I must be a mermaid, Rango. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.

Ashore it’s wine, women, and song; aboard it’s rum, bum, and concertina.

The sole business of a seaman onshore who has to go to sea again is to take as much pleasure as he can.

Seafarers go to sleep in the evening not knowing whether they will find themselves at the bottom of the sea the next morning.

As to the sea itself, love it you cannot. Why should you? I will never believe again the sea was ever loved by anyone whose life was married to it. It is the creation of omnipotence, which is not of humankind and understandable, and so the springs of its behavior are hidden.

In all the ancient states and empires, those who had the shipping, had the wealth.

The life of a sailor is very unhealthy.

And to our age’s drowsy blood / Still shouts the inspiring sea.

Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.

Seaward ho! Hang the treasure! It’s the glory of the sea that has turned my head.

I never even saw the use of the sea. Many a sad heart has it caused, and many a sick stomach has it occasioned! The boldest sailor climbs on board with a heavy soul and leaps on land with a light spirit.

You never enjoy the world aright, till the sea itself floweth in your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens, and crowned with the stars.

The Mediterranean has the colors of a mackerel, changeable I mean. You don’t always know if it is green or violet—you can’t even say it’s blue, because the next moment the changing light has taken on a tinge of pink or gray.