of the Freebooters_, _who fearlessly kept the Channel and guarded the coast_, _and who had maintained the right of_ QUEEN ELIZABETH, _even when her sister was on the throne_. _On the left_, _the_ QUEEN _on a raised platform_, _with the great ladies of her court_, _seated at a table_. _Sailors with a profusion of gold chains_, _jewels and foreign ornaments standing about_. _Yet showing their deference to their sovereign_, _as well as their high discipline_. _Great cheering_. _Curtain rises_, DRAKE _comes forward with a large gold richly jewelled goblet filled with wine_, _which he presents to the_ QUEEN _kneeling_. QUEEN. Rise, Mr. Drake. What would you say? DRAKE. On behalf of the crew of the “Golden Hind,” I would beg your Majesty’s acceptance of this cup, which is probably the most valuable ever designed for human lips—meet only for the Monarch, whose wisdom and genius have made her country respected and feared by the nations of the earth. The goblet and the wine are the lawful prize of the valour of your men—taken on the great Pacific, whose waters quailed beneath the thunder of your guns. Both have made the circuit of the globe, and thus been guided by Providence to the lips of His most favoured Queen. QUEEN (_bowing to the men_). I accept your precious gift, with thanks. DRAKE. My Liege! I have another favour to ask—leave to propose a toast? QUEEN. You shall be king, sir, on your own deck, where you have so ably commanded—proceed! 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.