第一百二十章 The Deck Towards the End of the First Night Watch.
This chapter presents a tense midnight confrontation on the deck between Captain Ahab at the helm and the first mate Starbuck, who approaches with urgent reports about deteriorating sail conditions and rising wind. The scene captures Ahab’s unyielding defiance against the elements and his disdain for conventional seamanship.
Ahab at the Helm
Ahab stands resolute at the helm as the first night watch draws toward its end. Starbuck approaches him with pressing concerns about the ship’s rigging, setting the stage for a sharp exchange regarding how to handle the worsening conditions.
Sail Yard Report
Starbuck reports that the main-top-sail yard’s band is working loose and the lee lift has become half-stranded. He asks Ahab’s permission to strike—that is, to lower—the sail before it causes damage to the rigging.
Refusal to Strike
Ahab categorically refuses to strike anything, ordering instead that all equipment be lashed firmly in place. He even declares that if he had sky-sail poles, he would raise them higher into the increasingly wild wind.
Anchor Report
Starbuck then informs Ahab that the anchors are working loose and beginning to drag. He asks whether he should get them back inboard to prevent them from causing further problems as the ship pitches.
Command to Lash
Again Ahab refuses to strike or stir anything, repeating his command to lash everything down. He grows irritated, cursing by “masts and keels” that Starbuck is treating him like some hunch-backed coaster captain, and he sharply orders the crew to hurry and secure everything.
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