CHAPTER II.
THE CRUISE OF THE "BOREAS."-- CONTROVERSY OVER THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE NAVIGATION ACT .-- RETURN TO ENGLAND .-- RETIREMENT UNTIL THE OUTBREAK OF THE FRENCH REVOLUTION .-- APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE "AGAMEMNON," 64.
1784-1793.

AGE, 26-34.
Whatever the cause, Nelson's visit to France ended prematurely and abruptly.

Early in January, 1784, after an absence of two months, he went back to England, announcing to his friends that his coming was only temporary, partly on business, partly for treatment; for his delicate health again occasioned him anxiety.

"The frost, thank God, is broke," he wrote; "cold weather is death to me." But even while speaking confidently of his speedy return to the Continent, he dropped a hint that he was disposed to resume the active pursuit of his profession, although on leaving the "Albemarle," six months before, he had said that he could not afford to live afloat, in peace times, in the style then prevalent.

"My stay in England will be but very short, without the First Lord in the Admiralty thinks proper to employ me.