Drake. I’ll give them a lesson for the one they taught me at San Juan de Ulloa. Therefore cut down, burn, destroy—save only gold, silver, jewels, and things worth carrying away. I’ll teach them to leave off their bloody work.
Oxenham. Well, General, we have done pretty fair, to put our hands in practice. For months we have sailed through these parts—sacking towns, burning houses, sinking ships, crews and all, plundering and taking prizes, without being over scrupulous as to kind or quantity. Has there been a church, within our reach, where we have left a chalice, or a crucifix, worth carrying away?
Drake. The real work is now beginning. This Nombre de Dios is the shipping port for Spain—the store house of her treasure. Gold abounds here. Men, women, children—the proud Castillian—the feeble Creole—the wild Indian, are covered with it. Who is this you have brought with you?
Oxenham. Oh! We have found a treasure worth the whole plunder of the town. This is one of the noble Symerons, who defend their country against the invader. He will tell you all, and introduce you to his countrymen, at war with the Spaniards.
Drake. Oh, excellent! (he turns to the Indian) I am glad to be acquainted with one of the oppressed children of the land. We English hate Spaniards like you, and have come here to make war upon them. What is your name?
Indian. Chiruca.—I am son of the Great Cacique who after the massacre of our people by the cruel Alonzo de Ojeda and the robber Enciso, rallied our nations against the invaders. We have heard of the brave Inglesos, and the terrible Drake. I came to seek you with an offer of friendship. Five great Caciques, with all their warriors, will join you against the foe. I will be your guide to them. You must go up the rivers of Panama—fight them in the woods, and seize the Racoes with the treasure. Our nation will assist you. I shall send Symerons by land to bring them to meet us.
Drake. The thing I most desire is to cross the Isthmus and catch a glimpse of the great ocean on the other side.
Chiruca. Nothing can be easier. We shall conduct you through fruit-laden forests, which yet a Spanish foot hath never cursed.
Drake. Good! When we shall have surprised and plundered Nombre de Dios. (The men are bustling into the boats and making ready for the attack.—Moon salutes Drake and eagerly observes).
Moon. That galleon at anchor, General!—Would’nt it be as well to cut away her rigging and send adrift her boats, as we go in? She might make sail whilst we are engaged.