He then told Captain
HARDY, "he felt that in a few minutes he should be no more;" adding in a
low tone, "Don't throw me overboard, HARDY." The Captain answered: "Oh!
no, certainly not."--"Then," replied HIS LORDSHIP, "you know what to
do:[16] and," continued he, "take care of my dear Lady HAMILTON, HARDY;
take care of poor Lady HAMILTON. Kiss me, HARDY." The Captain now knelt
down, and kissed his cheek; when HIS LORDSHIP said, "Now I am satisfied.
Thank GOD, I have done my duty." Captain HARDY stood for a minute or two
in silent contemplation: he then knelt down again, and kissed HIS
LORDSHIP'S forehead. HIS LORDSHIP said: "Who is that?" The Captain
answered: "It is HARDY;" to which HIS LORDSHIP replied, "GOD bless you,
HARDY!" After this affecting scene Captain HARDY withdrew, and returned
to the quarter-deck, having spent about eight minutes in this his last
interview with his dying friend.
Lord NELSON now desired Mr. CHEVALIER, his Steward, to turn him upon his
right side; which being effected, HIS LORDSHIP said: "I wish I had not
left the deck, for I shall soon be gone." He afterwards became very low;
his breathing was oppressed, and his voice faint. He said to Doctor
SCOTT, "Doctor, I have _not_ been a _great_ sinner;" and after a short
pause, "_Remember_, that I leave Lady HAMILTON and my Daughter HORATIA
as a legacy to my Country: and," added he, "never forget HORATIA.
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