It may be
here, it may be there; for I look upon her as a nondescript, as old
Admiral Top used to call the galliots of the north seas--but, concerning
these new American fashions, of what use are they, I would ask, Captain
Ludlow? In the first place, they are neither English nor French, which is
as much as to confess they are altogether outlandish; in the second place,
they disturb the harmony and established usages among wrights and
sail-makers, and, though they may get along well enough now, sooner or
later, take my word for it, they will come to harm. It is unreasonable to
suppose that a new people can discover any thing in the construction of a
ship, that has escaped the wisdom of seamen as old--the Frenchman is
cluing up his top-gallant-sails, and means to let them hang; which is much
the same as condemning them at once,--and, therefore, I am of opinion that
all these new fashions will come to no good."
"Your reasoning is absolutely conclusive, Master Trysail." returned the
captain, whose thoughts were differently employed. "I agree with you, it
would be safer for the stranger to send down his yards."
"There is something manly and becoming in seeing a ship strip herself, as
she comes into action, Sir! It is like a boxer taking off his jacket, with
the intention of making a fair stand-up fight of it.--That fellow is
filling away again, and means to manoeuvre before he comes up fairly to
his work.
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