Knowing the officer to be a clever man, and capable of performing good service if he chose, it was Nelson's cue to make it his choice.

When, therefore, the captain came on board, full of irritability and provocation, the Admiral took no notice, but chatted with him during breakfast on the news from England, and other indifferent matters, as if his guest had been in the best humour possible.

The other, who was nursing his displeasure, waited only for an opportunity of exploding, when he could do so without a breach of decorum.

Lord Nelson soon gave him the occasion he appeared to seek for, by begging him to step into the after-cabin, and then asking him what he thought of the station, and how he should like cruising in the Levant and other interesting parts of the Mediterranean.
"Why, as to that, my lord, I am not very likely to have any choice.

I am sent here to join the blockading fleet, and here, no doubt, I am doomed to stick.