from Herman Melville, Moby Dick (1851)
[Ahab speaking]: " What a lovely day again! were it a new-made world, and made for a summer-house to the angels, and this morning the first of its throwing open to them, a fairer day could not dawn upon the world. Here's food for thought, had Ahab time to think; but Ahab never thinks; he only feels, feels, feels; that's tingling enough for mortal man! to think's audacity. God only has that right and privilege. Thinking is, or ought to be, a coolness and a calmness; and our poor hearts throb, and our poor brains beat too much for that."
Showing posts with label herman melville. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herman melville. Show all posts
Friday, March 28, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008
many are the dericks
from Herman Melville, Moby Dick (1851)
It was not long after the sinking of the body that a cry was heard form the Pequod's mast-heads, announcing that the Jungfrau was again lowering her boats; though the only spout in sight was that of a Fin-Back, belonging to the species of uncapturable whales, because of its incredible power of swimming. Nevertheless, the Fin-Back's spout is so similar to the sperm whale's, that by unskilful fishermen it is often mistaken for it. And consequently Derick and all his host were now in valiant chase of this unnearable brute. The Virgin crowding all sail, made after her four young keels, and thus they all disappeared far to leeward, still in bold, hopeful chase.
Oh! many are the Fin-Backs, and many are the Dericks, my friend.
It was not long after the sinking of the body that a cry was heard form the Pequod's mast-heads, announcing that the Jungfrau was again lowering her boats; though the only spout in sight was that of a Fin-Back, belonging to the species of uncapturable whales, because of its incredible power of swimming. Nevertheless, the Fin-Back's spout is so similar to the sperm whale's, that by unskilful fishermen it is often mistaken for it. And consequently Derick and all his host were now in valiant chase of this unnearable brute. The Virgin crowding all sail, made after her four young keels, and thus they all disappeared far to leeward, still in bold, hopeful chase.
Oh! many are the Fin-Backs, and many are the Dericks, my friend.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
the big four
from Herman Melville, Moby Dick (1851)
God keep me from ever finishing anything. This whole book is but a draught-- nay, but the draught of a draught. Oh, Time, Strength, Cash, and Patience!
God keep me from ever finishing anything. This whole book is but a draught-- nay, but the draught of a draught. Oh, Time, Strength, Cash, and Patience!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
he was an undergraduate
from Herman Melville, Moby Dick
[Ishmael describes his bedmate for the night, the "cannibal" Queequeg]:
But Queequeg, do you see, was a creature in the transition stage-- neither caterpillar nor butterfly. He was just enough civilised to show off his outlandishnes in the strangest possible manner. His education was not yet completed. He was an undergraduate.
[Ishmael describes his bedmate for the night, the "cannibal" Queequeg]:
But Queequeg, do you see, was a creature in the transition stage-- neither caterpillar nor butterfly. He was just enough civilised to show off his outlandishnes in the strangest possible manner. His education was not yet completed. He was an undergraduate.
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