my fate, I can look at it, and receive it_."

As the time drew near, his friends unanimously endeavoured to dissuade him
from it; frequently half gained his consent to have his face covered, and
he as frequently retracted, and said, "_No--it cannot be--I cannot bear
it--I must look, and receive my fate_." But by representing to him, that,
considering his rank, it was impossible the marines could receive the
word of command from him, or look in his face, and see him looking at
them, without being awed and intimidated; by hinting at the consequences
which might ensue, that he might be wounded only, and mangled; and by
adding every sort of argument and intreaty, he at last was prevailed upon
and consented to have a bandage over his eyes, and to make a signal by
dropping a handkerchief, though with very great reluctance: "_If it must
be so_, said he, _and you insist, it must be so_."

He then desired to be made acquainted with all the particulars of the
form, that he might make no mistake; telling his friends, that he had
never been present at such a ceremony himself. Proposed pulling off his
coat; and when one of his friends informed him that was quite unnecessary,
"_But_, said he, _it may be said I kept my coat on as if afraid to receive
the blow, or feel the bullets_." "No," answered the gentleman, "such a
remark can never be made; and it must be more decent to make no alteration
in dress." "_Well then_, replied he, _if it is more decent, no alteration
shall be made_."

The commanding officer of the marines was informed of the Admiral's
intentions, and the signal he was to make, that he might instruct his men;
and at the same time was desired to let them know they should have a
present of ten guineas, to encourage them to behave properly. The marines
were all drawn up under arms, upon the poop, along the gang-ways in the
waist, and on one side of the quarter-deck. On the other side of the
quarter-deck was thrown a heap of saw-dust, and a cushion placed upon it;
and in the middle, upon the gratings, a platoon consisting of nine marines
were drawn up in three lines, three in each: the two foremost lines,
intended to fire, had their bayonets fixed, as is customary on such
occasions.

The captains of all the ships in _Portsmouth_-harbour, and at _Spithead_,
were ordered to attend with their boats; but lay a-breast upon their
oars[3], without coming on board, to avoid the inconvenience of so great
a croud as that would hav