The Greeks in dreams of ParadiseDid golden apples tryTo make thy trees HesperidesTheir immortality,But wine’s the stuffJust drink enough,The Nectar of the sky.
II.
Our father Noe knew the way,He planted us the vine,And Poets sing, and Prophets say,His knowledge was divine.For wine’s the stuff,Then drink enough,You’ll Never! Never die!
III.
When fevers, plagues, or blows are near.Or surging seas run high,We fearless Britons drink and cheer. (They cheer).And face our destiny!Oh Wine’s the stuff,Just drink enough,And never fear to die.
IV.
Be sure you don’t the Doctor callPill draught, and Bolus fly,For if you take them, one or all!Just bid your friends good bye!Good wine’s the stuff,Then drink enough,And never say you’ll die! (Laughter and cheers).
All.Never say Die! Hurrah! Hurrah!
(Scene changes).
The deep forest around.Distant mountains.Deck of the“Pacha.”DrakeandChiruca.
Drake. This seems a hiding-place retired enough. Yet! should the Spaniards come here, and so many of us absent?
Chiruca. There is no danger. They know nothing of this region. Five nations of warriors are in arms against them. Our homes will be your homes; our food will be your food; the beautiful daughters of the land will be your wives; we will love you like brothers; we will join with your great nation; your great Queen shall be our Queen. This affair of Nombre de Dios will fly through our people; now we know you can give us vengeance and drive these robbers away. England shall have all the gold.
Drake. The more I see of this river the better I like it—the very haven for a pirate ship.
Chiruca. Here, then, I leave you, noble Drake. To morrow (pointing to the mountains) before those mountain tops are red with the rising sun, we shall meet at the junction of the streams. Adieu! (he prepares to leap)
Drake. Stop! Won’t you have a boat?
Chiruca(waving his hand declining). Adieu! Adieu! (he leaps overboard and swims ashore)
Drake. Marvellous speed. These Indians are amphibious. They can swim like beavers.
Scene changes.
On which grows a tall solitary Palm,its feathered branches waving in the morning air.The densely wooded banks reflected in the still water.The horizon in the background,a Sierra of lofty mountains.The sun rising and illumening their tops and sending his rays along one of the streams.A canoe coming down the shining river.
EnterDrake,Oxenham,Moonthe carpenter,and others in a boat from the side.
Drake(after a pause looking round). I don’t see our dark-visaged friends; I hope there is no mistake. One cannot exactly apprehend treason. These Symerons hate as well as fear the Spaniards, and would neither aid nor trust them.
Oxenham. True, General, our foes are theirs. From them they have nothing to expect but the slavery of their race or death. Gold they value not—thus cruelty and treachery defeat themselves. Spain can never be trusted. To us they look as friends to aid them in their vengeance.
Drake. What a tide of Spanish blood is due to them—a nation crushed, tortured, massacred, enslaved, driven from such a paradise as this, or seeing it blasted before their eyes. Such is conquest; such a foreign yoke, (aside) England, look well to it! There are men, and Englishmen, who would thus degrade their native land, the glorious and the free!
Oxenham. It seems not like the wickedness of man—not to speak of Policy—Spain clothes herself with hate and terror. Her soldiers have the air of fiends from hell; their mission to destroy.
Moon. There is no danger, General. This is the spot—the junction of the two streams, and the solitary cocoanut tree on the point.
Oxenham. Right, Moon, all right. There it is rearing aloft its head like a mighty standard—its giant plumes just waving in the morning air—no mistake!
Drake. What a picture! How strangely beautiful! An there were here some limner of Nature’s Physiognomy, with cunning to throw her wondrous effigy on his magic canvas; that dark still water, noiseless and deep, stealing snakelike through the monstrous foliage, mirrored in its glassy surface; that proud Sierra; the distant horizon, and the rising sun, tinging with purple glory its snowy tops, sending the sheen of silver along the opening river.
Oxenham(abruptly). Here comes the canoe, like a regiment of men in single file. What a length of side! and made out of a single trunks.
Moon. It would puzzle a fellow like me, with only a little arithmetic, to count them. Lord! it shoots like an arrow. As we speak it is at the bank. Hurrah! there is our friend Chiruca in the bow. He is now you see an Indian Chief, and waves his eagle plume to us.
The canoe with the Indians arrives,loaded with fruits and other provisions,and drinks of the country.
Drake. Brave Chiruca, welcome! (they embrace)
Chiruca. Welcome to the land of our fathers, noble Drake. (He points to his companions.) These are the sons of Caciques, who have come to welcome you; the Chiefs who will gather round you; the valiant of their tribes (they prostrate themselves beforeDrake,who by the instruction ofChirucaraises and embraces them).
Oxenham(toDrakeaside). This is the best move yet, General. We are now at the very throat of Spain. I have long had this in my eye, and kept it to myself. Make a nation of these Symerons, but the gold and pearls first.
Drake. I can see farther, John. I mean to ascend the heights and behold the other ocean—what Spain is doing. The source of all her wealth lies there.
Indians,loaded with provisions,proceed up the precipitous rock at the side;others armed with lances and bows mingle with the English,and prepare to accompany them.ChirucaapproachesDrake.
Chiruca. Friend Drake! We wait for you; the sun is above the mountains, and warns us that time passes (Draketakes him by the arm and points forward).
Drake. On then, Chiruca. Looking at these precipitous rocks—those tangled forests—those foaming cataracts—the stern outline of that high Sierra—the task would seem hopeless.
Chiruca. Gold and silver, in loads, traverse these heights on mules and llamas. We will show you the Recoes and their Spanish escort. With your men of iron, we shall make short work of the guard, and carry off the treasure. We will ambuscade them for you, and mow them down with poisoned arrows. You shall see them fly, as from a pestilence, or the scourge of the evil one.
Drake. Lead on.
Chiruca. This is the way. Follow me.
The Indians bound up the face of the rock and disappear under the hanging shrubs.
Moon. That’s what I call a flying leap. Body o’ me! They’re birds or antilopes—not men.
Drake(he calls up toChiruca). Call you this a path? To get up there would require the wings of one of those Condors that have scented death from the Sierra, and are sailing over our heads, ready to pick our bones, should we break our necks.
Moon(with a heavy axe,and several other things,produces a rope,which he has coiled round him,and throws one end up the rock). I’ll show them a trick, General, that will beat all their jumping. (He prepares to throw the rope) Look out there aloft! (he throws) Now make fast Chiruca (he runs up the rope amid much laughter).
Drake. Well done, Moon! Always prepared; he’s loaded like one of Llamas.
Moonslides down again and holds the rope forDrake.
Moon. There, General, I have tried it for you.
Drake. That was a bright and seamanlike thought, Moon.
Drake,Oxenham,and the others ascend.
Moon. I wish I had brought a kedge anchor and a block or two with me, I think we shall need a whole running gear and tackle before we shall have warped through all these shoals and narrows (he secures about him his axe and various implements,and ascends the rope,amid cheers from the top of the rock.They are seen crossing over a deep craggy ravine,on a bridge of ropes twisted of fibres of trees,and so disappear in the distance at the other side).Scene changes.
First,the hedge of Prickly Pear—the outer defence.Secondly,the Moat with the drawbridge.The ground in front of the Palace.The surrounding country of rich and fertile plain.Further off the wooded heights,and winding Savannahs,with Lakes,Streams,and waterfalls terminating in the Sierra of lofty mountains.
EnterDrake,Chiruca,and the party across the drawbridge.
Chiruca(he points to the Palace). Behold the home of my Fathers! the Palace of the Great Comagre! (they hold up their hands in astonishment)
Drake. Grand! rich! sublime! Nature has sown thick her gifts and broadcast. On earth and sky every element of the picturesque is here; the horizon of that Majestic Sierra, with its streams and waterfalls! the lake sleeping in the gorgeous light of evening; those fertile vales; those cultivated fields and gardens of productive industry; the tall forest teeming with fruits and flowers, loading the breeze with spicy odours, and which the declining sun paints in the tints of Heaven. Who would not fight for such a country?
Chiruca(he points to the defences). This hedge is our outermost defence.
Drake. Neither horse nor man could enter it without death.
Chiruca. Behind it you see the moat. The only entrance, the Bamboo swinging bridge, can be defended with a thousand bows, whose poisoned arrows carry certain death. The Palace, enclosed in a stone wall, contains beside the dwelling apartments, accomodation for warriors to defend it, stores for provisions, and cellars for making and keeping our various liquors. But here comes the Great Cacique to welcome and honour you.
Advance of Indian Warriors whose banners are the blood-stained shirts of Spaniards slain in battle.Their musicians sound shells and beat drums.Comagreappears at a little distance.His dress is a white cotton robe fantastically embroidered,confined at the waist with a belt of gold,bearing a dagger;which as well as his arms,is studded with precious stones.His limbs otherwise naked,similarly encircled.On his head a crown consisting of a band of gold curiously wrought,with points on which were enormous pearls,and studded with emeralds,and other stones of lustre.This over a cap of scarlet.From this crown he was called by the Spaniards“Bonete d’ Oro” “Gold Cap.”He prostrates himself on the ground thus to awaitDrake.
Drake(astonished). Haste, Chiruca! your father has fallen!
Chiruca. No! this is our ceremony of welcome to an honoured guest. He thus shows his devotion to you. It is for you to advance and raise him up. (Drakeadvances and raises theCacique,who then warmly embraces him.)
Comagre(embracingDrake). Welcome, welcome, noble Englishman! The terror of your great name—your matchless exploits, have struck our foes with panic. We hail you as a deliverer.
Drake. Thanks! Great Comagre, I have heard of your valorous deeds also.
Comagre(holding him by the arm,leads him towards the Palace). Come! Come! (Exeunt into the Palace.)
Scene changes.
TheCacique’sfamily ranged on a dais.The women are clothed with a short white cotton petticoat round their middle,elaborately embroidered,their limbsnaked save for the bands or circles of gold.Their heads decorated with chaplets of flowers and jewels,their necks with ropes of enormous pearls.Rings of gold and jewels in their noses and ears.
Comagre. I will show you over my Palace, noble Drake, whilst a repast is being prepared for you. (ExeuntDrakeandComagre.)
Scene changes.
A retired and sacred part of the building devoted to the purpose,richly decorated and stored with masses of gold and silver.A long line of mummied dead,dressed in robes of cotton,elaborately embroidered,and covered with jewels,are suspended to silver bars,and vibrating strangely with the gentle air through the open casements.
EnterComagreandDrake,who,startled and amazed at the unexpected scene,recoils with awe.
Comagre. This, noble Drake, is the Hall of my Ancestors—the sacred mansion of the dead. There they are! (he points to them). In hours of sorrow or danger I visit them. Their spirits come from the happy land to sympathise with mine.
Drake(much interested). Are these the real bodies of the dead? How have they been preserved?
Comagre. The art is of ancient time, and came from beyond the great sea with the first fathers of the land. They are dried by fire, then wrapped in cloth of cotton with potent spices. Their robes are embroidered by the hands of our women, skilled in a secret language, which perpetuates to their descendants the memory of their deeds.
Drake. They are covered with gold and precious stones, which you would do well to conceal from the Spaniards. These diamonds and emeralds, these rubies and pearls are of priceless value. Not all the Royal Crowns and robes of Europe could show the like. They are safe from us; but if they were the property of Spain, I would tear them from convent, church, or altar.
Comagre. Noble Englishman, ’tis for this I love you, and have sought your friendship. I have opened my home—my treasures—my heart to you. Give us vengeance! if not protection. Friend hear the wrongs of our country in the presence of these noble dead. It is now a few years, since two Spaniards, sinking under fatigue and hunger, were captured in the forest having fled for their lives from their own cruel countrymen. They should have been put to death at once, being Spaniards, but the kindness of our nature prevailed. They were saved, brought home to the village, protected, nourished, treated as brothers.
Drake(deeply interested). How kind! How good! Well, friend?
Comagre(with bitter indignation). Well! They held secret intercourse with our foes.
Drake. Treacherous villains!
Comagre. With the very men who had doomed them to ignominious death as traitors.
Drake. Which they deserved.
Comagre. Betrayed the homes, the wealth, the secret paths of those who had sheltered—saved them.
Drake(greatly excited). Wretches!
Comagre. Well! without preparation or notice, in the darkness of the night we were attacked—robbed—massacred. The village was set on fire, men, women, and children were hurled into the flames.
Drake. Inhuman monsters!
Comagre. The morning sun rose upon calcined bones, and blackened ruins, where before was pleasure, loveliness and peace!
Drake(holding up his hands and walking about in great excitement). Horrible recital! Barbarous, unprovoked! Brutal cruelty! This is worse than the ravening of wild beasts.
Comagre(with intensified rage). Wild beasts! The rage of the most savage beast of the forest is gentleness compared with it! The boa will gorge himself and go to sleep. The ferocious puma will pounce upon a single victim and his appetite for blood will be appeased. But the ruthless fury of the Spaniard, when exhausted with slaughter, calls upon the devouring flames to aid him, and commits to senseless havoc, what his licentious appetite cannot enjoy, or his insatiate avarice carry away! (He pauses breathless.Then walks about with hurried step,gasping and frantic with rage.)
Drake. The same everywhere—Spain wars upon mankind, like fiends. The object, slavery or desolation.
Comagre. Give us revenge—Smite! Kill! Destroy the accursed foe! On with your devastating thunder, those iron mouths that wing their viewless death from far, that dauntless heart, that powerful arm. Come on Brother; come, Revenge. Revenge! Revenge! (DraggingDrakealong,exeunt).
Scene changes.
Ascent of Panama.The party scattered about.EnterDrakeandChiruca.
Drake. We have heard of wonderful treasure among your people, which has escaped the rapacity of the Spaniards.
Chiruca. There are whole provinces, where they have never set a foot, and where every mountain stream runs gold. It may be gathered in nets and baskets. The greatest collection of such riches was in the temple of the Goddess Dobeba. Vasco Nunez projected its plunder.
Drake. The name of the Deity, and her temple is new to me.
Chiruca. It is known and sacred, through all the Indian races. Our traditions tell us of the beginning of things, and a mighty female—the mother of the God that made the sun and moon, and the good things of the earth. She has the controul of the elements, and directs the thunder and lightning. A temple of gold, with the rarest gems and woods, was erected to her. Here pilgrims flocked from far and near, bearing rich offerings. Caciques of the most distant territories paid annually costly tribute to her worship. The temple was filled with treasure, walls and gates were gems and gold. The whole land abounds with these as plentifully as iron with you. The great Caciques furnish their tables, nay cook their viands, in vessels constructed of gold and silver, behold that great cattle trough at the fountain—It is of silver.
Drake(eagerly interrupting). But the golden temple and its treasures, I hope the villains did not get them?
Chiruca. No, friend Drake. The goddess took care of that—Zemaco, Lord of Darien, got wind of their purpose. Repairing thither with the Cacique of Dobeba, he despoiled the temple, and carried off the wealth of the Province. Our enemies ere they reached the spot, found a land of desolation. Led into a region of swamp and morass, with a deserted village, he looked round and was without a guide. Still he picked up some thousand ounces of gold, which the flying inhabitants had left. Despatching it down the river in two canoes he began his retreat. Before him yawned the morass, or spread thewilderness. Comagre had joined Zemaco, and hovered round with thousands of Indian warriors. His march was through showers of poisoned arrows, through starvation and pestilence: for the goddess had blasted the soil! When the remnant of his wretched band arrived at the coast, it was to behold his brigantines wrecked, his canoes with their precious freights swallowed up in the raging sea. The goddess moved the elements and stirred the briny deep to avenge her on her foes.
Scene changes.
With precipitous crags and a great cataract with river running down a deep gorge at the side,lined with rocks like walls.They have arrived at the last peak and stand at the foot of the precipice,looking up in despair.The Indian observing them a little amused.
Drake(looks up with surprise and doubt,aside). Does our way lead up that wall, of alternate cliff and forest? (turning toChiruca) Must we climb that bald peak, just kissed by the rising sun, and glowing in his beams like molten silver. Whilst night still holds possession of hill and valley?
Moon. It seems to me, General, a mighty barrier to mark the limits of the world.
Chiruca(amused at their dismay). Vasco Nunez climbed the very top, on the same errand, and a band of followers loaded with their heavy armour. They struggled over rock and precipice—through river and torrent—through morass and forest—and had to fight their way through hostile nations at every step. One half their Lion-dogs (Leonicos) as they call their bloodhounds, and a vast number of the band, perished by fatigue, hunger, and poisoned arrows. With difficulty he regained his ships with a mere handful of his followers. I shall, however, conduct you by easy paths and pleasant valleys, to a plateau, from which you shall behold the great Pacific reposing at your feet: and gangs of treasure-laden mules and llamas, with their escorts, worming their difficult way across the Isthmus.
Drake(with interest,surprise,and doubt). Lead on my friend!
Chirucaturns and points,smiling maliciously,to the right,where there is deep chasm or gorge,with high cliffed sides like walls,through which rushes a foaming torrent from a cascade at the top,thundering over a shelf.Wild beasts playing about;a tiger watching the party on the opposite bank.A curious bridge,or rather rope,at a little distance,extended across with a sort of chair on it—all of bark,twisted and wrought;an Indian means of transit.
Chiruca(pointing to the chasm). Our way lies over here.
They all look with amazement and dismay at the yawning gulf.They confer and gaze again and again with various emotions;some jeering;some angry;some laughing.Chirucasmiling observes them.
Drake(aside). Easy paths! Pleasant valleys! Humph! You jest with us, Chiruca.
Moon. By all the host of heaven Indian, you might as well tell us to jump from the verge of the earth into Jupiter or Saturn or our nearest neighbour among the stars, or as we should be then lunatics, into the moon. (Laughter in which they all join).
Chiruca(archly). I must go foremost I see, and show you the way.
Moon. Take my advice, and put on a pair of wings and then have a care. I remember hearing a Friar reading about some ancient philosopher who made wings, and thought he could fly; but the sun melted the wax withwhich they were stuck together, and he fell into the sea, and was drowned. (Laughter). The open sea and an oak plank for Thomas Moon. (Laughter).
Several Voices. Aye! Aye! Moon! That’s your element. You’re at home there. (Laughter).
Chiruca(Not heading the observations). I must first settle with that tiger, who is preparing to seize the first who crosses, and that will show you the power of a poisoned arrow.
The Indian bends his bow and shoots.The tiger tumbles over the cliff into the roaring torrent below.They all look surprised at one another,conferring on the marvellous effect.The Indian ascends the rock a few paces,enters into the car or chair and as by magic appears to fly across the ravine,upon the rope.He immediately returns,and whilst he is dispatching them over,one by one,the scene changes.
Before them the high bold peak or summit of Panama,on either side the two oceans.On the South,the pacific with the city of Panama,and the Isle of Pearls in its bay.On the other side the Atlantic,with Nombre de Dios on the Coast,and the Caribean sea,with its islands.The Isthmus,with a Reco or transport of treasure winding through defiles.
Chiruca. We stand upon the Plateau, noble Drake. The ocean you desire is spread before you—an endless waste of waters, dark, fathomless, unknown! How say you—is it enough? If not, there’s the bold peak (he points to the summit). We can ascend like Vasco Nunez. But the labour would be vain—the danger something, and time inexorable flies. The sun has half performed his course. Here is the Atlantic. (He turns to the North,pointing). You see the islands where the Carib dwelt—now desolate—the race extinct! or slaves! (with bitterness and passion). Spain plants her foot upon a land, and sows the soil with death. (He turns with aversion to the South). On the South, behold the ocean, which they say is boundless, save for the islands far away, from which Tradition tells our fathers came—and where our spirits go. Spain’s proud ships pollute its waters now, and carry gold in safety. There! (he points). Just below, is Panama, where they collect the treasure, and out in its beauteous bay, the Isle of Pearls, famous for these gems, which even our Indian women prize so highly.
Drake(much interested). I noted their magnificence and profusion on the family of the Cacique.
Chiruca(eagerly seizingDrakeand directing his attention). See! See! in the far distance that long line of beasts, and men straggling along the edge of a deep gorge, some labour up the mountain pass and see! (with energy) how others slide down rocks. Poor beasts like men, enslaved. (Turning toDrakewho is much interested). That is a reco—a transport of treasure, (with triumph). That treasure shall be yours! (Drakelooks at him with surprise). I have sent a spy to dog their movements. He will meet us at the place of ambuscade to night! Let me see. (He counts the number of the beasts forming the transport to himself). Mules! Llamas! It is a great one! Tons of treasure!
Drake. Noble Chiruca, you have fulfilled your promise. The Globe’s wide surface presents not such another sight. (Aside.) The Atlantic seaboard I have already taxed for vengeance. My interest now lies here! (He extends his hand towards the Pacific). An inward impulse knits me to thisocean. The very sun upon its surface pours peculiar lustre. It waves seem gold—tinged with the loads they carry. They shall bear a nobler freight! Wondrous prospect. Two oceans that embrace the earth! But do I look with mortal eye on real things—or rapt in Prophet frenzy, gaze on vision? I feel my soul expand, o’er time and space, with energy divine and newborn hope. Two hostile fleets contend upon the flood, and dye its waters red for mastery. ’Tis Spain and England! The World! the prize between them! (He looks up). Give me, O Heaven, to sail that sea; proclaiming to every longitude thy law. That man is free. Down-trodden slave of Ignorance, look up, thy God is nigh! Look up and break thy fetters! Thy charter from on high, is Liberty.
Chiruca(he comes toDrakewho absorbed his own thoughts had wandered aside). Friend Drake (Drakeis startled out of his reverie).
Drake. Pardon me, noble Chiruca, I was lost in deep reflection.
Chiruca. Well, how like you our observatory? Our enemies know it not. Yet by land and sea their game is played before us. Nor is it new—our fathers chose it. Mark you this tree? It is of ancient growth and is our watch tower (he leadsDraketowards it).
Drake. It looks as if ’twere planted at creation. When things were giants all! (eight men are standing round it fathoming). Measure the circumference, Moon.
Moon(pointing to the men for answer). Eight fathom, good, General.
Chiruca. There is an arbour in its branches which holds a dozen people. Let us ascend. (He leadsDraketo the tree who examines it). You see these steps cut in the trunk of yore? Follow me. (The Indian ascends followed byDrakeand others.As they are seated in the arbour,they break into loud cheers above,taken up by those below.The Indians joining in it dancing and clashing their arms.)
Moon. Three cheers for the Queen! (cheers)
Oxenham. Confusion to Philip! (cheers)
Scene changes.
Cocoa nut trees with monkeys.
EnterChirucaandDrakewith the others.
Chiruca. Above a hundred mules and as many llamas loaded! tons of gold, silver, and, precious stones. You must form your own idea of their value. We wonder at your desire for such useless stuff.
Drake. And you consider that we can intercept and take them?
Chiruca. Of course! We are eighteen English, and thirty Symerons, and you know that one Englishman is equal to ten of them. We shall trap them like wolves or buffaloes; in fact, the Spaniards will show us their heels at the first volley from our bows; and the attendants who hate their tyrants will lead the beasts wherever we order. The ambuscade is just below us—close at hand. We can rest, and refresh ourselves here till the hour.
Drake. This is a rich and beautiful valley, but toiling through it under a burning sun, is dry work, and then to be tantalized with these delicious fruits!
He andChirucathrow themselves on a bank to one side.The rest gather themselves into the centre,and are engaged talking and laughing,when Bang!Bang!Bang!Down comes a shower of cocoa nuts from a mob of monkeys,who thus commence petting their invaders and scamper through the branches screaming and hurling their missiles.Moonis knocked down,and scrambles up in alarm,DrakeandChirucalaughing at the sport.
Moon(running off). Holloa there, messmates! Look out for squalls, what the devil’s up? A legion of Devils, I think. (He peeps from behind a free,laughing with all the others,who have betaken themselves to shelter.) I call that Panama hail, boys, (laughter and cheers from all.The monkeys also chattering in triumph.) Hark to the devils, how they chatter and triumph. Hand me your longbow, Oxenham, and I’ll spoil the sport of that long-tailed rascal, (looking up), I’ll change your grinning.
Drake. Never mind, comrade! Let the poor things have their triumph. We shall enjoy the fruits of victory. Bear a hand with your axe, and open some of these nuts. Give us a drink of the juice. (Moon falls to opening the nuts with a gimlet and his axe,whilst Indians hold Calabashes for the liquor.The rest having gathered melons,plantains,bananas and other juicy fruits into a heap,are eating and enjoying themselves.)
Oxenham(eating a banana). Why Tom, you have brought your whole chest of tools.
Moon(laughing). Yes, John, so have you; but you carry yours in your mouth.
Chiruca(toDrake). We are at no loss for refreshing drinks, friend Drake, in our forest (he points to a large tree). Here, friend Tom, just notch this tall trunk, and get ready your calabashes. (Drakecomes forward to see.) This is one of our largest and most valuable trees. The Spaniards call it Palo de Vacca (the Cow Tree). Now friend Tom!
Moongashes the great trunk and out rushes a stream of milk,which the Indians catch in calabashes and hand round.They all begin to drink,exclaiming.Excellent!Wonderful!
Drake. This is marvellous! In the hands of a monk it would pass for a miracle. It scarcely differs from real milk, and will not be believed in England.
Moon. It beats cow-keeping, as far as a dolphin does a flying-fish. I bethink me of bringing home some slips and setting up a dairy in old Plymouth! (laughter)
Voices. Your cows would all die of the cold, Tom.
Moon. Belike, General, if I should cut off a junk and put it to the fire, we might have a joint of roast beef. Heh!
All(with burst of laughter). Try it, Tom! Try it, Tom! You’ll find it hard to digest (cheers). You’ll need a marlin spike next to pick your teeth, Tom (cheers). Ha! Ha! The roast beef of Old England growing on a tree! (cheers and laughter).
The Curtain falls.The Orchestra striking up“The Roast Beef of Old England.”
Rugged rocks of the coast.Small plain with scanty vegetation.Black snow-clad hills around.Gibbets and gallows,with skeletons suspended to them,the remains of Magellan’s sailors executed for mutiny.Doughty, withFletcherthe Chaplain,sitting on a rock.Doughtypensive and melancholy looks down upon the ground.
EnterDrake,Winter,and the other members of the Court Martial with crews of the different vessels.They range themselves in order.
Captain Winterholding a paper,is about to read the sentence.
Doughty(starting up with energy and emotion). You need not read! (surprise on all) already sentence is pronounced. Conscience in her own court—Herself the judge—who only knows the deep-dyed guilt of dark sedition, hath decreed my doom! (Abruptly). You’ll bear me witness! I die thus self-condemned. I dare not live! Life would be a Hell! where worms unseen, the viper tooth of fell remorse would ceaseless gnaw the ever waking mind. I could not face my country brave men’s contempt, the multitudes ferocious scowl. Death is my sole relief and refuge. Thus would I whet your vengeance, or your justice. I have conspired your ruin, worse than death, to foil your project, give you up to Spain—(Great excitement and indignation). To fire and faggot, tortures inflicted on the brave before you! the Cadiz galleys, dungeons of Seville—burnings in the plazas of Mexico and Madrid—the yelling crowd—the vengeful monks gloating over the writhings of your agony. In self defence you have the right to slay me! Sentence is idle form. Self doomed I choose to die: I only ask that unrecorded I may pass away, andSilencebe my epitaph! (aconference betweenDrakeandWinteraside)
Winter(turning toDoughty). Thus then let it be. To morrow we have fixed for execution.
Crew. So say we all!
Winter. Till then, Mr. Fletcher, he is in your charge. The task of preparation for his end be thine. (Exeunt the court.)
Doughty. Here my life must end, where I thought it had but well begun! Ambition’s bright mirage with hope deceitful lured. Its distant plains glowed in the sunshine of a feigned success. Success!—by what instruments? The base, the dastards—traitors to treason’s self.—The means? Murder of brave companions, with whom I vowed to live or die. Dethronement of a noble Queen, to whom I swore allegiance. For what end? To set a foreign tyrant on her throne—thus to enslave my country, which I love. Foul! Faithless! Traitor! (he rushes about in distraction,beating his head with his fists). Crime against nature!—against God!—’gainst England—’gainst myself!—for I am, or was, an Englishman! Reason! Judgement! Honour! Great nature’s guardians of the heart and conduct. Where were you, when I was tempted thus? Like drunken sentinels—deserters fromyour duly when needed most. Oh guilt! beyond all law to constitute a crime, or court to punish! (writhing under remorse,looking upward) Doughty, I try you here. (Striking his heart.) Thou shall not live—Doughty decrees your death! Could I but die outright, and leave no name! (he looks at the dismal prospect distractedly) Place—suggestive of eternal death!—Where life itself in cold obstruction!—Icy apathy!—Ye rugged rocks, and snow-clad hills, bleak, barren plains—where nature sleeps in frost. Waste, howling, wilderness—a living tomb! Huge walls of mountain—strange birds—strange beasts—wild men, more savage still, than the sterility that bounds their lives. Ye savage winds—fierce angry gusts to howl one’s requiem. All looks like silence and forgetfulness! (his eye catches sight of the skeletons) Hah! Magellan’s Traitors! There swing your mouldering bones. Fit place for execution. Ye paid your debt. Would the penalty had blotted treason from the world! Now, death, I welcome thee! (He takes a bottle from his bosom—holds it up—drinks the contents and throws the bottle away.The Chaplain rushes forward to arrest his hand.) Fletcher, I was prepared for this. Who plots should count the cost. So perish treason! The tyrant’s tool—the curse of liberty—that foils the patriot in his hour of might!—And. This poison’s quick!—Fletcher, thou art my friend! (He looks at him imploringly.) You’ll see me decently interred and let my crime be buried with my bones. England thou art avenged. Be free and happy! (He begins to stagger—Fletchersupports him.) Friend—the end is near.—Oh! I have much to say; and speech deserts me! (He totters.) I—I—(he sinks down holdingFletcher—and making an effort to speak dies—.)
Scene changes.
TheQueenwalking about in deep thought,with anxious uneasy gestures,and hesitating step,Mrs. Ashley,her waiting woman watching her intently.TheQueenstops in front of a marble table,backed by a large steel mirror in which is reflectedLeicester’ssymbolic present,scarcely less vividly represented in the polished surface on which it reposes.
Queen. Marvellous production! What art thou? How camest thou forth, thus full of fearful meaning, and whence this atmosphere of thought, surrounding thee, arresting attention for thyself, bearing the rapt soul beyond the present, with prophecy sublime and breathing power to tell without a tongue, of coming greatness! Beneath the frenzied eye thou dost assume proportions grand, looming its giant abstract, through dim futurity. No creature of Leicester’s paltry brain art thou. No workman’s unreflecting labour, no design of common art assembled those ideas, above the mortal mind. Conception vast! Some angels prompting through an artist’s skill, fathomless to me. I’ll try the common mind! (She turns to her waiting woman). Ashley, you know how high I hold your tact and judgment, in the subtle, tortuous ways of life, your clear opinion of men and things. How many changes you have seen! a rare experience yours, through the late bloody reigns. Mine has been sad, but you have lived longer.
Mrs. Ashley. Yes, my dear mistress and still of most concern to me, was what concerned your Royal Majesty. They knew well how truly I loved you, when, on your return to Ashridge after your release from Woodstock, you sent for me; and they committed me to the Fleet.
Queen. Ashley, that was a terrible time—rather say, the end of terror. One can bear to recall its memory. It was a trumpery malice, to send myfaithful servants to prison. They dared not any longer molest me, personally, for the shadow of Lord Howard fell, like a blight, upon the Court. Even in his absence, his form stalked ever before the eyes of Philip and his Spaniards.
Mrs. Ashley. God bless the noble Howard, the noblest of his name. He is the hero of England.
Queen. God bless him, I say again, Ashley. (Aside). He has not seen this yet. (She lays her hand upon the emblematic device.Then stepping backward a few paces,deeply ponders on it.) I wonder what he will say. But his mind and bent runs in that groove, like Drake, Hawkins, and Killigrew, the Tremaines, all that fighting band. They have the one dominant idea. “England must rule the sea,” and that they can do it. Look well at that Ashley and tell me what your common sense can make of it. (The waiting-woman looks at the figures,then at theQueenscrutinizingly,as if to find out her secret.)
Mrs. Ashley(with hesitation). It is a beautiful thing and means something. More than it seems. It is a riddle for Dr. Dee to read. (Again she looks,with half malice at theQueen,who is too intent to observe her). Belike it is a love present—belike your Majesty is coming to the point at last. (TheQueenstarting out of her reverie,and looking at her companion sharply).
Queen(impatiently). What point, Ashley? Dost thou understand it? Can’st thou read the future of thy country?
Mrs. Ashley(peering inquisitively at theQueen). Belike your Majesty will now marry the beautiful Earl?
TheQueenstarts as if electrified—her eye flashing—every feature twitching with disappointment and rage at the unlooked for answer—clenching her hands,and stamping with her feet,she exclaims.
Queen. Blood of my kingly father! What damned wench in the corrupt court. Hirelings and traitors, in his pay, or some one’s else, has got up that foul scandal? And thy old head to prompt it at such a time! Surrounded with treason—threatened with invasion—without Counsel on which I can rely—drifting along on a tempestuous sea, with no other pilot than my own isolated wisdom—my tortured mind sought in glowing visions of the future for comfort, and repose! (she walks about excited,then comes in front of her companion,who trembles for the consequence). Dost thou thus misthink me, woman?—that I will act so unlike myself—so far below majesty—I, that have refused the greatest of princes—as to lower my dignity (then raising herself do a loftier tone) and the crown which my heroic people put on my head because they deemed me worthy to wear it, and to defend their glory and their rights, as to share it with a thing like Leicester? And that thou—thou above all—who hast known me.
Mrs. Ashley(on her knees,in an imploring attitude) My beloved mistress I—I—I only meant it—
Queen(in great agitation). Away! Away—Ashley! Leave me to myself to calm this raging madness.
Mrs. Ashley(clinging to her robe). My beloved mistress! do not drive me from you in anger—It would break my heart (sobbing).
Queen(soothingly raises and kisses her). There then! My faithful Ashley! There! (kissing her again) There now! Leave me for a little and come again. (ExitMrs. Ashleysobbing.Looking afterMrs. Ashley.) My true, devoted, faithful friend—tried in affliction—that has known my inmost nature, as I thought—and yet, to misthink me thus! Well might the venal creatures of a corrupt court—gnawed by the constant worms.—Envy, malice,and all uncharitableness! (She bursts into tears—sobs convulsively.—Then recovering her pride and dignity,comes forward). No! marriage is not for me. The lily or the gentle violet may take root and bloom in fertile valley and peaceful shade. (fiercely) The oak shall brave the storm! It is the will of God! (She pauses—then firmly continues.) I will fulfil my destiny! Nor throne, nor duty shall be e’er divided. My duty is my country’s—entire—exclusive—none to spare for husband. I consecrate myself to England! No stain shall sully the lustre of the offering. Let foes calumniate, and vipers spit their venom. Providence, that foils the assassin’s knife, will yet unmask the falsehoods! (Walking with proud step and uplifted arm she exclaims with exultation) Time, the revealer, will avenge me! Yes, History! History! thou wilt be just at last! (She pauses in great emotion and excitement.) A lonely orphan—in cruelty and oppression—your generous spirit rose my bulwark.—The roar of an indignant people thundered their resolve that I should be their Queen! That earthquake shook the land! Murder, with axe and poison, slunk back in terror. Perish my name; when I forget my country!—England!—Proud!—Generous!—Brave!—Land of hospitality and freedom!—Thy glory!—Thy happiness be mine!—Thee only will I wed!—Thee only!—Thee only! (exit)
Scene changes.
The deck of the“Golden Hind”dashing along under full sail.Sailors carelessly lounging.Night.The full moon.
Thomas Moon,Hixom,Noble.
Moon(at the helm). I say, Hixom—Is not our craft a seaboat and no mistake? She steers herself. See how she answers to the least touch of the helm, and cuts the water like a dolphin. Never did I see her in better trim. Sometimes she seems to me a thing of life, that knows the value of her precious freight, and anxious to see its effect on merry England. How she plunges forward in the fall of the swell, like a racehorse at the winning post.
Hixom. We may well be proud of her. We have never chased a thing of any size or rig, we did not overhaul. Lord! we could sail round any ship of Spain, or through the very midst of her Navy. But this was a wary dodge of our General, to take the round of the Globe. We are safe to bring our prize home now. What think you, Bill Noble?
Noble. As for the little craft herself, I never trod the deck of the like of her. She was well named the “Pelican.” And now, in respect of what she carries—a freight as never was entrusted to a wooden plank before, fitly benamed the “Golden Hind.” As to landing it safe at Hamoaz—for the matter of speed or fighting, I should not much mind. But it was never my experience to see the canvas all spread in an unknown sea, at night. I have been to China with the Portuguese and I know these channels are dangerous!
Moon. Lord, I am anxious to see Old Plymouth, and hear the shouting when the Rovers salute us sailing up the Sound, with our bunting all abroad.—It would be a pity to shorten sail.
Hixom. There’s no danger messmates. We have open sea room—the moon is up.—How brilliant she rises, and rapid, in these latitudes! It’s all fair weather with us now. (Bump!bump!)
All(crying out in alarm). What’s that? Did you hear? What’s that?
Another bump;and the Vessel sticks fast.
Noble. Oh!—My God! I expected this! My wife!—my children! I shall never see them more (wringing his hands in distraction).
Screams of alarm among the deck watch: “We are sinking”—“We are lost”—“She’s on a rock”—“Get out the boats”—“Call the General—Call all hands.”The crew is rushing up on deck.Great confusion.
Drake. Silence in the ship! Get out an anchor astern, and heave her off! Boatswain! All hands to quarters!
The Boatswain pipes and cries to quarters.They are rushing about pulling ropes,and launching the boats.
Scene changes.
Deck of the Golden Hind—Midnight,the moon behind a cloud,constellations of the southern hemisphere brilliant in the deep blue firmament.The ship Argo amid the waves,the dove,bird of hope.The raven on the back of the sea serpent.Noahsacrificing at the altar.
Drake(solus,looking at the stars). Yes! Yes! This is no fancy, no vain imagination, no conceit of poesy—visible to sight and evident to sense. It is, it must be—The ark of promise, the greatest fact of history—The deluge, writ by God himself in his own firmament, eternal monument of wrath and justice. I never questioned sacred truth, but if I had that constellation were itself enough to anchor my soul to reason, and bid the baseless doubt begone! (A figure appears in the air with a book under one arm,whilst the other points to the Constellation Argo.The figure is turbaned and otherwise brilliant with the hues of an oriental costume.His long white hair and beard float like a streamer on the deep blue of the sky.Drakestarts and staggers back with uplifted hands). Hah! Wherefore now? Is this the end? Art come to see my horoscope fulfilled? Zill-Allah! Shadow of God, Arab Astrologer, or Jew of Fez, or whatsoe’er thou art that visitest me so oft, in sleeping, aye, and in waking dreams, since first I learned the stars from thee under the clear sky of burning Africa, still as now before me. Thy beard of snow floats like a meteor, under thine arm a book, the other pointing to thy early lesson. (The Spirit gradually disappears—dissolving into a brilliant white cloud which suddenly becomes dark,whilst the dove on the ark becomes brilliantly illumined.A voice says, “Have faith,look up.”Drakestarting in horror looks around). Who speaks? (No answer.) I do not surely dream! I heard a voice which said, “Have faith, look up.” I look, (a pause of wonder). Bright bird of hope, I take thy luminous omen, I will have faith. My God, the work is Thine, Thy servant in thy hand is but the staff, the wood cannot lift itself. Let it not glory, have faith. (He falls down upon one knee,his face buried in his hands in deep thought).
EnterJohn Drake.
John Drake. My brother, did you call? You look troubled. Ah! This is the last of us. Our stirring lives are now near acted out. The first slight swell will dash our bark to pieces.
Drake. I fear not death, how often have I braved it—I trust in him who hitherto has shaped my course. What I have seemed to do with meansinadequate is evidence of power beyond me. My destiny is not my own to deal with. He who made me has the right to end me. And now I know deliverance is at hand, though human skill do nothing towards it. See you this southern vault of heaven, ’tis one great oceanic record of the past, (he points to the Constellation Argo.)
John Drake. You mean the Constellation Argo, the famous ship of Jason and the Golden Fleece. The dove that sits upon it! What a strange light it flashes.
Drake. Ship of Jason, humph! Tradition grand, perverted to a Grecian fable. That is the ark of Noah! I never told you how at Fez, a sage once took strange fancy to me, and taught me knowledge of the spheres. A man of wonderment and awe, he came and went unquestioned and unknown, without a friend or country, yet with boundless wealth. Some thought he was an Indian necromancer, some a Jew, some said he was an Arab, and practised Alchemy. He cast my horoscope, and told my destiny. “Born,” he said, “for great adventures, strange revolutions on the sea, a pebble in the sling of God to smite the power of Spain, and raise thy country to her place.” (He walks musing).
John Drake(with emotion). The story, brother, is full of wonder, strange being this!
Drake. He showed me by the stars—that the celestial sphere was made at Babel—a record of the deluge when the great event was new. Zill-Allah, so he called himself, “Shadow of God,” knew all languages, the sacred tongues of India, Egypt, Juda. The story of the flood is in them all, because they came from Babel. The dispersed who formed the nations brought them thence, who else had all been dumb, for language is beyond invention, ’tis the gift of God. In that high tower of rebel pride were lodged the sciences. The heavens were charted, the celestial sphere was formed, and when the awful deluge filled their minds, they wrote its tragic memory in the stars. Argha, Arg, Ark, the same in every tongue. The ship of Noah. (He looks at his companion who is deeply absorbed,then points up). Behold the raven on the serpents back, there is the dove—Bright bird of hope—its symbol, there the great Father of mankind, the victim and the altar, around the monsters of the deep and the wild waves—(Both are earnest and absorbed when the ship rocks and slides,they are startled and agitated.)
Drake(startled but calm). Thy will be done.
John Drake(much excited). God of mercy! She is breaking up! All hands on deck! (He runs about alarmed and screaming) she is breaking up, all hands on deck.
(The crew rush upon deck in alarm,the ship rolls to one side,then falls off the rock into the sea with a heavy plunge,as if overwhelmed—a loud scream from the sailors,she suddenly rights and glides off uninjured,the crew recovering from their alarm break into a loud cheer).
Crew. Hurrah! Hurrah!
Drake. Down on your knees and give thanks for your deliverance!
(The ship is hauled off).
Scene changes.
TheQueenalone waiting forLord William Howard,Earl of Effingham.She walks back and forward in deep abstraction past a large steel mirror.She is startled and arrested by catching sight of the reflection of herself.
Queen. Hah! What aged companion thou, abruptly thrust upon me? Unflattering mirror! Thou art no courtier! Care!—subtle poison—sure ifslow.—I see thy working.—Remembrancer I thank thee. Still! Providence, I wait thy pleasure—though what a life! An atmosphere of terror—my vital air—to school me, doubtless, for thy purpose—to teach me cautious circumspection. Mysterious awe hung o’er my childhood—the latent influence of my mother’s fate, though then to me unknown. Nordic! I seem alone in this. The taint was upon all around—a wrinkle on every brow—a sorrow unexpressed in midst of joy and show, and brave festivity.—Danger and insecurity seemed to sit on all! England was merry—loud the roar of wassail.—But thoughtful people stopped short in laughter as if chid; and swaggering, warlike Britons, though in peace, held themselves erect for fight. The social heavens were black with clouds—surcharged with thunder in the midst of sunshine. Such! my earliest—undefined impression. Ever present—ever coming danger! Yet I feared not—rather longed to meet it face to face (she walks musing). When Edward died, and during Mary’s reign, what portents scared mankind! Unnatural frost bound the Earth, stifled vegetation dried up rivers. The Thames was solid till the month of May! Showers of red hail, like drops of gore congealed, sign of coming strife—a nation’s blood! and, as it lay around the roses in their gardens, men thought of York and Lancaster, and grew pale. Births of hideous monsters; frighted women; bodies with double heads and limbs.—Storms rent the welkin with unheard of fury, tore trees of ancient growth up by the roots, and hurled them in wild passion through the air! The summer’s sun in hot July, as putting mourning on, grew black as winter night. Rain, a second deluge! flooded the houses of terror-stricken London, and changed its streets to torrents. (Her soliloquy is broken off by the entrance of theEarl of Effingham.EnterLord William Howard,Earl of Effingham.TheQueenrushes to him,throws her arms round his neck and kisses him,with a transport of affection,and tears of filial fondness.) My loved! My honoured kinsman! My more than father!—that with heroic greatness stood to the lone girl, through danger, death, and tyranny! (she is overcome with emotion).
Lord William Howard(tenderly looking at her whilst he still affectionately holds her). Thy sweet face is sad! What clouds thy queenly brow?
Queen. At sight of thee, noble kinsman, the Tower and Woodstock, and the hostile court, rise like hideous goblins—and the base courtiers tendering their cold salutes, almost contempt. Wretches! I see them in vision, cowering at the thunder of thy step and voice. “Down on your knees to her, and kiss her hand” you shouted. Oh! the dismay of Philip and his Spaniards!—the scowl of Mary!—Alva alone was firm.—Some one muttered “Treason!—Tower!”
Howard(with a proud and bitter laugh). Ha! Ha! Ha! The Lord High Admiral of England, to the Tower!—with the mariners of the Royal Navy—the fifty privateers that kept our coasts—the best blood of England at my back—a righteous cause—and the whole people agitated like a seething pot—ready at a word to rise and tear your foes to pieces! Philip and Alva knew better. Their heads were surety for yours! I had let them know that your father’s “deep ditch,” as he called the channel, lay between them and Spain, and that I was the man who held the key of it to send them to the bottom. Gardiner too, and that dark villain, Renard, were plainly told that one move more should cost their lives! (TheQueenin great emotion.) That was a revolution for them! (He walks aside.) Philip, himself, then thought it prudent to take your part. (With sarcasm) Treason!—the Tower!—Humph! There were other murmurs—Outside!—So that when Arundel,the very head of the Catholic party, left the palace with me, he whispered in my ear, “I see Elizabeth’s foot upon the steps of the throne.” (He walks aside proudly.) My Royal Mistress, you were safe (theQueenin great emotion flings herself upon him).
Queen. Uncle mine! Uncle mine! Call me your dear child as you did! at Woodstock! Father! Friend! Under God, my Saviour! ’Twas you that chained the Lions.
Howard(solemnly). I was, perhaps, an instrument!—one of the raised up—like yourself—blind led and passive—Nor words, nor actions, were my own!—The dictates of mysterious power—unseen—and irresistible—ever forced me on—that guardian angel which upheld you, and will uphold you—long as you fulfil your purpose, and obey—
Queen. Yes! yes! Noble kinsman. I have reason to thank God who all my life has led me—often by devious paths—I knew not.—The end is his!
Howard. Never was Monarch in greater danger than when in your progress you stopped short at Richmond, to sift out of his cowardice and vacillation the secret of Norfolk’s treason. What foiled the foul conspiracy at once? No human light. The impulse was divine! No secret spy; no base accomplice; no false domestic; no unfaithful friend betrayed him. Your own discerning eye unveiled his thoughts behind the flimsy shield of shuffling falsehood and evasion.
Queen(abruptly). And when he left the court without taking leave, I saw he dared not face me—I had probed his heart—’twas confession of his guilt.
Howard. On such occasions, you are all yourself. Your character breaks forth in all its majesty of force—your resolution was electric. As eagle to her eyrie, you flew to Windsor, that seat of regal pomp and power. You called no councils; lost no time discussing plans—You took the helm yourself, and instinct pointed to the port of safety. To seize the prize, the very object of rebellion, was to cut it short at a stroke! (He walks aside). It was a masterly resolve to send Hunsdon without notice or delay to carry the Queen of Scots to Tutbury, and there to surround himself and his quarry with five hundred men. The she-devil stormed, and wept, and threatened; but Hunsdon was just the man to go through with his work. She understood it all—the game was up with her. How I should have laughed to see Shrewsbury’s stupid stare, when your order was presented to him. Well, it was a marvellous conception, and marvellously executed, but the instinct was not human; it was the dictate of that guardian angel, which I maintain attends you through every difficulty.
Queen. Noble kinsman, it is strange, now that I reflect, I did it all without a moment’s thought, without reason, fear or motive. In fact, I knew not why, but that I was constrained, and it was done.
Howard(hurriedly). Then without an hour’s delay, to order the greatest men in England, Pembroke, Arundel, Lumley, and Throgmorton—to appear at court, and there to put them under arrest.