sorrow the news of the battle of Trafalgar. The cockpit was crowded with wounded and dying men; over whose bodies he was with some difficulty conveyed, and laid upon a pallet in the midshipmen's birth. It was soon perceived, upon examination, that the wound was mortal. This, however, was concealed from all, except Capt. Hardy, the chaplain, and the medical attendants. He himself being certain, from the sensation in his back, and the gush of blood he felt momently within his breast, that no human care could avail him, insisted that the surgeon should leave him, and attend to those to whom he might be useful : "For," said he, "you can do nothing for me."-All that could be done was to fan him with paper, and frequently to give him lemonade to alleviate his intense thirst. 'He was in great pain, and expressed much anxiety for the event of the action, which now began to declare itself. As often as a ship struck, the crew of the Victory hurraed; and at every hurra, a visible expression of joy gleamed in the eyes, and

marked the countenance of the dying hero. But he became impatient to see Capt. Hardy; and as that officer, though often sent for, could not leave the deck, Nelson feared that some fatal cause prevented him, and repeatedly cried: "will no one bring "Hardy to me? He must be killed! He is "surely dead!”—An hour and ten minutes elapsed from the time when Nelson received his wound, before Hardy could come to him. They shook hands in silence; Hardy in vain struggling to suppress the feelings of that most painful and yet sublimest moment. "Well Hardy," said Nelson, "how goes the day with us?"—" Very "well," replied Hardy; "ten ships have "struck, but five of the van have tacked, "and shew an intention to bear down upon "the Victory. I have called two or three "of our fresh ships round, and have no " doubt of giving them a drubbing.”—“ I "hope," said Nelson, " none of our ships "have struck?" Hardy answered, “ There "was no fear of that." Then, and not till then, Nelson spoke of himself. "I am

66

"a dead man, Hardy," said he: "I am go66 ing fast-it will be all over with me 66 soon. Come nearer to me. Let my dear "Lady Hamilton have my hair, and all "other things belonging to me." Hardy observed, that he hoped Mr. Beatty could yet hold out some prospect of life. "Oh no!" he replied: "it is impossible. My "back is shot through. Beatty will tell

you so." Capt. Hardy then, once more, shook hands with him; and, with a heart almost bursting, hastened upon deck.

By this time all feeling below the breast was gone; and Nelson, having made the surgeon ascertain this, said to him: "You "know I am gone. I know it. I feel "something rising in my breast,”-putting his hand on his left side,-" which tells me "so," And upon Beatty's inquiring whether his pain was very great? he replied, "So great, that he wished he was dead. "Yet," said he, in a lower voice, “one "would like to live a little longer too!" And after a few minutes, in the same under tone, he added: "What would become

"of poor Lady Hamilton, if she knew my "situation!" Next to his country she occupied his thoughts. Capt. Hardy, some fifty minutes after he had left the cockpit, returned: and, again taking the hand of his dying friend and commander, congratulated him on having gained a complete victory. How many of the enemy were taken he did not know, as it was impossible to perceive them distinctly: but fourteen or fifteen at least. "That's well," cried Nelson; "but "I bargained for twenty." And then, in a stronger voice, he said: "Anchor, Hardy; anchor." Hardy, upon this, hinted that Admiral Collingwood would take upon himself the direction of affairs. "Not while "I live, Hardy ;"said the dying Nelson, ineffectually endeavouring to raise himself from the bed: "Do you anchor." His previous order for preparing to anchor had shewn how clearly he foresaw the necessity of this. Presently, calling Hardy back, he said to him in a low voice, "Don't throw "me overboard:" and he desired that he might be buried by his parents, unless it

should please the king to order otherwise. Then reverting to private feelings: "Take "care of my dear Lady Hamilton, Hardy : "take care of poor Lady Hamilton.— "Kiss me, Hardy." said he. Hardy knelt down and kissed his cheek: and Nelson said, "Now I am satisfied. "I have done my duty."

Thank God,

Hardy stood

over him in silence for a moment or two, then knelt again, and kissed his forehead. "Who is that?" said Nelson; and being informed, he replied, "God bless you, "Hardy." And Hardy then left him-for

ever.

Nelson now desired to be turned upon his right side, and said: "I wish I had not -"left the deck; for I shall soon be gone.' Death was, indeed, rapidly approaching. He said to the chaplain: "Doctor, I have "not been a great sinner:" and after a short 66 pause, Remember that I leave Lady "Hamilton, and my daughter Horatia, as "a legacy to my country." His articulation now became difficult; but he was distinctly heard to say, "Thank God, I have