When they
crossed the stern of the pirate, the distance was so small that the faces
of that motley crew were plainly visible. Now, Vespasian was a merciless
critic of coloured skins. "Wal," said he, turning up his nose sky-high,
"dis child never seen such a mixallaneous biling 'o darkies as this yar;
why darned ef there ain't every colour in the rainbow, from the ace of
spades, down to the fine dissolving views." This amazing description,
coupled with his look of affront and disgust, made the white men roar;
for men fighting for their lives have a greater tendency to laugh than
one would think possible. Fullalove was proud of the critic, and for a
while lost sight of the pirate in his theory; which also may seem
strange. But your true theorist is a man apart: he can withdraw into
himself under difficulties. What said one of the breed two thousand years
ago?
"Media inter praelia semper
Sideribus coelique plagis Superisque vacavi."
Oh, the great African heart!" said Fullalove after the battle. "By my
side he fears no danger. Of all men, negroes are the most capable of
friendship; their affection is a mine: and we have only worked it with
the lash; and that is a ridiculous mining tool, I rather think.
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