Why I like epaulettes

[Lime]

Dr Maturin:

"I beg your pardon. You were speaking of wetting a swab."

Jack Aubrey:

"Oh, yes. It is a cant expression we have in the Navy. The swab is this" -patting his epaulette- "and when first we ship it, we wet it: that is to say, we drink a bottle or two of wine."

"Indeed?" said Maturin with a civil inclination of his head. "A decoration, a badge of rank, I make no doubt? A most elegant ornament, so it is, upon my soul. But, my dear sir, have you not forgot the other one?"

"Well," said Jack, laughing, "I dare say I shall put them both on, by and by."

(edited with the actual quote, now that I have the book in front of me)

It's called a dog watch because it is curtailed!

Thank you - I do love a bit of Maturin and Aubrey; I'm on my second circuit and am always hassling friends to read them. I'm currently working on Mrs Lime to take a trip down to Portsmouth with me for a gander at HMS Victory and the new Marie Rose museum.

[OC Richard]

Thank you - I do love a bit of Maturin and Aubrey; I'm on my second circuit and am always hassling friends to read them. I'm currently working on Mrs Lime to take a trip down to Portsmouth with me for a gander at HMS Victory and the new Marie Rose museum.

I've read the entire canon once, and certain books twice. I really need to read the entire canon once again!

Here is Yours Truly on the deck of HMS Victory... it was a "must see" on our holiday



and my kids (who are now both in college!) on the deck of the HMS Surprise, San Diego, California