16 The Wine-Dark Sea - Libro della tutto

Patrick O'Brian The Wine-Dark Sea
war, were not only sacred in themselves but
that they conferred a kind of sanctity on their
rightful inhabitants, a particular being and an
identity. He felt this strongly, though he found
the notion difficult to express; and now that
Davidge was dead there was nobody with
whom he could discuss it. Pullings was a small
tenant-farmer's son; Adams, though he acted
as purser, was only the Captain's clerk; and
Martin did not seem to think either family or
caste of much importance. Dr Maturin, who
lived almost entirely with the Captain, being
his particular friend, was of illegitimate birth
and the subject could not be raised with him;
while even if West had been in high favour
with his commander it would have been quite
useless to suggest that if it was necessary to
promote foremast jacks, as it was in this case,
then they might be made master's mates,
herding with the midshipmen, so that the gun-