In Herman Melville's work "The Enchanted Isles or The Encantadas," the author reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the unreliable promises made by people. He suggests that both oaths and anchors, which are meant to provide stability and commitment, can ultimately falter and fail. This metaphor highlights a profound skepticism about the durability of human intentions and the transient joys they offer.
The phrase emphasizes that beyond these broken...