Page 256 - Adventures in shadow-land
P. 256
dent,” said the whal? to the sea-owl; " I want
you to cure him.” The sea-owl laid down his
paper and took off his spectacles.
“ What concern is it of yours?” said the sea*
owl.
“ That is none of your business/' said Moby
Dick, “ Take him into the house and take care
of him.”
“ You are weakly sentimental,” said the sea-
owl. “ I perceive that you belong to the rose-
water class. What Is suffering? A mere thrilling
of a certain set of nerves. It creates a sensation
which we call pain. It is disagreeable* Suppose
it is. Are we sent into the world only to enjoy
ourselves? Enjoyment is contemptible\ the de
sire of happiness is base, unworthy a rational be
ing. Let us rise to more exalted feelings) let us
glorify ourselves in discomfort; and if we see any
one basely comfortable, let us make ourselves as
disagreeable as possible, and raise him to our own
platform. What possible difference does it make
whether we live or die, or are cold and hungry ?
What odds does it make in this huge universe ?
Are we nothing but vultures screaming for prey?
