconditionallyreiteratinghiscommandmeanwhileadvancinguponthestillseatedLakemanwithanupliftedcoopersclubhammerwhichhehadsnatchedfromacasknearbyHeatedandirritatedashewasbyhisspasmodictoilatthepumpsforallhisfirstnamelessfeelingofforbearancethesweatingSteelkiltcouldbutillbrookthisbearinginthematebutsomehowstillsmotheringtheconflagrationwithinhimwithoutspeakingheremaineddoggedlyrootedtohisseattillatlasttheincensedRadneyshookthehammerwithinafewinchesofhisfacefuriouslycommandinghimtodohisbiddingSteelkiltroseandslowlyretreatingroundthewindlasssteadilyfollowedbythematewithhismenacinghammerdeliberatelyrepeatedhisintentionnottoobeySeeinghoweverthathisforbearancehadnottheslightesteffectbyanawfulandunspeakableintimationwithhistwistedhandhewarnedoffthefoolishandinfatuatedmanbutitwastonopurposeAndinthiswaythetwowentonceslowlyroundthewindlasswhenresolvedatlastnolongertoretreatbethinkinghimthathehadnowforborneasmuchascomportedwithhishumortheLakemanpausedonthehatchesandthusspoketotheofficerMrRadneyIwillnotobeyyouTakethathammerawayorlooktoyourselfButthepredestinatedmatecomingstillclosertohimwheretheLakemanstoodfixednowshooktheheavyhammerwithinaninchofhisteethmeanwhilerepeatingastringofinsufferablemaledictionsRetreatingnotthethousandthpartofaninchstabbinghimintheeyewiththeunflinchingponiardofhisglanceSteelkiltclenchinghisrighthandbehindhimandcreepinglydrawingitbacktoldhispersecutorthatifthehammerbutgrazedhischeekheSteelkiltwouldmurderhimButgentlementhefoolhadbeenbrandedfortheslaughterbythegodsImmediatelythehammertouchedthecheekthenextinstantthelowerjawofthematewasstoveinhisheadhefellonthehatchspoutingbloodlikeawhaleErethecrycouldgoaftSteelkiltwasshakingoneofthebackstaysleadingfaralofttowheretwoofhiscomradeswerestandingtheirmastheadsTheywerebothCanallersCanallerscriedDonPedroWehaveseenmanywhaleshipsinourharboursbutneverheardofyourCanallersPardonwhoandwhataretheyCanallersDonaretheboatmenbelongingtoourgrandErieCanalYoumusthaveheardofitNaySenorhereaboutsinthisdullwarmmostlazyandhereditarylandweknowbutlittleofyourvigorousNorthAyeWellthenDonrefillmycupYourchichasveryfineandereproceedingfurtherIwilltellyewhatourCanallersareforsuchinformationmaythrowsidelightuponmystoryForthreehundredandsixtymilesgentlementhroughtheentirebreadthofthestateofNewYorkthroughnumerouspopulouscitiesandmostthrivingvillagesthroughlongdismaluninhabitedswampsandaffluentcultivatedfieldsunrivalledforfertilitybybilliardroomandbarroomthroughtheholyofholiesofgreatforestsonRomanarchesoverIndianriversthroughsunandshadebyhappyheartsorbrokenthroughallthewidecontrastingsceneryofthosenobleMohawkcountiesandespeciallybyrowsofsnowwhitechapelswhosespiresstandalmostlikemilestonesflowsonecontinualstreamofVenetianlycorruptandoftenlawlesslifeTheresyourtrueAshanteegentlementherehowlyourpaganswhereyoueverfindthemnextdoortoyouunderthelongflungshadowandthesnugpatronisingleeofchurchesForbysomecuriousfatalityasitisoftennotedofyourmetropolitanfreebootersthattheyeverencamparoundthehallsofjusticesosinnersgentlemenmostaboundinholiestvicinitiesIsthatafriarpassingsaidDonPedrolookingdownwardsintothecrowdedplazzawithhumorousconcernWellforournorthernfriendDameIsabellasInquisitionwanesinLimalaughedDonSebastianProceedSenorAmomentPardoncriedanotherofthecompanyInthenameofallusLimeeseIbutdesiretoexpresstoyousirsailorthatwehavebynomeansoverlookedyourdelicacyinnotsubstitutingpresentLimafordistantVeniceinyourcorruptcomparisonOhdonotbowandlooksurprisedyouknowtheproverballalongthiscoastCorruptasLimaItbutbearsoutyoursayingtoochurchesmoreplentifulthanbilliardtablesandforeveropenandCorruptasLimaSotooVeniceIhavebeentheretheholycityoftheblessedevangelistStMarkStDominicpurgeitYourcupThankshereIrefillnowyoupouroutagainFreelydepictedinhisownvocationgentlementheCanallerwouldmakeafinedramaticherosoabundantlyandpicturesquelywickedisheLikeMarkAntonyfordaysanddaysalonghisgreenturfedfloweryNileheindolentlyfloatsopenlytoyingwithhisredcheekedCleopatraripeninghisapricotthighuponthesunnydeckButashoreallthiseffeminacyisdashedThebrigandishguisewhichtheCanallersoproudlysportshisslouchedandgailyribbonedhatbetokenhisgrandfeaturesAterrortothesmilinginnocenceofthevillagesthroughwhichhefloatshisswartvisageandboldswaggerarenotunshunnedincitiesOnceavagabondonhisowncanalIhavereceivedgoodturnsfromoneoftheseCanallersIthankhimheartilywouldfainbenotungratefulbutitisoftenoneoftheprimeredeemingqualitiesofyourmanofviolencethatattimeshehasasstiffanarmtobackapoorstrangerinastraitastoplunderawealthyoneInsumgentlemenwhatthewildnessofthiscanallifeisisemphaticallyevincedbythisthatourwildwhalefisherycontainssomanyofitsmostfinishedgraduatesandthatscarceanyraceofmankindexceptSydneymenaresomuchdistrustedbyourwhalingcaptainsNordoesitatalldiminishthecuriousnessofthismatterthattomanythousandsofourruralboysandyoungmenbornalongitslinetheprobationarylifeoftheGrandCanalfurnishesthesoletransitionbetweenquietlyreapinginaChristiancornfieldandrecklesslyploughingthewatersofthemostbarbaricseasIseeIseeimpetuouslyexclaimedDonPedrospillinghischichauponhissilveryrufflesNoneedtotravelTheworldsoneLimaIhadthoughtnowthatatyourtemperateNorththegenerationswerecoldandholyasthehillsButthestoryIleftoffgentlemenwheretheLakemanshookthebackstayHardlyhadhedonesowhenhewassurroundedbythethreejuniormatesandthefourharpooneerswhoallcrowdedhimtothedeckButslidingdowntheropeslikebalefulcometsthetwoCanallersrushedintotheuproarandsoughttodragtheirmanoutofittowardstheforecastleOthersofthesailorsjoinedwiththeminthisattemptandatwistedturmoilensuedwhilestandingoutofharmswaythevaliantcaptaindancedupanddownwithawhalepikecallinguponhisofficerstomanhandlethatatrociousscoundrelandsmokehimalongtothequarterdeckAtintervalsherancloseuptotherevolvingborderoftheconfusionandpryingintotheheartofitwithhispikesoughttoprickouttheobjectofhisresentmentButSteelkiltandhisdesperadoesweretoomuchforthemalltheysucceededingainingtheforecastledeckwherehastilyslewingaboutthreeorfourlargecasksinalinewiththewindlasstheseseaParisiansentrenchedthemselvesbehindthebarricadeComeoutofthatyepiratesroaredthecaptainnowmenacingthemwithapistolineachhandjustbroughttohimbythestewardComeoutofthatyecutthroatsSteelkiltleapedonthebarricadeandstridingupanddowntheredefiedtheworstthepistolscoulddobutgavethecaptaintounderstanddistinctlythathisSteelkiltsdeathwouldbethesignalforamurderousmutinyonthepartofallhandsFearinginhisheartlestthismightprovebuttootruethecaptainalittledesistedbutstillcommandedtheinsurgentsinstantlytoreturntotheirdutyWillyoupromisenottotouchusifwedodemandedtheirringleaderTurntoturntoImakenopromisetoyourdutyDoyouwanttosinktheshipbyknockingoffatatimelikethisTurntoandheoncemoreraisedapistolSinktheshipcriedSteelkiltAyelethersinkNotamanofusturnstounlessyouswearnottoraisearopeyarnagainstusWhatsayyementurningtohiscomradesAfiercecheerwastheirresponseTheLakemannowpatrolledthebarricadeallthewhilekeepinghiseyeontheCaptainandjerkingoutsuchsentencesastheseItsnotourfaultwedidntwantitItoldhimtotakehishammerawayitwasboysbusinesshemighthaveknownmebeforethisItoldhimnottoprickthebuffaloIbelieveIhavebrokenafingerhereagainsthiscursedjawaintthosemincingknivesdownintheforecastletheremenlooktothosehandspikesmyheartiesCaptainbyGodlooktoyourselfsaytheworddontbeafoolforgetitallwearereadytoturntotreatusdecentlyandwereyourmenbutwewontbefloggedTurntoImakenopromisesturntoIsayLookyenowcriedtheLakemanflingingouthisarmtowardshimthereareafewofushereandIamoneofthemwhohaveshippedforthecruisedyeseenowasyouwellknowsirwecanclaimourdischargeassoonastheanchorisdownsowedontwantarowitsnotourinterestwewanttobepeaceablewearereadytoworkbutwewontbefloggedTurntoroaredtheCaptainSteelkiltglancedroundhimamomentandthensaidItellyouwhatitisnowCaptainratherthankillyeandbehungforsuchashabbyrascalwewontliftahandagainstyeunlessyeattackusbuttillyousaythewordaboutnotflogginguswedontdoahandsturnDownintotheforecastlethendownwithyeIllkeepyetheretillyeresickofitDownyegoShallwecriedtheringleadertohismenMostofthemwereagainstitbutatlengthinobediencetoSteelkilttheyprecededhimdownintotheirdarkdengrowlinglydisappearinglikebearsintoacaveAstheLakemansbareheadwasjustlevelwiththeplankstheCaptainandhisposseleapedthebarricadeandrapidlydrawingovertheslideofthescuttleplantedtheirgroupofhandsuponitandloudlycalledforthestewardtobringtheheavybrasspadlockbelongingtothecompanionwayThenopeningtheslidealittletheCaptainwhisperedsomethingdownthecrackcloseditandturnedthekeyuponthemteninnumberleavingondecksometwentyormorewhothusfarhadremainedneutralAllnightawideawakewatchwaskeptbyalltheofficersforwardandaftespeciallyabouttheforecastlescuttleandforehatchwayatwhichlastplaceitwasfearedtheinsurgentsmightemergeafterbreakingthroughthebulkheadbelowButthehoursofdarknesspassedinpeacethemenwhostillremainedattheirdutytoilinghardatthepumpswhoseclinkingandclankingatintervalsthroughthedrearynightdismallyresoundedthroughtheshipAtsunrisetheCaptainwentforwardandknockingonthedecksummonedtheprisonerstoworkbutwithayelltheyrefusedWaterwasthenlowereddowntothemandacoupleofhandfulsofbiscuitweretossedafteritwhenagainturningthekeyuponthemandpocketingittheCaptainreturnedtothequarterdeckTwiceeverydayforthreedaysthiswasrepeatedbutonthefourthmorningaconfusedwranglingandthenascufflingwasheardasthecustomarysummonswasdeliveredandsuddenlyfourmenburstupfromtheforecastlesayingtheywerereadytoturntoThefetidclosenessoftheairandafamishingdietunitedperhapstosomefearsofultimateretributionhadconstrainedthemtosurrenderatdiscretionEmboldenedbythistheCaptainreiteratedhisdemandtotherestbutSteelkiltshouteduptohimaterrifichinttostophisbabblingandbetakehimselfwherehebelongedOnthefifthmorningthreeothersofthemutineersboltedupintotheairfromthedesperatearmsbelowthatsoughttorestrainthemOnlythreewereleftBetterturntonowsaidtheCaptainwithaheartlessjeerShutusupagainwillyecriedSteelkiltOhcertainlysaidtheCaptainandthekeyclickedItwasatthispointgentlementhatenragedbythedefectionofsevenofhisformerassociatesandstungbythemockingvoicethathadlasthailedhimandmaddenedbyhislongentombmentinaplaceasblackasthebowelsofdespairitwasthenthatSteelkiltproposedtothetwoCanallersthusfarapparentlyofonemindwithhimtoburstoutoftheirholeatthenextsummoningofthegarrisonandarmedwiththeirkeenmincingkniveslongcrescenticheavyimplementswithahandleateachendrunamuckfromthebowsprittothetaffrailandifbyanydevilishnessofdesperationpossibleseizetheshipForhimselfhewoulddothishesaidwhethertheyjoinedhimornotThatwasthelastnightheshouldspendinthatdenButtheschememetwithnooppositiononthepartoftheothertwotheysworetheywerereadyforthatorforanyothermadthingforanythinginshortbutasurrenderAndwhatwasmoretheyeachinsisteduponbeingthefirstmanondeckwhenthetimetomaketherushshouldcomeButtothistheirleaderasfiercelyobjectedreservingthatpriorityforhimselfparticularlyashistwocomradeswouldnotyieldtheonetotheotherinthematterandbothofthemcouldnotbefirstfortheladderwouldbutadmitonemanatatimeAndheregentlementhefoulplayofthesemiscreantsmustcomeoutUponhearingthefranticprojectoftheirleadereachinhisownseparatesoulhadsuddenlylighteditwouldseemuponthesamepieceoftreacherynamelytobeforemostinbreakingoutinordertobethefirstofthethreethoughthelastofthetentosurrenderandtherebysecurewhateversmallchanceofpardonsuchconductmightmeritButwhenSteelkiltmadeknownhisdeterminationstilltoleadthemtothelasttheyinsomewaybysomesubtlechemistryofvillanymixedtheirbeforesecrettreacheriestogetherandwhentheirleaderfellintoadozeverballyopenedtheirsoulstoeachotherinthreesentencesandboundthesleeperwithcordsandgaggedhimwithcordsandshriekedoutfortheCaptainatmidnightThinkingmurderathandandsmellinginthedarkforthebloodheandallhisarmedmatesandharpooneersrushedfortheforecastleInafewminutesthescuttlewasopenedandboundhandandfootthestillstrugglingringleaderwasshovedupintotheairbyhisperfidiousallieswhoatonceclaimedthehonorofsecuringamanwhohadbeenfullyripeformurderButallthesewerecollaredanddraggedalongthedecklikedeadcattleandsidebysidewereseizedupintothemizzenrigginglikethreequartersofmeatandtheretheyhungtillmorningDamnyecriedtheCaptainpacingtoandfrobeforethemthevultureswouldnottouchyeyevillainsAtsunrisehesummonedallhandsandseparatingthosewhohadrebelledfromthosewhohadtakennopartinthemutinyhetoldtheformerthathehadagoodmindtoflogthemallroundthoughtuponthewholehewoulddosoheoughttojusticedemandeditbutforthepresentconsideringtheirtimelysurrenderhewouldletthemgowithareprimandwhichheaccordinglyadministeredinthevernacularButasforyouyecarrionroguesturningtothethreemenintheriggingforyouImeantominceyeupforthetrypotsandseizingaropeheapplieditwithallhismighttothebacksofthetwotraitorstilltheyyellednomorebutlifelesslyhungtheirheadssidewaysasthetwocrucifiedthievesaredrawnMywristissprainedwithyehecriedatlastbutthereisstillropeenoughleftforyoumyfinebantamthatwouldntgiveupTakethatgagfromhismouthandletushearwhathecansayforhimselfForamomenttheexhaustedmutineermadeatremulousmotionofhiscrampedjawsandthenpainfullytwistingroundhisheadsaidinasortofhissWhatIsayisthisandminditwellifyouflogmeImurderyouSayyesothenseehowyefrightenmeandtheCaptaindrewoffwiththeropetostrikeBestnothissedtheLakemanButImustandtheropewasoncemoredrawnbackforthestrokeSteelkiltherehissedoutsomethinginaudibletoallbuttheCaptainwhototheamazementofallhandsstartedbackpacedthedeckrapidlytwoorthreetimesandthensuddenlythrowingdownhisropesaidIwontdoitlethimgocuthimdowndyehearButasthejuniormateswerehurryingtoexecutetheorderapalemanwithabandagedheadarrestedthemRadneythechiefmateEversincetheblowhehadlaininhisberthbutthatmorninghearingthetumultonthedeckhehadcreptoutandthusfarhadwatchedthewholesceneSuchwasthestateofhismouththathecouldhardlyspeakbutmumblingsomethingabouthisbeingwillingandabletodowhatthecaptaindarednotattempthesnatchedtheropeandadvancedtohispinionedfoeYouareacowardhissedtheLakemanSoIambuttakethatThematewasintheveryactofstrikingwhenanotherhissstayedhisupliftedarmHepausedandthenpausingnomoremadegoodhiswordspiteofSteelkiltsthreatwhateverthatmighthavebeenThethreemenwerethencutdownallhandswereturnedtoandsullenlyworkedbythemoodyseamentheironpumpsclangedasbeforeJustafterdarkthatdaywhenonewatchhadretiredbelowaclamorwasheardintheforecastleandthetwotremblingtraitorsrunningupbesiegedthecabindoorsayingtheydurstnotconsortwiththecrewEntreatiescuffsandkickscouldnotdrivethembacksoattheirowninstancetheywereputdownintheshipsrunforsalvationStillnosignofmutinyreappearedamongtherestOnthecontraryitseemedthatmainlyatSteelkiltsinstigationtheyhadresolvedtomaintainthestrictestpeacefulnessobeyallorderstothelastandwhentheshipreachedportdesertherinabodyButinordertoinsurethespeediestendtothevoyagetheyallagreedtoanotherthingnamelynottosingoutforwhalesincaseanyshouldbediscoveredForspiteofherleakandspiteofallherotherperilstheTownHostillmaintainedhermastheadsandhercaptainwasjustaswillingtolowerforafishthatmomentasonthedayhiscraftfirststruckthecruisinggroundandRadneythematewasquiteasreadytochangehisberthforaboatandwithhisbandagedmouthseektogagindeaththevitaljawofthewhaleButthoughtheLakemanhadinducedtheseamentoadoptthissortofpassivenessintheirconducthekepthisowncounselatleasttillallwasoverconcerninghisownproperandprivaterevengeuponthemanwhohadstunghimintheventriclesofhisheartHewasinRadneythechiefmateswatchandasiftheinfatuatedmansoughttorunmorethanhalfwaytomeethisdoomafterthesceneattheriggingheinsistedagainsttheexpresscounselofthecaptainuponresumingtheheadofhiswatchatnightUponthisandoneortwoothercircumstancesSteelkiltsystematicallybuilttheplanofhisrevengeDuringthenightRadneyhadanunseamanlikewayofsittingonthebulwarksofthequarterdeckandleaninghisarmuponthegunwaleoftheboatwhichwashoisteduptherealittleabovetheshipssideInthisattitudeitwaswellknownhesometimesdozedTherewasaconsiderablevacancybetweentheboatandtheshipanddownbetweenthiswastheseaSteelkiltcalculatedhistimeandfoundthathisnexttrickatthehelmwouldcomeroundattwooclockinthemorningofthethirddayfromthatinwhichhehadbeenbetrayedAthisleisureheemployedtheintervalinbraidingsomethingverycarefullyinhiswatchesbelowWhatareyoumakingtheresaidashipmateWhatdoyouthinkwhatdoesitlooklikeLikealanyardforyourbagbutitsanoddoneseemstomeYesratheroddishsaidtheLakemanholdingitatarmslengthbeforehimbutIthinkitwillanswerShipmateIhaventenoughtwinehaveyouanyButtherewasnoneintheforecastleThenImustgetsomefromoldRadandherosetogoaftYoudontmeantogoabeggingtohimsaidasailorWhynotDoyouthinkhewontdomeaturnwhenitstohelphimselfintheendshipmateandgoingtothematehelookedathimquietlyandaskedhimforsometwinetomendhishammockItwasgivenhimneithertwinenorlanyardwereseenagainbutthenextnightanironballcloselynettedpartlyrolledfromthepocketoftheLakemansmonkeyjacketashewastuckingthecoatintohishammockforapillowTwentyfourhoursafterhistrickatthesilenthelmnightothemanwhowasapttodozeoverthegravealwaysreadydugtotheseamanshandthatfatalhourwasthentocomeandintheforeordainingsoulofSteelkiltthematewasalreadystarkandstretchedasacorpsewithhisforeheadcrushedinButgentlemenafoolsavedthewouldbemurdererfromthebloodydeedhehadplannedYetcompleterevengehehadandwithoutbeingtheavengerForbyamysteriousfatalityHeavenitselfseemedtostepintotakeoutofhishandsintoitsownthedamningthinghewouldhavedoneItwasjustbetweendaybreakandsunriseofthemorningoftheseconddaywhentheywerewashingdownthedecksthatastupidTeneriffemandrawingwaterinthemainchainsallatonceshoutedoutTheresherollstheresherollsJesuwhatawhaleItwasMobyDickMobyDickcriedDonSebastianStDominicSirsailorbutdowhaleshavechristeningsWhomcallyouMobyDickAverywhiteandfamousandmostdeadlyimmortalmonsterDonbutthatwouldbetoolongastoryHowhowcriedalltheyoungSpaniardscrowdingNayDonsDonsnaynayIcannotrehearsethatnowLetmegetmoreintotheairSirsThechichathechichacriedDonPedroourvigorousfriendlooksfaintfilluphisemptyglassNoneedgentlemenonemomentandIproceedNowgentlemensosuddenlyperceivingthesnowywhalewithinfiftyyardsoftheshipforgetfulofthecompactamongthecrewintheexcitementofthemomenttheTeneriffemanhadinstinctivelyandinvoluntarilyliftedhisvoiceforthemonsterthoughforsomelittletimepastithadbeenplainlybeheldfromthethreesullenmastheadsAllwasnowaphrensyTheWhiteWhaletheWhiteWhalewasthecryfromcaptainmatesandharpooneerswhoundeterredbyfearfulrumourswereallanxioustocapturesofamousandpreciousafishwhilethedoggedcreweyedaskanceandwithcursestheappallingbeautyofthevastmilkymassthatlitupbyahorizontalspanglingsunshiftedandglistenedlikealivingopalinthebluemorningseaGentlemenastrangefatalitypervadesthewholecareeroftheseeventsasifverilymappedoutbeforetheworlditselfwaschartedThemutineerwasthebowsmanofthemateandwhenfasttoafishitwashisdutytositnexthimwhileRadneystoodupwithhislanceintheprowandhaulinorslackenthelineatthewordofcommandMoreoverwhenthefourboatswereloweredthematesgotthestartandnonehowledmorefiercelywithdelightthandidSteelkiltashestrainedathisoarAfterastiffpulltheirharpooneergotfastandspearinhandRadneysprangtothebowHewasalwaysafuriousmanitseemsinaboatAndnowhisbandagedcrywastobeachhimonthewhalestopmostbackNothingloathhisbowsmanhauledhimupandupthroughablindingfoamthatblenttwowhitenessestogethertillofasuddentheboatstruckasagainstasunkenledgeandkeelingoverspilledoutthestandingmateThatinstantashefellonthewhalesslipperybacktheboatrightedandwasdashedasidebytheswellwhileRadneywastossedoverintotheseaontheotherflankofthewhaleHestruckoutthroughthesprayandforaninstantwasdimlyseenthroughthatveilwildlyseekingtoremovehimselffromtheeyeofMobyDickButthewhalerushedroundinasuddenmaelstromseizedtheswimmerbetweenhisjawsandrearinghighupwithhimplungedheadlongagainandwentdownMeantimeatthefirsttapoftheboatsbottomtheLakemanhadslackenedthelinesoastodropasternfromthewhirlpoolcalmlylookingonhethoughthisownthoughtsButasuddenterrificdownwardjerkingoftheboatquicklybroughthisknifetothelineHecutitandthewhalewasfreeButatsomedistanceMobyDickroseagainwithsometattersofRadneysredwoollenshirtcaughtintheteeththathaddestroyedhimAllfourboatsgavechaseagainbutthewhaleeludedthemandfinallywhollydisappearedIngoodtimetheTownHoreachedherportasavagesolitaryplacewherenocivilizedcreatureresidedThereheadedbytheLakemanallbutfiveorsixoftheforemastmendeliberatelydesertedamongthepalmseventuallyasitturnedoutseizingalargedoublewarcanoeofthesavagesandsettingsailforsomeotherharborTheshipscompanybeingreducedtobutahandfulthecaptaincalledupontheIslanderstoassisthiminthelaboriousbusinessofheavingdowntheshiptostoptheleakButtosuchunrestingvigilanceovertheirdangerousallieswasthissmallbandofwhitesnecessitatedbothbynightandbydayandsoextremewasthehardworktheyunderwentthatuponthevesselbeingreadyagainforseatheywereinsuchaweakenedconditionthatthecaptaindurstnotputoffwiththeminsoheavyavesselAftertakingcounselwithhisofficersheanchoredtheshipasfaroffshoreaspossibleloadedandranouthistwocannonfromthebowsstackedhismusketsonthepoopandwarningtheIslandersnottoapproachtheshipattheirperiltookonemanwithhimandsettingthesailofhisbestwhaleboatsteeredstraightbeforethewindforTahitifivehundredmilesdistanttoprocureareinforcementtohiscrewOnthefourthdayofthesailalargecanoewasdescriedwhichseemedtohavetouchedatalowisleofcoralsHesteeredawayfromitbutthesavagecraftboredownonhimandsoonthevoiceofSteelkilthailedhimtoheavetoorhewouldrunhimunderwaterThecaptainpresentedapistolWithonefootoneachprowoftheyokedwarcanoestheLakemanlaughedhimtoscornassuringhimthatifthepistolsomuchasclickedinthelockhewouldburyhiminbubblesandfoamWhatdoyouwantofmecriedthecaptainWhereareyouboundandforwhatareyoubounddemandedSteelkiltnoliesIamboundtoTahitiformoremenVerygoodLetmeboardyouamomentIcomeinpeaceWiththatheleapedfromthecanoeswamtotheboatandclimbingthegunwalestoodfacetofacewiththecaptainCrossyourarmssirthrowbackyourheadNowrepeataftermeAssoonasSteelkiltleavesmeIsweartobeachthisboatonyonderislandandremaintheresixdaysIfIdonotmaylightningsstrikemeAprettyscholarlaughedtheLakemanAdiosSenorandleapingintotheseaheswambacktohiscomradesWatchingtheboattillitwasfairlybeachedanddrawnuptotherootsofthecocoanuttreesSteelkiltmadesailagainandinduetimearrivedatTahitihisownplaceofdestinationThereluckbefriendedhimtwoshipswereabouttosailforFranceandwereprovidentiallyinwantofpreciselythatnumberofmenwhichthesailorheadedTheyembarkedandsoforevergotthestartoftheirformercaptainhadhebeenatallmindedtoworkthemlegalretributionSometendaysaftertheFrenchshipssailedthewhaleboatarrivedandthecaptainwasforcedtoenlistsomeofthemorecivilizedTahitianswhohadbeensomewhatusedtotheseaCharteringasmallnativeschoonerhereturnedwiththemtohisvesselandfindingallrightthereagainresumedhiscruisingsWhereSteelkiltnowisgentlemennoneknowbutupontheislandofNantucketthewidowofRadneystillturnstotheseawhichrefusestogiveupitsdeadstillindreamsseestheawfulwhitewhalethatdestroyedhimAreyouthroughsaidDonSebastianquietlyIamDonThenIentreatyoutellmeiftothebestofyourownconvictionsthisyourstoryisinsubstancereallytrueItissopassingwonderfulDidyougetitfromanunquestionablesourceBearwithmeifIseemtopressAlsobearwithallofussirsailorforwealljoininDonSebastianssuitcriedthecompanywithexceedinginterestIsthereacopyoftheHolyEvangelistsintheGoldenInngentlemenNaysaidDonSebastianbutIknowaworthypriestnearbywhowillquicklyprocureoneformeIgoforitbutareyouwelladvisedthismaygrowtooseriousWillyoubesogoodastobringthepriestalsoDonThoughtherearenoAutodaFsinLimanowsaidoneofthecompanytoanotherIfearoursailorfriendrunsriskofthearchiepiscopacyLetuswithdrawmoreoutofthemoonlightIseenoneedofthisExcusemeforrunningafteryouDonSebastianbutmayIalsobegthatyouwillbeparticularinprocuringthelargestsizedEvangelistsyoucanThisisthepriesthebringsyoutheEvangelistssaidDonSebastiangravelyreturningwithatallandsolemnfigureLetmeremovemyhatNowvenerablepriestfurtherintothelightandholdtheHolyBookbeforemethatImaytouchitSohelpmeHeavenandonmyhonorthestoryIhavetoldyegentlemenisinsubstanceanditsgreatitemstrueIknowittobetrueithappenedonthisballItrodtheshipIknewthecrewIhaveseenandtalkedwithSteelkiltsincethedeathofRadneyCHAPTER55OftheMonstrousPicturesofWhalesIshallerelongpainttoyouaswellasonecanwithoutcanvassomethinglikethetrueformofthewhaleasheactuallyappearstotheeyeofthewhalemanwheninhisownabsolutebodythewhaleismooredalongsidethewhaleshipsothathecanbefairlysteppeduponthereItmaybeworthwhilethereforepreviouslytoadverttothosecuriousimaginaryportraitsofhimwhichevendowntothepresentdayconfidentlychallengethefaithofthelandsmanItistimetosettheworldrightinthismatterbyprovingsuchpicturesofthewhaleallwrongItmaybethattheprimalsourceofallthosepictorialdelusionswillbefoundamongtheoldestHindooEgyptianandGreciansculpturesForeversincethoseinventivebutunscrupuloustimeswhenonthemarblepanellingsoftemplesthepedestalsofstatuesandonshieldsmedallionscupsandcoinsthedolphinwasdrawninscalesofchainarmorlikeSaladinsandahelmetedheadlikeStGeorgeseversincethenhassomethingofthesamesortoflicenseprevailednotonlyinmostpopularpicturesofthewhalebutinmanyscientificpresentationsofhimNowbyalloddsthemostancientextantportraitanywayspurportingtobethewhalesistobefoundinthefamouscavernpagodaofElephantainIndiaTheBrahminsmaintainthatinthealmostendlesssculpturesofthatimmemorialpagodaallthetradesandpursuitseveryconceivableavocationofmanwereprefiguredagesbeforeanyofthemactuallycameintobeingNowonderthenthatinsomesortournobleprofessionofwhalingshouldhavebeenthereshadowedforthTheHindoowhalereferredtooccursinaseparatedepartmentofthewalldepictingtheincarnationofVishnuintheformofleviathanlearnedlyknownastheMatseAvatarButthoughthissculptureishalfmanandhalfwhalesoasonlytogivethetailofthelatteryetthatsmallsectionofhimisallwrongItlooksmorelikethetaperingtailofananacondathanthebroadpalmsofthetruewhalesmajesticflukesButgototheoldGalleriesandlooknowatagreatChristianpaintersportraitofthisfishforhesucceedsnobetterthantheantediluvianHindooItisGuidospictureofPerseusrescuingAndromedafromtheseamonsterorwhaleWheredidGuidogetthemodelofsuchastrangecreatureasthatNordoesHogarthinpaintingthesamesceneinhisownPerseusDescendingmakeoutonewhitbetterThehugecorpulenceofthatHogarthianmonsterundulatesonthesurfacescarcelydrawingoneinchofwaterIthasasortofhowdahonitsbackanditsdistendedtuskedmouthintowhichthebillowsarerollingmightbetakenfortheTraitorsGateleadingfromtheThamesbywaterintotheTowerThentherearetheProdromuswhalesofoldScotchSibbaldandJonahswhaleasdepictedintheprintsofoldBiblesandthecutsofoldprimersWhatshallbesaidoftheseAsforthebookbinderswhalewindinglikeavinestalkroundthestockofadescendinganchorasstampedandgildedonthebacksandtitlepagesofmanybooksbotholdandnewthatisaverypicturesquebutpurelyfabulouscreatureimitatedItakeitfromthelikefiguresonantiquevasesThoughuniversallydenominatedadolphinIneverthelesscallthisbookbindersfishanattemptatawhalebecauseitwassointendedwhenthedevicewasfirstintroducedItwasintroducedbyanoldItalianpublishersomewhereaboutthe15thcenturyduringtheRevivalofLearningandinthosedaysandevendowntoacomparativelylateperioddolphinswerepopularlysupposedtobeaspeciesoftheLeviathanInthevignettesandotherembellishmentsofsomeancientbooksyouwillattimesmeetwithverycurioustouchesatthewhalewhereallmannerofspoutsjetsdeauhotspringsandcoldSaratogaandBadenBadencomebubblingupfromhisunexhaustedbrainInthetitlepageoftheoriginaleditionoftheAdvancementofLearningyouwillfindsomecuriouswhalesButquittingalltheseunprofessionalattemptsletusglanceatthosepicturesofleviathanpurportingtobesoberscientificdelineationsbythosewhoknowInoldHarrisscollectionofvoyagestherearesomeplatesofwhalesextractedfromaDutchbookofvoyagesAD1671entitledAWhalingVoyagetoSpitzbergenintheshipJonasintheWhalePeterPetersonofFrieslandmasterInoneofthoseplatesthewhaleslikegreatraftsoflogsarerepresentedlyingamongiceisleswithwhitebearsrunningovertheirlivingbacksInanotherplatetheprodigiousblunderismadeofrepresentingthewhalewithperpendicularflukesThenagainthereisanimposingquartowrittenbyoneCaptainColnettaPostCaptainintheEnglishnavyentitledAVoyageroundCapeHornintotheSouthSeasforthepurposeofextendingtheSpermacetiWhaleFisheriesInthisbookisanoutlinepurportingtobeaPictureofaPhyseterorSpermacetiwhaledrawnbyscalefromonekilledonthecoastofMexicoAugust1793andhoistedondeckIdoubtnotthecaptainhadthisveraciouspicturetakenforthebenefitofhismarinesTomentionbutonethingaboutitletmesaythatithasaneyewhichappliedaccordingtotheaccompanyingscaletoafullgrownspermwhalewouldmaketheeyeofthatwhaleabowwindowsomefivefeetlongAhmygallantcaptainwhydidyenotgiveusJonahlookingoutofthateyeNorarethemostconscientiouscompilationsofNaturalHistoryforthebenefitoftheyoungandtenderfreefromthesameheinousnessofmistakeLookatthatpopularworkGoldsmithsAnimatedNatureIntheabridgedLondoneditionof1807thereareplatesofanallegedwhaleandanarwhaleIdonotwishtoseeminelegantbutthisunsightlywhalelooksmuchlikeanamputatedsowandasforthenarwhaleoneglimpseatitisenoughtoamazeonethatinthisnineteenthcenturysuchahippogriffcouldbepalmedforgenuineuponanyintelligentpublicofschoolboysThenagainin1825BernardGermainCountdeLacpdeagreatnaturalistpublishedascientificsystemizedwhalebookwhereinareseveralpicturesofthedifferentspeciesoftheLeviathanAllthesearenotonlyincorrectbutthepictureoftheMysticetusorGreenlandwhalethatistosaytheRightwhaleevenScoresbyalongexperiencedmanastouchingthatspeciesdeclaresnottohaveitscounterpartinnatureButtheplacingofthecapsheaftoallthisblunderingbusinesswasreservedforthescientificFrederickCuvierbrothertothefamousBaronIn1836hepublishedaNaturalHistoryofWhalesinwhichhegiveswhathecallsapictureoftheSpermWhaleBeforeshowingthatpicturetoanyNantucketeryouhadbestprovideforyoursummaryretreatfromNantucketInawordFrederickCuviersSpermWhaleisnotaSpermWhalebutasquashOfcourseheneverhadthebenefitofawhalingvoyagesuchmenseldomhavebutwhencehederivedthatpicturewhocantellPerhapshegotitashisscientificpredecessorinthesamefieldDesmarestgotoneofhisauthenticabortionsthatisfromaChinesedrawingAndwhatsortoflivelyladswiththepencilthoseChinesearemanyqueercupsandsaucersinformusAsforthesignpainterswhalesseeninthestreetshangingovertheshopsofoildealerswhatshallbesaidofthemTheyaregenerallyRichardIIIwhaleswithdromedaryhumpsandverysavagebreakfastingonthreeorfoursailortartsthatiswhaleboatsfullofmarinerstheirdeformitiesflounderinginseasofbloodandbluepaintButthesemanifoldmistakesindepictingthewhalearenotsoverysurprisingafterallConsiderMostofthescientificdrawingshavebeentakenfromthestrandedfishandtheseareaboutascorrectasadrawingofawreckedshipwithbrokenbackwouldcorrectlyrepresentthenobleanimalitselfinallitsundashedprideofhullandsparsThoughelephantshavestoodfortheirfulllengthsthelivingLeviathanhasneveryetfairlyfloatedhimselfforhisportraitThelivingwhaleinhisfullmajestyandsignificanceisonlytobeseenatseainunfathomablewatersandafloatthevastbulkofhimisoutofsightlikealaunchedlineofbattleshipandoutofthatelementitisathingeternallyimpossibleformortalmantohoisthimbodilyintotheairsoastopreserveallhismightyswellsandundulationsAndnottospeakofthehighlypresumabledifferenceofcontourbetweenayoungsuckingwhaleandafullgrownPlatonianLeviathanyeteveninthecaseofoneofthoseyoungsuckingwhaleshoistedtoashipsdecksuchisthentheoutlandisheellikelimberedvaryingshapeofhimthathispreciseexpressionthedevilhimselfcouldnotcatchButitmaybefanciedthatfromthenakedskeletonofthestrandedwhaleaccuratehintsmaybederivedtouchinghistrueformNotatallForitisoneofthemorecuriousthingsaboutthisLeviathanthathisskeletongivesverylittleideaofhisgeneralshapeThoughJeremyBenthamsskeletonwhichhangsforcandelabrainthelibraryofoneofhisexecutorscorrectlyconveystheideaofaburlybrowedutilitarianoldgentlemanwithallJeremysotherleadingpersonalcharacteristicsyetnothingofthiskindcouldbeinferredfromanyleviathansarticulatedbonesInfactasthegreatHuntersaysthemereskeletonofthewhalebearsthesamerelationtothefullyinvestedandpaddedanimalastheinsectdoestothechrysalisthatsoroundinglyenvelopesitThispeculiarityisstrikinglyevincedintheheadasinsomepartofthisbookwillbeincidentallyshownItisalsoverycuriouslydisplayedinthesidefinthebonesofwhichalmostexactlyanswertothebonesofthehumanhandminusonlythethumbThisfinhasfourregularbonefingerstheindexmiddleringandlittlefingerButallthesearepermanentlylodgedintheirfleshycoveringasthehumanfingersinanartificialcoveringHoweverrecklesslythewhalemaysometimesserveussaidhumorousStubbonedayhecanneverbetrulysaidtohandleuswithoutmittensForallthesereasonsthenanywayyoumaylookatityoumustneedsconcludethatthegreatLeviathanisthatonecreatureintheworldwhichmustremainunpaintedtothelastTrueoneportraitmayhitthemarkmuchnearerthananotherbutnonecanhititwithanyveryconsiderabledegreeofexactnessSothereisnoearthlywayoffindingoutpreciselywhatthewhalereallylookslikeAndtheonlymodeinwhichyoucanderiveevenatolerableideaofhislivingcontourisbygoingawhalingyourselfbutbysodoingyourunnosmallriskofbeingeternallystoveandsunkbyhimWhereforeitseemstomeyouhadbestnotbetoofastidiousinyourcuriositytouchingthisLeviathanCHAPTER56OftheLessErroneousPicturesofWhalesandtheTruePicturesofWhalingScenesInconnexionwiththemonstrouspicturesofwhalesIamstronglytemptedheretoenteruponthosestillmoremonstrousstoriesofthemwhicharetobefoundincertainbooksbothancientandmodernespeciallyinPlinyPurchasHackluytHarrisCuvieretcButIpassthatmatterbyIknowofonlyfourpublishedoutlinesofthegreatSpermWhaleColnettsHugginssFrederickCuviersandBealesInthepreviouschapterColnettandCuvierhavebeenreferredtoHugginssisfarbetterthantheirsbutbygreatoddsBealesisthebestAllBealesdrawingsofthiswhalearegoodexceptingthemiddlefigureinthepictureofthreewhalesinvariousattitudescappinghissecondchapterHisfrontispieceboatsattackingSpermWhalesthoughnodoubtcalculatedtoexcitethecivilscepticismofsomeparlormenisadmirablycorrectandlifelikeinitsgeneraleffectSomeoftheSpermWhaledrawingsinJRossBrowneareprettycorrectincontourbuttheyarewretchedlyengravedThatisnothisfaultthoughOftheRightWhalethebestoutlinepicturesareinScoresbybuttheyaredrawnontoosmallascaletoconveyadesirableimpressionHehasbutonepictureofwhalingscenesandthisisasaddeficiencybecauseitisbysuchpicturesonlywhenatallwelldonethatyoucanderiveanythinglikeatruthfulideaofthelivingwhaleasseenbyhislivinghuntersButtakenforallinallbyfarthefinestthoughinsomedetailsnotthemostcorrectpresentationsofwhalesandwhalingscenestobeanywherefoundaretwolargeFrenchengravingswellexecutedandtakenfrompaintingsbyoneGarneryRespectivelytheyrepresentattacksontheSpermandRightWhaleInthefirstengravinganobleSpermWhaleisdepictedinfullmajestyofmightjustrisenbeneaththeboatfromtheprofunditiesoftheoceanandbearinghighintheairuponhisbacktheterrificwreckofthestovenplanksTheprowoftheboatispartiallyunbrokenandisdrawnjustbalancinguponthemonstersspineandstandinginthatprowforthatonesingleincomputableflashoftimeyoubeholdanoarsmanhalfshroudedbytheincensedboilingspoutofthewhaleandintheactofleapingasiffromaprecipiceTheactionofthewholethingiswonderfullygoodandtrueThehalfemptiedlinetubfloatsonthewhitenedseathewoodenpolesofthespilledharpoonsobliquelybobinittheheadsoftheswimmingcrewarescatteredaboutthewhaleincontrastingexpressionsofaffrightwhileintheblackstormydistancetheshipisbearingdownuponthesceneSeriousfaultmightbefoundwiththeanatomicaldetailsofthiswhalebutletthatpasssinceforthelifeofmeIcouldnotdrawsogoodaoneInthesecondengravingtheboatisintheactofdrawingalongsidethebarnacledflankofalargerunningRightWhalethatrollshisblackweedybulkinthesealikesomemossyrockslidefromthePatagoniancliffsHisjetsareerectfullandblacklikesootsothatfromsoaboundingasmokeinthechimneyyouwouldthinktheremustbeabravesuppercookinginthegreatbowelsbelowSeafowlsarepeckingatthesmallcrabsshellfishandotherseacandiesandmaccaroniwhichtheRightWhalesometimescarriesonhispestilentbackAndallthewhilethethicklippedleviathanisrushingthroughthedeepleavingtonsoftumultuouswhitecurdsinhiswakeandcausingtheslightboattorockintheswellslikeaskiffcaughtnighthepaddlewheelsofanoceansteamerThustheforegroundisallragingcommotionbutbehindinadmirableartisticcontrastistheglassylevelofaseabecalmedthedroopingunstarchedsailsofthepowerlessshipandtheinertmassofadeadwhaleaconqueredfortresswiththeflagofcapturelazilyhangingfromthewhalepoleinsertedintohisspoutholeWhoGarnerythepainterisorwasIknownotButmylifeforithewaseitherpracticallyconversantwithhissubjectorelsemarvellouslytutoredbysomeexperiencedwhalemanTheFrencharetheladsforpaintingactionGoandgazeuponallthepaintingsofEuropeandwherewillyoufindsuchagalleryoflivingandbreathingcommotiononcanvasasinthattriumphalhallatVersailleswherethebeholderfightshiswaypellmellthroughtheconsecutivegreatbattlesofFrancewhereeveryswordseemsaflashoftheNorthernLightsandthesuccessivearmedkingsandEmperorsdashbylikeachargeofcrownedcentaursNotwhollyunworthyofaplaceinthatgalleryaretheseseabattlepiecesofGarneryThenaturalaptitudeoftheFrenchforseizingthepicturesquenessofthingsseemstobepeculiarlyevincedinwhatpaintingsandengravingstheyhaveoftheirwhalingscenesWithnotonetenthofEnglandsexperienceinthefisheryandnotthethousandthpartofthatoftheAmericanstheyhaveneverthelessfurnishedbothnationswiththeonlyfinishedsketchesatallcapableofconveyingtherealspiritofthewhalehuntForthemostparttheEnglishandAmericanwhaledraughtsmenseementirelycontentwithpresentingthemechanicaloutlineofthingssuchasthevacantprofileofthewhalewhichsofaraspicturesquenessofeffectisconcernedisabouttantamounttosketchingtheprofileofapyramidEvenScoresbythejustlyrenownedRightwhalemanaftergivingusastifffulllengthoftheGreenlandwhaleandthreeorfourdelicateminiaturesofnarwhalesandporpoisestreatsustoaseriesofclassicalengravingsofboathookschoppingknivesandgrapnelsandwiththemicroscopicdiligenceofaLeuwenhoecksubmitstotheinspectionofashiveringworldninetysixfacsimilesofmagnifiedArcticsnowcrystalsImeannodisparagementtotheexcellentvoyagerIhonorhimforaveteranbutinsoimportantamatteritwascertainlyanoversightnottohaveprocuredforeverycrystalaswornaffidavittakenbeforeaGreenlandJusticeofthePeaceInadditiontothosefineengravingsfromGarnerytherearetwootherFrenchengravingsworthyofnotebysomeonewhosubscribeshimselfHDurandOneofthemthoughnotpreciselyadaptedtoourpresentpurposeneverthelessdeservesmentiononotheraccountsItisaquietnoonsceneamongtheislesofthePacificaFrenchwhaleranchoredinshoreinacalmandlazilytakingwateronboardtheloosenedsailsoftheshipandthelongleavesofthepalmsinthebackgroundbothdroopingtogetherinthebreezelessairTheeffectisveryfinewhenconsideredwithreferencetoitspresentingthehardyfishermenunderoneoftheirfewaspectsoforientalreposeTheotherengravingisquiteadifferentaffairtheshiphovetoupontheopenseaandintheveryheartoftheLeviathaniclifewithaRightWhalealongsidethevesselintheactofcuttinginhoveovertothemonsterasiftoaquayandaboathurriedlypushingofffromthissceneofactivityisaboutgivingchasetowhalesinthedistanceTheharpoonsandlanceslielevelledforusethreeoarsmenarejustsettingthemastinitsholewhilefromasuddenrolloftheseathelittlecraftstandshalferectoutofthewaterlikearearinghorseFromtheshipthesmokeofthetormentsoftheboilingwhaleisgoinguplikethesmokeoveravillageofsmithiesandtowindwardablackcloudrisingupwithearnestofsquallsandrainsseemstoquickentheactivityoftheexcitedseamenCHAPTER57OfWhalesinPaintinTeethinWoodinSheetIroninStoneinMountainsinStarsOnTowerhillasyougodowntotheLondondocksyoumayhaveseenacrippledbeggarorkedgerasthesailorssayholdingapaintedboardbeforehimrepresentingthetragicsceneinwhichhelosthislegTherearethreewhalesandthreeboatsandoneoftheboatspresumedtocontainthemissingleginallitsoriginalintegrityisbeingcrunchedbythejawsoftheforemostwhaleAnytimethesetenyearstheytellmehasthatmanheldupthatpictureandexhibitedthatstumptoanincredulousworldButthetimeofhisjustificationhasnowcomeHisthreewhalesareasgoodwhalesaswereeverpublishedinWappingatanyrateandhisstumpasunquestionableastumpasanyyouwillfindinthewesternclearingsButthoughforevermountedonthatstumpneverastumpspeechdoesthepoorwhalemanmakebutwithdowncasteyesstandsruefullycontemplatinghisownamputationThroughoutthePacificandalsoinNantucketandNewBedfordandSagHarboryouwillcomeacrosslivelysketchesofwhalesandwhalingscenesgravenbythefishermenthemselvesonSpermWhaleteethorladiesbuskswroughtoutoftheRightWhaleboneandotherlikeskrimshanderarticlesasthewhalemencallthenumerouslittleingeniouscontrivancestheyelaboratelycarveoutoftheroughmaterialintheirhoursofoceanleisureSomeofthemhavelittleboxesofdentisticallookingimplementsspeciallyintendedfortheskrimshanderingbusinessButingeneraltheytoilwiththeirjackknivesaloneandwiththatalmostomnipotenttoolofthesailortheywillturnyououtanythingyoupleaseinthewayofamarinersfancyLongexilefromChristendomandcivilizationinevitablyrestoresamantothatconditioninwhichGodplacedhimiewhatiscalledsavageryYourtruewhalehunterisasmuchasavageasanIroquoisImyselfamasavageowningnoallegiancebuttotheKingoftheCannibalsandreadyatanymomenttorebelagainsthimNowoneofthepeculiarcharacteristicsofthesavageinhisdomestichoursishiswonderfulpatienceofindustryAnancientHawaiianwarcluborspearpaddleinitsfullmultiplicityandelaborationofcarvingisasgreatatrophyofhumanperseveranceasaLatinlexiconForwithbutabitofbrokenseashellorasharkstooththatmiraculousintricacyofwoodennetworkhasbeenachievedandithascoststeadyyearsofsteadyapplicationAswiththeHawaiiansavagesowiththewhitesailorsavageWiththesamemarvellouspatienceandwiththesamesinglesharkstoothofhisonepoorjackknifehewillcarveyouabitofbonesculpturenotquiteasworkmanlikebutasclosepackedinitsmazinessofdesignastheGreeksavageAchillessshieldandfullofbarbaricspiritandsuggestivenessastheprintsofthatfineoldDutchsavageAlbertDurerWoodenwhalesorwhalescutinprofileoutofthesmalldarkslabsofthenobleSouthSeawarwoodarefrequentlymetwithintheforecastlesofAmericanwhalersSomeofthemaredonewithmuchaccuracyAtsomeoldgableroofedcountryhousesyouwillseebrasswhaleshungbythetailforknockerstotheroadsidedoorWhentheporterissleepytheanvilheadedwhalewouldbebestButtheseknockingwhalesareseldomremarkableasfaithfulessaysOnthespiresofsomeoldfashionedchurchesyouwillseesheetironwhalesplacedthereforweathercocksbuttheyaresoelevatedandbesidesthataretoallintentsandpurposessolabelledwithHandsoffyoucannotexaminethemcloselyenoughtodecideupontheirmeritInbonyribbyregionsoftheearthwhereatthebaseofhighbrokencliffsmassesofrockliestrewninfantasticgroupingsupontheplainyouwilloftendiscoverimagesasofthepetrifiedformsoftheLeviathanpartlymergedingrasswhichofawindydaybreaksagainsttheminasurfofgreensurgesThenagaininmountainouscountrieswherethetravelleriscontinuallygirdledbyamphitheatricalheightshereandtherefromsomeluckypointofviewyouwillcatchpassingglimpsesoftheprofilesofwhalesdefinedalongtheundulatingridgesButyoumustbeathoroughwhalemantoseethesesightsandnotonlythatbutifyouwishtoreturntosuchasightagainyoumustbesureandtaketheexactintersectinglatitudeandlongitudeofyourfirststandpointelsesochancelikearesuchobservationsofthehillsthatyourprecisepreviousstandpointwouldrequirealaboriousrediscoveryliketheSolomaIslandswhichstillremainincognitathoughoncehighruffedMendannatrodthemandoldFiguerachronicledthemNorwhenexpandinglyliftedbyyoursubjectcanyoufailtotraceoutgreatwhalesinthestarryheavensandboatsinpursuitofthemaswhenlongfilledwiththoughtsofwartheEasternnationssawarmieslockedinbattleamongthecloudsThusattheNorthhaveIchasedLeviathanroundandroundthePolewiththerevolutionsofthebrightpointsthatfirstdefinedhimtomeAndbeneaththeeffulgentAntarcticskiesIhaveboardedtheArgoNavisandjoinedthechaseagainstthestarryCetusfarbeyondtheutmoststretchofHydrusandtheFlyingFishWithafrigatesanchorsformybridlebittsandfascesofharpoonsforspurswouldIcouldmountthatwhaleandleapthetopmostskiestoseewhetherthefabledheavenswithalltheircountlesstentsreallylieencampedbeyondmymortalsightCHAPTER58BritSteeringnortheastwardfromtheCrozettswefellinwithvastmeadowsofbrittheminuteyellowsubstanceuponwhichtheRightWhalelargelyfeedsForleaguesandleaguesitundulatedroundussothatweseemedtobesailingthroughboundlessfieldsofripeandgoldenwheatOntheseconddaynumbersofRightWhaleswereseenwhosecurefromtheattackofaSpermWhalerlikethePequodwithopenjawssluggishlyswamthroughthebritwhichadheringtothefringingfibresofthatwondrousVenetianblindintheirmouthswasinthatmannerseparatedfromthewaterthatescapedatthelipAsmorningmowerswhosidebysideslowlyandseethinglyadvancetheirscythesthroughthelongwetgrassofmarshymeadsevensothesemonstersswammakingastrangegrassycuttingsoundandleavingbehindthemendlessswathsofblueupontheyellowseaThatpartoftheseaknownamongwhalemenastheBrazilBanksdoesnotbearthatnameastheBanksofNewfoundlanddobecauseoftherebeingshallowsandsoundingstherebutbecauseofthisremarkablemeadowlikeappearancecausedbythevastdriftsofbritcontinuallyfloatinginthoselatitudeswheretheRightWhaleisoftenchasedButitwasonlythesoundtheymadeastheypartedthebritwhichatallremindedoneofmowersSeenfromthemastheadsespeciallywhentheypausedandwerestationaryforawhiletheirvastblackformslookedmorelikelifelessmassesofrockthananythingelseAndasinthegreathuntingcountriesofIndiathestrangeratadistancewillsometimespassontheplainsrecumbentelephantswithoutknowingthemtobesuchtakingthemforbareblackenedelevationsofthesoilevensooftenwithhimwhoforthefirsttimebeholdsthisspeciesoftheleviathansoftheseaAndevenwhenrecognisedatlasttheirimmensemagnituderendersitveryhardreallytobelievethatsuchbulkymassesofovergrowthcanpossiblybeinstinctinallpartswiththesamesortoflifethatlivesinadogorahorseIndeedinotherrespectsyoucanhardlyregardanycreaturesofthedeepwiththesamefeelingsthatyoudothoseoftheshoreForthoughsomeoldnaturalistshavemaintainedthatallcreaturesofthelandareoftheirkindintheseaandthoughtakingabroadgeneralviewofthethingthismayverywellbeyetcomingtospecialtieswhereforexampledoestheoceanfurnishanyfishthatindispositionanswerstothesagaciouskindnessofthedogTheaccursedsharkalonecaninanygenericrespectbesaidtobearcomparativeanalogytohimButthoughtolandsmeningeneralthenativeinhabitantsoftheseashaveeverbeenregardedwithemotionsunspeakablyunsocialandrepellingthoughweknowtheseatobeaneverlastingterraincognitasothatColumbussailedovernumberlessunknownworldstodiscoverhisonesuperficialwesternonethoughbyvastoddsthemostterrificofallmortaldisastershaveimmemoriallyandindiscriminatelybefallentensandhundredsofthousandsofthosewhohavegoneuponthewatersthoughbutamomentsconsiderationwillteachthathoweverbabymanmaybragofhisscienceandskillandhowevermuchinaflatteringfuturethatscienceandskillmayaugmentyetforeverandforevertothecrackofdoomtheseawillinsultandmurderhimandpulverizethestatelieststiffestfrigatehecanmakeneverthelessbythecontinualrepetitionoftheseveryimpressionsmanhaslostthatsenseofthefullawfulnessoftheseawhichaboriginallybelongstoitThefirstboatwereadoffloatedonanoceanthatwithPortuguesevengeancehadwhelmedawholeworldwithoutleavingsomuchasawidowThatsameoceanrollsnowthatsameoceandestroyedthewreckedshipsoflastyearYeafoolishmortalsNoahsfloodisnotyetsubsidedtwothirdsofthefairworldityetcoversWhereindiffertheseaandthelandthatamiracleupononeisnotamiracleupontheotherPreternaturalterrorsrestedupontheHebrewswhenunderthefeetofKorahandhiscompanythelivegroundopenedandswallowedthemupforeveryetnotamodernsuneversetsbutinpreciselythesamemannertheliveseaswallowsupshipsandcrewsButnotonlyistheseasuchafoetomanwhoisanalientoitbutitisalsoafiendtoitsownoffspringworsethanthePersianhostwhomurderedhisownguestssparingnotthecreatureswhichitselfhathspawnedLikeasavagetigressthattossinginthejungleoverlaysherowncubssotheseadasheseventhemightiestwhalesagainsttherocksandleavesthemtheresidebysidewiththesplitwrecksofshipsNomercynopowerbutitsowncontrolsitPantingandsnortinglikeamadbattlesteedthathaslostitsriderthemasterlessoceanoverrunstheglobeConsiderthesubtlenessoftheseahowitsmostdreadedcreaturesglideunderwaterunapparentforthemostpartandtreacherouslyhiddenbeneaththeloveliesttintsofazureConsideralsothedevilishbrillianceandbeautyofmanyofitsmostremorselesstribesasthedaintyembellishedshapeofmanyspeciesofsharksConsideroncemoretheuniversalcannibalismoftheseaallwhosecreaturespreyuponeachothercarryingoneternalwarsincetheworldbeganConsiderallthisandthenturntothisgreengentleandmostdocileearthconsiderthemboththeseaandthelandanddoyounotfindastrangeanalogytosomethinginyourselfForasthisappallingoceansurroundstheverdantlandsointhesoulofmanthereliesoneinsularTahitifullofpeaceandjoybutencompassedbyallthehorrorsofthehalfknownlifeGodkeeptheePushnotofffromthatislethoucanstneverreturnCHAPTER59SquidSlowlywadingthroughthemeadowsofbritthePequodstillheldonherwaynortheastwardtowardstheislandofJavaagentleairimpellingherkeelsothatinthesurroundingserenityherthreetalltaperingmastsmildlywavedtothatlanguidbreezeasthreemildpalmsonaplainAndstillatwideintervalsinthesilverynightthelonelyalluringjetwouldbeseenButonetransparentbluemorningwhenastillnessalmostpreternaturalspreadovertheseahoweverunattendedwithanystagnantcalmwhenthelongburnishedsungladeonthewatersseemedagoldenfingerlaidacrossthemenjoiningsomesecrecywhentheslipperedwaveswhisperedtogetherastheysoftlyranoninthisprofoundhushofthevisiblesphereastrangespectrewasseenbyDaggoofromthemainmastheadInthedistanceagreatwhitemasslazilyroseandrisinghigherandhigheranddisentanglingitselffromtheazureatlastgleamedbeforeourprowlikeasnowslidenewslidfromthehillsThusglisteningforamomentasslowlyitsubsidedandsankThenoncemorearoseandsilentlygleamedItseemednotawhaleandyetisthisMobyDickthoughtDaggooAgainthephantomwentdownbutonreappearingoncemorewithastilettolikecrythatstartledeverymanfromhisnodthenegroyelledoutTherethereagainthereshebreachesrightaheadTheWhiteWhaletheWhiteWhaleUponthistheseamenrushedtotheyardarmsasinswarmingtimethebeesrushtotheboughsBareheadedinthesultrysunAhabstoodonthebowspritandwithonehandpushedfarbehindinreadinesstowavehisorderstothehelmsmancasthiseagerglanceinthedirectionindicatedaloftbytheoutstretchedmotionlessarmofDaggooWhethertheflittingattendanceoftheonestillandsolitaryjethadgraduallyworkeduponAhabsothathewasnowpreparedtoconnecttheideasofmildnessandreposewiththefirstsightoftheparticularwhalehepursuedhoweverthiswasorwhetherhiseagernessbetrayedhimwhicheverwayitmighthavebeennosoonerdidhedistinctlyperceivethewhitemassthanwithaquickintensityheinstantlygaveordersforloweringThefourboatsweresoononthewaterAhabsinadvanceandallswiftlypullingtowardstheirpreySoonitwentdownandwhilewithoarssuspendedwewereawaitingitsreappearancelointhesamespotwhereitsankoncemoreitslowlyroseAlmostforgettingforthemomentallthoughtsofMobyDickwenowgazedatthemostwondrousphenomenonwhichthesecretseashavehithertorevealedtomankindAvastpulpymassfurlongsinlengthandbreadthofaglancingcreamcolourlayfloatingonthewaterinnumerablelongarmsradiatingfromitscentreandcurlingandtwistinglikeanestofanacondasasifblindlytoclutchatanyhaplessobjectwithinreachNoperceptiblefaceorfrontdidithavenoconceivabletokenofeithersensationorinstinctbutundulatedthereonthebillowsanunearthlyformlesschancelikeapparitionoflifeAswithalowsuckingsounditslowlydisappearedagainStarbuckstillgazingattheagitatedwaterswhereithadsunkwithawildvoiceexclaimedAlmostratherhadIseenMobyDickandfoughthimthantohaveseentheethouwhiteghostWhatwasitSirsaidFlaskThegreatlivesquidwhichtheysayfewwhaleshipseverbeheldandreturnedtotheirportstotellofitButAhabsaidnothingturninghisboathesailedbacktothevesseltherestassilentlyfollowingWhateversuperstitionsthespermwhalemeningeneralhaveconnectedwiththesightofthisobjectcertainitisthataglimpseofitbeingsoveryunusualthatcircumstancehasgonefartoinvestitwithportentousnessSorarelyisitbeheldthatthoughoneandallofthemdeclareittobethelargestanimatedthingintheoceanyetveryfewofthemhaveanybutthemostvagueideasconcerningitstruenatureandformnotwithstandingtheybelieveittofurnishtothespermwhalehisonlyfoodForthoughotherspeciesofwhalesfindtheirfoodabovewaterandmaybeseenbymanintheactoffeedingthespermacetiwhaleobtainshiswholefoodinunknownzonesbelowthesurfaceandonlybyinferenceisitthatanyonecantellofwhatpreciselythatfoodconsistsAttimeswhencloselypursuedhewilldisgorgewhataresupposedtobethedetachedarmsofthesquidsomeofthemthusexhibitedexceedingtwentyandthirtyfeetinlengthTheyfancythatthemonstertowhichthesearmsbelongedordinarilyclingsbythemtothebedoftheoceanandthatthespermwhaleunlikeotherspeciesissuppliedwithteethinordertoattackandtearitThereseemssomegroundtoimaginethatthegreatKrakenofBishopPontoppodanmayultimatelyresolveitselfintoSquidThemannerinwhichtheBishopdescribesitasalternatelyrisingandsinkingwithsomeotherparticularshenarratesinallthisthetwocorrespondButmuchabatementisnecessarywithrespecttotheincrediblebulkheassignsitBysomenaturalistswhohavevaguelyheardrumorsofthemysteriouscreatureherespokenofitisincludedamongtheclassofcuttlefishtowhichindeedincertainexternalrespectsitwouldseemtobelongbutonlyastheAnakofthetribeCHAPTER60TheLineWithreferencetothewhalingsceneshortlytobedescribedaswellasforthebetterunderstandingofallsimilarsceneselsewherepresentedIhaveheretospeakofthemagicalsometimeshorriblewhalelineThelineoriginallyusedinthefisherywasofthebesthempslightlyvaporedwithtarnotimpregnatedwithitasinthecaseofordinaryropesforwhiletarasordinarilyusedmakesthehempmorepliabletotheropemakerandalsorenderstheropeitselfmoreconvenienttothesailorforcommonshipuseyetnotonlywouldtheordinaryquantitytoomuchstiffenthewhalelinefortheclosecoilingtowhichitmustbesubjectedbutasmostseamenarebeginningtolearntaringeneralbynomeansaddstotheropesdurabilityorstrengthhowevermuchitmaygiveitcompactnessandglossOflateyearstheManillaropehasintheAmericanfisheryalmostentirelysupersededhempasamaterialforwhalelinesforthoughnotsodurableashempitisstrongerandfarmoresoftandelasticandIwilladdsincethereisanstheticsinallthingsismuchmorehandsomeandbecomingtotheboatthanhempHempisaduskydarkfellowasortofIndianbutManillaisasagoldenhairedCircassiantobeholdThewhalelineisonlytwothirdsofaninchinthicknessAtfirstsightyouwouldnotthinkitsostrongasitreallyisByexperimentitsoneandfiftyyarnswilleachsuspendaweightofonehundredandtwentypoundssothatthewholeropewillbearastrainnearlyequaltothreetonsInlengththecommonspermwhalelinemeasuressomethingovertwohundredfathomsTowardsthesternoftheboatitisspirallycoiledawayinthetubnotlikethewormpipeofastillthoughbutsoastoformoneroundcheeseshapedmassofdenselybeddedsheavesorlayersofconcentricspiralizationswithoutanyhollowbuttheheartorminuteverticaltubeformedattheaxisofthecheeseAstheleasttangleorkinkinthecoilingwouldinrunningoutinfalliblytakesomebodysarmlegorentirebodyofftheutmostprecautionisusedinstowingthelineinitstubSomeharpooneerswillconsumealmostanentiremorninginthisbusinesscarryingthelinehighaloftandthenreevingitdownwardsthroughablocktowardsthetubsoasintheactofcoilingtofreeitfromallpossiblewrinklesandtwistsIntheEnglishboatstwotubsareusedinsteadofonethesamelinebeingcontinuouslycoiledinbothtubsThereissomeadvantageinthisbecausethesetwintubsbeingsosmalltheyfitmorereadilyintotheboatanddonotstrainitsomuchwhereastheAmericantubnearlythreefeetindiameterandofproportionatedepthmakesaratherbulkyfreightforacraftwhoseplanksarebutonehalfinchinthicknessforthebottomofthewhaleboatislikecriticalicewhichwillbearupaconsiderabledistributedweightbutnotverymuchofaconcentratedoneWhenthepaintedcanvascoverisclappedontheAmericanlinetubtheboatlooksasifitwerepullingoffwithaprodigiousgreatweddingcaketopresenttothewhalesBothendsofthelineareexposedthelowerendterminatinginaneyespliceorloopcomingupfromthebottomagainstthesideofthetubandhangingoveritsedgecompletelydisengagedfromeverythingThisarrangementofthelowerendisnecessaryontwoaccountsFirstInordertofacilitatethefasteningtoitofanadditionallinefromaneighboringboatincasethestrickenwhaleshouldsoundsodeepastothreatentocarryofftheentirelineoriginallyattachedtotheharpoonIntheseinstancesthewhaleofcourseisshiftedlikeamugofaleasitwerefromtheoneboattotheotherthoughthefirstboatalwayshoversathandtoassistitsconsortSecondThisarrangementisindispensableforcommonsafetyssakeforwerethelowerendofthelineinanywayattachedtotheboatandwerethewhalethentorunthelineouttotheendalmostinasinglesmokingminuteashesometimesdoeshewouldnotstopthereforthedoomedboatwouldinfalliblybedraggeddownafterhimintotheprofundityoftheseaandinthatcasenotowncrierwouldeverfindheragainBeforeloweringtheboatforthechasetheupperendofthelineistakenaftfromthetubandpassingroundtheloggerheadthereisagaincarriedforwardtheentirelengthoftheboatrestingcrosswiseupontheloomorhandleofeverymansoarsothatitjogsagainsthiswristinrowingandalsopassingbetweenthemenastheyalternatelysitattheoppositegunwalestotheleadedchocksorgroovesintheextremepointedprowoftheboatwhereawoodenpinorskewerthesizeofacommonquillpreventsitfromslippingoutFromthechocksithangsinaslightfestoonoverthebowsandisthenpassedinsidetheboatagainandsometenortwentyfathomscalledboxlinebeingcoiledupontheboxinthebowsitcontinuesitswaytothegunwalestillalittlefurtheraftandisthenattachedtotheshortwarptheropewhichisimmediatelyconnectedwiththeharpoonbutprevioustothatconnexiontheshortwarpgoesthroughsundrymystificationstootedioustodetailThusthewhalelinefoldsthewholeboatinitscomplicatedcoilstwistingandwrithingarounditinalmosteverydirectionAlltheoarsmenareinvolvedinitsperilouscontortionssothattothetimideyeofthelandsmantheyseemasIndianjugglerswiththedeadliestsnakessportivelyfestooningtheirlimbsNorcananysonofmortalwomanforthefirsttimeseathimselfamidthosehempenintricaciesandwhilestraininghisutmostattheoarbethinkhimthatatanyunknowninstanttheharpoonmaybedartedandallthesehorriblecontortionsbeputinplaylikeringedlightningshecannotbethuscircumstancedwithoutashudderthatmakestheverymarrowinhisbonestoquiverinhimlikeashakenjellyYethabitstrangethingwhatcannothabitaccomplishGayersalliesmoremerrymirthbetterjokesandbrighterreparteesyouneverheardoveryourmahoganythanyouwillhearoverthehalfinchwhitecedarofthewhaleboatwhenthushunginhangmansnoosesandlikethesixburghersofCalaisbeforeKingEdwardthesixmencomposingthecrewpullintothejawsofdeathwithahalteraroundeveryneckasyoumaysayPerhapsaverylittlethoughtwillnowenableyoutoaccountforthoserepeatedwhalingdisasterssomefewofwhicharecasuallychronicledofthismanorthatmanbeingtakenoutoftheboatbythelineandlostForwhenthelineisdartingouttobeseatedthenintheboatislikebeingseatedinthemidstofthemanifoldwhizzingsofasteamengineinfullplaywheneveryflyingbeamandshaftandwheelisgrazingyouItisworseforyoucannotsitmotionlessintheheartoftheseperilsbecausetheboatisrockinglikeacradleandyouarepitchedonewayandtheotherwithouttheslightestwarningandonlybyacertainselfadjustingbuoyancyandsimultaneousnessofvolitionandactioncanyouescapebeingmadeaMazeppaofandrunawaywithwheretheallseeingsunhimselfcouldneverpierceyououtAgainastheprofoundcalmwhichonlyapparentlyprecedesandprophesiesofthestormisperhapsmoreawfulthanthestormitselfforindeedthecalmisbutthewrapperandenvelopeofthestormandcontainsitinitselfastheseeminglyharmlessrifleholdsthefatalpowderandtheballandtheexplosionsothegracefulreposeofthelineasitsilentlyserpentinesabouttheoarsmenbeforebeingbroughtintoactualplaythisisathingwhichcarriesmoreoftrueterrorthananyotheraspectofthisdangerousaffairButwhysaymoreAllmenliveenvelopedinwhalelinesAllarebornwithhaltersroundtheirnecksbutitisonlywhencaughtintheswiftsuddenturnofdeaththatmortalsrealizethesilentsubtleeverpresentperilsoflifeAndifyoubeaphilosopherthoughseatedinthewhaleboatyouwouldnotatheartfeelonewhitmoreofterrorthanthoughseatedbeforeyoureveningfirewithapokerandnotaharpoonbyyoursideCHAPTER61StubbKillsaWhaleIftoStarbucktheapparitionoftheSquidwasathingofportentstoQueequegitwasquiteadifferentobjectWhenyouseehimquidsaidthesavagehoninghisharpooninthebowofhishoistedboatthenyouquickseehimparmwhaleThenextdaywasexceedinglystillandsultryandwithnothingspecialtoengagethemthePequodscrewcouldhardlyresistthespellofsleepinducedbysuchavacantseaForthispartoftheIndianOceanthroughwhichwethenwerevoyagingisnotwhatwhalemencallalivelygroundthatisitaffordsfewerglimpsesofporpoisesdolphinsflyingfishandothervivaciousdenizensofmorestirringwatersthanthoseofftheRiodelaPlataortheinshoregroundoffPeruItwasmyturntostandattheforemastheadandwithmyshouldersleaningagainsttheslackenedroyalshroudstoandfroIidlyswayedinwhatseemedanenchantedairNoresolutioncouldwithstanditinthatdreamymoodlosingallconsciousnessatlastmysoulwentoutofmybodythoughmybodystillcontinuedtoswayasapendulumwilllongafterthepowerwhichfirstmoveditiswithdrawnEreforgetfulnessaltogethercameovermeIhadnoticedthattheseamenatthemainandmizzenmastheadswerealreadydrowsySothatatlastallthreeofuslifelesslyswungfromthesparsandforeveryswingthatwemadetherewasanodfrombelowfromtheslumberinghelmsmanThewavestoonoddedtheirindolentcrestsandacrossthewidetranceoftheseaeastnoddedtowestandthesunoverallSuddenlybubblesseemedburstingbeneathmyclosedeyeslikevicesmyhandsgraspedtheshroudssomeinvisiblegraciousagencypreservedmewithashockIcamebacktolifeAndlocloseunderourleenotfortyfathomsoffagiganticSpermWhalelayrollinginthewaterlikethecapsizedhullofafrigatehisbroadglossybackofanEthiopianhueglisteninginthesunsrayslikeamirrorButlazilyundulatinginthetroughoftheseaandeverandanontranquillyspoutinghisvaporyjetthewhalelookedlikeaportlyburghersmokinghispipeofawarmafternoonButthatpipepoorwhalewasthylastAsifstruckbysomeenchanterswandthesleepyshipandeverysleeperinitallatoncestartedintowakefulnessandmorethanascoreofvoicesfromallpartsofthevesselsimultaneouslywiththethreenotesfromaloftshoutedforththeaccustomedcryasthegreatfishslowlyandregularlyspoutedthesparklingbrineintotheairClearawaytheboatsLuffcriedAhabAndobeyinghisownorderhedashedthehelmdownbeforethehelmsmancouldhandlethespokesThesuddenexclamationsofthecrewmusthavealarmedthewhaleanderetheboatsweredownmajesticallyturningheswamawaytotheleewardbutwithsuchasteadytranquillityandmakingsofewripplesasheswamthatthinkingafterallhemightnotasyetbealarmedAhabgaveordersthatnotanoarshouldbeusedandnomanmustspeakbutinwhispersSoseatedlikeOntarioIndiansonthegunwalesoftheboatsweswiftlybutsilentlypaddledalongthecalmnotadmittingofthenoiselesssailsbeingsetPresentlyaswethusglidedinchasethemonsterperpendicularlyflittedhistailfortyfeetintotheairandthensankoutofsightlikeatowerswallowedupTheregoflukeswasthecryanannouncementimmediatelyfollowedbyStubbsproducinghismatchandignitinghispipefornowarespitewasgrantedAfterthefullintervalofhissoundinghadelapsedthewhaleroseagainandbeingnowinadvanceofthesmokersboatandmuchnearertoitthantoanyoftheothersStubbcounteduponthehonorofthecaptureItwasobviousnowthatthewhalehadatlengthbecomeawareofhispursuersAllsilenceofcautiousnesswasthereforenolongerofusePaddlesweredroppedandoarscameloudlyintoplayAndstillpuffingathispipeStubbcheeredonhiscrewtotheassaultYesamightychangehadcomeoverthefishAllalivetohisjeopardyhewasgoingheadoutthatpartobliquelyprojectingfromthemadyeastwhichhebrewedItwillbeseeninsomeotherplaceofwhataverylightsubstancetheentireinteriorofthespermwhalesenormousheadconsistsThoughapparentlythemostmassiveitisbyfarthemostbuoyantpartabouthimSothatwitheaseheelevatesitintheairandinvariablydoessowhengoingathisutmostspeedBesidessuchisthebreadthoftheupperpartofthefrontofhisheadandsuchthetaperingcutwaterformationofthelowerpartthatbyobliquelyelevatinghisheadhetherebymaybesaidtotransformhimselffromabluffbowedsluggishgalliotintoasharppointedNewYorkpilotboatStartherstarthermymenDonthurryyourselvestakeplentyoftimebutstartherstartherlikethunderclapsthatsallcriedStubbsplutteringoutthesmokeashespokeStarthernowgiveemthelongandstrongstrokeTashtegoStartherTashmyboystartherallbutkeepcoolkeepcoolcucumbersisthewordeasyeasyonlystartherlikegrimdeathandgrinningdevilsandraisetheburieddeadperpendicularoutoftheirgravesboysthatsallStartherWoohooWaheescreamedtheGayHeaderinreplyraisingsomeoldwarwhooptotheskiesaseveryoarsmaninthestrainedboatinvoluntarilybouncedforwardwiththeonetremendousleadingstrokewhichtheeagerIndiangaveButhiswildscreamswereansweredbyothersquiteaswildKeeheeKeeheeyelledDaggoostrainingforwardsandbackwardsonhisseatlikeapacingtigerinhiscageKalaKooloohowledQueequegasifsmackinghislipsoveramouthfulofGrenadierssteakAndthuswithoarsandyellsthekeelscuttheseaMeanwhileStubbretaininghisplaceinthevanstillencouragedhismentotheonsetallthewhilepuffingthesmokefromhismouthLikedesperadoestheytuggedandtheystrainedtillthewelcomecrywasheardStandupTashtegogiveittohimTheharpoonwashurledSternallTheoarsmenbackedwaterthesamemomentsomethingwenthotandhissingalongeveryoneoftheirwristsItwasthemagicallineAninstantbeforeStubbhadswiftlycaughttwoadditionalturnswithitroundtheloggerheadwhencebyreasonofitsincreasedrapidcirclingsahempenbluesmokenowjettedupandmingledwiththesteadyfumesfromhispipeAsthelinepassedroundandroundtheloggerheadsoalsojustbeforereachingthatpointitblisteringlypassedthroughandthroughbothofStubbshandsfromwhichthehandclothsorsquaresofquiltedcanvassometimeswornatthesetimeshadaccidentallydroppedItwaslikeholdinganenemyssharptwoedgedswordbythebladeandthatenemyallthetimestrivingtowrestitoutofyourclutchWetthelinewetthelinecriedStubbtothetuboarsmanhimseatedbythetubwhosnatchingoffhishatdashedseawaterintoitMoreturnsweretakensothatthelinebeganholdingitsplaceTheboatnowflewthroughtheboilingwaterlikeasharkallfinsStubbandTashtegoherechangedplacesstemforsternastaggeringbusinesstrulyinthatrockingcommotionPartlytoshowtheindispensablenessofthisactitmayherebestatedthatintheoldDutchfisheryamopwasusedtodashtherunninglinewithwaterinmanyothershipsawoodenpigginorbailerissetapartforthatpurposeYourhathoweveristhemostconvenientFromthevibratinglineextendingtheentirelengthoftheupperpartoftheboatandfromitsnowbeingmoretightthanaharpstringyouwouldhavethoughtthecrafthadtwokeelsonecleavingthewatertheothertheairastheboatchurnedonthroughbothopposingelementsatonceAcontinualcascadeplayedatthebowsaceaselesswhirlingeddyinherwakeandattheslightestmotionfromwithinevenbutofalittlefingerthevibratingcrackingcraftcantedoverherspasmodicgunwaleintotheseaThustheyrushedeachmanwithmightandmainclingingtohisseattopreventbeingtossedtothefoamandthetallformofTashtegoatthesteeringoarcrouchingalmostdoubleinordertobringdownhiscentreofgravityWholeAtlanticsandPacificsseemedpassedastheyshotontheirwaytillatlengththewhalesomewhatslackenedhisflightHaulinhaulincriedStubbtothebowsmanandfacingroundtowardsthewhaleallhandsbeganpullingtheboatuptohimwhileyettheboatwasbeingtowedonSoonrangingupbyhisflankStubbfirmlyplantinghiskneeintheclumsycleatdarteddartafterdartintotheflyingfishatthewordofcommandtheboatalternatelysterningoutofthewayofthewhaleshorriblewallowandthenrangingupforanotherflingTheredtidenowpouredfromallsidesofthemonsterlikebrooksdownahillHistormentedbodyrollednotinbrinebutinbloodwhichbubbledandseethedforfurlongsbehindintheirwakeTheslantingsunplayinguponthiscrimsonpondintheseasentbackitsreflectionintoeveryfacesothattheyallglowedtoeachotherlikeredmenAndallthewhilejetafterjetofwhitesmokewasagonizinglyshotfromthespiracleofthewhaleandvehementpuffafterpufffromthemouthoftheexcitedheadsmanasateverydarthaulinginuponhiscrookedlancebythelineattachedtoitStubbstraighteneditagainandagainbyafewrapidblowsagainstthegunwalethenagainandagainsentitintothewhalePulluppulluphenowcriedtothebowsmanasthewaningwhalerelaxedinhiswrathPullupclosetoandtheboatrangedalongthefishsflankWhenreachingfaroverthebowStubbslowlychurnedhislongsharplanceintothefishandkeptittherecarefullychurningandchurningasifcautiouslyseekingtofeelaftersomegoldwatchthatthewhalemighthaveswallowedandwhichhewasfearfulofbreakingerehecouldhookitoutButthatgoldwatchhesoughtwastheinnermostlifeofthefishAndnowitisstruckforstartingfromhistranceintothatunspeakablethingcalledhisflurrythemonsterhorriblywallowedinhisbloodoverwrappedhimselfinimpenetrablemadboilingspraysothattheimperilledcraftinstantlydroppingasternhadmuchadoblindlytostruggleoutfromthatphrensiedtwilightintotheclearairofthedayAndnowabatinginhisflurrythewhaleoncemorerolledoutintoviewsurgingfromsidetosidespasmodicallydilatingandcontractinghisspoutholewithsharpcrackingagonizedrespirationsAtlastgushaftergushofclottedredgoreasifithadbeenthepurpleleesofredwineshotintothefrightedairandfallingbackagainrandrippingdownhismotionlessflanksintotheseaHishearthadburstHesdeadMrStubbsaidDaggooYesbothpipessmokedoutandwithdrawinghisownfromhismouthStubbscatteredthedeadashesoverthewaterandforamomentstoodthoughtfullyeyeingthevastcorpsehehadmadeCHAPTER62TheDartAwordconcerninganincidentinthelastchapterAccordingtotheinvariableusageofthefisherythewhaleboatpushesofffromtheshipwiththeheadsmanorwhalekillerastemporarysteersmanandtheharpooneerorwhalefastenerpullingtheforemostoartheoneknownastheharpooneeroarNowitneedsastrongnervousarmtostrikethefirstironintothefishforofteninwhatiscalledalongdarttheheavyimplementhastobeflungtothedistanceoftwentyorthirtyfeetButhoweverprolongedandexhaustingthechasetheharpooneerisexpectedtopullhisoarmeanwhiletotheuttermostindeedheisexpectedtosetanexampleofsuperhumanactivitytotherestnotonlybyincrediblerowingbutbyrepeatedloudandintrepidexclamationsandwhatitistokeepshoutingatthetopofonescompasswhilealltheothermusclesarestrainedandhalfstartedwhatthatisnoneknowbutthosewhohavetrieditForoneIcannotbawlveryheartilyandworkveryrecklesslyatoneandthesametimeInthisstrainingbawlingstatethenwithhisbacktothefishallatoncetheexhaustedharpooneerhearstheexcitingcryStandupandgiveittohimHenowhastodropandsecurehisoarturnroundonhiscentrehalfwayseizehisharpoonfromthecrotchandwithwhatlittlestrengthmayremainheessaystopitchitsomehowintothewhaleNowondertakingthewholefleetofwhalemeninabodythatoutoffiftyfairchancesforadartnotfivearesuccessfulnowonderthatsomanyhaplessharpooneersaremadlycursedanddisratednowonderthatsomeofthemactuallybursttheirbloodvesselsintheboatnowonderthatsomespermwhalemenareabsentfouryearswithfourbarrelsnowonderthattomanyshipownerswhalingisbutalosingconcernforitistheharpooneerthatmakesthevoyageandifyoutakethebreathoutofhisbodyhowcanyouexpecttofindittherewhenmostwantedAgainifthedartbesuccessfulthenatthesecondcriticalinstantthatiswhenthewhalestartstoruntheboatheaderandharpooneerlikewisestarttorunningforeandafttotheimminentjeopardyofthemselvesandeveryoneelseItisthentheychangeplacesandtheheadsmanthechiefofficerofthelittlecrafttakeshisproperstationinthebowsoftheboatNowIcarenotwhomaintainsthecontrarybutallthisisbothfoolishandunnecessaryTheheadsmanshouldstayinthebowsfromfirsttolastheshouldbothdarttheharpoonandthelanceandnorowingwhatevershouldbeexpectedofhimexceptundercircumstancesobvioustoanyfishermanIknowthatthiswouldsometimesinvolveaslightlossofspeedinthechasebutlongexperienceinvariouswhalemenofmorethanonenationhasconvincedmethatinthevastmajorityoffailuresinthefisheryithasnotbyanymeansbeensomuchthespeedofthewhaleasthebeforedescribedexhaustionoftheharpooneerthathascausedthemToinsurethegreatestefficiencyinthedarttheharpooneersofthisworldmuststarttotheirfeetfromoutofidlenessandnotfromoutoftoilCHAPTER63TheCrotchOutofthetrunkthebranchesgrowoutofthemthetwigsSoinproductivesubjectsgrowthechaptersThecrotchalludedtoonapreviouspagedeservesindependentmentionItisanotchedstickofapeculiarformsometwofeetinlengthwhichisperpendicularlyinsertedintothestarboardgunwalenearthebowforthepurposeoffurnishingarestforthewoodenextremityoftheharpoonwhoseothernakedbarbedendslopinglyprojectsfromtheprowTherebytheweaponisinstantlyathandtoitshurlerwhosnatchesitupasreadilyfromitsrestasabackwoodsmanswingshisriflefromthewallItiscustomarytohavetwoharpoonsreposinginthecrotchrespectivelycalledthefirstandsecondironsButthesetwoharpoonseachbyitsowncordarebothconnectedwiththelinetheobjectbeingthistodartthembothifpossibleoneinstantlyaftertheotherintothesamewhalesothatifinthecomingdragoneshoulddrawouttheothermaystillretainaholdItisadoublingofthechancesButitveryoftenhappensthatowingtotheinstantaneousviolentconvulsiverunningofthewhaleuponreceivingthefirstironitbecomesimpossiblefortheharpooneerhoweverlightninglikeinhismovementstopitchthesecondironintohimNeverthelessasthesecondironisalreadyconnectedwiththelineandthelineisrunninghencethatweaponmustatalleventsbeanticipatinglytossedoutoftheboatsomehowandsomewhereelsethemostterriblejeopardywouldinvolveallhandsTumbledintothewateritaccordinglyisinsuchcasesthesparecoilsofboxlinementionedinaprecedingchaptermakingthisfeatinmostinstancesprudentlypracticableButthiscriticalactisnotalwaysunattendedwiththesaddestandmostfatalcasualtiesFurthermoreyoumustknowthatwhenthesecondironisthrownoverboarditthenceforthbecomesadanglingsharpedgedterrorskittishlycurvettingaboutbothboatandwhaleentanglingthelinesorcuttingthemandmakingaprodigioussensationinalldirectionsNoringeneralisitpossibletosecureitagainuntilthewhaleisfairlycapturedandacorpseConsidernowhowitmustbeinthecaseoffourboatsallengagingoneunusuallystrongactiveandknowingwhalewhenowingtothesequalitiesinhimaswellastothethousandconcurringaccidentsofsuchanaudaciousenterpriseeightortenloosesecondironsmaybesimultaneouslydanglingabouthimForofcourseeachboatissuppliedwithseveralharpoonstobendontothelineshouldthefirstonebeineffectuallydartedwithoutrecoveryAlltheseparticularsarefaithfullynarratedhereastheywillnotfailtoelucidateseveralmostimportanthoweverintricatepassagesinsceneshereaftertobepaintedCHAPTER64StubbsSupperStubbswhalehadbeenkilledsomedistancefromtheshipItwasacalmsoformingatandemofthreeboatswecommencedtheslowbusinessoftowingthetrophytothePequodAndnowasweeighteenmenwithourthirtysixarmsandonehundredandeightythumbsandfingersslowlytoiledhourafterhouruponthatinertsluggishcorpseintheseaanditseemedhardlytobudgeatallexceptatlongintervalsgoodevidencewasherebyfurnishedoftheenormousnessofthemasswemovedForuponthegreatcanalofHangHoorwhatevertheycallitinChinafourorfivelaborersonthefootpathwilldrawabulkyfreightedjunkattherateofamileanhourbutthisgrandargosywetowedheavilyforgedalongasifladenwithpigleadinbulkDarknesscameonbutthreelightsupanddowninthePequodsmainriggingdimlyguidedourwaytilldrawingnearerwesawAhabdroppingoneofseveralmorelanternsoverthebulwarksVacantlyeyeingtheheavingwhaleforamomentheissuedtheusualordersforsecuringitforthenightandthenhandinghislanterntoaseamanwenthiswayintothecabinanddidnotcomeforwardagainuntilmorningThoughinoverseeingthepursuitofthiswhaleCaptainAhabhadevincedhiscustomaryactivitytocallitsoyetnowthatthecreaturewasdeadsomevaguedissatisfactionorimpatienceordespairseemedworkinginhimasifthesightofthatdeadbodyremindedhimthatMobyDickwasyettobeslainandthoughathousandotherwhaleswerebroughttohisshipallthatwouldnotonejotadvancehisgrandmonomaniacobjectVerysoonyouwouldhavethoughtfromthesoundonthePequodsdecksthatallhandswerepreparingtocastanchorinthedeepforheavychainsarebeingdraggedalongthedeckandthrustrattlingoutoftheportholesButbythoseclankinglinksthevastcorpseitselfnottheshipistobemooredTiedbytheheadtothesternandbythetailtothebowsthewhalenowlieswithitsblackhullclosetothevesselsandseenthroughthedarknessofthenightwhichobscuredthesparsandriggingaloftthetwoshipandwhaleseemedyokedtogetherlikecolossalbullockswhereofonereclineswhiletheotherremainsstandingAlittleitemmayaswellberelatedhereThestrongestandmostreliableholdwhichtheshiphasuponthewhalewhenmooredalongsideisbytheflukesortailandasfromitsgreaterdensitythatpartisrelativelyheavierthananyotherexceptingthesidefinsitsflexibilityevenindeathcausesittosinklowbeneaththesurfacesothatwiththehandyoucannotgetatitfromtheboatinordertoputthechainrounditButthisdifficultyisingeniouslyovercomeasmallstronglineispreparedwithawoodenfloatatitsouterendandaweightinitsmiddlewhiletheotherendissecuredtotheshipByadroitmanagementthewoodenfloatismadetoriseontheothersideofthemasssothatnowhavinggirdledthewhalethechainisreadilymadetofollowsuitandbeingslippedalongthebodyisatlastlockedfastroundthesmallestpartofthetailatthepointofjunctionwithitsbroadflukesorlobesIfmoodyAhabwasnowallquiescenceatleastsofarascouldbeknownondeckStubbhissecondmateflushedwithconquestbetrayedanunusualbutstillgoodnaturedexcitementSuchanunwontedbustlewasheinthatthestaidStarbuckhisofficialsuperiorquietlyresignedtohimforthetimethesolemanagementofaffairsOnesmallhelpingcauseofallthislivelinessinStubbwassoonmadestrangelymanifestStubbwasahighliverhewassomewhatintemperatelyfondofthewhaleasaflavorishthingtohispalateAsteakasteakereIsleepYouDaggoooverboardyougoandcutmeonefromhissmallHerebeitknownthatthoughthesewildfishermendonotasageneralthingandaccordingtothegreatmilitarymaximmaketheenemydefraythecurrentexpensesofthewaratleastbeforerealizingtheproceedsofthevoyageyetnowandthenyoufindsomeoftheseNantucketerswhohaveagenuinerelishforthatparticularpartoftheSpermWhaledesignatedbyStubbcomprisingthetaperingextremityofthebodyAboutmidnightthatsteakwascutandcookedandlightedbytwolanternsofspermoilStubbstoutlystooduptohisspermacetisupperatthecapstanheadasifthatcapstanwereasideboardNorwasStubbtheonlybanqueteronwhalesfleshthatnightMinglingtheirmumblingswithhisownmasticationsthousandsonthousandsofsharksswarmingroundthedeadleviathansmackinglyfeastedonitsfatnessThefewsleepersbelowintheirbunkswereoftenstartledbythesharpslappingoftheirtailsagainstthehullwithinafewinchesofthesleepersheartsPeeringoverthesideyoucouldjustseethemasbeforeyouheardthemwallowinginthesullenblackwatersandturningoverontheirbacksastheyscoopedouthugeglobularpiecesofthewhaleofthebignessofahumanheadThisparticularfeatofthesharkseemsallbutmiraculousHowatsuchanapparentlyunassailablesurfacetheycontrivetogougeoutsuchsymmetricalmouthfulsremainsapartoftheuniversalproblemofallthingsThemarktheythusleaveonthewhalemaybestbelikenedtothehollowmadebyacarpenterincountersinkingforascrewThoughamidallthesmokinghorroranddiabolismofaseafightsharkswillbeseenlonginglygazinguptotheshipsdeckslikehungrydogsroundatablewhereredmeatisbeingcarvedreadytoboltdowneverykilledmanthatistossedtothemandthoughwhilethevaliantbutchersoverthedecktablearethuscanniballycarvingeachotherslivemeatwithcarvingknivesallgildedandtasselledthesharksalsowiththeirjewelhiltedmouthsarequarrelsomelycarvingawayunderthetableatthedeadmeatandthoughwereyoutoturnthewholeaffairupsidedownitwouldstillbeprettymuchthesamethingthatistosayashockingsharkishbusinessenoughforallpartiesandthoughsharksalsoaretheinvariableoutridersofallslaveshipscrossingtheAtlanticsystematicallytrottingalongsidetobehandyincaseaparcelistobecarriedanywhereoradeadslavetobedecentlyburiedandthoughoneortwootherlikeinstancesmightbesetdowntouchingthesettermsplacesandoccasionswhensharksdomostsociallycongregateandmosthilariouslyfeastyetistherenoconceivabletimeoroccasionwhenyouwillfindtheminsuchcountlessnumbersandingayerormorejovialspiritsthanaroundadeadspermwhalemooredbynighttoawhaleshipatseaIfyouhaveneverseenthatsightthensuspendyourdecisionabouttheproprietyofdevilworshipandtheexpediencyofconciliatingthedevilButasyetStubbheedednotthemumblingsofthebanquetthatwasgoingonsonighhimnomorethanthesharksheededthesmackingofhisownepicureanlipsCookcookwheresthatoldFleecehecriedatlengthwideninghislegsstillfurtherasiftoformamoresecurebaseforhissupperandatthesametimedartinghisforkintothedishasifstabbingwithhislancecookyoucooksailthiswaycookTheoldblacknotinanyveryhighgleeathavingbeenpreviouslyrousedfromhiswarmhammockatamostunseasonablehourcameshamblingalongfromhisgalleyforlikemanyoldblackstherewassomethingthematterwithhiskneepanswhichhedidnotkeepwellscouredlikehisotherpansthisoldFleeceastheycalledhimcameshufflingandlimpingalongassistinghisstepwithhistongswhichafteraclumsyfashionweremadeofstraightenedironhoopsthisoldEbonyflounderedalongandinobediencetothewordofcommandcametoadeadstopontheoppositesideofStubbssideboardwhenwithbothhandsfoldedbeforehimandrestingonhistwoleggedcanehebowedhisarchedbackstillfurtheroveratthesametimesidewaysinclininghisheadsoastobringhisbestearintoplayCooksaidStubbrapidlyliftingaratherreddishmorseltohismouthdontyouthinkthissteakisratheroverdoneYouvebeenbeatingthissteaktoomuchcookitstootenderDontIalwayssaythattobegoodawhalesteakmustbetoughTherearethosesharksnowoverthesidedontyouseetheypreferittoughandrareWhatashindytheyarekickingupCookgoandtalktoemtellemtheyarewelcometohelpthemselvescivillyandinmoderationbuttheymustkeepquietBlastmeifIcanhearmyownvoiceAwaycookanddelivermymessageHeretakethislanternsnatchingonefromhissideboardnowthengoandpreachtoemSullenlytakingtheofferedlanternoldFleecelimpedacrossthedecktothebulwarksandthenwithonehanddroppinghislightlowovertheseasoastogetagoodviewofhiscongregationwiththeotherhandhesolemnlyflourishedhistongsandleaningfaroverthesideinamumblingvoicebeganaddressingthesharkswhileStubbsoftlycrawlingbehindoverheardallthatwassaidFellowcrittersIseorderedheretosaydatyoumuststopdatdamnoisedareYouhearStopdatdamsmackinobdelipMassaStubbsaydatyoucanfillyourdambelliesuptodehatchingsbutbyGoryoumuststopdatdamracketCookhereinterposedStubbaccompanyingthewordwithasuddenslapontheshoulderCookwhydamnyoureyesyoumustntswearthatwaywhenyourepreachingThatsnowaytoconvertsinnerscookWhodatDenpreachtohimyourselfsullenlyturningtogoNocookgoongoonWelldenBelubedfellowcrittersRightexclaimedStubbapprovinglycoaxemtoittrythatandFleececontinuedDoyouisallsharksandbynaturweryworaciousyetIzaytoyoufellowcrittersdatdatworaciousnesstopdatdamslappinobdetailHowyoutinktohearsposeyoukeepupsuchadamslappinandbitindareCookcriedStubbcollaringhimIwonthavethatswearingTalktoemgentlemanlyOncemorethesermonproceededYourworaciousnessfellowcrittersIdontblameyesomuchfordatisnaturandcantbehelpedbuttogoberndatwickednaturdatisdepintYouissharkssartinbutifyougoberndesharkinyouwhydenyoubeangelforallangelisnotingmoredandesharkwellgobernedNowlookherebredrenjusttrywonsttobecibilahelpingyourselbsfromdatwhaleDontbetearindeblubberoutyourneighboursmoutIsayIsnotonesharkdoodrightastodertodatwhaleAndbyGornoneonyouhasderighttodatwhaledatwhalebelongtosomeoneelseIknowsomeoyouhasberrybrigmoutbriggerdanodersbutdendebrigmoutssometimeshasdesmallbelliessodatdebrignessofdemoutisnottoswallerwidbuttobitoffdeblubberfordesmallfryobsharksdatcantgetintodescrougetohelpdemselvesWelldoneoldFleececriedStubbthatsChristianitygoonNousegoinondedamwillainswillkeepascouginandslappineachoderMassaStubbdeydonthearonewordnouseapreachintosuchdamguttonsasyoucallemtilldarebelliesisfullanddarebelliesisbottomlessandwhendeydogetemfulldeywonthearyoudenfordendeysinkindeseagofasttosleepondecoralandcanthearnotingatallnomoreforeberandeberUponmysoulIamaboutofthesameopinionsogivethebenedictionFleeceandIllawaytomysupperUponthisFleeceholdingbothhandsoverthefishymobraisedhisshrillvoiceandcriedCussedfellowcrittersKickupdedamndestrowaseveryoucanfillyourdambelliestilldeybustanddendieNowcooksaidStubbresuminghissupperatthecapstanstandjustwhereyoustoodbeforethereoveragainstmeandpayparticularattentionAlldentionsaidFleeceagainstoopingoveruponhistongsinthedesiredpositionWellsaidStubbhelpinghimselffreelymeanwhileIshallnowgobacktothesubjectofthissteakInthefirstplacehowoldareyoucookWhatdatdowiddeteaksaidtheoldblacktestilySilenceHowoldareyoucookBoutninetydeysayhegloomilymutteredAndyouhavelivedinthisworldhardupononehundredyearscookanddontknowyethowtocookawhalesteakrapidlyboltinganothermouthfulatthelastwordsothatmorselseemedacontinuationofthequestionWherewereyouborncookHinddehatchwayinferryboatgoinoberdeRoanokeBorninaferryboatThatsqueertooButIwanttoknowwhatcountryyouwerebornincookDidntIsaydeRoanokecountryhecriedsharplyNoyoudidntcookbutIlltellyouwhatImcomingtocookYoumustgohomeandbebornoveragainyoudontknowhowtocookawhalesteakyetBressmysoulifIcooknoderonehegrowledangrilyturningroundtodepartComebackcookherehandmethosetongsnowtakethatbitofsteakthereandtellmeifyouthinkthatsteakcookedasitshouldbeTakeitIsayholdingthetongstowardshimtakeitandtasteitFaintlysmackinghiswitheredlipsoveritforamomenttheoldnegromutteredBestcookedteakIebertastejoosyberryjoosyCooksaidStubbsquaringhimselfoncemoredoyoubelongtothechurchPassedoneonceinCapeDownsaidtheoldmansullenlyAndyouhaveonceinyourlifepassedaholychurchinCapeTownwhereyoudoubtlessoverheardaholyparsonaddressinghishearersashisbelovedfellowcreatureshaveyoucookAndyetyoucomehereandtellmesuchadreadfullieasyoudidjustnowehsaidStubbWheredoyouexpecttogotocookGotobedberrysoonhemumbledhalfturningashespokeAvastheavetoImeanwhenyoudiecookItsanawfulquestionNowwhatsyouranswerWhendisoldbrackmandiessaidthenegroslowlychanginghiswholeairanddemeanorhehisselfwontgonowherebutsomebressedangelwillcomeandfetchhimFetchhimHowInacoachandfourastheyfetchedElijahAndfetchhimwhereUpderesaidFleeceholdinghistongsstraightoverhisheadandkeepingitthereverysolemnlySothenyouexpecttogoupintoourmaintopdoyoucookwhenyouaredeadButdontyouknowthehigheryouclimbthecolderitgetsMaintopehDidntsaydattallsaidFleeceagaininthesulksYousaiduptheredidntyouandnowlookyourselfandseewhereyourtongsarepointingButperhapsyouexpecttogetintoheavenbycrawlingthroughthelubbersholecookbutnonocookyoudontgetthereexceptyougotheregularwayroundbytheriggingItsaticklishbusinessbutmustbedoneorelseitsnogoButnoneofusareinheavenyetDropyourtongscookandhearmyordersDoyehearHoldyourhatinonehandandclaptotheratopofyourheartwhenImgivingmyorderscookWhatthatyourhearttherethatsyourgizzardAloftaloftthatsitnowyouhaveitHoldittherenowandpayattentionAlldentionsaidtheoldblackwithbothhandsplacedasdesiredvainlywrigglinghisgrizzledheadasiftogetbothearsinfrontatoneandthesametimeWellthencookyouseethiswhalesteakofyourswassoverybadthatIhaveputitoutofsightassoonaspossibleyouseethatdontyouWellforthefuturewhenyoucookanotherwhalesteakformyprivatetableherethecapstanIlltellyouwhattodosoasnottospoilitbyoverdoingHoldthesteakinonehandandshowalivecoaltoitwiththeotherthatdonedishitdyehearAndnowtomorrowcookwhenwearecuttinginthefishbesureyoustandbytogetthetipsofhisfinshavethemputinpickleAsfortheendsoftheflukeshavethemsousedcookTherenowyemaygoButFleecehadhardlygotthreepacesoffwhenhewasrecalledCookgivemecutletsforsuppertomorrownightinthemidwatchDyehearawayyousailthenHalloastopmakeabowbeforeyougoAvastheavingagainWhaleballsforbreakfastdontforgetWishbygorwhaleeathimsteadofhimeatwhaleImbressedifheaintmoreofsharkdanMassaSharkhisselfmutteredtheoldmanlimpingawaywithwhichsageejaculationhewenttohishammockCHAPTER65TheWhaleasaDishThatmortalmanshouldfeeduponthecreaturethatfeedshislampandlikeStubbeathimbyhisownlightasyoumaysaythisseemssooutlandishathingthatonemustneedsgoalittleintothehistoryandphilosophyofitItisuponrecordthatthreecenturiesagothetongueoftheRightWhalewasesteemedagreatdelicacyinFranceandcommandedlargepricesthereAlsothatinHenryVIIIthstimeacertaincookofthecourtobtainedahandsomerewardforinventinganadmirablesaucetobeeatenwithbarbacuedporpoiseswhichyourememberareaspeciesofwhalePorpoisesindeedaretothisdayconsideredfineeatingThemeatismadeintoballsaboutthesizeofbilliardballsandbeingwellseasonedandspicedmightbetakenforturtleballsorvealballsTheoldmonksofDunfermlinewereveryfondofthemTheyhadagreatporpoisegrantfromthecrownThefactisthatamonghishuntersatleastthewhalewouldbyallhandsbeconsideredanobledishweretherenotsomuchofhimbutwhenyoucometositdownbeforeameatpienearlyonehundredfeetlongittakesawayyourappetiteOnlythemostunprejudicedofmenlikeStubbnowadayspartakeofcookedwhalesbuttheEsquimauxarenotsofastidiousWeallknowhowtheyliveuponwhalesandhaverareoldvintagesofprimeoldtrainoilZograndaoneoftheirmostfamousdoctorsrecommendsstripsofblubberforinfantsasbeingexceedinglyjuicyandnourishingAndthisremindsmethatcertainEnglishmenwholongagowereaccidentallyleftinGreenlandbyawhalingvesselthatthesemenactuallylivedforseveralmonthsonthemouldyscrapsofwhaleswhichhadbeenleftashoreaftertryingouttheblubberAmongtheDutchwhalementhesescrapsarecalledfritterswhichindeedtheygreatlyresemblebeingbrownandcrispandsmellingsomethinglikeoldAmsterdamhousewivesdoughnutsorolycookswhenfreshTheyhavesuchaneatablelookthatthemostselfdenyingstrangercanhardlykeephishandsoffButwhatfurtherdepreciatesthewhaleasacivilizeddishishisexceedingrichnessHeisthegreatprizeoxoftheseatoofattobedelicatelygoodLookathishumpwhichwouldbeasfineeatingasthebuffaloswhichisesteemedararedishwereitnotsuchasolidpyramidoffatButthespermacetiitselfhowblandandcreamythatislikethetransparenthalfjelliedwhitemeatofacocoanutinthethirdmonthofitsgrowthyetfartoorichtosupplyasubstituteforbutterNeverthelessmanywhalemenhaveamethodofabsorbingitintosomeothersubstanceandthenpartakingofitInthelongtrywatchesofthenightitisacommonthingfortheseamentodiptheirshipbiscuitintothehugeoilpotsandletthemfrythereawhileManyagoodsupperhaveIthusmadeInthecaseofasmallSpermWhalethebrainsareaccountedafinedishThecasketoftheskullisbrokenintowithanaxeandthetwoplumpwhitishlobesbeingwithdrawnpreciselyresemblingtwolargepuddingstheyarethenmixedwithflourandcookedintoamostdelectablemessinflavorsomewhatresemblingcalvesheadwhichisquiteadishamongsomeepicuresandeveryoneknowsthatsomeyoungbucksamongtheepicuresbycontinuallydininguponcalvesbrainsbyandbygettohavealittlebrainsoftheirownsoastobeabletotellacalfsheadfromtheirownheadswhichindeedrequiresuncommondiscriminationAndthatisthereasonwhyayoungbuckwithanintelligentlookingcalfsheadbeforehimissomehowoneofthesaddestsightsyoucanseeTheheadlooksasortofreproachfullyathimwithanEttuBruteexpressionItisnotperhapsentirelybecausethewhaleissoexcessivelyunctuousthatlandsmenseemtoregardtheeatingofhimwithabhorrencethatappearstoresultinsomewayfromtheconsiderationbeforementionediethatamanshouldeatanewlymurderedthingoftheseaandeatittoobyitsownlightButnodoubtthefirstmanthatevermurderedanoxwasregardedasamurdererperhapshewashungandifhehadbeenputonhistrialbyoxenhecertainlywouldhavebeenandhecertainlydeserveditifanymurdererdoesGotothemeatmarketofaSaturdaynightandseethecrowdsoflivebipedsstaringupatthelongrowsofdeadquadrupedsDoesnotthatsighttakeatoothoutofthecannibalsjawCannibalswhoisnotacannibalItellyouitwillbemoretolerablefortheFejeethatsalteddownaleanmissionaryinhiscellaragainstacomingfamineitwillbemoretolerableforthatprovidentFejeeIsayinthedayofjudgmentthanfortheecivilizedandenlightenedgourmandwhonailestgeesetothegroundandfeastestontheirbloatedliversinthypatdefoiegrasButStubbheeatsthewhalebyitsownlightdoesheandthatisaddinginsulttoinjuryisitLookatyourknifehandletheremycivilizedandenlightenedgourmanddiningoffthatroastbeefwhatisthathandlemadeofwhatbutthebonesofthebrotheroftheveryoxyouareeatingAndwhatdoyoupickyourteethwithafterdevouringthatfatgooseWithafeatherofthesamefowlAndwithwhatquilldidtheSecretaryoftheSocietyfortheSuppressionofCrueltytoGandersformallyinditehiscircularsItisonlywithinthelastmonthortwothatthatsocietypassedaresolutiontopatronizenothingbutsteelpensCHAPTER66TheSharkMassacreWhenintheSouthernFisheryacapturedSpermWhaleafterlongandwearytoilisbroughtalongsidelateatnightitisnotasageneralthingatleastcustomarytoproceedatoncetothebusinessofcuttinghiminForthatbusinessisanexceedinglylaboriousoneisnotverysooncompletedandrequiresallhandstosetaboutitThereforethecommonusageistotakeinallsaillashthehelmaleeandthensendeveryonebelowtohishammocktilldaylightwiththereservationthatuntilthattimeanchorwatchesshallbekeptthatistwoandtwoforanhoureachcouplethecrewinrotationshallmountthedecktoseethatallgoeswellButsometimesespeciallyupontheLineinthePacificthisplanwillnotansweratallbecausesuchincalculablehostsofsharksgatherroundthemooredcarcasethatwereheleftsoforsixhourssayonastretchlittlemorethantheskeletonwouldbevisiblebymorningInmostotherpartsoftheoceanhoweverwherethesefishdonotsolargelyaboundtheirwondrousvoracitycanbeattimesconsiderablydiminishedbyvigorouslystirringthemupwithsharpwhalingspadesaprocedurenotwithstandingwhichinsomeinstancesonlyseemstoticklethemintostillgreateractivityButitwasnotthusinthepresentcasewiththePequodssharksthoughtobesureanymanunaccustomedtosuchsightstohavelookedoverhersidethatnightwouldhavealmostthoughtthewholeroundseawasonehugecheeseandthosesharksthemaggotsinitNeverthelessuponStubbsettingtheanchorwatchafterhissupperwasconcludedandwhenaccordinglyQueequegandaforecastleseamancameondecknosmallexcitementwascreatedamongthesharksforimmediatelysuspendingthecuttingstagesoverthesideandloweringthreelanternssothattheycastlonggleamsoflightovertheturbidseathesetwomarinersdartingtheirlongwhalingspadeskeptupanincessantmurderingofthesharksbystrikingthekeensteeldeepintotheirskullsseeminglytheironlyvitalpartButinthefoamyconfusionoftheirmixedandstrugglinghoststhemarksmencouldnotalwayshittheirmarkandthisbroughtaboutnewrevelationsoftheincredibleferocityofthefoeTheyviciouslysnappednotonlyateachothersdisembowelmentsbutlikeflexiblebowsbentroundandbittheirowntillthoseentrailsseemedswallowedoverandoveragainbythesamemouthtobeoppositelyvoidedbythegapingwoundNorwasthisallItwasunsafetomeddlewiththecorpsesandghostsofthesecreaturesAsortofgenericorPantheisticvitalityseemedtolurkintheirveryjointsandbonesafterwhatmightbecalledtheindividuallifehaddepartedKilledandhoistedondeckforthesakeofhisskinoneofthesesharksalmosttookpoorQueequegshandoffwhenhetriedtoshutdownthedeadlidofhismurderousjawThewhalingspadeusedforcuttinginismadeoftheverybeststeelisaboutthebignessofamansspreadhandandingeneralshapecorrespondstothegardenimplementafterwhichitisnamedonlyitssidesareperfectlyflatanditsupperendconsiderablynarrowerthanthelowerThisweaponisalwayskeptassharpaspossibleandwhenbeingusedisoccasionallyhonedjustlikearazorInitssocketastiffpolefromtwentytothirtyfeetlongisinsertedforahandleQueequegnocarewhatgodmadehimsharksaidthesavageagonizinglyliftinghishandupanddownwedderFejeegodorNantucketgodbutdegodwatmadesharkmustbeonedamInginCHAPTER67CuttingInItwasaSaturdaynightandsuchaSabbathasfollowedExofficioprofessorsofSabbathbreakingareallwhalemenTheivoryPequodwasturnedintowhatseemedashambleeverysailorabutcherYouwouldhavethoughtwewereofferinguptenthousandredoxentotheseagodsInthefirstplacetheenormouscuttingtacklesamongotherponderousthingscomprisingaclusterofblocksgenerallypaintedgreenandwhichnosinglemancanpossiblyliftthisvastbunchofgrapeswasswayeduptothemaintopandfirmlylashedtothelowermastheadthestrongestpointanywhereaboveashipsdeckTheendofthehawserlikeropewindingthroughtheseintricacieswasthenconductedtothewindlassandthehugelowerblockofthetackleswasswungoverthewhaletothisblockthegreatblubberhookweighingsomeonehundredpoundswasattachedAndnowsuspendedinstagesoverthesideStarbuckandStubbthematesarmedwiththeirlongspadesbegancuttingaholeinthebodyfortheinsertionofthehookjustabovethenearestofthetwosidefinsThisdoneabroadsemicircularlineiscutroundtheholethehookisinsertedandthemainbodyofthecrewstrikingupawildchorusnowcommenceheavinginonedensecrowdatthewindlassWheninstantlytheentireshipcareensoveronhersideeveryboltinherstartslikethenailheadsofanoldhouseinfrostyweathershetremblesquiversandnodsherfrightedmastheadstotheskyMoreandmoresheleansovertothewhalewhileeverygaspingheaveofthewindlassisansweredbyahelpingheavefromthebillowstillatlastaswiftstartlingsnapisheardwithagreatswashtheshiprollsupwardsandbackwardsfromthewhaleandthetriumphanttacklerisesintosightdraggingafteritthedisengagedsemicircularendofthefirststripofblubberNowastheblubberenvelopesthewhalepreciselyastherinddoesanorangesoisitstrippedofffromthebodypreciselyasanorangeissometimesstrippedbyspiralizingitForthestrainconstantlykeptupbythewindlasscontinuallykeepsthewhalerollingoverandoverinthewaterandastheblubberinonestripuniformlypeelsoffalongthelinecalledthescarfsimultaneouslycutbythespadesofStarbuckandStubbthematesandjustasfastasitisthuspeeledoffandindeedbythatveryactitselfitisallthetimebeinghoistedhigherandhigheralofttillitsupperendgrazesthemaintopthemenatthewindlassthenceaseheavingandforamomentortwotheprodigiousblooddrippingmassswaystoandfroasifletdownfromtheskyandeveryonepresentmusttakegoodheedtododgeitwhenitswingselseitmayboxhisearsandpitchhimheadlongoverboardOneoftheattendingharpooneersnowadvanceswithalongkeenweaponcalledaboardingswordandwatchinghischancehedexterouslyslicesoutaconsiderableholeinthelowerpartoftheswayingmassIntothisholetheendofthesecondalternatinggreattackleisthenhookedsoastoretainaholdupontheblubberinordertoprepareforwhatfollowsWhereuponthisaccomplishedswordsmanwarningallhandstostandoffoncemoremakesascientificdashatthemassandwithafewsidelongdesperatelungingslicingsseversitcompletelyintwainsothatwhiletheshortlowerpartisstillfastthelongupperstripcalledablanketpieceswingsclearandisallreadyforloweringTheheaversforwardnowresumetheirsongandwhiletheonetackleispeelingandhoistingasecondstripfromthewhaletheotherisslowlyslackenedawayanddowngoesthefirststripthroughthemainhatchwayrightbeneathintoanunfurnishedparlorcalledtheblubberroomIntothistwilightapartmentsundrynimblehandskeepcoilingawaythelongblanketpieceasifitwereagreatlivemassofplaitedserpentsAndthustheworkproceedsthetwotackleshoistingandloweringsimultaneouslybothwhaleandwindlassheavingtheheaverssingingtheblubberroomgentlemencoilingthematesscarfingtheshipstrainingandallhandsswearingoccasionallybywayofassuagingthegeneralfrictionCHAPTER68TheBlanketIhavegivennosmallattentiontothatnotunvexedsubjecttheskinofthewhaleIhavehadcontroversiesaboutitwithexperiencedwhalemenafloatandlearnednaturalistsashoreMyoriginalopinionremainsunchangedbutitisonlyanopinionThequestioniswhatandwhereistheskinofthewhaleAlreadyyouknowwhathisblubberisThatblubberissomethingoftheconsistenceoffirmclosegrainedbeefbuttoughermoreelasticandcompactandrangesfromeightortentotwelveandfifteeninchesinthicknessNowhoweverpreposterousitmayatfirstseemtotalkofanycreaturesskinasbeingofthatsortofconsistenceandthicknessyetinpointoffactthesearenoargumentsagainstsuchapresumptionbecauseyoucannotraiseanyotherdenseenvelopinglayerfromthewhalesbodybutthatsameblubberandtheoutermostenvelopinglayerofanyanimalifreasonablydensewhatcanthatbebuttheskinTruefromtheunmarreddeadbodyofthewhaleyoumayscrapeoffwithyourhandaninfinitelythintransparentsubstancesomewhatresemblingthethinnestshredsofisinglassonlyitisalmostasflexibleandsoftassatinthatisprevioustobeingdriedwhenitnotonlycontractsandthickensbutbecomesratherhardandbrittleIhaveseveralsuchdriedbitswhichIuseformarksinmywhalebooksItistransparentasIsaidbeforeandbeinglaidupontheprintedpageIhavesometimespleasedmyselfwithfancyingitexertedamagnifyinginfluenceAtanyrateitispleasanttoreadaboutwhalesthroughtheirownspectaclesasyoumaysayButwhatIamdrivingathereisthisThatsameinfinitelythinisinglasssubstancewhichIadmitinveststheentirebodyofthewhaleisnotsomuchtoberegardedastheskinofthecreatureastheskinoftheskinsotospeakforitweresimplyridiculoustosaythattheproperskinofthetremendouswhaleisthinnerandmoretenderthantheskinofanewbornchildButnomoreofthisAssumingtheblubbertobetheskinofthewhalethenwhenthisskinasinthecaseofaverylargeSpermWhalewillyieldthebulkofonehundredbarrelsofoilandwhenitisconsideredthatinquantityorratherweightthatoilinitsexpressedstateisonlythreefourthsandnottheentiresubstanceofthecoatsomeideamayhencebehadoftheenormousnessofthatanimatedmassamerepartofwhosemereintegumentyieldssuchalakeofliquidasthatReckoningtenbarrelstothetonyouhavetentonsforthenetweightofonlythreequartersofthestuffofthewhalesskinInlifethevisiblesurfaceoftheSpermWhaleisnottheleastamongthemanymarvelshepresentsAlmostinvariablyitisalloverobliquelycrossedandrecrossedwithnumberlessstraightmarksinthickarraysomethinglikethoseinthefinestItalianlineengravingsButthesemarksdonotseemtobeimpressedupontheisinglasssubstanceabovementionedbutseemtobeseenthroughitasiftheywereengraveduponthebodyitselfNoristhisallInsomeinstancestothequickobservanteyethoselinearmarksasinaveritableengravingbutaffordthegroundforfarotherdelineationsThesearehieroglyphicalthatisifyoucallthosemysteriouscyphersonthewallsofpyramidshieroglyphicsthenthatistheproperwordtouseinthepresentconnexionBymyretentivememoryofthehieroglyphicsupononeSpermWhaleinparticularIwasmuchstruckwithaplaterepresentingtheoldIndiancharacterschiselledonthefamoushieroglyphicpalisadesonthebanksoftheUpperMississippiLikethosemysticrockstoothemysticmarkedwhaleremainsundecipherableThisallusiontotheIndianrocksremindsmeofanotherthingBesidesalltheotherphenomenawhichtheexterioroftheSpermWhalepresentshenotseldomdisplaysthebackandmoreespeciallyhisflankseffacedingreatpartoftheregularlinearappearancebyreasonofnumerousrudescratchesaltogetherofanirregularrandomaspectIshouldsaythatthoseNewEnglandrocksontheseacoastwhichAgassizimaginestobearthemarksofviolentscrapingcontactwithvastfloatingicebergsIshouldsaythatthoserocksmustnotalittleresembletheSpermWhaleinthisparticularItalsoseemstomethatsuchscratchesinthewhaleareprobablymadebyhostilecontactwithotherwhalesforIhavemostremarkedtheminthelargefullgrownbullsofthespeciesAwordortwomoreconcerningthismatteroftheskinorblubberofthewhaleIthasalreadybeensaidthatitisstriptfromhiminlongpiecescalledblanketpiecesLikemostseatermsthisoneisveryhappyandsignificantForthewhaleisindeedwraptupinhisblubberasinarealblanketorcounterpaneorstillbetteranIndianponchosliptoverhisheadandskirtinghisextremityItisbyreasonofthiscosyblanketingofhisbodythatthewhaleisenabledtokeephimselfcomfortableinallweathersinallseastimesandtidesWhatwouldbecomeofaGreenlandwhalesayinthoseshudderingicyseasoftheNorthifunsuppliedwithhiscosysurtoutTrueotherfisharefoundexceedinglybriskinthoseHyperboreanwatersbutthesebeitobservedareyourcoldbloodedlunglessfishwhoseverybelliesarerefrigeratorscreaturesthatwarmthemselvesundertheleeofanicebergasatravellerinwinterwouldbaskbeforeaninnfirewhereaslikemanthewhalehaslungsandwarmbloodFreezehisbloodandhediesHowwonderfulisitthenexceptafterexplanationthatthisgreatmonstertowhomcorporealwarmthisasindispensableasitistomanhowwonderfulthatheshouldbefoundathomeimmersedtohislipsforlifeinthoseArcticwaterswherewhenseamenfalloverboardtheyaresometimesfoundmonthsafterwardsperpendicularlyfrozenintotheheartsoffieldsoficeasaflyisfoundgluedinamberButmoresurprisingisittoknowashasbeenprovedbyexperimentthatthebloodofaPolarwhaleiswarmerthanthatofaBorneonegroinsummerItdoesseemtomethathereinweseetherarevirtueofastrongindividualvitalityandtherarevirtueofthickwallsandtherarevirtueofinteriorspaciousnessOhmanadmireandmodelthyselfafterthewhaleDothoutooremainwarmamongiceDothoutooliveinthisworldwithoutbeingofitBecoolattheequatorkeepthybloodfluidatthePoleLikethegreatdomeofStPetersandlikethegreatwhaleretainOmaninallseasonsatemperatureofthineownButhoweasyandhowhopelesstoteachthesefinethingsOferectionshowfewaredomedlikeStPetersofcreatureshowfewvastasthewhaleCHAPTER69TheFuneralHaulinthechainsLetthecarcasegoasternThevasttackleshavenowdonetheirdutyThepeeledwhitebodyofthebeheadedwhaleflasheslikeamarblesepulchrethoughchangedinhueithasnotperceptiblylostanythinginbulkItisstillcolossalSlowlyitfloatsmoreandmoreawaythewaterroundittornandsplashedbytheinsatiatesharksandtheairabovevexedwithrapaciousflightsofscreamingfowlswhosebeaksarelikesomanyinsultingponiardsinthewhaleThevastwhiteheadlessphantomfloatsfurtherandfurtherfromtheshipandeveryrodthatitsofloatswhatseemsquareroodsofsharksandcubicroodsoffowlsaugmentthemurderousdinForhoursandhoursfromthealmoststationaryshipthathideoussightisseenBeneaththeuncloudedandmildazureskyuponthefairfaceofthepleasantseawaftedbythejoyousbreezesthatgreatmassofdeathfloatsonandontilllostininfiniteperspectivesTheresamostdolefulandmostmockingfuneralTheseavulturesallinpiousmourningtheairsharksallpunctiliouslyinblackorspeckledInlifebutfewofthemwouldhavehelpedthewhaleIweenifperadventurehehadneededitbutuponthebanquetofhisfuneraltheymostpiouslydopounceOhhorriblevultureismofearthfromwhichnotthemightiestwhaleisfreeNoristhistheendDesecratedasthebodyisavengefulghostsurvivesandhoversoverittoscareEspiedbysometimidmanofwarorblunderingdiscoveryvesselfromafarwhenthedistanceobscuringtheswarmingfowlsneverthelessstillshowsthewhitemassfloatinginthesunandthewhitesprayheavinghighagainstitstraightwaythewhalesunharmingcorpsewithtremblingfingersissetdowninthelogshoalsrocksandbreakershereaboutsbewareAndforyearsafterwardsperhapsshipsshuntheplaceleapingoveritassillysheepleapoveravacuumbecausetheirleaderoriginallyleapedtherewhenastickwasheldTheresyourlawofprecedentstheresyourutilityoftraditionstheresthestoryofyourobstinatesurvivalofoldbeliefsneverbottomedontheearthandnownotevenhoveringintheairTheresorthodoxyThuswhileinlifethegreatwhalesbodymayhavebeenarealterrortohisfoesinhisdeathhisghostbecomesapowerlesspanictoaworldAreyouabelieveringhostsmyfriendThereareotherghoststhantheCockLaneoneandfardeepermenthanDoctorJohnsonwhobelieveinthemCHAPTER70TheSphynxItshouldnothavebeenomittedthatprevioustocompletelystrippingthebodyoftheleviathanhewasbeheadedNowthebeheadingoftheSpermWhaleisascientificanatomicalfeatuponwhichexperiencedwhalesurgeonsverymuchpridethemselvesandnotwithoutreasonConsiderthatthewhalehasnothingthatcanproperlybecalledaneckonthecontrarywherehisheadandbodyseemtojointhereinthatveryplaceisthethickestpartofhimRememberalsothatthesurgeonmustoperatefromabovesomeeightortenfeetinterveningbetweenhimandhissubjectandthatsubjectalmosthiddeninadiscolouredrollingandoftentimestumultuousandburstingseaBearinmindtoothatundertheseuntowardcircumstanceshehastocutmanyfeetdeepinthefleshandinthatsubterraneousmannerwithoutsomuchasgettingonesinglepeepintotheevercontractinggashthusmadehemustskilfullysteerclearofalladjacentinterdictedpartsandexactlydividethespineatacriticalpointhardbyitsinsertionintotheskullDoyounotmarvelthenatStubbsboastthathedemandedbuttenminutestobeheadaspermwhaleWhenfirstseveredtheheadisdroppedasternandheldtherebyacabletillthebodyisstrippedThatdoneifitbelongtoasmallwhaleitishoistedondecktobedeliberatelydisposedofButwithafullgrownleviathanthisisimpossibleforthespermwhalesheadembracesnearlyonethirdofhisentirebulkandcompletelytosuspendsuchaburdenasthatevenbytheimmensetacklesofawhalerthiswereasvainathingastoattemptweighingaDutchbarninjewellersscalesThePequodswhalebeingdecapitatedandthebodystrippedtheheadwashoistedagainsttheshipssideabouthalfwayoutoftheseasothatitmightyetingreatpartbebuoyedupbyitsnativeelementAndtherewiththestrainedcraftsteeplyleaningovertoitbyreasonoftheenormousdownwarddragfromthelowermastheadandeveryyardarmonthatsideprojectinglikeacraneoverthewavestherethatblooddrippingheadhungtothePequodswaistlikethegiantHolofernessfromthegirdleofJudithWhenthislasttaskwasaccomplisheditwasnoonandtheseamenwentbelowtotheirdinnerSilencereignedoverthebeforetumultuousbutnowdeserteddeckAnintensecoppercalmlikeauniversalyellowlotuswasmoreandmoreunfoldingitsnoiselessmeasurelessleavesupontheseaAshortspaceelapsedandupintothisnoiselessnesscameAhabalonefromhiscabinTakingafewturnsonthequarterdeckhepausedtogazeoverthesidethenslowlygettingintothemainchainshetookStubbslongspadestillremainingthereafterthewhalesdecapitationandstrikingitintothelowerpartofthehalfsuspendedmassplaceditsotherendcrutchwiseunderonearmandsostoodleaningoverwitheyesattentivelyfixedonthisheadItwasablackandhoodedheadandhangingthereinthemidstofsointenseacalmitseemedtheSphynxsinthedesertSpeakthouvastandvenerableheadmutteredAhabwhichthoughungarnishedwithabeardyethereandtherelookesthoarywithmossesspeakmightyheadandtellusthesecretthingthatisintheeOfalldiversthouhastdivedthedeepestThatheaduponwhichtheuppersunnowgleamshasmovedamidthisworldsfoundationsWhereunrecordednamesandnaviesrustanduntoldhopesandanchorsrotwhereinhermurderousholdthisfrigateearthisballastedwithbonesofmillionsofthedrownedthereinthatawfulwaterlandtherewasthymostfamiliarhomeThouhastbeenwherebellordiverneverwenthastsleptbymanyasailorssidewheresleeplessmotherswouldgivetheirlivestolaythemdownThousawstthelockedloverswhenleapingfromtheirflamingshiphearttohearttheysankbeneaththeexultingwavetruetoeachotherwhenheavenseemedfalsetothemThousawstthemurderedmatewhentossedbypiratesfromthemidnightdeckforhourshefellintothedeepermidnightoftheinsatiatemawandhismurderersstillsailedonunharmedwhileswiftlightningsshiveredtheneighboringshipthatwouldhavebornearighteoushusbandtooutstretchedlongingarmsOheadthouhastseenenoughtosplittheplanetsandmakeaninfidelofAbrahamandnotonesyllableisthineSailhocriedatriumphantvoicefromthemainmastheadAyeWellnowthatscheeringcriedAhabsuddenlyerectinghimselfwhilewholethundercloudssweptasidefromhisbrowThatlivelycryuponthisdeadlycalmmightalmostconvertabettermanWhereawayThreepointsonthestarboardbowsirandbringingdownherbreezetousBetterandbettermanWouldnowStPaulwouldcomealongthatwayandtomybreezelessnessbringhisbreezeONatureandOsoulofmanhowfarbeyondallutteranceareyourlinkedanalogiesnotthesmallestatomstirsorlivesonmatterbuthasitscunningduplicateinmindCHAPTER71TheJeroboamsStoryHandinhandshipandbreezeblewonbutthebreezecamefasterthantheshipandsoonthePequodbegantorockByandbythroughtheglassthestrangersboatsandmannedmastheadsprovedherawhaleshipButasshewassofartowindwardandshootingbyapparentlymakingapassagetosomeothergroundthePequodcouldnothopetoreachherSothesignalwassettoseewhatresponsewouldbemadeHerebeitsaidthatlikethevesselsofmilitarymarinestheshipsoftheAmericanWhaleFleethaveeachaprivatesignalallwhichsignalsbeingcollectedinabookwiththenamesoftherespectivevesselsattachedeverycaptainisprovidedwithitTherebythewhalecommandersareenabledtorecogniseeachotherupontheoceanevenatconsiderabledistancesandwithnosmallfacilityThePequodssignalwasatlastrespondedtobythestrangerssettingherownwhichprovedtheshiptobetheJeroboamofNantucketSquaringheryardssheboredownrangedabeamunderthePequodsleeandloweredaboatitsoondrewnighbutasthesideladderwasbeingriggedbyStarbucksordertoaccommodatethevisitingcaptainthestrangerinquestionwavedhishandfromhisboatssternintokenofthatproceedingbeingentirelyunnecessaryItturnedoutthattheJeroboamhadamalignantepidemiconboardandthatMayhewhercaptainwasfearfulofinfectingthePequodscompanyForthoughhimselfandboatscrewremaineduntaintedandthoughhisshipwashalfarifleshotoffandanincorruptibleseaandairrollingandflowingbetweenyetconscientiouslyadheringtothetimidquarantineofthelandheperemptorilyrefusedtocomeintodirectcontactwiththePequodButthisdidbynomeanspreventallcommunicationsPreservinganintervalofsomefewyardsbetweenitselfandtheshiptheJeroboamsboatbytheoccasionaluseofitsoarscontrivedtokeepparalleltothePequodassheheavilyforgedthroughtheseaforbythistimeitblewveryfreshwithhermaintopsailabackthoughindeedattimesbythesuddenonsetofalargerollingwavetheboatwouldbepushedsomewayaheadbutwouldbesoonskilfullybroughttoherproperbearingsagainSubjecttothisandotherthelikeinterruptionsnowandthenaconversationwassustainedbetweenthetwopartiesbutatintervalsnotwithoutstillanotherinterruptionofaverydifferentsortPullinganoarintheJeroboamsboatwasamanofasingularappearanceeveninthatwildwhalinglifewhereindividualnotabilitiesmakeupalltotalitiesHewasasmallshortyoungishmansprinkledalloverhisfacewithfrecklesandwearingredundantyellowhairAlongskirtedcabalisticallycutcoatofafadedwalnuttingeenvelopedhimtheoverlappingsleevesofwhichwererolleduponhiswristsAdeepsettledfanaticdeliriumwasinhiseyesSosoonasthisfigurehadbeenfirstdescriedStubbhadexclaimedThatshethatshethelongtoggedscaramouchtheTownHoscompanytoldusofStubbherealludedtoastrangestorytoldoftheJeroboamandacertainmanamonghercrewsometimepreviouswhenthePequodspoketheTownHoAccordingtothisaccountandwhatwassubsequentlylearneditseemedthatthescaramouchinquestionhadgainedawonderfulascendencyoveralmosteverybodyintheJeroboamHisstorywasthisHehadbeenoriginallynurturedamongthecrazysocietyofNeskyeunaShakerswherehehadbeenagreatprophetintheircrackedsecretmeetingshavingseveraltimesdescendedfromheavenbythewayofatrapdoorannouncingthespeedyopeningoftheseventhvialwhichhecarriedinhisvestpocketbutwhichinsteadofcontaininggunpowderwassupposedtobechargedwithlaudanumAstrangeapostolicwhimhavingseizedhimhehadleftNeskyeunaforNantucketwherewiththatcunningpeculiartocrazinessheassumedasteadycommonsenseexteriorandofferedhimselfasagreenhandcandidatefortheJeroboamswhalingvoyageTheyengagedhimbutstraightwayupontheshipsgettingoutofsightoflandhisinsanitybrokeoutinafreshetHeannouncedhimselfasthearchangelGabrielandcommandedthecaptaintojumpoverboardHepublishedhismanifestowherebyhesethimselfforthasthedelivereroftheislesoftheseaandvicargeneralofallOceanicaTheunflinchingearnestnesswithwhichhedeclaredthesethingsthedarkdaringplayofhissleeplessexcitedimaginationandallthepreternaturalterrorsofrealdeliriumunitedtoinvestthisGabrielinthemindsofthemajorityoftheignorantcrewwithanatmosphereofsacrednessMoreovertheywereafraidofhimAssuchamanhoweverwasnotofmuchpracticaluseintheshipespeciallyasherefusedtoworkexceptwhenhepleasedtheincredulouscaptainwouldfainhavebeenridofhimbutapprisedthatthatindividualsintentionwastolandhiminthefirstconvenientportthearchangelforthwithopenedallhissealsandvialsdevotingtheshipandallhandstounconditionalperditionincasethisintentionwascarriedoutSostronglydidheworkuponhisdisciplesamongthecrewthatatlastinabodytheywenttothecaptainandtoldhimifGabrielwassentfromtheshipnotamanofthemwouldremainHewasthereforeforcedtorelinquishhisplanNorwouldtheypermitGabrieltobeanywaymaltreatedsayordowhathewouldsothatitcametopassthatGabrielhadthecompletefreedomoftheshipTheconsequenceofallthiswasthatthearchangelcaredlittleornothingforthecaptainandmatesandsincetheepidemichadbrokenouthecarriedahigherhandthaneverdeclaringthattheplagueashecalleditwasathissolecommandnorshoulditbestayedbutaccordingtohisgoodpleasureThesailorsmostlypoordevilscringedandsomeofthemfawnedbeforehiminobediencetohisinstructionssometimesrenderinghimpersonalhomageastoagodSuchthingsmayseemincrediblebuthoweverwondroustheyaretrueNoristhehistoryoffanaticshalfsostrikinginrespecttothemeasurelessselfdeceptionofthefanatichimselfashismeasurelesspowerofdeceivingandbedevillingsomanyothersButitistimetoreturntothePequodIfearnotthyepidemicmansaidAhabfromthebulwarkstoCaptainMayhewwhostoodintheboatssterncomeonboardButnowGabrielstartedtohisfeetThinkthinkofthefeversyellowandbiliousBewareofthehorribleplagueGabrielGabrielcriedCaptainMayhewthoumusteitherButthatinstantaheadlongwaveshottheboatfaraheadanditsseethingsdrownedallspeechHastthouseentheWhiteWhaledemandedAhabwhentheboatdriftedbackThinkthinkofthywhaleboatstovenandsunkBewareofthehorribletailItelltheeagainGabrielthatButagaintheboattoreaheadasifdraggedbyfiendsNothingwassaidforsomemomentswhileasuccessionofriotouswavesrolledbywhichbyoneofthoseoccasionalcapricesoftheseasweretumblingnotheavingitMeantimethehoistedspermwhalesheadjoggedaboutveryviolentlyandGabrielwasseeneyeingitwithrathermoreapprehensivenessthanhisarchangelnatureseemedtowarrantWhenthisinterludewasoverCaptainMayhewbeganadarkstoryconcerningMobyDicknothoweverwithoutfrequentinterruptionsfromGabrielwheneverhisnamewasmentionedandthecrazyseathatseemedleaguedwithhimItseemedthattheJeroboamhadnotlonglefthomewhenuponspeakingawhaleshipherpeoplewerereliablyapprisedoftheexistenceofMobyDickandthehavochehadmadeGreedilysuckinginthisintelligenceGabrielsolemnlywarnedthecaptainagainstattackingtheWhiteWhaleincasethemonstershouldbeseeninhisgibberinginsanitypronouncingtheWhiteWhaletobenolessabeingthantheShakerGodincarnatedtheShakersreceivingtheBibleButwhensomeyearortwoafterwardsMobyDickwasfairlysightedfromthemastheadsMaceythechiefmateburnedwithardourtoencounterhimandthecaptainhimselfbeingnotunwillingtolethimhavetheopportunitydespiteallthearchangelsdenunciationsandforewarningsMaceysucceededinpersuadingfivementomanhisboatWiththemhepushedoffandaftermuchwearypullingandmanyperilousunsuccessfulonsetsheatlastsucceededingettingoneironfastMeantimeGabrielascendingtothemainroyalmastheadwastossingonearminfranticgesturesandhurlingforthpropheciesofspeedydoomtothesacrilegiousassailantsofhisdivinityNowwhileMaceythematewasstandingupinhisboatsbowandwithalltherecklessenergyofhistribewasventinghiswildexclamationsuponthewhaleandessayingtogetafairchanceforhispoisedlanceloabroadwhiteshadowrosefromtheseabyitsquickfanningmotiontemporarilytakingthebreathoutofthebodiesoftheoarsmenNextinstantthelucklessmatesofulloffuriouslifewassmittenbodilyintotheairandmakingalongarcinhisdescentfellintotheseaatthedistanceofaboutfiftyyardsNotachipoftheboatwasharmednorahairofanyoarsmansheadbutthemateforeversankItiswelltoparenthesizeherethatofthefatalaccidentsintheSpermWhaleFisherythiskindisperhapsalmostasfrequentasanySometimesnothingisinjuredbutthemanwhoisthusannihilatedoftenertheboatsbowisknockedofforthethighboardinwhichtheheadsmanstandsistornfromitsplaceandaccompaniesthebodyButstrangestofallisthecircumstancethatinmoreinstancesthanonewhenthebodyhasbeenrecoverednotasinglemarkofviolenceisdiscerniblethemanbeingstarkdeadThewholecalamitywiththefallingformofMaceywasplainlydescriedfromtheshipRaisingapiercingshriekThevialthevialGabrielcalledofftheterrorstrickencrewfromthefurtherhuntingofthewhaleThisterribleeventclothedthearchangelwithaddedinfluencebecausehiscredulousdisciplesbelievedthathehadspecificallyforeannounceditinsteadofonlymakingageneralprophecywhichanyonemighthavedoneandsohavechancedtohitoneofmanymarksinthewidemarginallowedHebecameanamelessterrortotheshipMayhewhavingconcludedhisnarrationAhabputsuchquestionstohimthatthestrangercaptaincouldnotforbearinquiringwhetherheintendedtohunttheWhiteWhaleifopportunityshouldofferTowhichAhabansweredAyeStraightwaythenGabrieloncemorestartedtohisfeetglaringupontheoldmanandvehementlyexclaimedwithdownwardpointedfingerThinkthinkoftheblasphemerdeadanddowntherebewareoftheblasphemersendAhabstolidlyturnedasidethensaidtoMayhewCaptainIhavejustbethoughtmeofmyletterbagthereisaletterforoneofthyofficersifImistakenotStarbucklookoverthebagEverywhaleshiptakesoutagoodlynumberoflettersforvariousshipswhosedeliverytothepersonstowhomtheymaybeaddresseddependsuponthemerechanceofencounteringtheminthefouroceansThusmostlettersneverreachtheirmarkandmanyareonlyreceivedafterattaininganageoftwoorthreeyearsormoreSoonStarbuckreturnedwithaletterinhishandItwassorelytumbleddampandcoveredwithadullspottedgreenmouldinconsequenceofbeingkeptinadarklockerofthecabinOfsuchaletterDeathhimselfmightwellhavebeenthepostboyCanstnotreaditcriedAhabGiveitmemanAyeayeitsbutadimscrawlwhatsthisAshewasstudyingitoutStarbucktookalongcuttingspadepoleandwithhisknifeslightlysplittheendtoinserttheletterthereandinthatwayhandittotheboatwithoutitscominganyclosertotheshipMeantimeAhabholdingthelettermutteredMrHaryesMrHarryawomanspinnyhandthemanswifeIllwagerAyeMrHarryMaceyShipJeroboamwhyitsMaceyandhesdeadPoorfellowpoorfellowandfromhiswifesighedMayhewbutletmehaveitNaykeepitthyselfcriedGabrieltoAhabthouartsoongoingthatwayCursesthrottletheeyelledAhabCaptainMayhewstandbynowtoreceiveitandtakingthefatalmissivefromStarbuckshandshecaughtitintheslitofthepoleandreacheditovertowardstheboatButashedidsotheoarsmenexpectantlydesistedfromrowingtheboatdriftedalittletowardstheshipssternsothatasifbymagicthelettersuddenlyrangedalongwithGabrielseagerhandHeclutcheditinaninstantseizedtheboatknifeandimpalingtheletteronitsentitthusloadedbackintotheshipItfellatAhabsfeetThenGabrielshriekedouttohiscomradestogivewaywiththeiroarsandinthatmannerthemutinousboatrapidlyshotawayfromthePequodAsafterthisinterludetheseamenresumedtheirworkuponthejacketofthewhalemanystrangethingswerehintedinreferencetothiswildaffairCHAPTER72TheMonkeyRopeInthetumultuousbusinessofcuttinginandattendingtoawhalethereismuchrunningbackwardsandforwardsamongthecrewNowhandsarewantedhereandthenagainhandsarewantedthereThereisnostayinginanyoneplaceforatoneandthesametimeeverythinghastobedoneeverywhereItismuchthesamewithhimwhoendeavorsthedescriptionofthesceneWemustnowretraceourwayalittleItwasmentionedthatuponfirstbreakinggroundinthewhalesbacktheblubberhookwasinsertedintotheoriginalholetherecutbythespadesofthematesButhowdidsoclumsyandweightyamassasthatsamehookgetfixedinthatholeItwasinsertedtherebymyparticularfriendQueequegwhosedutyitwasasharpooneertodescenduponthemonstersbackforthespecialpurposereferredtoButinverymanycasescircumstancesrequirethattheharpooneershallremainonthewhaletillthewholeflensingorstrippingoperationisconcludedThewhalebeitobservedliesalmostentirelysubmergedexceptingtheimmediatepartsoperateduponSodowntheresometenfeetbelowthelevelofthedeckthepoorharpooneerfloundersabouthalfonthewhaleandhalfinthewaterasthevastmassrevolveslikeatreadmillbeneathhimOntheoccasioninquestionQueequegfiguredintheHighlandcostumeashirtandsocksinwhichtomyeyesatleastheappearedtouncommonadvantageandnoonehadabetterchancetoobservehimaswillpresentlybeseenBeingthesavagesbowsmanthatisthepersonwhopulledthebowoarinhisboatthesecondonefromforwarditwasmycheerfuldutytoattenduponhimwhiletakingthathardscrabblescrambleuponthedeadwhalesbackYouhaveseenItalianorganboysholdingadancingapebyalongcordJustsofromtheshipssteepsidedidIholdQueequegdownthereintheseabywhatistechnicallycalledinthefisheryamonkeyropeattachedtoastrongstripofcanvasbeltedroundhiswaistItwasahumorouslyperilousbusinessforbothofusForbeforeweproceedfurtheritmustbesaidthatthemonkeyropewasfastatbothendsfasttoQueequegsbroadcanvasbeltandfasttomynarrowleatheroneSothatforbetterorforworsewetwoforthetimewereweddedandshouldpoorQueequegsinktorisenomorethenbothusageandhonordemandedthatinsteadofcuttingthecorditshoulddragmedowninhiswakeSothenanelongatedSiameseligatureunitedusQueequegwasmyowninseparabletwinbrothernorcouldIanywaygetridofthedangerousliabilitieswhichthehempenbondentailedSostronglyandmetaphysicallydidIconceiveofmysituationthenthatwhileearnestlywatchinghismotionsIseemeddistinctlytoperceivethatmyownindividualitywasnowmergedinajointstockcompanyoftwothatmyfreewillhadreceivedamortalwoundandthatanothersmistakeormisfortunemightplungeinnocentmeintounmeriteddisasteranddeathThereforeIsawthatherewasasortofinterregnuminProvidenceforitsevenhandedequitynevercouldhavesogrossaninjusticeAndyetstillfurtherponderingwhileIjerkedhimnowandthenfrombetweenthewhaleandshipwhichwouldthreatentojamhimstillfurtherponderingIsayIsawthatthissituationofminewastheprecisesituationofeverymortalthatbreathesonlyinmostcasesheonewayorotherhasthisSiameseconnexionwithapluralityofothermortalsIfyourbankerbreaksyousnapifyourapothecarybymistakesendsyoupoisoninyourpillsyoudieTrueyoumaysaythatbyexceedingcautionyoumaypossiblyescapetheseandthemultitudinousotherevilchancesoflifeButhandleQueequegsmonkeyropeheedfullyasIwouldsometimeshejerkeditsothatIcameverynearslidingoverboardNorcouldIpossiblyforgetthatdowhatIwouldIonlyhadthemanagementofoneendofitThemonkeyropeisfoundinallwhalersbutitwasonlyinthePequodthatthemonkeyandhisholderwereevertiedtogetherThisimprovementupontheoriginalusagewasintroducedbynolessamanthanStubbinordertoaffordtheimperilledharpooneerthestrongestpossibleguaranteeforthefaithfulnessandvigilanceofhismonkeyropeholderIhavehintedthatIwouldoftenjerkpoorQueequegfrombetweenthewhaleandtheshipwherehewouldoccasionallyfallfromtheincessantrollingandswayingofbothButthiswasnottheonlyjammingjeopardyhewasexposedtoUnappalledbythemassacremadeuponthemduringthenightthesharksnowfreshlyandmorekeenlyalluredbythebeforepentbloodwhichbegantoflowfromthecarcasstherabidcreaturesswarmedrounditlikebeesinabeehiveAndrightinamongthosesharkswasQueequegwhooftenpushedthemasidewithhisflounderingfeetAthingaltogetherincrediblewereitnotthatattractedbysuchpreyasadeadwhaletheotherwisemiscellaneouslycarnivoroussharkwillseldomtouchamanNeverthelessitmaywellbebelievedthatsincetheyhavesucharavenousfingerinthepieitisdeemedbutwisetolooksharptothemAccordinglybesidesthemonkeyropewithwhichInowandthenjerkedthepoorfellowfromtoocloseavicinitytothemawofwhatseemedapeculiarlyferocioussharkhewasprovidedwithstillanotherprotectionSuspendedoverthesideinoneofthestagesTashtegoandDaggoocontinuallyflourishedoverhisheadacoupleofkeenwhalespadeswherewiththeyslaughteredasmanysharksastheycouldreachThisprocedureoftheirstobesurewasverydisinterestedandbenevolentofthemTheymeantQueequegsbesthappinessIadmitbutintheirhastyzealtobefriendhimandfromthecircumstancethatbothheandthesharkswereattimeshalfhiddenbythebloodmuddledwaterthoseindiscreetspadesoftheirswouldcomeneareramputatingalegthanatailButpoorQueequegIsupposestrainingandgaspingtherewiththatgreatironhookpoorQueequegIsupposeonlyprayedtohisYojoandgaveuphislifeintothehandsofhisgodsWellwellmydearcomradeandtwinbrotherthoughtIasIdrewinandthenslackedofftheropetoeveryswelloftheseawhatmattersitafterallAreyounotthepreciousimageofeachandallofusmeninthiswhalingworldThatunsoundedoceanyougaspinisLifethosesharksyourfoesthosespadesyourfriendsandwhatbetweensharksandspadesyouareinasadpickleandperilpoorladButcouragethereisgoodcheerinstoreforyouQueequegFornowaswithbluelipsandbloodshoteyestheexhaustedsavageatlastclimbsupthechainsandstandsalldrippingandinvoluntarilytremblingoverthesidethestewardadvancesandwithabenevolentconsolatoryglancehandshimwhatSomehotCognacNohandshimyegodshandshimacupoftepidgingerandwaterGingerDoIsmellgingersuspiciouslyaskedStubbcomingnearYesthismustbegingerpeeringintotheasyetuntastedcupThenstandingasifincredulousforawhilehecalmlywalkedtowardstheastonishedstewardslowlysayingGingergingerandwillyouhavethegoodnesstotellmeMrDoughBoywhereliesthevirtueofgingerGingerisgingerthesortoffuelyouuseDoughboytokindleafireinthisshiveringcannibalGingerwhatthedevilisgingerSeacoalfirewoodlucifermatchestindergunpowderwhatthedevilisgingerIsaythatyouofferthiscuptoourpoorQueequeghereThereissomesneakingTemperanceSocietymovementaboutthisbusinesshesuddenlyaddednowapproachingStarbuckwhohadjustcomefromforwardWillyoulookatthatkannakinsirsmellofitifyoupleaseThenwatchingthematescountenanceheaddedThestewardMrStarbuckhadthefacetoofferthatcalomelandjalaptoQueequegtherethisinstantoffthewhaleIsthestewardanapothecarysirandmayIaskwhetherthisisthesortofbittersbywhichheblowsbackthelifeintoahalfdrownedmanItrustnotsaidStarbuckitispoorstuffenoughAyeayestewardcriedStubbwellteachyoutodrugaharpooneernoneofyourapothecarysmedicinehereyouwanttopoisonusdoyeYouhavegotoutinsurancesonourlivesandwanttomurderusallandpockettheproceedsdoyeItwasnotmecriedDoughBoyitwasAuntCharitythatbroughtthegingeronboardandbademenevergivetheharpooneersanyspiritsbutonlythisgingerjubsoshecalleditGingerjubyougingerlyrascaltakethatandrunalongwithyetothelockersandgetsomethingbetterIhopeIdonowrongMrStarbuckItisthecaptainsordersgrogfortheharpooneeronawhaleEnoughrepliedStarbuckonlydonthithimagainbutOhIneverhurtwhenIhitexceptwhenIhitawhaleorsomethingofthatsortandthisfellowsaweazelWhatwereyouaboutsayingsirOnlythisgodownwithhimandgetwhatthouwantestthyselfWhenStubbreappearedhecamewithadarkflaskinonehandandasortofteacaddyintheotherThefirstcontainedstrongspiritsandwashandedtoQueequegthesecondwasAuntCharitysgiftandthatwasfreelygiventothewavesCHAPTER73StubbandFlaskkillaRightWhaleandThenHaveaTalkoverHimItmustbeborneinmindthatallthistimewehaveaSpermWhalesprodigiousheadhangingtothePequodssideButwemustletitcontinuehangingthereawhiletillwecangetachancetoattendtoitForthepresentothermatterspressandthebestwecandonowfortheheadistoprayheaventhetacklesmayholdNowduringthepastnightandforenoonthePequodhadgraduallydriftedintoaseawhichbyitsoccasionalpatchesofyellowbritgaveunusualtokensofthevicinityofRightWhalesaspeciesoftheLeviathanthatbutfewsupposedtobeatthisparticulartimelurkinganywherenearAndthoughallhandscommonlydisdainedthecaptureofthoseinferiorcreaturesandthoughthePequodwasnotcommissionedtocruiseforthematallandthoughshehadpassednumbersofthemneartheCrozettswithoutloweringaboatyetnowthataSpermWhalehadbeenbroughtalongsideandbeheadedtothesurpriseofalltheannouncementwasmadethataRightWhaleshouldbecapturedthatdayifopportunityofferedNorwasthislongwantingTallspoutswereseentoleewardandtwoboatsStubbsandFlasksweredetachedinpursuitPullingfurtherandfurtherawaytheyatlastbecamealmostinvisibletothemenatthemastheadButsuddenlyinthedistancetheysawagreatheapoftumultuouswhitewaterandsoonafternewscamefromaloftthatoneorboththeboatsmustbefastAnintervalpassedandtheboatswereinplainsightintheactofbeingdraggedrighttowardstheshipbythetowingwhaleSoclosedidthemonstercometothehullthatatfirstitseemedasifhemeantitmalicebutsuddenlygoingdowninamaelstromwithinthreerodsoftheplankshewhollydisappearedfromviewasifdivingunderthekeelCutcutwasthecryfromtheshiptotheboatswhichforoneinstantseemedonthepointofbeingbroughtwithadeadlydashagainstthevesselssideButhavingplentyoflineyetinthetubsandthewhalenotsoundingveryrapidlytheypaidoutabundanceofropeandatthesametimepulledwithalltheirmightsoastogetaheadoftheshipForafewminutesthestrugglewasintenselycriticalforwhiletheystillslackedoutthetightenedlineinonedirectionandstillpliedtheiroarsinanotherthecontendingstrainthreatenedtotakethemunderButitwasonlyafewfeetadvancetheysoughttogainAndtheystucktoittilltheydidgainitwheninstantlyaswifttremorwasfeltrunninglikelightningalongthekeelasthestrainedlinescrapingbeneaththeshipsuddenlyrosetoviewunderherbowssnappingandquiveringandsoflingingoffitsdrippingsthatthedropsfelllikebitsofbrokenglassonthewaterwhilethewhalebeyondalsorosetosightandoncemoretheboatswerefreetoflyButthefaggedwhaleabatedhisspeedandblindlyalteringhiscoursewentroundthesternoftheshiptowingthetwoboatsafterhimsothattheyperformedacompletecircuitMeantimetheyhauledmoreandmoreupontheirlinestillcloseflankinghimonbothsidesStubbansweredFlaskwithlanceforlanceandthusroundandroundthePequodthebattlewentwhilethemultitudesofsharksthathadbeforeswumroundtheSpermWhalesbodyrushedtothefreshbloodthatwasspilledthirstilydrinkingateverynewgashastheeagerIsraelitesdidatthenewburstingfountainsthatpouredfromthesmittenrockAtlasthisspoutgrewthickandwithafrightfulrollandvomitheturneduponhisbackacorpseWhilethetwoheadsmenwereengagedinmakingfastcordstohisflukesandinotherwaysgettingthemassinreadinessfortowingsomeconversationensuedbetweenthemIwonderwhattheoldmanwantswiththislumpoffoullardsaidStubbnotwithoutsomedisgustatthethoughtofhavingtodowithsoignoblealeviathanWantswithitsaidFlaskcoilingsomesparelineintheboatsbowdidyouneverhearthattheshipwhichbutoncehasaSpermWhalesheadhoistedonherstarboardsideandatthesametimeaRightWhalesonthelarboarddidyouneverhearStubbthatthatshipcanneverafterwardscapsizeWhynotIdontknowbutIheardthatgambogeghostofaFedallahsayingsoandheseemstoknowallaboutshipscharmsButIsometimesthinkhellcharmtheshiptonogoodatlastIdonthalflikethatchapStubbDidyouevernoticehowthattuskofhisisasortofcarvedintoasnakesheadStubbSinkhimIneverlookathimatallbutifeverIgetachanceofadarknightandhestandinghardbythebulwarksandnoonebylookdownthereFlaskpointingintotheseawithapeculiarmotionofbothhandsAyewillIFlaskItakethatFedallahtobethedevilindisguiseDoyoubelievethatcockandbullstoryabouthishavingbeenstowedawayonboardshipHesthedevilIsayThereasonwhyyoudontseehistailisbecausehetucksitupoutofsighthecarriesitcoiledawayinhispocketIguessBlasthimnowthatIthinkofithesalwayswantingoakumtostuffintothetoesofhisbootsHesleepsinhisbootsdontheHehasntgotanyhammockbutIveseenhimlayofnightsinacoilofriggingNodoubtanditsbecauseofhiscursedtailhecoilsitdowndoyeseeintheeyeoftheriggingWhatstheoldmanhavesomuchtodowithhimforStrikingupaswaporabargainIsupposeBargainaboutwhatWhydoyeseetheoldmanishardbentafterthatWhiteWhaleandthedevilthereistryingtocomeroundhimandgethimtoswapawayhissilverwatchorhissoulorsomethingofthatsortandthenhellsurrenderMobyDickPoohStubbyouareskylarkinghowcanFedallahdothatIdontknowFlaskbutthedevilisacuriouschapandawickedoneItellyeWhytheysayashowhewentasaunteringintotheoldflagshiponceswitchinghistailaboutdevilisheasyandgentlemanlikeandinquiringiftheoldgovernorwasathomeWellhewasathomeandaskedthedevilwhathewantedThedevilswitchinghishoofsupandsaysIwantJohnWhatforsaystheoldgovernorWhatbusinessisthatofyourssaysthedevilgettingmadIwanttousehimTakehimsaysthegovernorandbytheLordFlaskifthedevildidntgiveJohntheAsiaticcholerabeforehegotthroughwithhimIlleatthiswhaleinonemouthfulButlooksharpaintyouallreadythereWellthenpullaheadandletsgetthewhalealongsideIthinkIremembersomesuchstoryasyouweretellingsaidFlaskwhenatlastthetwoboatswereslowlyadvancingwiththeirburdentowardstheshipbutIcantrememberwhereThreeSpaniardsAdventuresofthosethreebloodymindedsoldadoesDidyereaditthereFlaskIguessyedidNoneversawsuchabookheardofitthoughButnowtellmeStubbdoyousupposethatthatdevilyouwasspeakingofjustnowwasthesameyousayisnowonboardthePequodAmIthesamemanthathelpedkillthiswhaleDoesntthedevilliveforeverwhoeverheardthatthedevilwasdeadDidyoueverseeanyparsonawearingmourningforthedevilAndifthedevilhasalatchkeytogetintotheadmiralscabindontyousupposehecancrawlintoaportholeTellmethatMrFlaskHowolddoyousupposeFedallahisStubbDoyouseethatmainmasttherepointingtotheshipwellthatsthefigureonenowtakeallthehoopsinthePequodsholdandstringalonginarowwiththatmastforoughtsdoyouseewellthatwouldntbegintobeFedallahsageNorallthecoopersincreationcouldntshowhoopsenoughtomakeoughtsenoughButseehereStubbIthoughtyoualittleboastedjustnowthatyoumeanttogiveFedallahaseatossifyougotagoodchanceNowifhessooldasallthosehoopsofyourscometoandifheisgoingtoliveforeverwhatgoodwillitdotopitchhimoverboardtellmethatGivehimagoodduckinganyhowButhedcrawlbackDuckhimagainandkeepduckinghimSupposeheshouldtakeitintohisheadtoduckyouthoughyesanddrownyouwhatthenIshouldliketoseehimtryitIdgivehimsuchapairofblackeyesthathewouldntdaretoshowhisfaceintheadmiralscabinagainforalongwhileletalonedownintheorloptherewherehelivesandhereaboutsontheupperdeckswherehesneakssomuchDamnthedevilFlasksoyousupposeImafraidofthedevilWhosafraidofhimexcepttheoldgovernorwhodaresntcatchhimandputhimindoubledarbiesashedeservesbutletshimgoaboutkidnappingpeopleayeandsignedabondwithhimthatallthepeoplethedevilkidnappedhedroastforhimTheresagovernorDoyousupposeFedallahwantstokidnapCaptainAhabDoIsupposeitYoullknowitbeforelongFlaskButIamgoingnowtokeepasharplookoutonhimandifIseeanythingverysuspiciousgoingonIlljusttakehimbythenapeofhisneckandsayLookhereBeelzebubyoudontdoitandifhemakesanyfussbytheLordIllmakeagrabintohispocketforhistailtakeittothecapstanandgivehimsuchawrenchingandheavingthathistailwillcomeshortoffatthestumpdoyouseeandthenIratherguesswhenhefindshimselfdockedinthatqueerfashionhellsneakoffwithoutthepoorsatisfactionoffeelinghistailbetweenhislegsAndwhatwillyoudowiththetailStubbDowithitSellitforanoxwhipwhenwegethomewhatelseNowdoyoumeanwhatyousayandhavebeensayingallalongStubbMeanornotmeanhereweareattheshipTheboatswereherehailedtotowthewhaleonthelarboardsidewhereflukechainsandothernecessarieswerealreadypreparedforsecuringhimDidntItellyousosaidFlaskyesyoullsoonseethisrightwhalesheadhoistedupoppositethatparmacettisIngoodtimeFlaskssayingprovedtrueAsbeforethePequodsteeplyleanedovertowardsthespermwhalesheadnowbythecounterpoiseofbothheadssheregainedherevenkeelthoughsorelystrainedyoumaywellbelieveSowhenononesideyouhoistinLockesheadyougooverthatwaybutnowontheothersidehoistinKantsandyoucomebackagainbutinverypoorplightThussomemindsforeverkeeptrimmingboatOhyefoolishthrowallthesethunderheadsoverboardandthenyouwillfloatlightandrightIndisposingofthebodyofarightwhalewhenbroughtalongsidetheshipthesamepreliminaryproceedingscommonlytakeplaceasinthecaseofaspermwhaleonlyinthelatterinstancetheheadiscutoffwholebutintheformerthelipsandtongueareseparatelyremovedandhoistedondeckwithallthewellknownblackboneattachedtowhatiscalledthecrownpieceButnothinglikethisinthepresentcasehadbeendoneThecarcasesofbothwhaleshaddroppedasternandtheheadladenshipnotalittleresembledamulecarryingapairofoverburdeningpanniersMeantimeFedallahwascalmlyeyeingtherightwhalesheadandeverandanonglancingfromthedeepwrinklestheretothelinesinhisownhandAndAhabchancedsotostandthattheParseeoccupiedhisshadowwhileiftheParseesshadowwasthereatallitseemedonlytoblendwithandlengthenAhabsAsthecrewtoiledonLaplandishspeculationswerebandiedamongthemconcerningallthesepassingthingsCHAPTER74TheSpermWhalesHeadContrastedViewHerenowaretwogreatwhaleslayingtheirheadstogetherletusjointhemandlaytogetherourownOfthegrandorderoffolioleviathanstheSpermWhaleandtheRightWhalearebyfarthemostnoteworthyTheyaretheonlywhalesregularlyhuntedbymanTotheNantucketertheypresentthetwoextremesofalltheknownvarietiesofthewhaleAstheexternaldifferencebetweenthemismainlyobservableintheirheadsandasaheadofeachisthismomenthangingfromthePequodssideandaswemayfreelygofromonetotheotherbymerelysteppingacrossthedeckwhereIshouldliketoknowwillyouobtainabetterchancetostudypracticalcetologythanhereInthefirstplaceyouarestruckbythegeneralcontrastbetweentheseheadsBotharemassiveenoughinallconsciencebutthereisacertainmathematicalsymmetryintheSpermWhaleswhichtheRightWhalessadlylacksThereismorecharacterintheSpermWhalesheadAsyoubeholdityouinvoluntarilyyieldtheimmensesuperioritytohiminpointofpervadingdignityInthepresentinstancetoothisdignityisheightenedbythepepperandsaltcolourofhisheadatthesummitgivingtokenofadvancedageandlargeexperienceInshortheiswhatthefishermentechnicallycallagreyheadedwhaleLetusnownotewhatisleastdissimilarintheseheadsnamelythetwomostimportantorganstheeyeandtheearFarbackonthesideoftheheadandlowdownneartheangleofeitherwhalesjawifyounarrowlysearchyouwillatlastseealashlesseyewhichyouwouldfancytobeayoungcoltseyesooutofallproportionisittothemagnitudeoftheheadNowfromthispeculiarsidewaypositionofthewhaleseyesitisplainthathecanneverseeanobjectwhichisexactlyaheadnomorethanhecanoneexactlyasternInawordthepositionofthewhaleseyescorrespondstothatofamansearsandyoumayfancyforyourselfhowitwouldfarewithyoudidyousidewayssurveyobjectsthroughyourearsYouwouldfindthatyoucouldonlycommandsomethirtydegreesofvisioninadvanceofthestraightsidelineofsightandaboutthirtymorebehinditIfyourbitterestfoewerewalkingstraighttowardsyouwithdaggerupliftedinbroaddayyouwouldnotbeabletoseehimanymorethanifhewerestealinguponyoufrombehindInawordyouwouldhavetwobackssotospeakbutatthesametimealsotwofrontssidefrontsforwhatisitthatmakesthefrontofamanwhatindeedbuthiseyesMoreoverwhileinmostotheranimalsthatIcannowthinkoftheeyesaresoplantedasimperceptiblytoblendtheirvisualpowersoastoproduceonepictureandnottwotothebrainthepeculiarpositionofthewhaleseyeseffectuallydividedastheyarebymanycubicfeetofsolidheadwhichtowersbetweenthemlikeagreatmountainseparatingtwolakesinvalleysthisofcoursemustwhollyseparatetheimpressionswhicheachindependentorganimpartsThewhalethereforemustseeonedistinctpictureonthissideandanotherdistinctpictureonthatsidewhileallbetweenmustbeprofounddarknessandnothingnesstohimManmayineffectbesaidtolookoutontheworldfromasentryboxwithtwojoinedsashesforhiswindowButwiththewhalethesetwosashesareseparatelyinsertedmakingtwodistinctwindowsbutsadlyimpairingtheviewThispeculiarityofthewhaleseyesisathingalwaystobeborneinmindinthefisheryandtoberememberedbythereaderinsomesubsequentscenesAcuriousandmostpuzzlingquestionmightbestartedconcerningthisvisualmatterastouchingtheLeviathanButImustbecontentwithahintSolongasamanseyesareopeninthelighttheactofseeingisinvoluntarythatishecannotthenhelpmechanicallyseeingwhateverobjectsarebeforehimNeverthelessanyonesexperiencewillteachhimthatthoughhecantakeinanundiscriminatingsweepofthingsatoneglanceitisquiteimpossibleforhimattentivelyandcompletelytoexamineanytwothingshoweverlargeorhoweversmallatoneandthesameinstantoftimenevermindiftheyliesidebysideandtoucheachotherButifyounowcometoseparatethesetwoobjectsandsurroundeachbyacircleofprofounddarknesstheninordertoseeoneoftheminsuchamannerastobringyourmindtobearonittheotherwillbeutterlyexcludedfromyourcontemporaryconsciousnessHowisitthenwiththewhaleTruebothhiseyesinthemselvesmustsimultaneouslyactbutishisbrainsomuchmorecomprehensivecombiningandsubtlethanmansthathecanatthesamemomentoftimeattentivelyexaminetwodistinctprospectsoneononesideofhimandtheotherinanexactlyoppositedirectionIfhecanthenisitasmarvellousathinginhimasifamanwereablesimultaneouslytogothroughthedemonstrationsoftwodistinctproblemsinEuclidNorstrictlyinvestigatedisthereanyincongruityinthiscomparisonItmaybebutanidlewhimbutithasalwaysseemedtomethattheextraordinaryvacillationsofmovementdisplayedbysomewhaleswhenbesetbythreeorfourboatsthetimidityandliabilitytoqueerfrightssocommontosuchwhalesIthinkthatallthisindirectlyproceedsfromthehelplessperplexityofvolitioninwhichtheirdividedanddiametricallyoppositepowersofvisionmustinvolvethemButtheearofthewhaleisfullascuriousastheeyeIfyouareanentirestrangertotheirraceyoumighthuntoverthesetwoheadsforhoursandneverdiscoverthatorganTheearhasnoexternalleafwhateverandintotheholeitselfyoucanhardlyinsertaquillsowondrouslyminuteisitItislodgedalittlebehindtheeyeWithrespecttotheirearsthisimportantdifferenceistobeobservedbetweenthespermwhaleandtherightWhiletheearoftheformerhasanexternalopeningthatofthelatterisentirelyandevenlycoveredoverwithamembranesoastobequiteimperceptiblefromwithoutIsitnotcuriousthatsovastabeingasthewhaleshouldseetheworldthroughsosmallaneyeandhearthethunderthroughanearwhichissmallerthanaharesButifhiseyeswerebroadasthelensofHerschelsgreattelescopeandhisearscapaciousastheporchesofcathedralswouldthatmakehimanylongerofsightorsharperofhearingNotatallWhythendoyoutrytoenlargeyourmindSubtilizeitLetusnowwithwhateverleversandsteamengineswehaveathandcantoverthespermwhalesheadthatitmayliebottomupthenascendingbyaladdertothesummithaveapeepdownthemouthandwereitnotthatthebodyisnowcompletelyseparatedfromitwithalanternwemightdescendintothegreatKentuckyMammothCaveofhisstomachButletusholdonherebythistoothandlookaboutuswhereweareWhatareallybeautifulandchastelookingmouthfromfloortoceilinglinedorratherpaperedwithaglisteningwhitemembraneglossyasbridalsatinsButcomeoutnowandlookatthisportentouslowerjawwhichseemslikethelongnarrowlidofanimmensesnuffboxwiththehingeatoneendinsteadofonesideIfyoupryitupsoastogetitoverheadandexposeitsrowsofteethitseemsaterrificportcullisandsuchalasitprovestomanyapoorwightinthefisheryuponwhomthesespikesfallwithimpalingforceButfarmoreterribleisittobeholdwhenfathomsdownintheseayouseesomesulkywhalefloatingtheresuspendedwithhisprodigiousjawsomefifteenfeetlonghangingstraightdownatrightangleswithhisbodyforalltheworldlikeashipsjibboomThiswhaleisnotdeadheisonlydispiritedoutofsortsperhapshypochondriacandsosupinethatthehingesofhisjawhaverelaxedleavinghimthereinthatungainlysortofplightareproachtoallhistribewhomustnodoubtimprecatelockjawsuponhimInmostcasesthislowerjawbeingeasilyunhingedbyapractisedartistisdisengagedandhoistedondeckforthepurposeofextractingtheivoryteethandfurnishingasupplyofthathardwhitewhalebonewithwhichthefishermenfashionallsortsofcuriousarticlesincludingcanesumbrellastocksandhandlestoridingwhipsWithalongwearyhoistthejawisdraggedonboardasifitwereananchorandwhenthepropertimecomessomefewdaysaftertheotherworkQueequegDaggooandTashtegobeingallaccomplisheddentistsaresettodrawingteethWithakeencuttingspadeQueequeglancesthegumsthenthejawislasheddowntoringboltsandatacklebeingriggedfromalofttheydragouttheseteethasMichiganoxendragstumpsofoldoaksoutofwildwoodlandsTherearegenerallyfortytwoteethinallinoldwhalesmuchworndownbutundecayednorfilledafterourartificialfashionThejawisafterwardssawnintoslabsandpiledawaylikejoistsforbuildinghousesCHAPTER75TheRightWhalesHeadContrastedViewCrossingthedeckletusnowhaveagoodlonglookattheRightWhalesheadAsingeneralshapethenobleSpermWhalesheadmaybecomparedtoaRomanwarchariotespeciallyinfrontwhereitissobroadlyroundedsoatabroadviewtheRightWhalesheadbearsaratherinelegantresemblancetoagiganticgalliottoedshoeTwohundredyearsagoanoldDutchvoyagerlikeneditsshapetothatofashoemakerslastAndinthissamelastorshoethatoldwomanofthenurserytalewiththeswarmingbroodmightverycomfortablybelodgedsheandallherprogenyButasyoucomenearertothisgreatheaditbeginstoassumedifferentaspectsaccordingtoyourpointofviewIfyoustandonitssummitandlookatthesetwoFshapedspoutholesyouwouldtakethewholeheadforanenormousbassviolandthesespiraclestheaperturesinitssoundingboardThenagainifyoufixyoureyeuponthisstrangecrestedcomblikeincrustationonthetopofthemassthisgreenbarnacledthingwhichtheGreenlanderscallthecrownandtheSouthernfishersthebonnetoftheRightWhalefixingyoureyessolelyonthisyouwouldtaketheheadforthetrunkofsomehugeoakwithabirdsnestinitscrotchAtanyratewhenyouwatchthoselivecrabsthatnestlehereonthisbonnetsuchanideawillbealmostsuretooccurtoyouunlessindeedyourfancyhasbeenfixedbythetechnicaltermcrownalsobestoweduponitinwhichcaseyouwilltakegreatinterestinthinkinghowthismightymonsterisactuallyadiademedkingoftheseawhosegreencrownhasbeenputtogetherforhiminthismarvellousmannerButifthiswhalebeakingheisaverysulkylookingfellowtograceadiademLookatthathanginglowerlipwhatahugesulkandpoutisthereasulkandpoutbycarpentersmeasurementabouttwentyfeetlongandfivefeetdeepasulkandpoutthatwillyieldyousome500gallonsofoilandmoreAgreatpitynowthatthisunfortunatewhaleshouldbeharelippedThefissureisaboutafootacrossProbablythemotherduringanimportantintervalwassailingdownthePeruviancoastwhenearthquakescausedthebeachtogapeOverthislipasoveraslipperythresholdwenowslideintothemouthUponmywordwereIatMackinawIshouldtakethistobetheinsideofanIndianwigwamGoodLordisthistheroadthatJonahwentTheroofisabouttwelvefeethighandrunstoaprettysharpangleasiftherewerearegularridgepoletherewhiletheseribbedarchedhairysidespresentuswiththosewondroushalfverticalscimetarshapedslatsofwhalebonesaythreehundredonasidewhichdependingfromtheupperpartoftheheadorcrownboneformthoseVenetianblindswhichhaveelsewherebeencursorilymentionedTheedgesofthesebonesarefringedwithhairyfibresthroughwhichtheRightWhalestrainsthewaterandinwhoseintricaciesheretainsthesmallfishwhenopenmouthedhegoesthroughtheseasofbritinfeedingtimeInthecentralblindsofboneastheystandintheirnaturalordertherearecertaincuriousmarkscurveshollowsandridgeswherebysomewhalemencalculatethecreaturesageastheageofanoakbyitscircularringsThoughthecertaintyofthiscriterionisfarfromdemonstrableyetithasthesavorofanalogicalprobabilityAtanyrateifweyieldtoitwemustgrantafargreateragetotheRightWhalethanatfirstglancewillseemreasonableInoldtimesthereseemtohaveprevailedthemostcuriousfanciesconcerningtheseblindsOnevoyagerinPurchascallsthemthewondrouswhiskersinsideofthewhalesmouthanotherhogsbristlesathirdoldgentlemaninHackluytusesthefollowingelegantlanguageThereareabouttwohundredandfiftyfinsgrowingoneachsideofhisupperchopwhicharchoverhistongueoneachsideofhismouthThisremindsusthattheRightWhalereallyhasasortofwhiskerorratheramoustacheconsistingofafewscatteredwhitehairsontheupperpartoftheouterendofthelowerjawSometimesthesetuftsimpartaratherbrigandishexpressiontohisotherwisesolemncountenanceAseveryoneknowsthesesamehogsbristlesfinswhiskersblindsorwhateveryoupleasefurnishtotheladiestheirbusksandotherstiffeningcontrivancesButinthisparticularthedemandhaslongbeenonthedeclineItwasinQueenAnnestimethatthebonewasinitsglorythefarthingalebeingthenallthefashionAndasthoseancientdamesmovedaboutgailythoughinthejawsofthewhaleasyoumaysayevensoinashowerwiththelikethoughtlessnessdowenowadaysflyunderthesamejawsforprotectiontheumbrellabeingatentspreadoverthesameboneButnowforgetallaboutblindsandwhiskersforamomentandstandingintheRightWhalesmouthlookaroundyouafreshSeeingallthesecolonnadesofbonesomethodicallyrangedaboutwouldyounotthinkyouwereinsideofthegreatHaarlemorganandgazinguponitsthousandpipesForacarpettotheorganwehavearugofthesoftestTurkeythetonguewhichisgluedasitweretothefloorofthemouthItisveryfatandtenderandapttotearinpiecesinhoistingitondeckThisparticulartonguenowbeforeusatapassingglanceIshouldsayitwasasixbarrelerthatisitwillyieldyouaboutthatamountofoilErethisyoumusthaveplainlyseenthetruthofwhatIstartedwiththattheSpermWhaleandtheRightWhalehavealmostentirelydifferentheadsTosumupthenintheRightWhalesthereisnogreatwellofspermnoivoryteethatallnolongslendermandibleofalowerjawliketheSpermWhalesNorintheSpermWhalearethereanyofthoseblindsofbonenohugelowerlipandscarcelyanythingofatongueAgaintheRightWhalehastwoexternalspoutholestheSpermWhaleonlyoneLookyourlastnowonthesevenerablehoodedheadswhiletheyyetlietogetherforonewillsoonsinkunrecordedintheseatheotherwillnotbeverylonginfollowingCanyoucatchtheexpressionoftheSpermWhalesthereItisthesamehediedwithonlysomeofthelongerwrinklesintheforeheadseemnowfadedawayIthinkhisbroadbrowtobefullofaprairielikeplaciditybornofaspeculativeindifferenceastodeathButmarktheotherheadsexpressionSeethatamazinglowerlippressedbyaccidentagainstthevesselssidesoasfirmlytoembracethejawDoesnotthiswholeheadseemtospeakofanenormouspracticalresolutioninfacingdeathThisRightWhaleItaketohavebeenaStoictheSpermWhaleaPlatonianwhomighthavetakenupSpinozainhislatteryearsCHAPTER76TheBatteringRamErequittingforthenoncetheSpermWhalesheadIwouldhaveyouasasensiblephysiologistsimplyparticularlyremarkitsfrontaspectinallitscompactedcollectednessIwouldhaveyouinvestigateitnowwiththesoleviewofformingtoyourselfsomeunexaggeratedintelligentestimateofwhateverbatteringrampowermaybelodgedthereHereisavitalpointforyoumusteithersatisfactorilysettlethismatterwithyourselforforeverremainaninfidelastooneofthemostappallingbutnotthelesstrueeventsperhapsanywheretobefoundinallrecordedhistoryYouobservethatintheordinaryswimmingpositionoftheSpermWhalethefrontofhisheadpresentsanalmostwhollyverticalplanetothewateryouobservethatthelowerpartofthatfrontslopesconsiderablybackwardssoastofurnishmoreofaretreatforthelongsocketwhichreceivestheboomlikelowerjawyouobservethatthemouthisentirelyundertheheadmuchinthesamewayindeedasthoughyourownmouthwereentirelyunderyourchinMoreoveryouobservethatthewhalehasnoexternalnoseandthatwhatnosehehashisspoutholeisonthetopofhisheadyouobservethathiseyesandearsareatthesidesofhisheadnearlyonethirdofhisentirelengthfromthefrontWhereforeyoumustnowhaveperceivedthatthefrontoftheSpermWhalesheadisadeadblindwallwithoutasingleorganortenderprominenceofanysortwhatsoeverFurthermoreyouarenowtoconsiderthatonlyintheextremelowerbackwardslopingpartofthefrontoftheheadistheretheslightestvestigeofboneandnottillyougetneartwentyfeetfromtheforeheaddoyoucometothefullcranialdevelopmentSothatthiswholeenormousbonelessmassisasonewadFinallythoughaswillsoonberevealeditscontentspartlycomprisethemostdelicateoilyetyouarenowtobeapprisedofthenatureofthesubstancewhichsoimpregnablyinvestsallthatapparenteffeminacyInsomepreviousplaceIhavedescribedtoyouhowtheblubberwrapsthebodyofthewhaleastherindwrapsanorangeJustsowiththeheadbutwiththisdifferenceabouttheheadthisenvelopethoughnotsothickisofabonelesstoughnessinestimablebyanymanwhohasnothandleditTheseverestpointedharpoonthesharpestlancedartedbythestrongesthumanarmimpotentlyreboundsfromitItisasthoughtheforeheadoftheSpermWhalewerepavedwithhorseshoofsIdonotthinkthatanysensationlurksinitBethinkyourselfalsoofanotherthingWhentwolargeloadedIndiamenchancetocrowdandcrushtowardseachotherinthedockswhatdothesailorsdoTheydonotsuspendbetweenthematthepointofcomingcontactanymerelyhardsubstancelikeironorwoodNotheyholdtherealargeroundwadoftowandcorkenvelopedinthethickestandtoughestofoxhideThatbravelyanduninjuredtakesthejamwhichwouldhavesnappedalltheiroakenhandspikesandironcrowbarsByitselfthissufficientlyillustratestheobviousfactIdriveatButsupplementarytothisithashypotheticallyoccurredtomethatasordinaryfishpossesswhatiscalledaswimmingbladderinthemcapableatwillofdistensionorcontractionandastheSpermWhaleasfarasIknowhasnosuchprovisioninhimconsideringtootheotherwiseinexplicablemannerinwhichhenowdepresseshisheadaltogetherbeneaththesurfaceandanonswimswithithighelevatedoutofthewaterconsideringtheunobstructedelasticityofitsenvelopeconsideringtheuniqueinteriorofhisheadithashypotheticallyoccurredtomeIsaythatthosemysticallungcelledhoneycombstheremaypossiblyhavesomehithertounknownandunsuspectedconnexionwiththeouterairsoastobesusceptibletoatmosphericdistensionandcontractionIfthisbesofancytheirresistiblenessofthatmighttowhichthemostimpalpableanddestructiveofallelementscontributesNowmarkUnerringlyimpellingthisdeadimpregnableuninjurablewallandthismostbuoyantthingwithinthereswimsbehinditallamassoftremendouslifeonlytobeadequatelyestimatedaspiledwoodisbythecordandallobedienttoonevolitionasthesmallestinsectSothatwhenIshallhereafterdetailtoyouallthespecialitiesandconcentrationsofpotencyeverywherelurkinginthisexpansivemonsterwhenIshallshowyousomeofhismoreinconsiderablebrainingfeatsItrustyouwillhaverenouncedallignorantincredulityandbereadytoabidebythisthatthoughtheSpermWhalestoveapassagethroughtheIsthmusofDarienandmixedtheAtlanticwiththePacificyouwouldnotelevateonehairofyoureyebrowForunlessyouownthewhaleyouarebutaprovincialandsentimentalistinTruthButclearTruthisathingforsalamandergiantsonlytoencounterhowsmallthechancesfortheprovincialsthenWhatbefelltheweaklingyouthliftingthedreadgoddesssveilatLaisCHAPTER77TheGreatHeidelburghTunNowcomestheBalingoftheCaseButtocomprehenditarightyoumustknowsomethingofthecuriousinternalstructureofthethingoperateduponRegardingtheSpermWhalesheadasasolidoblongyoumayonaninclinedplanesidewaysdivideitintotwoquoinswhereoftheloweristhebonystructureformingthecraniumandjawsandtheupperanunctuousmasswhollyfreefrombonesitsbroadforwardendformingtheexpandedverticalapparentforeheadofthewhaleAtthemiddleoftheforeheadhorizontallysubdividethisupperquoinandthenyouhavetwoalmostequalpartswhichbeforewerenaturallydividedbyaninternalwallofathicktendinoussubstanceQuoinisnotaEuclideantermItbelongstothepurenauticalmathematicsIknownotthatithasbeendefinedbeforeAquoinisasolidwhichdiffersfromawedgeinhavingitssharpendformedbythesteepinclinationofonesideinsteadofthemutualtaperingofbothsidesThelowersubdividedpartcalledthejunkisoneimmensehoneycombofoilformedbythecrossingandrecrossingintotenthousandinfiltratedcellsoftoughelasticwhitefibresthroughoutitswholeextentTheupperpartknownastheCasemayberegardedasthegreatHeidelburghTunoftheSpermWhaleAndasthatfamousgreattierceismysticallycarvedinfrontsothewhalesvastplaitedforeheadformsinnumerablestrangedevicesfortheemblematicaladornmentofhiswondroustunMoreoverasthatofHeidelburghwasalwaysreplenishedwiththemostexcellentofthewinesoftheRhenishvalleyssothetunofthewhalecontainsbyfarthemostpreciousofallhisoilyvintagesnamelythehighlyprizedspermacetiinitsabsolutelypurelimpidandodoriferousstateNoristhisprecioussubstancefoundunalloyedinanyotherpartofthecreatureThoughinlifeitremainsperfectlyfluidyetuponexposuretotheairafterdeathitsoonbeginstoconcretesendingforthbeautifulcrystallineshootsaswhenthefirstthindelicateiceisjustforminginwaterAlargewhalescasegenerallyyieldsaboutfivehundredgallonsofspermthoughfromunavoidablecircumstancesconsiderableofitisspilledleaksanddribblesawayorisotherwiseirrevocablylostintheticklishbusinessofsecuringwhatyoucanIknownotwithwhatfineandcostlymaterialtheHeidelburghTunwascoatedwithinbutinsuperlativerichnessthatcoatingcouldnotpossiblyhavecomparedwiththesilkenpearlcolouredmembraneliketheliningofafinepelisseformingtheinnersurfaceoftheSpermWhalescaseItwillhavebeenseenthattheHeidelburghTunoftheSpermWhaleembracestheentirelengthoftheentiretopoftheheadandsinceashasbeenelsewheresetforththeheadembracesonethirdofthewholelengthofthecreaturethensettingthatlengthdownateightyfeetforagoodsizedwhaleyouhavemorethantwentysixfeetforthedepthofthetunwhenitislengthwisehoistedupanddownagainstashipssideAsindecapitatingthewhaletheoperatorsinstrumentisbroughtclosetothespotwhereanentranceissubsequentlyforcedintothespermacetimagazinehehasthereforetobeuncommonlyheedfullestacarelessuntimelystrokeshouldinvadethesanctuaryandwastinglyletoutitsinvaluablecontentsItisthisdecapitatedendoftheheadalsowhichisatlastelevatedoutofthewaterandretainedinthatpositionbytheenormouscuttingtackleswhosehempencombinationsononesidemakequiteawildernessofropesinthatquarterThusmuchbeingsaidattendnowIprayyoutothatmarvellousandinthisparticularinstancealmostfataloperationwherebytheSpermWhalesgreatHeidelburghTunistappedCHAPTER78CisternandBucketsNimbleasacatTashtegomountsaloftandwithoutalteringhiserectposturerunsstraightoutupontheoverhangingmainyardarmtothepartwhereitexactlyprojectsoverthehoistedTunHehascarriedwithhimalighttacklecalledawhipconsistingofonlytwopartstravellingthroughasinglesheavedblockSecuringthisblocksothatithangsdownfromtheyardarmheswingsoneendoftheropetillitiscaughtandfirmlyheldbyahandondeckThenhandoverhanddowntheotherparttheIndiandropsthroughtheairtilldexterouslyhelandsonthesummitoftheheadTherestillhighelevatedabovetherestofthecompanytowhomhevivaciouslycriesheseemssomeTurkishMuezzincallingthegoodpeopletoprayersfromthetopofatowerAshorthandledsharpspadebeingsentuptohimhediligentlysearchesfortheproperplacetobeginbreakingintotheTunInthisbusinessheproceedsveryheedfullylikeatreasurehunterinsomeoldhousesoundingthewallstofindwherethegoldismasonedinBythetimethiscautioussearchisoverastoutironboundbucketpreciselylikeawellbuckethasbeenattachedtooneendofthewhipwhiletheotherendbeingstretchedacrossthedeckisthereheldbytwoorthreealerthandsTheselastnowhoistthebucketwithingraspoftheIndiantowhomanotherpersonhasreachedupaverylongpoleInsertingthispoleintothebucketTashtegodownwardguidesthebucketintotheTuntillitentirelydisappearsthengivingthewordtotheseamenatthewhipupcomesthebucketagainallbubblinglikeadairymaidspailofnewmilkCarefullyloweredfromitsheightthefullfreightedvesseliscaughtbyanappointedhandandquicklyemptiedintoalargetubThenremountingaloftitagaingoesthroughthesamerounduntilthedeepcisternwillyieldnomoreTowardstheendTashtegohastoramhislongpoleharderandharderanddeeperanddeeperintotheTununtilsometwentyfeetofthepolehavegonedownNowthepeopleofthePequodhadbeenbalingsometimeinthiswayseveraltubshadbeenfilledwiththefragrantspermwhenallatonceaqueeraccidenthappenedWhetheritwasthatTashtegothatwildIndianwassoheedlessandrecklessastoletgoforamomenthisonehandedholdonthegreatcabledtacklessuspendingtheheadorwhethertheplacewherehestoodwassotreacherousandoozyorwhethertheEvilOnehimselfwouldhaveittofalloutsowithoutstatinghisparticularreasonshowitwasexactlythereisnotellingnowbutonasuddenastheeightiethorninetiethbucketcamesuckinglyupmyGodpoorTashtegolikethetwinreciprocatingbucketinaveritablewelldroppedheadforemostdownintothisgreatTunofHeidelburghandwithahorribleoilygurglingwentcleanoutofsightManoverboardcriedDaggoowhoamidthegeneralconsternationfirstcametohissensesSwingthebucketthiswayandputtingonefootintoitsoasthebettertosecurehisslipperyhandholdonthewhipitselfthehoistersranhimhighuptothetopoftheheadalmostbeforeTashtegocouldhavereacheditsinteriorbottomMeantimetherewasaterribletumultLookingoverthesidetheysawthebeforelifelessheadthrobbingandheavingjustbelowthesurfaceoftheseaasifthatmomentseizedwithsomemomentousideawhereasitwasonlythepoorIndianunconsciouslyrevealingbythosestrugglestheperilousdepthtowhichhehadsunkAtthisinstantwhileDaggooonthesummitoftheheadwasclearingthewhipwhichhadsomehowgotfoulofthegreatcuttingtacklesasharpcrackingnoisewasheardandtotheunspeakablehorrorofalloneofthetwoenormoushookssuspendingtheheadtoreoutandwithavastvibrationtheenormousmasssidewaysswungtillthedrunkshipreeledandshookasifsmittenbyanicebergTheoneremaininghookuponwhichtheentirestrainnowdependedseemedeveryinstanttobeonthepointofgivingwayaneventstillmorelikelyfromtheviolentmotionsoftheheadComedowncomedownyelledtheseamentoDaggoobutwithonehandholdingontotheheavytacklessothatiftheheadshoulddrophewouldstillremainsuspendedthenegrohavingclearedthefoullinerammeddownthebucketintothenowcollapsedwellmeaningthattheburiedharpooneershouldgraspitandsobehoistedoutInheavensnamemancriedStubbareyouramminghomeacartridgethereAvastHowwillthathelphimjammingthatironboundbucketontopofhisheadAvastwillyeStandclearofthetacklecriedavoiceliketheburstingofarocketAlmostinthesameinstantwithathunderboomtheenormousmassdroppedintothesealikeNiagarasTableRockintothewhirlpoolthesuddenlyrelievedhullrolledawayfromittofardownherglitteringcopperandallcaughttheirbreathashalfswingingnowoverthesailorsheadsandnowoverthewaterDaggoothroughathickmistofspraywasdimlybeheldclingingtothependuloustackleswhilepoorburiedaliveTashtegowassinkingutterlydowntothebottomoftheseaButhardlyhadtheblindingvaporclearedawaywhenanakedfigurewithaboardingswordinhishandwasforoneswiftmomentseenhoveringoverthebulwarksThenextaloudsplashannouncedthatmybraveQueequeghaddivedtotherescueOnepackedrushwasmadetothesideandeveryeyecountedeveryrippleasmomentfollowedmomentandnosignofeitherthesinkerorthedivercouldbeseenSomehandsnowjumpedintoaboatalongsideandpushedalittleofffromtheshipHahacriedDaggooallatoncefromhisnowquietswingingperchoverheadandlookingfurtherofffromthesidewesawanarmthrustuprightfromthebluewavesasightstrangetoseeasanarmthrustforthfromthegrassoveragraveBothbothitisbothcriedDaggooagainwithajoyfulshoutandsoonafterQueequegwasseenboldlystrikingoutwithonehandandwiththeotherclutchingthelonghairoftheIndianDrawnintothewaitingboattheywerequicklybroughttothedeckbutTashtegowaslongincomingtoandQueequegdidnotlookverybriskNowhowhadthisnoblerescuebeenaccomplishedWhydivingaftertheslowlydescendingheadQueequegwithhiskeenswordhadmadesidelungesnearitsbottomsoastoscuttlealargeholetherethendroppinghisswordhadthrusthislongarmfarinwardsandupwardsandsohauledoutpoorTashbytheheadHeaverredthatuponfirstthrustinginforhimalegwaspresentedbutwellknowingthatthatwasnotasitoughttobeandmightoccasiongreattroublehehadthrustbackthelegandbyadexterousheaveandtosshadwroughtasomersetupontheIndiansothatwiththenexttrialhecameforthinthegoodoldwayheadforemostAsforthegreatheaditselfthatwasdoingaswellascouldbeexpectedAndthusthroughthecourageandgreatskillinobstetricsofQueequegthedeliveranceorratherdeliveryofTashtegowassuccessfullyaccomplishedintheteethtooofthemostuntowardandapparentlyhopelessimpedimentswhichisalessonbynomeanstobeforgottenMidwiferyshouldbetaughtinthesamecoursewithfencingandboxingridingandrowingIknowthatthisqueeradventureoftheGayHeaderswillbesuretoseemincredibletosomelandsmenthoughtheythemselvesmayhaveeitherseenorheardofsomeonesfallingintoacisternashoreanaccidentwhichnotseldomhappensandwithmuchlessreasontoothantheIndiansconsideringtheexceedingslipperinessofthecurboftheSpermWhaleswellButperadventureitmaybesagaciouslyurgedhowisthisWethoughtthetissuedinfiltratedheadoftheSpermWhalewasthelightestandmostcorkypartabouthimandyetthoumakestitsinkinanelementofafargreaterspecificgravitythanitselfWehavetheethereNotatallbutIhaveyeforatthetimepoorTashfellinthecasehadbeennearlyemptiedofitslightercontentsleavinglittlebutthedensetendinouswallofthewelladoubleweldedhammeredsubstanceasIhavebeforesaidmuchheavierthantheseawaterandalumpofwhichsinksinitlikeleadalmostButthetendencytorapidsinkinginthissubstancewasinthepresentinstancemateriallycounteractedbytheotherpartsoftheheadremainingundetachedfromitsothatitsankveryslowlyanddeliberatelyindeedaffordingQueequegafairchanceforperforminghisagileobstetricsontherunasyoumaysayYesitwasarunningdeliverysoitwasNowhadTashtegoperishedinthatheadithadbeenaverypreciousperishingsmotheredintheverywhitestanddaintiestoffragrantspermaceticoffinedhearsedandtombedinthesecretinnerchamberandsanctumsanctorumofthewhaleOnlyonesweeterendcanreadilyberecalledthedeliciousdeathofanOhiohoneyhunterwhoseekinghoneyinthecrotchofahollowtreefoundsuchexceedingstoreofitthatleaningtoofaroveritsuckedhiminsothathediedembalmedHowmanythinkyehavelikewisefallenintoPlatoshoneyheadandsweetlyperishedthereCHAPTER79ThePrairieToscanthelinesofhisfaceorfeelthebumpsontheheadofthisLeviathanthisisathingwhichnoPhysiognomistorPhrenologisthasasyetundertakenSuchanenterprisewouldseemalmostashopefulasforLavatertohavescrutinizedthewrinklesontheRockofGibraltarorforGalltohavemountedaladderandmanipulatedtheDomeofthePantheonStillinthatfamousworkofhisLavaternotonlytreatsofthevariousfacesofmenbutalsoattentivelystudiesthefacesofhorsesbirdsserpentsandfishanddwellsindetailuponthemodificationsofexpressiondiscerniblethereinNorhaveGallandhisdiscipleSpurzheimfailedtothrowoutsomehintstouchingthephrenologicalcharacteristicsofotherbeingsthanmanThereforethoughIambutillqualifiedforapioneerintheapplicationofthesetwosemisciencestothewhaleIwilldomyendeavorItryallthingsIachievewhatIcanPhysiognomicallyregardedtheSpermWhaleisananomalouscreatureHehasnopropernoseAndsincethenoseisthecentralandmostconspicuousofthefeaturesandsinceitperhapsmostmodifiesandfinallycontrolstheircombinedexpressionhenceitwouldseemthatitsentireabsenceasanexternalappendagemustverylargelyaffectthecountenanceofthewhaleForasinlandscapegardeningaspirecupolamonumentortowerofsomesortisdeemedalmostindispensabletothecompletionofthescenesonofacecanbephysiognomicallyinkeepingwithouttheelevatedopenworkbelfryofthenoseDashthenosefromPhidiassmarbleJoveandwhatasorryremainderNeverthelessLeviathanisofsomightyamagnitudeallhisproportionsaresostatelythatthesamedeficiencywhichinthesculpturedJovewerehideousinhimisnoblemishatallNayitisanaddedgrandeurAnosetothewhalewouldhavebeenimpertinentAsonyourphysiognomicalvoyageyousailroundhisvastheadinyourjollyboatyournobleconceptionsofhimareneverinsultedbythereflectionthathehasanosetobepulledApestilentconceitwhichsooftenwillinsistuponobtrudingevenwhenbeholdingthemightiestroyalbeadleonhisthroneInsomeparticularsperhapsthemostimposingphysiognomicalviewtobehadoftheSpermWhaleisthatofthefullfrontofhisheadThisaspectissublimeInthoughtafinehumanbrowisliketheEastwhentroubledwiththemorningInthereposeofthepasturethecurledbrowofthebullhasatouchofthegrandinitPushingheavycannonupmountaindefilestheelephantsbrowismajesticHumanoranimalthemysticalbrowisasthatgreatgoldensealaffixedbytheGermanemperorstotheirdecreesItsignifiesGoddonethisdaybymyhandButinmostcreaturesnayinmanhimselfveryoftenthebrowisbutamerestripofalpinelandlyingalongthesnowlineFewaretheforeheadswhichlikeShakespearesorMelancthonsrisesohighanddescendsolowthattheeyesthemselvesseemcleareternaltidelessmountainlakesandallabovethemintheforeheadswrinklesyouseemtotracktheantleredthoughtsdescendingtheretodrinkastheHighlandhunterstrackthesnowprintsofthedeerButinthegreatSpermWhalethishighandmightygodlikedignityinherentinthebrowissoimmenselyamplifiedthatgazingonitinthatfullfrontviewyoufeeltheDeityandthedreadpowersmoreforciblythaninbeholdinganyotherobjectinlivingnatureForyouseenoonepointpreciselynotonedistinctfeatureisrevealednonoseeyesearsormouthnofacehehasnonepropernothingbutthatonebroadfirmamentofaforeheadpleatedwithriddlesdumblyloweringwiththedoomofboatsandshipsandmenNorinprofiledoesthiswondrousbrowdiminishthoughthatwayvieweditsgrandeurdoesnotdomineeruponyousoInprofileyouplainlyperceivethathorizontalsemicrescenticdepressionintheforeheadsmiddlewhichinmanisLavatersmarkofgeniusButhowGeniusintheSpermWhaleHastheSpermWhaleeverwrittenabookspokenaspeechNohisgreatgeniusisdeclaredinhisdoingnothingparticulartoproveitItismoreoverdeclaredinhispyramidicalsilenceAndthisremindsmethathadthegreatSpermWhalebeenknowntotheyoungOrientWorldhewouldhavebeendeifiedbytheirchildmagianthoughtsTheydeifiedthecrocodileoftheNilebecausethecrocodileistonguelessandtheSpermWhalehasnotongueoratleastitissoexceedinglysmallastobeincapableofprotrusionIfhereafteranyhighlyculturedpoeticalnationshalllurebacktotheirbirthrightthemerryMaydaygodsofoldandlivinglyenthronethemagaininthenowegotisticalskyinthenowunhauntedhillthenbesureexaltedtoJoveshighseatthegreatSpermWhaleshalllorditChampolliondecipheredthewrinkledgranitehieroglyphicsButthereisnoChampolliontodeciphertheEgyptofeverymansandeverybeingsfacePhysiognomylikeeveryotherhumanscienceisbutapassingfableIfthenSirWilliamJoneswhoreadinthirtylanguagescouldnotreadthesimplestpeasantsfaceinitsprofounderandmoresubtlemeaningshowmayunletteredIshmaelhopetoreadtheawfulChaldeeoftheSpermWhalesbrowIbutputthatbrowbeforeyouReaditifyoucanCHAPTER80TheNutIftheSpermWhalebephysiognomicallyaSphinxtothephrenologisthisbrainseemsthatgeometricalcirclewhichitisimpossibletosquareInthefullgrowncreaturetheskullwillmeasureatleasttwentyfeetinlengthUnhingethelowerjawandthesideviewofthisskullisasthesideofamoderatelyinclinedplanerestingthroughoutonalevelbaseButinlifeaswehaveelsewhereseenthisinclinedplaneisangularlyfilledupandalmostsquaredbytheenormoussuperincumbentmassofthejunkandspermAtthehighendtheskullformsacratertobedthatpartofthemasswhileunderthelongfloorofthiscraterinanothercavityseldomexceedingteninchesinlengthandasmanyindepthreposesthemerehandfulofthismonstersbrainThebrainisatleasttwentyfeetfromhisapparentforeheadinlifeitishiddenawaybehinditsvastoutworksliketheinnermostcitadelwithintheamplifiedfortificationsofQuebecSolikeachoicecasketisitsecretedinhimthatIhaveknownsomewhalemenwhoperemptorilydenythattheSpermWhalehasanyotherbrainthanthatpalpablesemblanceofoneformedbythecubicyardsofhisspermmagazineLyinginstrangefoldscoursesandconvolutionstotheirapprehensionsitseemsmoreinkeepingwiththeideaofhisgeneralmighttoregardthatmysticpartofhimastheseatofhisintelligenceItisplainthenthatphrenologicallytheheadofthisLeviathaninthecreatureslivingintactstateisanentiredelusionAsforhistruebrainyoucanthenseenoindicationsofitnorfeelanyThewhalelikeallthingsthataremightywearsafalsebrowtothecommonworldIfyouunloadhisskullofitsspermyheapsandthentakearearviewofitsrearendwhichisthehighendyouwillbestruckbyitsresemblancetothehumanskullbeheldinthesamesituationandfromthesamepointofviewIndeedplacethisreversedskullscaleddowntothehumanmagnitudeamongaplateofmensskullsandyouwouldinvoluntarilyconfounditwiththemandremarkingthedepressionsononepartofitssummitinphrenologicalphraseyouwouldsayThismanhadnoselfesteemandnovenerationAndbythosenegationsconsideredalongwiththeaffirmativefactofhisprodigiousbulkandpoweryoucanbestformtoyourselfthetruestthoughnotthemostexhilaratingconceptionofwhatthemostexaltedpotencyisButiffromthecomparativedimensionsofthewhalesproperbrainyoudeemitincapableofbeingadequatelychartedthenIhaveanotherideaforyouIfyouattentivelyregardalmostanyquadrupedsspineyouwillbestruckwiththeresemblanceofitsvertebrtoastrungnecklaceofdwarfedskullsallbearingrudimentalresemblancetotheskullproperItisaGermanconceitthatthevertebrareabsolutelyundevelopedskullsButthecuriousexternalresemblanceItakeittheGermanswerenotthefirstmentoperceiveAforeignfriendoncepointeditouttomeintheskeletonofafoehehadslainandwiththevertebrofwhichhewasinlayinginasortofbassorelievothebeakedprowofhiscanoeNowIconsiderthatthephrenologistshaveomittedanimportantthinginnotpushingtheirinvestigationsfromthecerebellumthroughthespinalcanalForIbelievethatmuchofamanscharacterwillbefoundbetokenedinhisbackboneIwouldratherfeelyourspinethanyourskullwhoeveryouareAthinjoistofaspineneveryetupheldafullandnoblesoulIrejoiceinmyspineasinthefirmaudaciousstaffofthatflagwhichIflinghalfouttotheworldApplythisspinalbranchofphrenologytotheSpermWhaleHiscranialcavityiscontinuouswiththefirstneckvertebraandinthatvertebrathebottomofthespinalcanalwillmeasureteninchesacrossbeingeightinheightandofatriangularfigurewiththebasedownwardsAsitpassesthroughtheremainingvertebrthecanaltapersinsizebutforaconsiderabledistanceremainsoflargecapacityNowofcoursethiscanalisfilledwithmuchthesamestrangelyfibroussubstancethespinalcordasthebrainanddirectlycommunicateswiththebrainAndwhatisstillmoreformanyfeetafteremergingfromthebrainscavitythespinalcordremainsofanundecreasinggirthalmostequaltothatofthebrainUnderallthesecircumstanceswoulditbeunreasonabletosurveyandmapoutthewhalesspinephrenologicallyForviewedinthislightthewonderfulcomparativesmallnessofhisbrainproperismorethancompensatedbythewonderfulcomparativemagnitudeofhisspinalcordButleavingthishinttooperateasitmaywiththephrenologistsIwouldmerelyassumethespinaltheoryforamomentinreferencetotheSpermWhaleshumpThisaugusthumpifImistakenotrisesoveroneofthelargervertebrandisthereforeinsomesorttheouterconvexmouldofitFromitsrelativesituationthenIshouldcallthishighhumptheorganoffirmnessorindomitablenessintheSpermWhaleAndthatthegreatmonsterisindomitableyouwillyethavereasontoknowCHAPTER81ThePequodMeetsTheVirginThepredestinateddayarrivedandwedulymettheshipJungfrauDerickDeDeermasterofBremenAtonetimethegreatestwhalingpeopleintheworldtheDutchandGermansarenowamongtheleastbuthereandthereatverywideintervalsoflatitudeandlongitudeyoustilloccasionallymeetwiththeirflaginthePacificForsomereasontheJungfrauseemedquiteeagertopayherrespectsWhileyetsomedistancefromthePequodsheroundedtoanddroppingaboathercaptainwasimpelledtowardsusimpatientlystandinginthebowsinsteadofthesternWhathasheinhishandtherecriedStarbuckpointingtosomethingwavinglyheldbytheGermanImpossiblealampfeederNotthatsaidStubbnonoitsacoffeepotMrStarbuckhescomingofftomakeusourcoffeeistheYarmandontyouseethatbigtincantherealongsideofhimthatshisboilingwaterOhhesallrightistheYarmanGoalongwithyoucriedFlaskitsalampfeederandanoilcanHesoutofoilandhascomeabeggingHowevercuriousitmayseemforanoilshiptobeborrowingoilonthewhalegroundandhowevermuchitmayinvertedlycontradicttheoldproverbaboutcarryingcoalstoNewcastleyetsometimessuchathingreallyhappensandinthepresentcaseCaptainDerickDeDeerdidindubitablyconductalampfeederasFlaskdiddeclareAshemountedthedeckAhababruptlyaccostedhimwithoutatallheedingwhathehadinhishandbutinhisbrokenlingotheGermansoonevincedhiscompleteignoranceoftheWhiteWhaleimmediatelyturningtheconversationtohislampfeederandoilcanwithsomeremarkstouchinghishavingtoturnintohishammockatnightinprofounddarknesshislastdropofBremenoilbeinggoneandnotasingleflyingfishyetcapturedtosupplythedeficiencyconcludingbyhintingthathisshipwasindeedwhatintheFisheryistechnicallycalledacleanonethatisanemptyonewelldeservingthenameofJungfrauortheVirginHisnecessitiessuppliedDerickdepartedbuthehadnotgainedhisshipssidewhenwhaleswerealmostsimultaneouslyraisedfromthemastheadsofbothvesselsandsoeagerforthechasewasDerickthatwithoutpausingtoputhisoilcanandlampfeederaboardheslewedroundhisboatandmadeaftertheleviathanlampfeedersNowthegamehavingrisentoleewardheandtheotherthreeGermanboatsthatsoonfollowedhimhadconsiderablythestartofthePequodskeelsTherewereeightwhalesanaveragepodAwareoftheirdangertheyweregoingallabreastwithgreatspeedstraightbeforethewindrubbingtheirflanksascloselyassomanyspansofhorsesinharnessTheyleftagreatwidewakeasthoughcontinuallyunrollingagreatwideparchmentupontheseaFullinthisrapidwakeandmanyfathomsintherearswamahugehumpedoldbullwhichbyhiscomparativelyslowprogressaswellasbytheunusualyellowishincrustationsovergrowinghimseemedafflictedwiththejaundiceorsomeotherinfirmityWhetherthiswhalebelongedtothepodinadvanceseemedquestionableforitisnotcustomaryforsuchvenerableleviathanstobeatallsocialNeverthelesshestucktotheirwakethoughindeedtheirbackwatermusthaveretardedhimbecausethewhiteboneorswellathisbroadmuzzlewasadashedoneliketheswellformedwhentwohostilecurrentsmeetHisspoutwasshortslowandlaboriouscomingforthwithachokingsortofgushandspendingitselfintornshredsfollowedbystrangesubterraneancommotionsinhimwhichseemedtohaveegressathisotherburiedextremitycausingthewatersbehindhimtoupbubbleWhosgotsomeparegoricsaidStubbhehasthestomachacheImafraidLordthinkofhavinghalfanacreofstomachacheAdversewindsareholdingmadChristmasinhimboysItsthefirstfoulwindIeverknewtoblowfromasternbutlookdideverwhaleyawsobeforeitmustbeheslosthistillerAsanoverladenIndiamanbearingdowntheHindostancoastwithadeckloadoffrightenedhorsescareensburiesrollsandwallowsonherwaysodidthisoldwhaleheavehisagedbulkandnowandthenpartlyturningoveronhiscumbrousribendsexposethecauseofhisdeviouswakeintheunnaturalstumpofhisstarboardfinWhetherhehadlostthatfininbattleorhadbeenbornwithoutititwerehardtosayOnlywaitabitoldchapandIllgiveyeaslingforthatwoundedarmcriedcruelFlaskpointingtothewhalelinenearhimMindhedontslingtheewithitcriedStarbuckGivewayortheGermanwillhavehimWithoneintentallthecombinedrivalboatswerepointedforthisonefishbecausenotonlywashethelargestandthereforethemostvaluablewhalebuthewasnearesttothemandtheotherwhalesweregoingwithsuchgreatvelocitymoreoverasalmosttodefypursuitforthetimeAtthisjuncturethePequodskeelshadshotbythethreeGermanboatslastloweredbutfromthegreatstarthehadhadDericksboatstillledthechasethougheverymomentnearedbyhisforeignrivalsTheonlythingtheyfearedwasthatfrombeingalreadysonightohismarkhewouldbeenabledtodarthisironbeforetheycouldcompletelyovertakeandpasshimAsforDerickheseemedquiteconfidentthatthiswouldbethecaseandoccasionallywithaderidinggestureshookhislampfeederattheotherboatsTheungraciousandungratefuldogcriedStarbuckhemocksanddaresmewiththeverypoorboxIfilledforhimnotfiveminutesagotheninhisoldintensewhisperGivewaygreyhoundsDogtoitItellyewhatitismencriedStubbtohiscrewitsagainstmyreligiontogetmadbutIdliketoeatthatvillainousYarmanPullwontyeAreyegoingtoletthatrascalbeatyeDoyelovebrandyAhogsheadofbrandythentothebestmanComewhydontsomeofyeburstabloodvesselWhosthatbeendroppingananchoroverboardwedontbudgeaninchwerebecalmedHallooheresgrassgrowingintheboatsbottomandbytheLordthemasttheresbuddingThiswontdoboysLookatthatYarmanTheshortandlongofitismenwillyespitfireornotOhseethesudshemakescriedFlaskdancingupanddownWhatahumpOhdopileonthebeeflayslikealogOhmyladsdospringslapjacksandquahogsforsupperyouknowmyladsbakedclamsandmuffinsohdodospringhesahundredbarrellerdontlosehimnowdontohdontseethatYarmanOhwontyepullforyourduffmyladssuchasogsuchasoggerDontyelovespermTheregoesthreethousanddollarsmenabankawholebankThebankofEnglandOhdododoWhatsthatYarmanaboutnowAtthismomentDerickwasintheactofpitchinghislampfeederattheadvancingboatsandalsohisoilcanperhapswiththedoubleviewofretardinghisrivalswayandatthesametimeeconomicallyacceleratinghisownbythemomentaryimpetusofthebackwardtossTheunmannerlyDutchdoggercriedStubbPullnowmenlikefiftythousandlineofbattleshiploadsofredhaireddevilsWhatdyesayTashtegoareyouthemantosnapyourspineintwoandtwentypiecesforthehonorofoldGayheadWhatdyesayIsaypulllikegoddamcriedtheIndianFiercelybutevenlyincitedbythetauntsoftheGermanthePequodsthreeboatsnowbeganrangingalmostabreastandsodisposedmomentarilynearedhimInthatfineloosechivalrousattitudeoftheheadsmanwhendrawingneartohispreythethreematesstoodupproudlyoccasionallybackingtheafteroarsmanwithanexhilaratingcryofTheresheslidesnowHurrahforthewhiteashbreezeDownwiththeYarmanSailoverhimButsodecidedanoriginalstarthadDerickhadthatspiteofalltheirgallantryhewouldhaveprovedthevictorinthisracehadnotarighteousjudgmentdescendeduponhiminacrabwhichcaughtthebladeofhismidshipoarsmanWhilethisclumsylubberwasstrivingtofreehiswhiteashandwhileinconsequenceDericksboatwasnightocapsizingandhethunderingawayathismeninamightyragethatwasagoodtimeforStarbuckStubbandFlaskWithashouttheytookamortalstartforwardsandslantinglyrangedupontheGermansquarterAninstantmoreandallfourboatswerediagonicallyinthewhalesimmediatewakewhilestretchingfromthemonbothsideswasthefoamingswellthathemadeItwasaterrificmostpitiableandmaddeningsightThewhalewasnowgoingheadoutandsendinghisspoutbeforehiminacontinualtormentedjetwhilehisonepoorfinbeathissideinanagonyoffrightNowtothishandnowtothatheyawedinhisfalteringflightandstillateverybillowthathebrokehespasmodicallysankintheseaorsidewaysrolledtowardstheskyhisonebeatingfinSohaveIseenabirdwithclippedwingmakingaffrightedbrokencirclesintheairvainlystrivingtoescapethepiraticalhawksButthebirdhasavoiceandwithplaintivecrieswillmakeknownherfearbutthefearofthisvastdumbbruteoftheseawaschainedupandenchantedinhimhehadnovoicesavethatchokingrespirationthroughhisspiracleandthismadethesightofhimunspeakablypitiablewhilestillinhisamazingbulkportcullisjawandomnipotenttailtherewasenoughtoappalthestoutestmanwhosopitiedSeeingnowthatbutaveryfewmomentsmorewouldgivethePequodsboatstheadvantageandratherthanbethusfoiledofhisgameDerickchosetohazardwhattohimmusthaveseemedamostunusuallylongdarterethelastchancewouldforeverescapeButnosoonerdidhisharpooneerstandupforthestrokethanallthreetigersQueequegTashtegoDaggooinstinctivelysprangtotheirfeetandstandinginadiagonalrowsimultaneouslypointedtheirbarbsanddartedovertheheadoftheGermanharpooneertheirthreeNantucketironsenteredthewhaleBlindingvaporsoffoamandwhitefireThethreeboatsinthefirstfuryofthewhalesheadlongrushbumpedtheGermansasidewithsuchforcethatbothDerickandhisbaffledharpooneerwerespilledoutandsailedoverbythethreeflyingkeelsDontbeafraidmybutterboxescriedStubbcastingapassingglanceuponthemasheshotbyyellbepickeduppresentlyallrightIsawsomesharksasternStBernardsdogsyouknowrelievedistressedtravellersHurrahthisisthewaytosailnowEverykeelasunbeamHurrahHerewegolikethreetinkettlesatthetailofamadcougarThisputsmeinmindoffasteningtoanelephantinatilburyonaplainmakesthewheelspokesflyboyswhenyoufastentohimthatwayandtheresdangerofbeingpitchedouttoowhenyoustrikeahillHurrahthisisthewayafellowfeelswhenhesgoingtoDavyJonesallarushdownanendlessinclinedplaneHurrahthiswhalecarriestheeverlastingmailButthemonstersrunwasabriefoneGivingasuddengasphetumultuouslysoundedWithagratingrushthethreelinesflewroundtheloggerheadswithsuchaforceastogougedeepgroovesinthemwhilesofearfulweretheharpooneersthatthisrapidsoundingwouldsoonexhaustthelinesthatusingalltheirdexterousmighttheycaughtrepeatedsmokingturnswiththeropetoholdontillatlastowingtotheperpendicularstrainfromtheleadlinedchocksoftheboatswhencethethreeropeswentstraightdownintothebluethegunwalesofthebowswerealmostevenwiththewaterwhilethethreesternstiltedhighintheairAndthewhalesoonceasingtosoundforsometimetheyremainedinthatattitudefearfulofexpendingmorelinethoughthepositionwasalittleticklishButthoughboatshavebeentakendownandlostinthiswayyetitisthisholdingonasitiscalledthishookingupbythesharpbarbsofhislivefleshfromthebackthisitisthatoftentormentstheLeviathanintosoonrisingagaintomeetthesharplanceofhisfoesYetnottospeakoftheperilofthethingitistobedoubtedwhetherthiscourseisalwaysthebestforitisbutreasonabletopresumethatthelongerthestrickenwhalestaysunderwaterthemoreheisexhaustedBecauseowingtotheenormoussurfaceofhiminafullgrownspermwhalesomethinglessthan2000squarefeetthepressureofthewaterisimmenseWeallknowwhatanastonishingatmosphericweightweourselvesstandupunderevenhereabovegroundintheairhowvastthentheburdenofawhalebearingonhisbackacolumnoftwohundredfathomsofoceanItmustatleastequaltheweightoffiftyatmospheresOnewhalemanhasestimateditattheweightoftwentylineofbattleshipswithalltheirgunsandstoresandmenonboardAsthethreeboatslaythereonthatgentlyrollingseagazingdownintoitseternalbluenoonandasnotasinglegroanorcryofanysortnaynotsomuchasarippleorabubblecameupfromitsdepthswhatlandsmanwouldhavethoughtthatbeneathallthatsilenceandplaciditytheutmostmonsteroftheseaswaswrithingandwrenchinginagonyNoteightinchesofperpendicularropewerevisibleatthebowsSeemsitcrediblethatbythreesuchthinthreadsthegreatLeviathanwassuspendedlikethebigweighttoaneightdayclockSuspendedandtowhatTothreebitsofboardIsthisthecreatureofwhomitwasoncesotriumphantlysaidCanstthoufillhisskinwithbarbedironsorhisheadwithfishspearsTheswordofhimthatlayethathimcannotholdthespearthedartnorthehabergeonheesteemethironasstrawthearrowcannotmakehimfleedartsarecountedasstubblehelaughethattheshakingofaspearThisthecreaturethisheOhthatunfulfilmentsshouldfollowtheprophetsForwiththestrengthofathousandthighsinhistailLeviathanhadrunhisheadunderthemountainsoftheseatohidehimfromthePequodsfishspearsInthatslopingafternoonsunlighttheshadowsthatthethreeboatssentdownbeneaththesurfacemusthavebeenlongenoughandbroadenoughtoshadehalfXerxesarmyWhocantellhowappallingtothewoundedwhalemusthavebeensuchhugephantomsflittingoverhisheadStandbymenhestirscriedStarbuckasthethreelinessuddenlyvibratedinthewaterdistinctlyconductingupwardstothemasbymagneticwiresthelifeanddeaththrobsofthewhalesothateveryoarsmanfelttheminhisseatThenextmomentrelievedingreatpartfromthedownwardstrainatthebowstheboatsgaveasuddenbounceupwardsasasmallicefieldwillwhenadenseherdofwhitebearsarescaredfromitintotheseaHaulinHaulincriedStarbuckagainhesrisingThelinesofwhichhardlyaninstantbeforenotonehandsbreadthcouldhavebeengainedwerenowinlongquickcoilsflungbackalldrippingintotheboatsandsoonthewhalebrokewaterwithintwoshipslengthsofthehuntersHismotionsplainlydenotedhisextremeexhaustionInmostlandanimalstherearecertainvalvesorfloodgatesinmanyoftheirveinswherebywhenwoundedthebloodisinsomedegreeatleastinstantlyshutoffincertaindirectionsNotsowiththewhaleoneofwhosepeculiaritiesitistohaveanentirenonvalvularstructureofthebloodvesselssothatwhenpiercedevenbysosmallapointasaharpoonadeadlydrainisatoncebegunuponhiswholearterialsystemandwhenthisisheightenedbytheextraordinarypressureofwateratagreatdistancebelowthesurfacehislifemaybesaidtopourfromhiminincessantstreamsYetsovastisthequantityofbloodinhimandsodistantandnumerousitsinteriorfountainsthathewillkeepthusbleedingandbleedingforaconsiderableperiodevenasinadroughtariverwillflowwhosesourceisinthewellspringsoffaroffandundiscerniblehillsEvennowwhentheboatspulleduponthiswhaleandperilouslydrewoverhisswayingflukesandthelancesweredartedintohimtheywerefollowedbysteadyjetsfromthenewmadewoundwhichkeptcontinuallyplayingwhilethenaturalspoutholeinhisheadwasonlyatintervalshoweverrapidsendingitsaffrightedmoistureintotheairFromthislastventnobloodyetcamebecausenovitalpartofhimhadthusfarbeenstruckHislifeastheysignificantlycallitwasuntouchedAstheboatsnowmorecloselysurroundedhimthewholeupperpartofhisformwithmuchofitthatisordinarilysubmergedwasplainlyrevealedHiseyesorrathertheplaceswherehiseyeshadbeenwerebeheldAsstrangemisgrownmassesgatherintheknotholesofthenoblestoakswhenprostratesofromthepointswhichthewhaleseyeshadonceoccupiednowprotrudedblindbulbshorriblypitiabletoseeButpitytherewasnoneForallhisoldageandhisonearmandhisblindeyeshemustdiethedeathandbemurderedinordertolightthegaybridalsandothermerrymakingsofmenandalsotoilluminatethesolemnchurchesthatpreachunconditionalinoffensivenessbyalltoallStillrollinginhisbloodatlasthepartiallydisclosedastrangelydiscolouredbunchorprotuberancethesizeofabushellowdownontheflankAnicespotcriedFlaskjustletmeprickhimthereonceAvastcriedStarbucktheresnoneedofthatButhumaneStarbuckwastoolateAttheinstantofthedartanulcerousjetshotfromthiscruelwoundandgoadedbyitintomorethansufferableanguishthewhalenowspoutingthickbloodwithswiftfuryblindlydartedatthecraftbespatteringthemandtheirgloryingcrewsalloverwithshowersofgorecapsizingFlasksboatandmarringthebowsItwashisdeathstrokeForbythistimesospentwashebylossofbloodthathehelplesslyrolledawayfromthewreckhehadmadelaypantingonhissideimpotentlyflappedwithhisstumpedfinthenoverandoverslowlyrevolvedlikeawaningworldturnedupthewhitesecretsofhisbellylaylikealoganddiedItwasmostpiteousthatlastexpiringspoutAswhenbyunseenhandsthewaterisgraduallydrawnofffromsomemightyfountainandwithhalfstifledmelancholygurglingsthespraycolumnlowersandlowerstothegroundsothelastlongdyingspoutofthewhaleSoonwhilethecrewswereawaitingthearrivaloftheshipthebodyshowedsymptomsofsinkingwithallitstreasuresunrifledImmediatelybyStarbucksorderslinesweresecuredtoitatdifferentpointssothaterelongeveryboatwasabuoythesunkenwhalebeingsuspendedafewinchesbeneaththembythecordsByveryheedfulmanagementwhentheshipdrewnighthewhalewastransferredtohersideandwasstronglysecuredtherebythestiffestflukechainsforitwasplainthatunlessartificiallyupheldthebodywouldatoncesinktothebottomItsochancedthatalmostuponfirstcuttingintohimwiththespadetheentirelengthofacorrodedharpoonwasfoundimbeddedinhisfleshonthelowerpartofthebunchbeforedescribedButasthestumpsofharpoonsarefrequentlyfoundinthedeadbodiesofcapturedwhaleswiththefleshperfectlyhealedaroundthemandnoprominenceofanykindtodenotetheirplacethereforetheremustneedshavebeensomeotherunknownreasoninthepresentcasefullytoaccountfortheulcerationalludedtoButstillmorecuriouswasthefactofalanceheadofstonebeingfoundinhimnotfarfromtheburiedironthefleshperfectlyfirmaboutitWhohaddartedthatstonelanceAndwhenItmighthavebeendartedbysomeNorWestIndianlongbeforeAmericawasdiscoveredWhatothermarvelsmighthavebeenrummagedoutofthismonstrouscabinetthereisnotellingButasuddenstopwasputtofurtherdiscoveriesbytheshipsbeingunprecedentedlydraggedoversidewaystotheseaowingtothebodysimmenselyincreasingtendencytosinkHoweverStarbuckwhohadtheorderingofaffairshungontoittothelasthungontoitsoresolutelyindeedthatwhenatlengththeshipwouldhavebeencapsizedifstillpersistinginlockingarmswiththebodythenwhenthecommandwasgiventobreakclearfromitsuchwastheimmovablestrainuponthetimberheadstowhichtheflukechainsandcableswerefastenedthatitwasimpossibletocastthemoffMeantimeeverythinginthePequodwasaslantTocrosstotheothersideofthedeckwaslikewalkingupthesteepgabledroofofahouseTheshipgroanedandgaspedManyoftheivoryinlayingsofherbulwarksandcabinswerestartedfromtheirplacesbytheunnaturaldislocationInvainhandspikesandcrowswerebroughttobearupontheimmovableflukechainstoprythemadriftfromthetimberheadsandsolowhadthewhalenowsettledthatthesubmergedendscouldnotbeatallapproachedwhileeverymomentwholetonsofponderosityseemedaddedtothesinkingbulkandtheshipseemedonthepointofgoingoverHoldonholdonwontyecriedStubbtothebodydontbeinsuchadevilofahurrytosinkBythundermenwemustdosomethingorgoforitNousepryingthereavastIsaywithyourhandspikesandrunoneofyeforaprayerbookandapenknifeandcutthebigchainsKnifeAyeayecriedQueequegandseizingthecarpentersheavyhatchetheleanedoutofaportholeandsteeltoironbeganslashingatthelargestflukechainsButafewstrokesfullofsparksweregivenwhentheexceedingstraineffectedtherestWithaterrificsnapeveryfasteningwentadrifttheshiprightedthecarcasesankNowthisoccasionalinevitablesinkingoftherecentlykilledSpermWhaleisaverycuriousthingnorhasanyfishermanyetadequatelyaccountedforitUsuallythedeadSpermWhalefloatswithgreatbuoyancywithitssideorbellyconsiderablyelevatedabovethesurfaceIftheonlywhalesthatthussankwereoldmeagreandbrokenheartedcreaturestheirpadsoflarddiminishedandalltheirbonesheavyandrheumaticthenyoumightwithsomereasonassertthatthissinkingiscausedbyanuncommonspecificgravityinthefishsosinkingconsequentuponthisabsenceofbuoyantmatterinhimButitisnotsoForyoungwhalesinthehighesthealthandswellingwithnobleaspirationsprematurelycutoffinthewarmflushandMayoflifewithalltheirpantinglardaboutthemeventhesebrawnybuoyantheroesdosometimessinkBeitsaidhoweverthattheSpermWhaleisfarlessliabletothisaccidentthananyotherspeciesWhereoneofthatsortgodowntwentyRightWhalesdoThisdifferenceinthespeciesisnodoubtimputableinnosmalldegreetothegreaterquantityofboneintheRightWhalehisVenetianblindsalonesometimesweighingmorethanatonfromthisincumbrancetheSpermWhaleiswhollyfreeButthereareinstanceswhereafterthelapseofmanyhoursorseveraldaysthesunkenwhaleagainrisesmorebuoyantthaninlifeButthereasonofthisisobviousGasesaregeneratedinhimheswellstoaprodigiousmagnitudebecomesasortofanimalballoonAlineofbattleshipcouldhardlykeephimunderthenIntheShoreWhalingonsoundingsamongtheBaysofNewZealandwhenaRightWhalegivestokenofsinkingtheyfastenbuoystohimwithplentyofropesothatwhenthebodyhasgonedowntheyknowwheretolookforitwhenitshallhaveascendedagainItwasnotlongafterthesinkingofthebodythatacrywasheardfromthePequodsmastheadsannouncingthattheJungfrauwasagainloweringherboatsthoughtheonlyspoutinsightwasthatofaFinBackbelongingtothespeciesofuncapturablewhalesbecauseofitsincrediblepowerofswimmingNeverthelesstheFinBacksspoutissosimilartotheSpermWhalesthatbyunskilfulfishermenitisoftenmistakenforitAndconsequentlyDerickandallhishostwerenowinvaliantchaseofthisunnearablebruteTheVirgincrowdingallsailmadeafterherfouryoungkeelsandthustheyalldisappearedfartoleewardstillinboldhopefulchaseOhmanyaretheFinBacksandmanyaretheDericksmyfriendCHAPTER82TheHonorandGloryofWhalingTherearesomeenterprisesinwhichacarefuldisorderlinessisthetruemethodThemoreIdiveintothismatterofwhalingandpushmyresearchesuptotheveryspringheadofitsomuchthemoreamIimpressedwithitsgreathonorablenessandantiquityandespeciallywhenIfindsomanygreatdemigodsandheroesprophetsofallsortswhoonewayorotherhavesheddistinctionuponitIamtransportedwiththereflectionthatImyselfbelongthoughbutsubordinatelytosoemblazonedafraternityThegallantPerseusasonofJupiterwasthefirstwhalemanandtotheeternalhonorofourcallingbeitsaidthatthefirstwhaleattackedbyourbrotherhoodwasnotkilledwithanysordidintentThoseweretheknightlydaysofourprofessionwhenweonlyborearmstosuccorthedistressedandnottofillmenslampfeedersEveryoneknowsthefinestoryofPerseusandAndromedahowthelovelyAndromedathedaughterofakingwastiedtoarockontheseacoastandasLeviathanwasintheveryactofcarryingheroffPerseustheprinceofwhalemenintrepidlyadvancingharpoonedthemonsteranddeliveredandmarriedthemaidItwasanadmirableartisticexploitrarelyachievedbythebestharpooneersofthepresentdayinasmuchasthisLeviathanwasslainattheveryfirstdartAndletnomandoubtthisArkitestoryforintheancientJoppanowJaffaontheSyriancoastinoneofthePagantemplestherestoodformanyagesthevastskeletonofawhalewhichthecityslegendsandalltheinhabitantsassertedtobetheidenticalbonesofthemonsterthatPerseusslewWhentheRomanstookJoppathesameskeletonwascarriedtoItalyintriumphWhatseemsmostsingularandsuggestivelyimportantinthisstoryisthisitwasfromJoppathatJonahsetsailAkintotheadventureofPerseusandAndromedaindeedbysomesupposedtobeindirectlyderivedfromitisthatfamousstoryofStGeorgeandtheDragonwhichdragonImaintaintohavebeenawhaleforinmanyoldchronicleswhalesanddragonsarestrangelyjumbledtogetherandoftenstandforeachotherThouartasalionofthewatersandasadragonoftheseasaithEzekielherebyplainlymeaningawhaleintruthsomeversionsoftheBibleusethatworditselfBesidesitwouldmuchsubtractfromthegloryoftheexploithadStGeorgebutencounteredacrawlingreptileofthelandinsteadofdoingbattlewiththegreatmonsterofthedeepAnymanmaykillasnakebutonlyaPerseusaStGeorgeaCoffinhavetheheartinthemtomarchboldlyuptoawhaleLetnotthemodernpaintingsofthisscenemisleadusforthoughthecreatureencounteredbythatvaliantwhalemanofoldisvaguelyrepresentedofagriffinlikeshapeandthoughthebattleisdepictedonlandandthesaintonhorsebackyetconsideringthegreatignoranceofthosetimeswhenthetrueformofthewhalewasunknowntoartistsandconsideringthatasinPerseuscaseStGeorgeswhalemighthavecrawledupoutoftheseaonthebeachandconsideringthattheanimalriddenbyStGeorgemighthavebeenonlyalargesealorseahorsebearingallthisinminditwillnotappearaltogetherincompatiblewiththesacredlegendandtheancientestdraughtsofthescenetoholdthissocalleddragonnootherthanthegreatLeviathanhimselfInfactplacedbeforethestrictandpiercingtruththiswholestorywillfarelikethatfishfleshandfowlidolofthePhilistinesDagonbynamewhobeingplantedbeforethearkofIsraelhishorsesheadandboththepalmsofhishandsfellofffromhimandonlythestumporfishypartofhimremainedThusthenoneofourownnoblestampevenawhalemanisthetutelaryguardianofEnglandandbygoodrightsweharpooneersofNantucketshouldbeenrolledinthemostnobleorderofStGeorgeAndthereforeletnottheknightsofthathonorablecompanynoneofwhomIventuretosayhaveeverhadtodowithawhaleliketheirgreatpatronletthemnevereyeaNantucketerwithdisdainsinceeveninourwoollenfrocksandtarredtrowserswearemuchbetterentitledtoStGeorgesdecorationthantheyWhethertoadmitHerculesamongusornotconcerningthisIlongremaineddubiousforthoughaccordingtotheGreekmythologiesthatantiqueCrockettandKitCarsonthatbrawnydoerofrejoicinggooddeedswasswalloweddownandthrownupbyawhalestillwhetherthatstrictlymakesawhalemanofhimthatmightbemootedItnowhereappearsthatheeveractuallyharpoonedhisfishunlessindeedfromtheinsideNeverthelesshemaybedeemedasortofinvoluntarywhalemanatanyratethewhalecaughthimifhedidnotthewhaleIclaimhimforoneofourclanButbythebestcontradictoryauthoritiesthisGrecianstoryofHerculesandthewhaleisconsideredtobederivedfromthestillmoreancientHebrewstoryofJonahandthewhaleandviceverscertainlytheyareverysimilarIfIclaimthedemigodthenwhynottheprophetNordoheroessaintsdemigodsandprophetsalonecomprisethewholerollofourorderOurgrandmasterisstilltobenamedforlikeroyalkingsofoldtimeswefindtheheadwatersofourfraternityinnothingshortofthegreatgodsthemselvesThatwondrousorientalstoryisnowtoberehearsedfromtheShasterwhichgivesusthedreadVishnoooneofthethreepersonsinthegodheadoftheHindoosgivesusthisdivineVishnoohimselfforourLordVishnoowhobythefirstofhistenearthlyincarnationshasforeversetapartandsanctifiedthewhaleWhenBrahmaortheGodofGodssaiththeShasterresolvedtorecreatetheworldafteroneofitsperiodicaldissolutionshegavebirthtoVishnootopresideovertheworkbuttheVedasormysticalbookswhoseperusalwouldseemtohavebeenindispensabletoVishnoobeforebeginningthecreationandwhichthereforemusthavecontainedsomethingintheshapeofpracticalhintstoyoungarchitectstheseVedaswerelyingatthebottomofthewaterssoVishnoobecameincarnateinawhaleandsoundingdowninhimtotheuttermostdepthsrescuedthesacredvolumesWasnotthisVishnooawhalemanthenevenasamanwhoridesahorseiscalledahorsemanPerseusStGeorgeHerculesJonahandVishnootheresamemberrollforyouWhatclubbutthewhalemanscanheadofflikethatCHAPTER83JonahHistoricallyRegardedReferencewasmadetothehistoricalstoryofJonahandthewhaleintheprecedingchapterNowsomeNantucketersratherdistrustthishistoricalstoryofJonahandthewhaleButthenthereweresomescepticalGreeksandRomanswhostandingoutfromtheorthodoxpagansoftheirtimesequallydoubtedthestoryofHerculesandthewhaleandArionandthedolphinandyettheirdoubtingthosetraditionsdidnotmakethosetraditionsonewhitthelessfactsforallthatOneoldSagHarborwhalemanschiefreasonforquestioningtheHebrewstorywasthisHehadoneofthosequaintoldfashionedBiblesembellishedwithcuriousunscientificplatesoneofwhichrepresentedJonahswhalewithtwospoutsinhisheadapeculiarityonlytruewithrespecttoaspeciesoftheLeviathantheRightWhaleandthevarietiesofthatorderconcerningwhichthefishermenhavethissayingApennyrollwouldchokehimhisswallowissoverysmallButtothisBishopJebbsanticipativeanswerisreadyItisnotnecessaryhintstheBishopthatweconsiderJonahastombedinthewhalesbellybutastemporarilylodgedinsomepartofhismouthAndthisseemsreasonableenoughinthegoodBishopFortrulytheRightWhalesmouthwouldaccommodateacoupleofwhisttablesandcomfortablyseatalltheplayersPossiblytooJonahmighthaveensconcedhimselfinahollowtoothbutonsecondthoughtstheRightWhaleistoothlessAnotherreasonwhichSagHarborhewentbythatnameurgedforhiswantoffaithinthismatteroftheprophetwassomethingobscurelyinreferencetohisincarceratedbodyandthewhalesgastricjuicesButthisobjectionlikewisefallstothegroundbecauseaGermanexegetistsupposesthatJonahmusthavetakenrefugeinthefloatingbodyofadeadwhaleevenastheFrenchsoldiersintheRussiancampaignturnedtheirdeadhorsesintotentsandcrawledintothemBesidesithasbeendivinedbyothercontinentalcommentatorsthatwhenJonahwasthrownoverboardfromtheJoppashiphestraightwayeffectedhisescapetoanothervesselnearbysomevesselwithawhaleforafigureheadandIwouldaddpossiblycalledTheWhaleassomecraftarenowadayschristenedtheSharktheGulltheEagleNorhavetherebeenwantinglearnedexegetistswhohaveopinedthatthewhalementionedinthebookofJonahmerelymeantalifepreserveraninflatedbagofwindwhichtheendangeredprophetswamtoandsowassavedfromawaterydoomPoorSagHarborthereforeseemsworstedallroundButhehadstillanotherreasonforhiswantoffaithItwasthisifIrememberrightJonahwasswallowedbythewhaleintheMediterraneanSeaandafterthreedayshewasvomitedupsomewherewithinthreedaysjourneyofNinevehacityontheTigrisverymuchmorethanthreedaysjourneyacrossfromthenearestpointoftheMediterraneancoastHowisthatButwastherenootherwayforthewhaletolandtheprophetwithinthatshortdistanceofNinevehYesHemighthavecarriedhimroundbythewayoftheCapeofGoodHopeButnottospeakofthepassagethroughthewholelengthoftheMediterraneanandanotherpassageupthePersianGulfandRedSeasuchasuppositionwouldinvolvethecompletecircumnavigationofallAfricainthreedaysnottospeakoftheTigriswatersnearthesiteofNinevehbeingtooshallowforanywhaletoswiminBesidesthisideaofJonahsweatheringtheCapeofGoodHopeatsoearlyadaywouldwrestthehonorofthediscoveryofthatgreatheadlandfromBartholomewDiazitsreputeddiscovererandsomakemodernhistoryaliarButallthesefoolishargumentsofoldSagHarboronlyevincedhisfoolishprideofreasonathingstillmorereprehensibleinhimseeingthathehadbutlittlelearningexceptwhathehadpickedupfromthesunandtheseaIsayitonlyshowshisfoolishimpiousprideandabominabledevilishrebellionagainstthereverendclergyForbyaPortugueseCatholicpriestthisveryideaofJonahsgoingtoNinevehviatheCapeofGoodHopewasadvancedasasignalmagnificationofthegeneralmiracleAndsoitwasBesidestothisdaythehighlyenlightenedTurksdevoutlybelieveinthehistoricalstoryofJonahAndsomethreecenturiesagoanEnglishtravellerinoldHarrissVoyagesspeaksofaTurkishMosquebuiltinhonorofJonahinwhichMosquewasamiraculouslampthatburntwithoutanyoilCHAPTER84PitchpolingTomakethemruneasilyandswiftlytheaxlesofcarriagesareanointedandformuchthesamepurposesomewhalersperformananalogousoperationupontheirboattheygreasethebottomNorisittobedoubtedthatassuchaprocedurecandonoharmitmaypossiblybeofnocontemptibleadvantageconsideringthatoilandwaterarehostilethatoilisaslidingthingandthattheobjectinviewistomaketheboatslidebravelyQueequegbelievedstronglyinanointinghisboatandonemorningnotlongaftertheGermanshipJungfraudisappearedtookmorethancustomarypainsinthatoccupationcrawlingunderitsbottomwhereithungoverthesideandrubbingintheunctuousnessasthoughdiligentlyseekingtoinsureacropofhairfromthecraftsbaldkeelHeseemedtobeworkinginobediencetosomeparticularpresentimentNordiditremainunwarrantedbytheeventTowardsnoonwhaleswereraisedbutsosoonastheshipsaileddowntothemtheyturnedandfledwithswiftprecipitancyadisorderedflightasofCleopatrasbargesfromActiumNeverthelesstheboatspursuedandStubbswasforemostBygreatexertionTashtegoatlastsucceededinplantingoneironbutthestrickenwhalewithoutatallsoundingstillcontinuedhishorizontalflightwithaddedfleetnessSuchunintermittedstrainingsupontheplantedironmustsoonerorlaterinevitablyextractitItbecameimperativetolancetheflyingwhaleorbecontenttolosehimButtohaultheboatuptohisflankwasimpossibleheswamsofastandfuriousWhatthenremainedOfallthewondrousdevicesanddexteritiesthesleightsofhandandcountlesssubtletiestowhichtheveteranwhalemanissooftenforcednoneexceedthatfinemanuvrewiththelancecalledpitchpolingSmallswordorbroadswordinallitsexercisesboastsnothinglikeitItisonlyindispensablewithaninveteraterunningwhaleitsgrandfactandfeatureisthewonderfuldistancetowhichthelonglanceisaccuratelydartedfromaviolentlyrockingjerkingboatunderextremeheadwaySteelandwoodincludedtheentirespearissometenortwelvefeetinlengththestaffismuchslighterthanthatoftheharpoonandalsoofalightermaterialpineItisfurnishedwithasmallropecalledawarpofconsiderablelengthbywhichitcanbehauledbacktothehandafterdartingButbeforegoingfurtheritisimportanttomentionherethatthoughtheharpoonmaybepitchpoledinthesamewaywiththelanceyetitisseldomdoneandwhendoneisstilllessfrequentlysuccessfulonaccountofthegreaterweightandinferiorlengthoftheharpoonascomparedwiththelancewhichineffectbecomeseriousdrawbacksAsageneralthingthereforeyoumustfirstgetfasttoawhalebeforeanypitchpolingcomesintoplayLooknowatStubbamanwhofromhishumorousdeliberatecoolnessandequanimityinthedirestemergencieswasspeciallyqualifiedtoexcelinpitchpolingLookathimhestandsuprightinthetossedbowoftheflyingboatwraptinfleecyfoamthetowingwhaleisfortyfeetaheadHandlingthelonglancelightlyglancingtwiceorthricealongitslengthtoseeifitbeexactlystraightStubbwhistlinglygathersupthecoilofthewarpinonehandsoastosecureitsfreeendinhisgraspleavingtherestunobstructedThenholdingthelancefullbeforehiswaistbandsmiddlehelevelsitatthewhalewhencoveringhimwithithesteadilydepressesthebuttendinhishandtherebyelevatingthepointtilltheweaponstandsfairlybalanceduponhispalmfifteenfeetintheairHemindsyousomewhatofajugglerbalancingalongstaffonhischinNextmomentwitharapidnamelessimpulseinasuperbloftyarchthebrightsteelspansthefoamingdistanceandquiversinthelifespotofthewhaleInsteadofsparklingwaterhenowspoutsredbloodThatdrovethespigotoutofhimcriedStubbTisJulysimmortalFourthallfountainsmustrunwinetodayWouldnowitwereoldOrleanswhiskeyoroldOhioorunspeakableoldMonongahelaThenTashtegoladIdhaveyeholdacanakintothejetandweddrinkrounditYeaverilyheartsalivewedbrewchoicepunchinthespreadofhisspoutholethereandfromthatlivepunchbowlquaffthelivingstuffAgainandagaintosuchgamesometalkthedexterousdartisrepeatedthespearreturningtoitsmasterlikeagreyhoundheldinskilfulleashTheagonizedwhalegoesintohisflurrythetowlineisslackenedandthepitchpolerdroppingasternfoldshishandsandmutelywatchesthemonsterdieCHAPTER85TheFountainThatforsixthousandyearsandnooneknowshowmanymillionsofagesbeforethegreatwhalesshouldhavebeenspoutingallovertheseaandsprinklingandmistifyingthegardensofthedeepaswithsomanysprinklingormistifyingpotsandthatforsomecenturiesbackthousandsofhuntersshouldhavebeenclosebythefountainofthewhalewatchingthesesprinklingsandspoutingsthatallthisshouldbeandyetthatdowntothisblessedminutefifteenandaquarterminutespastoneoclockPMofthissixteenthdayofDecemberAD1851itshouldstillremainaproblemwhetherthesespoutingsareafterallreallywaterornothingbutvaporthisissurelyanoteworthythingLetusthenlookatthismatteralongwithsomeinterestingitemscontingentEveryoneknowsthatbythepeculiarcunningoftheirgillsthefinnytribesingeneralbreathetheairwhichatalltimesiscombinedwiththeelementinwhichtheyswimhenceaherringoracodmightliveacenturyandneveronceraiseitsheadabovethesurfaceButowingtohismarkedinternalstructurewhichgiveshimregularlungslikeahumanbeingsthewhalecanonlylivebyinhalingthedisengagedairintheopenatmosphereWhereforethenecessityforhisperiodicalvisitstotheupperworldButhecannotinanydegreebreathethroughhismouthforinhisordinaryattitudetheSpermWhalesmouthisburiedatleasteightfeetbeneaththesurfaceandwhatisstillmorehiswindpipehasnoconnexionwithhismouthNohebreathesthroughhisspiraclealoneandthisisonthetopofhisheadIfIsaythatinanycreaturebreathingisonlyafunctionindispensabletovitalityinasmuchasitwithdrawsfromtheairacertainelementwhichbeingsubsequentlybroughtintocontactwiththebloodimpartstotheblooditsvivifyingprincipleIdonotthinkIshallerrthoughImaypossiblyusesomesuperfluousscientificwordsAssumeitanditfollowsthatifallthebloodinamancouldbeaeratedwithonebreathhemightthensealuphisnostrilsandnotfetchanotherforaconsiderabletimeThatistosayhewouldthenlivewithoutbreathingAnomalousasitmayseemthisispreciselythecasewiththewhalewhosystematicallylivesbyintervalshisfullhourandmorewhenatthebottomwithoutdrawingasinglebreathorsomuchasinanywayinhalingaparticleofairforrememberhehasnogillsHowisthisBetweenhisribsandoneachsideofhisspineheissuppliedwitharemarkableinvolvedCretanlabyrinthofvermicellilikevesselswhichvesselswhenhequitsthesurfacearecompletelydistendedwithoxygenatedbloodSothatforanhourormoreathousandfathomsintheseahecarriesasurplusstockofvitalityinhimjustasthecamelcrossingthewaterlessdesertcarriesasurplussupplyofdrinkforfutureuseinitsfoursupplementarystomachsTheanatomicalfactofthislabyrinthisindisputableandthatthesuppositionfoundeduponitisreasonableandtrueseemsthemorecogenttomewhenIconsidertheotherwiseinexplicableobstinacyofthatleviathaninhavinghisspoutingsoutasthefishermenphraseitThisiswhatImeanIfunmolesteduponrisingtothesurfacetheSpermWhalewillcontinuethereforaperiodoftimeexactlyuniformwithallhisotherunmolestedrisingsSayhestayselevenminutesandjetsseventytimesthatisrespiresseventybreathsthenwheneverherisesagainhewillbesuretohavehisseventybreathsoveragaintoaminuteNowifafterhefetchesafewbreathsyoualarmhimsothathesoundshewillbealwaysdodgingupagaintomakegoodhisregularallowanceofairAndnottillthoseseventybreathsaretoldwillhefinallygodowntostayouthisfulltermbelowRemarkhoweverthatindifferentindividualstheseratesaredifferentbutinanyonetheyarealikeNowwhyshouldthewhalethusinsistuponhavinghisspoutingsoutunlessitbetoreplenishhisreservoirofaireredescendingforgoodHowobviousisittoothatthisnecessityforthewhalesrisingexposeshimtoallthefatalhazardsofthechaseFornotbyhookorbynetcouldthisvastleviathanbecaughtwhensailingathousandfathomsbeneaththesunlightNotsomuchthyskillthenOhunterasthegreatnecessitiesthatstrikethevictorytotheeInmanbreathingisincessantlygoingononebreathonlyservingfortwoorthreepulsationssothatwhateverotherbusinesshehastoattendtowakingorsleepingbreathehemustordiehewillButtheSpermWhaleonlybreathesaboutoneseventhorSundayofhistimeIthasbeensaidthatthewhaleonlybreathesthroughhisspoutholeifitcouldtruthfullybeaddedthathisspoutsaremixedwithwaterthenIopineweshouldbefurnishedwiththereasonwhyhissenseofsmellseemsobliteratedinhimfortheonlythingabouthimthatatallanswerstohisnoseisthatidenticalspoutholeandbeingsocloggedwithtwoelementsitcouldnotbeexpectedtohavethepowerofsmellingButowingtothemysteryofthespoutwhetheritbewaterorwhetheritbevapornoabsolutecertaintycanasyetbearrivedatonthisheadSureitisneverthelessthattheSpermWhalehasnoproperolfactoriesButwhatdoeshewantofthemNorosesnovioletsnoColognewaterintheseaFurthermoreashiswindpipesolelyopensintothetubeofhisspoutingcanalandasthatlongcanallikethegrandErieCanalisfurnishedwithasortoflocksthatopenandshutforthedownwardretentionofairortheupwardexclusionofwaterthereforethewhalehasnovoiceunlessyouinsulthimbysayingthatwhenhesostrangelyrumbleshetalksthroughhisnoseButthenagainwhathasthewhaletosaySeldomhaveIknownanyprofoundbeingthathadanythingtosaytothisworldunlessforcedtostammeroutsomethingbywayofgettingalivingOhhappythattheworldissuchanexcellentlistenerNowthespoutingcanaloftheSpermWhalechieflyintendedasitisfortheconveyanceofairandforseveralfeetlaidalonghorizontallyjustbeneaththeuppersurfaceofhisheadandalittletoonesidethiscuriouscanalisverymuchlikeagaspipelaiddowninacityononesideofastreetButthequestionreturnswhetherthisgaspipeisalsoawaterpipeinotherwordswhetherthespoutoftheSpermWhaleisthemerevaporoftheexhaledbreathorwhetherthatexhaledbreathismixedwithwatertakeninatthemouthanddischargedthroughthespiracleItiscertainthatthemouthindirectlycommunicateswiththespoutingcanalbutitcannotbeprovedthatthisisforthepurposeofdischargingwaterthroughthespiracleBecausethegreatestnecessityforsodoingwouldseemtobewheninfeedingheaccidentallytakesinwaterButtheSpermWhalesfoodisfarbeneaththesurfaceandtherehecannotspoutevenifhewouldBesidesifyouregardhimverycloselyandtimehimwithyourwatchyouwillfindthatwhenunmolestedthereisanundeviatingrhymebetweentheperiodsofhisjetsandtheordinaryperiodsofrespirationButwhypesteronewithallthisreasoningonthesubjectSpeakoutYouhaveseenhimspoutthendeclarewhatthespoutiscanyounottellwaterfromairMydearsirinthisworlditisnotsoeasytosettletheseplainthingsIhaveeverfoundyourplainthingstheknottiestofallAndasforthiswhalespoutyoumightalmoststandinitandyetbeundecidedastowhatitispreciselyThecentralbodyofitishiddeninthesnowysparklingmistenvelopingitandhowcanyoucertainlytellwhetheranywaterfallsfromitwhenalwayswhenyouarecloseenoughtoawhaletogetacloseviewofhisspoutheisinaprodigiouscommotionthewatercascadingallaroundhimAndifatsuchtimesyoushouldthinkthatyoureallyperceiveddropsofmoistureinthespouthowdoyouknowthattheyarenotmerelycondensedfromitsvapororhowdoyouknowthattheyarenotthoseidenticaldropssuperficiallylodgedinthespoutholefissurewhichiscountersunkintothesummitofthewhalesheadForevenwhentranquillyswimmingthroughthemiddayseainacalmwithhiselevatedhumpsundriedasadromedarysinthedeserteventhenthewhalealwayscarriesasmallbasinofwateronhisheadasunderablazingsunyouwillsometimesseeacavityinarockfilledupwithrainNorisitatallprudentforthehuntertobeovercurioustouchingtheprecisenatureofthewhalespoutItwillnotdoforhimtobepeeringintoitandputtinghisfaceinitYoucannotgowithyourpitchertothisfountainandfillitandbringitawayForevenwhencomingintoslightcontactwiththeoutervaporyshredsofthejetwhichwilloftenhappenyourskinwillfeverishlysmartfromtheacridnessofthethingsotouchingitAndIknowonewhocomingintostillclosercontactwiththespoutwhetherwithsomescientificobjectinvieworotherwiseIcannotsaytheskinpeeledofffromhischeekandarmWhereforeamongwhalementhespoutisdeemedpoisonoustheytrytoevadeitAnotherthingIhavehearditsaidandIdonotmuchdoubtitthatifthejetisfairlyspoutedintoyoureyesitwillblindyouThewisestthingtheinvestigatorcandothenitseemstomeistoletthisdeadlyspoutaloneStillwecanhypothesizeevenifwecannotproveandestablishMyhypothesisisthisthatthespoutisnothingbutmistAndbesidesotherreasonstothisconclusionIamimpelledbyconsiderationstouchingthegreatinherentdignityandsublimityoftheSpermWhaleIaccounthimnocommonshallowbeinginasmuchasitisanundisputedfactthatheisneverfoundonsoundingsornearshoresallotherwhalessometimesareHeisbothponderousandprofoundAndIamconvincedthatfromtheheadsofallponderousprofoundbeingssuchasPlatoPyrrhotheDevilJupiterDanteandsoontherealwaysgoesupacertainsemivisiblesteamwhileintheactofthinkingdeepthoughtsWhilecomposingalittletreatiseonEternityIhadthecuriositytoplaceamirrorbeforemeanderelongsawreflectedthereacuriousinvolvedwormingandundulationintheatmosphereovermyheadTheinvariablemoistureofmyhairwhileplungedindeepthoughtaftersixcupsofhotteainmythinshingledatticofanAugustnoonthisseemsanadditionalargumentfortheabovesuppositionAndhownoblyitraisesourconceitofthemightymistymonstertobeholdhimsolemnlysailingthroughacalmtropicalseahisvastmildheadoverhungbyacanopyofvaporengenderedbyhisincommunicablecontemplationsandthatvaporasyouwillsometimesseeitglorifiedbyarainbowasifHeavenitselfhadputitssealuponhisthoughtsFordyeseerainbowsdonotvisittheclearairtheyonlyirradiatevaporAndsothroughallthethickmistsofthedimdoubtsinmyminddivineintuitionsnowandthenshootenkindlingmyfogwithaheavenlyrayAndforthisIthankGodforallhavedoubtsmanydenybutdoubtsordenialsfewalongwiththemhaveintuitionsDoubtsofallthingsearthlyandintuitionsofsomethingsheavenlythiscombinationmakesneitherbelievernorinfidelbutmakesamanwhoregardsthembothwithequaleyeCHAPTER86TheTailOtherpoetshavewarbledthepraisesofthesofteyeoftheantelopeandthelovelyplumageofthebirdthatneveralightslesscelestialIcelebrateatailReckoningthelargestsizedSpermWhalestailtobeginatthatpointofthetrunkwhereittaperstoaboutthegirthofamanitcomprisesuponitsuppersurfacealoneanareaofatleastfiftysquarefeetThecompactroundbodyofitsrootexpandsintotwobroadfirmflatpalmsorflukesgraduallyshoalingawaytolessthananinchinthicknessAtthecrotchorjunctiontheseflukesslightlyoverlapthensidewaysrecedefromeachotherlikewingsleavingawidevacancybetweenInnolivingthingarethelinesofbeautymoreexquisitelydefinedthaninthecrescenticbordersoftheseflukesAtitsutmostexpansioninthefullgrownwhalethetailwillconsiderablyexceedtwentyfeetacrossTheentirememberseemsadensewebbedbedofweldedsinewsbutcutintoitandyoufindthatthreedistinctstratacomposeituppermiddleandlowerThefibresintheupperandlowerlayersarelongandhorizontalthoseofthemiddleoneveryshortandrunningcrosswisebetweentheoutsidelayersThistriunestructureasmuchasanythingelseimpartspowertothetailTothestudentofoldRomanwallsthemiddlelayerwillfurnishacuriousparalleltothethincourseoftilesalwaysalternatingwiththestoneinthosewonderfulrelicsoftheantiqueandwhichundoubtedlycontributesomuchtothegreatstrengthofthemasonryButasifthisvastlocalpowerinthetendinoustailwerenotenoughthewholebulkoftheleviathanisknitoverwithawarpandwoofofmuscularfibresandfilamentswhichpassingoneithersidetheloinsandrunningdownintotheflukesinsensiblyblendwiththemandlargelycontributetotheirmightsothatinthetailtheconfluentmeasurelessforceofthewholewhaleseemsconcentratedtoapointCouldannihilationoccurtomatterthiswerethethingtodoitNordoesthisitsamazingstrengthatalltendtocripplethegracefulflexionofitsmotionswhereinfantilenessofeaseundulatesthroughaTitanismofpowerOnthecontrarythosemotionsderivetheirmostappallingbeautyfromitRealstrengthneverimpairsbeautyorharmonybutitoftenbestowsitandineverythingimposinglybeautifulstrengthhasmuchtodowiththemagicTakeawaythetiedtendonsthatalloverseemburstingfromthemarbleinthecarvedHerculesanditscharmwouldbegoneAsdevoutEckermanliftedthelinensheetfromthenakedcorpseofGoethehewasoverwhelmedwiththemassivechestofthemanthatseemedasaRomantriumphalarchWhenAngelopaintsevenGodtheFatherinhumanformmarkwhatrobustnessisthereAndwhatevertheymayrevealofthedivineloveintheSonthesoftcurledhermaphroditicalItalianpicturesinwhichhisideahasbeenmostsuccessfullyembodiedthesepicturessodestituteastheyareofallbrawninesshintnothingofanypowerbutthemerenegativefeminineoneofsubmissionandendurancewhichonallhandsitisconcededformthepeculiarpracticalvirtuesofhisteachingsSuchisthesubtleelasticityoftheorganItreatofthatwhetherwieldedinsportorinearnestorinangerwhateverbethemooditbeinitsflexionsareinvariablymarkedbyexceedinggraceThereinnofairysarmcantranscenditFivegreatmotionsarepeculiartoitFirstwhenusedasafinforprogressionSecondwhenusedasamaceinbattleThirdinsweepingFourthinlobtailingFifthinpeakingflukesFirstBeinghorizontalinitspositiontheLeviathanstailactsinadifferentmannerfromthetailsofallotherseacreaturesItneverwrigglesInmanorfishwrigglingisasignofinferiorityTothewhalehistailisthesolemeansofpropulsionScrollwisecoiledforwardsbeneaththebodyandthenrapidlysprungbackwardsitisthiswhichgivesthatsingulardartingleapingmotiontothemonsterwhenfuriouslyswimmingHissidefinsonlyservetosteerbySecondItisalittlesignificantthatwhileonespermwhaleonlyfightsanotherspermwhalewithhisheadandjawneverthelessinhisconflictswithmanhechieflyandcontemptuouslyuseshistailInstrikingataboatheswiftlycurvesawayhisflukesfromitandtheblowisonlyinflictedbytherecoilIfitbemadeintheunobstructedairespeciallyifitdescendtoitsmarkthestrokeisthensimplyirresistibleNoribsofmanorboatcanwithstanditYouronlysalvationliesineludingitbutifitcomessidewaysthroughtheopposingwaterthenpartlyowingtothelightbuoyancyofthewhaleboatandtheelasticityofitsmaterialsacrackedriboradashedplankortwoasortofstitchinthesideisgenerallythemostseriousresultThesesubmergedsideblowsaresooftenreceivedinthefisherythattheyareaccountedmerechildsplaySomeonestripsoffafrockandtheholeisstoppedThirdIcannotdemonstrateitbutitseemstomethatinthewhalethesenseoftouchisconcentratedinthetailforinthisrespectthereisadelicacyinitonlyequalledbythedaintinessoftheelephantstrunkThisdelicacyischieflyevincedintheactionofsweepingwheninmaidenlygentlenessthewhalewithacertainsoftslownessmoveshisimmenseflukesfromsidetosideuponthesurfaceoftheseaandifhefeelbutasailorswhiskerwoetothatsailorwhiskersandallWhattendernessthereisinthatpreliminarytouchHadthistailanyprehensilepowerIshouldstraightwaybethinkmeofDarmonodeselephantthatsofrequentedtheflowermarketandwithlowsalutationspresentednosegaystodamselsandthencaressedtheirzonesOnmoreaccountsthanoneapityitisthatthewhaledoesnotpossessthisprehensilevirtueinhistailforIhaveheardofyetanotherelephantthatwhenwoundedinthefightcurvedroundhistrunkandextractedthedartFourthStealingunawaresuponthewhaleinthefanciedsecurityofthemiddleofsolitaryseasyoufindhimunbentfromthevastcorpulenceofhisdignityandkittenlikeheplaysontheoceanasifitwereahearthButstillyouseehispowerinhisplayThebroadpalmsofhistailareflirtedhighintotheairthensmitingthesurfacethethunderousconcussionresoundsformilesYouwouldalmostthinkagreatgunhadbeendischargedandifyounoticedthelightwreathofvaporfromthespiracleathisotherextremityyouwouldthinkthatthatwasthesmokefromthetouchholeFifthAsintheordinaryfloatingpostureoftheleviathantheflukeslieconsiderablybelowthelevelofhisbacktheyarethencompletelyoutofsightbeneaththesurfacebutwhenheisabouttoplungeintothedeepshisentireflukeswithatleastthirtyfeetofhisbodyaretossederectintheairandsoremainvibratingamomenttilltheydownwardsshootoutofviewExceptingthesublimebreachsomewhereelsetobedescribedthispeakingofthewhalesflukesisperhapsthegrandestsighttobeseeninallanimatednatureOutofthebottomlessprofunditiesthegigantictailseemsspasmodicallysnatchingatthehighestheavenSoindreamshaveIseenmajesticSatanthrustingforthhistormentedcolossalclawfromtheflameBalticofHellButingazingatsuchscenesitisallinallwhatmoodyouareinifintheDanteanthedevilswilloccurtoyouifinthatofIsaiahthearchangelsStandingatthemastheadofmyshipduringasunrisethatcrimsonedskyandseaIoncesawalargeherdofwhalesintheeastallheadingtowardsthesunandforamomentvibratinginconcertwithpeakedflukesAsitseemedtomeatthetimesuchagrandembodimentofadorationofthegodswasneverbeheldeveninPersiathehomeofthefireworshippersAsPtolemyPhilopatertestifiedoftheAfricanelephantIthentestifiedofthewhalepronouncinghimthemostdevoutofallbeingsForaccordingtoKingJubathemilitaryelephantsofantiquityoftenhailedthemorningwiththeirtrunksupliftedintheprofoundestsilenceThechancecomparisoninthischapterbetweenthewhaleandtheelephantsofarassomeaspectsofthetailoftheoneandthetrunkoftheotherareconcernedshouldnottendtoplacethosetwooppositeorgansonanequalitymuchlessthecreaturestowhichtheyrespectivelybelongForasthemightiestelephantisbutaterriertoLeviathansocomparedwithLeviathanstailhistrunkisbutthestalkofalilyThemostdirefulblowfromtheelephantstrunkwereastheplayfultapofafancomparedwiththemeasurelesscrushandcrashofthespermwhalesponderousflukeswhichinrepeatedinstanceshaveoneaftertheotherhurledentireboatswithalltheiroarsandcrewsintotheairverymuchasanIndianjugglertosseshisballsThoughallcomparisoninthewayofgeneralbulkbetweenthewhaleandtheelephantispreposterousinasmuchasinthatparticulartheelephantstandsinmuchthesamerespecttothewhalethatadogdoestotheelephantneverthelesstherearenotwantingsomepointsofcurioussimilitudeamongtheseisthespoutItiswellknownthattheelephantwilloftendrawupwaterordustinhistrunkandthenelevatingitjetitforthinastreamThemoreIconsiderthismightytailthemoredoIdeploremyinabilitytoexpressitAttimestherearegesturesinitwhichthoughtheywouldwellgracethehandofmanremainwhollyinexplicableInanextensiveherdsoremarkableoccasionallyarethesemysticgesturesthatIhaveheardhunterswhohavedeclaredthemakintoFreeMasonsignsandsymbolsthatthewhaleindeedbythesemethodsintelligentlyconversedwiththeworldNoraretherewantingothermotionsofthewhaleinhisgeneralbodyfullofstrangenessandunaccountabletohismostexperiencedassailantDissecthimhowImaythenIbutgoskindeepIknowhimnotandneverwillButifIknownoteventhetailofthiswhalehowunderstandhisheadmuchmorehowcomprehendhisfacewhenfacehehasnoneThoushaltseemybackpartsmytailheseemstosaybutmyfaceshallnotbeseenButIcannotcompletelymakeouthisbackpartsandhintwhathewillabouthisfaceIsayagainhehasnofaceCHAPTER87TheGrandArmadaThelongandnarrowpeninsulaofMalaccaextendingsoutheastwardfromtheterritoriesofBirmahformsthemostsoutherlypointofallAsiaInacontinuouslinefromthatpeninsulastretchthelongislandsofSumatraJavaBallyandTimorwhichwithmanyothersformavastmoleorrampartlengthwiseconnectingAsiawithAustraliaanddividingthelongunbrokenIndianoceanfromthethicklystuddedorientalarchipelagoesThisrampartispiercedbyseveralsallyportsfortheconvenienceofshipsandwhalesconspicuousamongwhicharethestraitsofSundaandMalaccaBythestraitsofSundachieflyvesselsboundtoChinafromthewestemergeintotheChinaseasThosenarrowstraitsofSundadivideSumatrafromJavaandstandingmidwayinthatvastrampartofislandsbuttressedbythatboldgreenpromontoryknowntoseamenasJavaHeadtheynotalittlecorrespondtothecentralgatewayopeningintosomevastwalledempireandconsideringtheinexhaustiblewealthofspicesandsilksandjewelsandgoldandivorywithwhichthethousandislandsofthatorientalseaareenricheditseemsasignificantprovisionofnaturethatsuchtreasuresbytheveryformationofthelandshouldatleastbeartheappearancehoweverineffectualofbeingguardedfromtheallgraspingwesternworldTheshoresoftheStraitsofSundaareunsuppliedwiththosedomineeringfortresseswhichguardtheentrancestotheMediterraneantheBalticandthePropontisUnliketheDanestheseOrientalsdonotdemandtheobsequioushomageofloweredtopsailsfromtheendlessprocessionofshipsbeforethewindwhichforcenturiespastbynightandbydayhavepassedbetweentheislandsofSumatraandJavafreightedwiththecostliestcargoesoftheeastButwhiletheyfreelywaiveaceremoniallikethistheydobynomeansrenouncetheirclaimtomoresolidtributeTimeoutofmindthepiraticalproasoftheMalayslurkingamongthelowshadedcovesandisletsofSumatrahavesalliedoutuponthevesselssailingthroughthestraitsfiercelydemandingtributeatthepointoftheirspearsThoughbytherepeatedbloodychastisementstheyhavereceivedatthehandsofEuropeancruiserstheaudacityofthesecorsairshasoflatebeensomewhatrepressedyetevenatthepresentdayweoccasionallyhearofEnglishandAmericanvesselswhichinthosewatershavebeenremorselesslyboardedandpillagedWithafairfreshwindthePequodwasnowdrawingnightothesestraitsAhabpurposingtopassthroughthemintotheJavanseaandthencecruisingnorthwardsoverwatersknowntobefrequentedhereandtherebytheSpermWhalesweepinshorebythePhilippineIslandsandgainthefarcoastofJapanintimeforthegreatwhalingseasonthereBythesemeansthecircumnavigatingPequodwouldsweepalmostalltheknownSpermWhalecruisinggroundsoftheworldprevioustodescendingupontheLineinthePacificwhereAhabthougheverywhereelsefoiledinhispursuitfirmlycountedupongivingbattletoMobyDickintheseahewasmostknowntofrequentandataseasonwhenhemightmostreasonablybepresumedtobehauntingitButhownowinthiszonedquestdoesAhabtouchnolanddoeshiscrewdrinkairSurelyhewillstopforwaterNayForalongtimenowthecircusrunningsunhasracedwithinhisfieryringandneedsnosustenancebutwhatsinhimselfSoAhabMarkthistoointhewhalerWhileotherhullsareloadeddownwithalienstufftobetransferredtoforeignwharvestheworldwanderingwhaleshipcarriesnocargobutherselfandcrewtheirweaponsandtheirwantsShehasawholelakescontentsbottledinherampleholdSheisballastedwithutilitiesnotaltogetherwithunusablepigleadandkentledgeShecarriesyearswaterinherClearoldprimeNantucketwaterwhichwhenthreeyearsafloattheNantucketerinthePacificpreferstodrinkbeforethebrackishfluidbutyesterdayraftedoffincasksfromthePeruvianorIndianstreamsHenceitisthatwhileothershipsmayhavegonetoChinafromNewYorkandbackagaintouchingatascoreofportsthewhaleshipinallthatintervalmaynothavesightedonegrainofsoilhercrewhavingseennomanbutfloatingseamenlikethemselvesSothatdidyoucarrythemthenewsthatanotherfloodhadcometheywouldonlyanswerWellboysheresthearkNowasmanySpermWhaleshadbeencapturedoffthewesterncoastofJavainthenearvicinityoftheStraitsofSundaindeedasmostofthegroundroundaboutwasgenerallyrecognisedbythefishermenasanexcellentspotforcruisingthereforeasthePequodgainedmoreandmoreuponJavaHeadthelookoutswererepeatedlyhailedandadmonishedtokeepwideawakeButthoughthegreenpalmycliffsofthelandsoonloomedonthestarboardbowandwithdelightednostrilsthefreshcinnamonwassnuffedintheairyetnotasinglejetwasdescriedAlmostrenouncingallthoughtoffallinginwithanygamehereaboutstheshiphadwellnighenteredthestraitswhenthecustomarycheeringcrywasheardfromaloftanderelongaspectacleofsingularmagnificencesalutedusButherebeitpremisedthatowingtotheunweariedactivitywithwhichoflatetheyhavebeenhuntedoverallfouroceanstheSpermWhalesinsteadofalmostinvariablysailinginsmalldetachedcompaniesasinformertimesarenowfrequentlymetwithinextensiveherdssometimesembracingsogreatamultitudethatitwouldalmostseemasifnumerousnationsofthemhadswornsolemnleagueandcovenantformutualassistanceandprotectionTothisaggregationoftheSpermWhaleintosuchimmensecaravansmaybeimputedthecircumstancethateveninthebestcruisinggroundsyoumaynowsometimessailforweeksandmonthstogetherwithoutbeinggreetedbyasinglespoutandthenbesuddenlysalutedbywhatsometimesseemsthousandsonthousandsBroadonbothbowsatthedistanceofsometwoorthreemilesandformingagreatsemicircleembracingonehalfofthelevelhorizonacontinuouschainofwhalejetswereupplayingandsparklinginthenoondayairUnlikethestraightperpendiculartwinjetsoftheRightWhalewhichdividingattopfalloverintwobrancheslikethecleftdroopingboughsofawillowthesingleforwardslantingspoutoftheSpermWhalepresentsathickcurledbushofwhitemistcontinuallyrisingandfallingawaytoleewardSeenfromthePequodsdeckthenasshewouldriseonahighhilloftheseathishostofvaporyspoutsindividuallycurlingupintotheairandbeheldthroughablendingatmosphereofbluishhazeshowedlikethethousandcheerfulchimneysofsomedensemetropolisdescriedofabalmyautumnalmorningbysomehorsemanonaheightAsmarchingarmiesapproachinganunfriendlydefileinthemountainsacceleratetheirmarchalleagernesstoplacethatperilouspassageintheirrearandoncemoreexpandincomparativesecurityupontheplainevensodidthisvastfleetofwhalesnowseemhurryingforwardthroughthestraitsgraduallycontractingthewingsoftheirsemicircleandswimmingoninonesolidbutstillcrescenticcentreCrowdingallsailthePequodpressedafterthemtheharpooneershandlingtheirweaponsandloudlycheeringfromtheheadsoftheiryetsuspendedboatsIfthewindonlyheldlittledoubthadtheythatchasedthroughtheseStraitsofSundathevasthostwouldonlydeployintotheOrientalseastowitnessthecaptureofnotafewoftheirnumberAndwhocouldtellwhetherinthatcongregatedcaravanMobyDickhimselfmightnottemporarilybeswimmingliketheworshippedwhiteelephantinthecoronationprocessionoftheSiameseSowithstunsailpiledonstunsailwesailedalongdrivingtheseleviathansbeforeuswhenofasuddenthevoiceofTashtegowasheardloudlydirectingattentiontosomethinginourwakeCorrespondingtothecrescentinourvanwebeheldanotherinourrearItseemedformedofdetachedwhitevaporsrisingandfallingsomethinglikethespoutsofthewhalesonlytheydidnotsocompletelycomeandgofortheyconstantlyhoveredwithoutfinallydisappearingLevellinghisglassatthissightAhabquicklyrevolvedinhispivotholecryingAloftthereandrigwhipsandbucketstowetthesailsMalayssirandafterusAsiftoolonglurkingbehindtheheadlandstillthePequodshouldfairlyhaveenteredthestraitstheserascallyAsiaticswerenowinhotpursuittomakeupfortheirovercautiousdelayButwhentheswiftPequodwithafreshleadingwindwasherselfinhotchasehowverykindofthesetawnyphilanthropiststoassistinspeedingherontoherownchosenpursuitmereridingwhipsandrowelstoherthattheywereAswithglassunderarmAhabtoandfropacedthedeckinhisforwardturnbeholdingthemonstershechasedandintheafteronethebloodthirstypirateschasinghimsomesuchfancyastheaboveseemedhisAndwhenheglanceduponthegreenwallsofthewaterydefileinwhichtheshipwasthensailingandbethoughthimthatthroughthatgatelaytheroutetohisvengeanceandbeheldhowthatthroughthatsamegatehewasnowbothchasingandbeingchasedtohisdeadlyendandnotonlythatbutaherdofremorselesswildpiratesandinhumanatheisticaldevilswereinfernallycheeringhimonwiththeircurseswhenalltheseconceitshadpassedthroughhisbrainAhabsbrowwasleftgauntandribbedliketheblacksandbeachaftersomestormytidehasbeengnawingitwithoutbeingabletodragthefirmthingfromitsplaceButthoughtslikethesetroubledveryfewoftherecklesscrewandwhenaftersteadilydroppinganddroppingthepiratesasternthePequodatlastshotbythevividgreenCockatooPointontheSumatrasideemergingatlastuponthebroadwatersbeyondthentheharpooneersseemedmoretogrievethattheswiftwhaleshadbeengainingupontheshipthantorejoicethattheshiphadsovictoriouslygainedupontheMalaysButstilldrivingoninthewakeofthewhalesatlengththeyseemedabatingtheirspeedgraduallytheshipnearedthemandthewindnowdyingawaywordwaspassedtospringtotheboatsButnosoonerdidtheherdbysomepresumedwonderfulinstinctoftheSpermWhalebecomenotifiedofthethreekeelsthatwereafterthemthoughasyetamileintheirrearthantheyralliedagainandformingincloseranksandbattalionssothattheirspoutsalllookedlikeflashinglinesofstackedbayonetsmovedonwithredoubledvelocityStrippedtoourshirtsanddrawerswesprangtothewhiteashandafterseveralhourspullingwerealmostdisposedtorenouncethechasewhenageneralpausingcommotionamongthewhalesgaveanimatingtokenthattheywerenowatlastundertheinfluenceofthatstrangeperplexityofinertirresolutionwhichwhenthefishermenperceiveitinthewhaletheysayheisgalliedThecompactmartialcolumnsinwhichtheyhadbeenhithertorapidlyandsteadilyswimmingwerenowbrokenupinonemeasurelessroutandlikeKingPoruselephantsintheIndianbattlewithAlexandertheyseemedgoingmadwithconsternationInalldirectionsexpandinginvastirregularcirclesandaimlesslyswimminghitherandthitherbytheirshortthickspoutingstheyplainlybetrayedtheirdistractionofpanicThiswasstillmorestrangelyevincedbythoseoftheirnumberwhocompletelyparalysedasitwerehelplesslyfloatedlikewaterloggeddismantledshipsontheseaHadtheseLeviathansbeenbutaflockofsimplesheeppursuedoverthepasturebythreefiercewolvestheycouldnotpossiblyhaveevincedsuchexcessivedismayButthisoccasionaltimidityischaracteristicofalmostallherdingcreaturesThoughbandingtogetherintensofthousandsthelionmanedbuffaloesoftheWesthavefledbeforeasolitaryhorsemanWitnesstooallhumanbeingshowwhenherdedtogetherinthesheepfoldofatheatrespittheywillattheslightestalarmoffirerushhelterskelterfortheoutletscrowdingtramplingjammingandremorselesslydashingeachothertodeathBestthereforewithholdanyamazementatthestrangelygalliedwhalesbeforeusforthereisnofollyofthebeastsoftheearthwhichisnotinfinitelyoutdonebythemadnessofmenThoughmanyofthewhalesashasbeensaidwereinviolentmotionyetitistobeobservedthatasawholetheherdneitheradvancednorretreatedbutcollectivelyremainedinoneplaceAsiscustomaryinthosecasestheboatsatonceseparatedeachmakingforsomeonelonewhaleontheoutskirtsoftheshoalInaboutthreeminutestimeQueequegsharpoonwasflungthestrickenfishdartedblindingsprayinourfacesandthenrunningawaywithuslikelightsteeredstraightfortheheartoftheherdThoughsuchamovementonthepartofthewhalestruckundersuchcircumstancesisinnowiseunprecedentedandindeedisalmostalwaysmoreorlessanticipatedyetdoesitpresentoneofthemoreperilousvicissitudesofthefisheryForastheswiftmonsterdragsyoudeeperanddeeperintothefranticshoalyoubidadieutocircumspectlifeandonlyexistinadeliriousthrobAsblindanddeafthewhaleplungedforwardasifbysheerpowerofspeedtoridhimselfoftheironleechthathadfastenedtohimaswethustoreawhitegashintheseaonallsidesmenacedasweflewbythecrazedcreaturestoandfrorushingaboutusourbesetboatwaslikeashipmobbedbyiceislesinatempestandstrivingtosteerthroughtheircomplicatedchannelsandstraitsknowingnotatwhatmomentitmaybelockedinandcrushedButnotabitdauntedQueequegsteeredusmanfullynowsheeringofffromthismonsterdirectlyacrossourrouteinadvancenowedgingawayfromthatwhosecolossalflukesweresuspendedoverheadwhileallthetimeStarbuckstoodupinthebowslanceinhandprickingoutofourwaywhateverwhaleshecouldreachbyshortdartsfortherewasnotimetomakelongonesNorweretheoarsmenquiteidlethoughtheirwonteddutywasnowaltogetherdispensedwithTheychieflyattendedtotheshoutingpartofthebusinessOutofthewayCommodorecriedonetoagreatdromedarythatofasuddenrosebodilytothesurfaceandforaninstantthreatenedtoswampusHarddownwithyourtailtherecriedasecondtoanotherwhichclosetoourgunwaleseemedcalmlycoolinghimselfwithhisownfanlikeextremityAllwhaleboatscarrycertaincuriouscontrivancesoriginallyinventedbytheNantucketIndianscalleddruggsTwothicksquaresofwoodofequalsizearestoutlyclenchedtogethersothattheycrosseachothersgrainatrightanglesalineofconsiderablelengthisthenattachedtothemiddleofthisblockandtheotherendofthelinebeingloopeditcaninamomentbefastenedtoaharpoonItischieflyamonggalliedwhalesthatthisdruggisusedForthenmorewhalesarecloseroundyouthanyoucanpossiblychaseatonetimeButspermwhalesarenoteverydayencounteredwhileyoumaythenyoumustkillallyoucanAndifyoucannotkillthemallatonceyoumustwingthemsothattheycanbeafterwardskilledatyourleisureHenceitisthatattimeslikethesethedruggcomesintorequisitionOurboatwasfurnishedwiththreeofthemThefirstandsecondweresuccessfullydartedandwesawthewhalesstaggeringlyrunningofffetteredbytheenormoussidelongresistanceofthetowingdruggTheywerecrampedlikemalefactorswiththechainandballButuponflingingthethirdintheactoftossingoverboardtheclumsywoodenblockitcaughtunderoneoftheseatsoftheboatandinaninstanttoreitoutandcarrieditawaydroppingtheoarsmanintheboatsbottomastheseatslidfromunderhimOnbothsidestheseacameinatthewoundedplanksbutwestuffedtwoorthreedrawersandshirtsinandsostoppedtheleaksforthetimeIthadbeennexttoimpossibletodartthesedruggedharpoonswereitnotthatasweadvancedintotheherdourwhaleswaygreatlydiminishedmoreoverthataswewentstillfurtherandfurtherfromthecircumferenceofcommotionthedirefuldisordersseemedwaningSothatwhenatlastthejerkingharpoondrewoutandthetowingwhalesidewaysvanishedthenwiththetaperingforceofhispartingmomentumweglidedbetweentwowhalesintotheinnermostheartoftheshoalasiffromsomemountaintorrentwehadslidintoaserenevalleylakeHerethestormsintheroaringglensbetweentheoutermostwhaleswereheardbutnotfeltInthiscentralexpansetheseapresentedthatsmoothsatinlikesurfacecalledasleekproducedbythesubtlemoisturethrownoffbythewhaleinhismorequietmoodsYeswewerenowinthatenchantedcalmwhichtheysaylurksattheheartofeverycommotionAndstillinthedistracteddistancewebeheldthetumultsoftheouterconcentriccirclesandsawsuccessivepodsofwhaleseightortenineachswiftlygoingroundandroundlikemultipliedspansofhorsesinaringandsocloselyshouldertoshoulderthataTitaniccircusridermighteasilyhaveoverarchedthemiddleonesandsohavegoneroundontheirbacksOwingtothedensityofthecrowdofreposingwhalesmoreimmediatelysurroundingtheembayedaxisoftheherdnopossiblechanceofescapewasatpresentaffordedusWemustwatchforabreachinthelivingwallthathemmedusinthewallthathadonlyadmittedusinordertoshutusupKeepingatthecentreofthelakewewereoccasionallyvisitedbysmalltamecowsandcalvesthewomenandchildrenofthisroutedhostNowinclusiveoftheoccasionalwideintervalsbetweentherevolvingoutercirclesandinclusiveofthespacesbetweenthevariouspodsinanyoneofthosecirclestheentireareaatthisjunctureembracedbythewholemultitudemusthavecontainedatleasttwoorthreesquaremilesAtanyratethoughindeedsuchatestatsuchatimemightbedeceptivespoutingsmightbediscoveredfromourlowboatthatseemedplayingupalmostfromtherimofthehorizonImentionthiscircumstancebecauseasifthecowsandcalveshadbeenpurposelylockedupinthisinnermostfoldandasifthewideextentoftheherdhadhithertopreventedthemfromlearningtheprecisecauseofitsstoppingorpossiblybeingsoyoungunsophisticatedandeverywayinnocentandinexperiencedhoweveritmayhavebeenthesesmallerwhalesnowandthenvisitingourbecalmedboatfromthemarginofthelakeevincedawondrousfearlessnessandconfidenceorelseastillbecharmedpanicwhichitwasimpossiblenottomarvelatLikehouseholddogstheycamesnufflingroundusrightuptoourgunwalesandtouchingthemtillitalmostseemedthatsomespellhadsuddenlydomesticatedthemQueequegpattedtheirforeheadsStarbuckscratchedtheirbackswithhislancebutfearfuloftheconsequencesforthetimerefrainedfromdartingitButfarbeneaththiswondrousworlduponthesurfaceanotherandstillstrangerworldmetoureyesaswegazedoverthesideForsuspendedinthosewateryvaultsfloatedtheformsofthenursingmothersofthewhalesandthosethatbytheirenormousgirthseemedshortlytobecomemothersThelakeasIhavehintedwastoaconsiderabledepthexceedinglytransparentandashumaninfantswhilesucklingwillcalmlyandfixedlygazeawayfromthebreastasifleadingtwodifferentlivesatthetimeandwhileyetdrawingmortalnourishmentbestillspirituallyfeastinguponsomeunearthlyreminiscenceevensodidtheyoungofthesewhalesseemlookinguptowardsusbutnotatusasifwewerebutabitofGulfweedintheirnewbornsightFloatingontheirsidesthemothersalsoseemedquietlyeyeingusOneoftheselittleinfantsthatfromcertainqueertokensseemedhardlyadayoldmighthavemeasuredsomefourteenfeetinlengthandsomesixfeetingirthHewasalittlefriskythoughasyethisbodyseemedscarceyetrecoveredfromthatirksomepositionithadsolatelyoccupiedinthematernalreticulewheretailtoheadandallreadyforthefinalspringtheunbornwhaleliesbentlikeaTartarsbowThedelicatesidefinsandthepalmsofhisflukesstillfreshlyretainedtheplaitedcrumpledappearanceofababysearsnewlyarrivedfromforeignpartsLinelinecriedQueequeglookingoverthegunwalehimfasthimfastWholinehimWhostruckTwowhaleonebigonelittleWhatailsyemancriedStarbuckLookeheresaidQueequegpointingdownAswhenthestrickenwhalethatfromthetubhasreeledouthundredsoffathomsofropeasafterdeepsoundinghefloatsupagainandshowstheslackenedcurlinglinebuoyantlyrisingandspirallingtowardstheairsonowStarbucksawlongcoilsoftheumbilicalcordofMadameLeviathanbywhichtheyoungcubseemedstilltetheredtoitsdamNotseldomintherapidvicissitudesofthechasethisnaturallinewiththematernalendloosebecomesentangledwiththehempenonesothatthecubistherebytrappedSomeofthesubtlestsecretsoftheseasseemeddivulgedtousinthisenchantedpondWesawyoungLeviathanamoursinthedeepThespermwhaleaswithallotherspeciesoftheLeviathanbutunlikemostotherfishbreedsindifferentlyatallseasonsafteragestationwhichmayprobablybesetdownatninemonthsproducingbutoneatatimethoughinsomefewknowninstancesgivingbirthtoanEsauandJacobacontingencyprovidedforinsucklingbytwoteatscuriouslysituatedoneoneachsideoftheanusbutthebreaststhemselvesextendupwardsfromthatWhenbychancethesepreciouspartsinanursingwhalearecutbythehunterslancethemotherspouringmilkandbloodrivallinglydiscolourtheseaforrodsThemilkisverysweetandrichithasbeentastedbymanitmightdowellwithstrawberriesWhenoverflowingwithmutualesteemthewhalessalutemorehominumAndthusthoughsurroundedbycircleuponcircleofconsternationsandaffrightsdidtheseinscrutablecreaturesatthecentrefreelyandfearlesslyindulgeinallpeacefulconcernmentsyeaserenelyrevelledindallianceanddelightButevensoamidthetornadoedAtlanticofmybeingdoImyselfstillforevercentrallydisportinmutecalmandwhileponderousplanetsofunwaningwoerevolveroundmedeepdownanddeepinlandthereIstillbathemeineternalmildnessofjoyMeanwhileaswethuslayentrancedtheoccasionalsuddenfranticspectaclesinthedistanceevincedtheactivityoftheotherboatsstillengagedindruggingthewhalesonthefrontierofthehostorpossiblycarryingonthewarwithinthefirstcirclewhereabundanceofroomandsomeconvenientretreatswereaffordedthemButthesightoftheenrageddruggedwhalesnowandthenblindlydartingtoandfroacrossthecircleswasnothingtowhatatlastmetoureyesItissometimesthecustomwhenfasttoawhalemorethancommonlypowerfulandalerttoseektohamstringhimasitwerebysunderingormaiminghisgigantictailtendonItisdonebydartingashorthandledcuttingspadetowhichisattachedaropeforhaulingitbackagainAwhalewoundedasweafterwardslearnedinthispartbutnoteffectuallyasitseemedhadbrokenawayfromtheboatcarryingalongwithhimhalfoftheharpoonlineandintheextraordinaryagonyofthewoundhewasnowdashingamongtherevolvingcircleslikethelonemounteddesperadoArnoldatthebattleofSaratogacarryingdismaywhereverhewentButagonizingaswasthewoundofthiswhaleandanappallingspectacleenoughanywayyetthepeculiarhorrorwithwhichheseemedtoinspiretherestoftheherdwasowingtoacausewhichatfirsttheinterveningdistanceobscuredfromusButatlengthweperceivedthatbyoneoftheunimaginableaccidentsofthefisherythiswhalehadbecomeentangledintheharpoonlinethathetowedhehadalsorunawaywiththecuttingspadeinhimandwhilethefreeendoftheropeattachedtothatweaponhadpermanentlycaughtinthecoilsoftheharpoonlineroundhistailthecuttingspadeitselfhadworkedloosefromhisfleshSothattormentedtomadnesshewasnowchurningthroughthewaterviolentlyflailingwithhisflexibletailandtossingthekeenspadeabouthimwoundingandmurderinghisowncomradesThisterrificobjectseemedtorecallthewholeherdfromtheirstationaryfrightFirstthewhalesformingthemarginofourlakebegantocrowdalittleandtumbleagainsteachotherasifliftedbyhalfspentbillowsfromafarthenthelakeitselfbeganfaintlytoheaveandswellthesubmarinebridalchambersandnurseriesvanishedinmoreandmorecontractingorbitsthewhalesinthemorecentralcirclesbegantoswiminthickeningclustersYesthelongcalmwasdepartingAlowadvancinghumwassoonheardandthenliketothetumultuousmassesofblockicewhenthegreatriverHudsonbreaksupinSpringtheentirehostofwhalescametumblingupontheirinnercentreasiftopilethemselvesupinonecommonmountainInstantlyStarbuckandQueequegchangedplacesStarbucktakingthesternOarsOarsheintenselywhisperedseizingthehelmgripeyouroarsandclutchyoursoulsnowMyGodmenstandbyShovehimoffyouQueequegthewhalethereprickhimhithimStandupstandupandstaysoSpringmenpullmennevermindtheirbacksscrapethemscrapeawayTheboatwasnowallbutjammedbetweentwovastblackbulksleavinganarrowDardanellesbetweentheirlonglengthsButbydesperateendeavorweatlastshotintoatemporaryopeningthengivingwayrapidlyandatthesametimeearnestlywatchingforanotheroutletAftermanysimilarhairbreadthescapesweatlastswiftlyglidedintowhathadjustbeenoneoftheoutercirclesbutnowcrossedbyrandomwhalesallviolentlymakingforonecentreThisluckysalvationwascheaplypurchasedbythelossofQueequegshatwhowhilestandinginthebowstoprickthefugitivewhaleshadhishattakencleanfromhisheadbytheaireddymadebythesuddentossingofapairofbroadflukesclosebyRiotousanddisorderedastheuniversalcommotionnowwasitsoonresolveditselfintowhatseemedasystematicmovementforhavingclumpedtogetheratlastinonedensebodytheythenrenewedtheironwardflightwithaugmentedfleetnessFurtherpursuitwasuselessbuttheboatsstilllingeredintheirwaketopickupwhatdruggedwhalesmightbedroppedasternandlikewisetosecureonewhichFlaskhadkilledandwaifedThewaifisapennonedpoletwoorthreeofwhicharecarriedbyeveryboatandwhichwhenadditionalgameisathandareinserteduprightintothefloatingbodyofadeadwhalebothtomarkitsplaceontheseaandalsoastokenofpriorpossessionshouldtheboatsofanyothershipdrawnearTheresultofthisloweringwassomewhatillustrativeofthatsagacioussayingintheFisherythemorewhalesthelessfishOfallthedruggedwhalesonlyonewascapturedTherestcontrivedtoescapeforthetimebutonlytobetakenaswillhereafterbeseenbysomeothercraftthanthePequodCHAPTER88SchoolsandSchoolmastersThepreviouschaptergaveaccountofanimmensebodyorherdofSpermWhalesandtherewasalsothengiventheprobablecauseinducingthosevastaggregationsNowthoughsuchgreatbodiesareattimesencounteredyetasmusthavebeenseenevenatthepresentdaysmalldetachedbandsareoccasionallyobservedembracingfromtwentytofiftyindividualseachSuchbandsareknownasschoolsTheygenerallyareoftwosortsthosecomposedalmostentirelyoffemalesandthosemusteringnonebutyoungvigorousmalesorbullsastheyarefamiliarlydesignatedIncavalierattendanceupontheschooloffemalesyouinvariablyseeamaleoffullgrownmagnitudebutnotoldwhouponanyalarmevinceshisgallantrybyfallingintherearandcoveringtheflightofhisladiesIntruththisgentlemanisaluxuriousOttomanswimmingaboutoverthewateryworldsurroundinglyaccompaniedbyallthesolacesandendearmentsoftheharemThecontrastbetweenthisOttomanandhisconcubinesisstrikingbecausewhileheisalwaysofthelargestleviathanicproportionstheladiesevenatfullgrowtharenotmorethanonethirdofthebulkofanaveragesizedmaleTheyarecomparativelydelicateindeedIdaresaynottoexceedhalfadozenyardsroundthewaistNeverthelessitcannotbedeniedthatuponthewholetheyarehereditarilyentitledtoenbonpointItisverycurioustowatchthisharemanditslordintheirindolentramblingsLikefashionablestheyareforeveronthemoveinleisurelysearchofvarietyYoumeetthemontheLineintimeforthefullfloweroftheEquatorialfeedingseasonhavingjustreturnedperhapsfromspendingthesummerintheNorthernseasandsocheatingsummerofallunpleasantwearinessandwarmthBythetimetheyhaveloungedupanddownthepromenadeoftheEquatorawhiletheystartfortheOrientalwatersinanticipationofthecoolseasonthereandsoevadetheotherexcessivetemperatureoftheyearWhenserenelyadvancingononeofthesejourneysifanystrangesuspicioussightsareseenmylordwhalekeepsawaryeyeonhisinterestingfamilyShouldanyunwarrantablypertyoungLeviathancomingthatwaypresumetodrawconfidentiallyclosetooneoftheladieswithwhatprodigiousfurytheBashawassailshimandchaseshimawayHightimesindeedifunprincipledyoungrakeslikehimaretobepermittedtoinvadethesanctityofdomesticblissthoughdowhattheBashawwillhecannotkeepthemostnotoriousLothariooutofhisbedforalasallfishbedincommonAsashoretheladiesoftencausethemostterribleduelsamongtheirrivaladmirersjustsowiththewhaleswhosometimescometodeadlybattleandallforloveTheyfencewiththeirlonglowerjawssometimeslockingthemtogetherandsostrivingforthesupremacylikeelksthatwarringlyinterweavetheirantlersNotafewarecapturedhavingthedeepscarsoftheseencountersfurrowedheadsbrokenteethscollopedfinsandinsomeinstanceswrenchedanddislocatedmouthsButsupposingtheinvaderofdomesticblisstobetakehimselfawayatthefirstrushoftheharemslordthenisitverydivertingtowatchthatlordGentlyheinsinuateshisvastbulkamongthemagainandrevelsthereawhilestillintantalizingvicinitytoyoungLothariolikepiousSolomondevoutlyworshippingamonghisthousandconcubinesGrantingotherwhalestobeinsightthefishermenwillseldomgivechasetooneoftheseGrandTurksfortheseGrandTurksaretoolavishoftheirstrengthandhencetheirunctuousnessissmallAsforthesonsandthedaughterstheybegetwhythosesonsanddaughtersmusttakecareofthemselvesatleastwithonlythematernalhelpForlikecertainotheromnivorousrovingloversthatmightbenamedmyLordWhalehasnotasteforthenurseryhowevermuchforthebowerandsobeingagreattravellerheleaveshisanonymousbabiesallovertheworldeverybabyanexoticIngoodtimeneverthelessastheardourofyouthdeclinesasyearsanddumpsincreaseasreflectionlendshersolemnpausesinshortasagenerallassitudeovertakesthesatedTurkthenaloveofeaseandvirtuesupplantstheloveformaidensourOttomanentersupontheimpotentrepentantadmonitorystageoflifeforswearsdisbandstheharemandgrowntoanexemplarysulkyoldsoulgoesaboutallaloneamongthemeridiansandparallelssayinghisprayersandwarningeachyoungLeviathanfromhisamorouserrorsNowastheharemofwhalesiscalledbythefishermenaschoolsoisthelordandmasterofthatschooltechnicallyknownastheschoolmasterItisthereforenotinstrictcharacterhoweveradmirablysatiricalthataftergoingtoschoolhimselfheshouldthengoabroadinculcatingnotwhathelearnedtherebutthefollyofitHistitleschoolmasterwouldverynaturallyseemderivedfromthenamebestowedupontheharemitselfbutsomehavesurmisedthatthemanwhofirstthusentitledthissortofOttomanwhalemusthavereadthememoirsofVidocqandinformedhimselfwhatsortofacountryschoolmasterthatfamousFrenchmanwasinhisyoungerdaysandwhatwasthenatureofthoseoccultlessonsheinculcatedintosomeofhispupilsThesamesecludednessandisolationtowhichtheschoolmasterwhalebetakeshimselfinhisadvancingyearsistrueofallagedSpermWhalesAlmostuniversallyalonewhaleasasolitaryLeviathaniscalledprovesanancientoneLikevenerablemossbeardedDanielBoonehewillhavenoonenearhimbutNatureherselfandherhetakestowifeinthewildernessofwatersandthebestofwivessheisthoughshekeepssomanymoodysecretsTheschoolscomposingnonebutyoungandvigorousmalespreviouslymentionedofferastrongcontrasttotheharemschoolsForwhilethosefemalewhalesarecharacteristicallytimidtheyoungmalesorfortybarrelbullsastheycallthemarebyfarthemostpugnaciousofallLeviathansandproverbiallythemostdangeroustoencounterexceptingthosewondrousgreyheadedgrizzledwhalessometimesmetandthesewillfightyoulikegrimfiendsexasperatedbyapenalgoutTheFortybarrelbullschoolsarelargerthantheharemschoolsLikeamobofyoungcollegianstheyarefulloffightfunandwickednesstumblingroundtheworldatsucharecklessrollickingratethatnoprudentunderwriterwouldinsurethemanymorethanhewouldariotousladatYaleorHarvardTheysoonrelinquishthisturbulencethoughandwhenaboutthreefourthsgrownbreakupandseparatelygoaboutinquestofsettlementsthatisharemsAnotherpointofdifferencebetweenthemaleandfemaleschoolsisstillmorecharacteristicofthesexesSayyoustrikeaFortybarrelbullpoordevilallhiscomradesquithimButstrikeamemberoftheharemschoolandhercompanionsswimaroundherwitheverytokenofconcernsometimeslingeringsonearherandsolongasthemselvestofallapreyCHAPTER89FastFishandLooseFishTheallusiontothewaifandwaifpolesinthelastchapterbutonenecessitatessomeaccountofthelawsandregulationsofthewhalefisheryofwhichthewaifmaybedeemedthegrandsymbolandbadgeItfrequentlyhappensthatwhenseveralshipsarecruisingincompanyawhalemaybestruckbyonevesselthenescapeandbefinallykilledandcapturedbyanothervesselandhereinareindirectlycomprisedmanyminorcontingenciesallpartakingofthisonegrandfeatureForexampleafterawearyandperilouschaseandcaptureofawhalethebodymaygetloosefromtheshipbyreasonofaviolentstormanddriftingfarawaytoleewardberetakenbyasecondwhalerwhoinacalmsnuglytowsitalongsidewithoutriskoflifeorlineThusthemostvexatiousandviolentdisputeswouldoftenarisebetweenthefishermenweretherenotsomewrittenorunwrittenuniversalundisputedlawapplicabletoallcasesPerhapstheonlyformalwhalingcodeauthorizedbylegislativeenactmentwasthatofHollandItwasdecreedbytheStatesGeneralinAD1695ButthoughnoothernationhaseverhadanywrittenwhalinglawyettheAmericanfishermenhavebeentheirownlegislatorsandlawyersinthismatterTheyhaveprovidedasystemwhichfortersecomprehensivenesssurpassesJustiniansPandectsandtheBylawsoftheChineseSocietyfortheSuppressionofMeddlingwithotherPeoplesBusinessYestheselawsmightbeengravenonaQueenAnnesfarthingorthebarbofaharpoonandwornroundthenecksosmallaretheyIAFastFishbelongstothepartyfasttoitIIALooseFishisfairgameforanybodywhocansoonestcatchitButwhatplaysthemischiefwiththismasterlycodeistheadmirablebrevityofitwhichnecessitatesavastvolumeofcommentariestoexpounditFirstWhatisaFastFishAliveordeadafishistechnicallyfastwhenitisconnectedwithanoccupiedshiporboatbyanymediumatallcontrollablebytheoccupantoroccupantsamastanoaranineinchcableatelegraphwireorastrandofcobwebitisallthesameLikewiseafishistechnicallyfastwhenitbearsawaiforanyotherrecognisedsymbolofpossessionsolongasthepartywaifingitplainlyevincetheirabilityatanytimetotakeitalongsideaswellastheirintentionsotodoThesearescientificcommentariesbutthecommentariesofthewhalementhemselvessometimesconsistinhardwordsandharderknockstheCokeuponLittletonofthefistTrueamongthemoreuprightandhonorablewhalemenallowancesarealwaysmadeforpeculiarcaseswhereitwouldbeanoutrageousmoralinjusticeforonepartytoclaimpossessionofawhalepreviouslychasedorkilledbyanotherpartyButothersarebynomeanssoscrupulousSomefiftyyearsagotherewasacuriouscaseofwhaletroverlitigatedinEnglandwhereintheplaintiffssetforththatafterahardchaseofawhaleintheNorthernseasandwhenindeedtheytheplaintiffshadsucceededinharpooningthefishtheywereatlastthroughperiloftheirlivesobligedtoforsakenotonlytheirlinesbuttheirboatitselfUltimatelythedefendantsthecrewofanothershipcameupwiththewhalestruckkilledseizedandfinallyappropriateditbeforetheveryeyesoftheplaintiffsAndwhenthosedefendantswereremonstratedwiththeircaptainsnappedhisfingersintheplaintiffsteethandassuredthemthatbywayofdoxologytothedeedhehaddonehewouldnowretaintheirlineharpoonsandboatwhichhadremainedattachedtothewhaleatthetimeoftheseizureWhereforetheplaintiffsnowsuedfortherecoveryofthevalueoftheirwhalelineharpoonsandboatMrErskinewascounselforthedefendantsLordEllenboroughwasthejudgeInthecourseofthedefencethewittyErskinewentontoillustratehispositionbyalludingtoarecentcrimconcasewhereinagentlemanafterinvaintryingtobridlehiswifesviciousnesshadatlastabandonedherupontheseasoflifebutinthecourseofyearsrepentingofthatstepheinstitutedanactiontorecoverpossessionofherErskinewasontheothersideandhethensupporteditbysayingthatthoughthegentlemanhadoriginallyharpoonedtheladyandhadoncehadherfastandonlybyreasonofthegreatstressofherplungingviciousnesshadatlastabandonedheryetabandonherhedidsothatshebecamealoosefishandthereforewhenasubsequentgentlemanreharpoonedhertheladythenbecamethatsubsequentgentlemanspropertyalongwithwhateverharpoonmighthavebeenfoundstickinginherNowinthepresentcaseErskinecontendedthattheexamplesofthewhaleandtheladywerereciprocallyillustrativeofeachotherThesepleadingsandthecounterpleadingsbeingdulyheardtheverylearnedjudgeinsettermsdecidedtowitThatasfortheboatheawardedittotheplaintiffsbecausetheyhadmerelyabandonedittosavetheirlivesbutthatwithregardtothecontrovertedwhaleharpoonsandlinetheybelongedtothedefendantsthewhalebecauseitwasaLooseFishatthetimeofthefinalcaptureandtheharpoonsandlinebecausewhenthefishmadeoffwiththemitthefishacquiredapropertyinthosearticlesandhenceanybodywhoafterwardstookthefishhadarighttothemNowthedefendantsafterwardstookthefishergotheaforesaidarticlesweretheirsAcommonmanlookingatthisdecisionoftheverylearnedJudgemightpossiblyobjecttoitButplougheduptotheprimaryrockofthematterthetwogreatprincipleslaiddowninthetwinwhalinglawspreviouslyquotedandappliedandelucidatedbyLordEllenboroughintheabovecitedcasethesetwolawstouchingFastFishandLooseFishIsaywillonreflectionbefoundthefundamentalsofallhumanjurisprudencefornotwithstandingitscomplicatedtraceryofsculpturetheTempleoftheLawliketheTempleofthePhilistineshasbuttwopropstostandonIsitnotasayingineveryonesmouthPossessionishalfofthelawthatisregardlessofhowthethingcameintopossessionButoftenpossessionisthewholeofthelawWhatarethesinewsandsoulsofRussianserfsandRepublicanslavesbutFastFishwhereofpossessionisthewholeofthelawWhattotherapaciouslandlordisthewidowslastmitebutaFastFishWhatisyonderundetectedvillainsmarblemansionwithadoorplateforawaifwhatisthatbutaFastFishWhatistheruinousdiscountwhichMordecaithebrokergetsfrompoorWoebegonethebankruptonaloantokeepWoebegonesfamilyfromstarvationwhatisthatruinousdiscountbutaFastFishWhatistheArchbishopofSavesoulsincomeof100000seizedfromthescantbreadandcheeseofhundredsofthousandsofbrokenbackedlaborersallsureofheavenwithoutanyofSavesoulshelpwhatisthatglobular100000butaFastFishWhataretheDukeofDundershereditarytownsandhamletsbutFastFishWhattothatredoubtedharpooneerJohnBullispoorIrelandbutaFastFishWhattothatapostoliclancerBrotherJonathanisTexasbutaFastFishAndconcerningalltheseisnotPossessionthewholeofthelawButifthedoctrineofFastFishbeprettygenerallyapplicablethekindreddoctrineofLooseFishisstillmorewidelysoThatisinternationallyanduniversallyapplicableWhatwasAmericain1492butaLooseFishinwhichColumbusstrucktheSpanishstandardbywayofwaifingitforhisroyalmasterandmistressWhatwasPolandtotheCzarWhatGreecetotheTurkWhatIndiatoEnglandWhatatlastwillMexicobetotheUnitedStatesAllLooseFishWhataretheRightsofManandtheLibertiesoftheWorldbutLooseFishWhatallmensmindsandopinionsbutLooseFishWhatistheprincipleofreligiousbeliefinthembutaLooseFishWhattotheostentatioussmugglingverbalistsarethethoughtsofthinkersbutLooseFishWhatisthegreatglobeitselfbutaLooseFishAndwhatareyoureaderbutaLooseFishandaFastFishtooCHAPTER90HeadsorTailsDebalenaverosufficitsirexhabeatcaputetreginacaudamBractonl3c3LatinfromthebooksoftheLawsofEnglandwhichtakenalongwiththecontextmeansthatofallwhalescapturedbyanybodyonthecoastofthatlandtheKingasHonoraryGrandHarpooneermusthavetheheadandtheQueenberespectfullypresentedwiththetailAdivisionwhichinthewhaleismuchlikehalvinganapplethereisnointermediateremainderNowasthislawunderamodifiedformistothisdayinforceinEnglandandasitoffersinvariousrespectsastrangeanomalytouchingthegenerallawofFastandLooseFishitisheretreatedofinaseparatechapteronthesamecourteousprinciplethatpromptstheEnglishrailwaystobeattheexpenseofaseparatecarspeciallyreservedfortheaccommodationofroyaltyInthefirstplaceincuriousproofofthefactthattheabovementionedlawisstillinforceIproceedtolaybeforeyouacircumstancethathappenedwithinthelasttwoyearsItseemsthatsomehonestmarinersofDoverorSandwichorsomeoneoftheCinquePortshadafterahardchasesucceededinkillingandbeachingafinewhalewhichtheyhadoriginallydescriedafarofffromtheshoreNowtheCinquePortsarepartiallyorsomehowunderthejurisdictionofasortofpolicemanorbeadlecalledaLordWardenHoldingtheofficedirectlyfromthecrownIbelievealltheroyalemolumentsincidenttotheCinquePortterritoriesbecomebyassignmenthisBysomewritersthisofficeiscalledasinecureButnotsoBecausetheLordWardenisbusilyemployedattimesinfobbinghisperquisiteswhicharehischieflybyvirtueofthatsamefobbingofthemNowwhenthesepoorsunburntmarinersbarefootedandwiththeirtrowsersrolledhighupontheireelylegshadwearilyhauledtheirfatfishhighanddrypromisingthemselvesagood150fromthepreciousoilandboneandinfantasysippingrareteawiththeirwivesandgoodalewiththeircroniesuponthestrengthoftheirrespectivesharesupstepsaverylearnedandmostChristianandcharitablegentlemanwithacopyofBlackstoneunderhisarmandlayingituponthewhalesheadhesaysHandsoffthisfishmymastersisaFastFishIseizeitastheLordWardensUponthisthepoormarinersintheirrespectfulconsternationsotrulyEnglishknowingnotwhattosayfalltovigorouslyscratchingtheirheadsallroundmeanwhileruefullyglancingfromthewhaletothestrangerButthatdidinnowisemendthematteroratallsoftenthehardheartofthelearnedgentlemanwiththecopyofBlackstoneAtlengthoneofthemafterlongscratchingaboutforhisideasmadeboldtospeakPleasesirwhoistheLordWardenTheDukeButthedukehadnothingtodowithtakingthisfishItishisWehavebeenatgreattroubleandperilandsomeexpenseandisallthattogototheDukesbenefitwegettingnothingatallforourpainsbutourblistersItishisIstheDukesoverypoorastobeforcedtothisdesperatemodeofgettingalivelihoodItishisIthoughttorelievemyoldbedriddenmotherbypartofmyshareofthiswhaleItishisWonttheDukebecontentwithaquarterorahalfItishisInawordthewhalewasseizedandsoldandhisGracetheDukeofWellingtonreceivedthemoneyThinkingthatviewedinsomeparticularlightsthecasemightbyabarepossibilityinsomesmalldegreebedeemedunderthecircumstancesaratherhardoneanhonestclergymanofthetownrespectfullyaddressedanotetohisGracebegginghimtotakethecaseofthoseunfortunatemarinersintofullconsiderationTowhichmyLordDukeinsubstancerepliedbothletterswerepublishedthathehadalreadydonesoandreceivedthemoneyandwouldbeobligedtothereverendgentlemanifforthefuturehethereverendgentlemanwoulddeclinemeddlingwithotherpeoplesbusinessIsthisthestillmilitantoldmanstandingatthecornersofthethreekingdomsonallhandscoercingalmsofbeggarsItwillreadilybeseenthatinthiscasetheallegedrightoftheDuketothewhalewasadelegatedonefromtheSovereignWemustneedsinquirethenonwhatprincipletheSovereignisoriginallyinvestedwiththatrightThelawitselfhasalreadybeensetforthButPlowdongivesusthereasonforitSaysPlowdonthewhalesocaughtbelongstotheKingandQueenbecauseofitssuperiorexcellenceAndbythesoundestcommentatorsthishaseverbeenheldacogentargumentinsuchmattersButwhyshouldtheKinghavetheheadandtheQueenthetailAreasonforthatyelawyersInhistreatiseonQueenGoldorQueenpinmoneyanoldKingsBenchauthoroneWilliamPrynnethusdiscoursethYetailisyeQueensthatyeQueenswardrobemaybesuppliedwithyewhaleboneNowthiswaswrittenatatimewhentheblacklimberboneoftheGreenlandorRightwhalewaslargelyusedinladiesbodicesButthissameboneisnotinthetailitisintheheadwhichisasadmistakeforasagaciouslawyerlikePrynneButistheQueenamermaidtobepresentedwithatailAnallegoricalmeaningmaylurkhereTherearetworoyalfishsostyledbytheEnglishlawwritersthewhaleandthesturgeonbothroyalpropertyundercertainlimitationsandnominallysupplyingthetenthbranchofthecrownsordinaryrevenueIknownotthatanyotherauthorhashintedofthematterbutbyinferenceitseemstomethatthesturgeonmustbedividedinthesamewayasthewhaletheKingreceivingthehighlydenseandelasticheadpeculiartothatfishwhichsymbolicallyregardedmaypossiblybehumorouslygroundeduponsomepresumedcongenialityAndthusthereseemsareasoninallthingseveninlawCHAPTER91ThePequodMeetsTheRoseBudInvainitwastorakeforAmbergrieseinthepaunchofthisLeviathaninsufferablefetordenyingnotinquirySirTBrowneVEItwasaweekortwoafterthelastwhalingscenerecountedandwhenwewereslowlysailingoverasleepyvaporymiddayseathatthemanynosesonthePequodsdeckprovedmorevigilantdiscoverersthanthethreepairsofeyesaloftApeculiarandnotverypleasantsmellwassmeltintheseaIwillbetsomethingnowsaidStubbthatsomewherehereaboutsaresomeofthosedruggedwhaleswetickledtheotherdayIthoughttheywouldkeelupbeforelongPresentlythevaporsinadvanceslidasideandthereinthedistancelayashipwhosefurledsailsbetokenedthatsomesortofwhalemustbealongsideAsweglidednearerthestrangershowedFrenchcoloursfromhispeakandbytheeddyingcloudofvultureseafowlthatcircledandhoveredandswoopedaroundhimitwasplainthatthewhalealongsidemustbewhatthefishermencallablastedwhalethatisawhalethathasdiedunmolestedontheseaandsofloatedanunappropriatedcorpseItmaywellbeconceivedwhatanunsavoryodorsuchamassmustexhaleworsethananAssyriancityintheplaguewhenthelivingareincompetenttoburythedepartedSointolerableindeedisitregardedbysomethatnocupiditycouldpersuadethemtomooralongsideofitYetaretherethosewhowillstilldoitnotwithstandingthefactthattheoilobtainedfromsuchsubjectsisofaveryinferiorqualityandbynomeansofthenatureofattarofroseComingstillnearerwiththeexpiringbreezewesawthattheFrenchmanhadasecondwhalealongsideandthissecondwhaleseemedevenmoreofanosegaythanthefirstIntruthitturnedouttobeoneofthoseproblematicalwhalesthatseemtodryupanddiewithasortofprodigiousdyspepsiaorindigestionleavingtheirdefunctbodiesalmostentirelybankruptofanythinglikeoilNeverthelessintheproperplaceweshallseethatnoknowingfishermanwilleverturnuphisnoseatsuchawhaleasthishowevermuchhemayshunblastedwhalesingeneralThePequodhadnowsweptsonightothestrangerthatStubbvowedherecognisedhiscuttingspadepoleentangledinthelinesthatwereknottedroundthetailofoneofthesewhalesTheresaprettyfellownowhebanteringlylaughedstandingintheshipsbowstheresajackalforyeIwellknowthattheseCrappoesofFrenchmenarebutpoordevilsinthefisherysometimesloweringtheirboatsforbreakersmistakingthemforSpermWhalespoutsyesandsometimessailingfromtheirportwiththeirholdfullofboxesoftallowcandlesandcasesofsnuffersforeseeingthatalltheoiltheywillgetwontbeenoughtodiptheCaptainswickintoayeweallknowthesethingsbutlookyeheresaCrappothatiscontentwithourleavingsthedruggedwhalethereImeanayeandiscontenttoowithscrapingthedrybonesofthatotherpreciousfishhehastherePoordevilIsaypassroundahatsomeoneandletsmakehimapresentofalittleoilfordearcharityssakeForwhatoilhellgetfromthatdruggedwhaletherewouldntbefittoburninajailnonotinacondemnedcellAndasfortheotherwhalewhyIllagreetogetmoreoilbychoppingupandtryingoutthesethreemastsofoursthanhellgetfromthatbundleofbonesthoughnowthatIthinkofititmaycontainsomethingworthagooddealmorethanoilyesambergrisIwondernowifouroldmanhasthoughtofthatItsworthtryingYesImforitandsosayinghestartedforthequarterdeckBythistimethefaintairhadbecomeacompletecalmsothatwhetherornothePequodwasnowfairlyentrappedinthesmellwithnohopeofescapingexceptbyitsbreezingupagainIssuingfromthecabinStubbnowcalledhisboatscrewandpulledoffforthestrangerDrawingacrossherbowheperceivedthatinaccordancewiththefancifulFrenchtastetheupperpartofherstempiecewascarvedinthelikenessofahugedroopingstalkwaspaintedgreenandforthornshadcopperspikesprojectingfromithereandtherethewholeterminatinginasymmetricalfoldedbulbofabrightredcolourUponherheadboardsinlargegiltlettershereadBoutondeRoseRosebuttonorRosebudandthiswastheromanticnameofthisaromaticshipThoughStubbdidnotunderstandtheBoutonpartoftheinscriptionyetthewordroseandthebulbousfigureheadputtogethersufficientlyexplainedthewholetohimAwoodenrosebudehhecriedwithhishandtohisnosethatwilldoverywellbuthowlikeallcreationitsmellsNowinordertoholddirectcommunicationwiththepeopleondeckhehadtopullroundthebowstothestarboardsideandthuscomeclosetotheblastedwhaleandsotalkoveritArrivedthenatthisspotwithonehandstilltohisnosehebawledBoutondeRoseahoyarethereanyofyouBoutondeRosesthatspeakEnglishYesrejoinedaGuernseymanfromthebulwarkswhoturnedouttobethechiefmateWellthenmyBoutondeRosebudhaveyouseentheWhiteWhaleWhatwhaleTheWhiteWhaleaSpermWhaleMobyDickhaveyeseenhimNeverheardofsuchawhaleCachalotBlancheWhiteWhalenoVerygoodthengoodbyenowandIllcallagaininaminuteThenrapidlypullingbacktowardsthePequodandseeingAhableaningoverthequarterdeckrailawaitinghisreporthemouldedhistwohandsintoatrumpetandshoutedNoSirNoUponwhichAhabretiredandStubbreturnedtotheFrenchmanHenowperceivedthattheGuernseymanwhohadjustgotintothechainsandwasusingacuttingspadehadslunghisnoseinasortofbagWhatsthematterwithyournosetheresaidStubbBrokeitIwishitwasbrokenorthatIdidnthaveanynoseatallansweredtheGuernseymanwhodidnotseemtorelishthejobhewasatverymuchButwhatareyouholdingyoursforOhnothingItsawaxnoseIhavetoholditonFinedayaintitAirrathergardennyIshouldsaythrowusabunchofposieswillyeBoutondeRoseWhatinthedevilsnamedoyouwanthereroaredtheGuernseymanflyingintoasuddenpassionOhkeepcoolcoolyesthatsthewordwhydontyoupackthosewhalesinicewhileyoureworkingatemButjokingasidethoughdoyouknowRosebudthatitsallnonsensetryingtogetanyoiloutofsuchwhalesAsforthatdrieduponetherehehasntagillinhiswholecarcaseIknowthatwellenoughbutdyeseetheCaptainherewontbelieveitthisishisfirstvoyagehewasaColognemanufacturerbeforeButcomeaboardandmayhaphellbelieveyouifhewontmeandsoIllgetoutofthisdirtyscrapeAnythingtoobligeyemysweetandpleasantfellowrejoinedStubbandwiththathesoonmountedtothedeckThereaqueerscenepresenteditselfThesailorsintasselledcapsofredworstedweregettingtheheavytacklesinreadinessforthewhalesButtheyworkedratherslowandtalkedveryfastandseemedinanythingbutagoodhumorAlltheirnosesupwardlyprojectedfromtheirfaceslikesomanyjibboomsNowandthenpairsofthemwoulddroptheirworkandrunuptothemastheadtogetsomefreshairSomethinkingtheywouldcatchtheplaguedippedoakumincoaltarandatintervalsheldittotheirnostrilsOthershavingbrokenthestemsoftheirpipesalmostshortoffatthebowlwerevigorouslypuffingtobaccosmokesothatitconstantlyfilledtheirolfactoriesStubbwasstruckbyashowerofoutcriesandanathemasproceedingfromtheCaptainsroundhouseabaftandlookinginthatdirectionsawafieryfacethrustfrombehindthedoorwhichwasheldajarfromwithinThiswasthetormentedsurgeonwhoafterinvainremonstratingagainsttheproceedingsofthedayhadbetakenhimselftotheCaptainsroundhousecabinethecalledittoavoidthepestbutstillcouldnothelpyellingouthisentreatiesandindignationsattimesMarkingallthisStubbarguedwellforhisschemeandturningtotheGuernseymanhadalittlechatwithhimduringwhichthestrangermateexpressedhisdetestationofhisCaptainasaconceitedignoramuswhohadbroughtthemallintosounsavoryandunprofitableapickleSoundinghimcarefullyStubbfurtherperceivedthattheGuernseymanhadnottheslightestsuspicionconcerningtheambergrisHethereforeheldhispeaceonthatheadbutotherwisewasquitefrankandconfidentialwithhimsothatthetwoquicklyconcoctedalittleplanforbothcircumventingandsatirizingtheCaptainwithouthisatalldreamingofdistrustingtheirsincerityAccordingtothislittleplanoftheirstheGuernseymanundercoverofaninterpretersofficewastotelltheCaptainwhathepleasedbutascomingfromStubbandasforStubbhewastoutteranynonsensethatshouldcomeuppermostinhimduringtheinterviewBythistimetheirdestinedvictimappearedfromhiscabinHewasasmallanddarkbutratherdelicatelookingmanforaseacaptainwithlargewhiskersandmoustachehoweverandworearedcottonvelvetvestwithwatchsealsathissideTothisgentlemanStubbwasnowpolitelyintroducedbytheGuernseymanwhoatonceostentatiouslyputontheaspectofinterpretingbetweenthemWhatshallIsaytohimfirstsaidheWhysaidStubbeyeingthevelvetvestandthewatchandsealsyoumayaswellbeginbytellinghimthathelooksasortofbabyishtomethoughIdontpretendtobeajudgeHesaysMonsieursaidtheGuernseymaninFrenchturningtohiscaptainthatonlyyesterdayhisshipspokeavesselwhosecaptainandchiefmatewithsixsailorshadalldiedofafevercaughtfromablastedwhaletheyhadbroughtalongsideUponthisthecaptainstartedandeagerlydesiredtoknowmoreWhatnowsaidtheGuernseymantoStubbWhysincehetakesitsoeasytellhimthatnowIhaveeyedhimcarefullyImquitecertainthathesnomorefittocommandawhaleshipthanaStJagomonkeyInfacttellhimfrommehesababoonHevowsanddeclaresMonsieurthattheotherwhalethedriedoneisfarmoredeadlythantheblastedoneinfineMonsieurheconjuresusaswevalueourlivestocutloosefromthesefishInstantlythecaptainranforwardandinaloudvoicecommandedhiscrewtodesistfromhoistingthecuttingtacklesandatoncecastloosethecablesandchainsconfiningthewhalestotheshipWhatnowsaidtheGuernseymanwhentheCaptainhadreturnedtothemWhyletmeseeyesyoumayaswelltellhimnowthatthatinfacttellhimIvediddledhimandasidetohimselfperhapssomebodyelseHesaysMonsieurthathesveryhappytohavebeenofanyservicetousHearingthisthecaptainvowedthattheywerethegratefulpartiesmeaninghimselfandmateandconcludedbyinvitingStubbdownintohiscabintodrinkabottleofBordeauxHewantsyoutotakeaglassofwinewithhimsaidtheinterpreterThankhimheartilybuttellhimitsagainstmyprinciplestodrinkwiththemanIvediddledInfacttellhimImustgoHesaysMonsieurthathisprincipleswontadmitofhisdrinkingbutthatifMonsieurwantstoliveanotherdaytodrinkthenMonsieurhadbestdropallfourboatsandpulltheshipawayfromthesewhalesforitssocalmtheywontdriftBythistimeStubbwasoverthesideandgettingintohisboathailedtheGuernseymantothiseffectthathavingalongtowlineinhisboathewoulddowhathecouldtohelpthembypullingoutthelighterwhaleofthetwofromtheshipssideWhiletheFrenchmansboatsthenwereengagedintowingtheshiponewayStubbbenevolentlytowedawayathiswhaletheotherwayostentatiouslyslackingoutamostunusuallylongtowlinePresentlyabreezesprangupStubbfeignedtocastofffromthewhalehoistinghisboatstheFrenchmansoonincreasedhisdistancewhilethePequodslidinbetweenhimandStubbswhaleWhereuponStubbquicklypulledtothefloatingbodyandhailingthePequodtogivenoticeofhisintentionsatonceproceededtoreapthefruitofhisunrighteouscunningSeizinghissharpboatspadehecommencedanexcavationinthebodyalittlebehindthesidefinYouwouldalmosthavethoughthewasdiggingacellarthereintheseaandwhenatlengthhisspadestruckagainstthegauntribsitwasliketurningupoldRomantilesandpotteryburiedinfatEnglishloamHisboatscrewwereallinhighexcitementeagerlyhelpingtheirchiefandlookingasanxiousasgoldhuntersAndallthetimenumberlessfowlsweredivingandduckingandscreamingandyellingandfightingaroundthemStubbwasbeginningtolookdisappointedespeciallyasthehorriblenosegayincreasedwhensuddenlyfromouttheveryheartofthisplaguetherestoleafaintstreamofperfumewhichflowedthroughthetideofbadsmellswithoutbeingabsorbedbyitasoneriverwillflowintoandthenalongwithanotherwithoutatallblendingwithitforatimeIhaveitIhaveitcriedStubbwithdelightstrikingsomethinginthesubterraneanregionsapurseapurseDroppinghisspadehethrustbothhandsinanddrewouthandfulsofsomethingthatlookedlikeripeWindsorsoaporrichmottledoldcheeseveryunctuousandsavorywithalYoumighteasilydentitwithyourthumbitisofahuebetweenyellowandashcolourAndthisgoodfriendsisambergrisworthagoldguineaanouncetoanydruggistSomesixhandfulswereobtainedbutmorewasunavoidablylostintheseaandstillmoreperhapsmighthavebeensecuredwereitnotforimpatientAhabsloudcommandtoStubbtodesistandcomeonboardelsetheshipwouldbidthemgoodbyeCHAPTER92AmbergrisNowthisambergrisisaverycurioussubstanceandsoimportantasanarticleofcommercethatin1791acertainNantucketbornCaptainCoffinwasexaminedatthebaroftheEnglishHouseofCommonsonthatsubjectForatthattimeandindeeduntilacomparativelylatedaythepreciseoriginofambergrisremainedlikeamberitselfaproblemtothelearnedThoughthewordambergrisisbuttheFrenchcompoundforgreyamberyetthetwosubstancesarequitedistinctForamberthoughattimesfoundontheseacoastisalsodugupinsomefarinlandsoilswhereasambergrisisneverfoundexceptupontheseaBesidesamberisahardtransparentbrittleodorlesssubstanceusedformouthpiecestopipesforbeadsandornamentsbutambergrisissoftwaxyandsohighlyfragrantandspicythatitislargelyusedinperfumeryinpastilespreciouscandleshairpowdersandpomatumTheTurksuseitincookingandalsocarryittoMeccaforthesamepurposethatfrankincenseiscarriedtoStPetersinRomeSomewinemerchantsdropafewgrainsintoclarettoflavoritWhowouldthinkthenthatsuchfineladiesandgentlemenshouldregalethemselveswithanessencefoundintheingloriousbowelsofasickwhaleYetsoitisBysomeambergrisissupposedtobethecauseandbyotherstheeffectofthedyspepsiainthewhaleHowtocuresuchadyspepsiaitwerehardtosayunlessbyadministeringthreeorfourboatloadsofBrandrethspillsandthenrunningoutofharmswayaslaborersdoinblastingrocksIhaveforgottentosaythattherewerefoundinthisambergriscertainhardroundbonyplateswhichatfirstStubbthoughtmightbesailorstrowsersbuttonsbutitafterwardsturnedoutthattheywerenothingmorethanpiecesofsmallsquidbonesembalmedinthatmannerNowthattheincorruptionofthismostfragrantambergrisshouldbefoundintheheartofsuchdecayisthisnothingBethinktheeofthatsayingofStPaulinCorinthiansaboutcorruptionandincorruptionhowthatwearesownindishonorbutraisedingloryAndlikewisecalltomindthatsayingofParacelsusaboutwhatitisthatmakeththebestmuskAlsoforgetnotthestrangefactthatofallthingsofillsavorColognewaterinitsrudimentalmanufacturingstagesistheworstIshouldliketoconcludethechapterwiththeaboveappealbutcannotowingtomyanxietytorepelachargeoftenmadeagainstwhalemenandwhichintheestimationofsomealreadybiasedmindsmightbeconsideredasindirectlysubstantiatedbywhathasbeensaidoftheFrenchmanstwowhalesElsewhereinthisvolumetheslanderousaspersionhasbeendisprovedthatthevocationofwhalingisthroughoutaslatternlyuntidybusinessButthereisanotherthingtorebutTheyhintthatallwhalesalwayssmellbadNowhowdidthisodiousstigmaoriginateIopinethatitisplainlytraceabletothefirstarrivaloftheGreenlandwhalingshipsinLondonmorethantwocenturiesagoBecausethosewhalemendidnotthenanddonotnowtryouttheiroilatseaastheSouthernshipshavealwaysdonebutcuttingupthefreshblubberinsmallbitsthrustitthroughthebungholesoflargecasksandcarryithomeinthatmannertheshortnessoftheseasoninthoseIcySeasandthesuddenandviolentstormstowhichtheyareexposedforbiddinganyothercourseTheconsequenceisthatuponbreakingintotheholdandunloadingoneofthesewhalecemeteriesintheGreenlanddockasavorisgivenforthsomewhatsimilartothatarisingfromexcavatinganoldcitygraveyardforthefoundationsofaLyinginHospitalIpartlysurmisealsothatthiswickedchargeagainstwhalersmaybelikewiseimputedtotheexistenceonthecoastofGreenlandinformertimesofaDutchvillagecalledSchmerenburghorSmeerenbergwhichlatternameistheoneusedbythelearnedFogoVonSlackinhisgreatworkonSmellsatextbookonthatsubjectAsitsnameimportssmeerfatbergtoputupthisvillagewasfoundedinordertoaffordaplacefortheblubberoftheDutchwhalefleettobetriedoutwithoutbeingtakenhometoHollandforthatpurposeItwasacollectionoffurnacesfatkettlesandoilshedsandwhentheworkswereinfulloperationcertainlygaveforthnoverypleasantsavorButallthisisquitedifferentwithaSouthSeaSpermWhalerwhichinavoyageoffouryearsperhapsaftercompletelyfillingherholdwithoildoesnotperhapsconsumefiftydaysinthebusinessofboilingoutandinthestatethatitiscaskedtheoilisnearlyscentlessThetruthisthatlivingordeadifbutdecentlytreatedwhalesasaspeciesarebynomeanscreaturesofillodornorcanwhalemenberecognisedasthepeopleofthemiddleagesaffectedtodetectaJewinthecompanybythenoseNorindeedcanthewhalepossiblybeotherwisethanfragrantwhenasageneralthingheenjoyssuchhighhealthtakingabundanceofexercisealwaysoutofdoorsthoughitistrueseldomintheopenairIsaythatthemotionofaSpermWhalesflukesabovewaterdispensesaperfumeaswhenamuskscentedladyrustlesherdressinawarmparlorWhatthenshallIlikentheSpermWhaletoforfragranceconsideringhismagnitudeMustitnotbetothatfamouselephantwithjewelledtusksandredolentwithmyrrhwhichwasledoutofanIndiantowntodohonortoAlexandertheGreatCHAPTER93TheCastawayItwasbutsomefewdaysafterencounteringtheFrenchmanthatamostsignificanteventbefellthemostinsignificantofthePequodscrewaneventmostlamentableandwhichendedinprovidingthesometimesmadlymerryandpredestinatedcraftwithalivingandeveraccompanyingprophecyofwhatevershatteredsequelmightproveherownNowinthewhaleshipitisnoteveryonethatgoesintheboatsSomefewhandsarereservedcalledshipkeeperswhoseprovinceitistoworkthevesselwhiletheboatsarepursuingthewhaleAsageneralthingtheseshipkeepersareashardyfellowsasthemencomprisingtheboatscrewsButiftherehappentobeanundulyslenderclumsyortimorouswightintheshipthatwightiscertaintobemadeashipkeeperItwassointhePequodwiththelittlenegroPippinbynicknamePipbyabbreviationPoorPipyehaveheardofhimbeforeyemustrememberhistambourineonthatdramaticmidnightsogloomyjollyInouteraspectPipandDoughBoymadeamatchlikeablackponyandawhiteoneofequaldevelopmentsthoughofdissimilarcolourdriveninoneeccentricspanButwhilehaplessDoughBoywasbynaturedullandtorpidinhisintellectsPipthoughovertenderheartedwasatbottomverybrightwiththatpleasantgenialjollybrightnesspeculiartohistribeatribewhicheverenjoyallholidaysandfestivitieswithfinerfreerrelishthananyotherraceForblackstheyearscalendarshouldshownaughtbutthreehundredandsixtyfiveFourthofJulysandNewYearsDaysNorsmilesowhileIwritethatthislittleblackwasbrilliantforevenblacknesshasitsbrilliancybeholdyonlustrousebonypanelledinkingscabinetsButPiplovedlifeandalllifespeaceablesecuritiessothatthepanicstrikingbusinessinwhichhehadsomehowunaccountablybecomeentrappedhadmostsadlyblurredhisbrightnessthoughaserelongwillbeseenwhatwasthustemporarilysubduedinhimintheendwasdestinedtobeluridlyilluminedbystrangewildfiresthatfictitiouslyshowedhimofftotentimesthenaturallustrewithwhichinhisnativeTollandCountyinConnecticuthehadonceenlivenedmanyafiddlersfroliconthegreenandatmelodiouseventidewithhisgayhahahadturnedtheroundhorizonintoonestarbelledtambourineSothoughintheclearairofdaysuspendedagainstablueveinedneckthepurewatereddiamonddropwillhealthfulglowyetwhenthecunningjewellerwouldshowyouthediamondinitsmostimpressivelustrehelaysitagainstagloomygroundandthenlightsitupnotbythesunbutbysomeunnaturalgasesThencomeoutthosefieryeffulgencesinfernallysuperbthentheevilblazingdiamondoncethedivinestsymbolofthecrystalskieslookslikesomecrownjewelstolenfromtheKingofHellButletustothestoryItcametopassthatintheambergrisaffairStubbsafteroarsmanchancedsotosprainhishandasforatimetobecomequitemaimedandtemporarilyPipwasputintohisplaceThefirsttimeStubbloweredwithhimPipevincedmuchnervousnessbuthappilyforthattimeescapedclosecontactwiththewhaleandthereforecameoffnotaltogetherdiscreditablythoughStubbobservinghimtookcareafterwardstoexhorthimtocherishhiscourageousnesstotheutmostforhemightoftenfinditneedfulNowuponthesecondloweringtheboatpaddleduponthewhaleandasthefishreceivedthedartedironitgaveitscustomaryrapwhichhappenedinthisinstancetoberightunderpoorPipsseatTheinvoluntaryconsternationofthemomentcausedhimtoleappaddleinhandoutoftheboatandinsuchawaythatpartoftheslackwhalelinecomingagainsthischesthebreasteditoverboardwithhimsoastobecomeentangledinitwhenatlastplumpingintothewaterThatinstantthestrickenwhalestartedonafiercerunthelineswiftlystraightenedandprestopoorPipcameallfoaminguptothechocksoftheboatremorselesslydraggedtherebythelinewhichhadtakenseveralturnsaroundhischestandneckTashtegostoodinthebowsHewasfullofthefireofthehuntHehatedPipforapoltroonSnatchingtheboatknifefromitssheathhesuspendeditssharpedgeoverthelineandturningtowardsStubbexclaimedinterrogativelyCutMeantimePipsbluechokedfaceplainlylookedDoforGodssakeAllpassedinaflashInlessthanhalfaminutethisentirethinghappenedDamnhimcutroaredStubbandsothewhalewaslostandPipwassavedSosoonasherecoveredhimselfthepoorlittlenegrowasassailedbyyellsandexecrationsfromthecrewTranquillypermittingtheseirregularcursingstoevaporateStubbtheninaplainbusinesslikebutstillhalfhumorousmannercursedPipofficiallyandthatdoneunofficiallygavehimmuchwholesomeadviceThesubstancewasNeverjumpfromaboatPipexceptbutalltherestwasindefiniteasthesoundestadviceeverisNowingeneralSticktotheboatisyourtruemottoinwhalingbutcaseswillsometimeshappenwhenLeapfromtheboatisstillbetterMoreoverasifperceivingatlastthatifheshouldgiveundilutedconscientiousadvicetoPiphewouldbeleavinghimtoowideamargintojumpinforthefutureStubbsuddenlydroppedalladviceandconcludedwithaperemptorycommandSticktotheboatPiporbytheLordIwontpickyouupifyoujumpmindthatWecantaffordtolosewhalesbythelikesofyouawhalewouldsellforthirtytimeswhatyouwouldPipinAlabamaBearthatinmindanddontjumpanymoreHerebyperhapsStubbindirectlyhintedthatthoughmanlovedhisfellowyetmanisamoneymakinganimalwhichpropensitytooofteninterfereswithhisbenevolenceButweareallinthehandsoftheGodsandPipjumpedagainItwasunderverysimilarcircumstancestothefirstperformancebutthistimehedidnotbreastoutthelineandhencewhenthewhalestartedtorunPipwasleftbehindonthesealikeahurriedtravellerstrunkAlasStubbwasbuttootruetohiswordItwasabeautifulbounteousbluedaythespangledseacalmandcoolandflatlystretchingawayallroundtothehorizonlikegoldbeatersskinhammeredouttotheextremestBobbingupanddowninthatseaPipsebonheadshowedlikeaheadofclovesNoboatknifewasliftedwhenhefellsorapidlyasternStubbsinexorablebackwasturneduponhimandthewhalewaswingedInthreeminutesawholemileofshorelessoceanwasbetweenPipandStubbOutfromthecentreoftheseapoorPipturnedhiscrispcurlingblackheadtothesunanotherlonelycastawaythoughtheloftiestandthebrightestNowincalmweathertoswimintheopenoceanisaseasytothepractisedswimmerastorideinaspringcarriageashoreButtheawfullonesomenessisintolerableTheintenseconcentrationofselfinthemiddleofsuchaheartlessimmensitymyGodwhocantellitMarkhowwhensailorsinadeadcalmbatheintheopenseamarkhowcloselytheyhugtheirshipandonlycoastalonghersidesButhadStubbreallyabandonedthepoorlittlenegrotohisfateNohedidnotmeantoatleastBecausethereweretwoboatsinhiswakeandhesupposednodoubtthattheywouldofcoursecomeuptoPipveryquicklyandpickhimupthoughindeedsuchconsiderationstowardsoarsmenjeopardizedthroughtheirowntimidityisnotalwaysmanifestedbythehuntersinallsimilarinstancesandsuchinstancesnotunfrequentlyoccuralmostinvariablyinthefisheryacowardsocalledismarkedwiththesameruthlessdetestationpeculiartomilitarynaviesandarmiesButitsohappenedthatthoseboatswithoutseeingPipsuddenlyspyingwhalesclosetothemononesideturnedandgavechaseandStubbsboatwasnowsofarawayandheandallhiscrewsointentuponhisfishthatPipsringedhorizonbegantoexpandaroundhimmiserablyBythemerestchancetheshipitselfatlastrescuedhimbutfromthathourthelittlenegrowentaboutthedeckanidiotsuchatleasttheysaidhewasTheseahadjeeringlykepthisfinitebodyupbutdrownedtheinfiniteofhissoulNotdrownedentirelythoughRathercarrieddownalivetowondrousdepthswherestrangeshapesoftheunwarpedprimalworldglidedtoandfrobeforehispassiveeyesandthemisermermanWisdomrevealedhishoardedheapsandamongthejoyousheartlesseverjuvenileeternitiesPipsawthemultitudinousGodomnipresentcoralinsectsthatoutofthefirmamentofwatersheavedthecolossalorbsHesawGodsfootuponthetreadleoftheloomandspokeitandthereforehisshipmatescalledhimmadSomansinsanityisheavenssenseandwanderingfromallmortalreasonmancomesatlasttothatcelestialthoughtwhichtoreasonisabsurdandfranticandwealorwoefeelsthenuncompromisedindifferentashisGodFortherestblamenotStubbtoohardlyThethingiscommoninthatfisheryandinthesequelofthenarrativeitwillthenbeseenwhatlikeabandonmentbefellmyselfCHAPTER94ASqueezeoftheHandThatwhaleofStubbssodearlypurchasedwasdulybroughttothePequodssidewhereallthosecuttingandhoistingoperationspreviouslydetailedwereregularlygonethrougheventothebalingoftheHeidelburghTunorCaseWhilesomewereoccupiedwiththislatterdutyotherswereemployedindraggingawaythelargertubssosoonasfilledwiththespermandwhenthepropertimearrivedthissamespermwascarefullymanipulatederegoingtothetryworksofwhichanonIthadcooledandcrystallizedtosuchadegreethatwhenwithseveralothersIsatdownbeforealargeConstantinesbathofitIfounditstrangelyconcretedintolumpshereandthererollingaboutintheliquidpartItwasourbusinesstosqueezetheselumpsbackintofluidAsweetandunctuousdutyNowonderthatinoldtimesthisspermwassuchafavouritecosmeticSuchaclearersuchasweetenersuchasoftenersuchadeliciousmolifierAfterhavingmyhandsinitforonlyafewminutesmyfingersfeltlikeeelsandbeganasitweretoserpentineandspiraliseAsIsatthereatmyeasecrossleggedonthedeckafterthebitterexertionatthewindlassunderabluetranquilskytheshipunderindolentsailandglidingsoserenelyalongasIbathedmyhandsamongthosesoftgentleglobulesofinfiltratedtissueswovenalmostwithinthehourastheyrichlybroketomyfingersanddischargedalltheiropulencelikefullyripegrapestheirwineasIsnuffedupthatuncontaminatedaromaliterallyandtrulylikethesmellofspringvioletsIdeclaretoyouthatforthetimeIlivedasinamuskymeadowIforgotallaboutourhorribleoathinthatinexpressiblespermIwashedmyhandsandmyheartofitIalmostbegantocredittheoldParacelsansuperstitionthatspermisofrarevirtueinallayingtheheatofangerwhilebathinginthatbathIfeltdivinelyfreefromallillwillorpetulanceormaliceofanysortwhatsoeverSqueezesqueezesqueezeallthemorninglongIsqueezedthatspermtillImyselfalmostmeltedintoitIsqueezedthatspermtillastrangesortofinsanitycameovermeandIfoundmyselfunwittinglysqueezingmycolaborershandsinitmistakingtheirhandsforthegentleglobulesSuchanaboundingaffectionatefriendlylovingfeelingdidthisavocationbegetthatatlastIwascontinuallysqueezingtheirhandsandlookingupintotheireyessentimentallyasmuchastosayOhmydearfellowbeingswhyshouldwelongercherishanysocialacerbitiesorknowtheslightestillhumororenvyComeletussqueezehandsallroundnayletusallsqueezeourselvesintoeachotherletussqueezeourselvesuniversallyintotheverymilkandspermofkindnessWouldthatIcouldkeepsqueezingthatspermforeverFornowsincebymanyprolongedrepeatedexperiencesIhaveperceivedthatinallcasesmanmusteventuallyloweroratleastshifthisconceitofattainablefelicitynotplacingitanywhereintheintellectorthefancybutinthewifetheheartthebedthetablethesaddlethefiresidethecountrynowthatIhaveperceivedallthisIamreadytosqueezecaseeternallyInthoughtsofthevisionsofthenightIsawlongrowsofangelsinparadiseeachwithhishandsinajarofspermacetiNowwhilediscoursingofspermitbehoovestospeakofotherthingsakintoitinthebusinessofpreparingthespermwhaleforthetryworksFirstcomeswhitehorsesocalledwhichisobtainedfromthetaperingpartofthefishandalsofromthethickerportionsofhisflukesItistoughwithcongealedtendonsawadofmusclebutstillcontainssomeoilAfterbeingseveredfromthewhalethewhitehorseisfirstcutintoportableoblongseregoingtothemincerTheylookmuchlikeblocksofBerkshiremarblePlumpuddingisthetermbestoweduponcertainfragmentarypartsofthewhalesfleshhereandthereadheringtotheblanketofblubberandoftenparticipatingtoaconsiderabledegreeinitsunctuousnessItisamostrefreshingconvivialbeautifulobjecttobeholdAsitsnameimportsitisofanexceedinglyrichmottledtintwithabestreakedsnowyandgoldengrounddottedwithspotsofthedeepestcrimsonandpurpleItisplumsofrubiesinpicturesofcitronSpiteofreasonitishardtokeepyourselffromeatingitIconfessthatonceIstolebehindtheforemasttotryitIttastedsomethingasIshouldconceivearoyalcutletfromthethighofLouisleGrosmighthavetastedsupposinghimtohavebeenkilledthefirstdayafterthevenisonseasonandthatparticularvenisonseasoncontemporarywithanunusuallyfinevintageofthevineyardsofChampagneThereisanothersubstanceandaverysingularonewhichturnsupinthecourseofthisbusinessbutwhichIfeelittobeverypuzzlingadequatelytodescribeItiscalledslobgollionanappellationoriginalwiththewhalemenandevensoisthenatureofthesubstanceItisanineffablyoozystringyaffairmostfrequentlyfoundinthetubsofspermafteraprolongedsqueezingandsubsequentdecantingIholdittobethewondrouslythinrupturedmembranesofthecasecoalescingGurrysocalledisatermproperlybelongingtorightwhalemenbutsometimesincidentallyusedbythespermfishermenItdesignatesthedarkglutinoussubstancewhichisscrapedoffthebackoftheGreenlandorrightwhaleandmuchofwhichcoversthedecksofthoseinferiorsoulswhohuntthatignobleLeviathanNippersStrictlythiswordisnotindigenoustothewhalesvocabularyButasappliedbywhalemenitbecomessoAwhalemansnipperisashortfirmstripoftendinousstuffcutfromthetaperingpartofLeviathanstailitaveragesaninchinthicknessandfortherestisaboutthesizeoftheironpartofahoeEdgewisemovedalongtheoilydeckitoperateslikealeathernsquilgeeandbynamelessblandishmentsasofmagicalluresalongwithitallimpuritiesButtolearnallaboutthesereconditemattersyourbestwayisatoncetodescendintotheblubberroomandhavealongtalkwithitsinmatesThisplacehaspreviouslybeenmentionedasthereceptaclefortheblanketpieceswhenstriptandhoistedfromthewhaleWhenthepropertimearrivesforcuttingupitscontentsthisapartmentisasceneofterrortoalltyrosespeciallybynightOnonesidelitbyadulllanternaspacehasbeenleftclearfortheworkmenTheygenerallygoinpairsapikeandgaffmanandaspademanThewhalingpikeissimilartoafrigatesboardingweaponofthesamenameThegaffissomethinglikeaboathookWithhisgaffthegaffmanhooksontoasheetofblubberandstrivestoholditfromslippingastheshippitchesandlurchesaboutMeanwhilethespademanstandsonthesheetitselfperpendicularlychoppingitintotheportablehorsepiecesThisspadeissharpashonecanmakeitthespademansfeetareshoelessthethinghestandsonwillsometimesirresistiblyslideawayfromhimlikeasledgeIfhecutsoffoneofhisowntoesoroneofhisassistantswouldyoubeverymuchastonishedToesarescarceamongveteranblubberroommenCHAPTER95TheCassockHadyousteppedonboardthePequodatacertainjunctureofthispostmortemizingofthewhaleandhadyoustrolledforwardnighthewindlassprettysureamIthatyouwouldhavescannedwithnosmallcuriosityaverystrangeenigmaticalobjectwhichyouwouldhaveseentherelyingalonglengthwiseintheleescuppersNotthewondrouscisterninthewhaleshugeheadnottheprodigyofhisunhingedlowerjawnotthemiracleofhissymmetricaltailnoneofthesewouldsosurpriseyouashalfaglimpseofthatunaccountableconelongerthanaKentuckianistallnighafootindiameteratthebaseandjetblackasYojotheebonyidolofQueequegAndanidolindeeditisorratherinoldtimesitslikenesswasSuchanidolasthatfoundinthesecretgrovesofQueenMaachahinJudeaandforworshippingwhichKingAsahersondiddeposeheranddestroyedtheidolandburntitforanabominationatthebrookKedronasdarklysetforthinthe15thchapteroftheFirstBookofKingsLookatthesailorcalledthemincerwhonowcomesalongandassistedbytwoalliesheavilybacksthegrandissimusasthemarinerscallitandwithbowedshouldersstaggersoffwithitasifhewereagrenadiercarryingadeadcomradefromthefieldExtendingitupontheforecastledeckhenowproceedscylindricallytoremoveitsdarkpeltasanAfricanhunterthepeltofaboaThisdoneheturnsthepeltinsideoutlikeapantaloonleggivesitagoodstretchingsoasalmosttodoubleitsdiameterandatlasthangsitwellspreadintheriggingtodryErelongitistakendownwhenremovingsomethreefeetofittowardsthepointedextremityandthencuttingtwoslitsforarmholesattheotherendhelengthwiseslipshimselfbodilyintoitThemincernowstandsbeforeyouinvestedinthefullcanonicalsofhiscallingImmemorialtoallhisorderthisinvestiturealonewilladequatelyprotecthimwhileemployedinthepeculiarfunctionsofhisofficeThatofficeconsistsinmincingthehorsepiecesofblubberforthepotsanoperationwhichisconductedatacuriouswoodenhorseplantedendwiseagainstthebulwarksandwithacapacioustubbeneathitintowhichthemincedpiecesdropfastasthesheetsfromaraptoratorsdeskArrayedindecentblackoccupyingaconspicuouspulpitintentonbibleleaveswhatacandidateforanarchbishopricwhataladforaPopewerethismincerBibleleavesBibleleavesThisistheinvariablecryfromthematestothemincerItenjoinshimtobecarefulandcuthisworkintoasthinslicesaspossibleinasmuchasbysodoingthebusinessofboilingouttheoilismuchacceleratedanditsquantityconsiderablyincreasedbesidesperhapsimprovingitinqualityCHAPTER96TheTryWorksBesidesherhoistedboatsanAmericanwhalerisoutwardlydistinguishedbyhertryworksShepresentsthecuriousanomalyofthemostsolidmasonryjoiningwithoakandhempinconstitutingthecompletedshipItisasiffromtheopenfieldabrickkilnweretransportedtoherplanksThetryworksareplantedbetweentheforemastandmainmastthemostroomypartofthedeckThetimbersbeneathareofapeculiarstrengthfittedtosustaintheweightofanalmostsolidmassofbrickandmortarsometenfeetbyeightsquareandfiveinheightThefoundationdoesnotpenetratethedeckbutthemasonryisfirmlysecuredtothesurfacebyponderouskneesofironbracingitonallsidesandscrewingitdowntothetimbersOntheflanksitiscasedwithwoodandattopcompletelycoveredbyalargeslopingbattenedhatchwayRemovingthishatchweexposethegreattrypotstwoinnumberandeachofseveralbarrelscapacityWhennotinusetheyarekeptremarkablycleanSometimestheyarepolishedwithsoapstoneandsandtilltheyshinewithinlikesilverpunchbowlsDuringthenightwatchessomecynicaloldsailorswillcrawlintothemandcoilthemselvesawaythereforanapWhileemployedinpolishingthemonemanineachpotsidebysidemanyconfidentialcommunicationsarecarriedonovertheironlipsItisaplacealsoforprofoundmathematicalmeditationItwasinthelefthandtrypotofthePequodwiththesoapstonediligentlycirclingroundmethatIwasfirstindirectlystruckbytheremarkablefactthatingeometryallbodiesglidingalongthecycloidmysoapstoneforexamplewilldescendfromanypointinpreciselythesametimeRemovingthefireboardfromthefrontofthetryworksthebaremasonryofthatsideisexposedpenetratedbythetwoironmouthsofthefurnacesdirectlyunderneaththepotsThesemouthsarefittedwithheavydoorsofironTheintenseheatofthefireispreventedfromcommunicatingitselftothedeckbymeansofashallowreservoirextendingundertheentireinclosedsurfaceoftheworksByatunnelinsertedattherearthisreservoiriskeptreplenishedwithwaterasfastasitevaporatesTherearenoexternalchimneystheyopendirectfromtherearwallAndhereletusgobackforamomentItwasaboutnineoclockatnightthatthePequodstryworkswerefirststartedonthispresentvoyageItbelongedtoStubbtooverseethebusinessAllreadythereOffhatchthenandstartherYoucookfiretheworksThiswasaneasythingforthecarpenterhadbeenthrustinghisshavingsintothefurnacethroughoutthepassageHerebeitsaidthatinawhalingvoyagethefirstfireinthetryworkshastobefedforatimewithwoodAfterthatnowoodisusedexceptasameansofquickignitiontothestaplefuelInawordafterbeingtriedoutthecrispshrivelledblubbernowcalledscrapsorfrittersstillcontainsconsiderableofitsunctuouspropertiesThesefrittersfeedtheflamesLikeaplethoricburningmartyroraselfconsumingmisanthropeonceignitedthewhalesupplieshisownfuelandburnsbyhisownbodyWouldthatheconsumedhisownsmokeforhissmokeishorribletoinhaleandinhaleityoumustandnotonlythatbutyoumustliveinitforthetimeIthasanunspeakablewildHindooodoraboutitsuchasmaylurkinthevicinityoffunerealpyresItsmellsliketheleftwingofthedayofjudgmentitisanargumentforthepitBymidnighttheworkswereinfulloperationWewereclearfromthecarcasesailhadbeenmadethewindwasfresheningthewildoceandarknesswasintenseButthatdarknesswaslickedupbythefierceflameswhichatintervalsforkedforthfromthesootyfluesandilluminatedeveryloftyropeintheriggingaswiththefamedGreekfireTheburningshipdroveonasifremorselesslycommissionedtosomevengefuldeedSothepitchandsulphurfreightedbrigsoftheboldHydrioteCanarisissuingfromtheirmidnightharborswithbroadsheetsofflameforsailsboredownupontheTurkishfrigatesandfoldedtheminconflagrationsThehatchremovedfromthetopoftheworksnowaffordedawidehearthinfrontofthemStandingonthisweretheTartareanshapesofthepaganharpooneersalwaysthewhaleshipsstokersWithhugeprongedpolestheypitchedhissingmassesofblubberintothescaldingpotsorstirredupthefiresbeneathtillthesnakyflamesdartedcurlingoutofthedoorstocatchthembythefeetThesmokerolledawayinsullenheapsToeverypitchoftheshiptherewasapitchoftheboilingoilwhichseemedalleagernesstoleapintotheirfacesOppositethemouthoftheworksonthefurthersideofthewidewoodenhearthwasthewindlassThisservedforaseasofaHereloungedthewatchwhennototherwiseemployedlookingintotheredheatofthefiretilltheireyesfeltscorchedintheirheadsTheirtawnyfeaturesnowallbegrimedwithsmokeandsweattheirmattedbeardsandthecontrastingbarbaricbrilliancyoftheirteethallthesewerestrangelyrevealedinthecapriciousemblazoningsoftheworksAstheynarratedtoeachothertheirunholyadventurestheirtalesofterrortoldinwordsofmirthastheiruncivilizedlaughterforkedupwardsoutofthemliketheflamesfromthefurnaceastoandfrointheirfronttheharpooneerswildlygesticulatedwiththeirhugeprongedforksanddippersasthewindhowledonandthesealeapedandtheshipgroanedanddivedandyetsteadfastlyshotherredhellfurtherandfurtherintotheblacknessoftheseaandthenightandscornfullychampedthewhiteboneinhermouthandviciouslyspatroundheronallsidesthentherushingPequodfreightedwithsavagesandladenwithfireandburningacorpseandplungingintothatblacknessofdarknessseemedthematerialcounterpartofhermonomaniaccommanderssoulSoseemedittomeasIstoodatherhelmandforlonghourssilentlyguidedthewayofthisfireshipontheseaWrappedforthatintervalindarknessmyselfIbutthebettersawtherednessthemadnesstheghastlinessofothersThecontinualsightofthefiendshapesbeforemecaperinghalfinsmokeandhalfinfiretheseatlastbegatkindredvisionsinmysoulsosoonasIbegantoyieldtothatunaccountabledrowsinesswhicheverwouldcomeovermeatamidnighthelmButthatnightinparticularastrangeandeversinceinexplicablethingoccurredtomeStartingfromabriefstandingsleepIwashorriblyconsciousofsomethingfatallywrongThejawbonetillersmotemysidewhichleanedagainstitinmyearswasthelowhumofsailsjustbeginningtoshakeinthewindIthoughtmyeyeswereopenIwashalfconsciousofputtingmyfingerstothelidsandmechanicallystretchingthemstillfurtherapartButspiteofallthisIcouldseenocompassbeforemetosteerbythoughitseemedbutaminutesinceIhadbeenwatchingthecardbythesteadybinnaclelampilluminatingitNothingseemedbeforemebutajetgloomnowandthenmadeghastlybyflashesofrednessUppermostwastheimpressionthatwhateverswiftrushingthingIstoodonwasnotsomuchboundtoanyhavenaheadasrushingfromallhavensasternAstarkbewilderedfeelingasofdeathcameovermeConvulsivelymyhandsgraspedthetillerbutwiththecrazyconceitthatthetillerwassomehowinsomeenchantedwayinvertedMyGodwhatisthematterwithmethoughtILoinmybriefsleepIhadturnedmyselfaboutandwasfrontingtheshipssternwithmybacktoherprowandthecompassInaninstantIfacedbackjustintimetopreventthevesselfromflyingupintothewindandveryprobablycapsizingherHowgladandhowgratefultherelieffromthisunnaturalhallucinationofthenightandthefatalcontingencyofbeingbroughtbytheleeLooknottoolonginthefaceofthefireOmanNeverdreamwiththyhandonthehelmTurnnotthybacktothecompassacceptthefirsthintofthehitchingtillerbelievenottheartificialfirewhenitsrednessmakesallthingslookghastlyTomorrowinthenaturalsuntheskieswillbebrightthosewhoglaredlikedevilsintheforkingflamesthemornwillshowinfarotheratleastgentlerreliefthegloriousgoldengladsuntheonlytruelampallothersbutliarsNeverthelessthesunhidesnotVirginiasDismalSwampnorRomesaccursedCampagnanorwideSaharanorallthemillionsofmilesofdesertsandofgriefsbeneaththemoonThesunhidesnottheoceanwhichisthedarksideofthisearthandwhichistwothirdsofthisearthSothereforethatmortalmanwhohathmoreofjoythansorrowinhimthatmortalmancannotbetruenottrueorundevelopedWithbooksthesameThetruestofallmenwastheManofSorrowsandthetruestofallbooksisSolomonsandEcclesiastesisthefinehammeredsteelofwoeAllisvanityALLThiswilfulworldhathnotgotholdofunchristianSolomonswisdomyetButhewhododgeshospitalsandjailsandwalksfastcrossinggraveyardsandwouldrathertalkofoperasthanhellcallsCowperYoungPascalRousseaupoordevilsallofsickmenandthroughoutacarefreelifetimeswearsbyRabelaisaspassingwiseandthereforejollynotthatmanisfittedtositdownontombstonesandbreakthegreendampmouldwithunfathomablywondrousSolomonButevenSolomonhesaysthemanthatwanderethoutofthewayofunderstandingshallremainieevenwhilelivinginthecongregationofthedeadGivenotthyselfupthentofirelestitinverttheedeadentheeasforthetimeitdidmeThereisawisdomthatiswoebutthereisawoethatismadnessAndthereisaCatskilleagleinsomesoulsthatcanalikedivedownintotheblackestgorgesandsoaroutofthemagainandbecomeinvisibleinthesunnyspacesAndevenifheforeverflieswithinthegorgethatgorgeisinthemountainssothateveninhislowestswoopthemountaineagleisstillhigherthanotherbirdsupontheplaineventhoughtheysoarCHAPTER97TheLampHadyoudescendedfromthePequodstryworkstothePequodsforecastlewheretheoffdutywatchweresleepingforonesinglemomentyouwouldhavealmostthoughtyouwerestandinginsomeilluminatedshrineofcanonizedkingsandcounsellorsTheretheylayintheirtriangularoakenvaultseachmarinerachiselledmutenessascoreoflampsflashinguponhishoodedeyesInmerchantmenoilforthesailorismorescarcethanthemilkofqueensTodressinthedarkandeatinthedarkandstumbleindarknesstohispalletthisishisusuallotButthewhalemanasheseeksthefoodoflightsohelivesinlightHemakeshisberthanAladdinslampandlayshimdowninitsothatinthepitchiestnighttheshipsblackhullstillhousesanilluminationSeewithwhatentirefreedomthewhalemantakeshishandfuloflampsoftenbutoldbottlesandvialsthoughtothecoppercooleratthetryworksandreplenishesthemthereasmugsofaleatavatHeburnstoothepurestofoilinitsunmanufacturedandthereforeunvitiatedstateafluidunknowntosolarlunarorastralcontrivancesashoreItissweetasearlygrassbutterinAprilHegoesandhuntsforhisoilsoastobesureofitsfreshnessandgenuinenessevenasthetravellerontheprairiehuntsuphisownsupperofgameCHAPTER98StowingDownandClearingUpAlreadyhasitbeenrelatedhowthegreatleviathanisafaroffdescriedfromthemastheadhowheischasedoverthewaterymoorsandslaughteredinthevalleysofthedeephowheisthentowedalongsideandbeheadedandhowontheprinciplewhichentitledtheheadsmanofoldtothegarmentsinwhichthebeheadedwaskilledhisgreatpaddedsurtoutbecomesthepropertyofhisexecutionerhowinduetimeheiscondemnedtothepotsandlikeShadrachMeshachandAbednegohisspermacetioilandbonepassunscathedthroughthefirebutnowitremainstoconcludethelastchapterofthispartofthedescriptionbyrehearsingsingingifImaytheromanticproceedingofdecantingoffhisoilintothecasksandstrikingthemdownintotheholdwhereonceagainleviathanreturnstohisnativeprofunditiesslidingalongbeneaththesurfaceasbeforebutalasnevermoretoriseandblowWhilestillwarmtheoillikehotpunchisreceivedintothesixbarrelcasksandwhileperhapstheshipispitchingandrollingthiswayandthatinthemidnightseatheenormouscasksareslewedroundandheadedoverendforendandsometimesperilouslyscootacrosstheslipperydecklikesomanylandslidestillatlastmanhandledandstayedintheircourseandallroundthehoopsraprapgoasmanyhammersascanplayuponthemfornowexofficioeverysailorisacooperAtlengthwhenthelastpintiscaskedandalliscoolthenthegreathatchwaysareunsealedthebowelsoftheshiparethrownopenanddowngothecaskstotheirfinalrestintheseaThisdonethehatchesarereplacedandhermeticallyclosedlikeaclosetwalledupInthespermfisherythisisperhapsoneofthemostremarkableincidentsinallthebusinessofwhalingOnedaytheplanksstreamwithfreshetsofbloodandoilonthesacredquarterdeckenormousmassesofthewhalesheadareprofanelypiledgreatrustycaskslieaboutasinabreweryyardthesmokefromthetryworkshasbesootedallthebulwarksthemarinersgoaboutsuffusedwithunctuousnesstheentireshipseemsgreatleviathanhimselfwhileonallhandsthedinisdeafeningButadayortwoafteryoulookaboutyouandprickyourearsinthisselfsameshipandwereitnotforthetelltaleboatsandtryworksyouwouldallbutswearyoutrodsomesilentmerchantvesselwithamostscrupulouslyneatcommanderTheunmanufacturedspermoilpossessesasingularlycleansingvirtueThisisthereasonwhythedecksneverlooksowhiteasjustafterwhattheycallanaffairofoilBesidesfromtheashesoftheburnedscrapsofthewhaleapotentlyeisreadilymadeandwheneveranyadhesivenessfromthebackofthewhaleremainsclingingtothesidethatlyequicklyexterminatesitHandsgodiligentlyalongthebulwarksandwithbucketsofwaterandragsrestorethemtotheirfulltidinessThesootisbrushedfromthelowerriggingAllthenumerousimplementswhichhavebeeninusearelikewisefaithfullycleansedandputawayThegreathatchisscrubbedandplaceduponthetryworkscompletelyhidingthepotseverycaskisoutofsightalltacklesarecoiledinunseennooksandwhenbythecombinedandsimultaneousindustryofalmosttheentireshipscompanythewholeofthisconscientiousdutyisatlastconcludedthenthecrewthemselvesproceedtotheirownablutionsshiftthemselvesfromtoptotoeandfinallyissuetotheimmaculatedeckfreshandallaglowasbridegroomsnewleapedfromoutthedaintiestHollandNowwithelatedsteptheypacetheplanksintwosandthreesandhumorouslydiscourseofparlorssofascarpetsandfinecambricsproposetomatthedeckthinkofhavinghangingtothetopobjectnottotakingteabymoonlightonthepiazzaoftheforecastleTohinttosuchmuskedmarinersofoilandboneandblubberwerelittleshortofaudacityTheyknownotthethingyoudistantlyalludetoAwayandbringusnapkinsButmarkaloftthereatthethreemastheadsstandthreemenintentonspyingoutmorewhaleswhichifcaughtinfalliblywillagainsoiltheoldoakenfurnitureanddropatleastonesmallgreasespotsomewhereYesandmanyisthetimewhenaftertheseverestuninterruptedlaborswhichknownonightcontinuingstraightthroughforninetysixhourswhenfromtheboatwheretheyhaveswelledtheirwristswithalldayrowingontheLinetheyonlysteptothedecktocarryvastchainsandheavetheheavywindlassandcutandslashyeaandintheirverysweatingstobesmokedandburnedanewbythecombinedfiresoftheequatorialsunandtheequatorialtryworkswhenontheheelofallthistheyhavefinallybestirredthemselvestocleansetheshipandmakeaspotlessdairyroomofitmanyisthetimethepoorfellowsjustbuttoningthenecksoftheircleanfrocksarestartledbythecryofTheresheblowsandawaytheyflytofightanotherwhaleandgothroughthewholewearythingagainOhmyfriendsbutthisismankillingYetthisislifeForhardlyhavewemortalsbylongtoilingsextractedfromthisworldsvastbulkitssmallbutvaluablespermandthenwithwearypatiencecleansedourselvesfromitsdefilementsandlearnedtolivehereincleantabernaclesofthesoulhardlyisthisdonewhenTheresheblowstheghostisspoutedupandawaywesailtofightsomeotherworldandgothroughyounglifesoldroutineagainOhthemetempsychosisOhPythagorasthatinbrightGreecetwothousandyearsagodiddiesogoodsowisesomildIsailedwiththeealongthePeruviancoastlastvoyageandfoolishasIamtaughttheeagreensimpleboyhowtosplicearopeCHAPTER99TheDoubloonErenowithasbeenrelatedhowAhabwaswonttopacehisquarterdecktakingregularturnsateitherlimitthebinnacleandmainmastbutinthemultiplicityofotherthingsrequiringnarrationithasnotbeenaddedhowthatsometimesinthesewalkswhenmostplungedinhismoodhewaswonttopauseinturnateachspotandstandtherestrangelyeyeingtheparticularobjectbeforehimWhenhehaltedbeforethebinnaclewithhisglancefastenedonthepointedneedleinthecompassthatglanceshotlikeajavelinwiththepointedintensityofhispurposeandwhenresuminghiswalkheagainpausedbeforethemainmastthenasthesamerivetedglancefastenedupontherivetedgoldcointherehestillworethesameaspectofnailedfirmnessonlydashedwithacertainwildlongingifnothopefulnessButonemorningturningtopassthedoubloonheseemedtobenewlyattractedbythestrangefiguresandinscriptionsstampedonitasthoughnowforthefirsttimebeginningtointerpretforhimselfinsomemonomaniacwaywhateversignificancemightlurkinthemAndsomecertainsignificancelurksinallthingselseallthingsarelittleworthandtheroundworlditselfbutanemptycipherexcepttosellbythecartloadastheydohillsaboutBostontofillupsomemorassintheMilkyWayNowthisdoubloonwasofpurestvirgingoldrakedsomewhereoutoftheheartofgorgeoushillswhenceeastandwestovergoldensandstheheadwatersofmanyaPactolusflowsAndthoughnownailedamidstalltherustinessofironboltsandtheverdigrisofcopperspikesyetuntouchableandimmaculatetoanyfoulnessitstillpreserveditsQuitoglowNorthoughplacedamongstaruthlesscrewandeveryhourpassedbyruthlesshandsandthroughthelivelongnightsshroudedwiththickdarknesswhichmightcoveranypilferingapproachneverthelesseverysunrisefoundthedoubloonwherethesunsetleftitlastForitwassetapartandsanctifiedtooneawestrikingendandhoweverwantonintheirsailorwaysoneandallthemarinersrevereditasthewhitewhalestalismanSometimestheytalkeditoverinthewearywatchbynightwonderingwhoseitwastobeatlastandwhetherhewouldeverlivetospenditNowthosenoblegoldencoinsofSouthAmericaareasmedalsofthesunandtropictokenpiecesHerepalmsalpacasandvolcanoessunsdisksandstarseclipticshornsofplentyandrichbannerswavingareinluxuriantprofusionstampedsothatthepreciousgoldseemsalmosttoderiveanaddedpreciousnessandenhancinggloriesbypassingthroughthosefancymintssoSpanishlypoeticItsochancedthatthedoubloonofthePequodwasamostwealthyexampleofthesethingsOnitsroundborderitborethelettersREPUBLICADELECUADORQUITOSothisbrightcoincamefromacountryplantedinthemiddleoftheworldandbeneaththegreatequatorandnamedafteritandithadbeencastmidwayuptheAndesintheunwaningclimethatknowsnoautumnZonedbythoselettersyousawthelikenessofthreeAndessummitsfromoneaflameatoweronanotheronthethirdacrowingcockwhilearchingoverallwasasegmentofthepartitionedzodiacthesignsallmarkedwiththeirusualcabalisticsandthekeystonesunenteringtheequinoctialpointatLibraBeforethisequatorialcoinAhabnotunobservedbyotherswasnowpausingTheressomethingeveregotisticalinmountaintopsandtowersandallothergrandandloftythingslookherethreepeaksasproudasLuciferThefirmtowerthatisAhabthevolcanothatisAhabthecourageoustheundauntedandvictoriousfowlthattooisAhaballareAhabandthisroundgoldisbuttheimageoftherounderglobewhichlikeamagiciansglasstoeachandeverymaninturnbutmirrorsbackhisownmysteriousselfGreatpainssmallgainsforthosewhoasktheworldtosolvethemitcannotsolveitselfMethinksnowthiscoinedsunwearsaruddyfacebutseeayeheentersthesignofstormstheequinoxandbutsixmonthsbeforehewheeledoutofaformerequinoxatAriesFromstormtostormSobeitthenBorninthroestisfitthatmanshouldliveinpainsanddieinpangsSobeitthenHeresstoutstuffforwoetoworkonSobeitthenNofairyfingerscanhavepressedthegoldbutdevilsclawsmusthavelefttheirmouldingsthe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omesthatghostdevilFedallahtailcoiledoutofsightasusualoakuminthetoesofhispumpsasusualWhatdoeshesaywiththatlookofhisAhonlymakesasigntothesignandbowshimselfthereisasunonthecoinfireworshipperdependuponitHomoreandmoreThiswaycomesPippoorboywouldhehaddiedorIheshalfhorribletomeHetoohasbeenwatchingalloftheseinterpretersmyselfincludedandlooknowhecomestoreadwiththatunearthlyidiotfaceStandawayagainandhearhimHarkIlookyoulookhelookswelookyelooktheylookUponmysoulhesbeenstudyingMurraysGrammarImprovinghismindpoorfellowButwhatsthathesaysnowhistIlookyoulookhelookswelookyelooktheylookWhyhesgettingitbyhearthistagainIlookyoulookhelookswelookyelooktheylookWellthatsfunnyAndIyouandheandweyeandtheyareallbatsandImacrowespeciallywhenIstandatopofthispinetreehereCawcawcawcawcawcawAintIacrowAndwheresthescarecrowTherehestandstwobonesstuckintoapairofoldtrowsersandtwomorepokedintothesleevesofanoldjacketWonderifhemeansmecomplimentarypoorladIcouldgohangmyselfAnywayforthepresentIllquitPipsvicinityIcanstandtherestfortheyhaveplainwitsbuthestoocrazywittyformysanitySosoIleavehimmutteringHerestheshipsnavelthisdoubloonhereandtheyareallonfiretounscrewitButunscrewyournavelandwhatstheconsequenceThenagainifitstaysherethatisuglytooforwhenaughtsnailedtothemastitsasignthatthingsgrowdesperateHahaoldAhabtheWhiteWhalehellnailyeThisisapinetreeMyfatherinoldTollandcountycutdownapinetreeonceandfoundasilverringgrownoverinitsomeolddarkeysweddingringHowdiditgetthereAndsotheyllsayintheresurrectionwhentheycometofishupthisoldmastandfindadoubloonlodgedinitwithbeddedoystersfortheshaggybarkOhthegoldthepreciouspreciousgoldthegreenmiserllhoardyesoonHishhishGodgoesmongtheworldsblackberryingCookhocookandcookusJennyheyheyheyheyheyJennyJennyandgetyourhoecakedoneCHAPTER100LegandArmThePequodofNantucketMeetstheSamuelEnderbyofLondonShipahoyHastseentheWhiteWhaleSocriedAhaboncemorehailingashipshowingEnglishcoloursbearingdownunderthesternTrumpettomouththeoldmanwasstandinginhishoistedquarterboathisivorylegplainlyrevealedtothestrangercaptainwhowascarelesslyreclininginhisownboatsbowHewasadarklytannedburlygoodnaturedfinelookingmanofsixtyorthereaboutsdressedinaspaciousroundaboutthathungroundhiminfestoonsofbluepilotclothandoneemptyarmofthisjacketstreamedbehindhimlikethebroideredarmofahussarssurcoatHastseentheWhiteWhaleSeeyouthisandwithdrawingitfromthefoldsthathadhiddenitheheldupawhitearmofspermwhaleboneterminatinginawoodenheadlikeamalletManmyboatcriedAhabimpetuouslyandtossingabouttheoarsnearhimStandbytolowerInlessthanaminutewithoutquittinghislittlecraftheandhiscrewweredroppedtothewaterandweresoonalongsideofthestrangerButhereacuriousdifficultypresenteditselfIntheexcitementofthemomentAhabhadforgottenthatsincethelossofhisleghehadneveroncesteppedonboardofanyvesselatseabuthisownandthenitwasalwaysbyaningeniousandveryhandymechanicalcontrivancepeculiartothePequodandathingnottoberiggedandshippedinanyothervesselatamomentswarningNowitisnoveryeasymatterforanybodyexceptthosewhoarealmosthourlyusedtoitlikewhalementoclamberupashipssidefromaboatontheopenseaforthegreatswellsnowlifttheboathighuptowardsthebulwarksandtheninstantaneouslydropithalfwaydowntothekelsonSodeprivedofonelegandthestrangeshipofcoursebeingaltogetherunsuppliedwiththekindlyinventionAhabnowfoundhimselfabjectlyreducedtoaclumsylandsmanagainhopelesslyeyeingtheuncertainchangefulheighthecouldhardlyhopetoattainIthasbeforebeenhintedperhapsthateverylittleuntowardcircumstancethatbefellhimandwhichindirectlysprangfromhislucklessmishapalmostinvariablyirritatedorexasperatedAhabAndinthepresentinstanceallthiswasheightenedbythesightofthetwoofficersofthestrangeshipleaningoverthesidebytheperpendicularladderofnailedcleetsthereandswingingtowardshimapairoftastefullyornamentedmanropesforatfirsttheydidnotseemtobethinkthemthataoneleggedmanmustbetoomuchofacrippletousetheirseabannistersButthisawkwardnessonlylastedaminutebecausethestrangecaptainobservingataglancehowaffairsstoodcriedoutIseeIseeavastheavingthereJumpboysandswingoverthecuttingtackleAsgoodluckwouldhaveittheyhadhadawhalealongsideadayortwopreviousandthegreattackleswerestillaloftandthemassivecurvedblubberhooknowcleananddrywasstillattachedtotheendThiswasquicklyloweredtoAhabwhoatoncecomprehendingitallslidhissolitarythighintothecurveofthehookitwaslikesittingintheflukeofananchororthecrotchofanappletreeandthengivingthewordheldhimselffastandatthesametimealsohelpedtohoisthisownweightbypullinghandoverhandupononeoftherunningpartsofthetackleSoonhewascarefullyswunginsidethehighbulwarksandgentlylandeduponthecapstanheadWithhisivoryarmfranklythrustforthinwelcometheothercaptainadvancedandAhabputtingouthisivorylegandcrossingtheivoryarmliketwoswordfishbladescriedoutinhiswalruswayAyeayeheartyletusshakebonestogetheranarmandaleganarmthatnevercanshrinkdyeseeandalegthatnevercanrunWheredidstthouseetheWhiteWhalehowlongagoTheWhiteWhalesaidtheEnglishmanpointinghisivoryarmtowardstheEastandtakingaruefulsightalongitasifithadbeenatelescopethereIsawhimontheLinelastseasonAndhetookthatarmoffdidheaskedAhabnowslidingdownfromthecapstanandrestingontheEnglishmansshoulderashedidsoAyehewasthecauseofitatleastandthatlegtooSpinmetheyarnsaidAhabhowwasitItwasthefirsttimeinmylifethatIevercruisedontheLinebegantheEnglishmanIwasignorantoftheWhiteWhaleatthattimeWellonedayweloweredforapodoffourorfivewhalesandmyboatfastenedtooneofthemaregularcircushorsehewastoothatwentmillingandmillingroundsothatmyboatscrewcouldonlytrimdishbysittingalltheirsternsontheoutergunwalePresentlyupbreachesfromthebottomoftheseaabouncinggreatwhalewithamilkywhiteheadandhumpallcrowsfeetandwrinklesItwasheitwashecriedAhabsuddenlylettingouthissuspendedbreathAndharpoonsstickinginnearhisstarboardfinAyeayetheywereminemyironscriedAhabexultinglybutonGivemeachancethensaidtheEnglishmangoodhumoredlyWellthisoldgreatgrandfatherwiththewhiteheadandhumprunsallafoamintothepodandgoestosnappingfuriouslyatmyfastlineAyeIseewantedtopartitfreethefastfishanoldtrickIknowhimHowitwasexactlycontinuedtheonearmedcommanderIdonotknowbutinbitingthelineitgotfoulofhisteethcaughttheresomehowbutwedidntknowitthensothatwhenweafterwardspulledonthelinebouncewecameplumpontohishumpinsteadoftheotherwhalesthatwentofftowindwardallflukingSeeinghowmattersstoodandwhatanoblegreatwhaleitwasthenoblestandbiggestIeversawsirinmylifeIresolvedtocapturehimspiteoftheboilingrageheseemedtobeinAndthinkingthehaphazardlinewouldgetlooseorthetoothitwastangledtomightdrawforIhaveadevilofaboatscrewforapullonawhalelineseeingallthisIsayIjumpedintomyfirstmatesboatMrMounttopsherebythewayCaptainMounttopMounttopthecaptainasIwassayingIjumpedintoMounttopsboatwhichdyeseewasgunwaleandgunwalewithminethenandsnatchingthefirstharpoonletthisoldgreatgrandfatherhaveitButLordlookyousirheartsandsoulsalivemanthenextinstantinajiffIwasblindasabatbotheyesoutallbefoggedandbedeadenedwithblackfoamthewhalestailloomingstraightupoutofitperpendicularintheairlikeamarblesteepleNousesterningallthenbutasIwasgropingatmiddaywithablindingsunallcrownjewelsasIwasgropingIsayafterthesecondirontotossitoverboarddowncomesthetaillikeaLimatowercuttingmyboatintwoleavingeachhalfinsplintersandflukesfirstthewhitehumpbackedthroughthewreckasthoughitwasallchipsWeallstruckoutToescapehisterribleflailingsIseizedholdofmyharpoonpolestickinginhimandforamomentclungtothatlikeasuckingfishButacombingseadashedmeoffandatthesameinstantthefishtakingonegooddartforwardswentdownlikeaflashandthebarbofthatcursedsecondirontowingalongnearmecaughtmehereclappinghishandjustbelowhisshoulderyescaughtmejusthereIsayandboremedowntoHellsflamesIwasthinkingwhenwhenallofasuddenthankthegoodGodthebarbriptitswayalongthefleshclearalongthewholelengthofmyarmcameoutnighmywristandupIfloatedandthatgentlemantherewilltellyoutherestbythewaycaptainDrBungershipssurgeonBungermyladthecaptainNowBungerboyspinyourpartoftheyarnTheprofessionalgentlemanthusfamiliarlypointedouthadbeenallthetimestandingnearthemwithnothingspecificvisibletodenotehisgentlemanlyrankonboardHisfacewasanexceedinglyroundbutsoberonehewasdressedinafadedbluewoollenfrockorshirtandpatchedtrowsersandhadthusfarbeendividinghisattentionbetweenamarlingspikeheheldinonehandandapillboxheldintheotheroccasionallycastingacriticalglanceattheivorylimbsofthetwocrippledcaptainsButathissuperiorsintroductionofhimtoAhabhepolitelybowedandstraightwaywentontodohiscaptainsbiddingItwasashockingbadwoundbeganthewhalesurgeonandtakingmyadviceCaptainBoomerherestoodouroldSammySamuelEnderbyisthenameofmyshipinterruptedtheonearmedcaptainaddressingAhabgoonboyStoodouroldSammyofftothenorthwardtogetoutoftheblazinghotweatherthereontheLineButitwasnouseIdidallIcouldsatupwithhimnightswasveryseverewithhiminthematterofdietOhveryseverechimedinthepatienthimselfthensuddenlyalteringhisvoiceDrinkinghotrumtoddieswithmeeverynighttillhecouldntseetoputonthebandagesandsendingmetobedhalfseasoveraboutthreeoclockinthemorningOhyestarshesatupwithmeindeedandwasverysevereinmydietOhagreatwatcherandverydieteticallysevereisDrBungerBungeryoudoglaughoutwhydontyeYouknowyoureapreciousjollyrascalButheaveaheadboyIdratherbekilledbyyouthankeptalivebyanyothermanMycaptainyoumusthaveerethisperceivedrespectedsirsaidtheimperturbablegodlylookingBungerslightlybowingtoAhabisapttobefacetiousattimeshespinsusmanycleverthingsofthatsortButImayaswellsayenpassantastheFrenchremarkthatImyselfthatistosayJackBungerlateofthereverendclergyamastricttotalabstinencemanIneverdrinkWatercriedthecaptainheneverdrinksititsasortoffitstohimfreshwaterthrowshimintothehydrophobiabutgoongoonwiththearmstoryYesImayaswellsaidthesurgeoncoollyIwasaboutobservingsirbeforeCaptainBoomersfacetiousinterruptionthatspiteofmybestandseverestendeavorsthewoundkeptgettingworseandworsethetruthwassiritwasasuglygapingwoundassurgeoneversawmorethantwofeetandseveralincheslongImeasureditwiththeleadlineInshortitgrewblackIknewwhatwasthreatenedandoffitcameButIhadnohandinshippingthativoryarmtherethatthingisagainstallrulepointingatitwiththemarlingspikethatisthecaptainsworknotmineheorderedthecarpentertomakeithehadthatclubhammerthereputtotheendtoknocksomeonesbrainsoutwithIsupposeashetriedmineonceHefliesintodiabolicalpassionssometimesDoyeseethisdentsirremovinghishatandbrushingasidehishairandexposingabowllikecavityinhisskullbutwhichborenottheslightestscarrytraceoranytokenofeverhavingbeenawoundWellthecaptaintherewilltellyouhowthatcamehereheknowsNoIdontsaidthecaptainbuthismotherdidhewasbornwithitOhyousolemnrogueyouyouBungerwasthereeversuchanotherBungerinthewateryworldBungerwhenyoudieyououghttodieinpickleyoudogyoushouldbepreservedtofutureagesyourascalWhatbecameoftheWhiteWhalenowcriedAhabwhothusfarhadbeenimpatientlylisteningtothisbyplaybetweenthetwoEnglishmenOhcriedtheonearmedcaptainohyesWellafterhesoundedwedidntseehimagainforsometimeinfactasIbeforehintedIdidntthenknowwhatwhaleitwasthathadservedmesuchatricktillsometimeafterwardswhencomingbacktotheLineweheardaboutMobyDickassomecallhimandthenIknewitwasheDidstthoucrosshiswakeagainTwiceButcouldnotfastenDidntwanttotrytoaintonelimbenoughWhatshouldIdowithoutthisotherarmAndImthinkingMobyDickdoesntbitesomuchasheswallowsWelltheninterruptedBungergivehimyourleftarmforbaittogettherightDoyouknowgentlemenverygravelyandmathematicallybowingtoeachCaptaininsuccessionDoyouknowgentlementhatthedigestiveorgansofthewhalearesoinscrutablyconstructedbyDivineProvidencethatitisquiteimpossibleforhimtocompletelydigestevenamansarmAndheknowsittooSothatwhatyoutakefortheWhiteWhalesmaliceisonlyhisawkwardnessForhenevermeanstoswallowasinglelimbheonlythinkstoterrifybyfeintsButsometimesheisliketheoldjugglingfellowformerlyapatientofmineinCeylonthatmakingbelieveswallowjackknivesonceuponatimeletonedropintohimingoodearnestandthereitstayedforatwelvemonthormorewhenIgavehimanemeticandheheaveditupinsmalltacksdyeseeNopossiblewayforhimtodigestthatjackknifeandfullyincorporateitintohisgeneralbodilysystemYesCaptainBoomerifyouarequickenoughaboutitandhaveamindtopawnonearmforthesakeoftheprivilegeofgivingdecentburialtotheotherwhyinthatcasethearmisyoursonlyletthewhalehaveanotherchanceatyoushortlythatsallNothankyeBungersaidtheEnglishCaptainheswelcometothearmhehassinceIcanthelpitanddidntknowhimthenbutnottoanotheroneNomoreWhiteWhalesformeIveloweredforhimonceandthathassatisfiedmeTherewouldbegreatgloryinkillinghimIknowthatandthereisashiploadofprecioussperminhimbutharkyehesbestletalonedontyouthinksoCaptainglancingattheivorylegHeisButhewillstillbehuntedforallthatWhatisbestletalonethataccursedthingisnotalwayswhatleastalluresHesallamagnetHowlongsincethousawsthimlastWhichwayheadingBlessmysoulandcursethefoulfiendscriedBungerstoopinglywalkingroundAhabandlikeadogstrangelysnuffingthismansbloodbringthethermometeritsattheboilingpointhispulsemakestheseplanksbeatsirtakingalancetfromhispocketanddrawingneartoAhabsarmAvastroaredAhabdashinghimagainstthebulwarksMantheboatWhichwayheadingGoodGodcriedtheEnglishCaptaintowhomthequestionwasputWhatsthematterHewasheadingeastIthinkIsyourCaptaincrazywhisperingFedallahButFedallahputtingafingeronhislipslidoverthebulwarkstotaketheboatssteeringoarandAhabswingingthecuttingtackletowardshimcommandedtheshipssailorstostandbytolowerInamomenthewasstandingintheboatssternandtheManillamenwerespringingtotheiroarsInvaintheEnglishCaptainhailedhimWithbacktothestrangershipandfacesetlikeaflinttohisownAhabstooduprighttillalongsideofthePequodCHAPTER101TheDecanterEretheEnglishshipfadesfromsightbeitsetdownherethatshehailedfromLondonandwasnamedafterthelateSamuelEnderbymerchantofthatcitytheoriginalofthefamouswhalinghouseofEnderbySonsahousewhichinmypoorwhalemansopinioncomesnotfarbehindtheunitedroyalhousesoftheTudorsandBourbonsinpointofrealhistoricalinterestHowlongpriortotheyearofourLord1775thisgreatwhalinghousewasinexistencemynumerousfishdocumentsdonotmakeplainbutinthatyear1775itfittedoutthefirstEnglishshipsthateverregularlyhuntedtheSpermWhalethoughforsomescoreofyearspreviouseversince1726ourvaliantCoffinsandMaceysofNantucketandtheVineyardhadinlargefleetspursuedthatLeviathanbutonlyintheNorthandSouthAtlanticnotelsewhereBeitdistinctlyrecordedherethattheNantucketerswerethefirstamongmankindtoharpoonwithcivilizedsteelthegreatSpermWhaleandthatforhalfacenturytheyweretheonlypeopleofthewholeglobewhosoharpoonedhimIn1778afineshiptheAmeliafittedoutfortheexpresspurposeandatthesolechargeofthevigorousEnderbysboldlyroundedCapeHornandwasthefirstamongthenationstolowerawhaleboatofanysortinthegreatSouthSeaThevoyagewasaskilfulandluckyoneandreturningtoherberthwithherholdfullofthepreciousspermtheAmeliasexamplewassoonfollowedbyothershipsEnglishandAmericanandthusthevastSpermWhalegroundsofthePacificwerethrownopenButnotcontentwiththisgooddeedtheindefatigablehouseagainbestirreditselfSamuelandallhisSonshowmanytheirmotheronlyknowsandundertheirimmediateauspicesandpartlyIthinkattheirexpensetheBritishgovernmentwasinducedtosendthesloopofwarRattleronawhalingvoyageofdiscoveryintotheSouthSeaCommandedbyanavalPostCaptaintheRattlermadearattlingvoyageofitanddidsomeservicehowmuchdoesnotappearButthisisnotallIn1819thesamehousefittedoutadiscoverywhaleshipoftheirowntogoonatastingcruisetotheremotewatersofJapanThatshipwellcalledtheSyrenmadeanobleexperimentalcruiseanditwasthusthatthegreatJapaneseWhalingGroundfirstbecamegenerallyknownTheSyreninthisfamousvoyagewascommandedbyaCaptainCoffinaNantucketerAllhonortotheEnderbiesthereforewhosehouseIthinkexiststothepresentdaythoughdoubtlesstheoriginalSamuelmustlongagohaveslippedhiscableforthegreatSouthSeaoftheotherworldTheshipnamedafterhimwasworthyofthehonorbeingaveryfastsailerandanoblecrafteverywayIboardedheronceatmidnightsomewhereoffthePatagoniancoastanddrankgoodflipdownintheforecastleItwasafinegamwehadandtheywerealltrumpseverysoulonboardAshortlifetothemandajollydeathAndthatfinegamIhadlongverylongafteroldAhabtouchedherplankswithhisivoryheelitmindsmeofthenoblesolidSaxonhospitalityofthatshipandmaymyparsonforgetmeandthedevilremembermeifIeverlosesightofitFlipDidIsaywehadflipYesandweflippeditattherateoftengallonsthehourandwhenthesquallcameforitssquallyofftherebyPatagoniaandallhandsvisitorsandallwerecalledtoreeftopsailsweweresotopheavythatwehadtoswingeachotheraloftinbowlinesandweignorantlyfurledtheskirtsofourjacketsintothesailssothatwehungtherereefedfastinthehowlinggaleawarningexampletoalldrunkentarsHoweverthemastsdidnotgooverboardandbyandbywescrambleddownsosoberthatwehadtopasstheflipagainthoughthesavagesaltsprayburstingdowntheforecastlescuttlerathertoomuchdilutedandpickledittomytasteThebeefwasfinetoughbutwithbodyinitTheysaiditwasbullbeefothersthatitwasdromedarybeefbutIdonotknowforcertainhowthatwasTheyhaddumplingstoosmallbutsubstantialsymmetricallyglobularandindestructibledumplingsIfanciedthatyoucouldfeelthemandrollthemaboutinyouaftertheywereswallowedIfyoustoopedovertoofarforwardyouriskedtheirpitchingoutofyoulikebilliardballsThebreadbutthatcouldntbehelpedbesidesitwasanantiscorbuticinshortthebreadcontainedtheonlyfreshfaretheyhadButtheforecastlewasnotverylightanditwasveryeasytostepoverintoadarkcornerwhenyouateitButallinalltakingherfromtrucktohelmconsideringthedimensionsofthecooksboilersincludinghisownliveparchmentboilersforeandaftIsaytheSamuelEnderbywasajollyshipofgoodfareandplentyfineflipandstrongcrackfellowsallandcapitalfrombootheelstohatbandButwhywasitthinkyethattheSamuelEnderbyandsomeotherEnglishwhalersIknowofnotallthoughweresuchfamoushospitableshipsthatpassedroundthebeefandthebreadandthecanandthejokeandwerenotsoonwearyofeatinganddrinkingandlaughingIwilltellyouTheaboundinggoodcheeroftheseEnglishwhalersismatterforhistoricalresearchNorhaveIbeenatallsparingofhistoricalwhaleresearchwhenithasseemedneededTheEnglishwereprecededinthewhalefisherybytheHollandersZealandersandDanesfromwhomtheyderivedmanytermsstillextantinthefisheryandwhatisyetmoretheirfatoldfashionstouchingplentytoeatanddrinkForasageneralthingtheEnglishmerchantshipscrimpshercrewbutnotsotheEnglishwhalerHenceintheEnglishthisthingofwhalinggoodcheerisnotnormalandnaturalbutincidentalandparticularandthereforemusthavesomespecialoriginwhichisherepointedoutandwillbestillfurtherelucidatedDuringmyresearchesintheLeviathanichistoriesIstumbleduponanancientDutchvolumewhichbythemustywhalingsmellofitIknewmustbeaboutwhalersThetitlewasDanCoopmanwhereforeIconcludedthatthismustbetheinvaluablememoirsofsomeAmsterdamcooperinthefisheryaseverywhaleshipmustcarryitscooperIwasreinforcedinthisopinionbyseeingthatitwastheproductionofoneFitzSwackhammerButmyfriendDrSnodheadaverylearnedmanprofessorofLowDutchandHighGermaninthecollegeofSantaClausandStPottstowhomIhandedtheworkfortranslationgivinghimaboxofspermcandlesforhistroublethissameDrSnodheadsosoonashespiedthebookassuredmethatDanCoopmandidnotmeanTheCooperbutTheMerchantInshortthisancientandlearnedLowDutchbooktreatedofthecommerceofHollandandamongothersubjectscontainedaveryinterestingaccountofitswhalefisheryAndinthischapteritwasheadedSmeerorFatthatIfoundalongdetailedlistoftheoutfitsforthelardersandcellarsof180sailofDutchwhalemenfromwhichlistastranslatedbyDrSnodheadItranscribethefollowing400000lbsofbeef60000lbsFrieslandpork150000lbsofstockfish550000lbsofbiscuit72000lbsofsoftbread2800firkinsofbutter20000lbsTexelLeydencheese144000lbscheeseprobablyaninferiorarticle550ankersofGeneva10800barrelsofbeerMoststatisticaltablesareparchinglydryinthereadingnotsointhepresentcasehoweverwherethereaderisfloodedwithwholepipesbarrelsquartsandgillsofgoodginandgoodcheerAtthetimeIdevotedthreedaystothestudiousdigestingofallthisbeerbeefandbreadduringwhichmanyprofoundthoughtswereincidentallysuggestedtomecapableofatranscendentalandPlatonicapplicationandfurthermoreIcompiledsupplementarytablesofmyowntouchingtheprobablequantityofstockfishetcconsumedbyeveryLowDutchharpooneerinthatancientGreenlandandSpitzbergenwhalefisheryInthefirstplacetheamountofbutterandTexelandLeydencheeseconsumedseemsamazingIimputeitthoughtotheirnaturallyunctuousnaturesbeingrenderedstillmoreunctuousbythenatureoftheirvocationandespeciallybytheirpursuingtheirgameinthosefrigidPolarSeasontheverycoastsofthatEsquimauxcountrywheretheconvivialnativespledgeeachotherinbumpersoftrainoilThequantityofbeertooisverylarge10800barrelsNowasthosepolarfisheriescouldonlybeprosecutedintheshortsummerofthatclimatesothatthewholecruiseofoneoftheseDutchwhalemenincludingtheshortvoyagetoandfromtheSpitzbergenseadidnotmuchexceedthreemonthssayandreckoning30mentoeachoftheirfleetof180sailwehave5400LowDutchseameninallthereforeIsaywehavepreciselytwobarrelsofbeerpermanforatwelveweeksallowanceexclusiveofhisfairproportionofthat550ankersofginNowwhethertheseginandbeerharpooneerssofuddledasonemightfancythemtohavebeenweretherightsortofmentostandupinaboatsheadandtakegoodaimatflyingwhalesthiswouldseemsomewhatimprobableYettheydidaimatthemandhitthemtooButthiswasveryfarNorthbeitrememberedwherebeeragreeswellwiththeconstitutionupontheEquatorinoursouthernfisherybeerwouldbeapttomaketheharpooneersleepyatthemastheadandboozyinhisboatandgrievouslossmightensuetoNantucketandNewBedfordButnomoreenoughhasbeensaidtoshowthattheoldDutchwhalersoftwoorthreecenturiesagowerehighliversandthattheEnglishwhalershavenotneglectedsoexcellentanexampleForsaytheywhencruisinginanemptyshipifyoucangetnothingbetteroutoftheworldgetagooddinneroutofitatleastAndthisemptiesthedecanterCHAPTER102ABowerintheArsacidesHithertoindescriptivelytreatingoftheSpermWhaleIhavechieflydweltuponthemarvelsofhisouteraspectorseparatelyandindetailuponsomefewinteriorstructuralfeaturesButtoalargeandthoroughsweepingcomprehensionofhimitbehoovesmenowtounbuttonhimstillfurtheranduntaggingthepointsofhishoseunbucklinghisgartersandcastingloosethehooksandtheeyesofthejointsofhisinnermostbonessethimbeforeyouinhisultimatumthatistosayinhisunconditionalskeletonButhownowIshmaelHowisitthatyouamereoarsmaninthefisherypretendtoknowaughtaboutthesubterraneanpartsofthewhaleDideruditeStubbmounteduponyourcapstandeliverlecturesontheanatomyoftheCetaceaandbyhelpofthewindlassholdupaspecimenribforexhibitionExplainthyselfIshmaelCanyoulandafullgrownwhaleonyourdeckforexaminationasacookdishesaroastpigSurelynotAveritablewitnesshaveyouhithertobeenIshmaelbuthaveacarehowyouseizetheprivilegeofJonahalonetheprivilegeofdiscoursinguponthejoistsandbeamstheraftersridgepolesleepersandunderpinningsmakinguptheframeworkofleviathanandbelikeofthetallowvatsdairyroomsbutteriesandcheeseriesinhisbowelsIconfessthatsinceJonahfewwhalemenhavepenetratedveryfarbeneaththeskinoftheadultwhaleneverthelessIhavebeenblessedwithanopportunitytodissecthiminminiatureInashipIbelongedtoasmallcubSpermWhalewasoncebodilyhoistedtothedeckforhispokeorbagtomakesheathsforthebarbsoftheharpoonsandfortheheadsofthelancesThinkyouIletthatchancegowithoutusingmyboathatchetandjackknifeandbreakingthesealandreadingallthecontentsofthatyoungcubAndasformyexactknowledgeofthebonesoftheleviathanintheirgiganticfullgrowndevelopmentforthatrareknowledgeIamindebtedtomylateroyalfriendTranquokingofTranqueoneoftheArsacidesForbeingatTranqueyearsagowhenattachedtothetradingshipDeyofAlgiersIwasinvitedtospendpartoftheArsacideanholidayswiththelordofTranqueathisretiredpalmvillaatPupellaaseasideglennotveryfardistantfromwhatoursailorscalledBambooTownhiscapitalAmongmanyotherfinequalitiesmyroyalfriendTranquobeinggiftedwithadevoutloveforallmattersofbarbaricvertuhadbroughttogetherinPupellawhateverrarethingsthemoreingeniousofhispeoplecouldinventchieflycarvedwoodsofwonderfuldeviceschiselledshellsinlaidspearscostlypaddlesaromaticcanoesandallthesedistributedamongwhatevernaturalwondersthewonderfreightedtributerenderingwaveshadcastuponhisshoresChiefamongtheselatterwasagreatSpermWhalewhichafteranunusuallylongraginggalehadbeenfounddeadandstrandedwithhisheadagainstacocoanuttreewhoseplumageliketufteddroopingsseemedhisverdantjetWhenthevastbodyhadatlastbeenstrippedofitsfathomdeepenfoldingsandthebonesbecomedustdryinthesunthentheskeletonwascarefullytransportedupthePupellaglenwhereagrandtempleoflordlypalmsnowsheltereditTheribswerehungwithtrophiesthevertebrwerecarvedwithArsacideanannalsinstrangehieroglyphicsintheskullthepriestskeptupanunextinguishedaromaticflamesothatthemysticheadagainsentforthitsvaporyspoutwhilesuspendedfromaboughtheterrificlowerjawvibratedoverallthedevoteeslikethehairhungswordthatsoaffrightedDamoclesItwasawondroussightThewoodwasgreenasmossesoftheIcyGlenthetreesstoodhighandhaughtyfeelingtheirlivingsaptheindustriousearthbeneathwasasaweaversloomwithagorgeouscarpetonitwhereofthegroundvinetendrilsformedthewarpandwoofandthelivingflowersthefiguresAllthetreeswithalltheirladenbranchesalltheshrubsandfernsandgrassesthemessagecarryingairalltheseunceasinglywereactiveThroughthelacingsoftheleavesthegreatsunseemedaflyingshuttleweavingtheunweariedverdureOhbusyweaverunseenweaverpauseonewordwhitherflowsthefabricwhatpalacemayitdeckwhereforealltheseceaselesstoilingsSpeakweaverstaythyhandbutonesinglewordwiththeeNaytheshuttlefliesthefiguresfloatfromforththeloomthefreshetrushingcarpetforeverslidesawayTheweavergodheweavesandbythatweavingishedeafenedthathehearsnomortalvoiceandbythathummingwetoowholookontheloomaredeafenedandonlywhenweescapeitshallwehearthethousandvoicesthatspeakthroughitForevensoitisinallmaterialfactoriesThespokenwordsthatareinaudibleamongtheflyingspindlesthosesamewordsareplainlyheardwithoutthewallsburstingfromtheopenedcasementsTherebyhavevillainiesbeendetectedAhmortalthenbeheedfulforsoinallthisdinofthegreatworldsloomthysubtlestthinkingsmaybeoverheardafarNowamidthegreenliferestlessloomofthatArsacideanwoodthegreatwhiteworshippedskeletonlayloungingagiganticidlerYetastheeverwovenverdantwarpandwoofintermixedandhummedaroundhimthemightyidlerseemedthecunningweaverhimselfallwovenoverwiththevineseverymonthassuminggreenerfresherverdurebuthimselfaskeletonLifefoldedDeathDeathtrellisedLifethegrimgodwivedwithyouthfulLifeandbegathimcurlyheadedgloriesNowwhenwithroyalTranquoIvisitedthiswondrouswhaleandsawtheskullanaltarandtheartificialsmokeascendingfromwheretherealjethadissuedImarvelledthatthekingshouldregardachapelasanobjectofvertuHelaughedButmoreImarvelledthatthepriestsshouldswearthatsmokyjetofhiswasgenuineToandfroIpacedbeforethisskeletonbrushedthevinesasidebrokethroughtheribsandwithaballofArsacideantwinewanderededdiedlongamiditsmanywindingshadedcolonnadesandarboursButsoonmylinewasoutandfollowingitbackIemergedfromtheopeningwhereIenteredIsawnolivingthingwithinnaughtwastherebutbonesCuttingmeagreenmeasuringrodIoncemoredivedwithintheskeletonFromtheirarrowslitintheskullthepriestsperceivedmetakingthealtitudeofthefinalribHownowtheyshoutedDarstthoumeasurethisourgodThatsforusAyepriestswellhowlongdoyemakehimthenButhereuponafiercecontestroseamongthemconcerningfeetandinchestheycrackedeachotherssconceswiththeiryardsticksthegreatskullechoedandseizingthatluckychanceIquicklyconcludedmyownadmeasurementsTheseadmeasurementsInowproposetosetbeforeyouButfirstbeitrecordedthatinthismatterIamnotfreetoutteranyfanciedmeasurementIpleaseBecausethereareskeletonauthoritiesyoucanrefertototestmyaccuracyThereisaLeviathanicMuseumtheytellmeinHullEnglandoneofthewhalingportsofthatcountrywheretheyhavesomefinespecimensoffinbacksandotherwhalesLikewiseIhaveheardthatinthemuseumofManchesterinNewHampshiretheyhavewhattheproprietorscalltheonlyperfectspecimenofaGreenlandorRiverWhaleintheUnitedStatesMoreoverataplaceinYorkshireEnglandBurtonConstablebynameacertainSirCliffordConstablehasinhispossessiontheskeletonofaSpermWhalebutofmoderatesizebynomeansofthefullgrownmagnitudeofmyfriendKingTranquosInbothcasesthestrandedwhalestowhichthesetwoskeletonsbelongedwereoriginallyclaimedbytheirproprietorsuponsimilargroundsKingTranquoseizinghisbecausehewanteditandSirCliffordbecausehewaslordoftheseignoriesofthosepartsSirCliffordswhalehasbeenarticulatedthroughoutsothatlikeagreatchestofdrawersyoucanopenandshuthiminallhisbonycavitiesspreadouthisribslikeagiganticfanandswingalldayuponhislowerjawLocksaretobeputuponsomeofhistrapdoorsandshuttersandafootmanwillshowroundfuturevisitorswithabunchofkeysathissideSirCliffordthinksofchargingtwopenceforapeepatthewhisperinggalleryinthespinalcolumnthreepencetoheartheechointhehollowofhiscerebellumandsixpencefortheunrivalledviewfromhisforeheadTheskeletondimensionsIshallnowproceedtosetdownarecopiedverbatimfrommyrightarmwhereIhadthemtattooedasinmywildwanderingsatthatperiodtherewasnoothersecurewayofpreservingsuchvaluablestatisticsButasIwascrowdedforspaceandwishedtheotherpartsofmybodytoremainablankpageforapoemIwasthencomposingatleastwhatuntattooedpartsmightremainIdidnottroublemyselfwiththeoddinchesnorindeedshouldinchesatallenterintoacongenialadmeasurementofthewhaleCHAPTER103MeasurementofTheWhalesSkeletonInthefirstplaceIwishtolaybeforeyouaparticularplainstatementtouchingthelivingbulkofthisleviathanwhoseskeletonwearebrieflytoexhibitSuchastatementmayproveusefulhereAccordingtoacarefulcalculationIhavemadeandwhichIpartlybaseuponCaptainScoresbysestimateofseventytonsforthelargestsizedGreenlandwhaleofsixtyfeetinlengthaccordingtomycarefulcalculationIsayaSpermWhaleofthelargestmagnitudebetweeneightyfiveandninetyfeetinlengthandsomethinglessthanfortyfeetinitsfullestcircumferencesuchawhalewillweighatleastninetytonssothatreckoningthirteenmentoatonhewouldconsiderablyoutweighthecombinedpopulationofawholevillageofonethousandonehundredinhabitantsThinkyounotthenthatbrainslikeyokedcattleshouldbeputtothisleviathantomakehimatallbudgetoanylandsmansimaginationHavingalreadyinvariouswaysputbeforeyouhisskullspoutholejawteethtailforeheadfinsanddiversotherpartsIshallnowsimplypointoutwhatismostinterestinginthegeneralbulkofhisunobstructedbonesButasthecolossalskullembracessoverylargeaproportionoftheentireextentoftheskeletonasitisbyfarthemostcomplicatedpartandasnothingistoberepeatedconcerningitinthischapteryoumustnotfailtocarryitinyourmindorunderyourarmasweproceedotherwiseyouwillnotgainacompletenotionofthegeneralstructureweareabouttoviewInlengththeSpermWhalesskeletonatTranquemeasuredseventytwofeetsothatwhenfullyinvestedandextendedinlifehemusthavebeenninetyfeetlongforinthewhaletheskeletonlosesaboutonefifthinlengthcomparedwiththelivingbodyOfthisseventytwofeethisskullandjawcomprisedsometwentyfeetleavingsomefiftyfeetofplainbackboneAttachedtothisbackboneforsomethinglessthanathirdofitslengthwasthemightycircularbasketofribswhichonceenclosedhisvitalsTomethisvastivoryribbedchestwiththelongunrelievedspineextendingfarawayfromitinastraightlinenotalittleresembledthehullofagreatshipnewlaiduponthestockswhenonlysometwentyofhernakedbowribsareinsertedandthekeelisotherwiseforthetimebutalongdisconnectedtimberTheribsweretenonasideThefirsttobeginfromtheneckwasnearlysixfeetlongthesecondthirdandfourthwereeachsuccessivelylongertillyoucametotheclimaxofthefifthoroneofthemiddleribswhichmeasuredeightfeetandsomeinchesFromthatparttheremainingribsdiminishedtillthetenthandlastonlyspannedfivefeetandsomeinchesIngeneralthicknesstheyallboreaseemlycorrespondencetotheirlengthThemiddleribswerethemostarchedInsomeoftheArsacidestheyareusedforbeamswhereontolayfootpathbridgesoversmallstreamsInconsideringtheseribsIcouldnotbutbestruckanewwiththecircumstancesovariouslyrepeatedinthisbookthattheskeletonofthewhaleisbynomeansthemouldofhisinvestedformThelargestoftheTranqueribsoneofthemiddleonesoccupiedthatpartofthefishwhichinlifeisgreatestindepthNowthegreatestdepthoftheinvestedbodyofthisparticularwhalemusthavebeenatleastsixteenfeetwhereasthecorrespondingribmeasuredbutlittlemorethaneightfeetSothatthisribonlyconveyedhalfofthetruenotionofthelivingmagnitudeofthatpartBesidesforsomewaywhereInowsawbutanakedspineallthathadbeenoncewrappedroundwithtonsofaddedbulkinfleshmusclebloodandbowelsStillmorefortheamplefinsIheresawbutafewdisorderedjointsandinplaceoftheweightyandmajesticbutbonelessflukesanutterblankHowvainandfoolishthenthoughtIfortimiduntravelledmantotrytocomprehendarightthiswondrouswhalebymerelyporingoverhisdeadattenuatedskeletonstretchedinthispeacefulwoodNoOnlyintheheartofquickestperilsonlywhenwithintheeddyingsofhisangryflukesonlyontheprofoundunboundedseacanthefullyinvestedwhalebetrulyandlivinglyfoundoutButthespineForthatthebestwaywecanconsideritiswithacranetopileitsboneshighuponendNospeedyenterpriseButnowitsdoneitlooksmuchlikePompeysPillarTherearefortyandoddvertebrinallwhichintheskeletonarenotlockedtogetherTheymostlylielikethegreatknobbedblocksonaGothicspireformingsolidcoursesofheavymasonryThelargestamiddleoneisinwidthsomethinglessthanthreefeetandindepthmorethanfourThesmallestwherethespinetapersawayintothetailisonlytwoinchesinwidthandlookssomethinglikeawhitebilliardballIwastoldthattherewerestillsmalleronesbuttheyhadbeenlostbysomelittlecannibalurchinsthepriestschildrenwhohadstolenthemtoplaymarbleswithThusweseehowthatthespineofeventhehugestoflivingthingstapersoffatlastintosimplechildsplayCHAPTER104TheFossilWhaleFromhismightybulkthewhaleaffordsamostcongenialthemewhereontoenlargeamplifyandgenerallyexpatiateWouldyouyoucouldnotcompresshimBygoodrightsheshouldonlybetreatedofinimperialfolioNottotelloveragainhisfurlongsfromspiracletotailandtheyardshemeasuresaboutthewaistonlythinkofthegiganticinvolutionsofhisintestineswheretheylieinhimlikegreatcablesandhawserscoiledawayinthesubterraneanorlopdeckofalineofbattleshipSinceIhaveundertakentomanhandlethisLeviathanitbehoovesmetoapprovemyselfomniscientlyexhaustiveintheenterprisenotoverlookingtheminutestseminalgermsofhisbloodandspinninghimouttotheuttermostcoilofhisbowelsHavingalreadydescribedhiminmostofhispresenthabitatoryandanatomicalpeculiaritiesitnowremainstomagnifyhiminanarchologicalfossiliferousandantediluvianpointofviewAppliedtoanyothercreaturethantheLeviathantoanantorafleasuchportlytermsmightjustlybedeemedunwarrantablygrandiloquentButwhenLeviathanisthetextthecaseisalteredFainamItostaggertothisempriseundertheweightiestwordsofthedictionaryAndherebeitsaidthatwheneverithasbeenconvenienttoconsultoneinthecourseofthesedissertationsIhaveinvariablyusedahugequartoeditionofJohnsonexpresslypurchasedforthatpurposebecausethatfamouslexicographersuncommonpersonalbulkmorefittedhimtocompilealexicontobeusedbyawhaleauthorlikemeOneoftenhearsofwritersthatriseandswellwiththeirsubjectthoughitmayseembutanordinaryoneHowthenwithmewritingofthisLeviathanUnconsciouslymychirographyexpandsintoplacardcapitalsGivemeacondorsquillGivemeVesuviuscraterforaninkstandFriendsholdmyarmsForinthemereactofpenningmythoughtsofthisLeviathantheywearymeandmakemefaintwiththeiroutreachingcomprehensivenessofsweepasiftoincludethewholecircleofthesciencesandallthegenerationsofwhalesandmenandmastodonspastpresentandtocomewithalltherevolvingpanoramasofempireonearthandthroughoutthewholeuniversenotexcludingitssuburbsSuchandsomagnifyingisthevirtueofalargeandliberalthemeWeexpandtoitsbulkToproduceamightybookyoumustchooseamightythemeNogreatandenduringvolumecaneverbewrittenonthefleathoughmanytherebewhohavetrieditEreenteringuponthesubjectofFossilWhalesIpresentmycredentialsasageologistbystatingthatinmymiscellaneoustimeIhavebeenastonemasonandalsoagreatdiggerofditchescanalsandwellswinevaultscellarsandcisternsofallsortsLikewisebywayofpreliminaryIdesiretoremindthereaderthatwhileintheearliergeologicalstratatherearefoundthefossilsofmonstersnowalmostcompletelyextinctthesubsequentrelicsdiscoveredinwhatarecalledtheTertiaryformationsseemtheconnectingoratanyrateinterceptedlinksbetweentheantichronicalcreaturesandthosewhoseremoteposterityaresaidtohaveenteredtheArkalltheFossilWhaleshithertodiscoveredbelongtotheTertiaryperiodwhichisthelastprecedingthesuperficialformationsAndthoughnoneofthempreciselyanswertoanyknownspeciesofthepresenttimetheyareyetsufficientlyakintothemingeneralrespectstojustifytheirtakingrankasCetaceanfossilsDetachedbrokenfossilsofpreadamitewhalesfragmentsoftheirbonesandskeletonshavewithinthirtyyearspastatvariousintervalsbeenfoundatthebaseoftheAlpsinLombardyinFranceinEnglandinScotlandandintheStatesofLouisianaMississippiandAlabamaAmongthemorecuriousofsuchremainsispartofaskullwhichintheyear1779wasdisinterredintheRueDauphineinParisashortstreetopeningalmostdirectlyuponthepalaceoftheTuileriesandbonesdisinterredinexcavatingthegreatdocksofAntwerpinNapoleonstimeCuvierpronouncedthesefragmentstohavebelongedtosomeutterlyunknownLeviathanicspeciesButbyfarthemostwonderfulofallCetaceanrelicswasthealmostcompletevastskeletonofanextinctmonsterfoundintheyear1842ontheplantationofJudgeCreaghinAlabamaTheawestrickencredulousslavesinthevicinitytookitforthebonesofoneofthefallenangelsTheAlabamadoctorsdeclareditahugereptileandbestoweduponitthenameofBasilosaurusButsomespecimenbonesofitbeingtakenacrosstheseatoOwentheEnglishAnatomistitturnedoutthatthisallegedreptilewasawhalethoughofadepartedspeciesAsignificantillustrationofthefactagainandagainrepeatedinthisbookthattheskeletonofthewhalefurnishesbutlittlecluetotheshapeofhisfullyinvestedbodySoOwenrechristenedthemonsterZeuglodonandinhispaperreadbeforetheLondonGeologicalSocietypronounceditinsubstanceoneofthemostextraordinarycreatureswhichthemutationsoftheglobehaveblottedoutofexistenceWhenIstandamongthesemightyLeviathanskeletonsskullstusksjawsribsandvertebrallcharacterizedbypartialresemblancestotheexistingbreedsofseamonstersbutatthesametimebearingontheotherhandsimilaraffinitiestotheannihilatedantichronicalLeviathanstheirincalculableseniorsIambyafloodbornebacktothatwondrousperioderetimeitselfcanbesaidtohavebegunfortimebeganwithmanHereSaturnsgreychaosrollsovermeandIobtaindimshudderingglimpsesintothosePolareternitieswhenwedgedbastionsoficepressedharduponwhatarenowtheTropicsandinallthe25000milesofthisworldscircumferencenotaninhabitablehandsbreadthoflandwasvisibleThenthewholeworldwasthewhalesandkingofcreationhelefthiswakealongthepresentlinesoftheAndesandtheHimmalehsWhocanshowapedigreelikeLeviathanAhabsharpoonhadshedolderbloodthanthePharaohsMethuselahseemsaschoolboyIlookroundtoshakehandswithShemIamhorrorstruckatthisantemosaicunsourcedexistenceoftheunspeakableterrorsofthewhalewhichhavingbeenbeforealltimemustneedsexistafterallhumaneagesareoverButnotalonehasthisLeviathanlefthispreadamitetracesinthestereotypeplatesofnatureandinlimestoneandmarlbequeathedhisancientbustbutuponEgyptiantabletswhoseantiquityseemstoclaimforthemanalmostfossiliferouscharacterwefindtheunmistakableprintofhisfinInanapartmentofthegreattempleofDenderahsomefiftyyearsagotherewasdiscovereduponthegraniteceilingasculpturedandpaintedplanisphereaboundingincentaursgriffinsanddolphinssimilartothegrotesquefiguresonthecelestialglobeofthemodernsGlidingamongthemoldLeviathanswamasofyorewasthereswimminginthatplanispherecenturiesbeforeSolomonwascradledNormusttherebeomittedanotherstrangeattestationoftheantiquityofthewhaleinhisownosseouspostdiluvianrealityassetdownbythevenerableJohnLeotheoldBarbarytravellerNotfarfromtheSeasidetheyhaveaTempletheRaftersandBeamsofwhicharemadeofWhaleBonesforWhalesofamonstroussizeareoftentimescastupdeaduponthatshoreTheCommonPeopleimaginethatbyasecretPowerbestowedbyGodupontheTemplenoWhalecanpassitwithoutimmediatedeathButthetruthoftheMatteristhatoneithersideoftheTemplethereareRocksthatshoottwoMilesintotheSeaandwoundtheWhaleswhentheylightuponemTheykeepaWhalesRibofanincrediblelengthforaMiraclewhichlyingupontheGroundwithitsconvexpartuppermostmakesanArchtheHeadofwhichcannotbereachedbyaManuponaCamelsBackThisRibsaysJohnLeoissaidtohavelaynthereahundredYearsbeforeIsawitTheirHistoriansaffirmthataProphetwhoprophesydofMahometcamefromthisTempleandsomedonotstandtoassertthattheProphetJonaswascastforthbytheWhaleattheBaseoftheTempleInthisAfricTempleoftheWhaleIleaveyoureaderandifyoubeaNantucketerandawhalemanyouwillsilentlyworshipthereCHAPTER105DoestheWhalesMagnitudeDiminishWillHePerishInasmuchthenasthisLeviathancomesflounderingdownuponusfromtheheadwatersoftheEternitiesitmaybefitlyinquiredwhetherinthelongcourseofhisgenerationshehasnotdegeneratedfromtheoriginalbulkofhissiresButuponinvestigationwefindthatnotonlyarethewhalesofthepresentdaysuperiorinmagnitudetothosewhosefossilremainsarefoundintheTertiarysystemembracingadistinctgeologicalperiodpriortomanbutofthewhalesfoundinthatTertiarysystemthosebelongingtoitslatterformationsexceedinsizethoseofitsearlieronesOfallthepreadamitewhalesyetexhumedbyfarthelargestistheAlabamaonementionedinthelastchapterandthatwaslessthanseventyfeetinlengthintheskeletonWhereaswehavealreadyseenthatthetapemeasuregivesseventytwofeetfortheskeletonofalargesizedmodernwhaleAndIhaveheardonwhalemensauthoritythatSpermWhaleshavebeencapturednearahundredfeetlongatthetimeofcaptureButmayitnotbethatwhilethewhalesofthepresenthourareanadvanceinmagnitudeuponthoseofallpreviousgeologicalperiodsmayitnotbethatsinceAdamstimetheyhavedegeneratedAssuredlywemustconcludesoifwearetocredittheaccountsofsuchgentlemenasPlinyandtheancientnaturalistsgenerallyForPlinytellsusofwhalesthatembracedacresoflivingbulkandAldrovandusofotherswhichmeasuredeighthundredfeetinlengthRopeWalksandThamesTunnelsofWhalesAndeveninthedaysofBanksandSolanderCookesnaturalistswefindaDanishmemberoftheAcademyofSciencessettingdowncertainIcelandWhalesreydansiskurorWrinkledBelliesatonehundredandtwentyyardsthatisthreehundredandsixtyfeetAndLacpdetheFrenchnaturalistinhiselaboratehistoryofwhalesintheverybeginningofhisworkpage3setsdowntheRightWhaleatonehundredmetresthreehundredandtwentyeightfeetAndthisworkwaspublishedsolateasAD1825ButwillanywhalemanbelievethesestoriesNoThewhaleoftodayisasbigashisancestorsinPlinystimeAndifeverIgowherePlinyisIawhalemanmorethanhewaswillmakeboldtotellhimsoBecauseIcannotunderstandhowitisthatwhiletheEgyptianmummiesthatwereburiedthousandsofyearsbeforeevenPlinywasborndonotmeasuresomuchintheircoffinsasamodernKentuckianinhissocksandwhilethecattleandotheranimalssculpturedontheoldestEgyptianandNinevehtabletsbytherelativeproportionsinwhichtheyaredrawnjustasplainlyprovethatthehighbredstallfedprizecattleofSmithfieldnotonlyequalbutfarexceedinmagnitudethefattestofPharaohsfatkineinthefaceofallthisIwillnotadmitthatofallanimalsthewhalealoneshouldhavedegeneratedButstillanotherinquiryremainsoneoftenagitatedbythemorereconditeNantucketersWhetherowingtothealmostomniscientlookoutsatthemastheadsofthewhaleshipsnowpenetratingeventhroughBehringsstraitsandintotheremotestsecretdrawersandlockersoftheworldandthethousandharpoonsandlancesdartedalongallcontinentalcoaststhemootpointiswhetherLeviathancanlongenduresowideachaseandsoremorselessahavocwhetherhemustnotatlastbeexterminatedfromthewatersandthelastwhalelikethelastmansmokehislastpipeandthenhimselfevaporateinthefinalpuffComparingthehumpedherdsofwhaleswiththehumpedherdsofbuffalowhichnotfortyyearsagooverspreadbytensofthousandstheprairiesofIllinoisandMissouriandshooktheirironmanesandscowledwiththeirthunderclottedbrowsuponthesitesofpopulousrivercapitalswherenowthepolitebrokersellsyoulandatadollaraninchinsuchacomparisonanirresistibleargumentwouldseemfurnishedtoshowthatthehuntedwhalecannotnowescapespeedyextinctionButyoumustlookatthismatterineverylightThoughsoshortaperiodagonotagoodlifetimethecensusofthebuffaloinIllinoisexceededthecensusofmennowinLondonandthoughatthepresentdaynotonehornorhoofofthemremainsinallthatregionandthoughthecauseofthiswondrousexterminationwasthespearofmanyetthefardifferentnatureofthewhalehuntperemptorilyforbidssoingloriousanendtotheLeviathanFortymeninoneshiphuntingtheSpermWhalesforfortyeightmonthsthinktheyhavedoneextremelywellandthankGodifatlasttheycarryhometheoiloffortyfishWhereasinthedaysoftheoldCanadianandIndianhuntersandtrappersoftheWestwhenthefarwestinwhosesunsetsunsstillrisewasawildernessandavirginthesamenumberofmoccasinedmenforthesamenumberofmonthsmountedonhorseinsteadofsailinginshipswouldhaveslainnotfortybutfortythousandandmorebuffaloesafactthatifneedwerecouldbestatisticallystatedNorconsideredarightdoesitseemanyargumentinfavourofthegradualextinctionoftheSpermWhaleforexamplethatinformeryearsthelatterpartofthelastcenturysaytheseLeviathansinsmallpodswereencounteredmuchoftenerthanatpresentandinconsequencethevoyageswerenotsoprolongedandwerealsomuchmoreremunerativeBecauseashasbeenelsewherenoticedthosewhalesinfluencedbysomeviewstosafetynowswimtheseasinimmensecaravanssothattoalargedegreethescatteredsolitariesyokesandpodsandschoolsofotherdaysarenowaggregatedintovastbutwidelyseparatedunfrequentarmiesThatisallAndequallyfallaciousseemstheconceitthatbecausethesocalledwhalebonewhalesnolongerhauntmanygroundsinformeryearsaboundingwiththemhencethatspeciesalsoisdecliningFortheyareonlybeingdrivenfrompromontorytocapeandifonecoastisnolongerenlivenedwiththeirjetsthenbesuresomeotherandremoterstrandhasbeenveryrecentlystartledbytheunfamiliarspectacleFurthermoreconcerningtheselastmentionedLeviathanstheyhavetwofirmfortresseswhichinallhumanprobabilitywillforeverremainimpregnableAndasupontheinvasionoftheirvalleysthefrostySwisshaveretreatedtotheirmountainssohuntedfromthesavannasandgladesofthemiddleseasthewhalebonewhalescanatlastresorttotheirPolarcitadelsanddivingundertheultimateglassybarriersandwallstherecomeupamongicyfieldsandfloesandinacharmedcircleofeverlastingDecemberbiddefiancetoallpursuitfrommanButasperhapsfiftyofthesewhalebonewhalesareharpoonedforonecachalotsomephilosophersoftheforecastlehaveconcludedthatthispositivehavochasalreadyveryseriouslydiminishedtheirbattalionsButthoughforsometimepastanumberofthesewhalesnotlessthan13000havebeenannuallyslainonthenorwestcoastbytheAmericansaloneyetthereareconsiderationswhichrendereventhiscircumstanceoflittleornoaccountasanopposingargumentinthismatterNaturalasitistobesomewhatincredulousconcerningthepopulousnessofthemoreenormouscreaturesoftheglobeyetwhatshallwesaytoHartothehistorianofGoawhenhetellsusthatatonehuntingtheKingofSiamtook4000elephantsthatinthoseregionselephantsarenumerousasdrovesofcattleinthetemperateclimesAndthereseemsnoreasontodoubtthatiftheseelephantswhichhavenowbeenhuntedforthousandsofyearsbySemiramisbyPorusbyHannibalandbyallthesuccessivemonarchsoftheEastiftheystillsurvivethereingreatnumbersmuchmoremaythegreatwhaleoutlastallhuntingsincehehasapasturetoexpatiateinwhichispreciselytwiceaslargeasallAsiabothAmericasEuropeandAfricaNewHollandandalltheIslesoftheseacombinedMoreoverwearetoconsiderthatfromthepresumedgreatlongevityofwhalestheirprobablyattainingtheageofacenturyandmorethereforeatanyoneperiodoftimeseveraldistinctadultgenerationsmustbecontemporaryAndwhatthatiswemaysoongainsomeideaofbyimaginingallthegraveyardscemeteriesandfamilyvaultsofcreationyieldingupthelivebodiesofallthemenwomenandchildrenwhowerealiveseventyfiveyearsagoandaddingthiscountlesshosttothepresenthumanpopulationoftheglobeWhereforeforallthesethingsweaccountthewhaleimmortalinhisspecieshoweverperishableinhisindividualityHeswamtheseasbeforethecontinentsbrokewaterheonceswamoverthesiteoftheTuileriesandWindsorCastleandtheKremlinInNoahsfloodhedespisedNoahsArkandifevertheworldistobeagainfloodedliketheNetherlandstokilloffitsratsthentheeternalwhalewillstillsurviveandrearinguponthetopmostcrestoftheequatorialfloodspouthisfrotheddefiancetotheskiesCHAPTER106AhabsLegTheprecipitatingmannerinwhichCaptainAhabhadquittedtheSamuelEnderbyofLondonhadnotbeenunattendedwithsomesmallviolencetohisownpersonHehadlightedwithsuchenergyuponathwartofhisboatthathisivoryleghadreceivedahalfsplinteringshockAndwhenaftergaininghisowndeckandhisownpivotholetherehesovehementlywheeledroundwithanurgentcommandtothesteersmanitwasaseversomethingabouthisnotsteeringinflexiblyenoughthenthealreadyshakenivoryreceivedsuchanadditionaltwistandwrenchthatthoughitstillremainedentireandtoallappearanceslustyyetAhabdidnotdeemitentirelytrustworthyAndindeeditseemedsmallmatterforwonderthatforallhispervadingmadrecklessnessAhabdidattimesgivecarefulheedtotheconditionofthatdeadboneuponwhichhepartlystoodForithadnotbeenverylongpriortothePequodssailingfromNantucketthathehadbeenfoundonenightlyingproneuponthegroundandinsensiblebysomeunknownandseeminglyinexplicableunimaginablecasualtyhisivorylimbhavingbeensoviolentlydisplacedthatithadstakewisesmittenandallbutpiercedhisgroinnorwasitwithoutextremedifficultythattheagonizingwoundwasentirelycuredNoratthetimehaditfailedtoenterhismonomaniacmindthatalltheanguishofthatthenpresentsufferingwasbutthedirectissueofaformerwoeandhetooplainlyseemedtoseethatasthemostpoisonousreptileofthemarshperpetuateshiskindasinevitablyasthesweetestsongsterofthegrovesoequallywitheveryfelicityallmiserableeventsdonaturallybegettheirlikeYeamorethanequallythoughtAhabsinceboththeancestryandposterityofGriefgofurtherthantheancestryandposterityofJoyFornottohintofthisthatitisaninferencefromcertaincanonicteachingsthatwhilesomenaturalenjoymentshereshallhavenochildrenborntothemfortheotherworldbutonthecontraryshallbefollowedbythejoychildlessnessofallhellsdespairwhereassomeguiltymortalmiseriesshallstillfertilelybegettothemselvesaneternallyprogressiveprogenyofgriefsbeyondthegravenotatalltohintofthistherestillseemsaninequalityinthedeeperanalysisofthethingForthoughtAhabwhileeventhehighestearthlyfelicitieseverhaveacertainunsignifyingpettinesslurkinginthembutatbottomallheartwoesamysticsignificanceandinsomemenanarchangelicgrandeursodotheirdiligenttracingsoutnotbelietheobviousdeductionTotrailthegenealogiesofthesehighmortalmiseriescarriesusatlastamongthesourcelessprimogenituresofthegodssothatinthefaceofallthegladhaymakingsunsandsoftcymballingroundharvestmoonswemustneedsgiveintothisthatthegodsthemselvesarenotforevergladTheineffaceablesadbirthmarkinthebrowofmanisbutthestampofsorrowinthesignersUnwittinglyhereasecrethasbeendivulgedwhichperhapsmightmoreproperlyinsetwayhavebeendisclosedbeforeWithmanyotherparticularsconcerningAhabalwayshaditremainedamysterytosomewhyitwasthatforacertainperiodbothbeforeandafterthesailingofthePequodhehadhiddenhimselfawaywithsuchGrandLamalikeexclusivenessandforthatoneintervalsoughtspeechlessrefugeasitwereamongthemarblesenateofthedeadCaptainPelegsbruitedreasonforthisthingappearedbynomeansadequatethoughindeedastouchingallAhabsdeeperparteveryrevelationpartookmoreofsignificantdarknessthanofexplanatorylightButintheenditallcameoutthisonematterdidatleastThatdirefulmishapwasatthebottomofhistemporaryreclusenessAndnotonlythisbuttothatevercontractingdroppingcircleashorewhoforanyreasonpossessedtheprivilegeofalessbannedapproachtohimtothattimidcircletheabovehintedcasualtyremainingasitdidmoodilyunaccountedforbyAhabinvesteditselfwithterrorsnotentirelyunderivedfromthelandofspiritsandofwailsSothatthroughtheirzealforhimtheyhadallconspiredsofarasinthemlaytomuffleuptheknowledgeofthisthingfromothersandhenceitwasthatnottillaconsiderableintervalhadelapseddidittranspireuponthePequodsdecksButbeallthisasitmaylettheunseenambiguoussynodintheairorthevindictiveprincesandpotentatesoffirehavetodoornotwithearthlyAhabyetinthispresentmatterofhisleghetookplainpracticalprocedureshecalledthecarpenterAndwhenthatfunctionaryappearedbeforehimhebadehimwithoutdelaysetaboutmakinganewleganddirectedthematestoseehimsuppliedwithallthestudsandjoistsofjawivorySpermWhalewhichhadthusfarbeenaccumulatedonthevoyageinorderthatacarefulselectionofthestoutestclearestgrainedstuffmightbesecuredThisdonethecarpenterreceivedorderstohavethelegcompletedthatnightandtoprovideallthefittingsforitindependentofthosepertainingtothedistrustedoneinuseMoreovertheshipsforgewasorderedtobehoistedoutofitstemporaryidlenessintheholdandtoacceleratetheaffairtheblacksmithwascommandedtoproceedatoncetotheforgingofwhateverironcontrivancesmightbeneededCHAPTER107TheCarpenterSeatthyselfsultanicallyamongthemoonsofSaturnandtakehighabstractedmanaloneandheseemsawonderagrandeurandawoeButfromthesamepointtakemankindinmassandforthemostparttheyseemamobofunnecessaryduplicatesbothcontemporaryandhereditaryButmosthumblethoughhewasandfarfromfurnishinganexampleofthehighhumaneabstractionthePequodscarpenterwasnoduplicatehencehenowcomesinpersononthisstageLikeallseagoingshipcarpentersandmoreespeciallythosebelongingtowhalingvesselshewastoacertainoffhandedpracticalextentalikeexperiencedinnumeroustradesandcallingscollateraltohisownthecarpenterspursuitbeingtheancientandoutbranchingtrunkofallthosenumeroushandicraftswhichmoreorlesshavetodowithwoodasanauxiliarymaterialButbesidestheapplicationtohimofthegenericremarkabovethiscarpenterofthePequodwassingularlyefficientinthosethousandnamelessmechanicalemergenciescontinuallyrecurringinalargeshipuponathreeorfouryearsvoyageinuncivilizedandfardistantseasFornottospeakofhisreadinessinordinarydutiesrepairingstoveboatssprungsparsreformingtheshapeofclumsybladedoarsinsertingbullseyesinthedeckornewtreenailsinthesideplanksandothermiscellaneousmattersmoredirectlypertainingtohisspecialbusinesshewasmoreoverunhesitatinglyexpertinallmannerofconflictingaptitudesbothusefulandcapriciousTheonegrandstagewhereheenactedallhisvariouspartssomanifoldwashisvicebenchalongrudeponderoustablefurnishedwithseveralvicesofdifferentsizesandbothofironandofwoodAtalltimesexceptwhenwhaleswerealongsidethisbenchwassecurelylashedathwartshipsagainsttherearoftheTryworksAbelayingpinisfoundtoolargetobeeasilyinsertedintoitsholethecarpenterclapsitintooneofhiseverreadyvicesandstraightwayfilesitsmallerAlostlandbirdofstrangeplumagestraysonboardandismadeacaptiveoutofcleanshavedrodsofrightwhaleboneandcrossbeamsofspermwhaleivorythecarpentermakesapagodalookingcageforitAnoarsmansprainshiswristthecarpenterconcoctsasoothinglotionStubblongedforvermillionstarstobepainteduponthebladeofhiseveryoarscrewingeachoarinhisbigviceofwoodthecarpentersymmetricallysuppliestheconstellationAsailortakesafancytowearsharkboneearringsthecarpenterdrillshisearsAnotherhasthetoothachethecarpenteroutpincersandclappingonehanduponhisbenchbidshimbeseatedtherebutthepoorfellowunmanageablywincesundertheunconcludedoperationwhirlingroundthehandleofhiswoodenvicethecarpentersignshimtoclaphisjawinthatifhewouldhavehimdrawthetoothThusthiscarpenterwaspreparedatallpointsandalikeindifferentandwithoutrespectinallTeethheaccountedbitsofivoryheadshedeemedbuttopblocksmenthemselveshelightlyheldforcapstansButwhilenowuponsowideafieldthusvariouslyaccomplishedandwithsuchlivelinessofexpertnessinhimtooallthiswouldseemtoarguesomeuncommonvivacityofintelligenceButnotpreciselysoFornothingwasthismanmoreremarkablethanforacertainimpersonalstolidityasitwereimpersonalIsayforitsoshadedoffintothesurroundinginfiniteofthingsthatitseemedonewiththegeneralstoliditydiscernibleinthewholevisibleworldwhichwhilepauselesslyactiveinuncountedmodesstilleternallyholdsitspeaceandignoresyouthoughyoudigfoundationsforcathedralsYetwasthishalfhorriblestolidityinhiminvolvingtooasitappearedanallramifyingheartlessnessyetwasitoddlydashedattimeswithanoldcrutchlikeantediluvianwheezinghumorousnessnotunstreakednowandthenwithacertaingrizzledwittinesssuchasmighthaveservedtopassthetimeduringthemidnightwatchonthebeardedforecastleofNoahsarkWasitthatthisoldcarpenterhadbeenalifelongwandererwhosemuchrollingtoandfronotonlyhadgatherednomossbutwhatismorehadrubbedoffwhateversmalloutwardclingingsmighthaveoriginallypertainedtohimHewasastriptabstractanunfractionedintegraluncompromisedasanewbornbabelivingwithoutpremeditatedreferencetothisworldorthenextYoumightalmostsaythatthisstrangeuncompromisednessinhiminvolvedasortofunintelligenceforinhisnumeroustradeshedidnotseemtoworksomuchbyreasonorbyinstinctorsimplybecausehehadbeentutoredtoitorbyanyintermixtureofalltheseevenorunevenbutmerelybyakindofdeafanddumbspontaneousliteralprocessHewasapuremanipulatorhisbrainifhehadeverhadonemusthaveearlyoozedalongintothemusclesofhisfingersHewaslikeoneofthoseunreasoningbutstillhighlyusefulmultuminparvoSheffieldcontrivancesassumingtheexteriorthoughalittleswelledofacommonpocketknifebutcontainingnotonlybladesofvarioussizesbutalsoscrewdriverscorkscrewstweezersawlspensrulersnailfilerscountersinkersSoifhissuperiorswantedtousethecarpenterforascrewdriveralltheyhadtodowastoopenthatpartofhimandthescrewwasfastoriffortweezerstakehimupbythelegsandtheretheywereYetaspreviouslyhintedthisomnitooledopenandshutcarpenterwasafterallnomeremachineofanautomatonIfhedidnothaveacommonsoulinhimhehadasubtlesomethingthatsomehowanomalouslydiditsdutyWhatthatwaswhetheressenceofquicksilverorafewdropsofhartshornthereisnotellingButthereitwasandthereithadabidedfornowsomesixtyyearsormoreAndthisitwasthissameunaccountablecunninglifeprincipleinhimthisitwasthatkepthimagreatpartofthetimesoliloquizingbutonlylikeanunreasoningwheelwhichalsohumminglysoliloquizesorratherhisbodywasasentryboxandthissoliloquizeronguardthereandtalkingallthetimetokeephimselfawakeCHAPTER108AhabandtheCarpenterTheDeckFirstNightWatchCarpenterstandingbeforehisvicebenchandbythelightoftwolanternsbusilyfilingtheivoryjoistforthelegwhichjoistisfirmlyfixedintheviceSlabsofivoryleatherstrapspadsscrewsandvarioustoolsofallsortslyingaboutthebenchForwardtheredflameoftheforgeisseenwheretheblacksmithisatworkDratthefileanddrattheboneThatishardwhichshouldbesoftandthatissoftwhichshouldbehardSowegowhofileoldjawsandshinbonesLetstryanotherAyenowthisworksbettersneezesHalloathisbonedustissneezeswhyitssneezesyesitssneezesblessmysoulitwontletmespeakThisiswhatanoldfellowgetsnowforworkingindeadlumberSawalivetreeandyoudontgetthisdustamputatealiveboneandyoudontgetitsneezesComecomeyouoldSmuttherebearahandandletshavethatferuleandbucklescrewIllbereadyforthempresentlyLuckynowsneezestheresnokneejointtomakethatmightpuzzlealittlebutamereshinbonewhyitseasyasmakinghoppolesonlyIshouldliketoputagoodfinishonTimetimeifIbutonlyhadthetimeIcouldturnhimoutasneatalegnowaseversneezesscrapedtoaladyinaparlorThosebuckskinlegsandcalvesoflegsIveseeninshopwindowswouldntcompareatallTheysoakwatertheydoandofcoursegetrheumaticandhavetobedoctoredsneezeswithwashesandlotionsjustlikelivelegsTherebeforeIsawitoffnowImustcallhisoldMogulshipandseewhetherthelengthwillbeallrighttooshortifanythingIguessHathatstheheelweareinluckherehecomesoritssomebodyelsethatscertainAHABadvancingDuringtheensuingscenethecarpentercontinuessneezingattimesWellmanmakerJustintimesirIfthecaptainpleasesIwillnowmarkthelengthLetmemeasuresirMeasuredforaleggoodWellitsnotthefirsttimeAboutitTherekeepthyfingeronitThisisacogentvicethouhastherecarpenterletmefeelitsgriponceSosoitdoespinchsomeOhsiritwillbreakbonesbewarebewareNofearIlikeagoodgripIliketofeelsomethinginthisslipperyworldthatcanholdmanWhatsPrometheusabouttheretheblacksmithImeanwhatsheaboutHemustbeforgingthebucklescrewsirnowRightItsapartnershiphesuppliesthemusclepartHemakesafierceredflamethereAyesirhemusthavethewhiteheatforthiskindoffineworkUmmSohemustIdodeemitnowamostmeaningthingthatthatoldGreekPrometheuswhomadementheysayshouldhavebeenablacksmithandanimatedthemwithfireforwhatsmadeinfiremustproperlybelongtofireandsohellsprobableHowthesootfliesThismustbetheremaindertheGreekmadetheAfricansofCarpenterwhenhesthroughwiththatbuckletellhimtoforgeapairofsteelshoulderbladestheresapedlaraboardwithacrushingpackSirHoldwhilePrometheusisaboutitIllorderacompletemanafteradesirablepatternImprimisfiftyfeethighinhissocksthenchestmodelledaftertheThamesTunnelthenlegswithrootstoemtostayinoneplacethenarmsthreefeetthroughthewristnoheartatallbrassforeheadandaboutaquarterofanacreoffinebrainsandletmeseeshallIordereyestoseeoutwardsNobutputaskylightontopofhisheadtoilluminateinwardsTheretaketheorderandawayNowwhatshespeakingaboutandwhoshespeakingtoIshouldliketoknowShallIkeepstandinghereasideTisbutindifferentarchitecturetomakeablinddomeheresoneNononoImusthavealanternHohoThatsitheyHerearetwosironewillservemyturnWhatartthouthrustingthatthiefcatcherintomyfaceformanThrustedlightisworsethanpresentedpistolsIthoughtsirthatyouspoketocarpenterCarpenterwhythatsbutnoaverytidyandImaysayanextremelygentlemanlikesortofbusinessthouartinherecarpenterorwouldstthouratherworkinclaySirClayclaysirThatsmudweleaveclaytoditcherssirThefellowsimpiousWhatartthousneezingaboutBoneisratherdustysirTakethehintthenandwhenthouartdeadneverburythyselfunderlivingpeoplesnosesSirohahIguesssoyesohdearLookyecarpenterIdaresaythoucallestthyselfarightgoodworkmanlikeworkmanehWellthenwillitspeakthoroughlywellforthyworkifwhenIcometomountthislegthoumakestIshallneverthelessfeelanotherleginthesameidenticalplacewithitthatiscarpentermyoldlostlegthefleshandbloodoneImeanCanstthounotdrivethatoldAdamawayTrulysirIbegintounderstandsomewhatnowYesIhaveheardsomethingcuriousonthatscoresirhowthatadismastedmanneverentirelylosesthefeelingofhisoldsparbutitwillbestillprickinghimattimesMayIhumblyaskifitbereallysosirItismanLookputthyliveleghereintheplacewheremineoncewassonowhereisonlyonedistinctlegtotheeyeyettwotothesoulWherethoufeelesttinglinglifethereexactlytheretheretoahairdoIIstariddleIshouldhumblycallitaposersirHistthenHowdostthouknowthatsomeentirelivingthinkingthingmaynotbeinvisiblyanduninterpenetratinglystandingpreciselywherethounowstandestayeandstandingthereinthyspiteInthymostsolitaryhoursthendostthounotfeareavesdroppersHolddontspeakAndifIstillfeelthesmartofmycrushedlegthoughitbenowsolongdissolvedthenwhymaystnotthoucarpenterfeelthefierypainsofhellforeverandwithoutabodyHahGoodLordTrulysirifitcomestothatImustcalculateoveragainIthinkIdidntcarryasmallfiguresirLookyepuddingheadsshouldnevergrantpremisesHowlongbeforethelegisdonePerhapsanhoursirBungleawayatitthenandbringittometurnstogoOhLifeHereIamproudasGreekgodandyetstandingdebtortothisblockheadforabonetostandonCursedbethatmortalinterindebtednesswhichwillnotdoawaywithledgersIwouldbefreeasairandImdowninthewholeworldsbooksIamsorichIcouldhavegivenbidforbidwiththewealthiestPrtoriansattheauctionoftheRomanempirewhichwastheworldsandyetIoweforthefleshinthetongueIbragwithByheavensIllgetacrucibleandintoitanddissolvemyselfdowntoonesmallcompendiousvertebraSoCARPENTERresuminghisworkWellwellwellStubbknowshimbestofallandStubbalwayssayshesqueersaysnothingbutthatonesufficientlittlewordqueerhesqueersaysStubbhesqueerqueerqueerandkeepsdinningitintoMrStarbuckallthetimequeersirqueerqueerveryqueerAndhereshislegYesnowthatIthinkofithereshisbedfellowhasastickofwhalesjawboneforawifeAndthisishisleghellstandonthisWhatwasthatnowaboutonelegstandinginthreeplacesandallthreeplacesstandinginonehellhowwasthatOhIdontwonderhelookedsoscornfulatmeImasortofstrangethoughtedsometimestheysaybutthatsonlyhaphazardlikeThenashortlittleoldbodylikemeshouldneverundertaketowadeoutintodeepwaterswithtallheronbuiltcaptainsthewaterchucksyouunderthechinprettyquickandtheresagreatcryforlifeboatsAndherestheheronsleglongandslimsureenoughNowformostfolksonepairoflegslastsalifetimeandthatmustbebecausetheyusethemmercifullyasatenderheartedoldladyusesherrolypolyoldcoachhorsesButAhabohhesaharddriverLookdrivenonelegtodeathandspavinedtheotherforlifeandnowwearsoutbonelegsbythecordHalloathereyouSmutbearahandtherewiththosescrewsandletsfinishitbeforetheresurrectionfellowcomesacallingwithhishornforalllegstrueorfalseasbrewerymengoroundcollectingoldbeerbarrelstofillemupagainWhatalegthisisItlookslikeareallivelegfileddowntonothingbutthecorehellbestandingonthistomorrowhellbetakingaltitudesonitHalloaIalmostforgotthelittleovalslatesmoothedivorywherehefiguresupthelatitudeSosochiselfileandsandpapernowCHAPTER109AhabandStarbuckintheCabinAccordingtousagetheywerepumpingtheshipnextmorningandlonoinconsiderableoilcameupwiththewaterthecasksbelowmusthavesprungabadleakMuchconcernwasshownandStarbuckwentdownintothecabintoreportthisunfavourableaffairInSpermwhalemenwithanyconsiderablequantityofoilonboarditisaregularsemiweeklydutytoconductahoseintotheholdanddrenchthecaskswithseawaterwhichafterwardsatvaryingintervalsisremovedbytheshipspumpsHerebythecasksaresoughttobekeptdamplytightwhilebythechangedcharacterofthewithdrawnwaterthemarinersreadilydetectanyseriousleakageinthepreciouscargoNowfromtheSouthandWestthePequodwasdrawingnightoFormosaandtheBasheeIslesbetweenwhichliesoneofthetropicaloutletsfromtheChinawatersintothePacificAndsoStarbuckfoundAhabwithageneralchartoftheorientalarchipelagoesspreadbeforehimandanotherseparateonerepresentingthelongeasterncoastsoftheJapaneseislandsNiphonMatsmaiandSikokeWithhissnowwhitenewivorylegbracedagainstthescrewedlegofhistableandwithalongpruninghookofajackknifeinhishandthewondrousoldmanwithhisbacktothegangwaydoorwaswrinklinghisbrowandtracinghisoldcoursesagainWhostherehearingthefootstepatthedoorbutnotturningroundtoitOndeckBegoneCaptainAhabmistakesitisITheoilintheholdisleakingsirWemustupBurtonsandbreakoutUpBurtonsandbreakoutNowthatwearenearingJapanheavetohereforaweektotinkeraparcelofoldhoopsEitherdothatsirorwasteinonedaymoreoilthanwemaymakegoodinayearWhatwecometwentythousandmilestogetisworthsavingsirSoitissoitisifwegetitIwasspeakingoftheoilintheholdsirAndIwasnotspeakingorthinkingofthatatallBegoneLetitleakImallaleakmyselfAyeleaksinleaksnotonlyfullofleakycasksbutthoseleakycasksareinaleakyshipandthatsafarworseplightthanthePequodsmanYetIdontstoptoplugmyleakforwhocanfinditinthedeeploadedhullorhowhopetoplugiteveniffoundinthislifeshowlinggaleStarbuckIllnothavetheBurtonshoistedWhatwilltheownerssaysirLettheownersstandonNantucketbeachandoutyelltheTyphoonsWhatcaresAhabOwnersownersThouartalwayspratingtomeStarbuckaboutthosemiserlyownersasiftheownersweremyconscienceButlookyetheonlyrealownerofanythingisitscommanderandharkyemyconscienceisinthisshipskeelOndeckCaptainAhabsaidthereddeningmatemovingfurtherintothecabinwithadaringsostrangelyrespectfulandcautiousthatitalmostseemednotonlyeverywayseekingtoavoidtheslightestoutwardmanifestationofitselfbutwithinalsoseemedmorethanhalfdistrustfulofitselfAbettermanthanImightwellpassoverintheewhathewouldquicklyenoughresentinayoungermanayeandinahappierCaptainAhabDevilsDostthouthensomuchasdaretocriticallythinkofmeOndeckNaysirnotyetIdoentreatAndIdodaresirtobeforbearingShallwenotunderstandeachotherbetterthanhithertoCaptainAhabAhabseizedaloadedmusketfromtherackformingpartofmostSouthSeamenscabinfurnitureandpointingittowardsStarbuckexclaimedThereisoneGodthatisLordovertheearthandoneCaptainthatislordoverthePequodOndeckForaninstantintheflashingeyesofthemateandhisfierycheeksyouwouldhavealmostthoughtthathehadreallyreceivedtheblazeofthelevelledtubeButmasteringhisemotionhehalfcalmlyroseandashequittedthecabinpausedforaninstantandsaidThouhastoutragednotinsultedmesirbutforthatIasktheenottobewareofStarbuckthouwouldstbutlaughbutletAhabbewareofAhabbewareofthyselfoldmanHewaxesbravebutneverthelessobeysmostcarefulbraverythatmurmuredAhabasStarbuckdisappearedWhatsthathesaidAhabbewareofAhabtheressomethingthereThenunconsciouslyusingthemusketforastaffwithanironbrowhepacedtoandfrointhelittlecabinbutpresentlythethickplaitsofhisforeheadrelaxedandreturningtheguntotherackhewenttothedeckThouartbuttoogoodafellowStarbuckhesaidlowlytothematethenraisinghisvoicetothecrewFurlthetgallantsailsandclosereefthetopsailsforeandaftbackthemainyardupBurtonandbreakoutinthemainholdItwereperhapsvaintosurmiseexactlywhyitwasthatasrespectingStarbuckAhabthusactedItmayhavebeenaflashofhonestyinhimormereprudentialpolicywhichunderthecircumstanceimperiouslyforbadetheslightestsymptomofopendisaffectionhowevertransientintheimportantchiefofficerofhisshipHoweveritwashisorderswereexecutedandtheBurtonswerehoistedCHAPTER110QueequeginHisCoffinUponsearchingitwasfoundthatthecaskslaststruckintotheholdwereperfectlysoundandthattheleakmustbefurtheroffSoitbeingcalmweathertheybrokeoutdeeperanddeeperdisturbingtheslumbersofthehugegroundtierbuttsandfromthatblackmidnightsendingthosegiganticmolesintothedaylightaboveSodeepdidtheygoandsoancientandcorrodedandweedytheaspectofthelowermostpuncheonsthatyoualmostlookednextforsomemouldycornerstonecaskcontainingcoinsofCaptainNoahwithcopiesofthepostedplacardsvainlywarningtheinfatuatedoldworldfromthefloodTierceaftertiercetooofwaterandbreadandbeefandshooksofstavesandironbundlesofhoopswerehoistedouttillatlastthepileddeckswerehardtogetaboutandthehollowhullechoedunderfootasifyouweretreadingoveremptycatacombsandreeledandrolledinthesealikeanairfreighteddemijohnTopheavywastheshipasadinnerlessstudentwithallAristotleinhisheadWellwasitthattheTyphoonsdidnotvisitthemthenNowatthistimeitwasthatmypoorpagancompanionandfastbosomfriendQueequegwasseizedwithafeverwhichbroughthimnightohisendlessendBeitsaidthatinthisvocationofwhalingsinecuresareunknowndignityanddangergohandinhandtillyougettobeCaptainthehigheryourisetheharderyoutoilSowithpoorQueequegwhoasharpooneermustnotonlyfacealltherageofthelivingwhalebutaswehaveelsewhereseenmounthisdeadbackinarollingseaandfinallydescendintothegloomoftheholdandbitterlysweatingalldayinthatsubterraneousconfinementresolutelymanhandletheclumsiestcasksandseetotheirstowageTobeshortamongwhalementheharpooneersaretheholderssocalledPoorQueequegwhentheshipwasabouthalfdisembowelledyoushouldhavestoopedoverthehatchwayandpeereddownuponhimtherewherestrippedtohiswoollendrawersthetattooedsavagewascrawlingaboutamidthatdampnessandslimelikeagreenspottedlizardatthebottomofawellAndawelloranicehouseitsomehowprovedtohimpoorpaganwherestrangetosayforalltheheatofhissweatingshecaughtaterriblechillwhichlapsedintoafeverandatlastaftersomedayssufferinglaidhiminhishammockclosetotheverysillofthedoorofdeathHowhewastedandwastedawayinthosefewlonglingeringdaystillthereseemedbutlittleleftofhimbuthisframeandtattooingButasallelseinhimthinnedandhischeekbonesgrewsharperhiseyesneverthelessseemedgrowingfullerandfullertheybecameofastrangesoftnessoflustreandmildlybutdeeplylookedoutatyoutherefromhissicknessawondroustestimonytothatimmortalhealthinhimwhichcouldnotdieorbeweakenedAndlikecirclesonthewaterwhichastheygrowfainterexpandsohiseyesseemedroundingandroundingliketheringsofEternityAnawethatcannotbenamedwouldstealoveryouasyousatbythesideofthiswaningsavageandsawasstrangethingsinhisfaceasanybeheldwhowerebystanderswhenZoroasterdiedForwhateveristrulywondrousandfearfulinmanneveryetwasputintowordsorbooksAndthedrawingnearofDeathwhichalikelevelsallalikeimpressesallwithalastrevelationwhichonlyanauthorfromthedeadcouldadequatelytellSothatletussayitagainnodyingChaldeeorGreekhadhigherandholierthoughtsthanthosewhosemysteriousshadesyousawcreepingoverthefaceofpoorQueequegashequietlylayinhisswayinghammockandtherollingseaseemedgentlyrockinghimtohisfinalrestandtheoceansinvisiblefloodtideliftedhimhigherandhighertowardshisdestinedheavenNotamanofthecrewbutgavehimupandasforQueequeghimselfwhathethoughtofhiscasewasforciblyshownbyacuriousfavourheaskedHecalledonetohiminthegreymorningwatchwhenthedaywasjustbreakingandtakinghishandsaidthatwhileinNantuckethehadchancedtoseecertainlittlecanoesofdarkwoodliketherichwarwoodofhisnativeisleanduponinquiryhehadlearnedthatallwhalemenwhodiedinNantucketwerelaidinthosesamedarkcanoesandthatthefancyofbeingsolaidhadmuchpleasedhimforitwasnotunlikethecustomofhisownracewhoafterembalmingadeadwarriorstretchedhimoutinhiscanoeandsolefthimtobefloatedawaytothestarryarchipelagoesfornotonlydotheybelievethatthestarsareislesbutthatfarbeyondallvisiblehorizonstheirownmilduncontinentedseasinterflowwiththeblueheavensandsoformthewhitebreakersofthemilkywayHeaddedthatheshudderedatthethoughtofbeingburiedinhishammockaccordingtotheusualseacustomtossedlikesomethingviletothedeathdevouringsharksNohedesiredacanoelikethoseofNantucketallthemorecongenialtohimbeingawhalemanthatlikeawhaleboatthesecoffincanoeswerewithoutakeelthoughthatinvolvedbutuncertainsteeringandmuchleewayadownthedimagesNowwhenthisstrangecircumstancewasmadeknownaftthecarpenterwasatoncecommandedtodoQueequegsbiddingwhateveritmightincludeTherewassomeheathenishcoffincolouredoldlumberaboardwhichuponalongpreviousvoyagehadbeencutfromtheaboriginalgrovesoftheLackadayislandsandfromthesedarkplanksthecoffinwasrecommendedtobemadeNosoonerwasthecarpenterapprisedoftheorderthantakinghisruleheforthwithwithalltheindifferentpromptitudeofhischaracterproceededintotheforecastleandtookQueequegsmeasurewithgreataccuracyregularlychalkingQueequegspersonasheshiftedtheruleAhpoorfellowhellhavetodienowejaculatedtheLongIslandsailorGoingtohisvicebenchthecarpenterforconveniencesakeandgeneralreferencenowtransferringlymeasuredonittheexactlengththecoffinwastobeandthenmadethetransferpermanentbycuttingtwonotchesatitsextremitiesThisdonehemarshalledtheplanksandhistoolsandtoworkWhenthelastnailwasdrivenandtheliddulyplanedandfittedhelightlyshoulderedthecoffinandwentforwardwithitinquiringwhethertheywerereadyforityetinthatdirectionOverhearingtheindignantbuthalfhumorouscrieswithwhichthepeopleondeckbegantodrivethecoffinawayQueequegtoeveryonesconsternationcommandedthatthethingshouldbeinstantlybroughttohimnorwasthereanydenyinghimseeingthatofallmortalssomedyingmenarethemosttyrannicalandcertainlysincetheywillshortlytroubleussolittleforevermorethepoorfellowsoughttobeindulgedLeaningoverinhishammockQueequeglongregardedthecoffinwithanattentiveeyeHethencalledforhisharpoonhadthewoodenstockdrawnfromitandthenhadtheironpartplacedinthecoffinalongwithoneofthepaddlesofhisboatAllbyhisownrequestalsobiscuitswerethenrangedroundthesideswithinaflaskoffreshwaterwasplacedattheheadandasmallbagofwoodyearthscrapedupintheholdatthefootandapieceofsailclothbeingrolledupforapillowQueequegnowentreatedtobeliftedintohisfinalbedthathemightmaketrialofitscomfortsifanyithadHelaywithoutmovingafewminutesthentoldonetogotohisbagandbringouthislittlegodYojoThencrossinghisarmsonhisbreastwithYojobetweenhecalledforthecoffinlidhatchhecalledittobeplacedoverhimTheheadpartturnedoverwithaleatherhingeandtherelayQueequeginhiscoffinwithlittlebuthiscomposedcountenanceinviewRarmaiitwilldoitiseasyhemurmuredatlastandsignedtobereplacedinhishammockButerethiswasdonePipwhohadbeenslilyhoveringnearbyallthiswhiledrewnightohimwherehelayandwithsoftsobbingstookhimbythehandintheotherholdinghistambourinePoorroverwillyeneverhavedonewithallthiswearyrovingwheregoyenowButifthecurrentscarryyetothosesweetAntilleswherethebeachesareonlybeatwithwaterlilieswillyedoonelittleerrandformeSeekoutonePipwhosnowbeenmissinglongIthinkhesinthosefarAntillesIfyefindhimthencomforthimforhemustbeverysadforlookheslefthistambourinebehindIfounditRigadigdigdigNowQueequegdieandIllbeatyeyourdyingmarchIhaveheardmurmuredStarbuckgazingdownthescuttlethatinviolentfeversmenallignorancehavetalkedinancienttonguesandthatwhenthemysteryisprobeditturnsoutalwaysthatintheirwhollyforgottenchildhoodthoseancienttongueshadbeenreallyspokenintheirhearingbysomeloftyscholarsSotomyfondfaithpoorPipinthisstrangesweetnessofhislunacybringsheavenlyvouchersofallourheavenlyhomesWherelearnedhethatbutthereHarkhespeaksagainbutmorewildlynowFormtwoandtwoLetsmakeaGeneralofhimHowhereshisharpoonLayitacrosshereRigadigdigdighuzzaOhforagamecocknowtosituponhisheadandcrowQueequegdiesgamemindyethatQueequegdiesgametakeyegoodheedofthatQueequegdiesgameIsaygamegamegamebutbaselittlePiphediedacowarddiedallashiveroutuponPipHarkyeifyefindPiptellalltheAntilleshesarunawayacowardacowardacowardTellthemhejumpedfromawhaleboatIdneverbeatmytambourineoverbasePipandhailhimGeneralifhewereoncemoredyinghereNonoshameuponallcowardsshameuponthemLetemgodrownlikePipthatjumpedfromawhaleboatShameshameDuringallthisQueequeglaywithclosedeyesasifinadreamPipwasledawayandthesickmanwasreplacedinhishammockButnowthathehadapparentlymadeeverypreparationfordeathnowthathiscoffinwasprovedagoodfitQueequegsuddenlyralliedsoonthereseemednoneedofthecarpentersboxandthereuponwhensomeexpressedtheirdelightedsurpriseheinsubstancesaidthatthecauseofhissuddenconvalescencewasthisatacriticalmomenthehadjustrecalledalittledutyashorewhichhewasleavingundoneandthereforehadchangedhismindaboutdyinghecouldnotdieyetheaverredTheyaskedhimthenwhethertoliveordiewasamatterofhisownsovereignwillandpleasureHeansweredcertainlyInaworditwasQueequegsconceitthatifamanmadeuphismindtolivemeresicknesscouldnotkillhimnothingbutawhaleoragaleorsomeviolentungovernableunintelligentdestroyerofthatsortNowthereisthisnoteworthydifferencebetweensavageandcivilizedthatwhileasickcivilizedmanmaybesixmonthsconvalescinggenerallyspeakingasicksavageisalmosthalfwellagaininadaySoingoodtimemyQueequeggainedstrengthandatlengthaftersittingonthewindlassforafewindolentdaysbuteatingwithavigorousappetitehesuddenlyleapedtohisfeetthrewouthisarmsandlegsgavehimselfagoodstretchingyawnedalittlebitandthenspringingintotheheadofhishoistedboatandpoisingaharpoonpronouncedhimselffitforafightWithawildwhimsinesshenowusedhiscoffinforaseachestandemptyingintoithiscanvasbagofclothessettheminorderthereManysparehourshespentincarvingthelidwithallmannerofgrotesquefiguresanddrawingsanditseemedthatherebyhewasstrivinginhisrudewaytocopypartsofthetwistedtattooingonhisbodyAndthistattooinghadbeentheworkofadepartedprophetandseerofhisislandwhobythosehieroglyphicmarkshadwrittenoutonhisbodyacompletetheoryoftheheavensandtheearthandamysticaltreatiseontheartofattainingtruthsothatQueequeginhisownproperpersonwasariddletounfoldawondrousworkinonevolumebutwhosemysteriesnotevenhimselfcouldreadthoughhisownliveheartbeatagainstthemandthesemysterieswerethereforedestinedintheendtomoulderawaywiththelivingparchmentwhereontheywereinscribedandsobeunsolvedtothelastAndthisthoughtitmusthavebeenwhichsuggestedtoAhabthatwildexclamationofhiswhenonemorningturningawayfromsurveyingpoorQueequegOhdevilishtantalizationofthegodsCHAPTER111ThePacificWhenglidingbytheBasheeislesweemergedatlastuponthegreatSouthSeawereitnotforotherthingsIcouldhavegreetedmydearPacificwithuncountedthanksfornowthelongsupplicationofmyyouthwasansweredthatsereneoceanrolledeastwardsfrommeathousandleaguesofblueThereisoneknowsnotwhatsweetmysteryaboutthisseawhosegentlyawfulstirringsseemtospeakofsomehiddensoulbeneathlikethosefabledundulationsoftheEphesiansodovertheburiedEvangelistStJohnAndmeetitisthatovertheseseapastureswiderollingwateryprairiesandPottersFieldsofallfourcontinentsthewavesshouldriseandfallandebbandflowunceasinglyforheremillionsofmixedshadesandshadowsdrowneddreamssomnambulismsreveriesallthatwecalllivesandsoulsliedreamingdreamingstilltossinglikeslumberersintheirbedstheeverrollingwavesbutmadesobytheirrestlessnessToanymeditativeMagianroverthisserenePacificoncebeheldmusteverafterbetheseaofhisadoptionItrollsthemidmostwatersoftheworldtheIndianoceanandAtlanticbeingbutitsarmsThesamewaveswashthemolesofthenewbuiltCaliforniantownsbutyesterdayplantedbytherecentestraceofmenandlavethefadedbutstillgorgeousskirtsofAsiaticlandsolderthanAbrahamwhileallbetweenfloatmilkywaysofcoralislesandlowlyingendlessunknownArchipelagoesandimpenetrableJapansThusthismysteriousdivinePacificzonestheworldswholebulkaboutmakesallcoastsonebaytoitseemsthetidebeatingheartofearthLiftedbythoseeternalswellsyouneedsmustowntheseductivegodbowingyourheadtoPanButfewthoughtsofPanstirredAhabsbrainasstandinglikeanironstatueathisaccustomedplacebesidethemizenriggingwithonenostrilheunthinkinglysnuffedthesugarymuskfromtheBasheeislesinwhosesweetwoodsmildloversmustbewalkingandwiththeotherconsciouslyinhaledthesaltbreathofthenewfoundseathatseainwhichthehatedWhiteWhalemusteventhenbeswimmingLaunchedatlengthuponthesealmostfinalwatersandglidingtowardstheJapanesecruisinggroundtheoldmanspurposeintensifieditselfHisfirmlipsmetlikethelipsofavicetheDeltaofhisforeheadsveinsswelledlikeoverladenbrooksinhisverysleephisringingcryranthroughthevaultedhullSternalltheWhiteWhalespoutsthickbloodCHAPTER112TheBlacksmithAvailinghimselfofthemildsummercoolweatherthatnowreignedintheselatitudesandinpreparationforthepeculiarlyactivepursuitsshortlytobeanticipatedPerththebegrimedblisteredoldblacksmithhadnotremovedhisportableforgetotheholdagainafterconcludinghiscontributoryworkforAhabslegbutstillretaineditondeckfastlashedtoringboltsbytheforemastbeingnowalmostincessantlyinvokedbytheheadsmenandharpooneersandbowsmentodosomelittlejobforthemalteringorrepairingornewshapingtheirvariousweaponsandboatfurnitureOftenhewouldbesurroundedbyaneagercircleallwaitingtobeservedholdingboatspadespikeheadsharpoonsandlancesandjealouslywatchinghiseverysootymovementashetoiledNeverthelessthisoldmanswasapatienthammerwieldedbyapatientarmNomurmurnoimpatiencenopetulancedidcomefromhimSilentslowandsolemnbowingoverstillfurtherhischronicallybrokenbackhetoiledawayasiftoilwerelifeitselfandtheheavybeatingofhishammertheheavybeatingofhisheartAndsoitwasMostmiserableApeculiarwalkinthisoldmanacertainslightbutpainfulappearingyawinginhisgaithadatanearlyperiodofthevoyageexcitedthecuriosityofthemarinersAndtotheimportunityoftheirpersistedquestioningshehadfinallygiveninandsoitcametopassthateveryonenowknewtheshamefulstoryofhiswretchedfateBelatedandnotinnocentlyonebitterwintersmidnightontheroadrunningbetweentwocountrytownstheblacksmithhalfstupidlyfeltthedeadlynumbnessstealingoverhimandsoughtrefugeinaleaningdilapidatedbarnTheissuewasthelossoftheextremitiesofbothfeetOutofthisrevelationpartbypartatlastcameoutthefouractsofthegladnessandtheonelongandasyetuncatastrophiedfifthactofthegriefofhislifesdramaHewasanoldmanwhoattheageofnearlysixtyhadpostponedlyencounteredthatthinginsorrowstechnicalscalledruinHehadbeenanartisanoffamedexcellenceandwithplentytodoownedahouseandgardenembracedayouthfuldaughterlikelovingwifeandthreeblitheruddychildreneverySundaywenttoacheerfullookingchurchplantedinagroveButonenightundercoverofdarknessandfurtherconcealedinamostcunningdisguisementadesperateburglarslidintohishappyhomeandrobbedthemallofeverythingAnddarkeryettotelltheblacksmithhimselfdidignorantlyconductthisburglarintohisfamilysheartItwastheBottleConjurorUpontheopeningofthatfatalcorkforthflewthefiendandshrivelleduphishomeNowforprudentmostwiseandeconomicreasonstheblacksmithsshopwasinthebasementofhisdwellingbutwithaseparateentrancetoitsothatalwayshadtheyoungandlovinghealthywifelistenedwithnounhappynervousnessbutwithvigorouspleasuretothestoutringingofheryoungarmedoldhusbandshammerwhosereverberationsmuffledbypassingthroughthefloorsandwallscameuptohernotunsweetlyinhernurseryandsotostoutLaborsironlullabytheblacksmithsinfantswererockedtoslumberOhwoeonwoeOhDeathwhycanstthounotsometimesbetimelyHadstthoutakenthisoldblacksmithtothyselferehisfullruincameuponhimthenhadtheyoungwidowhadadeliciousgriefandherorphansatrulyvenerablelegendarysiretodreamofintheirafteryearsandallofthemacarekillingcompetencyButDeathpluckeddownsomevirtuouselderbrotheronwhosewhistlingdailytoilsolelyhungtheresponsibilitiesofsomeotherfamilyandlefttheworsethanuselessoldmanstandingtillthehideousrotoflifeshouldmakehimeasiertoharvestWhytellthewholeTheblowsofthebasementhammereverydaygrewmoreandmorebetweenandeachbloweverydaygrewfainterthanthelastthewifesatfrozenatthewindowwithtearlesseyesglitteringlygazingintotheweepingfacesofherchildrenthebellowsfelltheforgechokedupwithcindersthehousewassoldthemotherdiveddownintothelongchurchyardgrassherchildrentwicefollowedherthitherandthehouselessfamilylessoldmanstaggeredoffavagabondincrapehiseverywoeunreverencedhisgreyheadascorntoflaxencurlsDeathseemstheonlydesirablesequelforacareerlikethisbutDeathisonlyalaunchingintotheregionofthestrangeUntrieditisbutthefirstsalutationtothepossibilitiesoftheimmenseRemotetheWildtheWaterytheUnshoredthereforetothedeathlongingeyesofsuchmenwhostillhaveleftinthemsomeinteriorcompunctionsagainstsuicidedoestheallcontributedandallreceptiveoceanalluringlyspreadforthhiswholeplainofunimaginabletakingterrorsandwonderfulnewlifeadventuresandfromtheheartsofinfinitePacificsthethousandmermaidssingtothemComehitherbrokenheartedhereisanotherlifewithouttheguiltofintermediatedeathherearewonderssupernaturalwithoutdyingforthemComehitherburythyselfinalifewhichtoyournowequallyabhorredandabhorringlandedworldismoreobliviousthandeathComehitherputupthygravestonetoowithinthechurchyardandcomehithertillwemarrytheeHearkeningtothesevoicesEastandWestbyearlysunriseandbyfallofevetheblacksmithssoulrespondedAyeIcomeAndsoPerthwentawhalingCHAPTER113TheForgeWithmattedbeardandswathedinabristlingsharkskinapronaboutmiddayPerthwasstandingbetweenhisforgeandanvilthelatterplaceduponanironwoodlogwithonehandholdingapikeheadinthecoalsandwiththeotherathisforgeslungswhenCaptainAhabcamealongcarryinginhishandasmallrustylookingleathernbagWhileyetalittledistancefromtheforgemoodyAhabpausedtillatlastPerthwithdrawinghisironfromthefirebeganhammeringitupontheanviltheredmasssendingoffthesparksinthickhoveringflightssomeofwhichflewclosetoAhabArethesethyMotherCareyschickensPerththeyarealwaysflyinginthywakebirdsofgoodomentoobutnottoalllookheretheyburnbutthouthoulivstamongthemwithoutascorchBecauseIamscorchedalloverCaptainAhabansweredPerthrestingforamomentonhishammerIampastscorchingnoteasilycanstthouscorchascarWellwellnomoreThyshrunkvoicesoundstoocalmlysanelywoefultomeInnoParadisemyselfIamimpatientofallmiseryinothersthatisnotmadThoushouldstgomadblacksmithsaywhydostthounotgomadHowcanstthouendurewithoutbeingmadDotheheavensyethatetheethatthoucanstnotgomadWhatwertthoumakingthereWeldinganoldpikeheadsirtherewereseamsanddentsinitAndcanstthoumakeitallsmoothagainblacksmithaftersuchhardusageasithadIthinksosirAndIsupposethoucanstsmoothealmostanyseamsanddentsnevermindhowhardthemetalblacksmithAyesirIthinkIcanallseamsanddentsbutoneLookyeherethencriedAhabpassionatelyadvancingandleaningwithbothhandsonPerthsshoulderslookyehereherecanyesmootheoutaseamlikethisblacksmithsweepingonehandacrosshisribbedbrowifthoucouldstblacksmithgladenoughwouldIlaymyheaduponthyanvilandfeelthyheaviesthammerbetweenmyeyesAnswerCanstthousmoothethisseamOhthatistheonesirSaidInotallseamsanddentsbutoneAyeblacksmithitistheoneayemanitisunsmoothableforthoughthouonlyseestithereinmyfleshithasworkeddownintotheboneofmyskullthatisallwrinklesButawaywithchildsplaynomoregaffsandpikestodayLookyeherejinglingtheleathernbagasifitwerefullofgoldcoinsItoowantaharpoonmadeonethatathousandyokeoffiendscouldnotpartPerthsomethingthatwillstickinawhalelikehisownfinboneTheresthestuffflingingthepouchupontheanvilLookyeblacksmiththesearethegatherednailstubbsofthesteelshoesofracinghorsesHorseshoestubbssirWhyCaptainAhabthouhastherethenthebestandstubborneststuffweblacksmithseverworkIknowitoldmanthesestubbswillweldtogetherlikegluefromthemeltedbonesofmurderersQuickforgemetheharpoonAndforgemefirsttwelverodsforitsshankthenwindandtwistandhammerthesetwelvetogetherliketheyarnsandstrandsofatowlineQuickIllblowthefireWhenatlastthetwelverodsweremadeAhabtriedthemonebyonebyspirallingthemwithhisownhandroundalongheavyironboltAflawrejectingthelastoneWorkthatoveragainPerthThisdonePerthwasabouttobeginweldingthetwelveintoonewhenAhabstayedhishandandsaidhewouldweldhisownironAsthenwithregulargaspinghemshehammeredontheanvilPerthpassingtohimtheglowingrodsoneaftertheotherandthehardpressedforgeshootingupitsintensestraightflametheParseepassedsilentlyandbowingoverhisheadtowardsthefireseemedinvokingsomecurseorsomeblessingonthetoilButasAhablookedupheslidasideWhatsthatbunchoflucifersdodgingaboutthereformutteredStubblookingonfromtheforecastleThatParseesmellsfirelikeafuseeandsmellsofithimselflikeahotmusketspowderpanAtlasttheshankinonecompleterodreceiveditsfinalheatandasPerthtotemperitplungeditallhissingintothecaskofwaternearbythescaldingsteamshotupintoAhabsbentfaceWouldstthoubrandmePerthwincingforamomentwiththepainhaveIbeenbutforgingmyownbrandingironthenPrayGodnotthatyetIfearsomethingCaptainAhabIsnotthisharpoonfortheWhiteWhaleForthewhitefiendButnowforthebarbsthoumustmakethemthyselfmanHerearemyrazorsthebestofsteelhereandmakethebarbssharpastheneedlesleetoftheIcySeaForamomenttheoldblacksmitheyedtherazorsasthoughhewouldfainnotusethemTakethemmanIhavenoneedforthemforInowneithershavesupnorpraytillbutheretoworkFashionedatlastintoanarrowyshapeandweldedbyPerthtotheshankthesteelsoonpointedtheendoftheironandastheblacksmithwasaboutgivingthebarbstheirfinalheatpriortotemperingthemhecriedtoAhabtoplacethewatercasknearNononowaterforthatIwantitofthetruedeathtemperAhoythereTashtegoQueequegDaggooWhatsayyepagansWillyegivemeasmuchbloodaswillcoverthisbarbholdingithighupAclusterofdarknodsrepliedYesThreepuncturesweremadeintheheathenfleshandtheWhiteWhalesbarbswerethentemperedEgononbaptizoteinnominepatrissedinnominediabolideliriouslyhowledAhabasthemalignantironscorchinglydevouredthebaptismalbloodNowmusteringthesparepolesfrombelowandselectingoneofhickorywiththebarkstillinvestingitAhabfittedtheendtothesocketoftheironAcoilofnewtowlinewasthenunwoundandsomefathomsofittakentothewindlassandstretchedtoagreattensionPressinghisfootuponittilltheropehummedlikeaharpstringtheneagerlybendingoveritandseeingnostrandingsAhabexclaimedGoodandnowfortheseizingsAtoneextremitytheropewasunstrandedandtheseparatespreadyarnswereallbraidedandwovenroundthesocketoftheharpoonthepolewasthendrivenhardupintothesocketfromthelowerendtheropewastracedhalfwayalongthepoleslengthandfirmlysecuredsowithintertwistingsoftwineThisdonepoleironandropeliketheThreeFatesremainedinseparableandAhabmoodilystalkedawaywiththeweaponthesoundofhisivorylegandthesoundofthehickorypolebothhollowlyringingalongeveryplankButereheenteredhiscabinlightunnaturalhalfbanteringyetmostpiteoussoundwasheardOhPipthywretchedlaughthyidlebutunrestingeyeallthystrangemummeriesnotunmeaninglyblendedwiththeblacktragedyofthemelancholyshipandmockeditCHAPTER114TheGilderPenetratingfurtherandfurtherintotheheartoftheJapanesecruisinggroundthePequodwassoonallastirinthefisheryOfteninmildpleasantweatherfortwelvefifteeneighteenandtwentyhoursonthestretchtheywereengagedintheboatssteadilypullingorsailingorpaddlingafterthewhalesorforaninterludeofsixtyorseventyminutescalmlyawaitingtheiruprisingthoughwithbutsmallsuccessfortheirpainsAtsuchtimesunderanabatedsunafloatalldayuponsmoothslowheavingswellsseatedinhisboatlightasabirchcanoeandsosociablymixingwiththesoftwavesthemselvesthatlikehearthstonecatstheypurragainstthegunwalethesearethetimesofdreamyquietudewhenbeholdingthetranquilbeautyandbrilliancyoftheoceansskinoneforgetsthetigerheartthatpantsbeneathitandwouldnotwillinglyrememberthatthisvelvetpawbutconcealsaremorselessfangThesearethetimeswheninhiswhaleboattheroversoftlyfeelsacertainfilialconfidentlandlikefeelingtowardstheseathatheregardsitassomuchfloweryearthandthedistantshiprevealingonlythetopsofhermastsseemsstrugglingforwardnotthroughhighrollingwavesbutthroughthetallgrassofarollingprairieaswhenthewesternemigrantshorsesonlyshowtheirerectedearswhiletheirhiddenbodieswidelywadethroughtheamazingverdureThelongdrawnvirginvalesthemildbluehillsidesasoverthesetherestealsthehushthehumyoualmostswearthatplayweariedchildrenliesleepinginthesesolitudesinsomegladMaytimewhentheflowersofthewoodsarepluckedAndallthismixeswithyourmostmysticmoodsothatfactandfancyhalfwaymeetinginterpenetrateandformoneseamlesswholeNordidsuchsoothingsceneshowevertemporaryfailofatleastastemporaryaneffectonAhabButifthesesecretgoldenkeysdidseemtoopeninhimhisownsecretgoldentreasuriesyetdidhisbreathuponthemprovebuttarnishingOhgrassygladesoheververnalendlesslandscapesinthesoulinyethoughlongparchedbythedeaddroughtoftheearthylifeinyemenyetmayrolllikeyounghorsesinnewmorningcloverandforsomefewfleetingmomentsfeelthecooldewofthelifeimmortalonthemWouldtoGodtheseblessedcalmswouldlastButthemingledminglingthreadsoflifearewovenbywarpandwoofcalmscrossedbystormsastormforeverycalmThereisnosteadyunretracingprogressinthislifewedonotadvancethroughfixedgradationsandatthelastonepausethroughinfancysunconsciousspellboyhoodsthoughtlessfaithadolescencedoubtthecommondoomthenscepticismthendisbeliefrestingatlastinmanhoodsponderingreposeofIfButoncegonethroughwetracetheroundagainandareinfantsboysandmenandIfseternallyWhereliesthefinalharborwhenceweunmoornomoreInwhatraptethersailstheworldofwhichtheweariestwillneverwearyWhereisthefoundlingsfatherhiddenOursoulsarelikethoseorphanswhoseunweddedmothersdieinbearingthemthesecretofourpaternityliesintheirgraveandwemusttheretolearnitAndthatsamedaytoogazingfardownfromhisboatssideintothatsamegoldenseaStarbucklowlymurmuredLovelinessunfathomableaseverloversawinhisyoungbrideseyeTellmenotofthyteethtieredsharksandthykidnappingcannibalwaysLetfaithoustfactletfancyoustmemoryIlookdeepdownanddobelieveAndStubbfishlikewithsparklingscalesleapedupinthatsamegoldenlightIamStubbandStubbhashishistorybuthereStubbtakesoathsthathehasalwaysbeenjollyCHAPTER115ThePequodMeetsTheBachelorAndjollyenoughwerethesightsandthesoundsthatcamebearingdownbeforethewindsomefewweeksafterAhabsharpoonhadbeenweldedItwasaNantucketshiptheBachelorwhichhadjustwedgedinherlastcaskofoilandbolteddownherburstinghatchesandnowingladholidayapparelwasjoyouslythoughsomewhatvaingloriouslysailingroundamongthewidelyseparatedshipsonthegroundprevioustopointingherprowforhomeThethreemenathermastheadworelongstreamersofnarrowredbuntingattheirhatsfromthesternawhaleboatwassuspendedbottomdownandhangingcaptivefromthebowspritwasseenthelonglowerjawofthelastwhaletheyhadslainSignalsensignsandjacksofallcolourswereflyingfromherriggingoneverysideSidewayslashedineachofherthreebasketedtopsweretwobarrelsofspermabovewhichinhertopmastcrosstreesyousawslenderbreakersofthesamepreciousfluidandnailedtohermaintruckwasabrazenlampAswasafterwardslearnedtheBachelorhadmetwiththemostsurprisingsuccessallthemorewonderfulforthatwhilecruisinginthesameseasnumerousothervesselshadgoneentiremonthswithoutsecuringasinglefishNotonlyhadbarrelsofbeefandbreadbeengivenawaytomakeroomforthefarmorevaluablespermbutadditionalsupplementalcaskshadbeenbarteredforfromtheshipsshehadmetandthesewerestowedalongthedeckandinthecaptainsandofficersstateroomsEventhecabintableitselfhadbeenknockedintokindlingwoodandthecabinmessdinedoffthebroadheadofanoilbuttlasheddowntothefloorforacentrepieceIntheforecastlethesailorshadactuallycaulkedandpitchedtheirchestsandfilledthemitwashumorouslyaddedthatthecookhadclappedaheadonhislargestboilerandfilleditthatthestewardhadpluggedhissparecoffeepotandfilleditthattheharpooneershadheadedthesocketsoftheirironsandfilledthemthatindeedeverythingwasfilledwithspermexceptthecaptainspantaloonspocketsandthosehereservedtothrusthishandsintoinselfcomplacenttestimonyofhisentiresatisfactionAsthisgladshipofgoodluckboredownuponthemoodyPequodthebarbariansoundofenormousdrumscamefromherforecastleanddrawingstillneareracrowdofhermenwereseenstandingroundherhugetrypotswhichcoveredwiththeparchmentlikepokeorstomachskinoftheblackfishgaveforthaloudroartoeverystrokeoftheclenchedhandsofthecrewOnthequarterdeckthematesandharpooneersweredancingwiththeolivehuedgirlswhohadelopedwiththemfromthePolynesianIsleswhilesuspendedinanornamentedboatfirmlysecuredaloftbetweentheforemastandmainmastthreeLongIslandnegroeswithglitteringfiddlebowsofwhaleivorywerepresidingoverthehilariousjigMeanwhileothersoftheshipscompanyweretumultuouslybusyatthemasonryofthetryworksfromwhichthehugepotshadbeenremovedYouwouldhavealmostthoughttheywerepullingdownthecursedBastillesuchwildcriestheyraisedasthenowuselessbrickandmortarwerebeinghurledintotheseaLordandmasteroverallthisscenethecaptainstooderectontheshipselevatedquarterdecksothatthewholerejoicingdramawasfullbeforehimandseemedmerelycontrivedforhisownindividualdiversionAndAhabhetoowasstandingonhisquarterdeckshaggyandblackwithastubborngloomandasthetwoshipscrossedeachotherswakesonealljubilationsforthingspassedtheotherallforebodingsastothingstocometheirtwocaptainsinthemselvesimpersonatedthewholestrikingcontrastofthesceneComeaboardcomeaboardcriedthegayBachelorscommanderliftingaglassandabottleintheairHastseentheWhiteWhalegrittedAhabinreplyNoonlyheardofhimbutdontbelieveinhimatallsaidtheothergoodhumoredlyComeaboardThouarttoodamnedjollySailonHastlostanymenNotenoughtospeakoftwoislandersthatsallbutcomeaboardoldheartycomealongIllsoontakethatblackfromyourbrowComealongwillyemerrystheplayafullshipandhomewardboundHowwondrousfamiliarisafoolmutteredAhabthenaloudThouartafullshipandhomewardboundthousaystwellthencallmeanemptyshipandoutwardboundSogothywaysandIwillmineForwardthereSetallsailandkeephertothewindAndthuswhiletheoneshipwentcheerilybeforethebreezetheotherstubbornlyfoughtagainstitandsothetwovesselspartedthecrewofthePequodlookingwithgravelingeringglancestowardstherecedingBachelorbuttheBachelorsmenneverheedingtheirgazeforthelivelyrevelrytheywereinAndasAhableaningoverthetaffraileyedthehomewardboundcrafthetookfromhispocketasmallvialofsandandthenlookingfromtheshiptothevialseemedtherebybringingtworemoteassociationstogetherforthatvialwasfilledwithNantucketsoundingsCHAPTER116TheDyingWhaleNotseldominthislifewhenontherightsidefortunesfavouritessailclosebyuswethoughalladroopbeforecatchsomewhatoftherushingbreezeandjoyfullyfeelourbaggingsailsfilloutSoseemeditwiththePequodFornextdayafterencounteringthegayBachelorwhaleswereseenandfourwereslainandoneofthembyAhabItwasfardowntheafternoonandwhenallthespearingsofthecrimsonfightweredoneandfloatinginthelovelysunsetseaandskysunandwhalebothstillydiedtogetherthensuchasweetnessandsuchplaintivenesssuchinwreathingorisonscurledupinthatrosyairthatitalmostseemedasiffaroverfromthedeepgreenconventvalleysoftheManillaislestheSpanishlandbreezewantonlyturnedsailorhadgonetoseafreightedwiththesevesperhymnsSoothedagainbutonlysoothedtodeepergloomAhabwhohadsternedofffromthewhalesatintentlywatchinghisfinalwaningsfromthenowtranquilboatForthatstrangespectacleobservableinallspermwhalesdyingtheturningsunwardsoftheheadandsoexpiringthatstrangespectaclebeheldofsuchaplacideveningsomehowtoAhabconveyedawondrousnessunknownbeforeHeturnsandturnshimtoithowslowlybuthowsteadfastlyhishomagerenderingandinvokingbrowwithhislastdyingmotionsHetooworshipsfiremostfaithfulbroadbaronialvassalofthesunOhthatthesetoofavouringeyesshouldseethesetoofavouringsightsLookherefarwaterlockedbeyondallhumofhumanwealorwoeinthesemostcandidandimpartialseaswheretotraditionsnorocksfurnishtabletswhereforlongChineseagesthebillowshavestillrolledonspeechlessandunspokentoasstarsthatshineupontheNigersunknownsourceheretoolifediessunwardsfulloffaithbutseenosoonerdeadthandeathwhirlsroundthecorpseanditheadssomeotherwayOhthoudarkHindoohalfofnaturewhoofdrownedboneshastbuildedthyseparatethronesomewhereintheheartoftheseunverduredseasthouartaninfidelthouqueenandtootrulyspeakesttomeinthewideslaughteringTyphoonandthehushedburialofitsaftercalmNorhasthisthywhalesunwardsturnedhisdyingheadandthengoneroundagainwithoutalessontomeOhtreblyhoopedandweldedhipofpowerOhhighaspiringrainbowedjetthatonestrivestthisonejettestallinvainInvainohwhaledostthouseekintercedingswithyonallquickeningsunthatonlycallsforthlifebutgivesitnotagainYetdostthoudarkerhalfrockmewithaprouderifadarkerfaithAllthyunnamableimminglingsfloatbeneathmehereIambuoyedbybreathsofoncelivingthingsexhaledasairbutwaternowThenhailforeverhailOseainwhoseeternaltossingsthewildfowlfindshisonlyrestBornofearthyetsuckledbytheseathoughhillandvalleymotheredmeyebillowsaremyfosterbrothersCHAPTER117TheWhaleWatchThefourwhalesslainthateveninghaddiedwideapartonefartowindwardonelessdistanttoleewardoneaheadoneasternTheselastthreewerebroughtalongsideerenightfallbutthewindwardonecouldnotbereachedtillmorningandtheboatthathadkilleditlaybyitssideallnightandthatboatwasAhabsThewaifpolewasthrustuprightintothedeadwhalesspoutholeandthelanternhangingfromitstopcastatroubledflickeringglareupontheblackglossybackandfaroutuponthemidnightwaveswhichgentlychafedthewhalesbroadflanklikesoftsurfuponabeachAhabandallhisboatscrewseemedasleepbuttheParseewhocrouchinginthebowsatwatchingthesharksthatspectrallyplayedroundthewhaleandtappedthelightcedarplankswiththeirtailsAsoundlikethemoaninginsquadronsoverAsphaltitesofunforgivenghostsofGomorrahranshudderingthroughtheairStartedfromhisslumbersAhabfacetofacesawtheParseeandhoopedroundbythegloomofthenighttheyseemedthelastmeninafloodedworldIhavedreameditagainsaidheOfthehearsesHaveInotsaidoldmanthatneitherhearsenorcoffincanbethineAndwhoarehearsedthatdieontheseaButIsaidoldmanthaterethoucouldstdieonthisvoyagetwohearsesmustverilybeseenbytheeontheseathefirstnotmadebymortalhandsandthevisiblewoodofthelastonemustbegrowninAmericaAyeayeastrangesightthatParseeahearseanditsplumesfloatingovertheoceanwiththewavesforthepallbearersHaSuchasightweshallnotsoonseeBelieveitornotthoucanstnotdietillitbeseenoldmanAndwhatwasthatsayingaboutthyselfThoughitcometothelastIshallstillgobeforetheethypilotAndwhenthouartsogonebeforeifthateverbefallthenereIcanfollowthoumuststillappeartometopilotmestillWasitnotsoWellthendidIbelieveallyesayohmypilotIhaveheretwopledgesthatIshallyetslayMobyDickandsurviveitTakeanotherpledgeoldmansaidtheParseeashiseyeslighteduplikefirefliesinthegloomHemponlycankilltheeThegallowsyemeanIamimmortalthenonlandandonseacriedAhabwithalaughofderisionImmortalonlandandonseaBothweresilentagainasonemanThegreydawncameonandtheslumberingcrewarosefromtheboatsbottomanderenoonthedeadwhalewasbroughttotheshipCHAPTER118TheQuadrantTheseasonfortheLineatlengthdrewnearandeverydaywhenAhabcomingfromhiscabincasthiseyesaloftthevigilanthelmsmanwouldostentatiouslyhandlehisspokesandtheeagermarinersquicklyruntothebracesandwouldstandtherewithalltheireyescentrallyfixedonthenaileddoubloonimpatientfortheordertopointtheshipsprowfortheequatorIngoodtimetheordercameItwasharduponhighnoonandAhabseatedinthebowsofhishighhoistedboatwasabouttakinghiswonteddailyobservationofthesuntodeterminehislatitudeNowinthatJapaneseseathedaysinsummerareasfreshetsofeffulgencesThatunblinkinglyvividJapanesesunseemstheblazingfocusoftheglassyoceansimmeasurableburningglassTheskylookslacqueredcloudstherearenonethehorizonfloatsandthisnakednessofunrelievedradianceisastheinsufferablesplendorsofGodsthroneWellthatAhabsquadrantwasfurnishedwithcolouredglassesthroughwhichtotakesightofthatsolarfireSoswinginghisseatedformtotherolloftheshipandwithhisastrologicallookinginstrumentplacedtohiseyeheremainedinthatpostureforsomemomentstocatchthepreciseinstantwhenthesunshouldgainitsprecisemeridianMeantimewhilehiswholeattentionwasabsorbedtheParseewaskneelingbeneathhimontheshipsdeckandwithfacethrownuplikeAhabswaseyeingthesamesunwithhimonlythelidsofhiseyeshalfhoodedtheirorbsandhiswildfacewassubduedtoanearthlypassionlessnessAtlengththedesiredobservationwastakenandwithhispenciluponhisivorylegAhabsooncalculatedwhathislatitudemustbeatthatpreciseinstantThenfallingintoamomentsreveryheagainlookeduptowardsthesunandmurmuredtohimselfThouseamarkthouhighandmightyPilotthoutellestmetrulywhereIambutcanstthoucasttheleasthintwhereIshallbeOrcanstthoutellwheresomeotherthingbesidesmeisthismomentlivingWhereisMobyDickThisinstantthoumustbeeyeinghimTheseeyesofminelookintotheveryeyethatisevennowbeholdinghimayeandintotheeyethatisevennowequallybeholdingtheobjectsontheunknownthithersideoftheethousunThengazingathisquadrantandhandlingoneaftertheotheritsnumerouscabalisticalcontrivancesheponderedagainandmutteredFoolishtoybabiesplaythingofhaughtyAdmiralsandCommodoresandCaptainstheworldbragsoftheeofthycunningandmightbutwhatafterallcanstthoudobuttellthepoorpitifulpointwherethouthyselfhappenesttobeonthiswideplanetandthehandthatholdstheenonotonejotmoreThoucanstnottellwhereonedropofwateroronegrainofsandwillbetomorrownoonandyetwiththyimpotencethouinsultestthesunScienceCursetheethouvaintoyandcursedbeallthethingsthatcastmanseyesalofttothatheavenwhoselivevividnessbutscorcheshimastheseoldeyesareevennowscorchedwiththylightOsunLevelbynaturetothisearthshorizonaretheglancesofmanseyesnotshotfromthecrownofhisheadasifGodhadmeanthimtogazeonhisfirmamentCursetheethouquadrantdashingittothedecknolongerwillIguidemyearthlywaybytheethelevelshipscompassandtheleveldeadreckoningbylogandbylinetheseshallconductmeandshowmemyplaceontheseaAyelightingfromtheboattothedeckthusItrampleontheethoupaltrythingthatfeeblypointestonhighthusIsplitanddestroytheeAsthefranticoldmanthusspokeandthustrampledwithhisliveanddeadfeetasneeringtriumphthatseemedmeantforAhabandafatalisticdespairthatseemedmeantforhimselfthesepassedoverthemutemotionlessParseesfaceUnobservedheroseandglidedawaywhileawestruckbytheaspectoftheircommandertheseamenclusteredtogetherontheforecastletillAhabtroubledlypacingthedeckshoutedoutTothebracesUphelmsquareinInaninstanttheyardsswungroundandastheshiphalfwheeleduponherheelherthreefirmseatedgracefulmastserectlypoiseduponherlongribbedhullseemedasthethreeHoratiipirouettingononesufficientsteedStandingbetweentheknightheadsStarbuckwatchedthePequodstumultuouswayandAhabsalsoashewentlurchingalongthedeckIhavesatbeforethedensecoalfireandwatcheditallaglowfullofitstormentedflaminglifeandIhaveseenitwaneatlastdowndowntodumbestdustOldmanofoceansofallthisfierylifeofthinewhatwillatlengthremainbutonelittleheapofashesAyecriedStubbbutseacoalashesmindyethatMrStarbuckseacoalnotyourcommoncharcoalWellwellIheardAhabmutterHeresomeonethruststhesecardsintotheseoldhandsofmineswearsthatImustplaythemandnoothersAnddamnmeAhabbutthouactestrightliveinthegameanddieinitCHAPTER119TheCandlesWarmestclimesbutnursethecruellestfangsthetigerofBengalcrouchesinspicedgrovesofceaselessverdureSkiesthemosteffulgentbutbasketthedeadliestthundersgorgeousCubaknowstornadoesthatneverswepttamenorthernlandsSotooitisthatintheseresplendentJapaneseseasthemarinerencountersthedirestofallstormstheTyphoonItwillsometimesburstfromoutthatcloudlessskylikeanexplodingbombuponadazedandsleepytownTowardseveningofthatdaythePequodwastornofhercanvasandbarepoledwaslefttofightaTyphoonwhichhadstruckherdirectlyaheadWhendarknesscameonskyandsearoaredandsplitwiththethunderandblazedwiththelightningthatshowedthedisabledmastsflutteringhereandtherewiththeragswhichthefirstfuryofthetempesthadleftforitsaftersportHoldingbyashroudStarbuckwasstandingonthequarterdeckateveryflashofthelightningglancingalofttoseewhatadditionaldisastermighthavebefallentheintricatehampertherewhileStubbandFlaskweredirectingthemeninthehigherhoistingandfirmerlashingoftheboatsButalltheirpainsseemednaughtThoughliftedtotheverytopofthecranesthewindwardquarterboatAhabsdidnotescapeAgreatrollingseadashinghighupagainstthereelingshipshighteeteringsidestoveintheboatsbottomatthesternandleftitagainalldrippingthroughlikeasieveBadworkbadworkMrStarbucksaidStubbregardingthewreckbuttheseawillhaveitswayStubbforonecantfightitYouseeMrStarbuckawavehassuchagreatlongstartbeforeitleapsallroundtheworlditrunsandthencomesthespringButasformeallthestartIhavetomeetitisjustacrossthedeckhereButneverminditsallinfunsotheoldsongsayssingsOhjollyisthegaleAndajokeristhewhaleAflourishinhistailSuchafunnysportygamyjestyjokyhokypokyladistheOceanohThescudallaflyinThatshisfliponlyfoaminWhenhestirsinthespicinSuchafunnysportygamyjestyjokyhokypokyladistheOceanohThundersplitstheshipsButheonlysmackshislipsAtastinofthisflipSuchafunnysportygamyjestyjokyhokypokyladistheOceanohAvastStubbcriedStarbucklettheTyphoonsingandstrikehisharphereinourriggingbutifthouartabravemanthouwiltholdthypeaceButIamnotabravemanneversaidIwasabravemanIamacowardandIsingtokeepupmyspiritsAndItellyouwhatitisMrStarbucktheresnowaytostopmysinginginthisworldbuttocutmythroatAndwhenthatsdonetentooneIsingyethedoxologyforawindupMadmanlookthroughmyeyesifthouhastnoneofthineownWhathowcanyouseebetterofadarknightthananybodyelsenevermindhowfoolishHerecriedStarbuckseizingStubbbytheshoulderandpointinghishandtowardstheweatherbowmarkestthounotthatthegalecomesfromtheeastwardtheverycourseAhabistorunforMobyDicktheverycourseheswungtothisdaynoonnowmarkhisboattherewhereisthatstoveInthesternsheetsmanwhereheiswonttostandhisstandpointisstovemanNowjumpoverboardandsingawayifthoumustIdonthalfunderstandyewhatsinthewindYesyesroundtheCapeofGoodHopeistheshortestwaytoNantucketsoliloquizedStarbucksuddenlyheedlessofStubbsquestionThegalethatnowhammersatustostaveuswecanturnitintoafairwindthatwilldriveustowardshomeYondertowindwardallisblacknessofdoombuttoleewardhomewardIseeitlightensuptherebutnotwiththelightningAtthatmomentinoneoftheintervalsofprofounddarknessfollowingtheflashesavoicewasheardathissideandalmostatthesameinstantavolleyofthunderpealsrolledoverheadWhosthereOldThundersaidAhabgropinghiswayalongthebulwarkstohispivotholebutsuddenlyfindinghispathmadeplaintohimbyelbowedlancesoffireNowasthelightningrodtoaspireonshoreisintendedtocarryofftheperilousfluidintothesoilsothekindredrodwhichatseasomeshipscarrytoeachmastisintendedtoconductitintothewaterButasthisconductormustdescendtoconsiderabledepththatitsendmayavoidallcontactwiththehullandasmoreoverifkeptconstantlytowingthereitwouldbeliabletomanymishapsbesidesinterferingnotalittlewithsomeoftheriggingandmoreorlessimpedingthevesselswayinthewaterbecauseofallthisthelowerpartsofashipslightningrodsarenotalwaysoverboardbutaregenerallymadeinlongslenderlinkssoastobethemorereadilyhauledupintothechainsoutsideorthrowndownintotheseaasoccasionmayrequireTherodstherodscriedStarbucktothecrewsuddenlyadmonishedtovigilancebythevividlightningthathadjustbeendartingflambeauxtolightAhabtohispostAretheyoverboarddropthemoverforeandaftQuickAvastcriedAhabletshavefairplayherethoughwebetheweakersideYetIllcontributetoraiserodsontheHimmalehsandAndesthatalltheworldmaybesecuredbutoutonprivilegesLetthembesirLookaloftcriedStarbuckThecorpusantsthecorpusantsAlltheyardarmsweretippedwithapallidfireandtouchedateachtripointedlightningrodendwiththreetaperingwhiteflameseachofthethreetallmastswassilentlyburninginthatsulphurousairlikethreegiganticwaxtapersbeforeanaltarBlasttheboatletitgocriedStubbatthisinstantasaswashingseaheavedupunderhisownlittlecraftsothatitsgunwaleviolentlyjammedhishandashewaspassingalashingBlastitbutslippingbackwardonthedeckhisupliftedeyescaughttheflamesandimmediatelyshiftinghistonehecriedThecorpusantshavemercyonusallTosailorsoathsarehouseholdwordstheywillswearinthetranceofthecalmandintheteethofthetempesttheywillimprecatecursesfromthetopsailyardarmswhenmosttheyteeterovertoaseethingseabutinallmyvoyagingsseldomhaveIheardacommonoathwhenGodsburningfingerhasbeenlaidontheshipwhenHisMeneMeneTekelUpharsinhasbeenwovenintotheshroudsandthecordageWhilethispallidnesswasburningaloftfewwordswereheardfromtheenchantedcrewwhoinonethickclusterstoodontheforecastlealltheireyesgleaminginthatpalephosphorescencelikeafarawayconstellationofstarsRelievedagainsttheghostlylightthegiganticjetnegroDaggooloomeduptothricehisrealstatureandseemedtheblackcloudfromwhichthethunderhadcomeThepartedmouthofTashtegorevealedhissharkwhiteteethwhichstrangelygleamedasiftheytoohadbeentippedbycorpusantswhilelitupbythepreternaturallightQueequegstattooingburnedlikeSatanicblueflamesonhisbodyThetableauallwanedatlastwiththepallidnessaloftandoncemorethePequodandeverysoulonherdeckswerewrappedinapallAmomentortwopassedwhenStarbuckgoingforwardpushedagainstsomeoneItwasStubbWhatthinkestthounowmanIheardthycryitwasnotthesameinthesongNonoitwasntIsaidthecorpusantshavemercyonusallandIhopetheywillstillButdotheyonlyhavemercyonlongfaceshavetheynobowelsforalaughAndlookyeMrStarbuckbutitstoodarktolookHearmethenItakethatmastheadflamewesawforasignofgoodluckforthosemastsarerootedinaholdthatisgoingtobechockablockwithspermoildyeseeandsoallthatspermwillworkupintothemastslikesapinatreeYesourthreemastswillyetbeasthreespermaceticandlesthatsthegoodpromisewesawAtthatmomentStarbuckcaughtsightofStubbsfaceslowlybeginningtoglimmerintosightGlancingupwardshecriedSeeseeandoncemorethehightaperingflameswerebeheldwithwhatseemedredoubledsupernaturalnessintheirpallorThecorpusantshavemercyonusallcriedStubbagainAtthebaseofthemainmastfullbeneaththedoubloonandtheflametheParseewaskneelinginAhabsfrontbutwithhisheadbowedawayfromhimwhilenearbyfromthearchedandoverhangingriggingwheretheyhadjustbeenengagedsecuringasparanumberoftheseamenarrestedbytheglarenowcoheredtogetherandhungpendulouslikeaknotofnumbedwaspsfromadroopingorchardtwigInvariousenchantedattitudeslikethestandingorsteppingorrunningskeletonsinHerculaneumothersremainedrootedtothedeckbutalltheireyesupcastAyeayemencriedAhabLookupatitmarkitwellthewhiteflamebutlightsthewaytotheWhiteWhaleHandmethosemainmastlinksthereIwouldfainfeelthispulseandletminebeatagainstitbloodagainstfireSoThenturningthelastlinkheldfastinhislefthandheputhisfootupontheParseeandwithfixedupwardeyeandhighflungrightarmhestooderectbeforetheloftytripointedtrinityofflamesOhthouclearspiritofclearfirewhomontheseseasIasPersianoncedidworshiptillinthesacramentalactsoburnedbytheethattothishourIbearthescarInowknowtheethouclearspiritandInowknowthatthyrightworshipisdefianceToneitherlovenorreverencewiltthoubekindandeenforhatethoucanstbutkillandallarekilledNofearlessfoolnowfrontstheeIownthyspeechlessplacelesspowerbuttothelastgaspofmyearthquakelifewilldisputeitsunconditionalunintegralmasteryinmeInthemidstofthepersonifiedimpersonalapersonalitystandshereThoughbutapointatbestwhencesoeerIcamewheresoeerIgoyetwhileIearthlylivethequeenlypersonalitylivesinmeandfeelsherroyalrightsButwarispainandhateiswoeComeinthylowestformofloveandIwillkneelandkisstheebutatthyhighestcomeasmeresupernalpowerandthoughthoulaunchestnaviesoffullfreightedworldstheresthatinherethatstillremainsindifferentOhthouclearspiritofthyfirethoumadestmeandlikeatruechildoffireIbreatheitbacktotheeSuddenrepeatedflashesoflightningthenineflamesleaplengthwisetothricetheirpreviousheightAhabwiththerestcloseshiseyeshisrighthandpressedharduponthemIownthyspeechlessplacelesspowersaidInotsoNorwasitwrungfrommenordoInowdroptheselinksThoucanstblindbutIcanthengropeThoucanstconsumebutIcanthenbeashesTakethehomageofthesepooreyesandshutterhandsIwouldnottakeitThelightningflashesthroughmyskullmineeyeballsacheandachemywholebeatenbrainseemsasbeheadedandrollingonsomestunninggroundOhohYetblindfoldyetwillItalktotheeLightthoughthoubethouleapestoutofdarknessbutIamdarknessleapingoutoflightleapingoutoftheeThejavelinsceaseopeneyesseeornotThereburntheflamesOhthoumagnanimousnowIdogloryinmygenealogyButthouartbutmyfieryfathermysweetmotherIknownotOhcruelwhathastthoudonewithherThereliesmypuzzlebutthineisgreaterThouknowestnothowcameyehencecallestthyselfunbegottencertainlyknowestnotthybeginninghencecallestthyselfunbegunIknowthatofmewhichthouknowestnotofthyselfohthouomnipotentThereissomeunsuffusingthingbeyondtheethouclearspirittowhomallthyeternityisbuttimeallthycreativenessmechanicalThroughtheethyflamingselfmyscorchedeyesdodimlyseeitOhthoufoundlingfirethouhermitimmemorialthoutoohastthyincommunicableriddlethyunparticipatedgriefHereagainwithhaughtyagonyIreadmysireLeapleapupandlicktheskyIleapwiththeeIburnwiththeewouldfainbeweldedwiththeedefyinglyIworshiptheeTheboattheboatcriedStarbucklookatthyboatoldmanAhabsharpoontheoneforgedatPerthsfireremainedfirmlylashedinitsconspicuouscrotchsothatitprojectedbeyondhiswhaleboatsbowbuttheseathathadstoveitsbottomhadcausedthelooseleathersheathtodropoffandfromthekeensteelbarbtherenowcamealevelledflameofpaleforkedfireAsthesilentharpoonburnedtherelikeaserpentstongueStarbuckgraspedAhabbythearmGodGodisagainsttheeoldmanforbeartisanillvoyageillbegunillcontinuedletmesquaretheyardswhilewemayoldmanandmakeafairwindofithomewardstogoonabettervoyagethanthisOverhearingStarbuckthepanicstrickencrewinstantlyrantothebracesthoughnotasailwasleftaloftForthemomentalltheaghastmatesthoughtsseemedtheirstheyraisedahalfmutinouscryButdashingtherattlinglightninglinkstothedeckandsnatchingtheburningharpoonAhabwaveditlikeatorchamongthemswearingtotransfixwithitthefirstsailorthatbutcastloosearopesendPetrifiedbyhisaspectandstillmoreshrinkingfromthefierydartthatheheldthemenfellbackindismayandAhabagainspokeAllyouroathstohunttheWhiteWhaleareasbindingasmineandheartsoulandbodylungsandlifeoldAhabisboundAndthatyemayknowtowhattunethisheartbeatslookyeherethusIblowoutthelastfearAndwithoneblastofhisbreathheextinguishedtheflameAsinthehurricanethatsweepstheplainmenflytheneighborhoodofsomelonegiganticelmwhoseveryheightandstrengthbutrenderitsomuchthemoreunsafebecausesomuchthemoreamarkforthunderboltssoatthoselastwordsofAhabsmanyofthemarinersdidrunfromhiminaterrorofdismayCHAPTER120TheDeckTowardstheEndoftheFirstNightWatchAhabstandingbythehelmStarbuckapproachinghimWemustsenddownthemaintopsailyardsirThebandisworkinglooseandtheleeliftishalfstrandedShallIstrikeitsirStrikenothinglashitIfIhadskysailpolesIdswaythemupnowSirinGodsnamesirWellTheanchorsareworkingsirShallIgettheminboardStrikenothingandstirnothingbutlasheverythingThewindrisesbutithasnotgotuptomytablelandsyetQuickandseetoitBymastsandkeelshetakesmeforthehunchbackedskipperofsomecoastingsmackSenddownmymaintopsailyardHogluepotsLoftiesttrucksweremadeforwildestwindsandthisbraintruckofminenowsailsamidthecloudscudShallIstrikethatOhnonebutcowardssenddowntheirbraintrucksintempesttimeWhatahoorooshaloftthereIwouldeentakeitforsublimedidInotknowthatthecolicisanoisymaladyOhtakemedicinetakemedicineCHAPTER121MidnightTheForecastleBulwarksStubbandFlaskmountedonthemandpassingadditionallashingsovertheanchorstherehangingNoStubbyoumaypoundthatknotthereasmuchasyoupleasebutyouwillneverpoundintomewhatyouwerejustnowsayingAndhowlongagoisitsinceyousaidtheverycontraryDidntyouoncesaythatwhatevershipAhabsailsinthatshipshouldpaysomethingextraonitsinsurancepolicyjustasthoughitwereloadedwithpowderbarrelsaftandboxesoflucifersforwardStopnowdidntyousaysoWellsupposeIdidWhatthenIvepartchangedmyfleshsincethattimewhynotmymindBesidessupposingweareloadedwithpowderbarrelsaftandlucifersforwardhowthedevilcouldthelucifersgetafireinthisdrenchingsprayhereWhymylittlemanyouhaveprettyredhairbutyoucouldntgetafirenowShakeyourselfyoureAquariusorthewaterbearerFlaskmightfillpitchersatyourcoatcollarDontyouseethenthatfortheseextrariskstheMarineInsurancecompanieshaveextraguaranteesHerearehydrantsFlaskButharkagainandIllansweryetheotherthingFirsttakeyourlegofffromthecrownoftheanchorherethoughsoIcanpasstheropenowlistenWhatsthemightydifferencebetweenholdingamastslightningrodinthestormandstandingclosebyamastthathasntgotanylightningrodatallinastormDontyouseeyoutimberheadthatnoharmcancometotheholderoftherodunlessthemastisfirststruckWhatareyoutalkingaboutthenNotoneshipinahundredcarriesrodsandAhabayemanandallofuswereinnomoredangertheninmypooropinionthanallthecrewsintenthousandshipsnowsailingtheseasWhyyouKingPostyouIsupposeyouwouldhaveeverymanintheworldgoaboutwithasmalllightningrodrunningupthecornerofhishatlikeamilitiaofficersskeweredfeatherandtrailingbehindlikehissashWhydontyebesensibleFlaskitseasytobesensiblewhydontyethenanymanwithhalfaneyecanbesensibleIdontknowthatStubbYousometimesfinditratherhardYeswhenafellowssoakedthroughitshardtobesensiblethatsafactAndIamaboutdrenchedwiththissprayNevermindcatchtheturnthereandpassitSeemstomewearelashingdowntheseanchorsnowasiftheywerenevergoingtobeusedagainTyingthesetwoanchorshereFlaskseemsliketyingamanshandsbehindhimAndwhatbiggeneroushandstheyaretobesureTheseareyourironfistsheyWhataholdtheyhavetooIwonderFlaskwhethertheworldisanchoredanywhereifsheissheswingswithanuncommonlongcablethoughTherehammerthatknotdownandwevedoneSonexttotouchinglandlightingondeckisthemostsatisfactoryIsayjustwringoutmyjacketskirtswillyeThankyeTheylaughatlongtogssoFlaskbutseemstomealongtailedcoatoughtalwaystobeworninallstormsafloatThetailstaperingdownthatwayservetocarryoffthewaterdyeseeSamewithcockedhatsthecocksformgableendeavetroughsFlaskNomoremonkeyjacketsandtarpaulinsformeImustmountaswallowtailanddrivedownabeaversoHalloawhewtheregoesmytarpaulinoverboardLordLordthatthewindsthatcomefromheavenshouldbesounmannerlyThisisanastynightladCHAPTER122MidnightAloftThunderandLightningThemaintopsailyardTashtegopassingnewlashingsarounditUmumumStopthatthunderPlentytoomuchthunderuphereWhatstheuseofthunderUmumumWedontwantthunderwewantrumgiveusaglassofrumUmumumCHAPTER123TheMusketDuringthemostviolentshocksoftheTyphoonthemanatthePequodsjawbonetillerhadseveraltimesbeenreelinglyhurledtothedeckbyitsspasmodicmotionseventhoughpreventertackleshadbeenattachedtoitfortheywereslackbecausesomeplaytothetillerwasindispensableInaseveregalelikethiswhiletheshipisbutatossedshuttlecocktotheblastitisbynomeansuncommontoseetheneedlesinthecompassesatintervalsgoroundandroundItwasthuswiththePequodsatalmosteveryshockthehelmsmanhadnotfailedtonoticethewhirlingvelocitywithwhichtheyrevolveduponthecardsitisasightthathardlyanyonecanbeholdwithoutsomesortofunwontedemotionSomehoursaftermidnighttheTyphoonabatedsomuchthatthroughthestrenuousexertionsofStarbuckandStubboneengagedforwardandtheotherafttheshiveredremnantsofthejibandforeandmaintopsailswerecutadriftfromthesparsandwenteddyingawaytoleewardlikethefeathersofanalbatrosswhichsometimesarecasttothewindswhenthatstormtossedbirdisonthewingThethreecorrespondingnewsailswerenowbentandreefedandastormtrysailwassetfurtheraftsothattheshipsoonwentthroughthewaterwithsomeprecisionagainandthecourseforthepresentEastsoutheastwhichhewastosteerifpracticablewasoncemoregiventothehelmsmanForduringtheviolenceofthegalehehadonlysteeredaccordingtoitsvicissitudesButashewasnowbringingtheshipasnearhercourseaspossiblewatchingthecompassmeanwhileloagoodsignthewindseemedcomingroundasternayethefoulbreezebecamefairInstantlytheyardsweresquaredtothelivelysongofHothefairwindohyehocheerlymenthecrewsingingforjoythatsopromisinganeventshouldsosoonhavefalsifiedtheevilportentsprecedingitIncompliancewiththestandingorderofhiscommandertoreportimmediatelyandatanyoneofthetwentyfourhoursanydecidedchangeintheaffairsofthedeckStarbuckhadnosoonertrimmedtheyardstothebreezehoweverreluctantlyandgloomilythanhemechanicallywentbelowtoappriseCaptainAhabofthecircumstanceEreknockingathisstateroomheinvoluntarilypausedbeforeitamomentThecabinlamptakinglongswingsthiswayandthatwasburningfitfullyandcastingfitfulshadowsupontheoldmansbolteddoorathinonewithfixedblindsinsertedinplaceofupperpanelsTheisolatedsubterraneousnessofthecabinmadeacertainhummingsilencetoreigntherethoughitwashoopedroundbyalltheroaroftheelementsTheloadedmusketsintherackwereshininglyrevealedastheystooduprightagainsttheforwardbulkheadStarbuckwasanhonestuprightmanbutoutofStarbucksheartatthatinstantwhenhesawthemusketstherestrangelyevolvedanevilthoughtbutsoblentwithitsneutralorgoodaccompanimentsthatfortheinstanthehardlyknewitforitselfHewouldhaveshotmeoncehemurmuredyestherestheverymusketthathepointedatmethatonewiththestuddedstockletmetouchitliftitStrangethatIwhohavehandledsomanydeadlylancesstrangethatIshouldshakesonowLoadedImustseeAyeayeandpowderinthepanthatsnotgoodBestspillitwaitIllcuremyselfofthisIllholdthemusketboldlywhileIthinkIcometoreportafairwindtohimButhowfairFairfordeathanddoomthatsfairforMobyDickItsafairwindthatsonlyfairforthataccursedfishTheverytubehepointedatmetheveryonethisoneIholditherehewouldhavekilledmewiththeverythingIhandlenowAyeandhewouldfainkillallhiscrewDoeshenotsayhewillnotstrikehissparstoanygaleHashenotdashedhisheavenlyquadrantandinthesesameperilousseasgropeshenothiswaybymeredeadreckoningoftheerroraboundinglogandinthisveryTyphoondidhenotswearthathewouldhavenolightningrodsButshallthiscrazedoldmanbetamelysufferedtodragawholeshipscompanydowntodoomwithhimYesitwouldmakehimthewilfulmurdererofthirtymenandmoreifthisshipcometoanydeadlyharmandcometodeadlyharmmysoulswearsthisshipwillifAhabhavehiswayIfthenhewerethisinstantputasidethatcrimewouldnotbehisHaishemutteringinhissleepYesjustthereintherehessleepingSleepingayebutstillaliveandsoonawakeagainIcantwithstandtheethenoldmanNotreasoningnotremonstrancenotentreatywiltthouhearkentoallthisthouscornestFlatobediencetothyownflatcommandsthisisallthoubreathestAyeandsaystthemenhavevowdthyvowsaystallofusareAhabsGreatGodforbidButistherenootherwaynolawfulwayMakehimaprisonertobetakenhomeWhathopetowrestthisoldmanslivingpowerfromhisownlivinghandsOnlyafoolwouldtryitSayhewerepinionedevenknottedalloverwithropesandhawserschaineddowntoringboltsonthiscabinfloorhewouldbemorehideousthanacagedtigerthenIcouldnotendurethesightcouldnotpossiblyflyhishowlingsallcomfortsleepitselfinestimablereasonwouldleavemeonthelongintolerablevoyageWhatthenremainsThelandishundredsofleaguesawayandlockedJapanthenearestIstandalonehereuponanopenseawithtwooceansandawholecontinentbetweenmeandlawAyeayetissoIsheavenamurdererwhenitslightningstrikesawouldbemurdererinhisbedtinderingsheetsandskintogetherAndwouldIbeamurdererthenifandslowlystealthilyandhalfsidewayslookingheplacedtheloadedmusketsendagainstthedoorOnthislevelAhabshammockswingswithinhisheadthiswayAtouchandStarbuckmaysurvivetohughiswifeandchildagainOhMaryMaryboyboyboyButifIwaketheenottodeatholdmanwhocantelltowhatunsoundeddeepsStarbucksbodythisdayweekmaysinkwithallthecrewGreatGodwhereartThouShallIshallIThewindhasgonedownandshiftedsirtheforeandmaintopsailsarereefedandsetsheheadshercourseSternallOhMobyDickIclutchthyheartatlastSuchwerethesoundsthatnowcamehurtlingfromouttheoldmanstormentedsleepasifStarbucksvoicehadcausedthelongdumbdreamtospeakTheyetlevelledmusketshooklikeadrunkardsarmagainstthepanelStarbuckseemedwrestlingwithanangelbutturningfromthedoorheplacedthedeathtubeinitsrackandlefttheplaceHestoosoundasleepMrStubbgothoudownandwakehimandtellhimImustseetothedeckhereThouknowstwhattosayCHAPTER124TheNeedleNextmorningthenotyetsubsidedsearolledinlongslowbillowsofmightybulkandstrivinginthePequodsgurglingtrackpushedheronlikegiantspalmsoutspreadThestrongunstaggeringbreezeaboundedsothatskyandairseemedvastoutbellyingsailsthewholeworldboomedbeforethewindMuffledinthefullmorninglighttheinvisiblesunwasonlyknownbythespreadintensityofhisplacewherehisbayonetraysmovedoninstacksEmblazoningsasofcrownedBabyloniankingsandqueensreignedovereverythingTheseawasasacrucibleofmoltengoldthatbubblinglyleapswithlightandheatLongmaintaininganenchantedsilenceAhabstoodapartandeverytimetheteteringshiploweringlypitcheddownherbowspritheturnedtoeyethebrightsunsraysproducedaheadandwhensheprofoundlysettledbythesternheturnedbehindandsawthesunsrearwardplaceandhowthesameyellowrayswereblendingwithhisundeviatingwakeHahamyshipthoumightestwellbetakennowfortheseachariotofthesunHohoallyenationsbeforemyprowIbringthesuntoyeYokeonthefurtherbillowshalloatandemIdrivetheseaButsuddenlyreinedbackbysomecounterthoughthehurriedtowardsthehelmhuskilydemandinghowtheshipwasheadingEastsoueastsirsaidthefrightenedsteersmanThouliestsmitinghimwithhisclenchedfistHeadingEastatthishourinthemorningandthesunasternUponthiseverysoulwasconfoundedforthephenomenonjustthenobservedbyAhabhadunaccountablyescapedeveryoneelsebutitsveryblindingpalpablenessmusthavebeenthecauseThrustinghisheadhalfwayintothebinnacleAhabcaughtoneglimpseofthecompasseshisupliftedarmslowlyfellforamomenthealmostseemedtostaggerStandingbehindhimStarbucklookedandlothetwocompassespointedEastandthePequodwasasinfalliblygoingWestButerethefirstwildalarmcouldgetoutabroadamongthecrewtheoldmanwitharigidlaughexclaimedIhaveitIthashappenedbeforeMrStarbucklastnightsthunderturnedourcompassesthatsallThouhastbeforenowheardofsuchathingItakeitAyebutneverbeforehasithappenedtomesirsaidthepalemategloomilyHereitmustneedsbesaidthataccidentslikethishaveinmorethanonecaseoccurredtoshipsinviolentstormsThemagneticenergyasdevelopedinthemarinersneedleisasallknowessentiallyonewiththeelectricitybeheldinheavenhenceitisnottobemuchmarvelledatthatsuchthingsshouldbeInstanceswherethelightninghasactuallystruckthevesselsoastosmitedownsomeofthesparsandriggingtheeffectupontheneedlehasattimesbeenstillmorefatalallitsloadstonevirtuebeingannihilatedsothatthebeforemagneticsteelwasofnomoreusethananoldwifesknittingneedleButineithercasetheneedleneveragainofitselfrecoverstheoriginalvirtuethusmarredorlostandifthebinnaclecompassesbeaffectedthesamefatereachesalltheothersthatmaybeintheshipevenwerethelowermostoneinsertedintothekelsonDeliberatelystandingbeforethebinnacleandeyeingthetranspointedcompassestheoldmanwiththesharpofhisextendedhandnowtooktheprecisebearingofthesunandsatisfiedthattheneedleswereexactlyinvertedshoutedouthisordersfortheshipscoursetobechangedaccordinglyTheyardswerehardupandoncemorethePequodthrustherundauntedbowsintotheopposingwindforthesupposedfaironehadonlybeenjugglingherMeanwhilewhateverwerehisownsecretthoughtsStarbucksaidnothingbutquietlyheissuedallrequisiteorderswhileStubbandFlaskwhoinsomesmalldegreeseemedthentobesharinghisfeelingslikewiseunmurmuringlyacquiescedAsforthementhoughsomeofthemlowlyrumbledtheirfearofAhabwasgreaterthantheirfearofFateButaseverbeforethepaganharpooneersremainedalmostwhollyunimpressedorifimpresseditwasonlywithacertainmagnetismshotintotheircongenialheartsfrominflexibleAhabsForaspacetheoldmanwalkedthedeckinrollingreveriesButchancingtoslipwithhisivoryheelhesawthecrushedcoppersighttubesofthequadranthehadthedaybeforedashedtothedeckThoupoorproudheavengazerandsunspilotyesterdayIwreckedtheeandtodaythecompasseswouldfainhavewreckedmeSosoButAhabislordoverthelevelloadstoneyetMrStarbuckalancewithoutapoleatopmaulandthesmallestofthesailmakersneedlesQuickAccessoryperhapstotheimpulsedictatingthethinghewasnowabouttodowerecertainprudentialmotiveswhoseobjectmighthavebeentorevivethespiritsofhiscrewbyastrokeofhissubtileskillinamattersowondrousasthatoftheinvertedcompassesBesidestheoldmanwellknewthattosteerbytranspointedneedlesthoughclumsilypracticablewasnotathingtobepassedoverbysuperstitioussailorswithoutsomeshudderingsandevilportentsMensaidhesteadilyturninguponthecrewasthematehandedhimthethingshehaddemandedmymenthethunderturnedoldAhabsneedlesbutoutofthisbitofsteelAhabcanmakeoneofhisownthatwillpointastrueasanyAbashedglancesofservilewonderwereexchangedbythesailorsasthiswassaidandwithfascinatedeyestheyawaitedwhatevermagicmightfollowButStarbucklookedawayWithablowfromthetopmaulAhabknockedoffthesteelheadofthelanceandthenhandingtothematethelongironrodremainingbadehimholdituprightwithoutitstouchingthedeckThenwiththemaulafterrepeatedlysmitingtheupperendofthisironrodheplacedthebluntedneedleendwiseonthetopofitandlessstronglyhammeredthatseveraltimesthematestillholdingtherodasbeforeThengoingthroughsomesmallstrangemotionswithitwhetherindispensabletothemagnetizingofthesteelormerelyintendedtoaugmenttheaweofthecrewisuncertainhecalledforlinenthreadandmovingtothebinnacleslippedoutthetworeversedneedlesthereandhorizontallysuspendedthesailneedlebyitsmiddleoveroneofthecompasscardsAtfirstthesteelwentroundandroundquiveringandvibratingateitherendbutatlastitsettledtoitsplacewhenAhabwhohadbeenintentlywatchingforthisresultsteppedfranklybackfromthebinnacleandpointinghisstretchedarmtowardsitexclaimedLookyeforyourselvesifAhabbenotlordofthelevelloadstoneThesunisEastandthatcompassswearsitOneafteranothertheypeeredinfornothingbuttheirowneyescouldpersuadesuchignoranceastheirsandoneafteranothertheyslunkawayInhisfieryeyesofscornandtriumphyouthensawAhabinallhisfatalprideCHAPTER125TheLogandLineWhilenowthefatedPequodhadbeensolongafloatthisvoyagethelogandlinehadbutveryseldombeeninuseOwingtoaconfidentrelianceuponothermeansofdeterminingthevesselsplacesomemerchantmenandmanywhalemenespeciallywhencruisingwhollyneglecttoheavethelogthoughatthesametimeandfrequentlymoreforformssakethananythingelseregularlyputtingdownuponthecustomaryslatethecoursesteeredbytheshipaswellasthepresumedaveragerateofprogressioneveryhourIthadbeenthuswiththePequodThewoodenreelandangularlogattachedhunglonguntouchedjustbeneaththerailingoftheafterbulwarksRainsandsprayhaddampeditsunandwindhadwarpeditalltheelementshadcombinedtorotathingthathungsoidlyButheedlessofallthishismoodseizedAhabashehappenedtoglanceuponthereelnotmanyhoursafterthemagnetsceneandherememberedhowhisquadrantwasnomoreandrecalledhisfranticoathaboutthelevellogandlineTheshipwassailingplunginglyasternthebillowsrolledinriotsForwardthereHeavethelogTwoseamencameThegoldenhuedTahitianandthegrizzlyManxmanTakethereeloneofyeIllheaveTheywenttowardstheextremesternontheshipsleesidewherethedeckwiththeobliqueenergyofthewindwasnowalmostdippingintothecreamysidelongrushingseaTheManxmantookthereelandholdingithighupbytheprojectinghandleendsofthespindleroundwhichthespooloflinerevolvedsostoodwiththeangularloghangingdownwardstillAhabadvancedtohimAhabstoodbeforehimandwaslightlyunwindingsomethirtyorfortyturnstoformapreliminaryhandcoiltotossoverboardwhentheoldManxmanwhowasintentlyeyeingbothhimandthelinemadeboldtospeakSirImistrustitthislinelooksfargonelongheatandwethavespoileditTwillholdoldgentlemanLongheatandwethavetheyspoiledtheeThouseemsttoholdOrtruerperhapslifeholdstheenotthouitIholdthespoolsirButjustasmycaptainsaysWiththesegreyhairsofminetisnotworthwhiledisputingspeciallywithasuperiorwhollneerconfessWhatsthatTherenowsapatchedprofessorinQueenNaturesgranitefoundedCollegebutmethinkshestoosubservientWherewertthoubornInthelittlerockyIsleofMansirExcellentThousthittheworldbythatIknownotsirbutIwasbornthereIntheIsleofManheyWelltheotherwayitsgoodHeresamanfromManamanborninonceindependentManandnowunmannedofManwhichissuckedinbywhatUpwiththereelThedeadblindwallbuttsallinquiringheadsatlastUpwithitSoThelogwasheavedTheloosecoilsrapidlystraightenedoutinalongdragginglineasternandtheninstantlythereelbegantowhirlInturnjerkinglyraisedandloweredbytherollingbillowsthetowingresistanceofthelogcausedtheoldreelmantostaggerstrangelyHoldhardSnaptheoverstrainedlinesaggeddowninonelongfestoonthetugginglogwasgoneIcrushthequadrantthethunderturnstheneedlesandnowthemadseapartstheloglineButAhabcanmendallHaulinhereTahitianreelupManxmanAndlookyeletthecarpentermakeanotherlogandmendthouthelineSeetoitTherehegoesnowtohimnothingshappenedbuttometheskewerseemslooseningoutofthemiddleoftheworldHaulinhaulinTahitianTheselinesrunwholeandwhirlingoutcomeinbrokenanddraggingslowHaPipcometohelpehPipPipwhomcallyePipPipjumpedfromthewhaleboatPipsmissingLetsseenowifyehaventfishedhimupherefishermanItdragshardIguesshesholdingonJerkhimTahitiJerkhimoffwehaulinnocowardshereHothereshisarmjustbreakingwaterAhatchetahatchetcutitoffwehaulinnocowardshereCaptainAhabsirsirheresPiptryingtogetonboardagainPeacethoucrazylooncriedtheManxmanseizinghimbythearmAwayfromthequarterdeckThegreateridioteverscoldsthelessermutteredAhabadvancingHandsofffromthatholinessWheresayestthouPipwasboyAsterntheresirasternLoloAndwhoartthouboyIseenotmyreflectioninthevacantpupilsofthyeyesOhGodthatmanshouldbeathingforimmortalsoulstosievethroughWhoartthouboyBellboysirshipscrierdingdongdingPipPipPipOnehundredpoundsofclayrewardforPipfivefeethighlookscowardlyquickestknownbythatDingdongdingWhosseenPipthecowardTherecanbenoheartsabovethesnowlineOhyefrozenheavenslookdownhereYedidbegetthislucklesschildandhaveabandonedhimyecreativelibertinesHereboyAhabscabinshallbePipshomehenceforthwhileAhablivesThoutouchestmyinmostcentreboythouarttiedtomebycordswovenofmyheartstringsComeletsdownWhatsthisheresvelvetsharkskinintentlygazingatAhabshandandfeelingitAhnowhadpoorPipbutfeltsokindathingasthisperhapshehadneerbeenlostThisseemstomesirasamanropesomethingthatweaksoulsmayholdbyOhsirletoldPerthnowcomeandrivetthesetwohandstogethertheblackonewiththewhiteforIwillnotletthisgoOhboynorwillItheeunlessIshouldtherebydragtheetoworsehorrorsthanarehereComethentomycabinLoyebelieversingodsallgoodnessandinmanallillloyouseetheomniscientgodsobliviousofsufferingmanandmanthoughidioticandknowingnotwhathedoesyetfullofthesweetthingsofloveandgratitudeComeIfeelprouderleadingtheebythyblackhandthanthoughIgraspedanEmperorsTheregotwodaftonesnowmutteredtheoldManxmanOnedaftwithstrengththeotherdaftwithweaknessButherestheendoftherottenlinealldrippingtooMenditehIthinkwehadbesthaveanewlinealtogetherIllseeMrStubbaboutitCHAPTER126TheLifeBuoySteeringnowsoutheastwardbyAhabslevelledsteelandherprogresssolelydeterminedbyAhabslevellogandlinethePequodheldonherpathtowardstheEquatorMakingsolongapassagethroughsuchunfrequentedwatersdescryingnoshipsanderelongsidewaysimpelledbyunvaryingtradewindsoverwavesmonotonouslymildalltheseseemedthestrangecalmthingspreludingsomeriotousanddesperatesceneAtlastwhentheshipdrewneartotheoutskirtsasitwereoftheEquatorialfishinggroundandinthedeepdarknessthatgoesbeforethedawnwassailingbyaclusterofrockyisletsthewatchthenheadedbyFlaskwasstartledbyacrysoplaintivelywildandunearthlylikehalfarticulatedwailingsoftheghostsofallHerodsmurderedInnocentsthatoneandalltheystartedfromtheirreveriesandforthespaceofsomemomentsstoodorsatorleanedalltransfixedlylisteninglikethecarvedRomanslavewhilethatwildcryremainedwithinhearingTheChristianorcivilizedpartofthecrewsaiditwasmermaidsandshudderedbutthepaganharpooneersremainedunappalledYetthegreyManxmantheoldestmarinerofalldeclaredthatthewildthrillingsoundsthatwereheardwerethevoicesofnewlydrownedmenintheseaBelowinhishammockAhabdidnothearofthistillgreydawnwhenhecametothedeckitwasthenrecountedtohimbyFlasknotunaccompaniedwithhinteddarkmeaningsHehollowlylaughedandthusexplainedthewonderThoserockyislandstheshiphadpassedweretheresortofgreatnumbersofsealsandsomeyoungsealsthathadlosttheirdamsorsomedamsthathadlosttheircubsmusthaverisennightheshipandkeptcompanywithhercryingandsobbingwiththeirhumansortofwailButthisonlythemoreaffectedsomeofthembecausemostmarinerscherishaverysuperstitiousfeelingaboutsealsarisingnotonlyfromtheirpeculiartoneswhenindistressbutalsofromthehumanlookoftheirroundheadsandsemiintelligentfacesseenpeeringlyuprisingfromthewateralongsideIntheseaundercertaincircumstancessealshavemorethanoncebeenmistakenformenButthebodingsofthecrewweredestinedtoreceiveamostplausibleconfirmationinthefateofoneoftheirnumberthatmorningAtsunrisethismanwentfromhishammocktohismastheadattheforeandwhetheritwasthathewasnotyethalfwakedfromhissleepforsailorssometimesgoaloftinatransitionstatewhetheritwasthuswiththemanthereisnownotellingbutbethatasitmayhehadnotbeenlongathisperchwhenacrywasheardacryandarushingandlookinguptheysawafallingphantomintheairandlookingdownalittletossedheapofwhitebubblesintheblueoftheseaThelifebuoyalongslendercaskwasdroppedfromthesternwhereitalwayshungobedienttoacunningspringbutnohandrosetoseizeitandthesunhavinglongbeatuponthiscaskithadshrunkensothatitslowlyfilledandthatparchedwoodalsofilledatitseveryporeandthestuddedironboundcaskfollowedthesailortothebottomasiftoyieldhimhispillowthoughinsoothbutahardoneAndthusthefirstmanofthePequodthatmountedthemasttolookoutfortheWhiteWhaleontheWhiteWhalesownpeculiargroundthatmanwasswallowedupinthedeepButfewperhapsthoughtofthatatthetimeIndeedinsomesorttheywerenotgrievedatthiseventatleastasaportentfortheyregardeditnotasaforeshadowingofevilinthefuturebutasthefulfilmentofanevilalreadypresagedTheydeclaredthatnowtheyknewthereasonofthosewildshriekstheyhadheardthenightbeforeButagaintheoldManxmansaidnayThelostlifebuoywasnowtobereplacedStarbuckwasdirectedtoseetoitbutasnocaskofsufficientlightnesscouldbefoundandasinthefeverisheagernessofwhatseemedtheapproachingcrisisofthevoyageallhandswereimpatientofanytoilbutwhatwasdirectlyconnectedwithitsfinalendwhateverthatmightprovetobethereforetheyweregoingtoleavetheshipssternunprovidedwithabuoywhenbycertainstrangesignsandinuendoesQueequeghintedahintconcerninghiscoffinAlifebuoyofacoffincriedStarbuckstartingRatherqueerthatIshouldsaysaidStubbItwillmakeagoodenoughonesaidFlaskthecarpenterherecanarrangeiteasilyBringituptheresnothingelseforitsaidStarbuckafteramelancholypauseRigitcarpenterdonotlookatmesothecoffinImeanDostthouhearmeRigitAndshallInaildownthelidsirmovinghishandaswithahammerAyeAndshallIcaulktheseamssirmovinghishandaswithacaulkingironAyeAndshallIthenpayoverthesamewithpitchsirmovinghishandaswithapitchpotAwaywhatpossessestheetothisMakealifebuoyofthecoffinandnomoreMrStubbMrFlaskcomeforwardwithmeHegoesoffinahuffThewholehecanendureatthepartshebaulksNowIdontlikethisImakealegforCaptainAhabandhewearsitlikeagentlemanbutImakeabandboxforQueequegandhewontputhisheadintoitAreallmypainstogofornothingwiththatcoffinAndnowImorderedtomakealifebuoyofitItsliketurninganoldcoatgoingtobringthefleshontheothersidenowIdontlikethiscobblingsortofbusinessIdontlikeitatallitsundignifieditsnotmyplaceLettinkersbratsdotinkeringswearetheirbettersIliketotakeinhandnonebutcleanvirginfairandsquaremathematicaljobssomethingthatregularlybeginsatthebeginningandisatthemiddlewhenmidwayandcomestoanendattheconclusionnotacobblersjobthatsatanendinthemiddleandatthebeginningattheendItstheoldwomanstrickstobegivingcobblingjobsLordwhatanaffectionalloldwomenhavefortinkersIknowanoldwomanofsixtyfivewhoranawaywithabaldheadedyoungtinkeronceAndthatsthereasonIneverwouldworkforlonelywidowoldwomenashorewhenIkeptmyjobshopintheVineyardtheymighthavetakenitintotheirlonelyoldheadstorunoffwithmeButheighhotherearenocapsatseabutsnowcapsLetmeseeNaildownthelidcaulktheseamspayoverthesamewithpitchbattenthemdowntightandhangitwiththesnapspringovertheshipssternWereeversuchthingsdonebeforewithacoffinSomesuperstitiousoldcarpentersnowwouldbetiedupintheriggingeretheywoulddothejobButImmadeofknottyAroostookhemlockIdontbudgeCrupperedwithacoffinSailingaboutwithagraveyardtrayButnevermindWeworkersinwoodsmakebridalbedsteadsandcardtablesaswellascoffinsandhearsesWeworkbythemonthorbythejoborbytheprofitnotforustoaskthewhyandwhereforeofourworkunlessitbetooconfoundedcobblingandthenwestashitifwecanHemIlldothejobnowtenderlyIllhavemeletsseehowmanyintheshipscompanyalltoldButIveforgottenAnywayIllhavemethirtyseparateTurksheadedlifelineseachthreefeetlonghangingallroundtothecoffinThenifthehullgodowntherellbethirtylivelyfellowsallfightingforonecoffinasightnotseenveryoftenbeneaththesunComehammercaulkingironpitchpotandmarlingspikeLetstoitCHAPTER127TheDeckThecoffinlaidupontwolinetubsbetweenthevicebenchandtheopenhatchwaytheCarpentercaulkingitsseamsthestringoftwistedoakumslowlyunwindingfromalargerollofitplacedinthebosomofhisfrockAhabcomesslowlyfromthecabingangwayandhearsPipfollowinghimBackladIwillbewithyeagainpresentlyHegoesNotthishandcomplieswithmyhumormoregeniallythanthatboyMiddleaisleofachurchWhatshereLifebuoysirMrStarbucksordersOhlooksirBewarethehatchwayThankyemanThycoffinlieshandytothevaultSirThehatchwayohSoitdoessirsoitdoesArtnotthouthelegmakerLookdidnotthisstumpcomefromthyshopIbelieveitdidsirdoestheferrulestandsirWellenoughButartthounotalsotheundertakerAyesirIpatchedupthisthinghereasacoffinforQueequegbuttheyvesetmenowtoturningitintosomethingelseThentellmeartthounotanarrantallgraspingintermeddlingmonopolisingheathenisholdscamptobeonedaymakinglegsandthenextdaycoffinstoclaptheminandyetagainlifebuoysoutofthosesamecoffinsThouartasunprincipledasthegodsandasmuchofajackofalltradesButIdonotmeananythingsirIdoasIdoThegodsagainHarkyedostthounoteversingworkingaboutacoffinTheTitanstheysayhummedsnatcheswhenchippingoutthecratersforvolcanoesandthegravediggerintheplaysingsspadeinhandDostthouneverSingsirDoIsingOhImindifferentenoughsirforthatbutthereasonwhythegravediggermademusicmusthavebeenbecausetherewasnoneinhisspadesirButthecaulkingmalletisfullofitHarktoitAyeandthatsbecausethelidtheresasoundingboardandwhatinallthingsmakesthesoundingboardisthistheresnaughtbeneathAndyetacoffinwithabodyinitringsprettymuchthesameCarpenterHastthoueverhelpedcarryabierandheardthecoffinknockagainstthechurchyardgategoinginFaithsirIveFaithWhatsthatWhyfaithsiritsonlyasortofexclamationlikethatsallsirUmumgoonIwasabouttosaysirthatArtthouasilkwormDostthouspinthyownshroudoutofthyselfLookatthybosomDespatchandgetthesetrapsoutofsightHegoesaftThatwassuddennowbutsquallscomesuddeninhotlatitudesIveheardthattheIsleofAlbemarleoneoftheGallipagosiscutbytheEquatorrightinthemiddleSeemstomesomesortofEquatorcutsyonoldmantoorightinhismiddleHesalwaysundertheLinefieryhotItellyeHeslookingthiswaycomeoakumquickHerewegoagainThiswoodenmalletisthecorkandImtheprofessorofmusicalglassestaptapAhabtohimselfTheresasightTheresasoundThegreyheadedwoodpeckertappingthehollowtreeBlindanddumbmightwellbeenviednowSeethatthingrestsontwolinetubsfulloftowlinesAmostmaliciouswagthatfellowRattatSomanssecondstickOhhowimmaterialareallmaterialsWhatthingsrealaretherebutimponderablethoughtsHerenowstheverydreadedsymbolofgrimdeathbyamerehapmadetheexpressivesignofthehelpandhopeofmostendangeredlifeAlifebuoyofacoffinDoesitgofurtherCanitbethatinsomespiritualsensethecoffinisafterallbutanimmortalitypreserverIllthinkofthatButnoSofargoneamIinthedarksideofearththatitsothersidethetheoreticbrightoneseemsbutuncertaintwilighttomeWillyeneverhavedoneCarpenterwiththataccursedsoundIgobelowletmenotseethatthingherewhenIreturnagainNowthenPipwelltalkthisoverIdosuckmostwondrousphilosophiesfromtheeSomeunknownconduitsfromtheunknownworldsmustemptyintotheeCHAPTER128ThePequodMeetsTheRachelNextdayalargeshiptheRachelwasdescriedbearingdirectlydownuponthePequodallhersparsthicklyclusteringwithmenAtthetimethePequodwasmakinggoodspeedthroughthewaterbutasthebroadwingedwindwardstrangershotnightohertheboastfulsailsallfelltogetherasblankbladdersthatareburstandalllifefledfromthesmittenhullBadnewsshebringsbadnewsmutteredtheoldManxmanButerehercommanderwhowithtrumpettomouthstoodupinhisboaterehecouldhopefullyhailAhabsvoicewasheardHastseentheWhiteWhaleAyeyesterdayHaveyeseenawhaleboatadriftThrottlinghisjoyAhabnegativelyansweredthisunexpectedquestionandwouldthenhavefainboardedthestrangerwhenthestrangercaptainhimselfhavingstoppedhisvesselswaywasseendescendinghersideAfewkeenpullsandhisboathooksoonclinchedthePequodsmainchainsandhesprangtothedeckImmediatelyhewasrecognisedbyAhabforaNantucketerheknewButnoformalsalutationwasexchangedWherewashenotkillednotkilledcriedAhabcloselyadvancingHowwasitItseemedthatsomewhatlateontheafternoonofthedaypreviouswhilethreeofthestrangersboatswereengagedwithashoalofwhaleswhichhadledthemsomefourorfivemilesfromtheshipandwhiletheywereyetinswiftchasetowindwardthewhitehumpandheadofMobyDickhadsuddenlyloomedupoutofthewaternotveryfartoleewardwhereuponthefourthriggedboatareservedonehadbeeninstantlyloweredinchaseAfterakeensailbeforethewindthisfourthboattheswiftestkeeledofallseemedtohavesucceededinfasteningatleastaswellasthemanatthemastheadcouldtellanythingaboutitInthedistancehesawthediminisheddottedboatandthenaswiftgleamofbubblingwhitewaterandafterthatnothingmorewhenceitwasconcludedthatthestrickenwhalemusthaveindefinitelyrunawaywithhispursuersasoftenhappensTherewassomeapprehensionbutnopositivealarmasyetTherecallsignalswereplacedintheriggingdarknesscameonandforcedtopickupherthreefartowindwardboatseregoinginquestofthefourthoneinthepreciselyoppositedirectiontheshiphadnotonlybeennecessitatedtoleavethatboattoitsfatetillnearmidnightbutforthetimetoincreaseherdistancefromitButtherestofhercrewbeingatlastsafeaboardshecrowdedallsailstunsailonstunsailafterthemissingboatkindlingafireinhertrypotsforabeaconandeveryothermanaloftonthelookoutButthoughwhenshehadthussailedasufficientdistancetogainthepresumedplaceoftheabsentoneswhenlastseenthoughshethenpausedtolowerherspareboatstopullallaroundherandnotfindinganythinghadagaindashedonagainpausedandloweredherboatsandthoughshehadthuscontinueddoingtilldaylightyetnottheleastglimpseofthemissingkeelhadbeenseenThestorytoldthestrangerCaptainimmediatelywentontorevealhisobjectinboardingthePequodHedesiredthatshiptounitewithhisowninthesearchbysailingovertheseasomefourorfivemilesapartonparallellinesandsosweepingadoublehorizonasitwereIwillwagersomethingnowwhisperedStubbtoFlaskthatsomeoneinthatmissingboatworeoffthatCaptainsbestcoatmayhaphiswatchhessocursedanxioustogetitbackWhoeverheardoftwopiouswhaleshipscruisingafteronemissingwhaleboatintheheightofthewhalingseasonSeeFlaskonlyseehowpalehelookspaleintheverybuttonsofhiseyeslookitwasntthecoatitmusthavebeentheMyboymyownboyisamongthemForGodssakeIbegIconjurehereexclaimedthestrangerCaptaintoAhabwhothusfarhadbuticilyreceivedhispetitionForeightandfortyhoursletmecharteryourshipIwillgladlypayforitandroundlypayforitiftherebenootherwayforeightandfortyhoursonlyonlythatyoumustohyoumustandyoushalldothisthingHissoncriedStubbohitshissonheslostItakebackthecoatandwatchwhatsaysAhabWemustsavethatboyHesdrownedwiththerestonemlastnightsaidtheoldManxsailorstandingbehindthemIheardallofyeheardtheirspiritsNowasitshortlyturnedoutwhatmadethisincidentoftheRachelsthemoremelancholywasthecircumstancethatnotonlywasoneoftheCaptainssonsamongthenumberofthemissingboatscrewbutamongthenumberoftheotherboatscrewsatthesametimebutontheotherhandseparatedfromtheshipduringthedarkvicissitudesofthechasetherehadbeenstillanothersonasthatforatimethewretchedfatherwasplungedtothebottomofthecruellestperplexitywhichwasonlysolvedforhimbyhischiefmatesinstinctivelyadoptingtheordinaryprocedureofawhaleshipinsuchemergenciesthatiswhenplacedbetweenjeopardizedbutdividedboatsalwaystopickupthemajorityfirstButthecaptainforsomeunknownconstitutionalreasonhadrefrainedfrommentioningallthisandnottillforcedtoitbyAhabsicinessdidhealludetohisoneyetmissingboyalittleladbuttwelveyearsoldwhosefatherwiththeearnestbutunmisgivinghardihoodofaNantucketerspaternallovehadthusearlysoughttoinitiatehimintheperilsandwondersofavocationalmostimmemoriallythedestinyofallhisraceNordoesitunfrequentlyoccurthatNantucketcaptainswillsendasonofsuchtenderageawayfromthemforaprotractedthreeorfouryearsvoyageinsomeothershipthantheirownsothattheirfirstknowledgeofawhalemanscareershallbeunenervatedbyanychancedisplayofafathersnaturalbutuntimelypartialityorundueapprehensivenessandconcernMeantimenowthestrangerwasstillbeseechinghispoorboonofAhabandAhabstillstoodlikeananvilreceivingeveryshockbutwithouttheleastquiveringofhisownIwillnotgosaidthestrangertillyousayayetomeDotomeasyouwouldhavemedotoyouinthelikecaseForyoutoohaveaboyCaptainAhabthoughbutachildandnestlingsafelyathomenowachildofyouroldagetooYesyesyourelentIseeitrunrunmennowandstandbytosquareintheyardsAvastcriedAhabtouchnotaropeyarntheninavoicethatprolonginglymouldedeverywordCaptainGardinerIwillnotdoitEvennowIlosetimeGoodbyegoodbyeGodblessyemanandmayIforgivemyselfbutImustgoMrStarbucklookatthebinnaclewatchandinthreeminutesfromthispresentinstantwarnoffallstrangersthenbraceforwardagainandlettheshipsailasbeforeHurriedlyturningwithavertedfacehedescendedintohiscabinleavingthestrangecaptaintransfixedatthisunconditionalandutterrejectionofhissoearnestsuitButstartingfromhisenchantmentGardinersilentlyhurriedtothesidemorefellthansteppedintohisboatandreturnedtohisshipSoonthetwoshipsdivergedtheirwakesandlongasthestrangevesselwasinviewshewasseentoyawhitherandthitherateverydarkspothoweversmallontheseaThiswayandthatheryardswereswungroundstarboardandlarboardshecontinuedtotacknowshebeatagainstaheadseaandagainitpushedherbeforeitwhileallthewhilehermastsandyardswerethicklyclusteredwithmenasthreetallcherrytreeswhentheboysarecherryingamongtheboughsButbyherstillhaltingcourseandwindingwoefulwayyouplainlysawthatthisshipthatsoweptwithspraystillremainedwithoutcomfortShewasRachelweepingforherchildrenbecausetheywerenotCHAPTER129TheCabinAhabmovingtogoondeckPipcatcheshimbythehandtofollowLadladItelltheethoumustnotfollowAhabnowThehouriscomingwhenAhabwouldnotscaretheefromhimyetwouldnothavetheebyhimThereisthatintheepoorladwhichIfeeltoocuringtomymaladyLikecureslikeandforthishuntmymaladybecomesmymostdesiredhealthDothouabidebelowherewheretheyshallservetheeasifthouwertthecaptainAyeladthoushaltsithereinmyownscrewedchairanotherscrewtoitthoumustbeNononoyehavenotawholebodysirdoyebutusepoormeforyouronelostlegonlytreaduponmesirIasknomoresoIremainapartofyeOhspiteofmillionvillainsthismakesmeabigotinthefadelessfidelityofmanandablackandcrazybutmethinkslikecureslikeappliestohimtoohegrowssosaneagainTheytellmesirthatStubbdidoncedesertpoorlittlePipwhosedrownedbonesnowshowwhiteforalltheblacknessofhislivingskinButIwillneverdesertyesirasStubbdidhimSirImustgowithyeIfthouspeakestthustomemuchmoreAhabspurposekeelsupinhimItelltheenoitcannotbeOhgoodmastermastermasterWeepsoandIwillmurdertheehaveacareforAhabtooismadListenandthouwiltoftenhearmyivoryfootuponthedeckandstillknowthatIamthereAndnowIquittheeThyhandMetTrueartthouladasthecircumferencetoitscentreSoGodforeverblesstheeandifitcometothatGodforeversavetheeletwhatwillbefallAhabgoesPipstepsonestepforwardHerehethisinstantstoodIstandinhisairbutImaloneNowwereevenpoorPiphereIcouldendureitbuthesmissingPipPipDingdongdingWhosseenPipHemustbeuphereletstrythedoorWhatneitherlocknorboltnorbarandyettheresnoopeningitItmustbethespellhetoldmetostayhereAyeandtoldmethisscrewedchairwasmineHerethenIllseatmeagainstthetransomintheshipsfullmiddleallherkeelandherthreemastsbeforemeHereouroldsailorssayintheirblackseventyfoursgreatadmiralssometimessitattableandlorditoverrowsofcaptainsandlieutenantsHawhatsthisepauletsepauletstheepauletsallcomecrowdingPassroundthedecantersgladtoseeyefillupmonsieursWhatanoddfeelingnowwhenablackboyshosttowhitemenwithgoldlaceupontheircoatsMonsieurshaveyeseenonePipalittlenegroladfivefeethighhangdoglookandcowardlyJumpedfromawhaleboatonceseenhimNoWellthenfillupagaincaptainsandletsdrinkshameuponallcowardsInamenonamesShameuponthemPutonefootuponthetableShameuponallcowardsHistabovethereIhearivoryOhmastermasterIamindeeddownheartedwhenyouwalkovermeButhereIllstaythoughthissternstrikesrocksandtheybulgethroughandoysterscometojoinmeCHAPTER130TheHatAndnowthatatthepropertimeandplaceaftersolongandwideapreliminarycruiseAhaballotherwhalingwaterssweptseemedtohavechasedhisfoeintoanoceanfoldtoslayhimthemoresecurelytherenowthathefoundhimselfhardbytheverylatitudeandlongitudewherehistormentingwoundhadbeeninflictednowthatavesselhadbeenspokenwhichontheverydayprecedinghadactuallyencounteredMobyDickandnowthatallhissuccessivemeetingswithvariousshipscontrastinglyconcurredtoshowthedemoniacindifferencewithwhichthewhitewhaletorehishunterswhethersinningorsinnedagainstnowitwasthattherelurkedasomethingintheoldmanseyeswhichitwashardlysufferableforfeeblesoulstoseeAstheunsettingpolarstarwhichthroughthelivelongarcticsixmonthsnightsustainsitspiercingsteadycentralgazesoAhabspurposenowfixedlygleameddownupontheconstantmidnightofthegloomycrewItdomineeredabovethemsothatalltheirbodingsdoubtsmisgivingsfearswerefaintohidebeneaththeirsoulsandnotsproutforthasinglespearorleafInthisforeshadowingintervaltooallhumorforcedornaturalvanishedStubbnomorestrovetoraiseasmileStarbucknomorestrovetocheckoneAlikejoyandsorrowhopeandfearseemedgroundtofinestdustandpowderedforthetimeintheclampedmortarofAhabsironsoulLikemachinestheydumblymovedaboutthedeckeverconsciousthattheoldmansdespoteyewasonthemButdidyoudeeplyscanhiminhismoresecretconfidentialhourswhenhethoughtnoglancebutonewasonhimthenyouwouldhaveseenthatevenasAhabseyessoawedthecrewstheinscrutableParseesglanceawedhisorsomehowatleastinsomewildwayattimesaffecteditSuchanaddedglidingstrangenessbegantoinvestthethinFedallahnowsuchceaselessshudderingsshookhimthatthemenlookeddubiousathimhalfuncertainasitseemedwhetherindeedhewereamortalsubstanceorelseatremulousshadowcastuponthedeckbysomeunseenbeingsbodyAndthatshadowwasalwayshoveringthereFornotbynightevenhadFedallahevercertainlybeenknowntoslumberorgobelowHewouldstandstillforhoursbutneversatorleanedhiswanbutwondrouseyesdidplainlysayWetwowatchmenneverrestNoratanytimebynightordaycouldthemarinersnowstepuponthedeckunlessAhabwasbeforethemeitherstandinginhispivotholeorexactlypacingtheplanksbetweentwoundeviatinglimitsthemainmastandthemizenorelsetheysawhimstandinginthecabinscuttlehislivingfootadvanceduponthedeckasiftostephishatslouchedheavilyoverhiseyessothathowevermotionlesshestoodhoweverthedaysandnightswereaddedonthathehadnotswunginhishammockyethiddenbeneaththatslouchinghattheycouldnevertellunerringlywhetherforallthishiseyeswerereallyclosedattimesorwhetherhewasstillintentlyscanningthemnomatterthoughhestoodsointhescuttleforawholehouronthestretchandtheunheedednightdampgatheredinbeadsofdewuponthatstonecarvedcoatandhatTheclothesthatthenighthadwetthenextdayssunshinedrieduponhimandsodayafterdayandnightafternighthewentnomorebeneaththeplankswhateverhewantedfromthecabinthatthinghesentforHeateinthesameopenairthatishistwoonlymealsbreakfastanddinnersupperhenevertouchednorreapedhisbeardwhichdarklygrewallgnarledasunearthedrootsoftreesblownoverwhichstillgrowidlyonatnakedbasethoughperishedintheupperverdureButthoughhiswholelifewasnowbecomeonewatchondeckandthoughtheParseesmysticwatchwaswithoutintermissionashisownyetthesetwoneverseemedtospeakonemantotheotherunlessatlongintervalssomepassingunmomentousmattermadeitnecessaryThoughsuchapotentspellseemedsecretlytojointhetwainopenlyandtotheawestruckcrewtheyseemedpolelikeasunderIfbydaytheychancedtospeakonewordbynightdumbmenwerebothsofarasconcernedtheslightestverbalinterchangeAttimesforlongesthourswithoutasinglehailtheystoodfarpartedinthestarlightAhabinhisscuttletheParseebythemainmastbutstillfixedlygazinguponeachotherasifintheParseeAhabsawhisforethrownshadowinAhabtheParseehisabandonedsubstanceAndyetsomehowdidAhabinhisownproperselfasdailyhourlyandeveryinstantcommandinglyrevealedtohissubordinatesAhabseemedanindependentlordtheParseebuthisslaveStillagainbothseemedyokedtogetherandanunseentyrantdrivingthemtheleanshadesidingthesolidribForbethisParseewhathemayallribandkeelwassolidAhabAtthefirstfaintestglimmeringofthedawnhisironvoicewasheardfromaftManthemastheadsandallthroughthedaytillaftersunsetandaftertwilightthesamevoiceeveryhouratthestrikingofthehelmsmansbellwasheardWhatdyeseesharpsharpButwhenthreeorfourdayshadslidedbyaftermeetingthechildrenseekingRachelandnospouthadyetbeenseenthemonomaniacoldmanseemeddistrustfulofhiscrewsfidelityatleastofnearlyallexceptthePaganharpooneersheseemedtodoubtevenwhetherStubbandFlaskmightnotwillinglyoverlookthesighthesoughtButifthesesuspicionswerereallyhishesagaciouslyrefrainedfromverballyexpressingthemhoweverhisactionsmightseemtohintthemIwillhavethefirstsightofthewhalemyselfhesaidAyeAhabmusthavethedoubloonandwithhisownhandsheriggedanestofbasketedbowlinesandsendingahandaloftwithasinglesheavedblocktosecuretothemainmastheadhereceivedthetwoendsofthedownwardreevedropeandattachingonetohisbasketpreparedapinfortheotherendinordertofastenitattherailThisdonewiththatendyetinhishandandstandingbesidethepinhelookedrounduponhiscrewsweepingfromonetotheotherpausinghisglancelonguponDaggooQueequegTashtegobutshunningFedallahandthensettlinghisfirmrelyingeyeuponthechiefmatesaidTaketheropesirIgiveitintothyhandsStarbuckThenarranginghispersoninthebaskethegavethewordforthemtohoisthimtohisperchStarbuckbeingtheonewhosecuredtheropeatlastandafterwardsstoodnearitAndthuswithonehandclingingroundtheroyalmastAhabgazedabroadupontheseaformilesandmilesaheadasternthissideandthatwithinthewideexpandedcirclecommandedatsogreataheightWheninworkingwithhishandsatsomeloftyalmostisolatedplaceintheriggingwhichchancestoaffordnofootholdthesailoratseaishoisteduptothatspotandsustainedtherebytheropeunderthesecircumstancesitsfastenedendondeckisalwaysgiveninstrictchargetosomeonemanwhohasthespecialwatchofitBecauseinsuchawildernessofrunningriggingwhosevariousdifferentrelationsaloftcannotalwaysbeinfalliblydiscernedbywhatisseenofthematthedeckandwhenthedeckendsoftheseropesarebeingeveryfewminutescastdownfromthefasteningsitwouldbebutanaturalfatalityifunprovidedwithaconstantwatchmanthehoistedsailorshouldbysomecarelessnessofthecrewbecastadriftandfallallswoopingtotheseaSoAhabsproceedingsinthismatterwerenotunusualtheonlystrangethingaboutthemseemedtobethatStarbuckalmosttheoneonlymanwhohadeverventuredtoopposehimwithanythingintheslightestdegreeapproachingtodecisiononeofthosetoowhosefaithfulnessonthelookouthehadseemedtodoubtsomewhatitwasstrangethatthiswastheverymanheshouldselectforhiswatchmanfreelygivinghiswholelifeintosuchanotherwisedistrustedpersonshandsNowthefirsttimeAhabwasperchedalofterehehadbeentheretenminutesoneofthoseredbilledsavageseahawkswhichsooftenflyincommodiouslycloseroundthemannedmastheadsofwhalemenintheselatitudesoneofthesebirdscamewheelingandscreamingroundhisheadinamazeofuntrackablyswiftcirclingsThenitdartedathousandfeetstraightupintotheairthenspiralizeddownwardsandwenteddyingagainroundhisheadButwithhisgazefixeduponthedimanddistanthorizonAhabseemednottomarkthiswildbirdnorindeedwouldanyoneelsehavemarkeditmuchitbeingnouncommoncircumstanceonlynowalmosttheleastheedfuleyeseemedtoseesomesortofcunningmeaninginalmosteverysightYourhatyourhatsirsuddenlycriedtheSicilianseamanwhobeingpostedatthemizenmastheadstooddirectlybehindAhabthoughsomewhatlowerthanhislevelandwithadeepgulfofairdividingthemButalreadythesablewingwasbeforetheoldmanseyesthelonghookedbillathisheadwithascreamtheblackhawkdartedawaywithhisprizeAneagleflewthriceroundTarquinsheadremovinghiscaptoreplaceitandthereuponTanaquilhiswifedeclaredthatTarquinwouldbekingofRomeButonlybythereplacingofthecapwasthatomenaccountedgoodAhabshatwasneverrestoredthewildhawkflewonandonwithitfarinadvanceoftheprowandatlastdisappearedwhilefromthepointofthatdisappearanceaminuteblackspotwasdimlydiscernedfallingfromthatvastheightintotheseaCHAPTER131ThePequodMeetsTheDelightTheintensePequodsailedontherollingwavesanddayswentbythelifebuoycoffinstilllightlyswungandanothershipmostmiserablymisnamedtheDelightwasdescriedAsshedrewnighalleyeswerefixeduponherbroadbeamscalledshearswhichinsomewhalingshipscrossthequarterdeckattheheightofeightorninefeetservingtocarrythespareunriggedordisabledboatsUponthestrangersshearswerebeheldtheshatteredwhiteribsandsomefewsplinteredplanksofwhathadoncebeenawhaleboatbutyounowsawthroughthiswreckasplainlyasyouseethroughthepeeledhalfunhingedandbleachingskeletonofahorseHastseentheWhiteWhaleLookrepliedthehollowcheekedcaptainfromhistaffrailandwithhistrumpethepointedtothewreckHastkilledhimTheharpoonisnotyetforgedthateverwilldothatansweredtheothersadlyglancinguponaroundedhammockonthedeckwhosegatheredsidessomenoiselesssailorswerebusyinsewingtogetherNotforgedandsnatchingPerthslevelledironfromthecrotchAhabhelditoutexclaimingLookyeNantucketerhereinthishandIholdhisdeathTemperedinbloodandtemperedbylightningarethesebarbsandIsweartotemperthemtriplyinthathotplacebehindthefinwheretheWhiteWhalemostfeelshisaccursedlifeThenGodkeeptheeoldmanseestthouthatpointingtothehammockIburybutoneoffivestoutmenwhowerealiveonlyyesterdaybutweredeaderenightOnlythatoneIburytherestwereburiedbeforetheydiedyousailupontheirtombThenturningtohiscrewAreyereadythereplacetheplankthenontherailandliftthebodysothenOhGodadvancingtowardsthehammockwithupliftedhandsmaytheresurrectionandthelifeBraceforwardUphelmcriedAhablikelightningtohismenButthesuddenlystartedPequodwasnotquickenoughtoescapethesoundofthesplashthatthecorpsesoonmadeasitstrucktheseanotsoquickindeedbutthatsomeoftheflyingbubblesmighthavesprinkledherhullwiththeirghostlybaptismAsAhabnowglidedfromthedejectedDelightthestrangelifebuoyhangingatthePequodssterncameintoconspicuousreliefHayonderlookyondermencriedaforebodingvoiceinherwakeInvainohyestrangersyeflyoursadburialyebutturnusyourtaffrailtoshowusyourcoffinCHAPTER132TheSymphonyItwasaclearsteelbluedayThefirmamentsofairandseawerehardlyseparableinthatallpervadingazureonlythepensiveairwastransparentlypureandsoftwithawomanslookandtherobustandmanlikeseaheavedwithlongstronglingeringswellsasSamsonschestinhissleepHitherandthitheronhighglidedthesnowwhitewingsofsmallunspeckledbirdsthesewerethegentlethoughtsofthefeminineairbuttoandfrointhedeepsfardowninthebottomlessbluerushedmightyleviathansswordfishandsharksandthesewerethestrongtroubledmurderousthinkingsofthemasculineseaButthoughthuscontrastingwithinthecontrastwasonlyinshadesandshadowswithoutthosetwoseemedoneitwasonlythesexasitwerethatdistinguishedthemAloftlikearoyalczarandkingthesunseemedgivingthisgentleairtothisboldandrollingseaevenasbridetogroomAndatthegirdlinglineofthehorizonasoftandtremulousmotionmostseenhereattheequatordenotedthefondthrobbingtrustthelovingalarmswithwhichthepoorbridegaveherbosomawayTiedupandtwistedgnarledandknottedwithwrinkleshaggardlyfirmandunyieldinghiseyesglowinglikecoalsthatstillglowintheashesofruinuntotteringAhabstoodforthintheclearnessofthemornliftinghissplinteredhelmetofabrowtothefairgirlsforeheadofheavenOhimmortalinfancyandinnocencyoftheazureInvisiblewingedcreaturesthatfrolicallroundusSweetchildhoodofairandskyhowobliviouswereyeofoldAhabsclosecoiledwoeButsohaveIseenlittleMiriamandMarthalaughingeyedelvesheedlesslygambolaroundtheiroldsiresportingwiththecircleofsingedlockswhichgrewonthemargeofthatburntoutcraterofhisbrainSlowlycrossingthedeckfromthescuttleAhableanedoverthesideandwatchedhowhisshadowinthewatersankandsanktohisgazethemoreandthemorethathestrovetopiercetheprofundityButthelovelyaromasinthatenchantedairdidatlastseemtodispelforamomentthecankerousthinginhissoulThatgladhappyairthatwinsomeskydidatlaststrokeandcaresshimthestepmotherworldsolongcruelforbiddingnowthrewaffectionatearmsroundhisstubbornneckanddidseemtojoyouslysoboverhimasifoveronethathoweverwilfulanderringshecouldyetfinditinherhearttosaveandtoblessFrombeneathhisslouchedhatAhabdroppedatearintotheseanordidallthePacificcontainsuchwealthasthatoneweedropStarbucksawtheoldmansawhimhowheheavilyleanedoverthesideandheseemedtohearinhisowntrueheartthemeasurelesssobbingthatstoleoutofthecentreoftheserenityaroundCarefulnottotouchhimorbenoticedbyhimheyetdrewneartohimandstoodthereAhabturnedStarbuckSirOhStarbuckitisamildmildwindandamildlookingskyOnsuchadayverymuchsuchasweetnessasthisIstruckmyfirstwhaleaboyharpooneerofeighteenFortyfortyfortyyearsagoagoFortyyearsofcontinualwhalingfortyyearsofprivationandperilandstormtimefortyyearsonthepitilessseaforfortyyearshasAhabforsakenthepeacefullandforfortyyearstomakewaronthehorrorsofthedeepAyeandyesStarbuckoutofthosefortyyearsIhavenotspentthreeashoreWhenIthinkofthislifeIhaveledthedesolationofsolitudeithasbeenthemasonedwalledtownofaCaptainsexclusivenesswhichadmitsbutsmallentrancetoanysympathyfromthegreencountrywithoutohwearinessheavinessGuineacoastslaveryofsolitarycommandwhenIthinkofallthisonlyhalfsuspectednotsokeenlyknowntomebeforeandhowforfortyyearsIhavefedupondrysaltedfarefitemblemofthedrynourishmentofmysoilwhenthepoorestlandsmanhashadfreshfruittohisdailyhandandbrokentheworldsfreshbreadtomymouldycrustsawaywholeoceansawayfromthatyounggirlwifeIweddedpastfiftyandsailedforCapeHornthenextdayleavingbutonedentinmymarriagepillowwifewiferatherawidowwithherhusbandaliveAyeIwidowedthatpoorgirlwhenImarriedherStarbuckandthenthemadnessthefrenzytheboilingbloodandthesmokingbrowwithwhichforathousandloweringsoldAhabhasfuriouslyfoaminglychasedhispreymoreademonthanamanayeayewhatafortyyearsfoolfoololdfoolhasoldAhabbeenWhythisstrifeofthechasewhywearyandpalsythearmattheoarandtheironandthelancehowthericherorbetterisAhabnowBeholdOhStarbuckisitnothardthatwiththiswearyloadIbearonepoorlegshouldhavebeensnatchedfromundermeHerebrushthisoldhairasideitblindsmethatIseemtoweepLockssogreydidnevergrowbutfromoutsomeashesButdoIlookveryoldsoveryveryoldStarbuckIfeeldeadlyfaintbowedandhumpedasthoughIwereAdamstaggeringbeneaththepiledcenturiessinceParadiseGodGodGodcrackmyheartstavemybrainmockerymockerybitterbitingmockeryofgreyhairshaveIlivedenoughjoytowearyeandseemandfeelthusintolerablyoldClosestandclosetomeStarbuckletmelookintoahumaneyeitisbetterthantogazeintoseaorskybetterthantogazeuponGodBythegreenlandbythebrighthearthstonethisisthemagicglassmanIseemywifeandmychildinthineeyeNonostayonboardonboardlowernotwhenIdowhenbrandedAhabgiveschasetoMobyDickThathazardshallnotbethineNononotwiththefarawayhomeIseeinthateyeOhmyCaptainmyCaptainnoblesoulgrandoldheartafterallwhyshouldanyonegivechasetothathatedfishAwaywithmeletusflythesedeadlywatersletushomeWifeandchildtooareStarbuckswifeandchildofhisbrotherlysisterlyplayfellowyouthevenasthinesirarethewifeandchildofthylovinglongingpaternaloldageAwayletusawaythisinstantletmealterthecourseHowcheerilyhowhilariouslyOmyCaptainwouldwebowlonourwaytoseeoldNantucketagainIthinksirtheyhavesomesuchmildbluedaysevenasthisinNantucketTheyhavetheyhaveIhaveseenthemsomesummerdaysinthemorningAboutthistimeyesitishisnoonnapnowtheboyvivaciouslywakessitsupinbedandhismothertellshimofmeofcannibaloldmehowIamabroaduponthedeepbutwillyetcomebacktodancehimagainTismyMarymyMaryherselfShepromisedthatmyboyeverymorningshouldbecarriedtothehilltocatchthefirstglimpseofhisfatherssailYesyesnomoreitisdoneweheadforNantucketComemyCaptainstudyoutthecourseandletusawaySeeseetheboysfacefromthewindowtheboyshandonthehillButAhabsglancewasavertedlikeablightedfruittreeheshookandcasthislastcinderedappletothesoilWhatisitwhatnamelessinscrutableunearthlythingisitwhatcozeninghiddenlordandmasterandcruelremorselessemperorcommandsmethatagainstallnaturallovingsandlongingsIsokeeppushingandcrowdingandjammingmyselfonallthetimerecklesslymakingmereadytodowhatinmyownpropernaturalheartIdurstnotsomuchasdareIsAhabAhabIsitIGodorwhothatliftsthisarmButifthegreatsunmovenotofhimselfbutisasanerrandboyinheavennoronesinglestarcanrevolvebutbysomeinvisiblepowerhowthencanthisonesmallheartbeatthisonesmallbrainthinkthoughtsunlessGoddoesthatbeatingdoesthatthinkingdoesthatlivingandnotIByheavenmanweareturnedroundandroundinthisworldlikeyonderwindlassandFateisthehandspikeAndallthetimelothatsmilingskyandthisunsoundedseaLookseeyonAlbicorewhoputitintohimtochaseandfangthatflyingfishWheredomurderersgomanWhostodoomwhenthejudgehimselfisdraggedtothebarButitisamildmildwindandamildlookingskyandtheairsmellsnowasifitblewfromafarawaymeadowtheyhavebeenmakinghaysomewhereundertheslopesoftheAndesStarbuckandthemowersaresleepingamongthenewmownhaySleepingAyetoilwehowwemayweallsleepatlastonthefieldSleepAyeandrustamidgreennessaslastyearsscythesflungdownandleftinthehalfcutswathsStarbuckButblanchedtoacorpseshuewithdespairtheMatehadstolenawayAhabcrossedthedecktogazeoverontheothersidebutstartedattworeflectedfixedeyesinthewaterthereFedallahwasmotionlesslyleaningoverthesamerailCHAPTER133TheChaseFirstDayThatnightinthemidwatchwhentheoldmanashiswontatintervalssteppedforthfromthescuttleinwhichheleanedandwenttohispivotholehesuddenlythrustouthisfacefiercelysnuffinguptheseaairasasagaciousshipsdogwillindrawingnightosomebarbarousisleHedeclaredthatawhalemustbenearSoonthatpeculiarodorsometimestoagreatdistancegivenforthbythelivingspermwhalewaspalpabletoallthewatchnorwasanymarinersurprisedwhenafterinspectingthecompassandthenthedogvaneandthenascertainingtheprecisebearingoftheodorasnearlyaspossibleAhabrapidlyorderedtheshipscoursetobeslightlyalteredandthesailtobeshortenedTheacutepolicydictatingthesemovementswassufficientlyvindicatedatdaybreakbythesightofalongsleekontheseadirectlyandlengthwiseaheadsmoothasoilandresemblinginthepleatedwaterywrinklesborderingitthepolishedmetalliclikemarksofsomeswifttideripatthemouthofadeeprapidstreamManthemastheadsCallallhandsThunderingwiththebuttsofthreeclubbedhandspikesontheforecastledeckDaggoorousedthesleeperswithsuchjudgmentclapsthattheyseemedtoexhalefromthescuttlesoinstantaneouslydidtheyappearwiththeirclothesintheirhandsWhatdyeseecriedAhabflatteninghisfacetotheskyNothingnothingsirwasthesoundhailingdowninreplyTgallantsailsstunsailsalowandaloftandonbothsidesAllsailbeingsethenowcastloosethelifelinereservedforswayinghimtothemainroyalmastheadandinafewmomentstheywerehoistinghimthitherwhenwhilebuttwothirdsofthewayaloftandwhilepeeringaheadthroughthehorizontalvacancybetweenthemaintopsailandtopgallantsailheraisedagulllikecryintheairTheresheblowstheresheblowsAhumplikeasnowhillItisMobyDickFiredbythecrywhichseemedsimultaneouslytakenupbythethreelookoutsthemenondeckrushedtotheriggingtobeholdthefamouswhaletheyhadsolongbeenpursuingAhabhadnowgainedhisfinalperchsomefeetabovetheotherlookoutsTashtegostandingjustbeneathhimonthecapofthetopgallantmastsothattheIndiansheadwasalmostonalevelwithAhabsheelFromthisheightthewhalewasnowseensomemileorsoaheadateveryrollofthesearevealinghishighsparklinghumpandregularlyjettinghissilentspoutintotheairTothecredulousmarinersitseemedthesamesilentspouttheyhadsolongagobeheldinthemoonlitAtlanticandIndianOceansAnddidnoneofyeseeitbeforecriedAhabhailingtheperchedmenallaroundhimIsawhimalmostthatsameinstantsirthatCaptainAhabdidandIcriedoutsaidTashtegoNotthesameinstantnotthesamenothedoubloonismineFatereservedthedoubloonformeIonlynoneofyecouldhaveraisedtheWhiteWhalefirstTheresheblowstheresheblowstheresheblowsThereagainthereagainhecriedinlongdrawnlingeringmethodictonesattunedtothegradualprolongingsofthewhalesvisiblejetsHesgoingtosoundInstunsailsDowntopgallantsailsStandbythreeboatsMrStarbuckrememberstayonboardandkeeptheshipHelmthereLuffluffapointSosteadymansteadyTheregoflukesNonoonlyblackwaterAllreadytheboatsthereStandbystandbyLowermeMrStarbucklowerlowerquickquickerandheslidthroughtheairtothedeckHeisheadingstraighttoleewardsircriedStubbrightawayfromuscannothaveseentheshipyetBedumbmanStandbythebracesHarddownthehelmbraceupShiverhershiverherSowellthatBoatsboatsSoonalltheboatsbutStarbucksweredroppedalltheboatsailssetallthepaddlesplyingwithripplingswiftnessshootingtoleewardandAhabheadingtheonsetApaledeathglimmerlitupFedallahssunkeneyesahideousmotiongnawedhismouthLikenoiselessnautilusshellstheirlightprowsspedthroughtheseabutonlyslowlytheynearedthefoeAstheynearedhimtheoceangrewstillmoresmoothseemeddrawingacarpetoveritswavesseemedanoonmeadowsoserenelyitspreadAtlengththebreathlesshuntercamesonighhisseeminglyunsuspectingpreythathisentiredazzlinghumpwasdistinctlyvisibleslidingalongtheseaasifanisolatedthingandcontinuallysetinarevolvingringoffinestfleecygreenishfoamHesawthevastinvolvedwrinklesoftheslightlyprojectingheadbeyondBeforeitfaroutonthesoftTurkishruggedwaterswenttheglisteningwhiteshadowfromhisbroadmilkyforeheadamusicalripplingplayfullyaccompanyingtheshadeandbehindthebluewatersinterchangeablyflowedoverintothemovingvalleyofhissteadywakeandoneitherhandbrightbubblesaroseanddancedbyhissideButthesewerebrokenagainbythelighttoesofhundredsofgayfowlsoftlyfeatheringtheseaalternatewiththeirfitfulflightandliketosomeflagstaffrisingfromthepaintedhullofanargosythetallbutshatteredpoleofarecentlanceprojectedfromthewhitewhalesbackandatintervalsoneofthecloudofsofttoedfowlshoveringandtoandfroskimminglikeacanopyoverthefishsilentlyperchedandrockedonthispolethelongtailfeathersstreaminglikepennonsAgentlejoyousnessamightymildnessofreposeinswiftnessinvestedtheglidingwhaleNotthewhitebullJupiterswimmingawaywithravishedEuropaclingingtohisgracefulhornshislovelyleeringeyessidewaysintentuponthemaidwithsmoothbewitchingfleetnessripplingstraightforthenuptialbowerinCretenotJovenotthatgreatmajestySupremedidsurpasstheglorifiedWhiteWhaleashesodivinelyswamOneachsoftsidecoincidentwiththepartedswellthatbutonceleavinghimthenflowedsowideawayoneachbrightsidethewhaleshedoffenticingsNowondertherehadbeensomeamongthehunterswhonamelesslytransportedandalluredbyallthisserenityhadventuredtoassailitbuthadfatallyfoundthatquietudebutthevestureoftornadoesYetcalmenticingcalmohwhalethouglidestontoallwhoforthefirsttimeeyetheenomatterhowmanyinthatsamewaythoumaysthavebejuggledanddestroyedbeforeAndthusthroughtheserenetranquillitiesofthetropicalseaamongwaveswhosehandclappingsweresuspendedbyexceedingraptureMobyDickmovedonstillwithholdingfromsightthefullterrorsofhissubmergedtrunkentirelyhidingthewrenchedhideousnessofhisjawButsoontheforepartofhimslowlyrosefromthewaterforaninstanthiswholemarbleizedbodyformedahigharchlikeVirginiasNaturalBridgeandwarninglywavinghisbanneredflukesintheairthegrandgodrevealedhimselfsoundedandwentoutofsightHoveringlyhaltinganddippingonthewingthewhiteseafowlslonginglylingeredovertheagitatedpoolthatheleftWithoarsapeakandpaddlesdownthesheetsoftheirsailsadriftthethreeboatsnowstillyfloatedawaitingMobyDicksreappearanceAnhoursaidAhabstandingrootedinhisboatssternandhegazedbeyondthewhalesplacetowardsthedimbluespacesandwidewooingvacanciestoleewardItwasonlyaninstantforagainhiseyesseemedwhirlingroundinhisheadashesweptthewaterycircleThebreezenowfreshenedtheseabegantoswellThebirdsthebirdscriedTashtegoInlongIndianfileaswhenheronstakewingthewhitebirdswerenowallflyingtowardsAhabsboatandwhenwithinafewyardsbeganflutteringoverthewatertherewheelingroundandroundwithjoyousexpectantcriesTheirvisionwaskeenerthanmansAhabcoulddiscovernosignintheseaButsuddenlyashepeereddownanddownintoitsdepthsheprofoundlysawawhitelivingspotnobiggerthanawhiteweaselwithwonderfulcelerityuprisingandmagnifyingasitrosetillitturnedandthentherewereplainlyrevealedtwolongcrookedrowsofwhiteglisteningteethfloatingupfromtheundiscoverablebottomItwasMobyDicksopenmouthandscrolledjawhisvastshadowedbulkstillhalfblendingwiththeblueoftheseaTheglitteringmouthyawnedbeneaththeboatlikeanopendooredmarbletombandgivingonesidelongsweepwithhissteeringoarAhabwhirledthecraftasidefromthistremendousapparitionThencallinguponFedallahtochangeplaceswithhimwentforwardtothebowsandseizingPerthsharpooncommandedhiscrewtograsptheiroarsandstandbytosternNowbyreasonofthistimelyspinningroundtheboatuponitsaxisitsbowbyanticipationwasmadetofacethewhalesheadwhileyetunderwaterButasifperceivingthisstratagemMobyDickwiththatmaliciousintelligenceascribedtohimsidelinglytransplantedhimselfasitwereinaninstantshootinghispleatedheadlengthwisebeneaththeboatThroughandthroughthrougheveryplankandeachribitthrilledforaninstantthewhaleobliquelylyingonhisbackinthemannerofabitingsharkslowlyandfeelinglytakingitsbowsfullwithinhismouthsothatthelongnarrowscrolledlowerjawcurledhighupintotheopenairandoneoftheteethcaughtinarowlockThebluishpearlwhiteoftheinsideofthejawwaswithinsixinchesofAhabsheadandreachedhigherthanthatInthisattitudetheWhiteWhalenowshooktheslightcedarasamildlycruelcathermouseWithunastonishedeyesFedallahgazedandcrossedhisarmsbutthetigeryellowcrewweretumblingovereachothersheadstogaintheuttermoststernAndnowwhilebothelasticgunwaleswerespringinginandoutasthewhaledalliedwiththedoomedcraftinthisdevilishwayandfromhisbodybeingsubmergedbeneaththeboathecouldnotbedartedatfromthebowsforthebowswerealmostinsideofhimasitwereandwhiletheotherboatsinvoluntarilypausedasbeforeaquickcrisisimpossibletowithstandthenitwasthatmonomaniacAhabfuriouswiththistantalizingvicinityofhisfoewhichplacedhimallaliveandhelplessintheveryjawshehatedfrenziedwithallthisheseizedthelongbonewithhisnakedhandsandwildlystrovetowrenchitfromitsgripeAsnowhethusvainlystrovethejawslippedfromhimthefrailgunwalesbentincollapsedandsnappedasbothjawslikeanenormousshearsslidingfurtheraftbitthecraftcompletelyintwainandlockedthemselvesfastagainintheseamidwaybetweenthetwofloatingwrecksThesefloatedasidethebrokenendsdroopingthecrewatthesternwreckclingingtothegunwalesandstrivingtoholdfasttotheoarstolashthemacrossAtthatpreludingmomenteretheboatwasyetsnappedAhabthefirsttoperceivethewhalesintentbythecraftyupraisingofhisheadamovementthatloosedhisholdforthetimeatthatmomenthishandhadmadeonefinalefforttopushtheboatoutofthebiteButonlyslippingfurtherintothewhalesmouthandtiltingoversidewaysasitslippedtheboathadshakenoffhisholdonthejawspilledhimoutofitasheleanedtothepushandsohefellflatfacedupontheseaRipplinglywithdrawingfromhispreyMobyDicknowlayatalittledistanceverticallythrustinghisoblongwhiteheadupanddowninthebillowsandatthesametimeslowlyrevolvinghiswholespindledbodysothatwhenhisvastwrinkledforeheadrosesometwentyormorefeetoutofthewaterthenowrisingswellswithalltheirconfluentwavesdazzlinglybrokeagainstitvindictivelytossingtheirshiveredspraystillhigherintotheairSoinagalethebuthalfbaffledChannelbillowsonlyrecoilfromthebaseoftheEddystonetriumphantlytooverleapitssummitwiththeirscudThismotionispeculiartothespermwhaleItreceivesitsdesignationpitchpolingfromitsbeinglikenedtothatpreliminaryupanddownpoiseofthewhalelanceintheexercisecalledpitchpolingpreviouslydescribedBythismotionthewhalemustbestandmostcomprehensivelyviewwhateverobjectsmaybeencirclinghimButsoonresuminghishorizontalattitudeMobyDickswamswiftlyroundandroundthewreckedcrewsidewayschurningthewaterinhisvengefulwakeasiflashinghimselfuptostillanotherandmoredeadlyassaultThesightofthesplinteredboatseemedtomaddenhimasthebloodofgrapesandmulberriescastbeforeAntiochusselephantsinthebookofMaccabeesMeanwhileAhabhalfsmotheredinthefoamofthewhalesinsolenttailandtoomuchofacrippletoswimthoughhecouldstillkeepafloatevenintheheartofsuchawhirlpoolasthathelplessAhabsheadwasseenlikeatossedbubblewhichtheleastchanceshockmightburstFromtheboatsfragmentarysternFedallahincuriouslyandmildlyeyedhimtheclingingcrewattheotherdriftingendcouldnotsuccorhimmorethanenoughwasitforthemtolooktothemselvesForsorevolvinglyappallingwastheWhiteWhalesaspectandsoplanetarilyswifttheevercontractingcircleshemadethatheseemedhorizontallyswoopinguponthemAndthoughtheotherboatsunharmedstillhoveredhardbystilltheydarednotpullintotheeddytostrikelestthatshouldbethesignalfortheinstantdestructionofthejeopardizedcastawaysAhabandallnorinthatcasecouldtheythemselveshopetoescapeWithstrainingeyesthentheyremainedontheouteredgeofthedirefulzonewhosecentrehadnowbecometheoldmansheadMeantimefromthebeginningallthishadbeendescriedfromtheshipsmastheadsandsquaringheryardsshehadbornedownuponthesceneandwasnowsonighthatAhabinthewaterhailedherSailonthebutthatmomentabreakingseadashedonhimfromMobyDickandwhelmedhimforthetimeButstrugglingoutofitagainandchancingtoriseonatoweringcrestheshoutedSailonthewhaleDrivehimoffThePequodsprowswerepointedandbreakingupthecharmedcirclesheeffectuallypartedthewhitewhalefromhisvictimAshesullenlyswamofftheboatsflewtotherescueDraggedintoStubbsboatwithbloodshotblindedeyesthewhitebrinecakinginhiswrinklesthelongtensionofAhabsbodilystrengthdidcrackandhelplesslyheyieldedtohisbodysdoomforatimelyingallcrushedinthebottomofStubbsboatlikeonetroddenunderfootofherdsofelephantsFarinlandnamelesswailscamefromhimasdesolatesoundsfromoutravinesButthisintensityofhisphysicalprostrationdidbutsomuchthemoreabbreviateitInaninstantscompassgreatheartssometimescondensetoonedeeppangthesumtotalofthoseshallowpainskindlydiffusedthroughfeeblermenswholelivesAndsosuchheartsthoughsummaryineachonesufferingstillifthegodsdecreeitintheirlifetimeaggregateawholeageofwoewhollymadeupofinstantaneousintensitiesforevenintheirpointlesscentresthosenoblenaturescontaintheentirecircumferencesofinferiorsoulsTheharpoonsaidAhabhalfwayrisinganddragginglyleaningononebendedarmisitsafeAyesirforitwasnotdartedthisisitsaidStubbshowingitLayitbeforemeanymissingmenOnetwothreefourfivetherewerefiveoarssirandherearefivemenThatsgoodHelpmemanIwishtostandSosoIseehimtheretheregoingtoleewardstillwhataleapingspoutHandsofffrommeTheeternalsaprunsupinAhabsbonesagainSetthesailoutoarsthehelmItisoftenthecasethatwhenaboatisstoveitscrewbeingpickedupbyanotherboathelptoworkthatsecondboatandthechaseisthuscontinuedwithwhatiscalleddoublebankedoarsItwasthusnowButtheaddedpoweroftheboatdidnotequaltheaddedpowerofthewhaleforheseemedtohavetreblebankedhiseveryfinswimmingwithavelocitywhichplainlyshowedthatifnowunderthesecircumstancespushedonthechasewouldproveanindefinitelyprolongedifnotahopelessonenorcouldanycrewendureforsolongaperiodsuchanunintermittedintensestrainingattheoarathingbarelytolerableonlyinsomeonebriefvicissitudeTheshipitselfthenasitsometimeshappensofferedthemostpromisingintermediatemeansofovertakingthechaseAccordinglytheboatsnowmadeforherandweresoonswayeduptotheircranesthetwopartsofthewreckedboathavingbeenpreviouslysecuredbyherandthenhoistingeverythingtohersideandstackinghercanvashighupandsidewaysoutstretchingitwithstunsailslikethedoublejointedwingsofanalbatrossthePequodboredownintheleewardwakeofMobyDickAtthewellknownmethodicintervalsthewhalesglitteringspoutwasregularlyannouncedfromthemannedmastheadsandwhenhewouldbereportedasjustgonedownAhabwouldtakethetimeandthenpacingthedeckbinnaclewatchinhandsosoonasthelastsecondoftheallottedhourexpiredhisvoicewasheardWhoseisthedoubloonnowDyeseehimandifthereplywasNosirstraightwayhecommandedthemtolifthimtohisperchInthiswaythedayworeonAhabnowaloftandmotionlessanonunrestinglypacingtheplanksAshewasthuswalkingutteringnosoundexcepttohailthemenaloftortobidthemhoistasailstillhigherortospreadonetoastillgreaterbreadththustoandfropacingbeneathhisslouchedhatateveryturnhepassedhisownwreckedboatwhichhadbeendroppeduponthequarterdeckandlaytherereversedbrokenbowtoshatteredsternAtlasthepausedbeforeitandasinanalreadyovercloudedskyfreshtroopsofcloudswillsometimessailacrosssoovertheoldmansfacetherenowstolesomesuchaddedgloomasthisStubbsawhimpauseandperhapsintendingnotvainlythoughtoevincehisownunabatedfortitudeandthuskeepupavaliantplaceinhisCaptainsmindheadvancedandeyeingthewreckexclaimedThethistletheassrefuseditprickedhismouthtookeenlysirhahaWhatsoullessthingisthisthatlaughsbeforeawreckManmandidInotknowtheebraveasfearlessfireandasmechanicalIcouldswearthouwertapoltroonGroannorlaughshouldbeheardbeforeawreckAyesirsaidStarbuckdrawingneartisasolemnsightanomenandanilloneOmenomenthedictionaryIfthegodsthinktospeakoutrighttomantheywillhonorablyspeakoutrightnotshaketheirheadsandgiveanoldwivesdarklinghintBegoneYetwoaretheoppositepolesofonethingStarbuckisStubbreversedandStubbisStarbuckandyetwoareallmankindandAhabstandsaloneamongthemillionsofthepeopledearthnorgodsnormenhisneighborsColdcoldIshiverHownowAloftthereDyeseehimSingoutforeveryspoutthoughhespouttentimesasecondThedaywasnearlydoneonlythehemofhisgoldenrobewasrustlingSoonitwasalmostdarkbutthelookoutmenstillremainedunsetCantseethespoutnowsirtoodarkcriedavoicefromtheairHowheadingwhenlastseenAsbeforesirstraighttoleewardGoodhewilltravelslowernowtisnightDownroyalsandtopgallantstunsailsMrStarbuckWemustnotrunoverhimbeforemorninghesmakingapassagenowandmayheavetoawhileHelmtherekeepherfullbeforethewindAloftcomedownMrStubbsendafreshhandtotheforemastheadandseeitmannedtillmorningThenadvancingtowardsthedoublooninthemainmastMenthisgoldismineforIearneditbutIshallletitabideheretilltheWhiteWhaleisdeadandthenwhosoeverofyefirstraiseshimuponthedayheshallbekilledthisgoldisthatmansandifonthatdayIshallagainraisehimthententimesitssumshallbedividedamongallofyeAwaynowthedeckisthinesirAndsosayingheplacedhimselfhalfwaywithinthescuttleandslouchinghishatstoodtheretilldawnexceptwhenatintervalsrousinghimselftoseehowthenightworeonCHAPTER134TheChaseSecondDayAtdaybreakthethreemastheadswerepunctuallymannedafreshDyeseehimcriedAhabafterallowingalittlespaceforthelighttospreadSeenothingsirTurnupallhandsandmakesailhetravelsfasterthanIthoughtforthetopgallantsailsayetheyshouldhavebeenkeptonherallnightButnomattertisbutrestingfortherushHerebeitsaidthatthispertinaciouspursuitofoneparticularwhalecontinuedthroughdayintonightandthroughnightintodayisathingbynomeansunprecedentedintheSouthseafisheryForsuchisthewonderfulskillprescienceofexperienceandinvincibleconfidenceacquiredbysomegreatnaturalgeniusesamongtheNantucketcommandersthatfromthesimpleobservationofawhalewhenlastdescriedtheywillundercertaingivencircumstancesprettyaccuratelyforetellboththedirectioninwhichhewillcontinuetoswimforatimewhileoutofsightaswellashisprobablerateofprogressionduringthatperiodAndinthesecasessomewhatasapilotwhenaboutlosingsightofacoastwhosegeneraltrendinghewellknowsandwhichhedesiresshortlytoreturntoagainbutatsomefurtherpointlikeasthispilotstandsbyhiscompassandtakestheprecisebearingofthecapeatpresentvisibleinorderthemorecertainlytohitarighttheremoteunseenheadlandeventuallytobevisitedsodoesthefishermanathiscompasswiththewhaleforafterbeingchasedanddiligentlymarkedthroughseveralhoursofdaylightthenwhennightobscuresthefishthecreaturesfuturewakethroughthedarknessisalmostasestablishedtothesagaciousmindofthehunterasthepilotscoastistohimSothattothishunterswondrousskilltheproverbialevanescenceofathingwritinwaterawakeistoalldesiredpurposeswellnighasreliableasthesteadfastlandAndasthemightyironLeviathanofthemodernrailwayissofamiliarlyknowninitseverypacethatwithwatchesintheirhandsmentimehisrateasdoctorsthatofababyspulseandlightlysayofittheuptrainorthedowntrainwillreachsuchorsuchaspotatsuchorsuchanhourevensoalmostthereareoccasionswhentheseNantucketerstimethatotherLeviathanofthedeepaccordingtotheobservedhumorofhisspeedandsaytothemselvessomanyhourshencethiswhalewillhavegonetwohundredmileswillhaveaboutreachedthisorthatdegreeoflatitudeorlongitudeButtorenderthisacutenessatallsuccessfulintheendthewindandtheseamustbethewhalemansalliesforofwhatpresentavailtothebecalmedorwindboundmarineristheskillthatassureshimheisexactlyninetythreeleaguesandaquarterfromhisportInferablefromthesestatementsaremanycollateralsubtilematterstouchingthechaseofwhalesTheshiptoreonleavingsuchafurrowintheseaaswhenacannonballmissentbecomesaploughshareandturnsupthelevelfieldBysaltandhempcriedStubbbutthisswiftmotionofthedeckcreepsuponeslegsandtinglesattheheartThisshipandIaretwobravefellowsHahaSomeonetakemeupandlaunchmespinewiseontheseaforbyliveoaksmyspinesakeelHahawegothegaitthatleavesnodustbehindTheresheblowssheblowssheblowsrightaheadwasnowthemastheadcryAyeayecriedStubbIknewityecantescapeblowonandsplityourspoutOwhalethemadfiendhimselfisafteryeblowyourtrumpblisteryourlungsAhabwilldamoffyourbloodasamillershutshiswatergateuponthestreamAndStubbdidbutspeakoutforwellnighallthatcrewThefrenziesofthechasehadbythistimeworkedthembubblinglyuplikeoldwineworkedanewWhateverpalefearsandforebodingssomeofthemmighthavefeltbeforethesewerenotonlynowkeptoutofsightthroughthegrowingaweofAhabbuttheywerebrokenupandonallsidesroutedastimidprairieharesthatscatterbeforetheboundingbisonThehandofFatehadsnatchedalltheirsoulsandbythestirringperilsofthepreviousdaytherackofthepastnightssuspensethefixedunfearingblindrecklesswayinwhichtheirwildcraftwentplungingtowardsitsflyingmarkbyallthesethingstheirheartswerebowledalongThewindthatmadegreatbelliesoftheirsailsandrushedthevesselonbyarmsinvisibleasirresistiblethisseemedthesymbolofthatunseenagencywhichsoenslavedthemtotheraceTheywereonemannotthirtyForastheoneshipthatheldthemallthoughitwasputtogetherofallcontrastingthingsoakandmapleandpinewoodironandpitchandhempyetalltheseranintoeachotherintheoneconcretehullwhichshotonitswaybothbalancedanddirectedbythelongcentralkeelevensoalltheindividualitiesofthecrewthismansvalorthatmansfearguiltandguiltinessallvarietieswereweldedintoonenessandwerealldirectedtothatfatalgoalwhichAhabtheironelordandkeeldidpointtoTherigginglivedThemastheadslikethetopsoftallpalmswereoutspreadinglytuftedwitharmsandlegsClingingtoasparwithonehandsomereachedforththeotherwithimpatientwavingsothersshadingtheireyesfromthevividsunlightsatfaroutontherockingyardsallthesparsinfullbearingofmortalsreadyandripefortheirfateAhhowtheystillstrovethroughthatinfinitebluenesstoseekoutthethingthatmightdestroythemWhysingyenotoutforhimifyeseehimcriedAhabwhenafterthelapseofsomeminutessincethefirstcrynomorehadbeenheardSwaymeupmenyehavebeendeceivednotMobyDickcastsoneoddjetthatwayandthendisappearsItwasevensointheirheadlongeagernessthemenhadmistakensomeotherthingforthewhalespoutastheeventitselfsoonprovedforhardlyhadAhabreachedhisperchhardlywastheropebelayedtoitspinondeckwhenhestruckthekeynotetoanorchestrathatmadetheairvibrateaswiththecombineddischargesofriflesThetriumphanthallooofthirtybuckskinlungswasheardasmuchnearertotheshipthantheplaceoftheimaginaryjetlessthanamileaheadMobyDickbodilyburstintoviewFornotbyanycalmandindolentspoutingsnotbythepeaceablegushofthatmysticfountaininhisheaddidtheWhiteWhalenowrevealhisvicinitybutbythefarmorewondrousphenomenonofbreachingRisingwithhisutmostvelocityfromthefurthestdepthstheSpermWhalethusboomshisentirebulkintothepureelementofairandpilingupamountainofdazzlingfoamshowshisplacetothedistanceofsevenmilesandmoreInthosemomentsthetornenragedwavesheshakesoffseemhismaneinsomecasesthisbreachingishisactofdefianceThereshebreachesthereshebreacheswasthecryasinhisimmeasurablebravadoestheWhiteWhaletossedhimselfsalmonliketoHeavenSosuddenlyseenintheblueplainoftheseaandrelievedagainstthestillbluermarginoftheskythespraythatheraisedforthemomentintolerablyglitteredandglaredlikeaglacierandstoodtheregraduallyfadingandfadingawayfromitsfirstsparklingintensitytothedimmistinessofanadvancingshowerinavaleAyebreachyourlasttothesunMobyDickcriedAhabthyhourandthyharpoonareathandDowndownallofyebutonemanattheforeTheboatsstandbyUnmindfulofthetediousropeladdersoftheshroudsthemenlikeshootingstarsslidtothedeckbytheisolatedbackstaysandhalyardswhileAhablessdartinglybutstillrapidlywasdroppedfromhisperchLowerawayhecriedsosoonashehadreachedhisboataspareoneriggedtheafternoonpreviousMrStarbucktheshipisthinekeepawayfromtheboatsbutkeepnearthemLowerallAsiftostrikeaquickterrorintothembythistimebeingthefirstassailanthimselfMobyDickhadturnedandwasnowcomingforthethreecrewsAhabsboatwascentralandcheeringhismenhetoldthemhewouldtakethewhaleheadandheadthatispullstraightuptohisforeheadanotuncommonthingforwhenwithinacertainlimitsuchacourseexcludesthecomingonsetfromthewhalessidelongvisionButerethatcloselimitwasgainedandwhileyetallthreeboatswereplainastheshipsthreemaststohiseyetheWhiteWhalechurninghimselfintofuriousspeedalmostinaninstantasitwererushingamongtheboatswithopenjawsandalashingtailofferedappallingbattleoneverysideandheedlessoftheironsdartedathimfromeveryboatseemedonlyintentonannihilatingeachseparateplankofwhichthoseboatsweremadeButskilfullymanuvredincessantlywheelingliketrainedchargersinthefieldtheboatsforawhileeludedhimthoughattimesbutbyaplanksbreadthwhileallthetimeAhabsunearthlyslogantoreeveryothercrybuthistoshredsButatlastinhisuntraceableevolutionstheWhiteWhalesocrossedandrecrossedandinathousandwaysentangledtheslackofthethreelinesnowfasttohimthattheyforeshortenedandofthemselveswarpedthedevotedboatstowardstheplantedironsinhimthoughnowforamomentthewhaledrewasidealittleasiftorallyforamoretremendouschargeSeizingthatopportunityAhabfirstpaidoutmorelineandthenwasrapidlyhaulingandjerkinginuponitagainhopingthatwaytodisencumberitofsomesnarlswhenloasightmoresavagethantheembattledteethofsharksCaughtandtwistedcorkscrewedinthemazesofthelinelooseharpoonsandlanceswithalltheirbristlingbarbsandpointscameflashinganddrippinguptothechocksinthebowsofAhabsboatOnlyonethingcouldbedoneSeizingtheboatknifehecriticallyreachedwithinthroughandthenwithouttheraysofsteeldraggedinthelinebeyondpasseditinboardtothebowsmanandthentwicesunderingtheropenearthechocksdroppedtheinterceptedfagotofsteelintotheseaandwasallfastagainThatinstanttheWhiteWhalemadeasuddenrushamongtheremainingtanglesoftheotherlinesbysodoingirresistiblydraggedthemoreinvolvedboatsofStubbandFlasktowardshisflukesdashedthemtogetherliketworollinghusksonasurfbeatenbeachandthendivingdownintotheseadisappearedinaboilingmaelstrominwhichforaspacetheodorouscedarchipsofthewrecksdancedroundandroundlikethegratednutmeginaswiftlystirredbowlofpunchWhilethetwocrewswereyetcirclinginthewatersreachingoutaftertherevolvinglinetubsoarsandotherfloatingfurniturewhileaslopelittleFlaskbobbedupanddownlikeanemptyvialtwitchinghislegsupwardstoescapethedreadedjawsofsharksandStubbwaslustilysingingoutforsomeonetoladlehimupandwhiletheoldmanslinenowpartingadmittedofhispullingintothecreamypooltorescuewhomhecouldinthatwildsimultaneousnessofathousandconcretedperilsAhabsyetunstrickenboatseemeddrawnuptowardsHeavenbyinvisiblewiresasarrowlikeshootingperpendicularlyfromtheseatheWhiteWhaledashedhisbroadforeheadagainstitsbottomandsentitturningoverandoverintotheairtillitfellagaingunwaledownwardsandAhabandhismenstruggledoutfromunderitlikesealsfromaseasidecaveThefirstuprisingmomentumofthewhalemodifyingitsdirectionashestruckthesurfaceinvoluntarilylaunchedhimalongittoalittledistancefromthecentreofthedestructionhehadmadeandwithhisbacktoithenowlayforamomentslowlyfeelingwithhisflukesfromsidetosideandwheneverastrayoarbitofplanktheleastchiporcrumboftheboatstouchedhisskinhistailswiftlydrewbackandcamesidewayssmitingtheseaButsoonasifsatisfiedthathisworkforthattimewasdonehepushedhispleatedforeheadthroughtheoceanandtrailingafterhimtheintertangledlinescontinuedhisleewardwayatatravellersmethodicpaceAsbeforetheattentiveshiphavingdescriedthewholefightagaincamebearingdowntotherescueanddroppingaboatpickedupthefloatingmarinerstubsoarsandwhateverelsecouldbecaughtatandsafelylandedthemonherdecksSomesprainedshoulderswristsandankleslividcontusionswrenchedharpoonsandlancesinextricableintricaciesofropeshatteredoarsandplanksalltheseweretherebutnofatalorevenseriousillseemedtohavebefallenanyoneAswithFedallahthedaybeforesoAhabwasnowfoundgrimlyclingingtohisboatsbrokenhalfwhichaffordedacomparativelyeasyfloatnordiditsoexhausthimasthepreviousdaysmishapButwhenhewashelpedtothedeckalleyeswerefasteneduponhimasinsteadofstandingbyhimselfhestillhalfhungupontheshoulderofStarbuckwhohadthusfarbeentheforemosttoassisthimHisivoryleghadbeensnappedoffleavingbutoneshortsharpsplinterAyeayeStarbucktissweettoleansometimesbetheleanerwhohewillandwouldoldAhabhadleanedoftenerthanhehasTheferrulehasnotstoodsirsaidthecarpenternowcomingupIputgoodworkintothatlegButnobonesbrokensirIhopesaidStubbwithtrueconcernAyeandallsplinteredtopiecesStubbdyeseeitButevenwithabrokenboneoldAhabisuntouchedandIaccountnolivingboneofmineonejotmoremethanthisdeadonethatslostNorwhitewhalenormannorfiendcansomuchasgrazeoldAhabinhisownproperandinaccessiblebeingCananyleadtouchyonderflooranymastscrapeyonderroofAlofttherewhichwayDeadtoleewardsirUphelmthenpileonthesailagainshipkeepersdowntherestofthespareboatsandrigthemMrStarbuckawayandmustertheboatscrewsLetmefirsthelptheetowardsthebulwarkssirOhohohhowthissplintergoresmenowAccursedfatethattheunconquerablecaptaininthesoulshouldhavesuchacravenmateSirMybodymannottheeGivemesomethingforacanetherethatshiveredlancewilldoMusterthemenSurelyIhavenotseenhimyetByheavenitcannotbemissingquickcallthemallTheoldmanshintedthoughtwastrueUponmusteringthecompanytheParseewasnotthereTheParseecriedStubbhemusthavebeencaughtinTheblackvomitwrenchtheerunallofyeabovealowcabinforecastlefindhimnotgonenotgoneButquicklytheyreturnedtohimwiththetidingsthattheParseewasnowheretobefoundAyesirsaidStubbcaughtamongthetanglesofyourlineIthoughtIsawhimdraggingunderMylinemylineGonegoneWhatmeansthatlittlewordWhatdeathknellringsinitthatoldAhabshakesasifhewerethebelfryTheharpoontootossoverthelittertheredyeseeittheforgedironmenthewhitewhalesnononoblisteredfoolthishanddiddartittisinthefishAloftthereKeephimnailedQuickallhandstotheriggingoftheboatscollecttheoarsharpooneerstheironstheironshoisttheroyalshigherapullonallthesheetshelmtheresteadysteadyforyourlifeIlltentimesgirdletheunmeasuredglobeyeaanddivestraightthroughitbutIllslayhimyetGreatGodbutforonesingleinstantshowthyselfcriedStarbuckneverneverwiltthoucapturehimoldmanInJesusnamenomoreofthisthatsworsethandevilsmadnessTwodayschasedtwicestovetosplintersthyverylegoncemoresnatchedfromundertheethyevilshadowgoneallgoodangelsmobbingtheewithwarningswhatmorewouldstthouhaveShallwekeepchasingthismurderousfishtillheswampsthelastmanShallwebedraggedbyhimtothebottomoftheseaShallwebetowedbyhimtotheinfernalworldOhohImpietyandblasphemytohunthimmoreStarbuckoflateIvefeltstrangelymovedtotheeeversincethathourwebothsawthouknowstwhatinoneanotherseyesButinthismatterofthewhalebethefrontofthyfacetomeasthepalmofthishandaliplessunfeaturedblankAhabisforeverAhabmanThiswholeactsimmutablydecreedTwasrehearsedbytheeandmeabillionyearsbeforethisoceanrolledFoolIamtheFateslieutenantIactunderordersLookthouunderlingthatthouobeyestmineStandroundmemenYeseeanoldmancutdowntothestumpleaningonashiveredlanceproppeduponalonelyfootTisAhabhisbodyspartbutAhabssoulsacentipedethatmovesuponahundredlegsIfeelstrainedhalfstrandedasropesthattowdismastedfrigatesinagaleandImaylooksoButereIbreakyellhearmecrackandtillyehearthatknowthatAhabshawsertowshispurposeyetBelieveyemeninthethingscalledomensThenlaughaloudandcryencoreForeretheydrowndrowningthingswilltwicerisetothesurfacethenriseagaintosinkforevermoreSowithMobyDicktwodayshesfloatedtomorrowwillbethethirdAyemenhellriseoncemorebutonlytospouthislastDyefeelbravemenbraveAsfearlessfirecriedStubbAndasmechanicalmutteredAhabThenasthemenwentforwardhemutteredonThethingscalledomensAndyesterdayItalkedthesametoStarbuckthereconcerningmybrokenboatOhhowvaliantlyIseektodriveoutofothersheartswhatsclinchedsofastinmineTheParseetheParseegonegoneandhewastogobeforebutstillwastobeseenagainereIcouldperishHowsthatTheresariddlenowmightbaffleallthelawyersbackedbytheghostsofthewholelineofjudgeslikeahawksbeakitpecksmybrainIllIllsolveitthoughWhenduskdescendedthewhalewasstillinsighttoleewardSooncemorethesailwasshortenedandeverythingpassednearlyasonthepreviousnightonlythesoundofhammersandthehumofthegrindstonewasheardtillnearlydaylightasthementoiledbylanternsinthecompleteandcarefulriggingofthespareboatsandsharpeningtheirfreshweaponsforthemorrowMeantimeofthebrokenkeelofAhabswreckedcraftthecarpentermadehimanotherlegwhilestillasonthenightbeforeslouchedAhabstoodfixedwithinhisscuttlehishidheliotropeglanceanticipatinglygonebackwardonitsdialsatdueeastwardfortheearliestsunCHAPTER135TheChaseThirdDayThemorningofthethirddaydawnedfairandfreshandoncemorethesolitarynightmanattheforemastheadwasrelievedbycrowdsofthedaylightlookoutswhodottedeverymastandalmosteverysparDyeseehimcriedAhabbutthewhalewasnotyetinsightInhisinfalliblewakethoughbutfollowthatwakethatsallHelmtheresteadyasthougoestandhastbeengoingWhatalovelydayagainwereitanewmadeworldandmadeforasummerhousetotheangelsandthismorningthefirstofitsthrowingopentothemafairerdaycouldnotdawnuponthatworldHeresfoodforthoughthadAhabtimetothinkbutAhabneverthinksheonlyfeelsfeelsfeelsthatstinglingenoughformortalmantothinksaudacityGodonlyhasthatrightandprivilegeThinkingisoroughttobeacoolnessandacalmnessandourpoorheartsthrobandourpoorbrainsbeattoomuchforthatAndyetIvesometimesthoughtmybrainwasverycalmfrozencalmthisoldskullcrackssolikeaglassinwhichthecontentsturnedtoiceandshiveritAndstillthishairisgrowingnowthismomentgrowingandheatmustbreeditbutnoitslikethatsortofcommongrassthatwillgrowanywherebetweentheearthycleftsofGreenlandiceorinVesuviuslavaHowthewildwindsblowittheywhipitaboutmeasthetornshredsofsplitsailslashthetossedshiptheyclingtoAvilewindthathasnodoubtblownerethisthroughprisoncorridorsandcellsandwardsofhospitalsandventilatedthemandnowcomesblowinghitherasinnocentasfleecesOutuponititstaintedWereIthewindIdblownomoreonsuchawickedmiserableworldIdcrawlsomewheretoacaveandslinkthereAndyettisanobleandheroicthingthewindwhoeverconquereditIneveryfightithasthelastandbitterestblowRuntiltingatitandyoubutrunthroughitHaacowardwindthatstrikesstarknakedmenbutwillnotstandtoreceiveasingleblowEvenAhabisabraverthinganoblerthingthanthatWouldnowthewindbuthadabodybutallthethingsthatmostexasperateandoutragemortalmanallthesethingsarebodilessbutonlybodilessasobjectsnotasagentsTheresamostspecialamostcunningohamostmaliciousdifferenceAndyetIsayagainandswearitnowthattheressomethingallgloriousandgraciousinthewindThesewarmTradeWindsatleastthatintheclearheavensblowstraightoninstrongandsteadfastvigorousmildnessandveernotfromtheirmarkhoweverthebasercurrentsoftheseamayturnandtackandmightiestMississippiesofthelandswiftandswerveaboutuncertainwheretogoatlastAndbytheeternalPolesthesesameTradesthatsodirectlyblowmygoodshipontheseTradesorsomethinglikethemsomethingsounchangeableandfullasstrongblowmykeeledsoulalongToitAloftthereWhatdyeseeNothingsirNothingandnoonathandThedoubloongoesabeggingSeethesunAyeayeitmustbesoIveoversailedhimHowgotthestartAyeheschasingmenownotIhimthatsbadImighthaveknownittooFoolthelinestheharpoonshestowingAyeayeIhaverunhimbylastnightAboutaboutComedownallofyebuttheregularlookoutsManthebracesSteeringasshehaddonethewindhadbeensomewhatonthePequodsquartersothatnowbeingpointedinthereversedirectionthebracedshipsailedharduponthebreezeassherechurnedthecreaminherownwhitewakeAgainstthewindhenowsteersfortheopenjawmurmuredStarbucktohimselfashecoiledthenewhauledmainbraceupontherailGodkeepusbutalreadymybonesfeeldampwithinmeandfromtheinsidewetmyfleshImisdoubtmethatIdisobeymyGodinobeyinghimStandbytoswaymeupcriedAhabadvancingtothehempenbasketWeshouldmeethimsoonAyeayesirandstraightwayStarbuckdidAhabsbiddingandoncemoreAhabswungonhighAwholehournowpassedgoldbeatenouttoagesTimeitselfnowheldlongbreathswithkeensuspenseButatlastsomethreepointsofftheweatherbowAhabdescriedthespoutagainandinstantlyfromthethreemastheadsthreeshriekswentupasifthetonguesoffirehadvoiceditForeheadtoforeheadImeettheethisthirdtimeMobyDickOndecktherebracesharperupcrowdherintothewindseyeHestoofarofftoloweryetMrStarbuckThesailsshakeStandoverthathelmsmanwithatopmaulSosohetravelsfastandImustdownButletmehaveonemoregoodroundlookalofthereattheseatherestimeforthatAnoldoldsightandyetsomehowsoyoungayeandnotchangedawinksinceIfirstsawitaboyfromthesandhillsofNantucketThesamethesamethesametoNoahastomeTheresasoftshowertoleewardSuchlovelyleewardingsTheymustleadsomewheretosomethingelsethancommonlandmorepalmythanthepalmsLeewardthewhitewhalegoesthatwaylooktowindwardthenthebetterifthebittererquarterButgoodbyegoodbyeoldmastheadWhatsthisgreenayetinymossesinthesewarpedcracksNosuchgreenweatherstainsonAhabsheadTheresthedifferencenowbetweenmansoldageandmattersButayeoldmastwebothgrowoldtogethersoundinourhullsthougharewenotmyshipAyeminusalegthatsallByheaventhisdeadwoodhasthebetterofmyliveflesheverywayIcantcomparewithitandIveknownsomeshipsmadeofdeadtreesoutlastthelivesofmenmadeofthemostvitalstuffofvitalfathersWhatsthathesaidheshouldstillgobeforememypilotandyettobeseenagainButwhereWillIhaveeyesatthebottomoftheseasupposingIdescendthoseendlessstairsandallnightIvebeensailingfromhimwhereverhedidsinktoAyeayelikemanymorethoutoldstdirefultruthastouchingthyselfOParseebutAhabtherethyshotfellshortGoodbyemastheadkeepagoodeyeuponthewhalethewhileImgoneWelltalktomorrownaytonightwhenthewhitewhaleliesdowntheretiedbyheadandtailHegavethewordandstillgazingroundhimwassteadilyloweredthroughtheclovenblueairtothedeckInduetimetheboatswereloweredbutasstandinginhisshallopssternAhabjusthovereduponthepointofthedescenthewavedtothematewhoheldoneofthetackleropesondeckandbadehimpauseStarbuckSirForthethirdtimemysoulsshipstartsuponthisvoyageStarbuckAyesirthouwilthaveitsoSomeshipssailfromtheirportsandeverafterwardsaremissingStarbuckTruthsirsaddesttruthSomemendieatebbtidesomeatlowwatersomeatthefullofthefloodandIfeelnowlikeabillowthatsallonecrestedcombStarbuckIamoldshakehandswithmemanTheirhandsmettheireyesfastenedStarbuckstearstheglueOhmycaptainmycaptainnobleheartgonotgonotseeitsabravemanthatweepshowgreattheagonyofthepersuasionthenLowerawaycriedAhabtossingthematesarmfromhimStandbythecrewInaninstanttheboatwaspullingroundcloseunderthesternThesharksthesharkscriedavoicefromthelowcabinwindowthereOmastermymastercomebackButAhabheardnothingforhisownvoicewashighliftedthenandtheboatleapedonYetthevoicespaketrueforscarcehadhepushedfromtheshipwhennumbersofsharksseeminglyrisingfromoutthedarkwatersbeneaththehullmaliciouslysnappedatthebladesoftheoarseverytimetheydippedinthewaterandinthiswayaccompaniedtheboatwiththeirbitesItisathingnotuncommonlyhappeningtothewhaleboatsinthoseswarmingseasthesharksattimesapparentlyfollowingtheminthesameprescientwaythatvultureshoveroverthebannersofmarchingregimentsintheeastButthesewerethefirstsharksthathadbeenobservedbythePequodsincetheWhiteWhalehadbeenfirstdescriedandwhetheritwasthatAhabscrewwereallsuchtigeryellowbarbariansandthereforetheirfleshmoremuskytothesensesofthesharksamattersometimeswellknowntoaffectthemhoweveritwastheyseemedtofollowthatoneboatwithoutmolestingtheothersHeartofwroughtsteelmurmuredStarbuckgazingoverthesideandfollowingwithhiseyestherecedingboatcanstthouyetringboldlytothatsightloweringthykeelamongraveningsharksandfollowedbythemopenmouthedtothechaseandthisthecriticalthirddayForwhenthreedaysflowtogetherinonecontinuousintensepursuitbesurethefirstisthemorningthesecondthenoonandthethirdtheeveningandtheendofthatthingbethatendwhatitmayOhmyGodwhatisthisthatshootsthroughmeandleavesmesodeadlycalmyetexpectantfixedatthetopofashudderFuturethingsswimbeforemeasinemptyoutlinesandskeletonsallthepastissomehowgrowndimMarygirlthoufadestinpalegloriesbehindmeboyIseemtoseebutthyeyesgrownwondrousblueStrangestproblemsoflifeseemclearingbutcloudssweepbetweenIsmyjourneysendcomingMylegsfeelfaintlikehiswhohasfooteditalldayFeelthyheartbeatsityetStirthyselfStarbuckstaveitoffmovemovespeakaloudMastheadthereSeeyemyboyshandonthehillCrazedalofttherekeepthykeenesteyeupontheboatsmarkwellthewhaleHoagaindriveoffthathawkseehepeckshetearsthevanepointingtotheredflagflyingatthemaintruckHahesoarsawaywithitWherestheoldmannowseestthouthatsightohAhabshuddershudderTheboatshadnotgoneveryfarwhenbyasignalfromthemastheadsadownwardpointedarmAhabknewthatthewhalehadsoundedbutintendingtobenearhimatthenextrisingheheldonhiswayalittlesidewaysfromthevesselthebecharmedcrewmaintainingtheprofoundestsilenceastheheadbeatwaveshammeredandhammeredagainsttheopposingbowDrivedriveinyournailsohyewavestotheiruttermostheadsdrivetheminyebutstrikeathingwithoutalidandnocoffinandnohearsecanbemineandhemponlycankillmeHahaSuddenlythewatersaroundthemslowlyswelledinbroadcirclesthenquicklyupheavedasifsidewaysslidingfromasubmergedbergoficeswiftlyrisingtothesurfaceAlowrumblingsoundwasheardasubterraneoushumandthenallheldtheirbreathsasbedraggledwithtrailingropesandharpoonsandlancesavastformshotlengthwisebutobliquelyfromtheseaShroudedinathindroopingveilofmistithoveredforamomentintherainbowedairandthenfellswampingbackintothedeepCrushedthirtyfeetupwardsthewatersflashedforaninstantlikeheapsoffountainsthenbrokenlysankinashowerofflakesleavingthecirclingsurfacecreamedlikenewmilkroundthemarbletrunkofthewhaleGivewaycriedAhabtotheoarsmenandtheboatsdartedforwardtotheattackbutmaddenedbyyesterdaysfreshironsthatcorrodedinhimMobyDickseemedcombinedlypossessedbyalltheangelsthatfellfromheavenThewidetiersofweldedtendonsoverspreadinghisbroadwhiteforeheadbeneaththetransparentskinlookedknittedtogetherasheadonhecamechurninghistailamongtheboatsandoncemoreflailedthemapartspillingouttheironsandlancesfromthetwomatesboatsanddashinginonesideoftheupperpartoftheirbowsbutleavingAhabsalmostwithoutascarWhileDaggooandQueequegwerestoppingthestrainedplanksandasthewhaleswimmingoutfromthemturnedandshowedoneentireflankasheshotbythemagainatthatmomentaquickcrywentupLashedroundandroundtothefishsbackpinionedintheturnsuponturnsinwhichduringthepastnightthewhalehadreeledtheinvolutionsofthelinesaroundhimthehalftornbodyoftheParseewasseenhissableraimentfrayedtoshredshisdistendedeyesturnedfulluponoldAhabTheharpoondroppedfromhishandBefooledbefooleddrawinginalongleanbreathAyeParseeIseetheeagainAyeandthougoestbeforeandthisthisthenisthehearsethatthoudidstpromiseButIholdtheetothelastletterofthywordWhereisthesecondhearseAwaymatestotheshipthoseboatsareuselessnowrepairthemifyecanintimeandreturntomeifnotAhabisenoughtodieDownmenthefirstthingthatbutofferstojumpfromthisboatIstandinthatthingIharpoonYearenotothermenbutmyarmsandmylegsandsoobeymeWheresthewhalegonedownagainButhelookedtoonightheboatforasifbentuponescapingwiththecorpseheboreandasiftheparticularplaceofthelastencounterhadbeenbutastageinhisleewardvoyageMobyDickwasnowagainsteadilyswimmingforwardandhadalmostpassedtheshipwhichthusfarhadbeensailinginthecontrarydirectiontohimthoughforthepresentherheadwayhadbeenstoppedHeseemedswimmingwithhisutmostvelocityandnowonlyintentuponpursuinghisownstraightpathintheseaOhAhabcriedStarbucknottoolateisitevennowthethirddaytodesistSeeMobyDickseekstheenotItisthouthouthatmadlyseekesthimSettingsailtotherisingwindthelonelyboatwasswiftlyimpelledtoleewardbybothoarsandcanvasAndatlastwhenAhabwasslidingbythevesselsonearasplainlytodistinguishStarbucksfaceasheleanedovertherailhehailedhimtoturnthevesselaboutandfollowhimnottooswiftlyatajudiciousintervalGlancingupwardshesawTashtegoQueequegandDaggooeagerlymountingtothethreemastheadswhiletheoarsmenwererockinginthetwostavedboatswhichhadbutjustbeenhoistedtothesideandwerebusilyatworkinrepairingthemOneaftertheotherthroughtheportholesashespedhealsocaughtflyingglimpsesofStubbandFlaskbusyingthemselvesondeckamongbundlesofnewironsandlancesAshesawallthisasheheardthehammersinthebrokenboatsfarotherhammersseemeddrivinganailintohisheartButheralliedAndnowmarkingthatthevaneorflagwasgonefromthemainmastheadheshoutedtoTashtegowhohadjustgainedthatperchtodescendagainforanotherflagandahammerandnailsandsonailittothemastWhetherfaggedbythethreedaysrunningchaseandtheresistancetohisswimmingintheknottedhamperheboreorwhetheritwassomelatentdeceitfulnessandmaliceinhimwhicheverwastruetheWhiteWhaleswaynowbegantoabateasitseemedfromtheboatsorapidlynearinghimoncemorethoughindeedthewhaleslaststarthadnotbeensolongaoneasbeforeAndstillasAhabglidedoverthewavestheunpityingsharksaccompaniedhimandsopertinaciouslystucktotheboatandsocontinuallybitattheplyingoarsthatthebladesbecamejaggedandcrunchedandleftsmallsplintersintheseaatalmosteverydipHeedthemnotthoseteethbutgivenewrowlockstoyouroarsPullontisthebetterrestthesharksjawthantheyieldingwaterButateverybitesirthethinbladesgrowsmallerandsmallerTheywilllastlongenoughpullonButwhocantellhemutteredwhetherthesesharksswimtofeastonthewhaleoronAhabButpullonAyeallalivenowwenearhimThehelmtakethehelmletmepassandsosayingtwooftheoarsmenhelpedhimforwardtothebowsofthestillflyingboatAtlengthasthecraftwascasttoonesideandranrangingalongwiththeWhiteWhalesflankheseemedstrangelyobliviousofitsadvanceasthewhalesometimeswillandAhabwasfairlywithinthesmokymountainmistwhichthrownofffromthewhalesspoutcurledroundhisgreatMonadnockhumphewaseventhusclosetohimwhenwithbodyarchedbackandbotharmslengthwisehighliftedtothepoisehedartedhisfierceironandhisfarfiercercurseintothehatedwhaleAsbothsteelandcursesanktothesocketasifsuckedintoamorassMobyDicksidewayswrithedspasmodicallyrolledhisnighflankagainstthebowandwithoutstavingaholeinitsosuddenlycantedtheboatoverthathaditnotbeenfortheelevatedpartofthegunwaletowhichhethenclungAhabwouldoncemorehavebeentossedintotheseaAsitwasthreeoftheoarsmenwhoforeknewnotthepreciseinstantofthedartandwerethereforeunpreparedforitseffectsthesewereflungoutbutsofellthatinaninstanttwoofthemclutchedthegunwaleagainandrisingtoitslevelonacombingwavehurledthemselvesbodilyinboardagainthethirdmanhelplesslydroppingasternbutstillafloatandswimmingAlmostsimultaneouslywithamightyvolitionofungraduatedinstantaneousswiftnesstheWhiteWhaledartedthroughthewelteringseaButwhenAhabcriedouttothesteersmantotakenewturnswiththelineandholditsoandcommandedthecrewtoturnroundontheirseatsandtowtheboatuptothemarkthemomentthetreacherouslinefeltthatdoublestrainandtugitsnappedintheemptyairWhatbreaksinmeSomesinewcrackstiswholeagainoarsoarsBurstinuponhimHearingthetremendousrushoftheseacrashingboatthewhalewheeledroundtopresenthisblankforeheadatbaybutinthatevolutioncatchingsightofthenearingblackhulloftheshipseeminglyseeinginitthesourceofallhispersecutionsbethinkingititmaybealargerandnoblerfoeofasuddenheboredownuponitsadvancingprowsmitinghisjawsamidfieryshowersoffoamAhabstaggeredhishandsmotehisforeheadIgrowblindhandsstretchoutbeforemethatImayyetgropemywayIstnightThewhaleTheshipcriedthecringingoarsmenOarsoarsSlopedownwardstothydepthsOseathatereitbeforevertoolateAhabmayslidethislastlasttimeuponhismarkIseetheshiptheshipDashonmymenWillyenotsavemyshipButastheoarsmenviolentlyforcedtheirboatthroughthesledgehammeringseasthebeforewhalesmittenbowendsoftwoplanksburstthroughandinaninstantalmostthetemporarilydisabledboatlaynearlylevelwiththewavesitshalfwadingsplashingcrewtryinghardtostopthegapandbaleoutthepouringwaterMeantimeforthatonebeholdinginstantTashtegosmastheadhammerremainedsuspendedinhishandandtheredflaghalfwrappinghimaswithaplaidthenstreameditselfstraightoutfromhimashisownforwardflowingheartwhileStarbuckandStubbstandinguponthebowspritbeneathcaughtsightofthedowncomingmonsterjustassoonasheThewhalethewhaleUphelmuphelmOhallyesweetpowersofairnowhugmecloseLetnotStarbuckdieifdiehemustinawomansfaintingfitUphelmIsayyefoolsthejawthejawIsthistheendofallmyburstingprayersallmylifelongfidelitiesOhAhabAhablothyworkSteadyhelmsmansteadyNaynayUphelmagainHeturnstomeetusOhhisunappeasablebrowdrivesontowardsonewhosedutytellshimhecannotdepartMyGodstandbymenowStandnotbymebutstandundermewhoeveryouarethatwillnowhelpStubbforStubbtoostickshereIgrinattheethougrinningwhaleWhoeverhelpedStubborkeptStubbawakebutStubbsownunwinkingeyeAndnowpoorStubbgoestobeduponamattrassthatisalltoosoftwoulditwerestuffedwithbrushwoodIgrinattheethougrinningwhaleLookyesunmoonandstarsIcallyeassassinsofasgoodafellowaseverspouteduphisghostForallthatIwouldyetringglasseswithyewouldyebuthandthecupOhohohohthougrinningwhalebuttherellbeplentyofgulpingsoonWhyflyyenotOAhabFormeoffshoesandjackettoitletStubbdieinhisdrawersAmostmouldyandoversalteddeaththoughcherriescherriescherriesOhFlaskforoneredcherryerewedieCherriesIonlywishthatwewerewheretheygrowOhStubbIhopemypoormothersdrawnmypartpayerethisifnotfewcopperswillnowcometoherforthevoyageisupFromtheshipsbowsnearlyalltheseamennowhunginactivehammersbitsofplanklancesandharpoonsmechanicallyretainedintheirhandsjustastheyhaddartedfromtheirvariousemploymentsalltheirenchantedeyesintentuponthewhalewhichfromsidetosidestrangelyvibratinghispredestinatingheadsentabroadbandofoverspreadingsemicircularfoambeforehimasherushedRetributionswiftvengeanceeternalmalicewereinhiswholeaspectandspiteofallthatmortalmancoulddothesolidwhitebuttressofhisforeheadsmotetheshipsstarboardbowtillmenandtimbersreeledSomefellflatupontheirfacesLikedislodgedtruckstheheadsoftheharpooneersaloftshookontheirbulllikenecksThroughthebreachtheyheardthewaterspourasmountaintorrentsdownaflumeTheshipThehearsethesecondhearsecriedAhabfromtheboatitswoodcouldonlybeAmericanDivingbeneaththesettlingshipthewhaleranquiveringalongitskeelbutturningunderwaterswiftlyshottothesurfaceagainfarofftheotherbowbutwithinafewyardsofAhabsboatwhereforatimehelayquiescentIturnmybodyfromthesunWhathoTashtegoletmehearthyhammerOhyethreeunsurrenderedspiresofminethouuncrackedkeelandonlygodbulliedhullthoufirmdeckandhaughtyhelmandPolepointedprowdeathgloriousshipmustyethenperishandwithoutmeAmIcutofffromthelastfondprideofmeanestshipwreckedcaptainsOhlonelydeathonlonelylifeOhnowIfeelmytopmostgreatnessliesinmytopmostgriefHohofromallyourfurthestboundspouryenowinyeboldbillowsofmywholeforegonelifeandtopthisonepiledcomberofmydeathTowardstheeIrollthoualldestroyingbutunconqueringwhaletothelastIgrapplewiththeefromhellsheartIstabattheeforhatessakeIspitmylastbreathattheeSinkallcoffinsandallhearsestoonecommonpoolandsinceneithercanbemineletmethentowtopieceswhilestillchasingtheethoughtiedtotheethoudamnedwhaleThusIgiveupthespearTheharpoonwasdartedthestrickenwhaleflewforwardwithignitingvelocitythelineranthroughthegroovesranfoulAhabstoopedtoclearithedidclearitbuttheflyingturncaughthimroundtheneckandvoicelesslyasTurkishmutesbowstringtheirvictimhewasshotoutoftheboaterethecrewknewhewasgoneNextinstanttheheavyeyespliceintheropesfinalendflewoutofthestarkemptytubknockeddownanoarsmanandsmitingtheseadisappearedinitsdepthsForaninstantthetrancedboatscrewstoodstillthenturnedTheshipGreatGodwhereistheshipSoontheythroughdimbewilderingmediumssawhersidelongfadingphantomasinthegaseousFataMorganaonlytheuppermostmastsoutofwaterwhilefixedbyinfatuationorfidelityorfatetotheironceloftyperchesthepaganharpooneersstillmaintainedtheirsinkinglookoutsontheseaAndnowconcentriccirclesseizedtheloneboatitselfandallitscrewandeachfloatingoarandeverylancepoleandspinninganimateandinanimateallroundandroundinonevortexcarriedthesmallestchipofthePequodoutofsightButasthelastwhelmingsintermixinglypouredthemselvesoverthesunkenheadoftheIndianatthemainmastleavingafewinchesoftheerectsparyetvisibletogetherwithlongstreamingyardsoftheflagwhichcalmlyundulatedwithironicalcoincidingsoverthedestroyingbillowstheyalmosttouchedatthatinstantaredarmandahammerhoveredbackwardlyupliftedintheopenairintheactofnailingtheflagfasterandyetfastertothesubsidingsparAskyhawkthattauntinglyhadfollowedthemaintruckdownwardsfromitsnaturalhomeamongthestarspeckingattheflagandincommodingTashtegotherethisbirdnowchancedtointerceptitsbroadflutteringwingbetweenthehammerandthewoodandsimultaneouslyfeelingthatetherialthrillthesubmergedsavagebeneathinhisdeathgaspkepthishammerfrozenthereandsothebirdofheavenwitharchangelicshrieksandhisimperialbeakthrustupwardsandhiswholecaptiveformfoldedintheflagofAhabwentdownwithhisshipwhichlikeSatanwouldnotsinktohelltillshehaddraggedalivingpartofheavenalongwithherandhelmetedherselfwithitNowsmallfowlsflewscreamingovertheyetyawninggulfasullenwhitesurfbeatagainstitssteepsidesthenallcollapsedandthegreatshroudofthesearolledonasitrolledfivethousandyearsagoEpilogueANDIONLYAMESCAPEDALONETOTELLTHEEJobThedramasdoneWhythenheredoesanyonestepforthBecauseonedidsurvivethewreckItsochancedthataftertheParseesdisappearanceIwashewhomtheFatesordainedtotaketheplaceofAhabsbowsmanwhenthatbowsmanassumedthevacantpostthesamewhowhenonthelastdaythethreemenweretossedfromoutoftherockingboatwasdroppedasternSofloatingonthemarginoftheensuingsceneandinfullsightofitwhenthehalfspentsuctionofthesunkshipreachedmeIwasthenbutslowlydrawntowardstheclosingvortexWhenIreacheditithadsubsidedtoacreamypoolRoundandroundthenandevercontractingtowardsthebuttonlikeblackbubbleattheaxisofthatslowlywheelingcirclelikeanotherIxionIdidrevolveTillgainingthatvitalcentretheblackbubbleupwardburstandnowliberatedbyreasonofitscunningspringandowingtoitsgreatbuoyancyrisingwithgreatforcethecoffinlifebuoyshotlengthwisefromtheseafelloverandfloatedbymysideBuoyedupbythatcoffinforalmostonewholedayandnightIfloatedonasoftanddirgelikemainTheunharmingsharkstheyglidedbyasifwithpadlocksontheirmouthsthesavageseahawkssailedwithsheathedbeaksOntheseconddayasaildrewnearnearerandpickedmeupatlastItwasthedeviouscruisingRachelthatinherretracingsearchafterhermissingchildrenonlyfoundanotherorphan