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.

Of all objects that I have ever seen, there is none which affects my imagination so much as the sea or ocean. A troubled ocean, to a man who sails upon it, is, I think, the biggest object that he can see in motion, and consequently gives his imagination one of the highest kinds of pleasure that can arise from greatness.

The sea hath no king but God alone.

The wonderful sea charmed me from the first.

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

I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm’s way.

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 life of a sailor is very unhealthy.

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

The sea hath fish for every man.

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.

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.

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