A fair complexion is unbecoming to a sailor: he ought to be swarthy from the waters of the sea and the rays of the sun.

All streams run to the sea, but the sea is not full.

Ships at a distance have every man’s wish on board.

But look, our seas are what we make of them, full of fish or not, opaque or transparent, red or black, high or smooth, narrow or bankless—and we are ourselves sea, sand, coral, seaweed, beaches, tides, swimmers, children, waves.

The legislator is like the navigator of a ship on the high seas. He can steer the vessel on which he sails, but he cannot alter its construction, raise the wind, or stop the waves from swelling beneath his feet.

The sea hath no king but God alone.

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

The sea yields action to the body, meditation to the mind, the world to the world, all parts thereof to each part, by this art of arts—navigation.

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

Tomorrow we take to the mighty sea.

Why is a ship under sail more poetical than a hog in a high wind? The hog is all nature, the ship is all art.

The wonderful sea charmed me from the first.

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.