Horatio Nelson Quotes

British admiral (1758–1805)

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Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a British flag officer in the Royal Navy. He was noted for his inspirational leadership, superb grasp of strategy, and unconventional tactics, all of which resulted in a number of decisive naval victories, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars (1797–1815).

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Alternative Names: Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson • Horatio, Viscount Nelson Nelson • Lord Nelson • Viscount Horatio Nelson Nelson • Horatio, Viscount Nelson • Horatio Nelson, Viscount Nelson • Admiral Lord Nelson • Admiral Nelson • Nelson • Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st and last Viscount Nelson of the Nile and Burnham Thorpe • Horatio, Lord Nelson

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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.

The business of the English Commander-in-Chief being first to bring an Enemy's Fleet to Battle, on the most advantageous terms to himself, (I mean that of laying his Ships close on board the Enemy, as expeditiously as possible;) and secondly, to continue them there, without separating, until the business is decided.

I am Lord Nelson. See, here's my fin.

Success, I trust — indeed have little doubt — will crown our zealous and well-meant endeavours: if not, our Country will, I believe, sooner forgive an Officer for attacking his Enemy than for letting it alone.

Something must be left to chance; nothing is sure in a sea fight above all.

My greatest happiness is to serve my gracious King and Country and I am envious only of glory; for if it be a sin to covet glory I am the most offending soul alive.

There is in the handling of these Transatlantic ships a nucleus of trouble for the Navy of Great Britain.

England expects every Man will do his Duty.

This is too warm work, Hardy, to last long.

May the Great God, whom I worship, grant to my Country and for the benefit of Europe in general a great and glorious victory; and may no misconduct in anyone tarnish it; and may humanity after Victory be the predominant feature of the British fleet. For myself, individually, I commit my life to Him who made me, and may His blessing light upon my endeavours for serving my Country faithfully. To Him I resign myself and the just cause which is entrusted to me to defend. Amen. Amen. Amen.

I cannot, if I am in the field for glory, be kept out of sight. Probably my services may be forgotten by the great, by the time I get Home; but my mind will not forget, nor cease to feel, a degree of consolation and of applause superior to undeserved rewards. Wherever there is anything to be done, there Providence is sure to direct my steps. Credit must be given me in spite of envy.

Fear? I never saw fear. What is it? It never came near me.

Drink, drink. Fan, fan. Rub, rub.

In honour I gained them, and in honour I will die with them.

I cannot command winds and weather.