Not seldom in the rapid vicissitudes of the chase, this natural line,
with the maternal end loose, becomes entangled with the hempen one,
so that the cub is thereby trapped. Some of the subtlest secrets
of the seas seemed divulged to us in this enchanted pond.
We saw young Leviathan amours in the deep.*
*The sperm whale, as with all other species of the Leviathan,
but unlike most other fish, breeds indifferently at all seasons;
after a gestation which may probably be set down at nine months,
producing but one at a time; though in some few known instances
giving birth to an Esau and Jacob:--a contingency provided for
in suckling by two teats, curiously situated, one on each side
of the anus; but the breasts themselves extend upwards from that.
When by chance these precious parts in a nursing whale are cut by
the hunter's lance, the mother's pouring milk and blood rivallingly
discolor the sea for rods. The milk is very sweet and rich;
it has been tasted by man; it might do well with strawberries.
When overflowing with mutual esteem, the whales salute more hominum.
And thus, though surrounded by circle upon circle of consternations
and affrights, did these inscrutable creatures at the centre
freely and fearlessly indulge in all peaceful concernments;
yea, serenely revelled in dalliance and delight.
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