Horatio Nelson Quotes
24 quotes from Horatio Nelson — British naval commander who won decisive victories during the Napoleonic Wars, including the Battle of Trafalgar..
“Gentlemen, when the enemy is committed to a mistake we must not interrupt him too soon.”
“No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy.”
“First gain the victory and then make the best use of it you can.”
“Desperate affairs require desperate measures.”
“Time is everything; five minutes make the difference between victory and defeat.”
“England expects that every man will do his duty.”
“I cannot command winds and weather.”
“My greatest happiness is to serve my gracious King and Country and I am envious only of glory; for if it be a sin to covet glory I am the most offending soul alive.”
“I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humour.”
“Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.”
“Our country will, I believe, sooner forgive an officer for attacking an enemy than for letting it alone.”
“It is warm work; and this day may be the last to any of us at a moment. But mark you! I would not be elsewhere for thousands.”
“I am of the opinion that the boldest measures are the safest.”
“Thank God I have done my duty.”
“It is my turn now; and if I come back, it is yours.”
“A fleet of British ships at war are the best negotiators.”
“I owe all my success in life to having been always a quarter of an hour before my time.”
“Our Country will, I believe, sooner forgive an Officer for attacking his Enemy than for letting it alone.”
“No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of an enemy.”
“Victory is certainly not a name strong enough for such a scene as I have passed.”
“The measure may be thought bold, but I am of the opinion the boldest measures are the safest.”
“A sudden glow of patriotism was kindled within me, and presented my King and Country as my patron. 'Well, then,' I exclaimed, 'I will be a hero, and, confiding in Providence, I will brave every danger.'”
“Something must be left to chance. Nothing is sure in a sea fight beyond all others. Shot will carry away the masts and yards of friends as well as foes; but I look with confidence to a victory.”
“What has poor Horace done, who is so weak that he above all the rest should be sent to rough it at sea? But let him come; and the first time we go into action, a cannonball may knock off his head and provide for him at once.”
