From Patrick O'Brian's The Mauritius Command:

   Certainly, said Stephen. To the ultimate crosstrees if you choose: I too am nimble as an ape.
   Jack was moved to ask whether there were earthbound apes, as compact as lead, afflicted with vertigo, possessed of two left hands and no sense of balance; but he had seen the startling effect of a challenge upon his friend, and apart from grunting as he thrust Stephen up through the lubber's hole, he remained silent until they were comfortably installed along the studding-sails, with their glasses trained upon the town.

What a wonderful sentence!

• Currently drinking: Black coffee