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.