Queen. They were men and patriots—friends at heart—and instantly obeyed. They knew their heads were safe enough at Windsor.
Howard. Insurrection, without leader or object was snuffed out. But these are not the men to put their country under a foreign yoke, whether of Pope or Spain.
Queen. Norfolk, too, I summoned to return. His courage failed him, his shaking fit came on and laid him up at Howard House to write his lyingsneaking letter, (she shows him a latter.) See! This from a Howard, and great Surrey’s sun.
Howard. I am ashamed of him. That ague should have taken his life, and saved his head.
Queen. Yet I loved him, uncle. How hard to sign his execution! I would have mourned his death. How much his fall from loyalty and honour. Howards should fall on fields of fame—Champions of England’s freedom and independence—a wailing country follow to their tomb, and public monuments attest their virtue. Norfolk! minion to her foe! traitor to enslave her! sinks to his doom, disgracing his proud name. His friends must loathe him—rebel, felon, slave and coward.
Howard. He dies the worst of traitors—his treason against his country, his religion—against mankind. Perish rebellion with him! England now is safe, and marches on apace, to greatness of her own—the empire of the ocean.—Wherefore doubt your fortune?
Queen(sadly). Kinsman, my lot is cast in loneliness, a solitary rock amid the breakers; danger, doubt and treason ever round me, knowing not whom to trust. My very council, blind to their country’s welfare, squabble about foreign policy, and even if honest are divided. Some are for marrying me, in the interest of Spain, some in that of France. Or that I’m lost—Even Cecil.
Howard(impassioned and abrupt). Sheer madness, either! to end in civil war, and then in nothingness. Was it for the good of England that Philip sought your hand? and now would marry you to his minion, Austria? Or that France would impose her wretched ape upon you? No! England must, and can stand alone, against the world. (He walks aside proudly agitated).
Queen(with decision). Fear not, noble kinsman; never will I divide my crown with mortal man, nor barter the glory and independence of my country. Rather war! or death! But I am harrassed—worried. My court’s a very comedy. Here are at least a dozen Ambassadors intriguing, lying, bribing among my maids of honour as if the hand of Elizabeth could be thus obtained. And (laughing) I am afraid they will cut one another’s throats in my presence.
Howard(laughing). Ha! Ha! Ha! Comedy! By my halidame, a good one (rubbing his hands). Lord, what fun to see the fools draw, and go at it.
Queen(laughing with affected surprise). By the soul of King Harry, Uncle, you would make a Roman Amphitheatre in Greenwich Park, and fight them there in pairs, like gladiators.
Howard(laughing). Ha! Ha! Ha! Capital! Pitch them into the arena, Leicester and Hatton with them, all armed with French rapiers to skewer one another like Woodcocks. We should look on as umpires. But Cecil, Sussex, and Walsingham—what do they mean with such nonsense? ’Tis well!? ’Tis well! The proudest boast that woman e’er possessed. Philip himself—every prince in Europe, that dares aspire, has sought your hand, ready to throw himself at your feet. A fact to blaze upon the face of history—a testimony to character and greatness, to silence base detraction and endure for ever. Where’s our weakness? Our danger, where? Our only danger, low intrigues, mixing with foreign quarrels, and false allies.—England must dwell apart—her power—her path to glory lies on the deep! Her great sons must carry out her policy alone (he walks thoughtfully and returns). I ever hated doctrine-mongers—men of one idea and crooked ways—dubious! indirect! unsafe! The man who loves his country, cannot mistakeher interest, shoots straight at his mark and rarely misses. Danger!—Your Fleet—the daring spirits who man it—are the envy of the nations who have already proclaimed you “Queen of the Sea—Restorer of Naval Glory.” Another thing, my Queen, England’s Commercial Navy is a power unknown before. Her merchants, enriched by growing commerce, rival each other in the ships they build—all fit for war—with English pluck to fight their own way upon the waves. These, with the Royal Navy, present a force of twenty thousand fighting men—a match for ten times their number any day. What foe will face them? Ha! Ha! Ha! (He walks aside in triumph). Philip could never bring his Spaniards to that.
Queen(with an expression of joy). Noble kinsman, still the same, to comfort and encourage me.
Howard(earnestly). One thing perhaps you may want—a little money to build more ships, and keep for difficulties. (With an enquiring look.) What of Drake? Have they no news at Plymouth?
Queen. No! But through Spain, notwithstanding efforts to conceal it, we know his plunder is immense, and though every one else thinks he has gone down, Philip, sleepless, and alarmed, is astounded, not knowing what next may happen. But Drake! poor fellow! I fear is gone for ever! Magellan’s Straits are guarded—return impossible, if alive.
Howard. Alive! What would kill them? If the Spaniards should kill these devils, there would be a noise the whole world would ring with. As to the straits being closed—Frobisher says there are other passages, and that Drake’s the man to find them. Drake’s the man! He’ll find his way, my life upon him.
Queen. But, come, Uncle mine! You’re out of breath with this excitement, and I have had a smart ride from London, and need refreshment. I ordered my maids to horse right early.
Howard. Ah! You require your favorite beverage—a cup of good ale. Ale’s the restorer.
Queen. You know my mind upon that, Uncle. It’s the natural drink of the nation.
Howard. I know I have ever seen the men fight best upon it, but I have heard that some fool proposes a tax upon ale.
Queen(laughing). What? Tax an Englishman’s ale! That would be the next thing to foreign rule. Come, kinsman! (She takes his arm).
Howard(aside as they go out). Marry a French frog! like that pock-marred Alençon. (Grumbling angrily). I must have a talk with Cecil.
(Exeunt).Scene changes.
Enter theQueenandDrake.
Queen(laughing). Abajo Perro! Down dog! Brave boy! I must see him Drake, Ha! Ha! Ha! Abajo Perro! So he leaped foremost aboard, felled the first Spaniard with his fist, shouting Abajo Perro. God’s death! How I should like to have seen the Spaniard sprawling on the deck. Ha! Ha! Ha! A Plymouth boy you say. His name, Drake?
Drake. Thomas Moon, an it please Your Majesty.
Queen. Humph! Fellows have been knighted for less; he’s a hero!
Drake. Such are the men that England wants, my Liege.
Queen. And has, Drake, I am proud to say. (With eagerness) Come! Tell me about the great gold ship.
Drake. As we neared, one broadside brought down her masts, a volley from our longbows mowed her deck, like the scythe in standing corn; we shot up alongside of her, our men rushed aboard, Thomas Moon foremost.
Queen(laughing). Ha! Ha! The Plymouth boy, Abajo Perro! I shall never forget that. Ha! Ha! Ha! Well, well! Go on.
Drake. Well, my Liege! We cut away the wreck, towed her out to sea and took charge of the precious freight at our leisure.
Queen. That’s the way that British sailors do their work. You astonished the Spaniards.
Drake. Your Majesty knows the rest. Magellan’s straits were secured against me, and I was not going to surrender what I had got.
Queen. No, Drake was not the man for that.
Drake. So I decided to take my chance, on the great unknown ocean, and by the Cape of Good Hope.
Queen(thoughtfully). The great unknown ocean, without chart or pilot!
Drake(with an air of confidence). My Liege, I had the stars of Heaven, and Him who set them in their courses, whose law I proclaimed from my deck to every line of longitude on His globe! (Looking up with reverence). Thus, Your Majesty’s little ship, having ploughed a furrow round the earth, arrived safe in Plymouth with a nation’s wealth in her hold.
Queen(eagerly). Tell me all! Tell me all. Strange sights, strange men, strange lands, a tale of wonder; (she muses thoughtfully).
Drake. Your Majesty will have much to hear. The story is long as well as full of wonder. Strange lands, I saw and took possession; there flies your Royal Standard, I proclaimed you Queen. The people flocked around and swore allegiance, (with much animation), a land, my Liege, richer than all the realms of Spain, a land whose streams flow over sands of gold, whose very soil is gold. ’Tis but to dig and wash.
Queen(incredulous she rebukes,what she thinks exaggeration,with a shake of her head). Drake! Drake.
Drake. It is true! my Liege—I have dug, and brought it home. (He throws down a bag on the floor and kneels upon it). I kneel upon the soil, and hail Your Majesty, Queen of California—the future goldfield of the world! (He rises and presents her with the bag). I have the honour to deliver to Your Majesty thus, part for the whole, legal possession of California. (She takes the bag with curiosity and surprise).
Queen. Is this gold? It is heavy!
Drake. There needs only to wash it in a basin—your Majesty will see the gold at the bottom.
Queen. This beats Alchemy. It is miracle! I’ll wash it with my own hands. Drake, I am proud of you. England is proud of you. Men’s minds are filled with your name, astounded by your achievements. You have covered your country with glory, thrown over her a mantle of power. The nations look up to us now and begin to think we can beat the world. Philip is alarmed, and when we all thought you were lost, he could not sleep for fear. He expected you to come on the winds of heaven, to make descents upon his coast.
Drake(kneeling to her). Your Majesty’s approval is my reward. That is the pride and glory of an Englishman.
Queen. My pride and glory is the love and valour of my people. Philip, and Mendoza his Ambassador, are clamorous for restitution, and call you a corsair—pirate—robber! (laughing)
Drake. Our acts are self defence and justifiable retaliation, my Liege. They are the spoilers, robbers, murderers. What is he doing in the Low Countries, to a free, civilized people? Is he not committing wholesale diabolical robbery and murder? Has he not seized our ships in defiance of solemn treaty, trading peaceably in time of peace? Whole fleets of our merchantmen, at Gibraltar and elsewhere,—imprisoning, hanging their crews, or burning them, in the Plazas of his cities, for the amusement of the mob? And we ourselves owed him a measure of vengeance, for the murderous affair of San Juan de Ulloa. But I have meted out to him, measure for measure—pressed down—shaken together.
Queen(laughing). Plenty of shaking, Drake. Plenty! Philip’s fit is not over. He is shaking yet. Cecil, too, is shaking—frightened by Mendoza’s bluster. He says we shall have war unless we give up the treasure—Sussex and Clinton agree with him. I don’t think much of that—I know them! They’re not the men to give up anything of their own (with a sarcastic smile) without a fight for it. They would talk another language, if they had a share in our little venture. (Then with intense curiosity). How much is it, Drake?
Drake. Impossible to estimate, my Liege. Philip puts his losses at one million and a half. That applies, however, only to ascertained, and registered quantities. They don’t know the half of what I have taken—Gold plate and bars by tons! What will your majesty say to cases of pearls and emeralds as large as pigeons’ eggs? I have brought, your majesty, a sample—a little present from your honoured servant. (He presents her with the celebrated crown of emeralds as large as pigeons’ eggs which she gazes on with astonishment and delight.)
Queen. A crown of emeralds! and of such magnitude. The like was never seen in Europe. No regal brow hath ever borne the like. Magnificent! Drake!—Drake! This is of unearthly splendour. Thou art an enchanter, man, or hast been in fairy-land. (She puts the crown on her head and walks about musing;then suddenly confronts him.) Three millions! Who ever dreamed of such a sum? It is a nation’s wealth! Give it up? Once in one’s clutches! Impossible! I could not give it up. Impossible! (She walks about exulting in the possession.She pauses,and asksDrake,with uneasy anxiety.) What think you, Drake? Will there be war?
Drake. Not with Spain, my Liege, unless we declare war. Philip dare not—could not, go to war with us. What would become of the Low Countries then? He could not keep them a single week. Ha! ha! ha! Besides! He has no fleet!
Queen. No fleet? Our statesmen think the sea is covered with his fleets! (ironically) in fact that it is his property.
Drake(with a sarcastic laugh). Statesmen! Tush! tush! What do they know about it? (contemptuously) Spain upon the ocean is aMyth! A huge ball ofFoam, my Liege, without force or cohesion, which with the first war-storm upon the angry waves, will scatter and be seen no more! (He walks aside with a wave of his hand;then returning with a triumphant smile.) Can Philip guard his coasts at home; his towns; his churches; from sack and flame? Can he protect his commerce? His merchantmen are sunk or plundered in the channel. His great officers and Nobles put up to auction in our seaports—kept in chains like dogs, till ransomed! Ha! Ha! Ha! (Increasing in energy.) Have I not sailed the Caribean sea, with the cross of St. George proudly at my masthead (he looks to theQueenin proud triumph) burning, plundering, ships and towns?—Have I not landed on thecoast, stopped his transports—taken his treasure—and, lastly, launched on the Pacific, the source of all his greatness—seized his bullion on sea and land, and carried a nation’s wealth in my little bark, round the globe, in triumph? Spain, where is thy might? (He walks about in grim triumph,looking for approval to theQueen,who stands amazed and stunned,yet watching her hero with pride and exultation.He comes up to theQueensolemn and serious.) Give him this treasure, my honoured Mistress. (With emphasis.) Put this sting in him!—and then—(he starts as if some dreadful apparition had risen before him,to arrest his speech and force him to contemplate it with doubt and alarm).
Queen(startled at his expression,with deep interest and impatience). You look with grave apprehension on it. What then?
Drake(slow solemn and serious). Why then, my Liege, not your statesmen! for they seem too blind to fear; but your royal Majesty—our beloved country,—nay, Europe itself, would have cause for fear. My soul shrinks within me from contemplation of the fearful consequence. (He is greatly excited,wringing his hands.) Oh! My God! It never struck me before—it flashes on me now—a light from Heaven—fearful! fearful!—seas of blood!
Queen(excited to frenzy,impatient of some dreadful apprehension,rushes up to him,and seizing hold of him,shakes him for explanation.) God of England! Speak man, what mean you? It must be something which quells the soul of Drake.—What then? Quick.—Relieve this boding doubt, this frantic apprehension. Quick! Quick, what then?
Drake. Why then, my Liege, he would equip a fleet, collect his mighty hosts, crush the Low Countries in an hour, annihilate our trade, blockade our ports. France shrinking paralysed, overawed, and then—
Queen(starting away as from a frightful apparition,but with unquailing spirit rushes about with uplifted arms and the rage of a tigress.) I see! I see! I see itall—Villains, fools, and traitors, I should be left without an ally to battle with the world in arms. Rebels, traitors, assassins—Fiends of Hell within—The fleets and armies of Spain without. The wars of the roses over again. Fierce civil strife, seas of brothers’ blood—The proud island before whose arms Europe has quailed, trampled into a Spanish province! (A pause of grim rage and sarcasm), and the moles and bats would give it to him! (She laughs with a grim and bitter expression of rage and exultation). Ha! Ha! Ha! They shan’t, Drake, they shan’t! Philip shall not have one ochavo of it. No! War or no war—never! Shade of Henry of Monmouth! Can thy stone casement hold thee? (She walks about with a proud resolve then confronts him). What then do you propose sir? You are entitled to a voice in the matter.
Drake. Your Majesty can now take the wind out of his sails, you can build and equip the fleet. Give me, my Liege, but a small one, I’ll burn every town upon his coast, every stick of navy he possesses, in harbour or afloat; carry his gold fleet to England, and drive him from the ocean in a month; (he walks aside in exultation).
Queen(abruptly). You’re the man, Drake! you’re the man!
Drake. Then, my Liege, we shall occupy California and the Indies, whose downtrodden people will welcome you as a Saviour. England will become the mart of the precious metals, the centre of universal commerce. The tribes of broken humanity will come begging for the crumbs that fall from your replenished table. Our great race, (elevating his voice) shall spread from land to land, from sea to sea, till one wide luminous zone of truth, of light, of freedom, shall gird the globe; the sun shall make his eternal round and never set in the dominions.
He looks upward with confiding fervour as if delivering a divine message from on high.TheQueenoverpowered with emotion at the awful development of national greatness.
Queen. Hold! Spare me! My brain turns, stunned, bewildered in the vastness of that visioned future. (She exclaims imploringly as one afraid to advance farther.) Stay! Stay!
Drake(impetuously). I speak not without book, My Royal Mistress. It was not human power that raised your Majesty and held your right hand, (apause) through death and tyranny, (theQueenmuch moved) until you reached your throne, or guided my little bark through storm and battle to your shores. It is not chance, my Liege, but Providence that rules! A secret impulse ever drove me on, (a pause) and nowassuresme that the end is near. The blood of butchered nations crying to heaven, at length is heard. Spain totters to her fall! (He walks aside excited,then returns and continues with energy). The star of England rises from the sea to rule its waves, the ocean rules the land, its trident shakes the earth! (He comes up to theQueenimpassioned). ’Tis thine! ’Tis thine! Stretch forth thine hand, my Liege, and grasp the Trident.
Queen(in great excitement). Drake! Drake! A virtue goeth out of thee. I’m filled with awe, but feel the power. (She essays to leave.) Come! Come!
Leaving the terrace absorbed in thought,her outstretched hand grasping at something in the air,whilstDrakestill follows her close with earnest voice and gesture.
Drake. My Liege! It is the will ofGod! It is the will ofGod.
(Exeunt).
Leicester’spresent on a marble table,backed by a large steel mirror which reflects it.TheQueensitting on a sofa,in conversation with theEarl of Leicesterwho stands at a little distance.
Leicester. What thinks my royal Mistress of my symboled future now? (he point to it) These figures seem to speak and challenge me to ask.—I always felt that thought was inspiration! The vision rapidly developes into facts. You’ll live to see the symbol a reality. Drake’s deeds of wonder bring it up in force.
Queen. Miraculous! Incomprehensible! Drake’s a prodigy!—At sight I read him in the first moment’s interview. He’s made for greatness not his own. A Demi-god could not accomplish his achievements, so vast in their proportions, and whose effects, perhaps, shall run through Time!—Nor dare—nor even conceive them. A clear impossibility—by himself to mortal man! The finger of God is visible throughout for his own end—then unseen! Drake’s eyes are opened now, and so are mine! I see the work and aim of Providence. We are but passive instruments to carry out his will. ’Tis always thus, Leicester. I have observed it well through life. God brings about His greatest ends by means, to us, inadequate—to show His power, and that the work is His; lest we should say “my hand hath done it.” You see how all Drake’s other ships were sunk or scattered to the winds, thathehurled on an unknown ocean!left alone! should be the chosen means to change the destiny of the world.
Leicester. It is a mighty prize, howe’er he dropped upon it, and marvellous as you say. What power to you!—To Philip, most vexatious loss atpresent—to say the least, inconvenient in the extreme—your seizures, of that Genoese loan, and now this treasure, have crippled him. He is at a stand still for money, notwithstanding his Indies. Alva is in despair—his army in mutiny. This would have relieved them of all their difficulties. They are in a dreadful way. Mendoza spluttering at a huge rate, has frightened Cecil with a threat of war—and he in his alarm would give it up. But the whole country is enthusiastic about Drake.—He is the universal hero!
Queen(indignant). A fig for Cecil and the whole Council—a set of fools—some are afraid of Philip—some are in his pay. I’ll stick to it, Leicester—every silver bar—every quoit of gold. It is the gift of Providence—my power, my safety. I have had my doubts and fears! Now I feel that I can defy the world. Drake despises Spain; laughs at invasion; says Philip can’t defend himself from us. He swears he’ll drive him from the ocean in a month—and I believe him. He (with emphasis) knows what he’s talking about. Drake’s the man!—Drake’s the man for me!
A Page announces the Spanish Ambassador.
Page. His Excellency the Spanish Ambassador.
Queen(startled and confused). God’s death, Leicester! I thought as much. Here he comes to demand it. You must retire into my private room (with decision) I’ll face it out, Robin! (exitLeicester.To thePage) Admit his Excellency. (ExitPage.) I must play my cards with skilful hand. By flattery or menace—to draw from him his policy. (EnterAmbassador.TheQueenbounds from the sofa to meet him with affected friendliness.) Don Bernardino de Mendoza! I am always glad to see you—in your private character. But are you now come as a King-at-Arms to declare war?
Mendoza. No! No! My instructions from my master are, to cultivate peace—But from your Majesty’s preparations, I should imagine that you meant war, on a large scale. Your fleet at Chatham! and the noise of fife and drum throughout the land.
Queen(interrupting). ’Tis only the commission of array for training—Though England keeps on foot no armies, she is always armed—Her freemen are her soldiers. In times of danger, she gets ready; I don’t intend to be caught sleeping. What are those mighty naval preparations for at Cadiz? Six thousand additional seamen!
Ambassador. Of that—not having the gift of inspiration! I can give your Majesty no information. My master finds no fault with you, but your ministers encourage, and aid rebellion against his authority in the Low Countries, and English Corsairs, not content with robbing his merchantmen in the channel, have now extended their ravages to the Indies and the Pacific. The notorious Drake is, even now, returned with enormous booty. He is cherished and feted, as if the exploits of a robber were some great national triumph. His Majesty expects that you will not only order immediate restitution, but punish the offender as he deserves.
Queen. Tush! Tush! Your master cannot be serious. If so, he must either be a fool, or think me one. If my ships should invade the possessions of the King of Spain, the act could not be considered Piracy—It would be war. Now your complaint shows that the nations are at peace, and therefore that the acts are not my acts. He has been a King of England, and knows well, that the laws of England do not extend to the Pacific—Hey! Hey! Our courts have neither authority to try, nor means to punish offences committed in the other hemisphere.
Ambassador(with haste). Drake is now in England with the booty.
Queen. Well! Drake has committed no offence against the laws of his country. What exclusive right has your master, the King of Spain, to the Indies, the whole continent of America, and the wide Pacific?
Ambassador(with much earnestness). The Pope who, as Vicar of Christ, has authority over the whole earth, has given the Indies and the Pacific, to Spain.
Queen(laughing outright). Did Charles the fifth owe his empire to the Pope, when he sent his army to imprison His Holiness and seize the possessions of the church? Hey! Will his son Philip acknowledge that he now owes them to the Pope? I trow not! Let the Pope only interfere with Philip’s dominions—We should soon hear of another Spanish army marching upon Rome, and probably Don Bernardino de Mendoza in command of it, to make the Pope a second time prisoner, and shut him up in his Castle of St. Angelo. That is the way Philip would acknowledge his authority over the earth; and that you would show your faith in it. Ha! Ha! Ha! (Laughter,in whichMendozacannot help joining.TheQueenwalks about,exulting in her triumph).
Ambassador. That would be an extreme case, your Majesty.
Queen(bursting into a laugh). Capital! An extreme case! It would be an extreme case, for the Vicar of God upon earth. For myself you know, I utterly deny his authority altogether, as well as his office (with sarcastic emphasis). But look you here, a Pope has given Ireland to England, for an eternal possession, by a solemn bull; and yet, your master Philip has invaded that country, to wrest it from us—His troops are at this moment in Ireland. Tell your master from me, that I will hear no complaints, nor give him any answer, until these are withdrawn (she walks proudly and defiant).
Ambassador. I am sorry for it, but if you allow these measures to be pursued, you will see when too late, your throne slip from under you. I know your resources, compared with those of France, and that your only safety is behind the shield of Spain.
Queen(sarcastically) I am not going to quarrel with France, who with good reason, keeps a jealous eye on Spain, you know that well, and so does Philip. I intend only to maintain myself, as my father has done before me, independent in my own realm. And as for losing my throne, what raised me to it? Under God, my people who, Catholic and Protestant, alike, agree in this—To hate with all their hearts, a foreign jurisdiction (she looks with insinuation at him). France has not forgotten the battle of the Spurs, or the still greater lesson taught her within living memory; when her sixty thousand men, were driven from the shores of the Isle of Wight, like the small dust before the whirlwind by the tall yeomen of the soil (she proudly walks aside,then boldly utters). The audacious foe that lands upon our shores, will learn to his cost that he has to encounter men. The English of the present day have not lost the spirit of their noble fathers. They will defend their liberties to the death; and should they fall in the great struggle, with the help of God, he will find the body of their Queen, like that of the great Harold in the midst them. With England I willliveordie, (she storms about the room,theAmbassadorgazing on her with stupified amazement).
Ambassador. I am sorry your Majesty views my advice in that light. I shall now take my leave, and report to my master the result of this interview.
ExitAmbassador.
Re-enterEarl of Leicester.
TheQueenwalking about agitated,chafed,but exulting,Leicesterlaughing as he enters.
Leicester. Nobly done, my Royal Mistress—all yourself—you frightened Mendoza, more than he does Cecil. He was under cow from the first and dared not speak up to you as he does to the council. You acted your part to the life, and cannot even now throw off the mask.
Queen(excited). God’s death, Robin! No mask, no acting at all. My blood was up, I was in thorough earnest; it is something to stand on solid ground, I’m not going to be bullied now by the empty bluster of a Spanish coxcomb, or his master either—Drake has opened my eyes and theirs too! this load of wealth! Our strength! Their weakness. Leicester, he has shown me a secret! (She looks at him with intense meaning) a power that must rule the world!
Leicester(astonished and interested). Indeed, my Liege! I did not know he was given to such deep state-craft.
Queen(with proud emphasis). Why man! With one hand I grasp the trident of the ocean, with the other California and the Indies. Drake’s a Prophet—he knows the true strength and policy of England. The destiny of nations! (She storms about,Leicestereyeing her with astonishment and awe). Come along, Robin! I must see these wise men of the council and let them know what I think of their drivelling. I say Drake’s conduct is only self defence! Just retaliation! The money is lawful prize. I’ll give Sussex a talking to, for his intermeddling—’Fore God, I’ll set some of them by the feet before all’s over about this, I’ll bracelet them with iron, both arms and ankles. Come along, Robin! Come along. (Aside as she goes off). Three millions! Mother of God! Three millions.
(Exeunt).
Decorated with masts,bearing various devices,illustrative of England’s heroes and their victories,and surmounted with the National flag.The river is crowded with shipping,having all their bunting and streamers abroad,in honour of the great event.Their decks and rigging filled with gaily dressed spectators.All London is there.It is known,that theQueenhas resolved to honour with her presence at dinner,the little ship that has fought its way round the world,and the heroes who manned it.Deck of the Golden Hind covered with an awning,extended with canvas on to the land in a semi-circular form;open in front and supported by pillars—the whole highly ornamented and painted with scenic effect,to represent the great occasions of England’s triumph by sea and land.A dinner-table spread with gold and silver plate,with various jewelled articles in those metals—trophies brought from the Indies—and piled with rare tropical fruits and productions,since become familiar although then extraordinary.A flag in the centre,by order of theQueen,bearing the arms ofDrakeand the mottoes“Divino auxilio”above and“Sic parvis magna”below.The table is occupied by distinguished nobles,knights,and great officers—amongst them,conspicuous,Howard of Effingham,Lord High Admiral;Leicester;Raleigh;Hatton,and others,principally those most against Spain,if not actually in the interest of the Freebooters,who fearlessly kept the Channel and guarded the coast,and who had maintained the right ofQueen Elizabeth,even when her sister was on the throne.On the left,theQueenon a raised platform,with the great ladies of her court,seated at a table.Sailors with a profusion of gold chains,jewels and foreign ornaments standing about.Yet showing their deference to their sovereign,as well as their high discipline.Great cheering.Curtain rises,Drakecomes forward with a large gold richly jewelled goblet filled with wine,which he presents to theQueenkneeling.
Queen. Rise, Mr. Drake. What would you say?
Drake. On behalf of the crew of the “Golden Hind,” I would beg your Majesty’s acceptance of this cup, which is probably the most valuable ever designed for human lips—meet only for the Monarch, whose wisdom and genius have made her country respected and feared by the nations of the earth. The goblet and the wine are the lawful prize of the valour of your men—taken on the great Pacific, whose waters quailed beneath the thunder of your guns. Both have made the circuit of the globe, and thus been guided by Providence to the lips of His most favoured Queen.
Queen(bowing to the men). I accept your precious gift, with thanks.
Drake. My Liege! I have another favour to ask—leave to propose a toast?
Queen. You shall be king, sir, on your own deck, where you have so ably commanded—proceed!
Drake(turning to the company whilst his cup-bearer hands him a golden goblet) Ladies! Lords! Noble Englishmen, and you, brothers in arms, who in this little bark have never struck your flag to a foe, but have carried it at your main, through storm and battle, round the globe, fill your cups and stand. (They fill their cups and stand,a little excited). You have this day received an honour, which is a reward for all your difficulties and dangers. Your Queen acknowledges our services, and condescends to be our guest. This is no common event in the lives of men. It is anerain the history of theworld, which will be read, whilst one page of the great volume lasts (sensation). We have amongst us, the chosen of Providence, who has covered herself and her country, with a glory which shall endure, till time shall be no more; theelected headof thenew towerrising from the sea to rule theworld—to send forth from England the law of commerce and civilisation. (Heturns to theQueen). “For the abundance of the sea shall be converted to you.” (Turning to the company). Hers is not the sceptre of an Attila or a more cruel Philip, by the swords of armed men, steeped in the blood and tears of prostrate humanity. The Trident of the Ocean is the wand of peace, which shall wave over freedom, prosperity, and law. (Sensation). The fortune of our great race may be chequered, but it shall never wane, till it has pushed its nations to the everlasting hills. (Turning and extending his hand towards theQueen). Behold the fountain, the well-head of our progress. When tyranny shall oppress, and prosperity waver, England will look back with hope to her maiden Queen. When her armies conquer, and her navies triumph, when her flag o’er sea and land shall sway the mighty and the free. England will turn with pride to the origin of her power—The reign of her maiden Queen. When the traitor in the council, or the coward in the field, shall betray his country, his honour, his faith, his God, England will fling aside the infamy and take courage from her maiden Queen. When her empire shall gird the globe, with arts, science, commerce, and peace—When the elements themselves shall obey her, and flash from land to land, from sea to sea, her mandates of liberty and law, England will look to her maiden Queen as the starting point of it all. (He looks around,and raising his goblet pronounces the toast).—The Queen! God bless her!
All. The Queen, God bless her. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah.
Tremendous cheering,taken up by the men on the river,and on the land.The sailors on the Golden Hind in great commotion and enthusiasm endeavour to rush forward to theQueen—The officers’ exert themselves to restrain them.Howard,Leicester,and the great men gather roundDrake,who ismuch affected.TheQueenis overcome with emotion!Lord Hunsdon,great chamberlain,who is standing beside her,comes forward.
Lord Hunsdon. Silence, and order! It is Her Majesty’s command that her poet shall commemorate the occasion? (The poet comes forward with a paper.Cheers!)
Several Voices. The Corsairs, song! The Corsairs, song.
SONG OF THE CORSAIRS.
Oh! We’re the boys of thunder!The Rovers of the main;We’ll strike with awe and wonderThe pride of tyrant Spain:Her giant ships are lumber,Their aim is slavery—We count not size or number—We’ll drive thorn from the sea!
Chorus.—Her Tars will fight for England,Till Death or Victory!Nor French, nor Spaniard, here shall land!Hurrah! Brave boys, Hurrah!
Proud Spain shall know we are the menWho boldly board the foe;Who burn or plunder all we can,And others sink below.We are to storm and battle bred,Our Island, as of yore,The home where Freedom lifts her head;And rules from shore to shore!Chorus.
Each Saxon and each Dane sireA sea-king was of old—They left to us, their race, the fireOf soul, which made them bold;Their Empire was the deep sea—It is our heritage,Where we’ll neither yield nor flee!We’ll tame the tyrant’s rage!Chorus.
Spain’s cruel Inquisition burnsOur brethren whom they take,But, the tide of death now turnsThe bark of gallant Drake,For vengeance launched a rich town,Shall give to spoil and flame,Nay more, a Spanish crew drownFor every martyr’s name.Chorus.
Proudest Admirals shall quailBefore thy genius, Drake,And their lofty galleons sailAs captives in thy wake;Gold and gems, for Idols meant,In heaps thy bark shall load—And be to England’s Queen sent,Price of her seamen’s blood.Chorus.
Drake! heroic name of fear!With England’s flag unfurled,Startled every Spaniard’s ear,As first he round the world;His bold untrodden course stood,Eternal fame to build,And his country, great and good,With joy and wealth he filled!Chorus.
On wild Panama he stood,And from its palm-clad height,Gazed on broad Pacific’s flood,So calm in golden light—Thence his fancy strayed abroad,Dreaming of wonders there,Then he turned his thoughts to GodAnd poured his soul in prayer.Chorus
Be mine, Lord, the favoured keelTo cross that unknown waste;And that, through my country’s weal,Benighted man be blessed:Not with gold alone for freight—Nor yet to fight for fame;To belt the globe with holy light,The Glory of Thy Name!Chorus.
My ship with the glittering oreCarries more precious load,The Bible, which ne’er beforeHath journeyed o’er that flood:Let me, in Thy Name, first bearThe message of Thy Peace,“Woe! down-trodden dry thy tear,Thy rod oppression cease.”Chorus.
England is the Bible’s land,The Guardian of The Word!True to trust she safe shall stand—More safe than by the Sword!By Thee elected let her fillHer mission o’er the wave,Just and faithful! Be it still,The lost to seek and save.Chorus.
Oh! Freedom’s is the Ocean!Our Island is its Queen!The billows pay devotion,Around her robed in green:No Despot shall his flag waveUpon its chainless roll!Ocean loves the Free and Brave!’Tis Ours from Pole to Pole!Chorus.
The chorus is taken up by all present,especially the sailors.At the conclusion of the song,much excitement and enthusiasm with confusion among the sailors,subdued with difficulty by the officers—TheQueenrises.
Queen(with much emotion). Brave men! My heart is too full for speech—But even did my feelings permit, what words could measure the daring of your souls, or the greatness of your achievements. You have filled the world with wonder, like the Demigods of fable. Your country and eternal fame can alone requite you—You have my heart, my love! I thank you, and drink to all your healths. (Great cheering,theQueencomes forward.Efforts are made byDrakeand the leading men to restore order.)
Drake(going among the sailors). The Queen, men! The Queen, men, silence in the ship. (Order is restored).
Queen. I have now another duty to perform, which though done to one will through him extend to all. Francis Drake, Come forward. (Drakeadvances). Your sword, sir! (He presents his sword,of enormous value,ornamented with gold and precious stones.TheQueengazes on it with wonder). (Aside) Spanish! Like everything around, it speaks of triumph. This little deck exhales an influence, ’tis holy ground to me. An atmosphere of conquest breathes around me—I feel the power (flourishing the sword). Kneel sir. Francis Drake; you have accomplished deeds of deathless renown, which have thrown over your country a halo of glory and power. You have taught her foes to dread her, your country; that her valour can achieve the conquest of the world: and that thetrident of the oceanof right belongs toEngland. (She strikes him with the sword). Rise, Sir Francis Drake, pursue the path of Knighthood and virtue, till you reach the destined goal of your own and England’s greatness. (She extends her hand to him to kiss,Garter King-at-Armscomes forward and presents a large Escutcheon with a ship on the globe emblazoned on it.Lord Howard of Effingham,Leicester,Raleigh,and others press round to congratulate him,amid the cheers of the sailors).