CHAPTER 39

  First Night Watch

  (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 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.