.. < chapter xxxix 2  FIRST NIGHT-WATCH FORE-TOP >


     ( Stubb solus, and


     mending a brace.) Ha!  ha!  ha!  ha!  hem!  clear my throat! --I've been

thinking over it ever since, and that ha, ha's the final consequence.  Why

so?  Because a laugh's the wisest, easiest answer to all that's queer; and

come what will, one comfort's always left -- that unfailing comfort is, it's

all predestinated.  I heard not all his talk with Starbuck; but to my poor

eye Starbuck then looked something as I the other evening felt.  Be sure the

old Mogul has fixed him, too.  I twigged it, knew it; had had the gift,

might readily have prophesied it --for when I clapped my eye upon his skull I

saw it.  Well, Stubb, wise Stubb --that's my title --well, Stubb, what of it,

Stubb?  Here's a carcase.  I know not all that may be coming, but be it what

it will, I'll go to it laughing.  Such a waggish leering as lurks in all your

horribles!  I feel funny.  Fa, la!  lirra, skirra!  What's my juicy little pear

at home doing now?  Crying its eyes out? --Giving a party to the last arrived

harpooneers, I dare say, gay as a frigate's pennant, and so am I--fa, la!

lirra, skirra!  Oh-- We'll drink to-night with hearts as light, To love, as

gay and fleeting As bubbles that swim, on the beaker's brim, And break on the

lips while meeting.  a brave stave that --who calls?  mr.  starbuck?  Aye, aye,

sir -- ( Aside) he's my superior, he has his too, if I'm not mistaken. -- Aye,

aye, sir, just through with this job --coming.

.. <p 169 >

