Best Man “See here, now. Before I shipped that young fellow, my forecastle was a rat-pit of quarrels. It was black times, I tell you, aboard the Rights here. I was worried to that degree my pipe had no comfort for me. But Billy came; and it was like a Catholic priest striking peace in an Irish shindy. Not that he preached to them or said or did anything in particular; but virtue went out of him, sugaring the sour ones...Anybody will do anything for Billy Budd; and it’s the happy family here. But now, Lieutenant, if that young fellow goes-I know how it will be aboard the Rights. Not again very soon shall I , coming up from dinner, lean over the capstan smoking a quiet pipe-no, not very soon again, I think. Ay, Lieutenant, you are going to take away the jewel of ‘em; you are going to take away my peacemaker!” These were the words of the captain of the Rights of man merchant ship, when a Lieutenant visited his ship planning to take Billy Budd, his best man, and transfer him to the Bellipotent warship.
It is commonly known that Billy is an asset aboard the Rights of Man, valued by both his fellow sailors, and the captain
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Although an important and highly respected individual, Billy’s naivety flaws his near impeccable character. The Rights of Man, only a merchant ship, tolerated his inexperience and immaturity, serving as the ideal atmosphere for Billy to gain knowledge, maturing in his ways. The Bellipotent unlike the Rights of man was a war ship. Billy is not ready to venture into this new experience. Eventually, yes there would be an appropriate time. However, at the present, Billy must remain on the Rights of Man, increasing in understanding, learning how to deal with the matters in this world before he is thrust into a massive war ship, where the sailors fail to exhibit mercy, and the intense circumstances continually