Chapter XXXIX: 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.