REFLECTIONS. 193 



molested on the water, until, having recovered 

 some degree of energy, it made a violent effort, 

 and disengaged itself from both the harpoons. 



Such is a characteristic specimen of the 

 whalemen's adventurous experience in the far 

 north ; whilst those pursuing the commerce in 

 other regions meet with similar, and, perhaps, 

 more numerous perils. For there are few that 

 have been long in the service but have been 

 banged and broken in some way, and snatched 

 often from the gaping jaws of destruction. 

 They can tell of marvellous escapes, and provi- 

 dential deliverances from the very throat of 

 death, that make you think a whaler, of all men, 

 ought to be living with his will made, and ready 

 for a sudden summons. They can tell too of 

 fearful incidents of fatal adventure to their com- 

 rades, when they themselves were privileged 

 to escape unscathed. 



We should naturally think that a man's con- 

 stant exposedness to sudden death would give a 

 serious turn to his mind, and induce a cast of 

 reflection and thoughtful regard to his latter end. 

 But it is now long time since the practical ob- 



N 



