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

To young men contemplating a voyage I would say go.

I had already found that it was not good to be alone, and so I made companionship with what there was around me, sometimes with the universe and sometimes with my own insignificant self; but my books were always my friends, let fail all else.

...as the day wore on I watched the birds all flying in one direction, and said, Land lies there.

As for myself, the wonderful sea charmed me from the first.

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 be taken into account were some years of schooling, where I studied with diligence Neptune's laws, and these laws I tried to obey when I sailed overseas; it was worth the while.