Moby Dick

by Herman Melville

And still deeper the meaning of that story of Narcissus, who because he could not grasp the tormenting, mild image he saw in the fountain, plunged into it and was drowned. But that same image, we ourselves see in all rivers and oceans.

everybody else is one way or other served in much the same way—either in a physical or metaphysical point of view, that is; and so the universal thump is passed round, and all hands should rub each other’s shoulder-blades, and be content.

They say that men who have seen the world, thereby become quite at ease in manner, quite self-possessed in company.

he seemed entirely at his ease; preserving the utmost serenity; content with his own companionship; always equal to himself.