"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 Military See all quotes by Horatio Nelson →

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More by Horatio Nelson

“I cannot command winds and weather.”

“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.”

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

“:Before this time tomorrow, I shall have gained a peerage or Westminster Abbey.”

“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, and secondly, to continue them there, without separating, until the business is decided.”

“: Thank God, I have done my duty.”

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