Herman Melville 1819-1891

Is there no middle ground between mammon and mammoth?

I'll try a pagan friend; since Christian kindness has proved so hollow-hearted.

Thou showest thy black side; and again, thy loveliest Isle of Love is just as- Black.

I leave a white and turbid wake; pale waters, paler cheeks, where'er we sail.

As for finish, that reminds me of the old Scriptural exhortation to some to pray without ceasing – but I never knew how to go about it.

Heaven have mercy on us all – Presbyterians and Pagans alike – for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending.

To preach the Truth to him who knew it not, is but to give him a little time to run about the world in misery and desolation.

The sea is his; he is but a copycat of the true owner.

I have no objection to any person's religion, be in what it may, so long as that person does not kill or murder any other in its name.

Give me a condor's quill! Give me Vesuvius' crater for an inkstand!