Killigrew. Alas! We expect information here. A terrible battle has been fought. The Queen’s ship the Jesus, with immense value has been captured by the Spaniards, and a vast number of English killed, or made prisoners. Some of the smaller vessels however got away. The Ambassador observes strict silence of Sir John, or Drake, we can learn nothing, the disaster has been terrific, we fear they are all gone. The Queen is in a rage, and says we may go at the treasure ships, that have taken refuge in our ports. I have taken measures to secure those at Southampton, before coming to give you the hint, and to seize these here. She is determined on redress.
Cobham. You see by what I have said, I did not wait for any hints. Don Francisco Diaz, lying there beside my lugger, carries as freight about half a million a Genoese loan to Philip, for which the Duke of Alva hangs fire, his army being in mutiny for their arrears of pay. The Duke promised Philip, that he could make the war self-supporting. He has failed entirely. The Flemings are too much for him in that, they carry off their valuables. He gains battles but there is no plunder! (He turns his eye to the Spanish ship and raising his finger addresses her). Don Francisco Diaz! Thou shalt not deliver thy precious freight at Antwerp! (Cheers in the offing).
Killigrew, (laying his hand on Cobham’s shoulder,) Hush! What’s all that? Something of importance. (They all look.)
Hawkins. What can be up? They are crowding to the beach, and the piers. The cruisers too, they are firing salutes in the offing and showing their bunting. What can it mean? Surely that was a cheer, rolling down upon the wind. Let us go and see, besides, there are queer rumours I should like you to hear whispered about the disaster of our friends, said to come from the Spaniards in the harbour. (A cheer in the offing).
Cobham. That is an undoubled cheer in the offing. There is something ill the wind, go a-head. (Exeunt).
Scene II.
The pier, crowd of sailors, and citizens running as if for some strange news, or standing in groups conjecturing.
Enter W. Hawkins, Sir H. Killigrew, and Sir E. Horsey.
Hawkins. Let us get among the sailors and hear what they think, their instinct for the real is marvellous, as their far-sightedness at sea. Here’s a group of the right sort for us! Pointing to some powerful men of haughty bearing and daring expression, dressed in a superior style, flaunting gold chains and massive jewellery, with Indian silk handkerchiefs carelessly worn, and other marks of wealth obstentiously displayed. They seem not only to stand aloof by themselves but to shoulder their way without considering much whether or not, they give offence. As Hawkins and his companions make their way into the group one of them salutes with an air of recognition.
Sailor. Good day, Captain! If there were Spaniards here, I would say to them “War hawks, make all sail!” (Looking with a knowing wink at his companions).