If a man consults whether he is to fight, when he has the power in his own hands, it is certain that his opinion is against fighting.

No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy.

I have only one eye, I have a right to be blind sometimes... I really do not see the signal!

Whoever gains the palm by merit, let him hold it.

I owe all my success in life to having been always a quarter of an hour before my time.

Frigates are the eyes of a fleet.

My character and good name are in my own keeping. Life with disgrace is dreadful. A glorious death is to be envied.