評論
打印
therefore, as the Pequod gained more and more upon Java Head, the look-outs were repeatedly hailed, and admonished to keep wide awake. But though the green palmy cliffs of the land soon loomed on the starboard bow, and with delighted nostrils the fresh cinnamon was snuffed in the air, yet not a single jet was descried. Almost renouncing all thought of falling in with any game hereabouts, the ship had well nigh entered the straits, when the customary cheering cry was heard from aloft, and ere long a spectacle of singular magnificence saluted us.
因此，"裴廓德號"越來越駛近爪哇岬的時候，就一再地關照那些瞭望水手，要他們充分提高警惕。不過，雖然不久在船頭右舷隱現出了一片長滿了棕櫚樹。碧綠的峭壁也似的大地，空間蕩漾著一股新鮮桂皮的撲鼻香氣，可是，連一個噴水都沒有見到。這時，大家都差不多認為在這附近不會有碰到任何獵物的希望了，船只也已經快要進峽。哪知就在這時，桅頂上發出一聲慣常的歡呼聲來，不一會兒，一幅非常壯麗的景象就映入我們的眼簾了。
But here be it premised, that owing to the unwearied activity with which of late they have been hunted over all four oceans, the Sperm Whales, instead of almost invariably sailing in small detached companies, as in former times, are now frequently met with in extensive herds, sometimes embracing so great a multitude, that it would almost seem as if numerous nations of them had sworn solemn league and covenant for mutual assistance and protection. To this aggregation of the Sperm Whale into such immense caravans, may be imputed the circumstance that even in the best cruising grounds, you may now sometimes sail for weeks and months together, without being greeted by a single spout; and then be suddenly saluted by what sometimes seems thousands on thousands.
但是，得先在這里提一下，最近抹香鯨因為遭到四面八方不斷的追擊，所以它們現在不象以前那樣：差不多總是一小群一小群的游著，而是讓人們經常看到數目浩大的一群一群了，有時結集數目之大，簡直教人以為它們仿佛是許多國家聚在一起，在為互助互衛而歃血盟誓。由于抹香鯨集結成如此廣大的隊伍，從而使得最近甚至在最有利的巡游漁場，往往也會航行了幾個星期、幾個月而連一個噴水也看不到，但接著卻突然碰上了有時看來有成千成萬的大鯨。
