Without a decisive naval force, we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.

The bathing was so delightful this morning, and Molly so pressing with me to enjoy myself, that I believe I stayed in rather too long, as since the middle of the day I have felt unreasonably tired. I shall be more careful another time, and shall not bathe tomorrow as I had before intended.

The most advanced nations are always those who navigate the most.

The sea hath no king but God alone.

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.

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

The sea receives us in a proper way only when we are without clothes.

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

The life of a sailor is very unhealthy.

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 wonderful sea charmed me from the first.

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

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.