That over these sea pastures, wide rolling watery prairies, and Potters' Fields of all four continents, the waves should rise and fall, and ebb and flow unceasingly; for here, millions of mixed shades and shadows, drowned dreams, somnambulisms, reveries; all that we call lives and souls lie dreaming, dreaming, still; tossing like some slumberers in their beds; the ever rolling waves but made so by the restlessness.
In the vast expanse of the oceans, the unending movement of waves symbolizes the countless lives and dreams that have been cast into the depths. These waters, sprawling across the globe, serve as a resting place for many lost souls, creating a world where memories and aspirations mingle beneath the surface. The image of waves rising and falling captures the timeless nature of existence, as if each undulation is a reminder of the dreams that linger, forever unfulfilled yet persistently present.
This portrayal of the sea suggests a serene yet melancholic aspect of life, where the ebb and flow reflect the unceasing nature of human experience. Like sleepers caught in a trance, the echoes of aspirations drift in the water, showcasing the restlessness of those who have vanished. Melville's imagery evokes a profound connection between the natural world and the human condition, highlighting how our dreams and struggles continue to resonate, much like the relentless waves of the ocean.