Long afterwards, when the name of Nelson was known as widely as that of England itself, he spoke of the feelings which he at this time endured.

"I felt impressed," said he, "with a feeling that I should never rise in my profession.

My mind was staggered with a view of the difficulties I had to surmount and the little interest I possessed.

I could discover no means of reaching the object of my ambition.

After a long and gloomy reverie, in which I almost wished myself overboard, a sudden glow of patriotism was kindled within me, and presented my king and country as my patron.