The Pipe

           WhenStubbhaddeparted,Ahabstoodforawhileleaningoverthebulwarks;andthen,ashadbeenusualwithhimoflate,callingasailorofthewatch,hesenthimbelowforhisivorystool,andalsohispipe.Lightingthepipeatthebinnaclelampandplantingthestoolontheweathersideofthedeck,hesatandsmoked.

           InoldNorsetimes,thethronesofthesea-lovingDanishkingswerefabricated,saithtradition,ofthetusksofthenarwhale.HowcouldonelookatAhabthen,seatedonthattripodofbones,withoutbethinkinghimoftheroyaltyitsymbolized?ForaKhanoftheplank,andakingoftheseaandagreatlordofLeviathanswasAhab.

           Somemomentspassed,duringwhichthethickvaporcamefromhismouthinquickandconstantpuffs,whichblewbackagainintohisface."Hownow,"hesoliloquizedatlast,withdrawingthetube,"thissmokingnolongersoothes.Oh,mypipe!hardmustitgowithmeifthycharmbegone!HerehaveIbeenunconsciouslytoiling,notpleasuringaye,andignorantlysmokingtowindwardallthewhile;towindward,andwithsuchnervouswhiffs,asif,likethedyingwhale,myfinaljetswerethestrongestandfullestoftrouble.WhatbusinesshaveIwiththispipe?Thisthingthatismeantforsereneness,tosendupmildwhitevaporsamongmildwhitehairs,notamongtorniron-greylockslikemine.I’llsmokenomore-"

           Hetossedthestilllightedpipeintothesea.Thefirehissedinthewaves;thesameinstanttheshipshotbythebubblethesinkingpipemade.Withslouchedhat,Ahablurchinglypacedtheplanks.

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