Act 2 — Scene III.—HARBOUR OF SAN JUAN DE ULLOA.

The Spaniards during the night have got possession of the batteries on the heights, filled with men a hulk close to the Minion, in order to board her. Their fleet of thirteen large ships arranged for action; their guns brought to bear on the English, who are unprepared; many of their men having been decoyed into the town, the battle commences with an attack on these. The English fight their way to their boats, and pull for their ships. The Council of War on the deck of the Jesus see it and get ready for action.

Enter Hawkins, Drake, Bolton, and Hampton.

Hawkins. Comrades! This harbour of San Juan de Ulloa wears a different face this morning from that it bore when we last surveyed its beauties from this deck; and doubtless inspires you all with altered feelings. With what hope we entered it, as the last waves of the angry sea broke vainly in our wake, and when we dropped anchor, our shattered barks rode easy as seagulls on the waters of the peaceful bay. We congratulated ourselves on our escape from danger—on the profits of a successful voyage—and we surveyed the beauteous landscape in comfort and security. How vain the dream! How changed the reality!

Bolton. Glad as I was then, General, of its friendly shelter, I would rather the fiercest gale that ever howled its threats in the open ocean, than behold that thunder-cloud gathering over our heads (he points to the batteries). How did they get possession of these forts?

Hawkins. Our men, deceived by pretended friendship, cajoled by favour, and seduced by the fascinations of the Creole women, have been allured into the town. During the night the enemy seized the batteries.

Drake (looking towards the town). They are reaping the bitter fruits of disobedience now, or I am much mistaken. (Shouts, tumult, and confusion of a multitude intermingled with shots and cheers come from the shore.) Hark to that! It is an English cheer and an angry one! It cuts sharp and clear like the tone of a fife through the roar of battle.

Shouts of Sailors on Shore. Hurrah for Moone! Stick to them boys! Hurrah!

Drake. That’s Moone in the front; how he wields his axe! He cleaves them like sheep in the slaughter house. That’s big Jack Winter, with the boat-hook; he handles it as if it were a quarterstaff. How he scatters the little Spaniards! Brave boys, lay on!

Bolton. The crowd falls back before these two men, (great excitement on board the Jesus). Our fellows have the best of it. They have gained their boats and are pulling for their ships. (Shouts continue, the sailors in the boats hail).

Sailors in the Boats. “Jesus a-hoy.” (The sailors on board begin to crowd the deck in great excitement and prepare to cheer).

Hawkins. Hush! No cheers as you value our safety. Silence! Silence in the ship! Boatswain, all hands to quarters in silence. Men to the guns, deck watch, stand by to get under weigh. (He rushes about to restore order).

Hampton. Could not our fellows by a sudden charge surprise the forts?

Hawkins (With assumed confidence). It is too late, alas! But I signed the treaty with an Ambassador of Spain, and with Philip’s Viceroy of all the Indies. We have their honour and the credit of their nation for its fulfilment. Upon its conditions I gave them entry into the harbour, and saved them from destruction. Suppose they have got possession of the batteries, they are bound to give us safe and peaceable right to victual and re-fit, with freedom of departure.

Drake. Oh Hawkins, delusion, mere delusion! A treaty when you have not the means to enforce it. There is not a moment to waste. Action! Action! (With energy) Prepare for instant battle, or it will be every way too late.

Hampton. They are getting into line with springs on their cables, so that every gun may bear.

Drake. And the batteries, they are pointing the guns on us. Look there Hawkins. You have the weather gage, make for them under all sail; with the command of the wind, you can give a double broadside. Set your ship on fire, and run her aboard the Admiral. In the confusion take to your boats and pull for the Minion. We shall pepper away, and get to sea. On the blue water our legs will be too long for them, should they dare to follow us. Goodbye, God bless you, Hawkins, should we not meet again, (they shake hands). No surrender. Victory or death. (Exeunt Drake, Hampton, and Bolton.) (Scene changes.)