OF THE POLAR SEA. 



131 



panied it, were usually (though not inva- 

 riably) of a pleasant character, being very 

 often about theTnjoyments of feasting. In 

 the daytime we fell into the practice of con- 

 versing on common and light subjects, al- 

 though we sometimes discussed with seri- 

 ousness and earnestness topics connected 

 with religion. We generally avoided speak- 

 ing directly of our present sufferings, or 

 even of the prospect of relief. I observed, 

 that in proportion as our strength decayed, 

 our minds exhibited symptoms of weakness, 

 evinced by a kind of unreasonable pettish- 

 ness^with each other. Each of us thought 

 the "other weaker in intellect than himself, 

 and more m need of advice and assistance. 

 So trifling a circumstance as a change of 

 place, recommended by one as being warmer 

 and more comfortable, and refused by the 

 other from a dread of motion, frequently 

 called forth fretful expressions which were 

 no sooner uttered than atoned for, to be re- 

 peated perhaps in the course of a few mi-^ 

 nutes. The same thing often occurred 

 when we endeavoured to assist each other 



