First Night-Watch — Moby-Dick

High on the fore-top at night, Stubb works alone mending a brace. He laughs out loud while he thinks about everything that has happened since Ahab swore the crew to hunt Moby Dick.

Stubb says laughter is the wisest answer to strange and frightening things. His comfort is that everything is already decided by fate. Whatever comes, he will face it laughing.

He did not hear all of Ahab's talk with Starbuck, but he could clearly see Starbuck looked shaken. Stubb believes the old captain has gotten to the mate too. He even jokes that he saw it in Starbuck's skull.

Stubb calls himself wise Stubb. He says he does not know what is coming next, but he will meet it like a dead body meets the grave: with a joke instead of panic.

He sings silly songs and thinks about his wife at home. He imagines her happy while he stays cheerful too.

Then he breaks into a drinking song about light hearts and fleeting love.

Starbuck calls to him from below. Stubb answers right away, aye aye sir. He notes quietly that even his boss has troubles of his own. Then he finishes his job and comes down.