Mardi: and A Voyage Thither, Vol. II (of 2) by Herman Melville
page 305 of 437 (69%)
page 305 of 437 (69%)
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"Oh Neeva! good Neeva! kind Neeva! thy sweet breath, dear Neeva!" So from his shark's-mouth prayed little Vee-Vee to the god of Fair Breezes. And along they swept; till the three prows neighed to the blast; and pranced on their path, like steeds of Crusaders. Now, that this fine wind had sprung up; the sun riding joyously in the heavens; and the Lagoon all tossed with white, flying manes; Media called upon Yoomy to ransack his whole assortment of songs:--warlike, amorous, and sentimental,--and regale us with something inspiring for too long the company had been gloomy. "Thy best,", he cried. Then will I e'en sing you a song, my lord, which is a song-full of songs. I composed it long, long since, when Yillah yet bowered in Odo. Ere now, some fragments have been heard. Ah, Taji! in this my lay, live over again your happy hours. Some joys have thousand lives; can never die; for when they droop, sweet memories bind them up.--My lord, I deem these verses good; they came bubbling out of me, like live waters from a spring in a silver mine. And by your good leave, my lord, I have much faith in inspiration. Whoso sings is a seer." "Tingling is the test," said Babbalanja, "Yoomy, did you tingle, when that song was composing?" "All over, Babbalanja." "From sole to crown?" |
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