If I had been censured every time I have run my ship, or fleets under my command, into great danger, I should have long ago been out of the Service and never in the House of Peers.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
I did not want to avoid service. I did realize reservists could be called up, and that it was something that I wanted to do.
Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be.
All was well, until I reached the port of Havre. Three officers with the rank of lieutenant, whom afterwards I knew to be Scotland Yard men, came aboard and demanded to see my papers which they took away from me.
I think service is honorable, and that was always inculcated in me.
Even if people censure me, they should do so hat in hand.
Perhaps what's needed now is a bolder form of censure after all, because the Internet is not a universal human right. If people cannot be trusted to treat one another with respect, dignity and consideration, perhaps they deserve to have their online freedoms curtailed.
It is folly for an eminent man to think of escaping censure, and a weakness to be affected with it. All the illustrious persons of antiquity, and indeed of every age in the world, have passed through this fiery persecution.
The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.
That service is the noblest which is rendered for its own sake.
Nobody has ever been hurt by the actions of ships I have been on.