Genuine were the tears shed on his grave, and hearty was the response as
the following band gave forth the air of "The Fine Old English
Gentleman, all of the Olden Time?"
And now, on the borders of his estate, visible afar over the Solent Sea
[Note 1], there stands a monument, raised by his sovereign and by those
who knew and loved him well, all eager to add their testimony to his
worth. But yet he lives in the heart of many a seaman, and will live
while one remains who served under his command. But, avast! whither am
I driving? My feelings have carried me away.
After what I have said, it is not surprising that the _San Fiorenzo_
should have been a happy ship. Her captain made her so. From the
highest to the lowest, all trusted him; all knew that he had their
interest at heart--all loved him. The _San Fiorenzo_ might have been a
happy ship under an inferior commander--that is possible; but I doubt
very much whether her crew would have done what they did do under any
officer not possessed of those high qualities for which Sir Harry was so
eminently distinguished. The _San Fiorenzo_ was highly honoured, for
she was the favourite ship, or rather, Sir Harry was the favourite
captain of His Majesty George the Third, who, let people say what they
will of him, was truly the sailors' friend, and wished to be his
subjects' friend, as far as he had the power. Sir Harry was a
favourite, not because he was a flatterer, but because the King knew him
to be an honest man.
George the Third, as is well known, was very fond of spending the summer
months at Weymouth, whence he could easily put to sea in his yacht, or
on board a man-of-war, placed at his disposal. He seemed never to tire
of sailing, especially with Sir Harry.
Whist was the constant game in the royal cabins. Sir Harry, who did
everything as well as he could, though far from a good player, often
beat the King, who was an indifferent one. Lord A--, a practised
courtier, was, on the contrary, a remarkably good one, and generally
beat Sir Harry. When, however, Lord A-- played with the King, His
Majesty always came off victorious. The King used to pretend to be
exceedingly puzzled.
"It's very odd--very odd. I beat Lord A--, Lord A-- beats Sir Harry,
and Sir Harry beats me. How can it be--how can it be?"
The King was always anxious to stand out to sea, so as to lose sight of
land. This, however, was too dangerous an amusement to allow him. Sir
Ha
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