He himself saw at that time the character of the Neapolitan court, as it first struck an Englishman, in its true light: and when he was on the way, he declared that he detested the voyage to Naples, and that nothing but necessity could have forced him to it. But never was any hero, on his return from victory, welcomed with more heartfelt joy. Before the battle of Aboukir the court of Naples had been trembling for its existence. The language which the directory held towards it was well described by Sir William Hamilton, as being exactly the language of a highwayman. The Neapolitans were told, that Benevento might be added to their dominions, provided they would pay a large sum, sufficient to satisfy the directory; and they were warned, that if the proposal were refused, or even if there were any delay in accepting it, the French would revolutionize all Italy. The joy, therefore, of the court at Nelson's success, was in proportion to the dismay from which that success relieved them. The queen was a daughter of Maria Theresa,

Had she

and sister of Marie Antoinette. been the wisest and gentlest of her sex, it would not have been possible for her to have regarded the French without hatred and horror: and the progress of revolu tionary opinions, while it perpetually reminded her of her sister's fate, excited no unreasonable apprehensions for her own. Her feelings, naturally ardent, and little accustomed to restraint, were excited to the highest pitch when the news of the victory arrived. Lady Hamilton, her constant friend and favourite, who was present, says, "It is not possible to describe her trans

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ports: she wept, she kissed her husband, "her children, walked franticly about the

room, burst into tears again, and again "kissed and embraced every person near "her; exclaiming, 'O brave Nelson! O "God! bless and protect our brave deli"verer! O Nelson! Nelson! what do we "not owe you! O conqueror-saviour of “Italy! O that my swoln heart could now "tell him personally what we owe to him." She herself wrote to the Neapolitan am

bassador at London upon the occasion, in terms which shew the fulness of her joy, and the height of the hopes which it had excited. "I wish I could give wings," said she," to the bearer of the news, and, "at the same time, to our most sincere <6 gratitude. The whole of the sea-coast "of Italy is saved; and this is owing alone "to the generous English. This battle, or "to speak more correctly, this total defeat "of the regicide squadron, was obtained "by the valour of this brave admiral, se"conded by a navy which is the terror of "its enemies. The victory is so complete, "that I can still scarcely believe it: and if "it were not the brave English nation, "which is accustomed to perform prodigies "by sea, I could not persuade myself that ❝ it had happened. It would have moved << you to have seen all my children, boys and "girls, hanging on my neck, and crying for "joy at the happy news.-Recommend the "hero to his master: he has filled the whole of Italy with admiration of the English. Great hopes were entertained

"of some advantages being gained by his "bravery, but no one could look for so "total a destruction. All here are drunk "with joy."

Such being the feelings of the royal family, it may well be supposed with what delight, and with what honours, Nelson would be welcomed. Early on the 22d of September, the poor wretched Vanguard, as he called his shattered vessel, appeared in sight of Naples. The Culloden, and Alexander had preceded her by some days, and given notice of her approach. Many hundred boats and barges were ready to go forth and meet him, with music and streamers, and every demonstration of joy and triumph. Sir William and Lady Hamilton led the way in their state barge. They had seen Nelson only for a few days four years ago, but they then perceived in him that heroic spirit which was now so fully and gloriously manifested to the world. Emma Lady Hamilton, who from this time so greatly influenced his future life, was a woman whose personal accomplishments

have seldom been equalled, and whose powers of mind were not less fascinating than her person. She was passionately attached to the queen: and by her influence the British fleet had obtained those supplies at Syracuse, without which, Nelson always asserted, the battle of Aboukir could not have been fought. During the long interyal which passed before any tidings were received, her anxiety had been hardly less than that of Nelson himself, while pursuing an enemy of whom he could obtain no information: and when the tidings were brought her by a joyful bearer openmouthed, its effect was such, that she fell like one who had been shot. She and Sir William had literally been made ill by their hopes and fears, and joy at a catastrophe so far exceeding all that they had dared to hope for. Their admiration for the hero necessarily produced a degree of proportionate gratitude and affection; and when their barge came alongside the Vanguard, at the sight of Nelson, Lady Hamilton sprang up the ship's side, and exclaiming,