From Retrospect of Western Travel, Volume 1., by Harriet Martineau
BRISK
"After a brisk morning's walk upon deck, no one was sorry to hear the breakfast-bell. Breakfast was the most cheerful meal of the day. If ever there was any news to tell, it was then. The early risers could sometimes speak to the sluggards of a big fish, of a passing sail, of a frolic among the sailors. I was asked once by a passenger, in a tone whose laziness cannot be conveyed on paper, 'What, did ye see the whale this mornin'?'
'No. It came at four o'clock, when I was asleep; but the captain promises to have me called next time, whatever the hour may be.'
'What, d'ye want to see a whale?'
'Yes, very much.'
'Well, but I dare say you have seen a pictur' o' one.'
It was not apparent to him that this was not an equally good thing.
From The Voyage
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