Becoming America - An Exploration of American Literature from Precolonial to Post-Revolution, 2018a

BECOMING AMERICA
REVOLUTIONARY AND EARLY NATIONAL PERIOD LITERATURE
in a cabin where before he had had so many friends and ocers round him, his
hand shook, his face became hueless, broken words escaped; but directly the sane
memory of the past seemed replaced by insane terrors of the present. With starting
eyes he stared before him at vacancy. For nothing was to be seen but the hand
of his servant pushing the Canary over towards him. At length a few sips served
partially to restore him. He made random reference to the dierent constitution of
races, enabling one to oer more resistance to certain maladies than another. The
thought was new to his companion.
Presently Captain Delano, intending to say something to his host concerning
the pecuniary part of the business he had undertaken for him, especially—since he
was strictly accountable to his owners—with reference to the new suit of sails, and
other things of that sort; and naturally preferring to conduct such aairs in private,
was desirous that the servant should withdraw; imagining that Don Benito for a few
minutes could dispense with his attendance. He, however, waited awhile; thinking
that, as the conversation proceeded, Don Benito, without being prompted, would
perceive the propriety of the step.
But it was otherwise. At last catching his host’s eye, Captain Delano, with a
slight backward gesture of his thumb, whispered, “Don Benito, pardon me, but
there is an interference with the full expression of what I have to say to you.”
Upon this the Spaniard changed countenance; which was imputed to his
resenting the hint, as in some way a reection upon his servant. After a moment’s
pause, he assured his guest that the black’s remaining with them could be of no
disservice; because since losing his ocers he had made Babo (whose original
oce, it now appeared, had been captain of the slaves) not only his constant
attendant and companion, but in all things his condant.
After this, nothing more could be said; though, indeed, Captain Delano
could hardly avoid some little tinge of irritation upon being left ungratied in so
inconsiderable a wish, by one, too, for whom he intended such solid services. But
it is only his querulousness, thought he; and so lling his glass he proceeded to
business.
The price of the sails and other matters was xed upon. But while this was
being done, the American observed that, though his original oer of assistance
had been hailed with hectic animation, yet now when it was reduced to a business
transaction, indierence and apathy were betrayed. Don Benito, in fact, appeared
to submit to hearing the details more out of regard to common propriety, than
from any impression that weighty benet to himself and his voyage was involved.
Soon, his manner became still more reserved. The eort was vain to seek to
draw him into social talk. Gnawed by his splenetic mood, he sat twitching his
beard, while to little purpose the hand of his servant, mute as that on the wall,
slowly pushed over the Canary.
Lunch being over, they sat down on the cushioned transom; the servant placing
a pillow behind his master. The long continuance of the calm had now aected the
atmosphere. Don Benito sighed heavily, as if for breath.
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