Quote#Wisdom
When the inhabitants of some sequestered island first descry the ‘big…
Quote byHerman Melville · 1819–1891
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Typee (1846), Ch. 4.
English (original)
When the inhabitants of some sequestered island first descry the ‘big canoe’ of the European rolling through the blue waters towards their shores, they rush down to the beach in crowds, and with open arms stand ready to embrace the strangers. Fatal embrace! They fold to their bosoms the viper whose sting is destined to poison all their joys.
— Herman Melville
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