obably the town
also, and the port ruined for twenty years. This representation made
Naselli agree to the half measure of laying an embargo on the vessels;
among them were a great number of French privateers, some of which were
of such force as to threaten the greatest mischief to our commerce, and
about seventy sail of vessels belonging to the Ligurian republic, as
Genoa was now called, laden with corn, and ready to sail for Genoa and
France; where their arrival would have expedited the entrance of more
French troops into Italy. "The general," said Nelson, "saw, I believe,
the consequence of permitting these vessels to depart, in the same light
as myself; but there is this difference between us: he prudently,
and certainly safely, waits the orders of his court, taking no
responsibility upon himself; I act from the circumstances of the moment,
as I feel may be most advantageous for the cause which I serve, taking
all responsibility on myself." It was in vain to hope for anything
vigorous or manly from such men as Nelson was compelled to act with. The
crews of the French ships and their allies were ordered to depart in two
days. Four days elapsed and nobody obeyed the order; nor, in spite of
the representations of the British minister, Mr. Wyndham, were any means
taken to enforce it: the true Neapolitan shuffle, as Nelson called it,
took place on all occasions. After an absence of ten days he returned
to Naples; and receiving intelligence there from Mr. Wyndham that the
privateers were at last to be disarmed, the corn landed, and the crews
sent away, he expressed his satisfaction at the news in characteristic
language, saying, "So far I am content. The enemy will be distressed;
and, thank God, I shall get no money. The world, I know, think that
money is our god; and now they will be undeceived as far as relates to
us. Down, down with the French! is my constant prayer."

Odes, sonnets, and congratulatory poems of every description were poured
in upon Nelson on his arrival at Naples. An Irish Franciscan, who was
one of the poets, not being content with panegyric upon this occasion,
ventured on a flight of prophecy, and predicted that Lord Nelson would
take Rome with his ships. His lordship reminded Father M'Cormick that
ships could not ascend the Tiber; but the father, who had probably
forgotten this circumstance, met the objection with a bold front, and
declared he saw that it would come to pass notwithstanding. Rejoicings