We are aware that the foregoing narrative may appear deficient in novel and striking incidents, but we have introduced it for the sake of exhibiting some of the best and noblest attributes of the true-hearted sailor--courage, patience, and perfect obedience under the most trying circumstances, and generous kindness towards an unfortunate enemy. It is well to think of these things, and the more we read of the details of naval life--its sufferings, dangers, and trials, the more fully shall we be persuaded that _true_ courage is ever generous and unselfish. In the words of the quaint old song-- Says the captain, says he, (I shall never forget it,) 'If of courage you'd know, lads, the true from the sham, Tis a furious lion in battle, so let it, But, duty appeased, 'tis in mercy a lamb.' That my friend, Jack or Tom, I should rescue from danger, Or lay down my life for each lad in the mess, Is nothing at all,--'tis the poor wounded stranger, And the poorer the more I shall succour distress: In me let the foe feel the paw of the lion, But, the battle once ended, the heart of a lamb. FOOTNOTES: [7] She proved to be an American, and she went to pieces during the night. VENERABLE. On Saturday, the 24th of November, 1804, the fleet under the command of Admiral the Hon. W. Cornwallis, lay at anchor in Torbay. As it was late in the year, and the night dark and stormy, orders were given for the fleet to put to sea. Unfortunately, in fishing the anchor of the Venerable, 74-gun ship, the fish-hook gave way, and a man was precipitated into the sea. The alarm was immediately given, and one of the cutters was ordered to be lowered. Numbers of the crew rushed aft to carry the orders into effect, but in the confusion, one of the falls was suddenly let go, the boat fell by the run, filled, and a midshipman and two of the crew were drowned. In a few minutes another boat was lowered, which fortunately succeeded in picking up the man who first fell overboard. Owing to this delay, the Venerable fell off considerably towards Brixham, and getting sternway, was unable to weather the Berry Head. Every effort was made to stay her, but the ship refused; and, not having room to wear, she drove on shore, at the north part of the bay, on a spot called Roundem Head, near Paington. Orders were given to cut away the masts, in the hopes of their falling between the ship and the shore. This was found impracticable, as the ship, from her position on the declivity of the rock on which she struck, heeled to such an extent, as to render the falling of the masts in the desired direction quite impossible.