the Battle of the Nile, the captains of the squadron were desirous to have a good likeness of their heroic chief taken, and for that purpose employed one of the most eminent painters in Italy.  The plan was to ask the painter to breakfast, and get him to begin immediately after.  Breakfast being over, and no preparation being made by the painter, Sir Alexander was selected by the other captains to ask him when he intended to begin; to which the answer was, ‘Never.’  Sir Alexander said, he stared, and they all stared, but the artist continued:  ’There is such a mixture of humility with ambition in Lord Nelson’s countenance, that I dare not risk the attempt.’"[50]

There is yet another casual mention of the Merton home life, illustrative of more than one feature of Nelson’s native character.  Many years later the daughter of the Vicar of the parish, when transmitting a letter to Sir Harris Nicolas, added:  “In revered affection for the memory of that dear man, I cannot refrain from informing you of his unlimited charity and goodness during his residence at Merton.  His frequently expressed desire was, that none in that place should want or suffer affliction that he could alleviate; and this I know he did with a most liberal hand, always desiring that it should not be known from whence it came.  His residence at Merton was a continued course of charity and goodness, setting such an example of propriety and regularity that there are few who would not be benefited by following it.”  His thoughtfulness and generosity to those about him was equally shown in his charges to his agents at Bronte, for the welfare of the Sicilian peasantry upon his estate.  In the regularity and propriety of observance which impressed the clergyman’s daughter, he carried out the ideal he had proposed to Lady Hamilton.  “Have we a nice church at Merton?  We will set an example of goodness to the under parishioners.”

Whatever of censure or of allowance may be pronounced upon the life he was living, there was in the intention just quoted no effort to conciliate the opinion of society, which he was resolute in braving; nor was it inconsistent with the general tenor of his thoughts.  In the sense of profound recognition of the dependence of events upon God, and of the obligation to manifest gratitude in outward act, Nelson was from first to last a strongly religious man.  To his sin he had contrived to reconcile his conscience by fallacies, analogies to which will be supplied by the inward experience of many, if they will be honest with themselves.  The outcome upon character of such dealings with one’s self is, in the individual case, a matter to which man’s judgment is not competent.  During the last two years and a half of Nelson’s life, the chaplain of the “Victory” was associated with him in close intimacy as confidential secretary, with whom he talked freely on many matters.  “He was,” said this gentleman, “a thorough clergyman’s son—­I should think he