Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, Only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness; So on the ocean of life, we pass and speak one another, Only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.

-Longfellow, Henry Wadsworth
  Tales of a Wayside Inn, pt.3.'The Theologian's Tale: Elizabeth'.

You know,Foley,I have onlyone eyeöI have a right to be blind sometimes† I really do not see the signal.

-Nelson, Horatio,Viscount Nelson
Said to Captain Foley during the Battle of Copenhagen, 2  Apr. Nelson disregarded the order of his superior,  Admiral Hyde-Parker, to break off action and went on to win the engagement.