I cannot command winds and weather.

Had we taken ten sails, and let the eleventh to escape, being able to get at her, I could never have called it well done.

In Sea affairs, nothing is impossible, and nothing is improbable.

Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.

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

The bravest man feels an anxiety 'circa praecordia' as he enters the battle; but he dreads disgrace yet more.

I will dine nowhere without your consent although with my present feelings I might be trusted with fifty virgins naked in a dark room.