evidence: Let us speak, though we show all our faults and weaknesses, – for it is a sign of strength to be weak, to know it, and out with it – not in a set way and ostentatiously, though, but incidentally and without premeditation. – Herman Melville [...] Is there some principal of nature which states that we never know the quality of what we have until it is gone? – Herman Melville [...] There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life when a man takes his whole universe for a vast practical joke. – Herman Melville