fore." Though Nelson had been successful in expelling the French from Naples,

"he deceived himself," as Mr. Southey remarks," when he imagined that he had seated Ferdinand firmly on his throne, and that he had restored happiness to millious. These objects might have been accomplished if it had been possible to inspire virtue and wisdom into a vitious and infatuated court; and if Nelson's eyes had not been, as it were, spell-bound by that unhappy attachment which had now completely mastered him, he would have seen things as they were; and might, perhaps, have awakened the Sicilian court to a sense of their interest, if not of their duty. That court employed itself in a miserable round of folly and festivity, while the prisons of Naples were filled with groans, and the scaffolds streamed with blood."

At the battle of Copenhagen, Nelson exhibited a degree of heroism which proceeded, at least, to the very verge of temerity. It was, however, justified by the success; and, with many, this seems the only rule for appreciating actions of this extraordinary kind. When Nelson's

signal lieutenant called out that No. 39. (the signal for discontinuing the action) was thrown out by the commander in chief, he continued to walk the deck, and appeared to take no notice of it. The signal officer met him at the next turn, and asked if he should repeat it. No,' he replied, acknowledge it.' Presently he called after him to know if the signal for close action was still hoisted; and being answered in the affirmative, said, Mind you keep it so.' He now paced the deck, moving the stump of his lost arm in a manner which always indicated great emotion. Do you know,' said he to Mr. Ferguson, what is shown on board the commander in chief? No. 39!' Mr. Ferguson asked what that meant. Why, to leave off action!' Then, shrugging up his shoulders, he repeated the words Leave off action! Now damn me if I do! You know, Foley,' turning to the captain, I have only one eye-I have a right to be blind sometimes-and then putting the glass to his blind eye, in that mood of mind which sports with bitterness, he exclaimed, I really do not see the sigual!' Presently he exclaimed, Damn the signal! Keep mine for closer battle flying! That's the way I answer such signals! Nail mine to the mast!"

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Nelson embraced a favourable opportunity during the action to open a negotiation, and, retiring into the stern gallery, he

wrote thus to the crown prince: Viceadmiral Lord Nelson has been commanded to spare Denmark when she no longer resists. The line of defence which covered her shores has struck to the British flag: but if the firing is continued on the part of Denmark, he must set on fire all the prizes that he has takea, without having

the power of saving the men who have so nobly defended them. The brave Danes are the brothers, and should never be the enemies, of the English. A wafer was given to him; but he ordered a candle to be brought from the cockpit, and sealed the letter with wax, affixing a larger seal than he ordinarily used. This,' said he, is no time to appear hurried and informal," "

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This negotiation ultimately led to an armistice. In one of his interviews with the crown prince, Nelson told him "that he had been in a hundred and five engagements, but that this was the most tremendous of all." "The French," he said, "fought bravely; but they could not have stood for one hour the fight which the Danes had supported for four." This had been indeed a murderous action; for the killed and wounded, on board the British ships, amounted to " nine hundred and fifty-three."

During the short peace of Amiens, Nelson resided at a house which he had purchased at Merton, in Surrey, and appears to have intended to "pass his days there, in the society of Sir William and Lady Hamilton." But Sir W. H. died early in 1803, at the age of seventy-nine.

"He expired," says Mr. Southey, "in his wife's arms, holding Nelson by the hand: and, almost in his last words, left her to his protection; requesting him that he would see justice done her by the government, as he knew what she had done for her country. He left him her portrait in enamel, calling him his dearest friend," &c. &c. &c.

When the war was renewed, Nelson was sent to take the command of the Mediterranean fleet. He took his station off Toulon to watch the French fleet in that harbour. This was altogether a very arduous service, and required the utmost patience and perseverance, in which he excelled as well as in other more active and enterprising qualities.

"From May, 1803, to August, 1805, he himself went out of his ship but three times; each of those times was upon the king's service, and neither time of absence exceeded an hour. The weather had been so unusually severe, that, he said, the Mediterrancan seemed altered. It was his rule never to contend with the gales; but either run to the southward to escape their violence, or furl all the sails, and make the ships as easy as possible. The men, though he said flesh and blood could hardly stand it, continued in excellent health, which he ascribed, in great measure, to a plentiful supply of lemons and onions."

The commander of the French fleet, M. Latouche Treville, is said to have occasioned his death

"by walking so often to the signal post upon Sepet to watch the British fleet. I always pronounced this would be his death,' said Nelson. If he had come out and fought me, it would, at least, have added ten years to my life.""

When news arrived in this country that the combined fleets had entered the harbour of Cadiz after the indecisive action of the French with Sir Robert Calder, Nelson was then at his seat at Merton.

"Captain Black wood, on his way to London with despatches, called on him at five in the morning. Nelson, who was already dressed, exclaimed, the moment he saw him- I am sure you bring me news of the French and Spanish fleets! I think I shall yet have to beat them. They had refitted at Vigo, after the indecisive action with Sir Robert Calder; then proceeded to Ferrol, brought out the squa dron from thence, and with it entered Cadiz in safety. Depend on it, Blackwood,' he repeatedly said, I shall yet give M. Villeneuve a drubbing. But when Blackwood had left him, he wanted resolution to declare his wishes to Lady Hamilton and his sisters, and endeavoured to drive away the thought.-He had done enough; he said, Let the man trudge it who has lost his budget!' His countenance belied his lips; and as he was pacing one of the walks in the garden, which he used to call the quarter-deck, Lady Hamilton came up to him, and told him she saw he was uneasy. He smiled, and said, No, he was as happy as possible; he was surrounded by his family, his health was better since he had been on shore, and he would not give sixpence to call the king his uncle.' She replied that she did not believe him that she knew he was longing to get at the combined fleets-that he considered them as his own property-that he would be miserable if any man but himself did the business; and that he ought to have them, as the price and reward of his two years' long watching, and his hard chase. Nelson,' said she, however we may lament your absence, offer your services:-they will be accepted, and you will gain a quiet heart by it: you will have a glorious victory, and then you may return here and be happy." He looked at her with tears in his eyes:-- Brave Emma!--Good Emma !—If there were more Emmas, there would be more Nelsons.'"

Before the battle of Trafalgar, when they were clearing for action, and the portrait of Lady Hamilton, which hung in his cabin, and on which he was wont to gaze with the most extravagant fondness, was taken down, he told the men who removed it "to take care of his guardian angel." "In this manner he frequently spoke of it as if he believed there were a virtue in the image. He wore a miniature of her also next his heart."

Mr. Southey has given a very distinct and interesting description of the battle of Trafalgar, and of the death of Lord Nelson. We will extract the account of his death.

"It had been part of Nelson's prayer, that the British fleet might be distinguished by humanity in the victory which he expected. Setting an example himself, he twice gave orders to cease firing upon the Redoubtable, supposing that she had struck, because her great guns were silent; for, as she carried no flag, there was no means of instantly ascertaining the fact. From this ship, which he had thus twice spared, he received his death. A ball fired from her mizen-top, which, in the then situation of the two vessels, was not more than fifteen yards from that part of the deck where he was standing, struck the epaulet on his left shoulder-about a quarter after one, just in the heat of the action. He fell upon his face, on the spot which was covered with his poor secretary's blood. Hardy, who was a few steps from him, turning round, saw three men raising him up. They have done for me at last, Hardy,' said he. I hope not!' cried Hardy. 'Yes,' he replied; my back bone is shot through.' Yet even now, not for a moment losing his presence of mind, he observed as they were carrying him down the ladder, that the tiller ropes, which had been shot away, were not yet replaced, and ordered that new ones should be rove immediately:-then, that he might not be seen by the crew, he took out his handkerchief, and covered his face and his stars. Had he but concealed these badges of honour from the enemy, England, perhaps, would not have had cause to receive with sorrow the news of the battle of Trafalgar.

"The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men; over whose bodies he was with some difficulty conveyed, and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen's birth. It was soon perceived, upon examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all except Captain Hardy, the chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself being certain, from the sensation in his back, and the gush of blood which he felt momently within his breast, that no human care could avail, insisted that the surgeon should leave him and attend to those to whom he might be useful. For,' said he, 'you can do nothing for me.'--All that could be done was to fan him with paper, and frequently to give him lemonade to alleviate his intense thirst. He was in great pain, and expressed much anxiety for the event of the action, which now began to declare itself. As often as a ship struck the crew of the Victory hurraed; and, at every hurra, a visible expression of joy gleamed in the eyes, and marked the countenance of the dying hero. But he became impatient to see Captain Hardy; and as that officer, though often sent for, could not leave the deck, Nelson feared that some fatal cause prevented him, and repeatedly cried, Will no one bring Hardy to me? He must be killed! He is surely dead!'-An hour and ten minutes elapsed, from the time when Nelson received his wound, before Hardy could come to him. They shook hands in silence; Hardy in vain struggling to suppress the feelings of that most painful, and yet sublimest moment. Well, Hardy,' said Nelson, how goes the day with us? Very well.' replied Hardy; 'ten ships have struck, but five of their van have tacked, and show an intention of bearing down upon the Victory. I have called two or three of our fresh ships round, and have no doubt

of giving them a drubbing. I hope,' said Nelson, none of our shipshave struck?' Hardy answered There was no fear.' Then, aud not till then, Nelson spoke of himself. I am a dead man, Hardy,' said he; I am going fast:-it will be all over with me soon. Come nearer to me. Let my dear Lady Hamilton have my hair, and all other things belonging to me.' Hardy observed that he hoped Mr. Beatty could yet hold out some prospect of life. O, no!' he replied, it is impossible. My back is shot through. Beatty will tell you so.' Captain Hardy then, once more, shook hands with him; and, with a heart almost bursting, hastened upon deck.

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By this time all feeling below the breast was gone; and Nelson, having made the surgeon ascertain this, said to him, 'You know I am gone. I know it. I feel something rising in my breast'-putting his band on his left side which tells me so.' And upon Beatty's inquiring whether his pain was very great? he replied, so great, that he wished he was dead. Yet,' said he, in a lower voice, 'one would like to live a little longer too!' And after a few minutes, in the same under tone, he added: What would become of poor Lady Hamilton if she knew my situation.' Next to his country, she occupied his thoughts. Captain Hardy, some fifty minutes after he had left the cockpit, returned; and again taking the hand of his dying friend and commander, congratulated him on having gained a complete victory. How many of the enemy were taken he did not know, as it was impossible to perceive them distinctly :-but fourteen or fifteen at least. That's well,' cried Nelson; but I bargained for twen ty.' And then, in a stronger voice, he said: Anchor, Hardy, anchor.' Hardy, upon this, hinted that Admiral Collingwood would take upon himself the direction of affairs. Not while I live, Hardy!' said the dying Nelson, ineffectually endeavouring to raise himself from the bed: Do you anchor.' His previous order for preparing to anchor had shown how clearly he foresaw the necessity of this. Presently, calling Hardy back, he said to him in a low voice, Don't throw me overboard' and he desired that he might be buried by his parents, unless it should please the king to order otherwise. Then, reverting to private feelings, Take care of my dear Lady Hamilton, Hardy: take care of poor Lady Hamilton.' Kiss me, Hardy,' said he. Hardy knelt down, and kissed his cheek; and Nelson said, 'Now I am satisfied. Thank God I have done my duty.' Hardy stood over him in silence for a moment or two; then knelt again, and kissed his forehead. Who is that?" said Nelson; and being informed, he replied, God bless you, Hardy.' And Hardy then left him-forever. "Nelson now desired to be turned upon his right side, and said, I wish I had not left the deck; for I shall soon be gone.' Death was, indeed, rapidly approaching. He said to the chaplain, Doctor, I have not been a great sinner: and, after a short pause, Remember that I leave Lady Hamilton, and my daughter Horatia, as a legacy to my country.' His articulation now became difficult! but he was distinctly heard to say, Thank God I have done my duty! These words he had repeatedly pronounced; and they were the last words which he uttered. He expired at thirty minutes after four-three hours and a quarter after he had received his wound.”