frequently precipitated into the most but would choose to copy the formerignoble dissipation and debauchery. but alas! their judgments are not ripe, At length finding him callous to any their passions are strong, and they reasonable sentiment, he rather avoid- see as it were through a mist, which ed than cherished his company, meet- presents a confused prospect to their ing him only at the ordinary meal sight. They think it time enough times while he visited at his house. to reflect, and no prudential lessons This gave Philautus frequent oppor- can restrain youthful impetuosity, tunities of conversing with the lovely "Till dire experience proves alas! too late Amanda, with whose charms and "The horrors of a vitiated state accomplishments he had long been enamoured, and whose person and sentiments needed but be known to be admired. Inured to every species of hypocrisy and deceit, he endea voured to seduce the wife of Decius, of his friend; but her prudence and virtue were proof against his designs, and his attempt upon the chastity of the fair Amanda was rendered abortive. Burning with desire, and frantic

FRANCIS.

To a reflecting mind, however, experience will also prove, that a youth of temperance, sobriety, and industry, is crowned with a happy and peaceful old age; and when death, that awful leveller, appears, we view his terrors with a smile, and yield our breath without a pang.

Last Moments of Lord Nelson!
R. BEATTY, surgeon of the

with rage and diappointment, he ap-D Victory, has recently published

plied to his general recipe, and in

the heat of inebriety made a forcible a concise, but very interesting and satisattack upon the amiable female: from factory, account of the last moments the execution of his detested purpose of the life of the illustrious Lord

he

was, however, prevented by Nelson. Having pledged ourselves, Decius, who flew (alarmed by the in the article entitled NELSONTANA, cries of his beloved wife) to her as- to detail every thing of any worth resistance; but what was his surprise specting our late distinguished admiand astonishment, to find her strug- ral, we proceed to lay before our gling in the arms of Philautus! He readers the more important parts of Immediately banished him from his Dr. Beatty's 'Authentic Narrative.' house, and resolved never to see him We shall, however, not rest complamore. Hatred and detestation of cently in the task of transcription Decius and desire for Amanda in- only, but shall afterwards assume to stantly reared their standard in his ourselves the liberty of commenting bosom; and resolving to execute the on some of the particulars which we purpose of his soul, to which he are about to point out to public atknew no other barrier than her hus- tention. band, he waylaid and murdered the From the Redoutable it was that generous Decius, Aew to the apart- Nelson received his mortal wound. ment of Amanda, and enforced com- About fifteen minutes past one o'clock pliance with his desires; then torn (which was in the heat of the engage by the contending passions of guilt, ment), while walking the quarterterror, and remorse, he looked around deck with Captain Hardy, and turnat the horrid devastation he had made, ing the hatchway, with his face toand put a period to his own exist- wards the stern of the Victory, the ence, which disgraced humanity. fatal ball was fired from the enemy's If, then, such atrocious crimes are mizen-top, which, as the two ships the result of inebriety (and that they were lying on board of each other, are, daily experience will prove), how was brought just abaft, and rather necessary is it for youths to check below the Victory's main-yard: the the first advances of this vice; to re- ball struck the epaulette on his lordcollect that health, strength, reason, ship's left shoulder, and penetrated -nay, what is still more dear, their his chest. He fell, with his face on souls, may probably be the price. the deck! Captain Hardy, who was Could youth be made to see clearly on his right, on turning round, saw the contrasted picture of a sober man the serjeant-major (Secker) of Maand a drunkard, I trust there are few rines with two seamen raising him

from the deck, where he had fallen previous to the battle, for Lord Nelson's safety.

on the same spot on which his own secretary had just before breathed his last. Captain H. expressing a hope that he was not severely wounded, "They have done for me at last, Hardy," replied Nelson. "I hope not," observed the former. "Yes," said Nelson," my back bone is shot through."

While the attendants were stripping him of his clothes, in order to cover him with a sheet and lay him on a bed, his lordship said, to Dr. Scott, "Doctor, I told you so. Doctor, I am gone!" And, after a short pause, he added, in a low voice, "I have to leave Lady Hamilton, and my adopted While the men were carrying him daughter Horatia, as a legacy to my down the ladder from the middle Country." It was soon ascertained, deck, his lordship observed that the that the ball had penetrated deep into tiller ropes were not yet replaced; his lordship's chest, and had probably and desired a midshipman to go upon lodged in the spine. This being exthe quarter-deck and remind Captain plained to him, he again asserted that Hardy of that circumstance, and re- he was confident his back was shot quest that new ones should be imme- through. No injury, however, was diately rove. He now took his hand- externally perceptible on this part; kerchief from his pocket and covered and his lordship was therefore rehis face with it, that he might be con- quested to describe his sensations. veyed to the cock-pit, at this crisis, He answered, that he felt a gush of unnoticed by the crew! blood, every minute, within his Several wounded officers, and breast: that he had no feeling in the about forty men, were carried for lower part of his body; and that his surgical assistance just at this time; breathing was difficult, and was atand others had breathed their last dur- tended with very severe pain about ing their removal from the scene of that part of the spine where he was action. The surgeon had examined confident the ball had struck—“ for,” two officers (Lieut. Wm. Andrew said he, "I felt it break my back." Ram, and Mr. Whipple the captain's Notwithstanding these symptoms, clerk), and pronounced them to be the real state of his lordship was com dead, when his attention was arrested municated by Mr. Beatty to a select by several of the wounded calling to few only, till the defeat of the enchim- Mr. Beatty, Lord Nelson is my's fleets was decided. here! Mr. Beatty, the admiral is wounded!" On looking round, Mr. Beatty saw the handkerchief fall from his lordship's face, when the stars on his coat, which it had hitherto covered, appeared.

He felt great satisfaction on hearing the shouts of the Victory's crew, who cheered whenever they observed an enemy's ship surrender. He became excessively thirsty, and frequently called for drink, and to be Himself and Mr. Burke (the pur- fanned with paper, crying "Fan, fan, ser) ran instantly to his lordship, and Drink, drink!" This exclamation took him from the arms of the sea- he continued to repeat till within a men who had carried him below. very few minutes before he expired. Lord Nelson now enquired who were He constantly evinced great solicitude supporting him, and being informed, for the event of the battle, and for. replied Ah, Mr. Beatty! you can the safety of Captain Hardy. Mr. do nothing for me. I have but a Burke having assured him that the short time to live: my back is shot enemy were decisively defeated, and through." Beatty said, he hoped hoping that his lordship would still the wound was not so dangerous as live to be himself the bearer of the his lordship imagined, and that he joyful tidings to his country, "It is might still survive long to enjoy his nonsense, Mr. Burke," replied the, glorious victory! The Rev. Dr. Scott, admiral, to suppose I can 'live: my' coming now to his lordship, in the sufferings are great; but they will all anguish of grief wrung his hands, soon be over." Dr. Scott entreated and said, "Alas, Beatty, how pro- his lordship, not to despair of living; phetic you were!" alluding to the and added, that he trusted Divine apprehensions expressed by the latter, Providence would restore him once

66

more to his dear country and friends! His lordship answered, "I know it. -“Ah, Doctor," replied his lord- I feel something rising in my left ship, it is all over; it is all over." breast (putting his hand on his left Frequently though he exclaimed side) which tells me I am gone." "Will no one bring Hardy to me? Drink was administered to him plenhe must be killed; he is surely de- tifully, and Dr. Scott and Mr. Burke stroyed!" such were the circum- fanned him with paper. During stances in which the fleet was placed, these attentions he often exclaimedthat an hour and ten minutes elapsed, "God be praised! I have done my from the time of his lordship's being duty." Upon enquiry, whether his wounded, before Captain Hardy's pain was still very great? he declared subsequent interview with him! it continued so severe, that he wished They now shook hands affectionately, he was dead. Yet," said he, in a and Nelson said-" Well, Hardy, lower voice," one would like to live how goes the battle? how goes the a little longer, too;" and, after a short day with us?". Very well, my pause of a few minutes, he added, lord," rejoined Hardy: we have What would become of poor Lady got twelve or fourteen of the enemy's Hamilton, if she knew my situation!" ships in our possession; but five of At length Captain Hardy came to their van have tacked, and shew an pay his second and final visit to Lord intention of bearing down upon the Nelson, who was now given over by Victory. I have therefore called two his surgeon. He again shook hands or three of our fresh ships round us, with his dying friend, and congratuand have no doubt of giving them a lated him on his brilliant victory; drubbing." "I hope," observed Nel- which (he observed) was complete, son, none of our ships have struck, though he did not know how many Hardy!" No, my lord," replied of the enemy were captured: he was Captain Hardy, "there is no fear of certain, however, of fourteen or fifthat!" Lord Nelson then said, "I teen having surrendered. Lord Nelam a dead man, Hardy. I am going son replied "That is well; but I fast: it will be all over with me soon. bargained for twenty." And then, Come nearer to me.--Pray let my emphatically, he exclaimed "Andear Lady Hamilton have my hair, chor, Hardy! Anchor!" I supand all other things belonging to me." pose, my lord," said Captain H., Captain H. intimating he hoped Mr. Admiral Collingwood will now Beatty could yet hold out some pros- take upon himself the direction of pect of life," Oh, no!" answered affairs." "Not while I live, I hope, his lordship, "it is impossible: my Hardy!" cried the dying Nelson; back is shot through. Beatty will and endeavoured, at that moment, to tell you so." Captain Hardy returned raise himself from his bed!!-"No," on deck. added he, "" do you Anchor, Hardy." By Lord Nelson's request Mr. "Shall we make the signal?" asked Beatty quitted him, in order to attend Captain H. "Yes," replied his lordto the wounded. Returning shortly ship; "for IF I LIVE, I'LL ANCHOR." after, 66 Ah, Mr. Beatty," said his This was uttered with energetic emolordship, "I have sent for you, to tion, accompanied with several efsay (what I forgot to tell you before) forts to raise himself up. that all power of motion or feeling These exertions appear to have below my breast is "thrown him into a state of exhausand gone; continued he, " very well know I tion; and he shortly after declared to can live but a short time." 66 My Captain Hardy, that he felt in a few lord," replied the surgeon, 'you minutes he should be no more--adtold me so before:" but the extremi- ding, in a faint voice, "Don't throw ties were now examined, when his me overboard, Hardy!" "Oh! no, lordship added -"Ah, Beatty! I am certainly not:" answered Captain H. too certain of it; Scott and Burke "Then," rejoined his lordship, alhave tried it already.-You know I luding to some wishes expressed by am gone. Mr. Beatty now said him to Captain H. respecting the My lord, unhappily for our coun- place of his interment, " you know try, nothing can be done for you!" what to do. And," continued the

you,

departing chief, "take care of my was cold, and the pulse gone from dear Lady Hamilton, Hardy! take the wrist. On feeling his forehead, care of poor Lady Hamilton!--Kiss which was also cold, his lordship me, Hardy?" Captain H. imme- opened his eyes, looked up, and shut diately knelt down, and kissed his them again! Mr. Beatty had not cheek; when his lordship said “Now, quitted, once more, quite five miI am satisfied. Thank GOD! I HAVE nutes when the steward announced DONE MY DUTY!" After he had that he believed his lordship had stood a minute or two in silent con- expired." This report, Mr. Beatty templation, Captain Hardy again found, was but too well founded. knelt down and kissed his lordship's forehead.-"Who is that?" enquired his lordship. "It is Hardy, "It is Hardy," said Captain H. To this his lordship replied "God bless you, Hardy!" Captain Hardy then returned to the quarter-deck, having spent about eight minutes in this his last interview with Lord Nelson.

Lord Nelson had breathed his last at thirty minutes past four o'clock in the afternoon; at which time Dr. Scott was in the act of rubbing his lordship's breast, and Mr. Burke support ing the bed under his shoulders.

From the time of Lord Nelson's being wounded, till his death, about two hours and forty-five minutes Being, by his own desire, turned elapsed; but a knowledge of the deon his right side, his lordship said cisive victory which was gained, he "I wish I had not left the deck, for I acquired of Captain Hardy within the shall soon be gone.' He afterwards first hour-and-a-quarter of this period. became very low; his breathing was A partial cannonade, however, was oppressed, and his voice faint. He still maintained, in consequence of now said, to Dr. Scott, "I have not the enemy's running ships passing been a great sinner!" and, after a the British at different points. THE short pause, "Remember! that I LAST DISTANT GUNS WHICH WERE Leave Lady Hamilton and my daugh- FIRED AT THEIR VAN SHIPS, THAT ter Horatia, as a legacy to my country: and," added he, "Never forget Horatia!" His thirst now encreased; and he called "Drink, drink;" "fan, fan;""rub, rub:" addressing himself, in the last case, to Dr. Scott, who had relieved him by rubbing his breast with his hand. Every now and then, but with evi'dent encrease of pain, he made a greater effort to speak; and he pronounced distinctly these last words"Thank GOD! I HAVE DONE MY DUTY!" This sentiment he continued to repeat as long as he was able to give it utterance.

His lordship became speechless in about fifteen minutes after Captain Hardy left him.* When he had been speechless about five minutes, the surgeon (Mr. Beatty) repaired again to him, and found him on the verge of dissolution. He knelt down by his side and took up his hand, which

Dr. Scott and Mr. Burke all along sustained the bed under Lord Nelson's shoulders, which raised him in nearly a semi-recumbent posture; the only position that was supportable to him!

WERE MAKING OFF, WERE HEARD A
MINUTE OR TWO BEFORE HIS LORD-
SHIP EXPIRED!

Here terminates Dr. Beatty's account of the Last Moments of Lord Nelson! It remains to offer a few observations respecting those parts of his character on which little has been hitherto advanced.

It is not an eulogy on Lord Nelson that is now desireable. Many writers, both in prose and poetry, havé already employed themselves in heaping encomiums on his memory. Let us, then, attend to the "authentic narrative" of those sentences which he uttered in the inquisitorial moments of dissolution, when men are supposed to know themselves best, and when the tongue generally pronounces, if it can speak at all, the latent sentiments of the heart! The circumstances, moreover, in which his lordship was placed at this awful crisis-surrounded by the dying and the dead, and insurmountably separated from those concerning whose welfare he seems to have felt the deepest anxiety-these circumstances render whatever he said of the greatest importance in the estimate which

we are to form of him, both as a man Such were the errors, and such and as a hero. were the excellencies, of one of the As a man, those who admire con- most honourably distinguished men nubial constancy, and who consider that has appeared in any age or navirtue of this kind indispensable in tion.

1807.

LEO:

On the Moral Happiness of Society. to tament the miscarriage of bewail the misery of man;

the definition of true goodness, will London, Feb. 4th, not be disposed to think very favourably of Lord Nelson. Something, however, is to be urged in his defence. A late public character, even while animadverting severely on the conduct of her husband, declares "I schemes planned in the fulness of do not condemn Mr. R.; I but too hope, carried on with the fervour of well know, that we cannot command sanguine anticipation, and at last our affections." His attachment to terminating in the torpitude of deLady Hamilton seems therefore to spair; to develope the cause of mishave been unbounded. It was after fortunes, and point out its remedies,. the Victory of the Nile that this pas- have ever proved fruitful themes of sion, originating, most probably, in unavailing discussion. congeniality of dispositions and pursuits, took possession of his soul; and it continued unabated amidst all the horrors attending the Victory of Trafalgar. The celebrated object of his affection alone knows how far she merited the entire confidence of such an admirer.

Such declamations are perhaps as often prompted by vanity as observation: unsuccessful accomplishment being generally attributed to imprudent design; and few having leisure to pity in others the distress they are themselves involved in. Moralists who deplore the ills of humanity He is to be commended for the so- by an easily deduced inference, claim licitude evinced by him concerning the merit of subverting their malighis daughter. As a friend he stands nant influence by superiority of conunimpeachable. Of him it may be duct. had their labors been crowned justly affirmed, that while his enmi- with success, motive might have been ties were not perpetual, his friend- justly forgotten in effect: but unfor ships were immutable. tunately, they, in general, only prePatriotism, however, was his go- sent more forcibly to the view evils verning principle. He loved his beyond their power to cure. friends well; but his country was Easy as it may appear to point out still dearer to him than his connec- the errors of existing systems, and tions. His exultation in the hour of difficult to substitute new and more victory, and his consolation in the efficient ones in their stead, the subhour of death, was-HE HAD DONE ordinate task should not be despised Bts DUTY! as trivial, while it so materially conHe seems, notwithstanding the in- duces to the accomplishment of the stances which his life exhibited of a more essential one. If on the site of particular confidence in the Divine an ill-constructed edifice we wish to Providence, to have entertained no erect a commodious mansion, the la very correct ideas of genuine piety. bor of destroying the first is as necesHis hope of forgiveness and felicity, sary as the act of rearing the second. as expressed by him when on the Let it not then be deemed invidious brink of eternity, because "he had to probe the wound before the efforts not been a great sinner," shews how are used to heal it; or, in other erroneously he reasoned on the na- words, to ascertain why the theories ture of christian immortality! Let of man have, in general, had so little ns, however, charitably believe that his effect upon his practice. penitence was nevertheless sincere, and that his prayers were accepted.

The grand and fundamental error of most projected schemes of amelioration seems to be, that they wrest facts to meet a favourite system, instead of moulding systems with a view to facts.

Q