This was charming, no doubt; but they shortly found out That the Captain they trusted so well Had only one notion for crossing the ocean, And that was to tingle his bell.
This quote highlights the charming nature of the Captain's personality. Although he is trusted by his crew, their admiration is soon challenged by his single-minded approach to sailing. His primary concern is simply ringing his bell, which symbolizes his obsession with routine or superstition rather than practical navigation skills.
The lines suggest a humorous critique of blindly trusting someone who might not be the most competent or versatile. It emphasizes how appearances or charming behavior can sometimes mask a lack of real capability, especially when someone relies solely on a single mannerism or habit in critical situations.
