Aft the more honor, forward the better man

— Horatio Nelson

Bonaparte has often made his boast that our fleet would be worn out by keeping the sea and that his was kept in order and increasing by staying in port; but now he finds, I fancy, if Emperors hear the truth, that his fleet suffers more in a night than ours in one year.

— Horatio Nelson

But in case signals can neither be seen nor perfectly understood no captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside the enemy.

— Horatio Nelson

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

— Horatio Nelson

First gain the victory and then make the best use of it you can.

— Horatio Nelson

Gentlemen, when the enemy is committed to a mistake we must not interrupt him too soon.

— Horatio Nelson

I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor.

— Horatio Nelson

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.

— Horatio Nelson

Let me alone: I have yet my legs and one arm. Tell the surgeon to make haste and his instruments. I know I must lose my right arm, so the sooner it's off the better.

— Horatio Nelson

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

— Horatio Nelson