Hawkins. This is bold advice, Drake, but I do not like the responsibility.
Drake. Responsibility! To whom? To our Queen? She will hold us responsible, only for failure in our enterprise. In plain words, for bringing home no money. Besides, she has no jurisdiction here, nor are we sailing under her flag, or the authority of a Lord High Admiral, or his Court. We Rovers sail under our own red bunting, acknowledging no Courts; and fight our way, not palter about Treaties. Law cannot defend us; should the Spaniards but get us into their clutches, would they vouchsafe to us, trial in a lawful court? No! We should have neither law nor mercy. The Inquisition! Torture! the Auto-de-fe, that is fire and faggot, would be our lot. For my part, I will acknowledge no responsibility, but to God, upon His own ocean! So long as I live, I shall consider it my best duty to him, to make war upon Spaniards, who are alike his enemies and ours. Is that monster Philip without other motive than the impulse of a cruel nature, to sit unopposed in his cabinet like a spider weaving his webs of slavery for mankind, to monopolise the earth’s surface with all the gold in its bosom, and the whole ocean as well? Why not its circumambient air, that we may ask his leave to breathe? I tell you, Hawkins, that whilst I can muster a keel, and men and Britons to man it, I shall ask no licence from mortal man; I shall boldly take my share of its wild waves, in spite of all the Despots in the world, and claim it as my patrimony from God! (He turns away in great excitement.)
The report of a solitary gun booms along the water,and cuts short the debate.They are all startled,but before there is time for utterance,it is followed by a discharge from the batteries on the island,and successive volleys from a number of Ships in the offing.
Hawkins, (in alarm), What can this mean? Those are no signal guns, no friendly salutes.
Hampton. No, General, no blank cartridges there! The report is too sharp; it has the ring of metal. We are surprised. It is time to get ready, and stand by our guns; it must be a Spanish fleet!
Hawkins. God grant it be not the outward bound fleet of Spain, we must keep them out. Get ready my pinnace! Bear a hand! We must be off to the island, and see to this. Get your ships under weigh, and stand by, to dispute the mouth of the harbour. (Exeunt.)
The Spanish fleet of thirteen sail,sent out expressly to look forHawkins,and to treat him as a pirate.The English forbid entrance.A party of Spaniards,with the Spanish Ambassador and the new Viceroy of Spain,under a flag of truce,await the arrival of the English Commander to treat.
Enter SirJohn Hawkins,Drake,Hampton,Bolton, and others.
Spanish Ambassador. Have I the honour to address the great, invincible and renowned, Sir John Hawkins, whose fame is throughout the world?
Hawkins. Your excellency has before you the Admiral and the gallant Captains of a small English fleet, bound on a trading voyage, put in under stress of weather, to victual and re-fit; and for our own security, during the time we find it necessary to occupy the harbour, we intend to prevent the entry of armed vessels.
Ambassador(amazed). But we are the fleet of His Majesty the King of Spain, carrying a thousand soldiers, thirteen galleons with others their consorts and tenders. I have the honour to be his Ambassador, and this is his viceroy, with authority to govern his possessions in the New World. Allow me to present to you Don Martini Henriqnez, viceroy of all the Indies. (Hawkins bows.) This is His Majesty’s town and dominions, and we claim not only free entrance, but entire jurisdiction. The nations are at peace, and we concede to you the right freely to occupy it as friends, to trade and re-fit, with freedom of departure. What would you more?
Hawkins. True, your Excellency, the nations are nominally at peace, but we Englishmen have been in these times of peace treated as worse than enemies in war. We have been attacked by ships carrying the Castillian flag, thrown into prison, tortured, famished in dungeons, given over to the inquisition, to fire and faggot, contrary to the law of nations, and to actual treaty. We must take care of ourselves. Either you shall force an entrance at the cannon’s mouth, which you will not find a very easy matter, or you enter on such conditions as I shall dictate. That we have liberty to trade, victual, and re-fit, and to depart without hindrance or molestation, that the fortifications remain in our hands, and that you give hostages, as a guarantee for their fulfillment.
Ambassador. This, Senor, is a very serious matter. It is against law, reason, and justice that we should be under conditions imposed by a foreigner who has no claim or authority here, to enter our own possessions. I do not know how I should answer to my Royal Master, should I so far compromise his authority and right, conceding to a stranger, the privilege of dictating conditions to our ships in our own waters.
Hawkins. Nor I to answer to my Royal Mistress for the loss of her ships and men by any laxity or cowardice on my part in not defending them. We Englishmen are accustomed to consider our duty to our country paramount over all else, to fight under the national flag till Death or Victory; never to yield a point in debate or battle, but to stick to our guns, and No Surrender!
English All. No Surrender! No Surrender!
Hawkins. Your Excellencies, and you Senores, you see your choice. Either you fight or depart, or enter on our conditions.
Ambassador. I shall retire if you please, and consult with his Excellency. (Exeunt Spaniards.English laughing).
Hawkins(laughing). Well, Comrades, I think I have settled their Excellencies; what think you? They must be off. If they meant fighting, they would have boldly entered like men, and asked no one’s leave. They dare not enter into conditions. Philip would execute them all, and rightly too, the poltrons. It would be complete surrender of his authority.
Hampton. It is not long you would have hesitated with such a fleet, General! I think with you, they will be off if the gale will allow them to weather the headlands. Lord! you frightened them; they turned pale at your very look. That’s the way to talk to them. No backing and filling; no hauling of tacks and sheets with Spaniards. A straight course, good headway; with half a gale blowing. That’s what they can’t stand. (He walks aside haughtily).
Bolton. General, you have spoken like a Tar, and an Englishman. I call that sailing to half a point of the compass. (Turning toHampton). I am like you, Hampton, for carrying all sail, and keeping the red flag flying. Damn their thirteen ships and their new Viceroy Don Martini Henriquez, too, with his thousand soldiers. What’s all that to us? We can soon settle accounts with them, and their odds.—I never once thought of counting the number of Spaniards or Frenchmen, or of their ships either. Before we shall have sunk or burned the half of them, it will be very difficult to find the other half. We are not only a match for them on the open sea, but here they are at our mercy, keep them out, and then the gale will do for them.
Drake. Well said, Old Rough and Ready, you know how to deal with Spaniards. If you trust them, Hawkins, you will rue it all your life. (Exeunt).
The Spaniards during the night have got possession of the batteries on the heights,filled with men a hulk close to the Minion,in order to board her.Their fleet of thirteen large ships arranged for action;their guns brought to bear on the English,who are unprepared;many of their men having been decoyed into the town,the battle commences with an attack on these.The English fight their way to their boats,and pull for their ships.The Council of War on the deck of the Jesus see it and get ready for action.
EnterHawkins,Drake,Bolton, andHampton.
Hawkins. Comrades! This harbour of San Juan de Ulloa wears a different face this morning from that it bore when we last surveyed its beauties from this deck; and doubtless inspires you all with altered feelings. With what hope we entered it, as the last waves of the angry sea broke vainly in our wake, and when we dropped anchor, our shattered barks rode easy as seagulls on the waters of the peaceful bay. We congratulated ourselves on our escape from danger—on the profits of a successful voyage—and we surveyed the beauteous landscape in comfort and security. How vain the dream! How changed the reality!
Bolton. Glad as I was then, General, of its friendly shelter, I would rather the fiercest gale that ever howled its threats in the open ocean, than behold that thunder-cloud gathering over our heads (he points to the batteries). How did they get possession of these forts?
Hawkins. Our men, deceived by pretended friendship, cajoled by favour, and seduced by the fascinations of the Creole women, have been allured into the town. During the night the enemy seized the batteries.
Drake(looking towards the town). They are reaping the bitter fruits of disobedience now, or I am much mistaken. (Shouts,tumult,and confusion of a multitude intermingled with shots and cheers come from the shore.) Hark to that! It is an English cheer and an angry one! It cuts sharp and clear like the tone of a fife through the roar of battle.
Shouts ofSailors on Shore. Hurrah for Moone! Stick to them boys! Hurrah!
Drake. That’s Moone in the front; how he wields his axe! He cleaves them like sheep in the slaughter house. That’s big Jack Winter, with the boat-hook; he handles it as if it were a quarterstaff. How he scatters the little Spaniards! Brave boys, lay on!
Bolton. The crowd falls back before these two men, (great excitement on board the Jesus). Our fellows have the best of it. They have gained their boats and are pulling for their ships. (Shouts continue,the sailors in the boats hail).
Sailors in the Boats. “Jesus a-hoy.” (The sailors on board begin to crowd the deck in great excitement and prepare to cheer).
Hawkins. Hush! No cheers as you value our safety. Silence! Silence in the ship! Boatswain, all hands to quarters in silence. Men to the guns, deck watch, stand by to get under weigh. (He rushes about to restore order).
Hampton. Could not our fellows by a sudden charge surprise the forts?
Hawkins(With assumed confidence). It is too late, alas! But I signed the treaty with an Ambassador of Spain, and with Philip’s Viceroy of all the Indies. We have their honour and the credit of their nation for its fulfilment. Upon its conditions I gave them entry into the harbour, and saved them from destruction. Suppose they have got possession of the batteries, they are bound to give us safe and peaceable right to victual and re-fit, with freedom of departure.
Drake. Oh Hawkins, delusion, mere delusion! A treaty when you have not the means to enforce it. There is not a moment to waste. Action! Action! (With energy) Prepare for instant battle, or it will be every way too late.
Hampton. They are getting into line with springs on their cables, so that every gun may bear.
Drake. And the batteries, they are pointing the guns on us. Look there Hawkins. You have the weather gage, make for them under all sail; with the command of the wind, you can give a double broadside. Set your ship on fire, and run her aboard the Admiral. In the confusion take to your boats and pull for the Minion. We shall pepper away, and get to sea. On the blue water our legs will be too long for them, should they dare to follow us. Goodbye, God bless you, Hawkins, should we not meet again, (they shake hands). No surrender. Victory or death. (ExeuntDrake,Hampton,andBolton.) (Scene changes.)
The harbour filled with burning ships.The Jesus is aboard the Spanish Admiral,both in flames,yet still fighting broadside to broadside.Three hundred Spaniards attempting to board the Minion from a hulk are being repulsed.The Jesus and the Minion in font.The Spanish fleet at the back.Deck of the Jesus.
Hawkins. Blaze away, my sea-dogs, stick to the Admiral. Don’t let him out clear. Hurrah! upon bows and guns. (He turns towards the Minion.) See! They are on the deck of the Minion. Hurrah for Hampton! Stick to them gallant tars. Pike, axe, and cutlass, follow me. (He rushes at their head through the pinnace on to the deck of the Minion,shouts and cheers as they clamber over the bulwarks). Hah! Minion to the rescue! Down with the traitors! Down with the villains, Hah! the axe of Moone! Great Winter, hurl them overboard with a run. Brave men, strong men, hurrah for merry England, the day is ours, God gives us the victory; Hurrah! Hurrah! (with great eagerness). Look to the deck of the Jesus, Hampton. How well our men behave. Fire upon the Admiral, ply shot and shaft. (They shoot) Hah! The long bow of England against the world. These are the scorpions that sting our foes. My gallant fellows have done their work, they are both blazing. It’s all up there, keep the Spaniards in confusion and let our men get away. (They are crowding into their pinnace and leaping overboard). Boats and spars for those that are in the water. (Men run about with spars).
Hampton. Out with the sweeps and try to crawl ahead, we shall fall in with a cap-full of wind, once clear of the vibration of the guns.
Hawkins. Now serve out the ale. (Leaning exhausted against the main-mast,he calls to his cupbearer for Ale). Samuel, fill me a cup of ale, for my very soul is exhausted, but I thank God for this deliverance, (his cupbearer hands him a silver goblet,he comes forward and poises it in the air). Here’s to our Noble Queen and her heroic Tars! (He quaffs the Ale and lays down the goblet,which a cannon shot dashes to pieces the moment his hand quits it,Captain Hamptonrushing forward to assist him).
Hampton. Are you hurt, General? That was a narrow escape, but we are accustomed to such chances.
Hawkins. It was the will of God, Hampton—a warning voice to give him the glory. There is no such thing as chance. He has not done with me yet. (Look,he looks around.) But we are all right now. Avast rowing, let us have a view of the battle-field. Heavens! what a wreck, they are utterly disabled. (The harbour is strewn with wreck.The Spanish fleet is blazing;some driven ashore,some sunk,the masts and flags appearing above water).
Hampton. The Jesus is burned to the water-mark, but she has done her work. She has set fire to the Admiral, the flame has spread. They are all either destroyed by fire, shot to pieces, or driven ashore. It is truly marvellous how so small a force should destroy a powerful fleet like that. You ought to have taken Drake’s advice to seize them with all their arms, ships, treasure, and batteries of the place; then we should have been masters of Spain and the Ocean.
Hawkins. Let us be satisfied. You see I was hampered with the Treaty, and our undetermined, perhaps divided Government.
Hampton. Say the traitors in the Government!—Damn the Government!—Damn the Treaty!—But as you have said, General, perhaps we should be satisfied with our lives. There is Drake and the Judith ahead. Pull away my boys, there is not a breath.—What a lull the storm of battle leaves, as if the very Ocean quailed. Hurrah upon the starboard sweeps! Hurrah! (the ship is drawn off,the Orchestra striking up“Rule Britannia.”)
Curtain falls.
The Hoe—a high ground commanding a view of the Town,Harbour and Sound seaward.Ships sailing in and out.Privateers cruising by the Offing—a number of the same sort in the Harbour ready to make sail at a moment’s notice.William Hawkins,with a Telescope having taken a view.
Hawkins(melancholy and brooding). Not a speck! No hope! All gone! or worse, captured, and then the Inquisition, fire and faggot! Nothing too cruel for Spaniards to Englishmen. My poor Brother!
EnterSir Henry Killigrew,who comes up to him unseen,one of the many nobles and gentry driven to the sea as daring Buccaniers,by the Marian persecution,now a most confidential agent of theQueen.
Sir Henry Killigrew(clapping him on the shoulder). Well! old friend, what does the Telescope say? For I can guess what you are on the look out for. I came down from London, to have a look myself, and to have a talk with you about these Spanish ships in port, with specie. I shall detain them until the result of this affair is ascertained. The Queen is in a towering rage. You know her temper when she feels not only that she is injured, but that her honour and power are slighted. She says this is a foul business; worse than open war.
Hawkins. My poor Brother, with all his gallant spirit and seamanship, when dealing with the enemy, was so confident in his crotchets of Law and Treaty!
Killigrew. Law and Treaty with the Spaniard; that means let him tie your hands until he cuts your throat and robs you! There is hardly a day without some demand of redress from Philip, whilst even an answer is refused to us for the gravest breaches of Law, human and divine. The state of affairs is ominous. The Council is divided. Men say the Nation is divided; a foul falsehood. This affair of the Queen of Scots with the Duke of Norfolk, the poor fool! an idle threat of rebellion aided by Spain and the Pope. The Queen hardly knows whom to trust. Her reliance is on the Privateers, but we had better retire to talk of these matters. Here comes a suspicious looking rascal (he looks at him) he walks lame! Yet, observe, it is only a limp now and then; and that patch over his eye—it is only put on for a blind; the fellow does not look before him, like a man with one eye; yet he has a bold bearing, and tall. But for the patch and the awkward limp, I should think I knew the rake of his top-mast.
Hawkins(after a view of the new-comer through his telescope—laughing) You know him well. It is bold Tom Cobham, that fought his way with Wyatt, to the very gates of the Tower. He is after some devil’s play, I’ll warrant—and I think I know his game; he wears a disguise in Plymouth; there are so many spies here; he is supposed to be dead, you know.
Killigrew. Of course; it was given out that he was sentenced to an extravagant death—unknown to our laws. It was a trick of the Queen’s. She laughs when she tells how she humbugged the Ambassador, who took it all in, and actually wrote it to his master. Elizabeth knew better than to execute one of Lord Cobham’s sons, who so nearly forfeited their lives in her cause. You know his offence?
Hawkins. Yes, Yes! the Spanish ship he captured, with eighty thousand ducats, in the Bay of Biscay, and which, after sewing up the Captain and all hands in their sails for winding sheets, he sent to the bottom! It was cleverly done, that affair; just like Cobham, who is not the man to do things by halves where Spaniards are concerned. I marvel how the thing got wind. When we scuttle a ship, we expect to hear no more of her: dead men usually tell no tales!
Killigrew. In this case the adage turned out to be untrue; the westerly swell in Biscay’s shallow waters washed eighteen bodies ashore, sewed up in the mainsail; they of course were recognized, and the chase through the chops of the channel was seen by another Spaniard, who knew Cobham’s Sea Eagle before, only too well! Here he comes; let us affect not to know him!
Cobhampasses—Then walks round surveying them comically,using his hand as a telescope,held to his covered eye.
Cobham. I am just taking an observation before hailing—you are a pretty pair of land-lubbers, you are, not to recognize a brother tar and messmate, who has only to open his mouth to hang you both for piracy and murder on the high seas; and levying war on Her Majesty’s faithful ally the King of Spain, a hundred times.
They all burst into laughter,with a hearty recognition.
Killigrew. My dear Tom, I am heartily glad to see you; but we were carrying out your own joke, man; when you take your next observation, just remember not to put the glass to the blind eye.
Cobham(laughing). Good, good, I only show a little false bunting for the occasion, to pass unnoticed through the crowd. We have a little business on here, and don’t want to draw attention till it is over. (He takes off the patch). But I find O cannot do this trick well; Tom Cobham fits better his part in the rough work of battle.
Hawkins. Aye, aye, Tom; you may as well open the other port. We could recognize your bold sailing, whatever canvass you should hoist. What’s the game now? I have an idea, these Antwerp-bound Spaniards, eh! They are here, you know under the protection of the law. If they are attacked, Philip will demand redress, and what will the Queen say?
Cobham(indignantly). Say, Say! Let her say what she ought to say. That the banner of England has been trailed through the dirt, in the streets of Madrid, by Public officers in obedience to his own order, as if he had taken it in battle from the Turk. Her Majesty’s subjects, without having committed other offence than that of being free born Englishmen, have been tortured, burned, or famished in inquisition dungeons, and buried like dogs in dunghills; and all this by royal authority, and during peace. Peace! There can be no peace between Spain and England. Talk of protection, does he expect Her Majesty to became his water bailiff, or to erect an ocean police for him? As to our Acts, under what responsibility is she for them? They are our own private Acts. Our ship’s are private property, our crews are volunteers; we sail under our own flag, and are alone responsible for what we do. Let him take care of his own by his means, and seize us if he can. Then it will be scant mercy or justice we shall receive. As for me, I have never sought to cover myself with my country’s flag; I go forth from my Irish cove under my own free bunting, I have a mission of blood and vengeance against Spain and her inquisition, and with the help of God I will never cease a war of extermination until they are destroyed; and, Killigrew, there is a continual voice within me which whispers, “The end it near.”
Killigrew. The government thinks it belongs to them, to demand retribution for the nation, and I can speak for the Queen; she is resolved.
Cobham. Tush! tush! government will never do anything. No! the merchants and sailors must take care of themselves, by self-defence and just retaliation. It is a private war against robbers and murderers. Look at this late affair of the five Bristol briggs at the Azores. The English were getting under weigh as the Spanish Admiral entered the harbour. It was enough that they carried St. George’s Cross at their main. He fires upon them, carries their crews to Cadiz in irons, makes over their property to the Inquisition, confiscates the ships, and throws the men into prison to rot like thousands of their fellows, in hopeless dungeons! (He walks aside indignant).
Killigrew. Well, but it is under negociation.
Cobham(sarcastically). Negociation with the Inquisition, over whose holy house Philip says he has no control, (a bitter laugh.) No, no! the murderers must be put down as the people of St. Malo put them down. The Spanish Inquisition burned at the stake, sixty French sailors from St. Malo, notwithstanding Philip’s entreaty to the contrary. The French manned their pinnaces, looked out for Spaniards, captured one hundred and sent their heads into Spain, leaving one man in every vessel to steer her into port, and show inquisitors the fell retribution of their bloody work! (He walks exultingly). The Spanish Inquisition has meddled no more with French sailors.
Hawkins. All true, about our affair at the Azores. I know merchants in Plymouth, who were owners in the ships. Now about these Spanish ships in port, what? You see they have taken refuge from those sea-hawks outside and from some that are inside, or I’m mistaken. What is that low black, snake-like lugger, with her anchor just atrip, like a greyhound in the leash?
Cobham(with a malicious smile). She is a fishing-boat of mine, with fifty hands in her, ready to make sail the moment the Spaniards move. And those Clippers outside are the sea-hawks of the best blood in England, driven by persecution and tyranny, to the liberty of the ocean. There is ruffling Ned Horsey, Strangway, well known as the Red Rover of the Channel, Carew’s, Tremaine’s, Throgmorton’s—enow—and I think, gentlemen, you know something of two of those clippers yourselves (with a knowing look). Well, you see we have law for what we do. These Spaniards are carrying specie from Spain to support their bloody war against our friends in the low countries, who are gallantly fighting for civil and religious liberty. We have resolved the gold shall never reach its destination—we shall baulk Philip in that at least, and so far, help our brethren in the faith.
Killigrew(laughing as if at a good joke). Hold on! Hold on! every inch there, Tom; is that your only object? Suppose it were to be employed in some work of charity would the Rovers take the same interest in it.
Cobham. Well, Harry, you who have spent such a peaceful life—you who never sunk a Spaniard or overhauled a wine brig, and ran the contents on the sands of Lowestoft, you can do what you like with your share (They laugh at the sarcasm).
Hawkins. I say, Killigrew, that’s a broadside! Tom carries too many guns for you! Ha! ha! ha! (laughter in which all join).
Cobham. But you see I have spent my life fighting for religion and vengeance, and, with the help of God, will so continue to the end (with firm resolution) I can’t forgot the times of Wyatt!
Killigrew. Well, it helps the work, Tom, when there is good plunder as well as vengeance.—Somehow, I cannot help thinking that if they carried corn instead of gold and silver, they might have continued their voyage.
Cobham. That is as it may be. If they hailed from a Protestant country—England or Holland—or carried a neutral flag, Moor, Greek, or Turk.—But Spain and her Inquisition sets my blood a boiling, I would sink one of her ships with all hands; even if freighted with manure or sand. Do you think our blood is to cry to Heaven in vain for vengeance? Not while Thomas Cobham has one shot in the locker—a Rover’s deck, manned with fifty free, daring boys, that can fight five hundred or a thousand Spaniards wherever we meet them on the ocean. But with respect to these Spaniards I cannot see any good reason, why we should not spoil, as well as slay, the Philistines.
EnterSir Edward Horseyfrom behind.
Horsey. Praise the Lord! England has still one of her saints left—spoken like a true son of a Puritan! You have chapter and verse for that—go-a-head, Tom,—slay and take possession, and when your hand is in the throat of the common foe, Edward Horsey is not the man to baulk you in your purpose.
They all shake hands with the new-comer,laughing.
Cobham. Ned! I am glad to see you. I beg your pardon! (bowing low). Sir Edward Horsey! Why man, I understand the Queen has knighted you and made you Governor of the Isle of Wight. She is coming to her senses, and recognizing her true friends at last—a Rover of the genuine stamp (laughing exultingly) Governor of the Isle of Wight! No Frenchman or Spaniard will land there I trow. She sees that the real defence of the coast, as well as the ultimate overthrow of Spain and the possession of the Trident, lies with the free flag, and must pass to England through her Freebooters.
Killigrew. Well she is beginning to see, that we are the men that she must rely on at last, and even Cecil is opening his eyes. This last affair of Sir John Hawkins, so base, cowardly, and cruel. Such an outrage upon truth and honour. Her pride has been seriously hurt, and you see she was a large partner in the venture, and the profits of enormous value, entirely lost. This has wounded our Queen in the tenderest part—her pocket. She has sent me down to ascertain if any direct tidings have come to hand—and to consult with William Hawkins and the rest of you, what can be done. She does not like open war, and fears Philip will declare it.
Cobham. How can he further declare it than by his acts? Has he not, as far as Edicts can, closed his Ports against us, and attempted to destroy our trade with the Flemings, who cannot do without us. Bah! has not Hawkins boldly and seamanly answered the challenge just before he sailed, by firing upon a Spanish Man of War, with prisoners, in Plymouth Harbour? What is peace and what war. Well! I fear Spanish justice has overtaken him at last with all his tricks and finesse, and all his gallantry and skill, what is the truth? Is there any intelligence at all, William? That is what I followed you up to hear.
Hawkins. Nothing direct, I fear the worst. That they are all gone down after the battle, or worse perhaps, taken, and handed over to the Inquisition. The dreaded name of Hawkins, would bring down on them, the full vials of Philip’s wrath. Whatever we know, is from Spanish sources—Killigrew can give it authentic, through the Government.
Killigrew. Alas! We expect information here. A terrible battle has been fought. The Queen’s ship the Jesus, with immense value has been capturedby the Spaniards, and a vast number of English killed, or made prisoners. Some of the smaller vessels however got away. The Ambassador observes strict silence of Sir John, or Drake, we can learn nothing, the disaster has been terrific, we fear they are all gone. The Queen is in a rage, and says we may go at the treasure ships, that have taken refuge in our ports. I have taken measures to secure those at Southampton, before coming to give you the hint, and to seize these here. She is determined on redress.
Cobham. You see by what I have said, I did not wait for any hints. Don Francisco Diaz, lying there beside my lugger, carries as freight about half a million a Genoese loan to Philip, for which the Duke of Alva hangs fire, his army being in mutiny for their arrears of pay. The Duke promised Philip, that he could make the war self-supporting. He has failed entirely. The Flemings are too much for him in that, they carry off their valuables. He gains battles but there is no plunder! (He turns his eye to the Spanish ship and raising his finger addresses her). Don Francisco Diaz! Thou shalt not deliver thy precious freight at Antwerp! (Cheers in the offing).
Killigrew, (laying his hand onCobham’sshoulder,) Hush! What’s all that? Something of importance. (They all look.)
Hawkins. What can be up? They are crowding to the beach, and the piers. The cruisers too, they are firing salutes in the offing and showing their bunting. What can it mean? Surely that was a cheer, rolling down upon the wind. Let us go and see, besides, there are queer rumours I should like you to hear whispered about the disaster of our friends, said to come from the Spaniards in the harbour. (A cheer in the offing).
Cobham. That is an undoubled cheer in the offing. There is something ill the wind, go a-head. (Exeunt).
The pier,crowd of sailors,and citizens running as if for some strange news,or standing in groups conjecturing.
EnterW.Hawkins,Sir H. Killigrew,andSir E. Horsey.
Hawkins. Let us get among the sailors and hear what they think, their instinct for the real is marvellous, as their far-sightedness at sea. Here’s a group of the right sort for us!Pointing to some powerful men of haughty bearing and daring expression,dressed in a superior style,flaunting gold chains and massive jewellery,with Indian silk handkerchiefs carelessly worn,and other marks of wealth obstentiously displayed.They seem not only to stand aloof by themselves but to shoulder their way without considering much whether or not,they give offence.AsHawkinsand his companions make their way into the group one of them salutes with an air of recognition.
Sailor. Good day, Captain! If there were Spaniards here, I would say to them “War hawks, make all sail!” (Looking with a knowing wink at his companions).
Hawkins. Why, Bill Carvell! Is it you? What’s all this stir and curiosity about? They are firing salutes, and cheering, in the offing. (Rounds of cheers,firing of salutes,and hoisting of flags by the cruizers echoes along the shore by the people.)
Carvell. It is only that poor cripple limping into the harbour, with broken legs. She is tattered, and torn, wounded and weak; and no mistake whether by storm or battle.
2ndSailor. Not so overweak, that she cloud not take her own part, in case of need. She has a dammed rakish look about her, like some broken down gentle-woman, whose rank no poverty can conceal! I can see her pride and high spirit, though all her rags. See how she answers the helm, and takes the windward of that great Flemish bark!
3rdSailor, (with a knowing emphasis and nod). She’s off a long voyage, and carries no freight; unless perhaps, it may be a dust or so of the precious metals. I’m mistaken if she’s not in fighting gear, as well as sailing trim.
4thSailor. She has passed through a heavy gale, her rigging is sadly mawled.
3rdSailor. Gale be damned! It has been a thunder storm with iron for hail! No wind or waves ever did that damage. Those bulwarks have shot holes in them, man. Some Spaniard has got the worst of it, with that Falcon.
Hawkins. What think you of her, Bill Carvell? Have you any guess?
Carvell. I am quite out of my reckoning, and yet I think she is no stranger. But you see her spars are so handled, and the main is only a jury mast.
Hawkins. I imagine somehow, I know the sheer of her gunwale, and the manner in which the foremost is stepped, (Aside to himself), can it be? (Shouts of“The Judith,The Judith.”Tremendous cheering). Yes it is! It is the Judith and Francis Drake, if he is alive.
The cheering and rushing about increases.Shouts of hurrah for the Judith.Hurrah forDrake.Hurrah forHawkins!Down with the Spaniards.
Carvell(toHawkins). Right, Captain, I thank God for one of them. See how the privateers gather round her. Hurrah my boys. Stand by to lend her a hand. (He runs about). Get a hausser to the shore and help her round the pier. (The hausser is handed up.He and others lay hold of it and run pulling). Hurrah, men, with a run.
The vessel is hauled alongside,Drakeis handed up and presented to the people amidst tremendous cheers,congratulations and confusion.Shouts of Hurrah forDrake.
Crowd. Hurrah for Drake. (Drakeafter grasping a hand or two shakes them off).
Drake(with excitement). Bear with me, friends! Bear with me! (He prostrates himself on the earth,kisses it with devoted fondness,then rising on one knee addresses it with gesticulations of emotion). Land of my birth! Land of my love! Land of my duty! Blessed England. Once more I press thee. Sacred be thy soil, I love thy very dust. Thus, (kissing the ground), thus (again kissing it), I greet thee. Land of the brave, land of the free! Tyrants may have trampled thy fields. Fierce passions and civic strife, like the rage of fire, have scorched thy loveliness, devoured thy people. Red hast thou been with brothers’ blood, the blood of Patriots and Martyrs. Still thou wert ever glorious. Sanctuary of Liberty and Law, who would not die for thee? Sacred be thy soil, may I perish ere the foot of the invader shall degrade thee. (He is interrupted with excitement,friends press round him,raise him up and embrace him.He is much excited).
Crowd(with violence), Invade us? Never! Never shall that be.
Tom Cobham(fiercely). Accursed be the slave who could outlive the insult. Never shall they touch dry land. We’ll show them the road to the bottom of the channel. Let them invade that. (Shouts of indignation,andA Cobham! A Cobham.)
Sailor. Hurrah for Cobham! He knows how to bury a Spaniard.
Crowd, Hurrah! A Cobham! A Cobham.
Drake(turning toWilliam Hawkinswith emotion). Ah! Kinsman, all lost but honour. Foul play! Treachery! Robbery! Murder! Spain has outdone herself in perfidy and baseness. Poor Sir John!
Hawkins. What of him, and the rest?
Drake. Alas, I know not. I saw the Jesus and the Spanish Admiral both in flames. I fear they are all dead, or worse—prisoners. We fought our way through fire and slaughter, and we alone remain to tell of their glory and their fate.
Hawkins. Alas! Alas, (wringing his hands with great emotion and grief). This is a dreadful business; the fellest swoop Spain has yet made on us. What is to be done? Alas! Alas! (he walks about in distraction.)
Cobham(fiercely). Cover the ocean with our cruizers! Burn their towns! Sink their ships! Seize their treasure! War! War to the death.
Crowd. War! War to the death! A Cobham! A Cobham.
Sailor(stepping out and brandishing his axe). I’ll swear eternal war (walks about brandishing his axe). Death to every Spaniard I fall in with on sea or land.
Drake(much agitated). Come along, kinsman, I must be off at once to London and see the Queen, I must tell her all personally; her treaties broken, commerce invaded, her own ship burned, her seamen slaughtered, above a million gone; let me be off.
(ExeuntDrake,Hawkins,Cobham,and others,excited and followed by a raging crowd,gesticulating violently and shouting).
Crowd. We’ll pay them. War! Plunder! That’s the game! War! Revenge! Hurrah for Drake, and war! Plunder! Plunder! (Exeunt Omnes).
(Scene changes).
(EnterQueen Elizabethand theSpanish Ambassador).
Ambassador. Three large and richly laden merchant ships for Flanders, after a brave defence, taken off the Goodwins, and their crews massacred, drowned or captive! A Spanish vessel saw the fight, and barely escaped to tell of the event. There is scarce a day that some prize is not brought into Plymouth, Dover, or Southampton; the cargoes, and often the passengers, openly sold, and the ships confiscated, or armed and added to their fleet if suitable. These sail in and out under English colours.
Queen Elizabeth(laughing). English Colours. Ha! Ha! Ha! Every one knows that Pirates show as many colours as the dying Dolphin—no doubt Spanish when it suits them. Well, I suppose the crews taken were Spaniards, and the Corsairs Flemish, driven to the sea by the persecutions of Alva, and who have dealt to their enemies the measure of mercy, that he has shown their murdered families. You see your faithless mode of warfare makes war to the knife! Look what happened at Rotterdam. The town in terror, shut its gates against Alva’s Stadtholder. Bossu entreated them to allow his men only to pass through, and solemnly swore that no hurt should be done to any one. The Burghers consented. What better disposition could be shown by loyal subjects? Well, how were they treated? Humanity recoils from the thought. Men, women and children were put to the sword with the practice of the most brutal atrocities, (with great emotion). Defenceless women! Innocent children. What robbers? What Corsairs ever disgraced their manhood like this? (She walks about indignant). Talk no more of Tom Cobham making a winding sheet of a mainsail, or of flinging men into the sea in just vengeance against your tyranny. Their acts are mercy when compared with the civilised warfare of Spanish Generals.
Ambassador. Promises made to rebels are not binding after they have answered their purpose.
Queen Elizabeth. Oh! Oh! You throw the responsibility on your master. Just so! Just so! (with a sarcastic laugh), just what I expected.Perjury! Treachery! Open premeditated lying are legitimate strategy in Spanish warfare. We read in history of Punie faith. Now we know the faith of Spain. Carthage is outdone in Perfidy (she walks aside with a sarcastic laugh). How often have I said, and said justly, that I decline to interfere with Corsairs that keep the peace in my own realm. Your master must take care of his own. (With emphasis). My merchantmen don’t ask either him or me for protection, though they have been attacked in the Mediterranean by the Royal Navy of Spain. They repelled the attacks in defiance of all odds against them. English sailors know how to take their own part, and scorn to lower their flag to any numbers. Your master’s complaints are a sham to cover his own delinquencies. ’Tis I that have a right to complain. Twenty six of my subjects burned at the stake in one year by the Inquisition in your Master’s dominions, hundreds rotting in their dungeons. My ears are wounded! My heart bleeds to hear the cries of their widows and orphans. (She storms about).
Ambassador(hurriedly.Anxious to get away). Your Majesty will pardon me for declining to go into this subject. I have no instructions, I will now take leave. (Aside going out). It is useless remonstrating with this Tigress. I must try what I can do with her secretary. Perhaps I can bully Cecil.
(Exit.)
(EnterSir Henry Killigrewand theEarl of Leicester)
Queen(eagerly). Well, Sir Henry, what has been done? How does our account stand now with Spain? This affair of Hawkins. We must re-imburse ourselves without stint or hesitation. I’m resolved.
Killigrew. We are pretty safe now; I have seized all the speice of Spain in our harbours—a good round sum. And there is a capital joke in it, beside the value. It turns out to be a Genoese loan to Philip, to be delivered at Antwerp. It cannot be his till delivered. But if he does not agree to pay it, he will certainly get no more money from the Jews, and Alva will be in a fix.
Queen(laughing). Oh! Capital indeed, I shall take the loan; Ha! Ha! Ha!
Leicester(laughing.) Loan! it will be along one, I fancy, but Hatton says it is no one’s property.
Queen. Hatton says! Hatton’s opinion! You know he’s my sheep, I’ll show you the value of his bleating, for I’ll take care to prove that it is my property, and mine it shall remain. I sent Captain Holstook out with a squadron immediately, before they should have time for precautions, and he was not long in finding quarry. He has already, in addition to odd Spanish prizes of considerable value, secured two fleets of Flemish merchantmen, one now in Harwich and the other in the Thames.
Killigrew. And there is not a day that the privateers don’t bring a rich prize or two into Dover, Plymouth, or Southampton. Not to speak of the wine brigs, on the sly, discharged along the coast. When all is counted up, Philip will find his murderous attack on Hawkins and the illegal seizure of our traders’ capital, guaranteed by treaty, a losing game.
Queen. I have just arranged for my morning ride, and the French Ambassador is to accompany me. I am curious to ascertain the effect of these measures of retaliation in that quarter. I have my reasons for it. Besides, I wish them to see what they are to expect should they dare to trespass on my realm. (Exeunt.)
EnterQueenandCecil.
Queen(proudly). It is their born faith—the creed they’ll fight for—that the ocean, all that floats upon its waves or lives in its waters, of rightbelongs to England. This is the creed of every Englishman, born within the inspiring influence of the four seas. With this spirit-stirring notion they must conquer Cecil. It will be all up with England’s power when shallow pated politicians and place-hunting doctrine-mongers teach them other ways, and curb with their enactments and official rules the daring spirit of our seamen.
Cecil. A notion involving war. To foster it is to play a part I dare not.
Queen. Play a part. I have been a player all my life. The world my theatre. The poor hireling acts upon the stage for pay, perhaps for fame. My wages were my life, and England’s power and glory. I’ll play my part until the end.
Cecil. Howere that be, your Majesty must see, we have traced these plots of assassination home to Philip himself.
Queen. Then why be nice with him? (with abrupt energy) Unslip the leash and let my sea-dogs loose upon their own responsibility.—They ask no more—nor aid—nor sanction—the genuine blood of England—bold and free—true to their country—as needle to the pole. I have sent an expedition out that will astonish Philip; young Drake commands it—gifted by heaven for undertaking great and high exploit. Original, cool, confident, and daring—truth written on his face. My life on his success. This is the way to meet conspiracy (she walks aside excitingly).
Cecil. It is the way to war, my Royal Mistress. Without a Royal Navy, I tremble for the consequence.
Queen. Navy! Without a navy! Our western counties have just sent forth a fleet (with emphasis) thirty cruizers at their own expense, which can, and will, command the Channel. They swear they’ll have the ocean and the Indies for this country. Philip will have enough to do, guarding his coast and gold-ships, without assailing us. War, you say, call you this peace?—to aim assassins’ daggers at my life—to violate our solemn treaties—stop our commerce, seize our ships and cargoes, consign our noble seamen to flames, or to rot by hundreds in his dungeons.—I call this the worst of wars. Open war he dare not wage. France could not allow him. She would fall next. Between them we are safe. (With disdain) Not that I fear either—England can defend herself. In this my people are agreed. No foreign despot shall ever rule them. You see my mind’s made up, so to the Council and tell them so (she walks aside decided.ExitCecil) No Royal Navy? What of our twenty great ships reviewed so lately, whose crews and power were held so high that foreign nations have already named me “Queen of the Seas—Restorer of Naval Glory?” What of our great ships of commerce, which our merchants have armed for war—able to fight their way upon the waves and ready at a moment’s notice to join our fleet? Where is Philip’s navy? Engaged as convoys of his Indian trade. Concentrate that for an attack on us, what would become of his gold-ships? Our privateers would have them before a month anchored in the Thames. So think Hawkins, Drake, Lord William Howard, and all that band of men who know something about the business. Lastly, I have Drake’s gigantic scheme, locked safe and secret in my Cabinet, to seize the Newfoundland fishing-fleet, twenty-five thousand fisherman! and thus leave Spain without a sailor to man her navy—then to take possession of her gold-ships and the Indies. I confess that startled, almost frightened me. Conception vast! Genius! Greatness! Inspiration! Invasion is impossible! With Drake alone, England, thou art safe! (exit)
Curtain falls.
Nombre de Dios.Moonlight.The bright Caribean sea and luminous sky.The islands with their picturesque forms and foliage.The ample bay with its rivers.The land covered with forest.The mountains in the far distance,with snow-clad summits,above the range of the highest clouds.
Drake. Land of wonder! Beauty! Richness! Abundance! which poets in their wildest flights of fancy never dreamed of.—Beyond!—The vast continent, stretching one knows not whither. Whose bowels teem with gold. The appanage of a single crown. Such is the greatness and the wealth of Philip—enough to conquer or to bribe the world wasted in his feeble hand. Our cockle-shells have sailed these summer seas without control. Spain’s giant frame asleep—incapable—or paralysed. How easy to sweep her from the sea. That looms in the future. It flits before me like distant land—now seen in sunshine—now lost in haze—a shapeless form. Still the vision never leaves me. Even in my sleep my country grapples her; always triumphant—fiercer—stronger every time. The death struggle wakes me—I see it clearly—Spain falls—and England takes her place. Here comes our canoe of observation, her low black outline scarce distinguishable from a ripple of the ocean (the boat comes alongside,John DrakeandOxenham,with an Indian,climb upon the deck) Well Brother, I trust a good report?
John Drake. The course is clear. Seize the batteries and take what you like.—There’s not an armed ship in the harbour.
Drake. I’ll give them a lesson for the one they taught me at San Juan de Ulloa. Therefore cut down, burn, destroy—save only gold, silver, jewels, and things worth carrying away. I’ll teach them to leave off their bloody work.
Oxenham. Well, General, we have done pretty fair, to put our hands in practice. For months we have sailed through these parts—sacking towns, burning houses, sinking ships, crews and all, plundering and taking prizes, without being over scrupulous as to kind or quantity. Has there been a church, within our reach, where we have left a chalice, or a crucifix, worth carrying away?
Drake. The real work is now beginning. This Nombre de Dios is the shipping port for Spain—the store house of her treasure. Gold abounds here. Men, women, children—the proud Castillian—the feeble Creole—the wild Indian, are covered with it. Who is this you have brought with you?
Oxenham. Oh! We have found a treasure worth the whole plunder of the town. This is one of the noble Symerons, who defend their country against the invader. He will tell you all, and introduce you to his countrymen, at war with the Spaniards.
Drake. Oh, excellent! (he turns to the Indian) I am glad to be acquainted with one of the oppressed children of the land. We English hate Spaniards like you, and have come here to make war upon them. What is your name?
Indian. Chiruca.—I am son of the Great Cacique who after the massacre of our people by the cruel Alonzo de Ojeda and the robber Enciso, rallied our nations against the invaders. We have heard of the brave Inglesos, and the terrible Drake. I came to seek you with an offer of friendship. Five great Caciques, with all their warriors, will join you against the foe. I will be your guide to them. You must go up the rivers of Panama—fight them in the woods, and seize the Racoes with the treasure. Our nation will assist you. I shall send Symerons by land to bring them to meet us.
Drake. The thing I most desire is to cross the Isthmus and catch a glimpse of the great ocean on the other side.
Chiruca. Nothing can be easier. We shall conduct you through fruit-laden forests, which yet a Spanish foot hath never cursed.
Drake. Good! When we shall have surprised and plundered Nombre de Dios. (The men are bustling into the boats and making ready for the attack.—MoonsalutesDrakeand eagerly observes).
Moon. That galleon at anchor, General!—Would’nt it be as well to cut away her rigging and send adrift her boats, as we go in? She might make sail whilst we are engaged.
Drake. Well said, my boy. You’ll see to that. Clip her wings and make her wait our pleasure. We can ease her of her precious burden at our leisure. Now, my men, for action! Nombre de Dios is a victim bound for slaughter, and delivered into our hands.
Moon(saluting). The Pinnaces and boats, General, are manned and ready.
Officers are bustling about and giving orders.
Drake. Well done, Moon! You wait for orders. (ToOxenham.) A word before we start, Oxenham. You land on the left—lead your corps round to the back.
Oxenham. And that high ground on the east, General. There might be cannon there?
Drake. Take it in your way. Then push for the eastern gate; it leads to the royal treasure house. Wait there the signal. Here is a plan of the place (he points to it with his finger as he gives it to him,explaining it). You see the course is clear and simple. When you hear the first volley, rush in with tremendous shouting, and meet me in the market-place.
Oxenham. I shall be there, if alive.
ExitOxenhamwith his corps in a pinnace.
Drake. Now then pull for the Quay. Away, my men, away! (Exeunt).
Scene changes.
With the main street leading down to the harbour,crowded with English,shouting and firing.In the distance the bay,with the ships.Drakeenters at one side with his men,charging.As they enter a volley is fired at them by the enemy who immediately fly in confusion.
Drake. Where are the longbows now? Give them your bolts, scourge them with English hail! Brave Oxenham! Here he comes true to promise. (EnterOxenhamwith his men from the other side,shouting).
Oxenham. Hurrah my boys! (the bowmen shoot cheering). Hah! They can’t stand that sort of storm blast, in these latitudes, general. We have carried all before us.
Drake. The town is ours. Now to secure the treasure. (Confusion—The English mustering and charging about with their axes and longbows).
EnterMoonwith two Spaniards,prisoners.The men cheer him.
Moon. Here are two prisoners, general. I have granted them their lives on condition that they lead us to the treasure store.
Drake(in much delight and surprise). Lucky Moon! To the treasure store! (Confusion and rushing about).
English(shouting). To the treasure store! To the treasure store!
1stSpaniard. Here is the king’s treasure house at hand! (He turns to another side of the Market-place,and points to a wide door open,with lights burning,exposing piles of gold and silver bars,with quantities of precious stones). How strange! The great doors open, and lights burning! (aside), some traitor—an Indian perhaps. There is treasure for you, enough to freight a fleet.
Oxenham. We don’t want so much at present. Only about fifty tons of gold, and a few cases of the largest pearls and emeralds, (cheers and laughter). That’s what I call moderation. But we shall pay you another visit, (he points to the heaps). I say Moon, there’s something to look at.
2ndSpaniard. I have been a merchant, accustomed to the wealth of Spain, in the East, and in the West, and can say the world has never seen such a mass of treasure. That single pile of silver bars is seventy feet long, ten wide, and twelve feet deep; I have measured it.
Drake,who has been badly wounded in the action,is seized with weakness and staggers for support,leaning on his sword.
Drake. Oxenham, you and Moon will see to all this. I am faint with loss of blood. (He falls down fainting,alarm about him and running to his assistance.)
Oxenham. Look to the General, men. Give him some wine; bear a hand. Come on with your flasks! Has no one a flask?
Moon. All’s right, he revives. Here comes a supply?
EnterJohn Drakehelping alongBill Saundersloaded with wine,almost drunk and brandishing a great silver tankard.
Saunders(singing).
Good wines the stuffJust drink enough,You’ll never, never die.
Holy Neptune! The General’s down. Here’s the drug to revive him. Here General’s the genuine sherries, the true philosophers stone (laughter). No that’s not it—the elixir of life. Why it would raise the dead. See how it has revived me. (He staggers.Laughter.Moon,interrupting him,seizes the bottle.)
Moon. Now we have neither corkscrew nor drinking cup, what is to be done?
Saunders. Do you think you lubber, Bill Saunders would forget that, and the General so bad? Here’s a bit of pewter will do what’s wanted, if handsomely used. Show me the bottle, (he seizes the bottle,knocks off the neck with the tankard,and filing it presents it to the General with much applause). Drink, General! (Draketakes the cup,drinks and laughs). That’s the medicine—the true agua vitæ, as a murdering Spaniard would call it. Damn them! The thieves know what’s good, it has the strength of Samson in it. Look at me that was killed dead, and am alive again, and all from that blessed liquor.
Sailor. If you were dead Bill, you were dead drunk.
Saunders. You lie like a doctor or a lawyer. I was only looking after something to revive the General. (Laughter.He is dragged aside by thesailors,who make fun with him.Drakesitting up with some gathered round him assisting and persuading him to go aboard).
Oxenham. Now General, we must have you carried aboard. You require rest and repose and your wounds seen to.
All(crying out confusedly). Aye! Aye! That’s it. Take care of the General, England can’t spare him. Let’s get him aboard.
Oxenham. Besides, your presence is unnecessary. The town is in our hands, not a tongue durst wag, not a dog durst bark. They know their masters.
Drake. Well! brave friends and comrades, as you will.
Drakeis carried away amidst cheers from his devoted crew.
Oxenham. Now, about getting our stuff aboard. Lord we could not stow the tenth part of it.
Moon. Our Spanish friend here is right, it would freight a fleet.
John Drake. It would sink ours.
Oxenham. What a thundering shame! to send us out on such an expedition with two or three cockle shells, when with proper outfit and English hearts to back us, we could enrich the nation. But it is always the way with our government. They care more for her enemies than for England! (He walks aside with his hands up in great indignation).
John Drake. What would please you in the way of Government, Jack?
Oxenham(with great energy). To get up a fleet, man it with true British tars, rovers and volunteers I mean; give the command to Hawkins or Drake, then let Philip see how long his galleons could keep the sea, (exultingly). We would soon transfer the Indies with all their wealth to the crown of England.
Moon. Suppose Jack you were in authority, as King of England. What then?
Oxenham. By all the stars in heaven I would begin with stringing to the yards arm, every Jack in office. But come let us go ahead with this little job. First, where’s our transport? Take a guard Moon, scour the town for horses, mules—everything that can carry. (ExitMoonand others with him). Now men, with a will. Muster your gangs. (Pointing to the great silver pile). Hurrah! upon these silver bars! (They rush about with bars of gold and silver,preparing to load them.)
John Drake. Avast there! Serve out the wine now. I’m sure we are all ready for it. Where’s Bill Saunders? He’s the man for that. (Laughter and cheers).
All. Hurrah for the wine! Hurrah for Drake! Hurrah for the Queen!
Oxenham(looking out). Oh! I seeMooncoming with a crowd of horses, mules and people. In the meantime, Saunders, you may as well enliven us with a stave—One of your moralities you know, just to let these Spaniards see how little we care for them.
All. Hurrah for the song. Now Bill! (Saundershesitates).
Oxenham. He’s backward. It’s his modesty, (laughter), lend a hand there, heave him ahead!
They gather roundSaunderslaughing and push him forward to the front.Hitching up his breeches sailor fashion,he prepares himself to sing.
Saunders(looking round at them). Come on then, boys, and chime in all hands, keeping time with the stroke oar, like jolly tars.
I.