Scene II.—THE MARKET PLACE.
With the main street leading down to the harbour, crowded with English, shouting and firing. In the distance the bay, with the ships. Drake enters at one side with his men, charging. As they enter a volley is fired at them by the enemy who immediately fly in confusion.
Drake. Where are the longbows now? Give them your bolts, scourge them with English hail! Brave Oxenham! Here he comes true to promise. (Enter Oxenham with his men from the other side, shouting).
Oxenham. Hurrah my boys! (the bowmen shoot cheering). Hah! They can’t stand that sort of storm blast, in these latitudes, general. We have carried all before us.
Drake. The town is ours. Now to secure the treasure. (Confusion—The English mustering and charging about with their axes and longbows).
Enter Moon with two Spaniards, prisoners. The men cheer him.
Moon. Here are two prisoners, general. I have granted them their lives on condition that they lead us to the treasure store.
Drake (in much delight and surprise). Lucky Moon! To the treasure store! (Confusion and rushing about).
English (shouting). To the treasure store! To the treasure store!
1st Spaniard. Here is the king’s treasure house at hand! (He turns to another side of the Market-place, and points to a wide door open, with lights burning, exposing piles of gold and silver bars, with quantities of precious stones). How strange! The great doors open, and lights burning! (aside), some traitor—an Indian perhaps. There is treasure for you, enough to freight a fleet.