"A remarkable and corroborative instance occurred, when I was in the bay of Annapolis," resumed the surgeon. "I was becalmed in a small vessel, and amused myself with fishing. I pulled up several herrings; but, to my astonishment, they were putrid and sodden an hour or two after they were dead. I observed the circumstance to one of the fishermen, who in formed me that several hundred barrels, taken at a fishery a few miles off, had all been spoiled in the same manner. I asked the reason, and the answer was, `that they had been spawned at the full of the moon.' How far the man was correct, I know not; but he stated that the circumstance had occurred before, and was well known to the older fishermen." "Very singular," replied Captain M---. "We are too apt to reject the whole, because we have found a part to be erroneous. That the moon is not the Hecate formerly supposed, I believe; but she seems to have more power than is usually ascribed to her. Is that seven bells striking?" "It is, sir; the time has slipped rapidly away. I shall wish you good night." "Good night," replied Captain M---, who, for some time after the departure of the surgeon, continued leaning over the rail of the entering-port, in silent contemplation of the glassy wave, until the working of his mind was expressed in the following apostrophe:-- "Yes--placid and beautiful as thou art, there is foul treachery in thy smile. Who knows, but that, one day, thou mayest, in thy fury, demand as a victim the form which thou so peaceably reflectest? Ever-craving epicure! thou must be fed with the healthy and the brave. The gluttonous earth preys indiscriminately upon the diseased carcases of age, infancy, and manhood; but thou must be more daintily supplied. Health and vigour--prime of life and joyous heart--high-beating pulse and energy of soul--active bodies, and more active minds--such is the food in which thou delightest: and with such dainty fare wilt thou ever be supplied, until the Power that created thee, with the other elements, shall order thee to pass away." The bell struck eight, and its sharp peals, followed by the hoarse summoning of the watch below, by the boatswain's-mates, disturbed his reverie, and Captain M--- descended to his cabin.