110 THE WHALE AND 



The Whale's Peace Principles. Gentleness of Temper. 



CHAPTER VII. 



CAPTURE. 



The whale he shall still be dear to me, 



When the midnight lamp grows dim ; 

 For the student's book, and his favorite nook, 



Are illumined by aid of him. 

 From none of his tribe could we e'er imbibe 



So useful, so blessed a thing. 

 Then hand in hand we'll go on the land, 



To hail him the Ocean King. Sailor's Song. 



TN continuing our inquiries into the peculiari- 

 * ties of whales and incidents of whaling, it 

 is to be remarked of the great right whale (Ba- 

 laena Mysticetus), that, like the hugest of all 

 land animals, its disposition is mild and inof- 

 fensive. It never shows fight except when 

 wounded, and then in an awkward and blind 

 way, that proves it is not used to war either of- 

 fensive or defensive. Its immediate recourse is 

 to flight, except when it has young to look out 

 for, and then it is bold as a lion, and manifests 

 an affection which is itself truly affecting. It 

 grazes quietly through the great deep, never 



