It is my duty, my lord, to prove to the brave fellows, my companions in danger, that I have not failed at every proper place to represent, as well as I am able, their bravery and meritorious conduct." Another honour, of greater import, was withheld from the conquerors.

The king had given medals to those captains who were engaged in the battles of the 1st of June, of Cape St.Vincent, of Camperdown, and of the Nile.
Then came the victory at Copenhagen, which Nelson truly called the most difficult achievement, the hardest-fought battle, the most glorious result that ever graced the annals of our country.

He, of course, expected the medal; and in writing to Earl St.Vincent, said, "He longed to have it, and would not give it up to be made an English duke." The medal, however, was not given:--"For what reason," said Nelson, "Lord St.Vincent best knows." Words plainly implying a suspicion that it was withheld by some feeling of jealousy; and that suspicion estranged him, during the remaining period of his life, from one who had at one time been essentially, as well as sincerely, his friend; and of whose professional abilities he ever entertained the highest opinion.
The happiness which Nelson enjoyed in the society of his chosen friends was of no long continuance.

Sir William Hamilton, who was far advanced in years, died early in 1803; a mild, amiable, and accomplished man, who has thus in a letter described his own philosophy: "My study of antiquities," he says, "has kept me in constant thought of the perpetual fluctuation of everything.

The whole art is really to live all the DAYS of our life; and not with anxious care disturb the sweetest hour that life affords--which is the present.