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.

To do nothing was disgraceful; therefore I made use of my understanding.

Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be.

Firstly, you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own respecting their propriety. Secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and thirdly, you must hate a Frenchman, as you do the devil.

Time is everything; five minutes make the difference between victory and defeat.

My love is founded on esteem, the only foundation that can make the passion last.

A ship's a fool to fight a fort.