Up in the fore‑top platform.
Stubb is alone, repairing a piece of rigging.
Ha! ha! ha! ha! Ahem, need to clear my throat.
I have been turning all this over in my head ever since what happened on deck, and that burst of laughter is where it all lands.
Why laugh? Well, laughter is the smartest, easiest reply to everything strange and messed‑up. No matter what comes our way, there is always one small comfort left. Everything is already fated to happen.
I did not catch every word of Ahab’s talk with Starbuck. But from what I saw, Starbuck looked just like how I felt one other night.
That old tyrant has gotten to Starbuck too. I saw it coming. I could have predicted it. The moment I looked right at him, I knew how it would go.
Alright then, Stubb. Clever Stubb‑‑that is what I call myself.
So what now, Stubb? We are in for a rough business. I do not know exactly what trouble lies ahead. But whatever comes, I will face it laughing.
There is a silly, mocking grin hidden inside every terrible thing. I feel in high spirits.
Fa, la! lirra, skirra!
I wonder what my sweet girl back home is up to. Is she crying her heart out? More likely she is throwing a party for the latest harpooners to show up, bright and lively as a ship’s colourful flag. And I feel just as merry too.
Fa, la! lirra, skirra!
Oh‑‑
Tonight we will drink with light‑hearted cheer, To love that is bright and quickly gone, Like bubbles floating on the cup’s edge, That pop against our lips the moment we meet them.
That is a fine little song.
Who is calling? Mr. Starbuck?
Aye, aye, sir.
(Under his breath) He is my superior. He has got his own heavy troubles too, if I am not wrong.
Aye, aye, sir. I have just finished this repair work. I am coming right down.