CHAPTER XXXIII. Otard

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# CHAPTER XXXIII. Otard ## Overview This chapter, titled "Otard," is part of the novel [Mardi: And a Voyage Thither](arke:01KG8AJA6157W2830190N652KA). It was extracted from the file [mardi_vol1.txt](arke:01KG89J1HYC04JWXEK48P07WPK) and is part of the larger collection [Melville Complete Works](arke:01KG89HMDZKNY753EZE1CJ8HZW). The chapter details a personal discovery and the narrator's subsequent decision regarding a cask of Otard brandy. ## Context The chapter follows "CHAPTER XXXII. Xiphius Platypterus" and precedes "CHAPTER XXXIV. How They Steered On Their Way." The narrative focuses on the narrator's solitary exploration of the ship's hold, where he finds a cask of fine old Otard brandy. He contemplates sharing it with his shipmates, particularly Jarl, who has a known weakness for alcohol, and Samoa and Annatoo, whose reactions to intoxication are unknown but potentially volatile. Ultimately, the narrator decides to keep the discovery to himself, considering the potential dangers and the inappropriate timing for introducing alcohol. ## Contents The chapter recounts the narrator's discovery of a cask of Otard brandy in the ship's hold. He reflects on the deceased captain's good taste and judgment. The narrator then considers the potential consequences of sharing the brandy with his shipmates, specifically mentioning Jarl's propensity for drinking, and the unknown reactions of Samoa and Annatoo. He resolves to keep the brandy hidden and only partake himself occasionally, even considering its potential medicinal use. The chapter concludes with advice to shipmasters to destroy spirit casks in the event of a wreck before launching lifeboats.

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2026-01-30T20:49:15.224Z

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CHAPTER XXXIII. Otard

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3818

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2026-01-30T20:47:39.468Z

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CHAPTER XXXIII. Otard And here is another little incident. One afternoon while all by myself curiously penetrating into the hold, I most unexpectedly obtained proof, that the ill-fated captain of the Parki had been a man of sound judgment and most excellent taste. In brief, I lighted upon an aromatic cask of prime old Otard. Now, I mean not to speak lightly of any thing immediately connected with the unfortunate captain. Nor, on the other hand, would I resemble the inconsolable mourner, who among other tokens of affliction, bound in funereal crape his deceased friend’s copy of Joe Miller. Is there not a fitness in things? But let that pass. I found the Otard, and drank there-of; finding it, moreover, most pleasant to the palate, and right cheering to the soul. My next impulse was to share my prize with my shipmates. But here a judicious reflection obtruded. From the sea-monarchs, his ancestors, my Viking had inherited one of their cardinal virtues, a detestation and abhorrence of all vinous and spirituous beverages; insomuch, that he never could see any, but he instantly quaffed it out of sight. To be short, like Alexander the Great and other royalties, Jarl was prone to overmuch bibing. And though at sea more sober than a Fifth Monarchy Elder, it was only because he was then removed from temptation. But having thus divulged my Viking’s weak; side, I earnestly entreat, that it may not disparage him in any charitable man’s estimation. Only think, how many more there are like him to say nothing further of Alexander the Great—especially among his own class; and consider, I beseech, that the most capacious-souled fellows, for that very reason, are the most apt to be too liberal in their libations; since, being so large-hearted, they hold so much more good cheer than others. For Samoa, from his utter silence hitherto as to aught inebriating on board, I concluded, that, along with his other secrets, the departed captain had very wisely kept his Otard to himself. Nor did I doubt, but that the Upoluan, like all Polynesians, much loved getting high of head; and in that state, would be more intractable than a Black Forest boar. And concerning Annatoo, I shuddered to think, how that Otard might inflame her into a Fury more fierce than the foremost of those that pursued Orestes. In good time, then, bethinking me of the peril of publishing my discovery;—bethinking me of the quiet, lazy, ever-present perils of the voyage, of all circumstances, the very worst under which to introduce an intoxicating beverage to my companions, I resolved to withhold it from them altogether. So impressed was I with all this, that for a moment, I was almost tempted to roll over the cask on its bilge, remove the stopper, and suffer its contents to mix with the foul water at the bottom of the hold. But no, no: What: dilute the brine with the double distilled soul of the precious grape? Haft himself would have haunted me! Then again, it might come into play medicinally; and Paracelsus himself stands sponsor for every cup drunk for the good of the abdomen. So at last, I determined to let it remain where it was: visiting it occasionally, by myself, for inspection. But by way of advice to all ship-masters, let me say, that if your Otard magazine be exposed to view—then, in the evil hour of wreck, stave in your spirit-casks, ere rigging the life-boat.

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CHAPTER XXXIII. Otard