"If a man consults whether he is to fight, when he has the power in his own hands, it is certain that..." — Horatio Nelson

My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.

I cannot command winds and weather.

Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.

Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be.