HAWKINS. Comrades, we may well thank God for this refuge. We had a narrow escape in that gale. I thought the “Jesus” of Lubeck would never weather it. Our voyage has been prosperous beyond expectations. Above a million and a half netted, with four hundred Negroes still on hands. To have left it all behind, with our bodies to the sharks, in the Gulf of Mexico, would have been a calamity. Now with our freight of enormous value, even if we were rid of our remaining Negroes, we could not move till we refit. This old hulk in her present condition, would never float to England. Besides, the possibility of falling in with a Spanish fleet—our canvas in rags, and spars in this state. Weigh it well, comrades!—Weigh it well. BOLTON. This is the very spot for us; we ride here in safety. Neither wind nor sea can touch us. And we are masters of the place. Our guns on the island command the entrance, the town is at our own mercy, the fortified heights are in our hands; we could sink the whole Navy of Spain in five minutes. DRAKE. I should be very sorry to see the whole Navy of Spain for the present. There are twelve first-rate ships here, and two hundred thousand pounds worth of gold and silver in them, which with what we have already made, and our pearls, emeralds, and precious metals, would be a goodly return—say something like two millions. It would give us some weight in our native country! Heh! (_He walks about with a smile_, _as they stare at him excited_) Why Old England has not seen the like. How jolly Plymouth would shout with all her Tars. By St. George, I think I see the uproar when they should behold our Gallant Navy riding in the Sound. (_He looks at them as they gaze in excitement_—_even_ HAWKINS _is surprised_) It is a great temptation! Philip might threaten. Cecil might grumble and make notes; the Jesuits might plot; but England and our noble Queen would look at us with other eyes. I say, take the treasure and the ships; put the town to ransom; and let us be off! I don’t like the look of the place. Delays are dangerous. Action! action! for me. I hate Spain and her people. Treachery, perfidy, and cruelty make up the mind and character of a Spaniard. HAWKINS. Hitherto we have acted within law, and under treaty, solemnly made between Spain and England. DRAKE. I have no faith in and treaty or peace subsisting between the nations (_He comes up to_ HAWKINS, _looks at him archly in the face_. _All observing with great interest_) Why man, you forget the small exchange of national amenities just before our departure. HAWKINS (_laughing_) Oh! you allude to that Spanish ship which—