Ahab Rejects Hold Repair, Dismisses Owners’ Concerns
Ahab dismisses both the practical concerns and any consideration of the owners’ interests, declaring himself metaphorically “all aleak” with leaks cascading from himself through the casks to the ship itself. He famously declares that the only real owner of anything is its commander, and that his conscience resides in the ship’s keel rather than in the distant owners. He tells Starbuck to let the leak continue, refusing to halt their progress for the owners’ sake.
Starbuck’s Cautious Entreaty and Parting Warning to Ahab
Starbuck, with remarkable restraint and a daring that manifests as respectful caution, ventures further into the cabin to appeal to Ahab’s better nature. He suggests that a better man might overlook what he would resent in a younger, happier man. When Ahab responds by leveling a loaded musket and declaring there is one God and one captain over the Pequod, Starbuck masters his emotions and offers his parting warning: “Let Ahab beware of Ahab; beware of thyself, old man.”
Ahab Orders Burtons Hoisted for Hold Leak Repair
After Starbuck leaves, Ahab reflects on the mate’s warning with sudden awareness—“there’s something there.” Despite his earlier resistance, Ahab changes course and orders the crew to furl the t’gallant-sails, close-reef the top-sails, back the main-yard, and hoist the Burtons to break out and repair the hold. The narrative suggests this reversal may stem from either a flash of honesty or merely prudent policy to prevent open disaffection in his chief officer.
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