Page:Glenarvon (Volume 3).djvu/317

 were not yet in sight; but it was known that they were awaiting the attack at a few miles distance from shore, between Camperdown and Egmont. It was so still that evening that not a breath of air rippled upon the glassy waters. It was at that very instant of time, when Avondale, stretched upon his bed, far from those scenes of glory and renown in which his earlier years had been distinguished, had breathed his last; that Glenarvon, whilst walking the deck, even in the light of departing day, laughingly addressed his companions: "Fear you to die?" he cried, to one upon whose shoulder he was leaning. "I cannot fear. But as it may be the fate of all, Hardhead," he said, still addressing his lieutenant, "if I die, do you present my last remembrance to my friends.—Ha! have I any?—Not I, I'faith.

"Now fill up a bowl, that I may pledge