a bird’s coming into my cabin previously to former engagements.”  This is the more remarkable, as the same thing is said to have afterwards happened prior to the battle of Copenhagen.  In superstitious times, some inference would probably have been made from such facts; but philosophy will not warrant any other deduction, than that, as birds of passage frequently seek shelter in ships, these visits were merely accidental.  The coincidence, however, is certainly somewhat curious.

In a short time, the King of Naples, and his suite, who had also come out full three leagues, in the royal barge, to greet the victorious British admiral, went on board the Vanguard; where the king affectionately embraced the Hero of the Nile; and, taking him by the hand, expressed the effusions of his gratitude in terms of the most flattering regard for our king, our country, and the immortal Nelson:  whom the sovereign of the two Sicilies, his ministers, and all classes of his subjects, hailed with the appellation of “Nostro Liberatore!”—­“Our Deliverer!”

The King of Naples, who prides himself on being a seaman, went all over the ship, and examined every thing with apparent delight and satisfaction.  His Neapolitan majesty sailed with Admiral Nelson, for about three hours, on board the Vanguard; which was saluted, as they passed, by all the forts.  As soon as the Vanguard anchored in the bay, the King of Naples returned on board his own barge, and Admiral Nelson accompanied Sir William and Lady Hamilton.

Immediately on landing, Sir William’s open carriage conveyed the hero, in triumph, to the house of his esteemed friends, surrounded by the enraptured Neapolitans; who gave every possible proof of their joy, admiration, and gratitude.  The Lazzaroni, in particular, crowded round him in multitudes:  vast numbers of them bearing birds of different species, in curious wicker baskets; which they displayed to the hero as he passed, and then giving them their liberty, watched their flight with all the anxiety and assumed importance of the ancient Roman augury.

The Queen of Naples had also gone out, with her numerous family, in another barge; but had, unfortunately, been too late to greet the hero on board his victorious vessel, from which he had taken his departure previously to her arrival.  Her majesty, however, after being rowed round the Vanguard, no sooner returned on shore, than she immediately addressed a letter to Lady Hamilton; requesting to see, as soon as possible, the Hero of the Nile.  Sir William and Lady Hamilton, accordingly, accompanied him to the palace, in the afternoon, where he experienced a most gracious and flattering reception.  On this visit, Lady Hamilton acted as interpreter between the queen and Admiral Nelson, neither of them understanding each other’s language sufficiently to converse together.  The queen constantly addressed him by the appellation of “Our virtuous and brave admiral.”

Such, in short, was the universal transport at Naples, on this occasion, that general illuminations, with apt and ingenious devices, and one grand scene of unbounded festivity and rejoicing, were continued for three successive days.