KILLIGREW. Well she is beginning to see, that we are the men that she must rely on at last, and even Cecil is opening his eyes. This last affair of Sir John Hawkins, so base, cowardly, and cruel. Such an outrage upon truth and honour. Her pride has been seriously hurt, and you see she was a large partner in the venture, and the profits of enormous value, entirely lost. This has wounded our Queen in the tenderest part—her pocket. She has sent me down to ascertain if any direct tidings have come to hand—and to consult with William Hawkins and the rest of you, what can be done. She does not like open war, and fears Philip will declare it.
COBHAM. How can he further declare it than by his acts? Has he not, as far as Edicts can, closed his Ports against us, and attempted to destroy our trade with the Flemings, who cannot do without us. Bah! has not Hawkins boldly and seamanly answered the challenge just before he sailed, by firing upon a Spanish Man of War, with prisoners, in Plymouth Harbour? What is peace and what war. Well! I fear Spanish justice has overtaken him at last with all his tricks and finesse, and all his gallantry and skill, what is the truth? Is there any intelligence at all, William? That is what I followed you up to hear.
HAWKINS. Nothing direct, I fear the worst. That they are all gone down after the battle, or worse perhaps, taken, and handed over to the Inquisition. The dreaded name of Hawkins, would bring down on them, the full vials of Philip’s wrath. Whatever we know, is from Spanish sources—Killigrew can give it authentic, through the Government.
KILLIGREW. Alas! We expect information here. A terrible battle has been fought. The Queen’s ship the Jesus, with immense value has been captured by the Spaniards, and a vast number of English killed, or made prisoners. Some of the smaller vessels however got away. The Ambassador observes strict silence of Sir John, or Drake, we can learn nothing, the disaster has been terrific, we fear they are all gone. The Queen is in a rage, and says we may go at the treasure ships, that have taken refuge in our ports. I have taken measures to secure those at Southampton, before coming to give you the hint, and to seize these here. She is determined on redress.