Drake (turning to the company whilst his cup-bearer hands him a golden goblet) Ladies! Lords! Noble Englishmen, and you, brothers in arms, who in this little bark have never struck your flag to a foe, but have carried it at your main, through storm and battle, round the globe, fill your cups and stand. (They fill their cups and stand, a little excited). You have this day received an honour, which is a reward for all your difficulties and dangers. Your Queen acknowledges our services, and condescends to be our guest. This is no common event in the lives of men. It is an era in the history of the world, which will be read, whilst one page of the great volume lasts (sensation). We have amongst us, the chosen of Providence, who has covered herself and her country, with a glory which shall endure, till time shall be no more; the elected head of the new tower rising from the sea to rule the world—to send forth from England the law of commerce and civilisation. (He turns to the Queen). “For the abundance of the sea shall be converted to you.” (Turning to the company). Hers is not the sceptre of an Attila or a more cruel Philip, by the swords of armed men, steeped in the blood and tears of prostrate humanity. The Trident of the Ocean is the wand of peace, which shall wave over freedom, prosperity, and law. (Sensation). The fortune of our great race may be chequered, but it shall never wane, till it has pushed its nations to the everlasting hills. (Turning and extending his hand towards the Queen). Behold the fountain, the well-head of our progress. When tyranny shall oppress, and prosperity waver, England will look back with hope to her maiden Queen. When her armies conquer, and her navies triumph, when her flag o’er sea and land shall sway the mighty and the free. England will turn with pride to the origin of her power—The reign of her maiden Queen. When the traitor in the council, or the coward in the field, shall betray his country, his honour, his faith, his God, England will fling aside the infamy and take courage from her maiden Queen. When her empire shall gird the globe, with arts, science, commerce, and peace—When the elements themselves shall obey her, and flash from land to land, from sea to sea, her mandates of liberty and law, England will look to her maiden Queen as the starting point of it all. (He looks around, and raising his goblet pronounces the toast).—The Queen! God bless her!

All. The Queen, God bless her. Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah.

Tremendous cheering, taken up by the men on the river, and on the land. The sailors on the Golden Hind in great commotion and enthusiasm endeavour to rush forward to the Queen—The officers’ exert themselves to restrain them. Howard, Leicester, and the great men gather round Drake, who is much affected. The Queen is overcome with emotion! Lord Hunsdon, great chamberlain, who is standing beside her, comes forward.

Lord Hunsdon. Silence, and order! It is Her Majesty’s command that her poet shall commemorate the occasion? (The poet comes forward with a paper. Cheers!)

Several Voices. The Corsairs, song! The Corsairs, song.

SONG OF THE CORSAIRS.

Oh! We’re the boys of thunder!
The Rovers of the main;
We’ll strike with awe and wonder
The pride of tyrant Spain:
Her giant ships are lumber,
Their aim is slavery—
We count not size or number—
We’ll drive thorn from the sea!

Chorus.—Her Tars will fight for England,
Till Death or Victory!
Nor French, nor Spaniard, here shall land!
Hurrah! Brave boys, Hurrah!

Proud Spain shall know we are the men
Who boldly board the foe;
Who burn or plunder all we can,
And others sink below.
We are to storm and battle bred,
Our Island, as of yore,
The home where Freedom lifts her head;
And rules from shore to shore! Chorus.

Each Saxon and each Dane sire
A sea-king was of old—
They left to us, their race, the fire
Of soul, which made them bold;
Their Empire was the deep sea—
It is our heritage,
Where we’ll neither yield nor flee!
We’ll tame the tyrant’s rage! Chorus.