“ What is best let alone, that accursed thing is not always what least allures. ”
Herman Melville, Moby-Dick (1851). copy citation
| Author | Herman Melville |
|---|---|
| Source | Moby-Dick |
| Topic | attraction magnetism curse |
| Date | 1851 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2701/2701-h/2701-h.htm |
Context
“There would be great glory in killing him, I know that; and there is a ship-load of precious sperm in him, but, hark ye, he's best let alone; don't you think so, Captain?» —glancing at the ivory leg.
«He is. But he will still be hunted, for all that. What is best let alone, that accursed thing is not always what least allures. He's all a magnet! How long since thou saw'st him last? Which way heading?»
«Bless my soul, and curse the foul fiend's,» cried Bunger, stoopingly walking round Ahab, and like a dog, strangely snuffing; «this man's blood—bring the thermometer!—it's at the boiling point!—his pulse makes these planks beat!—sir!»” source
«He is. But he will still be hunted, for all that. What is best let alone, that accursed thing is not always what least allures. He's all a magnet! How long since thou saw'st him last? Which way heading?»
«Bless my soul, and curse the foul fiend's,» cried Bunger, stoopingly walking round Ahab, and like a dog, strangely snuffing; «this man's blood—bring the thermometer!—it's at the boiling point!—his pulse makes these planks beat!—sir!»” source
Meaning and analysis
