The Maid of Sker · Chapter
LVIII: More Haste, Less Speed explained
Davy recounts his service in the Royal Navy during the Mediterranean campaign of 1798, including his role as Master of the Excellent at the Battle of Cape St.
What happens
Davy recounts his service in the Royal Navy during the Mediterranean campaign of 1798, including his role as Master of the Excellent at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, his admiration for Admiral Nelson's leadership and genius, and the fleet's pursuit of the French to Egypt. He reflects on discipline, mutinies, and his decision to decline a lieutenant's commission.
Themes in this chapter
Maritime Life and Adventure
Davy's detailed account of naval operations, seamanship, and the chase across the Mediterranean highlights the adventure and rigors of life at sea.
Truth and Narrative Reliability
Davy reflects on the reliability of information and the fog of war, questioning whether the fleet truly crossed the French wake without detection.
Class Mobility and Ambition
Davy's decision to decline a lieutenant's commission due to age and pride, and his hope for a pecuniary reward, illustrates the tensions of class and ambition in the navy.
Characters to notice
- Davy Llewellyn
Narrates his naval service as Master of the Excellent and later on the Goliath, leading the inshore squadron under Captain Troubridge.
- Captain Foley
Commanded the Goliath, a seventy-four, under whom Davy served.
- Master Roger Berkrolles
Mentioned as having prophesied the outcome of the war.
- Polly Cockhanterbury
Davy mentions losing sight of poor Polly, which caused him a hollow eyetooth.
Key passages
“I believe in the King of England; I have faith in discipline; I abhor all Frenchmen worse than the very devil.”
Nelson's creed was loyalty to the king, belief in discipline, and intense hatred of the French.
Davy quotes Nelson's simple, powerful credo that inspired his men.
“To know what he meant, to pronounce it, and to perceive what others meant, these three powers enabled him to make all the rest mean what he did.”
Nelson's ability to understand his own intentions, express them clearly, and grasp others' thoughts allowed him to unify everyone under his command.
Davy explains Nelson's genius for leadership and persuasion.
“If a man is undervalued often, and puts up with it, he generally finds that fortune treats him with respect in other more serious aspects.”
Being overlooked sometimes leads to better fortune in more important matters later.
Davy reflects on his own experience of being passed over for promotion.