Moon. Now we have neither corkscrew nor drinking cup, what is to be done?
Saunders. Do you think you lubber, Bill Saunders would forget that, and the General so bad? Here’s a bit of pewter will do what’s wanted, if handsomely used. Show me the bottle, (he seizes the bottle, knocks off the neck with the tankard, and filing it presents it to the General with much applause). Drink, General! (Drake takes the cup, drinks and laughs). That’s the medicine—the true agua vitæ, as a murdering Spaniard would call it. Damn them! The thieves know what’s good, it has the strength of Samson in it. Look at me that was killed dead, and am alive again, and all from that blessed liquor.
Sailor. If you were dead Bill, you were dead drunk.
Saunders. You lie like a doctor or a lawyer. I was only looking after something to revive the General. (Laughter. He is dragged aside by the sailors, who make fun with him. Drake sitting up with some gathered round him assisting and persuading him to go aboard).
Oxenham. Now General, we must have you carried aboard. You require rest and repose and your wounds seen to.
All (crying out confusedly). Aye! Aye! That’s it. Take care of the General, England can’t spare him. Let’s get him aboard.
Oxenham. Besides, your presence is unnecessary. The town is in our hands, not a tongue durst wag, not a dog durst bark. They know their masters.
Drake. Well! brave friends and comrades, as you will.
Drake is carried away amidst cheers from his devoted crew.
Oxenham. Now, about getting our stuff aboard. Lord we could not stow the tenth part of it.