10. A Pipe against the Weather | Moby-Dick Act II: The Captain’s Purpose

[The Scene] The Pequod is now fully into the routines of life at sea, and Ahab’s brooding presence has begun to cast its first shadow over the voyage. Against that growing weight, Stubb goes about his duties with the practised ease of an experienced sailor. As rough weather works the ship and tests the crew, he answers it with steady work, dry humour and his pipe rather than anxiety. His refusal to dwell on danger provides a lighter counterpoint to Ahab’s obsession and reveals the practical resilience with which Stubb faces the hardships of the sea. [Verse 1] The deck may pitch, the wind may claw the night, I strike my pipe and keep the ember bright. Let others curse the weather and the spray, I've learned to laugh and work another day. [Verse 2] I know the sea can make a bold man fear, I keep my hands at work and humour near. A squall may shake the canvas overhead, I mend what breaks before I bow my head. [Chorus] So let the weather beat against the rail, I'll smoke my pipe and grin into the gale. The sea may roar, the blackened heavens pour, I'll meet the next hard hour and ask no more. [Verse 3] I've sailed through nights when every spar would groan, And watched the waves rise higher than I'd known. The trick is not to wrestle every doubt, But do the work until the storm blows out. [Verse 4] A man can make a tempest in his mind, And chase the thing that trouble leaves behind. I'd rather take the weather as it comes, And keep my place while every timber drums. [Chorus] So let the weather beat against the rail, I'll smoke my pipe and grin into the gale. The sea may roar, the blackened heavens pour, I'll meet the next hard hour and ask no more. [Verse 5] Give me a rope, a watch, a deck to tread, A jest to keep the darker thoughts unfed. For danger loses something of its sting, When work is done and laughter has its fling. [Verse 6] The ocean owes no sailor peace or ease, I learned that lesson early on the seas. So while the wind keeps testing mast and stay, I'll tend my pipe and meet it my own way. [Chorus] So let the weather beat against the rail, I'll smoke my pipe and grin into the gale. The sea may roar, the blackened heavens pour, I'll meet the next hard hour and ask no more. [Outro] The clouds will pass, or else I'll see them through, There's always work a sailor has to do. So let the wind come hard across the foam, My pipe and wit will make the deck my home.