remaining, and seeming much pleased with their entertainment.
Yet Mr Foster was suspicious of some evil designs,
and gave secret intimation to his people that he was
doubtful of the intentions of these men, but said
nothing to his guests by which they could any way surmise
that he distrusted them. Soon afterwards there
came a shipboat in which were seventy persons, seemingly
merchants and the like of Biscay, and a little behind
came the pinnace in which were twenty-four other persons,
as the Spaniards afterwards confessed. On reaching
the Primrose, the corregidore and three or four of
his men went on board that ship; but on seeing such
a multitude, Mr Foster desired that no more might come
on aboard which was agreed to: Yet suddenly all
the Spaniards left their boat and boarded the Primrose,
all being armed with rapiers and other weapons which
they had brought secretly in the boat, and had even
a drum along with them to proclaim their expected
triumph.
On getting on board, the Spaniards dispersed themselves
over the ship, some below deck, others entering the
cabins, while the most part remained in a body as
if to guard their prize. Then the corregidore,
who had an officer along with him bearing a white
rod in his hand, desired Mr Foster to yield himself
as a prisoner to the king of Spain; on which he called
out to his men that they were betrayed. At this
time some of the Spaniards threatened Mr Foster with
their daggers in a furious manner, as if they would
have slain him, yet they had no such purpose, meaning
only to have taken him and his men prisoners.
Mr Foster and his men were amazed at this sudden assault,
and were greatly concerned to think themselves ready
to be put to death; yet some of them, much concerned
for their own and Mr Fosters danger, and believing
themselves doomed to death if landed as prisoners,
determined either to defend themselves manfully or
to die with arms in their hands, rather than to submit
to the hands of the tormentors[333]; wherefore they
boldly took to their weapons, some armed with javelins,
lances, and boar-spears, and others with five calivers
ready charged, being all the fire-arms they had.
With these they fired up through the gratings of the
hatches at the Spaniards on deck, at which the Spaniards
were sore amazed not knowing how to escape the danger,
and fearing the English had more fire-arms than they
actually possessed. Others of the crew laid manfully
about among the Spaniards with their lances and boar-spears,
disabling two or three of the Spaniards at every stroke.
Then some of the Spaniards urged Mr Foster to command
his men to lay down their arms and surrender; but
he told them that the English were so courageous in
the defence of their lives and liberties, that it
was not in his power to controul them, for on such
an occasion they would slay both them and him.
At this time the blood of the Spaniards flowed plentifully
about the deck; some being shot between the legs from
below, the bullets came out at their breasts; some
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