Oh for women at sea to obviate the eternal crosscat-harpings,' he said to himself, 'to do away with the grumlinfuttocks, and to inject a little civilization, even of an equivocal nature, even at the risk of moral deviation.
The speaker reflects on the challenges faced by women at sea, considering their potential influence on the harsh maritime environment. He contemplates the idea of introducing a sense of civilization to the naval realm, even if it comes with moral complications. This suggests a desire to soften the roughness of life at sea through the presence of women, which could counteract the grim realities of a sailor's existence.
His thoughts reveal an aspiration for change in the traditionally rugged, male-dominated world of the navy. By mentioning “grumlinfuttocks,” he highlights the absurdities and hardships sailors endure, while advocating for the introduction of women to enhance the human experience at sea. This reflects a broader theme of the clash between civilization and the primal nature of life on the ocean.
