Many, many steeples would have to be stacked one on top of another to reach from the bottom to the surface of the sea. It is down there that the sea folk live.

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

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.

The snotgreen sea. The scrotumtightening sea.

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.

I’ve been bathing in the poem / Of star-infused and milky sea / Devouring the azure greens.

He who travels by sea is nothing but a worm on a piece of wood, a trifle in the midst of a powerful creation. The waters play about with him at will, and no one but God can help him.

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.

Alone, alone, all, all alone, / Alone on a wide, wide sea!

Never trust her at any time when the calm sea shows her false alluring smile.

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

The winds and the waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.

I am ill every time it blows hard, and nothing but my enthusiastic love for the profession keeps me one hour at sea.