it affords, of a contrariety of contending passions, struggling, at the
same moment, in the bosom of this wonderful man; ever, as it should
seem, feeling with too much energy, for the stability of it's own
prolonged peace!
"All in this house have been ill, and are still. Our great queen,
who truly admires you; our dear, invaluable Lady Hamilton; our good
Sir William; and give me leave to add myself, to this excellent
groupe; have but one opinion about you: viz. that you are every
thing which is great and good. Let me say so, about Sir Sidney
Smith! I thank you, most truly. My health is indeed, very
indifferent; but, whilst I live, if the queen desire it, I remain
for her security. No consideration of my own health shall make me
abandon my honourable post, in which you have placed me. A
parliament is called here: the queen has her doubts about their
temper; and I have promised, under my hand, not to leave her;
unless by her desire. Let me thank you, for your goodness to
Captain Nisbet. I _wish_ he may deserve it; the thought half kills
me! My dear lord, there is no true happiness in this life; and, in
my present state, I could quit it with a smile. May God Almighty
bless you with health, happiness, and long life! is the fervent
prayer of your affectionate friend,
"Nelson."
To the intelligent reader, here is ample scope for reflection, in a very
short compass. Felt gratitude, warmly expressed, to the Earl of St.
Vincent, for his kind and generous attentions; lofty eulogiums of his
lordship's royal and illustrious friends on the conduct of the noble
earl; severe mention of his friend Sir Sidney; complaint of ill health;
firm attachment to the royal family at Palermo; fearful apprehensions
for a beloved son-in-law, whom he had brought tenderly up with all the
anticipatory hopes of the fondest paternal affection, and for whose
future conduct he seems, by some untoward circumstances, to have been
now filled with all a feeling father's anxieties and alarms; and,
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