03. A Friend upon the Earth | Moby-Dick Act I: The Call of the Sea

[The Scene] Morning brings a change between Ishmael and Queequeg. The unease of their first meeting has given way to trust, and Ishmael recognises how quickly fear and appearance had misled him. What began as an awkward shared room becomes the beginning of genuine friendship. As they prepare to continue together, Ishmael realises that the journey towards the sea will no longer be his alone. [Verse 1] I saw a stranger and I drew away, I let appearance govern what I'd say. Yet through the night your quiet manner showed, More grace than all the caution I bestowed. [Verse 2] You gave no cause for all that I had feared, And every foolish shadow disappeared. Beneath the signs I could not understand, I found a steady heart, an open hand. [Chorus] A friend upon the earth is wealth enough, To share the calm and weather out the rough. I choose your company, and choose it free, The road seems wider with you next to me. [Verse 3] I blush to think how quickly I could judge, And let my borrowed fears refuse to budge. You met my doubt with patience, not disdain, And let me learn what fear could not explain. [Verse 4] I came to seek the freedom of the foam, Yet found beside you something close to home. No blood commands the friendship that we start, I choose you freely, comrade of my heart. [Chorus] A friend upon the earth is wealth enough, To share the calm and weather out the rough. I choose your company, and choose it free, The road seems wider with you next to me. [Verse 5] Wherever wind may carry us from shore, I know I need not walk alone once more. Let others judge by what their eyes can see, I know the worth of one who stands with me. [Outro] The night began with distance, doubt and fear, The morning leaves a trusted comrade near. I sought the sea to make my spirit new, And find the road more gladly shared with you.