I know that you are fitting out a secret expedition; I know its dangers, its inevitable dangers, and I here offer myself to lead it.

I ask no reward; I look for no price.

Alas, who is left to me for whom I could labor now?
Give me but the opportunity to end my clays with honor on board the old craft, where my heart still clings; give me but that.

Well, if you will not do so much, let me serve among the crew; put me before the mast.

My lord, you'll not refuse this.
It is an old man asks; one whose gray hairs have floated many a year ago before the breeze.' "'My poor fellow, you know not what you ask; this is no common case of danger.' "'I know it all, my lord; I have heard it all.' "'Dawkins, what is to be done here ?' inquired the admiral.
"'I say, friend,' inquired Dawkins, laying his hand upon my arm, 'what is your real name?
Are you he who commanded the "Dwarf" privateer in the Isle of France ?' "'The same.' "'Then you are known to Lord Collingwood ?' "'He knows me well, and can speak to my character.' "'What he says of himself is all true, my lord.' "'True,' said I, 'true! You did not doubt it, did you ?' "'We,' said the admiral, 'must speak together again.