.. < 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 >