He had made three successful voyages, bringing home cargoes that had enriched his owners, put money in his own pocket, and secured him a reputation he esteemed of more value than a fortune.
In truth, he regarded whales just as a terrier does rats, and found his highest enjoyment in killing them.

And yet nothing pleased him better than when a whale showed pluck, as he called it, and made a square, fierce fight for his life.

A man had a chance then to show his skill and power over the brute, he said.

He held, too, that man's highest object in life was to know how to kill a whale skilfully; and he heartily despised the whale "as would submit quietly to the harpoon, and die like a lubber." He also affected great contempt for the landsman who had lived like a gentleman, and never killed a whale in his life.
"There's no lunar to-night," said Captain Bottom, pausing at the quarter-deck rail, and addressing himself to the officer of the watch.
"There's a goin' to be dirt, sir, there is; and them royals and topgallant-sails is got to cum in.

Would'nt surprise me if we had to double-reef topsails afore mornin'.