[Footnote 88:  Nelson’s own expression.]

In several diagrams of the battle as supposed to have been fought the two British divisions just before the moment of impact are represented as converging towards each other.  The Spanish diagram, lately reproduced by Mr. Newbolt, shows this, as well as the English diagrams.  We may take it, therefore, that there was towards the end of the forenoon a convergence of the two columns, and that this was due to Nelson’s return from his feint at the hostile van to the line from which he intended to let go his ships to deliver the actual attack.  Collingwood’s small alteration of course of one point to port slightly, but only slightly, accentuated this convergence.

Enough has been said here of Nelson’s tactics at Trafalgar.  To discuss them fully would lead me too far for this occasion.

I can only express the hope that in the navy the subject will receive fuller consideration hereafter.  Nelson’s last victory was gained, be it remembered, in one afternoon, over a fleet more than 20 per cent. his superior in numbers, and was so decisive that more than half of the hostile ships were taken.  This was the crowning effort of seven years spent in virtually independent command in time of war—­seven years, too, illustrated by more than one great victory.

The more closely we look into Nelson’s tactical achievements, the more effective and brilliant do they appear.  It is the same with his character and disposition.  The more exact researches and investigations of recent times have removed from his name the obloquy which it pleased some to cast upon it.  We can see now that his ’childlike, delighted vanity’—­to use the phrase of his greatest biographer—­was but a thin incrustation on noble qualities.  As in the material world valueless earthy substances surround a vein of precious metal, so through Nelson’s moral nature there ran an opulent lode of character, unimpaired in its priceless worth by adjacent frailties which, in the majority of mankind, are present without any precious stuff beneath them.  It is with minds prepared to see this that we should commemorate our great admiral.

Veneration of Nelson’s memory cannot be confined to particular objects or be limited by locality.  His tomb is wider than the space covered by dome or column, and his real monument is more durable than any material construction.  It is the unwritten and spiritual memorial of him, firmly fixed in the hearts of his fellow-countrymen.

X

THE SHARE OF THE FLEET IN THE DEFENCE OF THE EMPIRE[89]

[Footnote 89:  Written in 1907. (NavalAnnual_, 1908.)]