Laurels grow in the Bay of Biscay, I hope a bed of them may be found in the Mediterranean.
Interpretation
This quote expresses a hope for future achievements and recognition, akin to resting on one's laurels.
Horatio Nelson's quote conveys the idea that he wishes for a continued legacy of success and recognition, as represented by laurels, which are traditionally a symbol of victory and accomplishment. By mentioning both the Bay of Biscay and the Mediterranean, he illustrates a desire for success to flourish in various regions, symbolizing a reach for broader significance and lasting impact.
In practice
This quote can be used in a commencement speech to inspire graduates about their future achievements.
Firstly, you must always implicitly obey orders, without attempting to form any opinion of your own respecting their propriety. Secondly, you must consider every man your enemy who speaks ill of your king; and thirdly, you must hate a Frenchman, as you do the devil.
Never break the neutrality of a port or place, but never consider as neutral any place from whence an attack is allowed to be made.
To do nothing was disgraceful; therefore I made use of my understanding.
Let me alone: I have yet my legs and one arm. Tell the surgeon to make haste and his instruments. I know I must lose my right arm, so the sooner it's off the better.
In honour I gained them, and in honour I will die with them.
Duty is the great business of a sea officer; all private considerations must give way to it, however painful it may be.
All I set out to do was to earn a living playing drums, you know? And as luck would have it, I've surpassed that.
Basically, when you get to my age, you'll really measure your success in life by how many of the people you want to have love you actually do love you.
There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded.
A man to carry on a successful business must have imagination. He must see things as in a vision, a dream of the whole thing.
It's the best thing that can happen to a player. Being able to play at the World Cup is already the best, but then to raise the trophy to the sky is a dream.
A man has to have goals - for a day, for a lifetime - and that was mine, to have people say, 'There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived.'
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.