Time, time; if I but only had the time, I could turn him out as
neat a leg now as ever (sneezes) scraped to a lady in a parlor.
Those buckskin legs and calves of legs I've seen in shop windows
wouldn't compare at all. They soak water, they do; and of course
get rheumatic, and have to be doctored (sneezes) with washes and lotions,
just like live legs. There; before I saw it off, now, I must call
his old Mogulship, and see whether the length will be all right;
too short, if anything, I guess. Ha! that's the heel; we are in luck;
here he comes, or it's somebody else, that's certain. AHAB (advancing)
(During the ensuing scene, the carpenter continues sneezing at times).
Well, manmaker!
Just in time, sir. If the captain pleases, I will now mark the length.
Let me measure, sir.
Measured for a leg! good. Well, it's not the first time.
About it! There; keep thy finger on it. This is a cogent
vice thou hast here, carpenter; let me feel its grip once.
So, so; it does pinch some.
Oh, sir, it will break bones--beware, beware!
No fear; I like a good grip; I like to feel something in this
slippery world that can hold, man. What's Prometheus about there?--
the blacksmith, I mean--what's he about?
He must be forging the buckle-screw, sir, now.
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