But savages are strange beings; at times you do not know exactly how to take them.

At first they are overawing; their calm self-collectedness of simplicity seems a Socratic wisdom.

I had noticed also that Queequeg never consorted at all, or but very little, with the other seamen in the inn.

He made no advances whatever; appeared to have no desire to enlarge the circle of his acquaintances.

All this struck me as mighty singular; yet, upon second thoughts, there was something almost sublime in it.