faced the prospect
without gloom--steadfast still in mind. "Let the battle be when it
may, it will never have been surpassed. My shattered frame, if I
survive that day, will require rest, and that is all I shall ask for.
If I fall on such a glorious occasion, it shall be my pride to take
care that my friends shall not blush for me. These things are in the
hands of a wise and just Providence, and His will be done! I have got
some trifle, thank God, to leave those I hold most dear, and I have
taken care not to neglect it. Do not think I am low-spirited on this
account, or fancy anything is to happen to me; quite the contrary--my
mind is calm, and I have only to think of destroying our inveterate
foe."

Of these days of preoccupation, while in hourly expectation of the
issue, overcharged with official anxieties, and facing, however
fearlessly, a growing impression that he himself would not survive the
conflict for which he longed, an anecdote has been transmitted that
shows again how to the end, and whatever his personal cares, his quick
sympathy went out to men of all classes. Word had been passed through
the fleet that a mail was about to start for England, which would not
improbably be the last opportunity of writing home before the enemy
came forth. The letters had been collected as usual, the bags were all
on board the departing vessel, and she herself, under full sail, had
got already some distance away, when Nelson saw a midshipman come up
and speak to Lieutenant Pasco, the signal officer, who, upon hearing
what was said, stamped his foot in evident vexation, and uttered an
exclamation. The admiral, of whose nearness Pasco was not aware,
called him, and asked what was the matter. "Nothing that need trouble
your Lordship," was the reply. "You are not the man to lose your
temper for nothing," rejoined Nelson. "What was it?" "Well, if you
must know, my Lord, I will tell you. You see that cockswain," pointing
to one of the most active of the petty officers; "we have not a better
man on board the Victory and the message which put me out was this. I
was told that he was so busy receiving and getting off the mail-bags,
that he forgot to drop his own letter to his wife into one of them,
and he has just discovered it in his pocket." "Hoist a signal to bring
her back," was Nelson's instant command; "who knows that he may not
fall in action to-morrow. His letter shall go with the rest,"--and the
despatch vessel was brought b