His next magnificent exploit was the battle of Copenhagen in 1801, in which alter a struggle of terrible severity, he slitittered the naval pOwer of Denmark, and along with it the dreaded coalition against England of the three northern kingdoms. Never were the characteristic and heroic qualities of the man more brilliantly displayed than on this most trying occasion. In the moral courage to accept responsibility at all hazards, no man ever surpassed him. In the heat of the battle, his chief, sir Hyde Parker, in deadly anxiety as to the issue of what at a distance scented to be a hopeless conflict, signaled him to discontinue action. "Damn the signal!" said Nelson, when this was reported to him. "Keep mine for closer battle flying. That's the way I answer such signals. Nail mine to the mast." And with the certainty of professional disgrace and ruin staring him in the face in case of failure, he worked out his grand triumph.
Had Nelson's-services here ceased, his fame would still have been assured as the greatest of England's naval heroes. But a crowning glory awaited him. In the earlier part of 1805, glowing with fierce ardor and impatience, he had chased half round the world a French fleet of nearly double the force of his own, seared by the very terror of his name; and on the morning of the memorable Oct. 21 of that year, the desire of his eyes was satisfied, when in the bay of Trafalgar lie saw before him the combined navies of France and Spain moving to meet him in frank fight. Of the glorious con•
summation which followed we need not speak in detail. Ere night, the power of France upon the seas was annihilated, and her threatened invasion of England had become an abortive dream. Blit Nelson was no more. He died as such men wish to (lie, amid the thunders of his mightiest victory.
The character of Nelson was, for a man of his greatness, unusually simple and trana parent. A more absolute singleness of aim and aspiration than his it is difficult even to conceive of. Literally on fire with that ardor and passion of enthusiasm without some tincture of which scarce any man perhaps has ever yet achieved distinction, was driven by it imperiously in one direction. The greatest of sailors—he was a sailor and little else. Of his genius for command it would be idle at large to speak. In cool ness, foresight., promptitude, instant intuitive decision, end a daring which, even when it seemed at tir*!tta tonektomerity,. WOK yet regtilated throt4gb nicest calm, of reason, lie has perhaps never been quite tqualed on the eleinent. His nature was most noble and humane. His heart was as soft as a woman's, and overflowed with all liberal generosities. He had but to be known to be beloved; and of the tender chivalry of his relations with his gallant brethren in arms it is touching to read.