Hawkins (laughing). Well, Comrades, I think I have settled their Excellencies; what think you? They must be off. If they meant fighting, they would have boldly entered like men, and asked no one’s leave. They dare not enter into conditions. Philip would execute them all, and rightly too, the poltrons. It would be complete surrender of his authority.
Hampton. It is not long you would have hesitated with such a fleet, General! I think with you, they will be off if the gale will allow them to weather the headlands. Lord! you frightened them; they turned pale at your very look. That’s the way to talk to them. No backing and filling; no hauling of tacks and sheets with Spaniards. A straight course, good headway; with half a gale blowing. That’s what they can’t stand. (He walks aside haughtily).
Bolton. General, you have spoken like a Tar, and an Englishman. I call that sailing to half a point of the compass. (Turning to Hampton). I am like you, Hampton, for carrying all sail, and keeping the red flag flying. Damn their thirteen ships and their new Viceroy Don Martini Henriquez, too, with his thousand soldiers. What’s all that to us? We can soon settle accounts with them, and their odds.—I never once thought of counting the number of Spaniards or Frenchmen, or of their ships either. Before we shall have sunk or burned the half of them, it will be very difficult to find the other half. We are not only a match for them on the open sea, but here they are at our mercy, keep them out, and then the gale will do for them.
Drake. Well said, Old Rough and Ready, you know how to deal with Spaniards. If you trust them, Hawkins, you will rue it all your life. (Exeunt).
Scene III.—HARBOUR OF SAN JUAN DE ULLOA.
The Spaniards during the night have got possession of the batteries on the heights, filled with men a hulk close to the Minion, in order to board her. Their fleet of thirteen large ships arranged for action; their guns brought to bear on the English, who are unprepared; many of their men having been decoyed into the town, the battle commences with an attack on these. The English fight their way to their boats, and pull for their ships. The Council of War on the deck of the Jesus see it and get ready for action.
Enter Hawkins, Drake, Bolton, and Hampton.
Hawkins. Comrades! This harbour of San Juan de Ulloa wears a different face this morning from that it bore when we last surveyed its beauties from this deck; and doubtless inspires you all with altered feelings. With what hope we entered it, as the last waves of the angry sea broke vainly in our wake, and when we dropped anchor, our shattered barks rode easy as seagulls on the waters of the peaceful bay. We congratulated ourselves on our escape from danger—on the profits of a successful voyage—and we surveyed the beauteous landscape in comfort and security. How vain the dream! How changed the reality!
Bolton. Glad as I was then, General, of its friendly shelter, I would rather the fiercest gale that ever howled its threats in the open ocean, than behold that thunder-cloud gathering over our heads (he points to the batteries). How did they get possession of these forts?
Hawkins. Our men, deceived by pretended friendship, cajoled by favour, and seduced by the fascinations of the Creole women, have been allured into the town. During the night the enemy seized the batteries.