Her enemies might well have been astonished at learning that any other man should for a moment have been thought of for the command.

But so little deference was paid, even at this time, to his intuitive and all-commanding genius, that when the fleet had reached its first rendezvous, at the entrance of the Cattegat, he had received no official communication whatever of the intended operations.

His own mind had been made up upon them with its accustomed decision.

"All I have gathered of our first plans," said he, "I disapprove most exceedingly.

Honour may arise from them; good cannot.