terrible consequences to be dreaded from his excess of valour, and his
heroic disdain of death; nor is it at all improbable, that she now most
sincerely regretted her enthusiastic zeal for the hero's glory. The
consideration of that other impelling principle, the fearful
apprehension of seeing him fall a prey to disappointment, should the
desired victory be atchieved by any other hand, brought no solace to her
bosom, for it scarcely entered her mind. Even the spirit and magnanimity
of his lordship, were unable entirely to preserve his feeling breast
from painful intrusions. Though commonly gay, he was sometimes
thoughtful. He could not be insensible, that his post was that of
danger; and, though he scorned all personal apprehension, he well knew
what must ever be expected by a commander resolved never to yield.
Before Lord Nelson quitted London, he called at Mr. Peddieson's, his
upholsterer, in Brewer Street, where the coffin presented him by Captain
Hallowell had been sent; and, with his usual gaiety and good-humour,
desired him to get the attestation of it's identity engraved on the
lid--"For," added his lordship, "I think it highly probable, that I may
want it on my return."

That he wished to live, however, is as certain, as that he feared not to
die. Of a social, tender, and affectionate heart, amid all the corporeal
agonies he had suffered, and was doomed during life to suffer, in
consequence of his various wounds, added to the still severer and more
numerous inflictions on his mental tranquillity, he preserved a
chearfulness of disposition which commonly diffused joy and gladness to
all around him. If he saw, or suspected, any difficulty or distress, his
mind was that moment occupied in endeavouring to afford some adequate
remedy. "What will be of service! How shall I obtain it!" he would
frequently exclaim to his friends, when he beheld any one unprovided
for, of whom he had a good opinion, however slight the acquaintance: and
these exclamations were generally followed up by naming some situation
suitable for the party, and immediately using all his interest to
obtain it. Innumerable are the persons whom he thus comfortably fixed,
with their families, for life. Where he could not succeed, he felt more
than the party disappointed; and, on such occasions only, lamented his
limited powers. Never did man live less for himself. To his king and his
country, his family and his friends, his life was entirely devoted; th