g for its existence. The language which the Directory held
towards it was well described by Sir William Hamilton as being exactly
the language of a highwayman. The Neapolitans were told that Benevento
might be added to their dominions, provided they would pay a large sum,
sufficient to satisfy the Directory; and they were warned, that if the
proposal were refused, or even if there were any delay in accepting it,
the French would revolutionise all Italy. The joy, therefore, of the
Court at Nelson's success was in proportion to the dismay from which
that success relieved them. The queen was a daughter of Maria Theresa,
and sister of Maria Antoinette. Had she been the wisest and gentlest of
her sex, it would not have been possible for her to have regarded the
French without hatred and horror; and the progress of revolutionary
opinions, while it perpetually reminded her of her sister's fate,
excited no unreasonable apprehensions for her own. Her feelings,
naturally ardent, and little accustomed to restraint, were excited to
the highest pitch when the news of the victory arrived. Lady Hamilton,
her constant friend and favourite, who was present, says, "It is not
possible to describe her transports; she wept, she kissed her husband,
her children, walked frantically about the room, burst into tears again,
and again kissed and embraced every person near her; exclaiming, 'O brave
Nelson! O God! bless and protect our brave deliverer! O Nelson! Nelson!
what do we not owe you! O conqueror--saviour of Italy! O that my swollen
heart could now tell him personally what we owe to him!'" She herself
wrote to the Neapolitan ambassador at London upon the occasion, in terms
which show the fulness of her joy, and the height of the hopes which it
had excited. "I wish I could give wings," said she, "to the bearer of
the news, and at the same time to our most sincere gratitude. The whole
of the sea-coast of Italy saved; and this is owing alone to the generous
English. This battle, or, to speak more correctly, this total defeat of
the regicide squadron, was obtained by the valour of this brave admiral,
seconded by a navy which is the terror of its enemies. The victory is
so complete that I can still scarcely believe it; and if it were not the
brave English nation, which is accustomed to perform prodigies by sea, I
could not persuade myself that it had happened. It would have moved you
to have seen all my children, boys and girls, hanging on my neck