subjection, I esteemed better than an ignoble conquest. Upon these thoughts I fell to it.
The rapier men traversed their ground; I, mine. Dangerous thrusts were put in, and with dangerous hazard avoided. Shouts echoed to heaven to encourage the Spaniards: not a shout nor hand to hearten the poor Englishman. Only heaven I had in mine eye, the honour of my country in my heart, my fame at the stake, my life on a narrow bridge, and death both before me and behind me.
It was not now a time to dally. They still made full at me; and I had been a coward to myself, and a villain to my nation, if I had not called up all that weak manhood which was mine to guard my own life, and overthrow my enemies.
Plucking up therefore a good heart, seeing myself faint and wearied; I vowed to my soul to do something, ere she departed from me: and so setting all upon one cast, it was my good fortune (it was my GOD that did it for me), with the butt end, where the iron pike was, to kill one of the three; and within a few bouts after, to disarm the other two; causing the one of them to fly into the army of soldiers then present, and the other for refuge fled behind the bench.
I hope, if the braving Spaniards set upon England as they threaten; we shall every One of us, give repulse to more than Three. Of which good issue for the public, I take this my private success to be a pledge.
Now was I in greater danger, being, as I thought, in peace; than before when I was in battle. For a general murmur filled the air, with threatenings at me: the soldiers especially bit their thumbs, and was it possible for me to escape?
Which the noble Duke of MEDINA SIDONIA seeing, called me to him; and instantly caused proclamation to be made that none, on pain of death, should meddle with me: and by his honourable protection I got off, not only with safety but with money. For by the Dukes and Condes were given me in gold, to the value of four pounds, ten shillings sterling: and by the Marquis ALQUENEZES himself, as much; he, embracing me in his arms, and bestowing upon me that long Spanish russet cloak I now wear; which he took from one of his men's backs, and withal, furnished me with a clean band and cuffs. It being one of the greatest favours a Spanish
