DRAKE. Oh, excellent! (_he turns to the Indian_) I am glad to be acquainted with one of the oppressed children of the land. We English hate Spaniards like you, and have come here to make war upon them. What is your name? INDIAN. Chiruca.—I am son of the Great Cacique who after the massacre of our people by the cruel Alonzo de Ojeda and the robber Enciso, rallied our nations against the invaders. We have heard of the brave Inglesos, and the terrible Drake. I came to seek you with an offer of friendship. Five great Caciques, with all their warriors, will join you against the foe. I will be your guide to them. You must go up the rivers of Panama—fight them in the woods, and seize the Racoes with the treasure. Our nation will assist you. I shall send Symerons by land to bring them to meet us. DRAKE. The thing I most desire is to cross the Isthmus and catch a glimpse of the great ocean on the other side. CHIRUCA. Nothing can be easier. We shall conduct you through fruit-laden forests, which yet a Spanish foot hath never cursed. DRAKE. Good! When we shall have surprised and plundered Nombre de Dios. (_The men are bustling into the boats and making ready for the attack_.—MOON _salutes_ DRAKE _and eagerly observes_). MOON. That galleon at anchor, General!—Would’nt it be as well to cut away her rigging and send adrift her boats, as we go in? She might make sail whilst we are engaged. DRAKE. Well said, my boy. You’ll see to that. Clip her wings and make her wait our pleasure. We can ease her of her precious burden at our leisure. Now, my men, for action! Nombre de Dios is a victim bound for slaughter, and delivered into our hands. MOON (_saluting_). The Pinnaces and boats, General, are manned and ready. _Officers are bustling about and giving orders_. DRAKE. Well done, Moon! You wait for orders. (_To_ OXENHAM.) A word before we start, Oxenham. You land on the left—lead your corps round to the back. OXENHAM. And that high ground on the east, General. There might be cannon there? DRAKE. Take it in your way. Then push for the eastern gate; it leads to the royal treasure house. Wait there the signal. Here is a plan of the place (_he points to it with his finger as he gives it to him_, _explaining it_). You see the course is clear and simple. When you hear the first volley, rush in with tremendous shouting, and meet me in the market-place. OXENHAM. I shall be there, if alive. _Exit_ OXENHAM _with his corps in a pinnace_. DRAKE. Now then pull for the Quay. Away, my men, away! (_Exeunt_). _Scene changes_. SCENE II.—THE MARKET PLACE. _With the main street leading down to the harbour_, _crowded with English_, _shouting and firing_. _In the distance the bay_, _with the ships_. DRAKE _enters at one side with his men_, _charging_. _As they enter a volley is fired at them by the enemy who immediately fly in confusion_.