SCENE i PART FIRST
That he would yield the heel-drops of his heart With joyful readiness this day, this hour, To do his country service. Yet no less Is it his drawback that he sees too far. And there are times, Sire, when a shorter sight Charms Fortune more. A certain sort of bravery Some people have—to wit, this same Lord Nelson— Which is but fatuous faith in their own star, Swoln to the very verge of childishness, (Smugly disguised as putting trust in God, A habit with these English folk); whereby A headstrong blindness to contingencies Carries the actor on, and serves him well In some nice issues clearer sight would mar. Such eyeless bravery Villeneuve has not ; But, Sire, he is no coward.
NAPOLEON
Well, have it so !—What are we going to do ? My brain has only one wish—to succeed!
DECR&S
My voice wanes weaker with you, Sire; is nought! Yet these few words, as Minister of Marine, I'll venture now.—My process would be thus :— Our projects for a junction of the fleets Being well-discerned and read by every eye Through long postponement, England is prepared. I would recast them. Later in the year Form sundry squadrons of this' massive one, Harass the English till the winter time, Then rendezvous at Cadiz ; where leave half To catch the enemy's eye and call their cruizers, While, rounding Scotland with the other half, You make the Channel by the eastern strait, Cover the passage of our army-boats, And plant the blow.
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