Was the crew well? Was I not? I had profited in many ways by the voyage. I had even gained flesh, and actually weighed a pound more than when I sailed from Boston.

Good work in the building of my vessel stood me always in good stead.

My ship was also in better condition than when she sailed from Boston on her long voyage. She was still as sound as a nut, and as tight as the best ship afloat. She did not leak a drop - not one drop!

To know the laws that govern the winds, and to know that you know them, will give you an easy mind on your voyage round the world; otherwise you may tremble at the appearance of every cloud.

I was born in the breezes, and I had studied the sea as perhaps few men have studied it, neglecting all else.

Remember, Lord, my ship is small and thy sea is so wide!

But where, after all, would be the poetry of the sea were there no wild waves?