From my heart I wish myself the little man again.

You and good Sir William have spoiled me for any place but with you." His mind was not in a happier state respecting public affairs.

"As to politics," said he, "at this time they are my abomination: the ministers of kings and princes are as great scoundrels as ever lived.

The brother of the emperor is just going to marry the great Something of Russia, and it is more than expected that a kingdom is to be found for him in Italy, and that the king of Naples will be sacrificed." Had there been a wise and manly spirit in the Italian states, or had the conduct of Austria been directed by anything like a principle of honour, a more favourable opportunity could not have been desired for restoring order and prosperity in Europe, than the misconduct of the French Directory at this time afforded.

But Nelson perceived selfishness and knavery wherever he looked; and even the pleasure of seeing a cause prosper, in which he was so zealously engaged, was poisoned by his sense of the rascality of those with whom he was compelled to act.