thus at sea, was chased by a tall Man of War, a Dunkirker [coming from Dunkirk]; who came towards them, as if she meant to overrun them at once and bury their ruins [fragments] in the bottom of the ocean. Which WARNER perceiving, pretended to make away with one of his Pinnaces; as if he purposed to save a stake, and leave the other to the enemy's fury and spoils. The Dunkirker, not able to fasten on both at once, took the advantage of the first; intending when he had seized her to make like prize of the other: hails her, boards her; his sailors and soldiers, being all greedy of booty, neglect their own ship; only busying themselves in the rifling of the other, where I leave them all busy at work.
Which WARNER perceiving, and not willing to slack so good an opportunity, takes advantage of the wind, suddenly casteth about [tacks] and seizeth upon the Dunkirk's ship, whose men were, most of them, aboard the other pinnace; boards her, takes her, mans her: and now being armed with her strength; commands both his other Pinnace and all the enemies aboard her. By which stratagem, he not only ransomed his own, but subdued his enemies; made prize both of ship and goods, and took all the men prisoners. A noble encouragement to all the brave captains and commanders of our nation to try to imitate him in his resolution and valour.
And thus, worthy Countrymen! you see that notwithstanding the proud braves [bravados] of the Public Enemy, their scandals and calumnies with all the aspersions of disgrace that their malice can devise, to cast upon our Kingdom and country; maugre their invasions threatened on land or their naval triumphs boasted at sea: how the great Creator of all things (in whose sight pride, vainglory and ambition are abominable) can when He pleases, by the hand of the young man DAVID stoop the stiff neck of the strongest GOLIATH. And, noble countrymen! may these few encouragements put into you the ancient courage of your ancestors; whose memories through all seas, nations and languages, have been and ever shall be sacred to all posterities. Now is the time of acting, and to show yourselves as you have been ever held and esteemed; brave in attempting, and bold in performing. And so, without question, your expeditions shall be successful, as the fame of your virtues immortal.
FINIS.
