the benefit of Europe in general, a great and glorious victory; and
may no misconduct in any one tarnish it; and may humanity after
victory be the predominant feature in the British fleet! For
myself individually, I commit my life to Him that made me, and may
His blessing alight on my endeavours for serving my country
faithfully! To Him I resign myself, and the just cause which is
intrusted to me to defend. Amen, Amen, Amen."

Blackwood went on board the _Victory_ about six. He found Nelson in good
spirits, but very calm; not in that exhilaration which he had felt upon
entering into battle at Aboukir and Copenhagen; he knew that his own
life would be particularly aimed at, and seems to have looked for death
with almost as sure an expectation as for victory. His whole attention
was fixed upon the enemy. They tacked to the northward, and formed their
line on the larboard tack; thus bringing the shoals of Trafalgar and St.
Pedro under the lee of the British, and keeping the port of Cadiz open
for themselves. This was judiciously done: and Nelson, aware of all the
advantages which it gave them, made signal to prepare to anchor.

Villeneuve was a skilful seaman; worthy of serving a better master and a
better cause. His plan of defence was as well conceived, and as
original, as the plan of attack. He formed the fleet in a double line,
every alternate ship being about a cable's length to windward of her
second ahead and astern.

Nelson, certain of a triumphant issue to the day, asked Blackwood what
he should consider as a victory. That officer answered, that,
considering the handsome way in which battle was offered by the enemy,
their apparent determination for a fair trial of strength, and the
situation of the land, he thought it would be a glorious result if
fourteen were captured. He replied: "I shall not be satisfied with less
than twenty."

Soon afterwards he asked him if he did not think there was a signal
wanting. Captain Blackwood made answer that he thought the whole fleet
seemed very clearly to understand what they were about. These words were
scarcely spoken before that signal was made, which will be remembered as
long as the language, or even the memory, of England shall
endure--Nelson's last signal:--

"_England expects every man to do his duty!_"

It was received throughout the fleet with a shout of answering
acclamation, made sublime by the spirit which it breathed and th