A. T. (Alfred Thayer) Mahan - The Life of Nelson, Vol. I (of 2)

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THE LIFE OF NELSON

THE EMBODIMENT OF THE SEA POWER OF GREAT BRITAIN

BY

CAPTAIN A.T. MAHAN, D.C.L., LL.D.
UNITED STATES NAVY

AUTHOR OF
"THE INFLUENCE OF SEA POWER UPON HISTORY, 1660-1783,"
"THE INFLUENCE OF SEA POWER UPON THE FRENCH REVOLUTION AND EMPIRE,"
AND OF A "LIFE OF ADMIRAL FARRAGUT"

IN TWO VOLUMES
VOL. I.

LONDON
SAMPSON LOW, MARSTON, & COMPANY, _LIMITED_
1897

PREFACE.

The Life of Nelson has been written so often, that an
explanation--almost an apology--seems due for any renewal of the
attempt; but, not to mention the attractiveness of the theme in
itself, it is essential to the completeness and rounding off of the
author's discussion of the Influence of Sea Power, that he present a
study, from his own point of view, of the one man who in himself
summed up and embodied the greatness of the possibilities which Sea
Power comprehends,--the man for whom genius and opportunity worked
together, to make him the personification of the Navy of Great
Britain, the dominant factor in the periods hitherto treated. In the
century and a half embraced in those periods, the tide of influence
and of power has swelled higher and higher, floating upward before the
eyes of mankind many a distinguished name; but it is not until their
close that one arises in whom all the promises of the past find their
finished realization, their perfect fulfilment. Thenceforward the name
of Nelson is enrolled among those few presented to us by History, the
simple mention of which suggests, not merely a personality or a
career, but a great force or a great era concrete in a single man, who
is its standard-bearer before the nations.

Yet, in this process of exaltation, the man himself, even when so very
human and so very near our own time as Nelson is, suffers from an
association which merges his individuality in the splendor of his
surroundings; and it is perhaps pardonable to hope that the subject is
not so far exhausted but that a new worker, gleaning after the
reapers, may contribute something further towards disengaging the
figure of the hero from the glory that cloaks it. The aim of the
present writer, while not neglecting other sources of knowledge, has
been to make Nelson describe himself, -- tell the story of his own
inner life as well as of his external actions. To realize this object,
it has not seemed the best way to insert numerous letters, because, in
the career of a man of action, each one commonly deals with a variety
of subjects, which bear to one another little relation, except that,
at the moment of writing, they all formed part of the multifold life
the writer was then leading. It is true, life in general is passed in
that way; but it is not by such distraction of interest among minute
details that a particular life is best understood. Few letters,
therefore, have been inserted entire; and those which have, have been
chosen because of their unity of subject, and of their value as
characteristic.

The author's method has been to make a careful study of Nelson's
voluminous correspondence, analyzing it, in order to detect the
leading features of temperament, traits of thought, and motives of
action; and thence to conceive within himself, by gradual familiarity
even more than by formal effort, the character therein revealed. The
impression thus produced he has sought to convey to others, partly in
the form of ordinary narrative,--daily living with his hero,--and
partly by such grouping of incidents and utterances, not always, nor
even nearly, simultaneous, as shall serve by their joint evidence to
emphasize particular traits, or particular opinions, more forcibly
than when such testimonies are scattered far apart; as they would be,
if recounted in a strict order of time.

A like method of treatment has been pursued in regard to that purely
external part of Nelson's career in which are embraced his military
actions, as well as his public and private life. The same aim is kept
in view of showing clearly, not only what he did, but the principles
which dominated his military thought, and guided his military actions,
throughout his life; or, it may be, such changes as must inevitably
occur in the development of a man who truly lives. This cannot be done
satisfactorily without concentrating the evidence from time to time;
and it is therefore a duty a writer owes to his readers, if they wish
such acquaintance with his subject as he thinks he has succeeded in
acquiring for himself.

The author has received individual assistance from several persons. To
a general expression of thanks he wishes to add his special
acknowledgments to the present Earl Nelson, through whose aid he has
obtained information of interest which otherwise probably would have
escaped him; and to Lords Radstock and De Saumarez, both of whom have
been good enough to place in his hands letters contemporary with
Nelson, and touching incidentally matters that throw light on his
career. Material of the same kind has also been furnished him by
Professor John Knox Laughton, whose knowledge of Nelson and of the
Navy of that period is second to none; it is not the least of the
writer's advantages that he has had before him, to check possible
errors in either fact or conclusions, the admirable, though brief,
Life of Nelson published by Mr. Laughton two years since.

Illustrative anecdotes have also been supplied by Admiral Sir William
R. Mends, G.C.B., who has shown his continued interest in the work by
the trouble he has taken for it; by Mr. Stuart J. Reid, of Blackwell
Cliff, East Grinstead; and by Mr. Edgar Goble, of Fareham, Hants. Mr.
B.F. Stevens, of 4 Trafalgar Square, has also kindly exerted himself
on several occasions to obtain needed information. To Mrs. F.H.B.
Eccles, of Sherwell House, Plymouth, granddaughter of Josiah Nisbet,
Nelson's stepson, the author is indebted for reminiscences of Lady
Nelson, and for her portrait here published; and his thanks are also
due to Lieutenant-Colonel W. Clement D. Esdaile, of Burley Manor,
Ringwood, Hants, through whom he was brought into communication with
Mrs. Eccles, and who has in other ways helped him.

Throughout the writing of the book constant assistance has been
received from Mr. Robert B. Marston, to whom cordial acknowledgment is
made for the untiring pains taken in prosecuting necessary inquiries,
which could not have been done without great delay by one not living
in England. Suggestions valuable to the completeness of the work have
been given also by Mr. Marston.

For the portrait of Mrs. Philip Ward, the "Horatia" whom Nelson called
generally his adopted daughter, but at times spoke of as his daughter
simply, and whom, on the last morning of his life, he commended to the
care of his Country, the author has to thank Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Ward,
of 15 Lancaster Road, Belsize Park, London. Mr. Nelson Ward is her
son.

To the more usual sources of information already in print, it is not
necessary to refer in detail; but it is right to mention especially
the collection of Hamilton and Nelson letters, published by Mr. Alfred
Morrison, a copy of which by his polite attention was sent the writer,
and upon which must necessarily be based such account of Nelson's
relations with Lady Hamilton as, unfortunately, cannot be omitted
wholly from a life so profoundly affected by them.

A.T. MAHAN.

MARCH, 1897.

CONTENTS OF VOL. I.

CHAPTER I.

THE FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS.

Distinction of Nelson's career
His extensive and varied correspondence
Parentage and birth
Delicacy of constitution
First entry in the Navy
Anecdotes of childhood
Cared for by his uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling
Serves in a West India merchantman
Expedition to the Arctic Sea
Cruise to the East Indies
Acting lieutenant in the Channel Fleet
Promoted lieutenant in the "Lowestoffe"
Goes to the West Indies
Incidents of service
Transferred to the flagship "Bristol"
Promoted to Commander and to Post-Captain
Personal appearance, 1780
Youth when promoted
Scanty opportunities for war service
The Nicaragua Expedition
Health breaks down
Returns to England
Appointed to the "Albemarle"
Short trip to the Baltic
Goes to the North American Station
At New York, and transferred to the West Indies
Personal appearance, 1782
Sentiments concerning honor and money
Returns to England and goes on half-pay
Visit to France
Unsuccessful courtship

CHAPTER II.

CRUISE OF THE "BOREAS."--CONTROVERSY OVER THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE
NAVIGATION ACT.--RETURN TO ENGLAND.--RETIREMENT UNTIL THE OUTBREAK OF
THE FRENCH REVOLUTION.--APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE "AGAMEMNON."

1784-1793.

Appointed to command the "Boreas"
Sails for the Leeward Islands
Traits of character and manners
Refuses to recognize a commodore's pendant, of a captain "not
in commission"
Indications of character in this act
Controversy over the Navigation Act
Refuses obedience to the Admiral's order, as illegal
Persists in seizing vessels violating the Act
Consequent legal proceedings
Conduct approved by the Home Government
Results of his action
Characteristics shown by it
Meets his future wife, Mrs. Nisbet
Contemporary description of him
Progress of courtship
Reconciliation with the Admiral
Characteristics manifested by Nelson in the controversy
Left senior officer on the Station
Health and marriage
The "Boreas" returns to England
Employed on the Impress Service
Annoyances and dissatisfaction
Prejudices against him
The "Boreas" paid off
Sensitiveness under censure
Flattering reception at Court
Efforts to suppress frauds in West Indies
Breadth and acuteness of intellect
Results of his efforts against frauds
Prejudices against him at the Admiralty
His partisanship for Prince William Henry
Insubordinate conduct of the latter
Nelson's difference with Lord Hood
Out of favor at Court
On half-pay, 1788-1792
Progress of the French Revolution
Nelson applies for a ship
Appointed to the "Agamemnon," 64
France declares war against Great Britain

CHAPTER III.

NELSON'S DEPARTURE FROM ENGLAND IN THE "AGAMEMNON."--SERVICES IN THE
MEDITERRANEAN UNTIL THE RECOVERY OF TOULON BY THE FRENCH.--LORD HOOD
IN COMMAND.

FEBRUARY-DECEMBER, 1793.

Significance of Nelson's career
Intimate association of the "Agamemnon" with his name
Delay in her equipment
Nelson's hatred for the French
Sails for Spithead
Cruising in the Channel
Departure for Mediterranean, and arrival off Toulon
Remarks on the Spanish Navy
Professional utterances
Services off Toulon and at Naples
Toulon surrendered to the British and Spaniards
Nelson's reconcilement with Hood
Hardships of the cruise
His intelligence and zeal
Rejoins fleet off Toulon
Constantly on detached, semi-independent, service
Sent to Tunis
Action with four French frigates
Negotiations at Tunis
Nelson's wish to go to the West Indies
Ordered to command a division blockading Corsica
The allies are forced to quit Toulon

CHAPTER IV.

REDUCTION OF CORSICA BY THE BRITISH.--DEPARTURE OF LORD HOOD FOR
ENGLAND.--THE "AGAMEMNON" REFITTED AT LEGHORN.

JANUARY-DECEMBER, 1794.

Importance of Corsica
Hood orders Nelson to open communications with Paoli
Operations begun at San Fiorenzo
Bastia blockaded by Nelson
Description of Bastia
The army refuses to undertake the siege
Destitute condition of the "Agamemnon"
Quarrel between Hood and General Dundas
Nelson's opinions about besieging Bastia
Comments
Strength of the place
Nelson's military character as shown by his opinion
Instances in his correspondence
Progress of the siege
The place capitulates
Nelson's part in the operations
Inadequate credit from Hood
Nelson's dissatisfaction, but continued zeal
Loftiness of his motives
Arrival of General Stuart to command army in Corsica
Preparations for siege of Calvi
News of the sailing of French Toulon fleet
Hood sails in pursuit
Development of Nelson's military opinions
"Agamemnon" sent back to Bastia
Proceeds thence to San Fiorenzo
Nelson's meeting with General Stuart
His opinions on a "fleet in being"
Arrival off Calvi
Nelson lands with the troops
Arrival of Lord Hood
Nelson's part in the siege of Calvi
Defences of Calvi
Nelson loses his right eye
Friction between Army and Navy
Nelson's tact towards both
Feeling between Hood and Moore
Progress of the siege
Calvi capitulates
Sickness among the British
Condition of "Agamemnon's" crew
Repose given at Leghorn
Hood is relieved by Hotham and returns to England
Nelson's criticisms on naval actions
His distress at prolonged continuance in port
Broods over Hood's inadequate mention of him
Compliment from the Viceroy of Corsica

CHAPTER V.

NELSON'S SERVICES WITH THE FLEET IN THE MEDITERRANEAN UNDER ADMIRAL
HOTHAM.--PARTIAL FLEET ACTIONS OF MARCH 13 AND 14, AND JULY
13.--NELSON ORDERED TO COMMAND A DETACHED SQUADRON CO-OPERATING WITH
THE AUSTRIAN ARMY IN THE RIVIERA OF GENOA.

JANUARY-JULY, 1795.

General military conditions in Europe and Italy
Importance of the British conquest of Corsica
General character of Nelson's service
He rejoins the fleet
His speculations as to the French objects
The French put to sea
Action between "Agamemnon" and "Ca Ira"
Characteristics displayed by Nelson
Partial fleet action, March
Nelson's urgency with Hotham
Discussion of Hotham's action
Nelson's share in the general result
His affectionate correspondence with his wife
Anxiety for Corsica
Regret at Hood's detachment from command
Receives Honorary Colonelcy of Marines
Sent on detached service to the Riviera
Encounters French fleet
Rejoins Hotham at San Fiorenzo
Partial fleet action of July
Nelson's dissatisfaction with it
Discussion of his criticisms
Effects of Hotham's inertness

CHAPTER VI.

NELSON'S COMMAND OF A DETACHED SQUADRON ON THE RIVIERA OF GENOA, UNTIL
THE DEFEAT OF THE AUSTRIANS AT THE BATTLE OF LOANO.--SIR JOHN JERVIS
APPOINTED COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN THE MEDITERRANEAN.

JULY-DECEMBER, 1795.

Nelson takes command of a squadron on the Riviera
Conditions of belligerents and neutrals on the Riviera
Nelson's "political courage"
Disregards Hotham's orders
Hotham approves his action
Effect of his action upon the enemy
Evasion of his efforts by the coasters
He proposes to the Austrians to occupy San Remo
Discussion of this proposal
The effect in his mind of a "fleet in being"
Inactivity of the Austrians and of the fleet
Menacing attitude of the French
Hotham succeeded by Hyde Parker
Battle of Loano.--Defeat of the Austrians
Nelson's condemnation of the British admirals
Increase of his own reputation
Forcible letter repudiating an attack on his integrity
Generally congenial character of his service on the Riviera
Correspondence with home
Passing desire to return to England

CHAPTER VII.

NELSON'S SERVICES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN DURING THE YEAR
1796.--BONAPARTE'S ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.--THE BRITISH ABANDON CORSICA, AND
THE FLEET LEAVES THE MEDITERRANEAN.

JANUARY-DECEMBER, 1796.

The "Agamemnon" refits at Leghorn
Nelson's sensitiveness to censure
His vindication of his recent conduct
His erroneous conceptions of French military aims
Importance of Vado Bay
First meeting between Nelson and Jervis
Nelson's anxiety to remain on the station
Coincidence of views between Nelson and Jervis
Nelson sent again to the Riviera
Reconnoitres Toulon
Expects a French descent in force near Leghorn
Analogy between this and Napoleon's plans in 1805
Nelson urges the Austrians to occupy Vado
He hoists his broad pendant as Commodore
The Austrian general, Beaulieu, advances
Nelson accompanies the movement with his ships
Premature attack by Austrians
Nelson receives news of their defeat by Bonaparte
Austrians retreat behind the Apennines
Nelson resumes operations against the coasting-traffic
His singleness of purpose and resoluteness
His activity, difficulties encountered, and plans
Transferred from the "Agamemnon" to the "Captain"
Subsequent fortunes of the "Agamemnon"
Bonaparte's designs upon Corsica
The French seize Leghorn
Nelson's inferences from that act
Nelson and Bonaparte compared
British blockade of Leghorn
Occupation of Elba by the British
The Austrians under Wurmser attack Bonaparte
Nelson plans an assault on Leghorn
He learns the Austrian defeat at Castiglione
His gradual change of opinion as to leaving the Mediterranean
His pride in the British fleet
Genoa closes her ports against the British
The fleet ordered to quit the Mediterranean
Effect on Nelson
He superintends the evacuation of Bastia
The fleet withdraws to Gibraltar
Growth of Nelson's reputation
His susceptibility to flattery
His home relations
His inadequate appreciation of the character of the war

CHAPTER VIII.

THE EVACUATION OF ELBA.--NIGHT COMBAT WITH TWO SPANISH
FRIGATES.--BATTLE OF CAPE ST. VINCENT.--NELSON PROMOTED TO
REAR-ADMIRAL.--SERVICES BEFORE CADIZ.

DECEMBER, 1796-JUNE, 1797.

Nelson sent to Elba to remove naval material
Combat with Spanish frigates
Arrival at Elba
Hesitations of the General about evacuating
Nelson leaves Elba with the naval vessels
Deliberate reconnoissance of the enemy's coast
Characteristic action of Nelson throughout this expedition
Night encounter with the Spanish fleet
Rejoins Jervis off Cape St. Vincent
Battle of Cape St. Vincent
Nelson's exceptional action
His merit in taking it
Takes possession of two Spanish ships-of-the-line
Characteristics here evinced
Controversy with Vice-Admiral William Parker
Comments upon this
Jervis's neglect to mention special services
His sense of Nelson's merit
Nelson's preferences in the matter of rewards
Made a Knight of the Bath
Promoted Rear-Admiral
Cruises for treasure-ships from Mexico
Anxiety about the Elba troops
Sent by Jervis to escort them to Gibraltar
Safe return to Gibraltar
Provides protection for American merchant-ships against French privateers
Rejoins Jervis off Cadiz
Operations against Cadiz
General good health and happiness
Pride in his reputation

CHAPTER IX.

THE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT AGAINST TENERIFFE.--NELSON LOSES HIS RIGHT
ARM.--RETURN TO ENGLAND.--REJOINS ST. VINCENT'S FLEET, AND SENT INTO
THE MEDITERRANEAN TO WATCH THE TOULON ARMAMENT.

JULY, 1797-MAY, 1798.

Origin of the Teneriffe Expedition
Conditions conducive to success
Orders to Nelson to undertake it
Failure of the first attempt
Nelson determines to storm the town
The assault and the repulse
Nelson loses his right arm
Rejoins the Commander-in-Chief off Cadiz
Returns to England on sick-leave
Painful convalescence
Restoration to health
His flag hoisted again, on board the "Vanguard"
Rejoins St. Vincent off Cadiz
Ordered to the Mediterranean to watch the Toulon Armament
Close of the first period of his career
Contrasts between his career hitherto and subsequently
Relations with his wife while in England
Quits the fleet to repair off Toulon

CHAPTER X.

THE CAMPAIGN AND BATTLE OF THE NILE.

MAY-SEPTEMBER, 1798.

Changed political conditions in Europe, 1798
The British Cabinet decides to take the offensive
The quarter in which to strike determined by the Toulon armament
Orders issued to St. Vincent
Preference for Nelson indicated by Government
Nelson's flagship, the "Vanguard," dismasted at sea
Indications of character elicited by the accident
He is joined by ten ships-of-the-line, raising his squadron to thirteen
Pursuit of the expedition under Bonaparte
Nelson's fixedness of purpose
Attitude of Naples
Perplexities of the pursuit
The light of the single eye
Embarrassment from the want of frigates
Squadron reaches Alexandria before the French
Renewed perplexity
Nelson returns to the westward
Anchors at Syracuse
Again goes east in search of the French
The French fleet discovered at anchor in Aboukir Bay
Prompt resolution to attack
Disposition of the French fleet for battle
Steadiness and caution of Nelson's advance
The Battle of the Nile
Nelson severely wounded
The French flagship blows up
Nelson's dissatisfaction with the results
His orders after the battle
Subsequent measures
Effect of the news in Great Britain
Nelson's rewards
Reception of the news in Europe generally
Nelson's concern about Troubridge
Immediate effect of the victory upon the French in Egypt
Nelson ordered with his fleet to the westward
Sails for Naples

CHAPTER XI.

NELSON'S RETURN FROM EGYPT TO NAPLES.--MEETING WITH LADY
HAMILTON.--ASSOCIATION WITH THE COURT OF NAPLES.--WAR BETWEEN NAPLES
AND FRANCE.--DEFEAT OF THE NEAPOLITANS.--FLIGHT OF THE COURT TO
PALERMO.

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER, 1798.

Voyage to Naples
Recovery from wound
His views as to future operations
Change of view after reaching Naples
Arrival at Naples
Meeting with the Hamiltons
Previous career of Lady Hamilton
Her political influence in Naples
Her characteristics
Her influence over Nelson
Rapid progress of the intimacy
His association with the Court
He urges Naples to declare war against France
Political situation of Naples relatively to France
Nelson goes off Malta
Returns to Naples
Neapolitans advance against the French in Rome
Their overthrow and rout
The royal family and Court fly to Palermo
Nelson in Palermo
Scandals about his residence there
Troubridge's remonstrances with him

CHAPTER XII.

NELSON'S CAREER, AND GENERAL EVENTS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALY,
FROM THE OVERTHROW OF THE ROYAL GOVERNMENT IN NAPLES TO THE INCURSION
OF THE FRENCH FLEET UNDER ADMIRAL BRUIX.

JANUARY-MAY, 1799.

The French enter Naples
Nelson's distress and comments
The Sidney Smith mission
Nelson's indignation
Modification of Smith's orders
Nelson's diplomatic capacity
Jealousy of Russian progress in the Mediterranean
His expectations of Russian assistance
Precautions against Russians in Malta
His poor opinion of the Neapolitan troops
Difficulties with the Barbary States
Nelson's dealings with them
His hatred of the French
Deep depression of spirits
Fears for Sicily
French reverses in Germany and Italy
British and Neapolitan successes about Naples
The French evacuate the kingdom of Naples
News of the approach of the French fleet under Bruix

CHAPTER XIII.

FROM THE INCURSION OF THE FRENCH FLEET UNDER BRUIX TO THE RESTORATION
OF THE ROYAL AUTHORITY AT NAPLES.--THE CARACCIOLO EXECUTION.--NELSON'S
DISOBEDIENCE TO ADMIRAL LORD KEITH.

MAY-JULY, 1799.

Nelson's measures to meet Bruix's fleet
His perplexity and mental distress
Concentrates his division off Maritimo
His sagacity and resolution
Growing infatuation about Lady Hamilton
Learns that Bruix has gone to Toulon
Takes his squadron to Palermo
Distress at St. Vincent's intention to go home
Movements of St. Vincent and of Keith with the main fleet
Nelson starts from Palermo for Naples
News from Keith causes him to return off Maritimo
Dissatisfaction with Keith's measures
Resolves to go to Naples with the squadron
Arrival at Naples
State of affairs there
Nelson's powers as representative of the King of Naples
Annuls the existing armistice
Capitulation of the castles Uovo and Nuovo
Discussion of Nelson's action at this time
Justification of his conduct
The Caracciolo incident
Execution of Caracciolo
Discussion of Nelson's action in this case
His profound attachment to the royal family of Naples
The King establishes his court on board Nelson's flagship
Mutual admiration of Nelson and the Hamiltons
Castle of St. Elmo capitulates
Troubridge sent against Capua
Keith orders Nelson to send ships to Minorca
Nelson disobeys
Keith repeats his orders
Nelson again refuses obedience
Discussion of this incident
The Admiralty censure Nelson
Nelson's discontent
His complaints of his health

CHAPTER I.

THE FIRST TWENTY-FIVE YEARS.

1758-1783.

It is the appointed lot of some of History's chosen few to come upon
the scene at the moment when a great tendency is nearing its crisis
and culmination. Specially gifted with qualities needed to realize the
fulness of its possibilities, they so identify themselves with it by
their deeds that they thenceforth personify to the world the movement
which brought them forth, and of which their own achievements are at
once the climax and the most dazzling illustration. Fewer still, but
happiest of all, viewed from the standpoint of fame, are those whose
departure is as well timed as their appearance, who do not survive the
instant of perfected success, to linger on subjected to the searching
tests of common life, but pass from our ken in a blaze of glory which
thenceforth forever encircles their names. In that evening light break
away and vanish the ominous clouds wherewith human frailties or tyrant
passions had threatened to darken their renown; and their sun goes
down with a lustre which the lapse of time is powerless to dim. Such
was the privilege of the stainless Wolfe; such, beyond all others,
that of Nelson. Rarely has a man been more favored in the hour of his
appearing; never one so fortunate in the moment of his death.

Yet, however accidental, or providential, this rarely allotted
portion, this crowning incident of an heroic career, it is after all
but an incident. It the man has not contrived; but to it he has
contributed much, without which his passing hour would have faded to
memory, undistinguished among those of the myriads, great and small,
who have died as nobly and are forever forgotten. A sun has set; but
before its setting it has run a course, be it long or short, and has
gathered a radiance which fixes upon its parting beams the rapt
attention of beholders. The man's self and the man's works, what he
was and what he did, the nature which brought forth such fruits, the
thoughts which issued in such acts, hopes, fears, desires, quick
intuitions, painful struggles, lofty ambitions, happy opportunities,
have blended to form that luminous whole, known and seen of all, but
not to be understood except by a patient effort to resolve the great
result into its several rays, to separate the strands whose twisting
has made so strong a cord.

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