James Hanley

“Who put such ideas into your head, boy? What have you been reading at all? I gamble you are quite a romantic young person so far as the sea is concerned. But, my boy, there is something associated with the sea that you have not yet learned. The day you learn it you will know the meaning of slavery. That's all the sea ever was. That's all it is. Slavery. Slavery. Take my advice and keep away from the sea. It'll never do you any good. I'm not here because I like it, but because there is nothing else for me and I have to like it.”
― James Hanley, Boy

“Like your mother. That's what you are. Another obstinate pig like your mother. But I'll fix you. We'll see. And if you don't pass that exam next week, by God I'll lame you for life. When I was your age, I had to get up and work. I had to rise at five in the morning and drag a milk cart half round the town for a few shillings a week. Here you get a chance of earning over a pound a week and you stick your nose up at it. I'll fix you. You wait. I have had to work hard for my living and I'll bloody well see that you do the same.”
― James Hanley, Boy