39. 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.
