his event,
the Neapolitan royalists came out in prodigious numbers; and, rowing
round the ship, called, in the most affectionate manner, for a sight of
their beloved sovereign, under the denomination of their dear father.
"The effusions of loyalty," says Lord Nelson, in writing to Lord Keith
of this event, "from the lower order of the people to their _father_,
for by no other name do they address the king, is truly moving!" It was,
indeed, very affecting to hear them; and their transports of joy, on
beholding him, are not to be described. Every day, which their king
remained on board, did these loyal people continue to flock out;
crying--"Father! father! let us only see your face, and we will be
satisfied." It was truly pathetic to hear the generous creatures; and to
behold the amiable condescension of their worthy sovereign, who never
refused to indulge them with a sight of his person. From half past
twelve, however, the constant time of dining, till four in the
afternoon, when the king usually slept, the most profound silence was
preserved by the many anxious and impatient people with whom the
surrounding boats were crouded. If the smallest noise occurred, silence
was immediately insisted on--"Do you not know," they would softly, but
fiercely, say, "that our father is asleep? Would you dare to disturb
him?" Then, as the time of his awaking drew near, they generally asked
for their good mistress, the name by which they addressed Lady Hamilton;
requesting that she would kindly let them know when their father was
ready to see them. This, her ladyship never failed to do; and they
immediately resumed the eager and affecting cry of--"Father! father!"
&c. when the king instantly presented himself to their view, and often
spoke to them with the most consoling affability. The effect of Lady
Hamilton's continual presents and kind remembrances from her majesty,
soon occasioned them to make similar enquiries after their good mother,
the queen; and their dear children, the royal offspring--"When shall we
again behold our good mother? When shall we once more see our dear
children?" In such simple expressions of affectionate regard, did all
the humble classes of Neapolitans pour forth their effusions of loyal
attachment to their beloved sovereign; while the generality of those who
possessed titles of honour, seemed wholly destitute of it's principles.
"The conduct of the nobles," Lord Nelson remarked, in the letter above
noticed, "ha