[_reservation_]; and told them plainly, "He did require no such
thing at their hands! but the slaves and himself would first sound
the channel, and adventure the water." And so, after reciprocal
oaths taken, and hands given; RAWLINS, once again, lay in wait for
the fittest opportunity. But once again he was disappointed; and a
suspicious accident brought him to re-collect his spirits anew, and
study on the danger of the enterprise: and thus it was.
After the Renegado Gunner had protested secrecy, by all that might
induce a man to bestow some belief upon him; he presently went up the
scottle [_scuttle_]; but stayed not aloft a quarter of an hour. Nay, he
came sooner down; and in the Gunner Room sat by RAWLINS, who tarried
for him, where he left him.
He was no sooner placed, and entered into some conference, but there
entered into the place, a furious Turk, with his knife drawn, and
presented it to RAWLINS's body: who verily supposed he intended to kill
him; as suspicious that the Gunner had discovered something. Whereat
RAWLINS was much moved; and so hastily asked, "What the matter meant?
or whether he would kill him or not?" observing his countenance; and
(according to the nature of jealousy) conceiting that his colour had
a passage of change, whereby his suspicious heart condemned him for
a traitor; but that, at more leisure, he sware the contrary, and
afterwards proved faithful and industrious in the enterprise. And for
the present, he answered RAWLINS, in this manner, "No, Master! be not
afraid! I think, he doth but jest!"
With that, JOHN RAWLINS gave back a little, and drew out his knife;
stepping also to the Gunner's sheath, and taking out his, whereby he
had two knives to one: which, when the Turk perceived, he threw down
his knife, saying, "He did but jest with him!"
But, as I said, when the Gunner perceived, RAWLINS took it so ill, he
whispered something in his ear, that, at last, satisfied him: calling
heaven to witness that "He never spake a word of the enterprise, nor
ever would! either to the prejudice of the business, or danger of his
person."
Notwithstanding, RAWLINS kept the knives in his sleeve, all night, and
was somewhat troubled; for that he had made so many acquainted with
an action of such importance: but, the next day, when he perceived
the coast clear, and that there was no further cause for fear, he
somewhat comforted himself; and grew bolder and bolder in disposing
the affairs of the ship. Only it grieved him that his enterprises were
thus procrastinated: whereby the Mahomedan tyranny increased, and the
poor slaves even groaned again under the burden of their bondage; and
thought every day a year, till something was put in execution for
their deliverance. For it was now full five weeks since RAWLINS first
projected the matter.
All this while, RAWLINS drew the Captain to lie for the Northern
Cape [? _Cape Finisterre_], assuring him, that thereby he should not
miss purchase; which accordingly fell out, as a wish would have it:
but his drift was, in truth, to draw him from any supply or second
[_reinforcement_] of Turks, if GOD should give way to their enterprise,
or success to the victory.
Yet, for the present, the 6th of February, being twelve leagues from
the Cape, we descried a sail; and presently, took the advantage of the
wind in chasing her, and at last fetched her up, making her strike all
her sails: whereby we knew her to be a bark belonging to Torbay, near
Dartmouth, that came from Averare, laden with salt.
Ere we had fully despatched, it chanced to be foul weather; so that
we could not, or at least would not make out our boat; but caused the
Master of the bark to let down his, and come aboard with his company;
there being in the bark but nine men, and one boy.
And so the Master, leaving his Mate with two men in the same, came
himself, with five men and the boy unto us; whereupon our Turkish
Captain sent ten Turks to man her: amongst whom, were two Dutch and one
English Renegado, who were of our confederacy, and acquainted with us.
But when RAWLINS saw this partition of his friends, before they could
hoist out their boat for the bark; he made means to speak with them,
and told them plainly that "He would prosecute the matter, either
that night, or the next: and therefore, whatsoever came of it, they
should acquaint the English with his resolution, and make towards
England; bearing up the helm, whiles the Turks slept and suspected no
such matter. For, by GOD's grace, in his first watch, about midnight,
he would shew them a light; by which they might understand that the
enterprise was begun, or, at least, in a good forwardness for the
execution."
So the boat was let down, and they came to the bark of Torbay; where
the Master's Mate being left, as before you have heard, apprehended
quickly the matter, and heard the discourse with amazement.
But time was precious, and not to be spent in disputing or casting
of doubts, whether the Turks that were with them were able to master
them or not; being seven to six: considering they had the helm of the
ship, and the Turks being soldiers, and ignorant of sea affairs, could
not discover whether they went to Argier or not; or, if they did,
they resolved, by RAWLINS's example, to cut their throats, or cast
them overboard. And so I leave them to make use of the Renegadoes'
instructions: and return to RAWLINS again.
* * * * *
The Master of the bark of Torbay and his company were quickly searched,
and as quickly pillaged, and dismissed to the liberty of the ship;
whereby RAWLINS had leisure to entertain him with the lamentable news
of their extremities, and the adventure of their voyages: whereby he
understood of his first setting out from the West country, of his
taking and surprising at sea by VILLA RISE; of his twice being sold
as a slave, and so continuing to his heart-burning and excruciation;
of the making [of] the _Exchange_ of Bristol, a Man of War, which
they were now in; of the Captain and Master, who were both English
Renegadoes; of the cruelty of the Turks in general, and his own
fortunes in particular; of his admission into the ship as a Pilot; of
the friendship which passed between him and the Hollanders; of the
imparting of the secret of surprising the ship, both to the slaves and
Christian Renegadoes; of their consent and courageous apprehension of
the matter; of the first attempt, and their twice disappointing; of his
still resolution presently [_at once_] to put it in practice; of his
last acquainting [of] the Dutch Renegadoes who went aboard his bark;
and in a word, of every particular which was befitting to the purpose.
"Yea," he told him, that "that night, he should lose the sight of them,
for they would make the helm for England;" and that he "would, that
night, and evermore, pray for their good success and safe deliverance."
* * * * *
When the Master of the Bark of Torbay had heard him out, and that his
company were partakers of his story; they all became silent: not either
diffident of his discourse or afraid of the attempt; but as wondering
at the goodness of GOD, and His mercy in choosing out such weak
instruments to set forth His glory.
"True," quoth RAWLINS, when he found them coming towards him, "it is
so! For mark but the circumstance of the matter! and you shall see
the very finger of GOD to point us out our deliverance! When we came
into the main ocean to hunt after prizes, according to the nature of
pirates, and that I resolved on the enterprise, there were sixty-five
Turks in our ship, and only seventeen of our confederacy. Then it
pleased GOD to abate us ten of the Turks, who were sent with the
Polacca before recited. And when we were disappointed again of our
purposes; you see now what hath chanced! We are rid of more Turks,
and welcome you, as a new supply! so that, if you please, we shall be
twenty-four strong; and they, in all, are but forty-five. Be therefore
courageous! and let us join heart, hand, and foot together that we may
execute this brave attempt for GOD's glory, our country's honour, the
good example to others, our own deliverance, and (if we may not be
counted vainglorious) our everlasting memory."
By that time he had finished this discourse also, the Master of
the Bark and his company resolved to assist him: as projecting
[_foreseeing_] the misery and wretchedness they should endure by being
slaves to the Turks, and the happiness of their liberty besides the
reputation of the enterprise. As for death, it was in community to
all men: and so in the hands of GOD to dispose, at His pleasure; and
either could not happen before the hour of limitation, or could not be
prevented. For human policy must submit to Divine Providence.
* * * * *
Yet to shew himself an understanding man, he demanded of RAWLINS, "What
weapons he had? and in what manner he would execute the business?"
To which, he answered, that "He had ropes and iron hooks, to make fast
the scottels, gratings, and cabins. He had also in the Gunner Room two
curtleaxes, and the slaves had five crows of iron before them. Besides,
in the scuffling, they made no question [of taking] of some of the
soldiers' weapons."
Then for the manner, he told them, "They were sure of the ordnance, the
Gunner Room, and the powder: and so blocking them up, would either kill
them, as they came down; or turn the ordnance against their cabins,
or blow them into the air by one stratagem or other." Thus were they
contented, on all sides; and resolved to the enterprise.
* * * * *
The next morning, being the 7th of February, the prize of Torbay was
not to be seen or found; whereat the Captain began to storm and swear,
commanding RAWLINS to search the seas up and down for her: who bestowed
all that day in that business, but to little purpose; whereupon, when
the humour was spent, the Captain pacified himself, as conceiting he
should be sure to find her at Argier. But, by the permission of the
Ruler of all actions, that Argier was England! and all his wickedness
frustrated.
For RAWLINS being now startled, lest he should return in this humour,
for the Straits; the 8th of February went down into the hold, and
finding a great deal of water below; told the Captain of the same:
adding that "It did not come to the pump!" which he did very politicly,
that he might remove the ordnance.
For when the Captain asked him the reason, he told him, "the ship was
too far after the head."
Then, he commanded to use the best means he could, to bring her in
order.
"Sure, then," quoth RAWLINS, "we must quit our cables, and bring four
pieces of ordnance after [_abaft_]; and that would bring the water to
the pump." Which was presently put in practice.
So the pieces being usually made fast thwart the ship, we brought two
of them, with their mouths right before the biticle [_binnacle_]. And
because the Renegado Flemings would not begin [_i.e., the fight_]; it
was thus concluded.
That the ship having three decks; we that did belong to the Gunner Room
should be all there, and break up the lower deck. The English slaves,
who always lay in the middle deck should do the like, and watch the
scuttles. RAWLINS himself prevailed with the Gunner, for so much powder
as should prime the pieces: and so told them all, there was no better
watchword, nor means to begin, than, upon the report of the piece, to
make a cry and screech [_shout_], "For GOD, and King JAMES!" and "St.
GEORGE for England!"
When all things were prepared, and every man resolved, as knowing what
he had to do; and the hour when it should happen, to be two in the
afternoon: RAWLINS advised the Master Gunner to speak to the Captain,
that the soldiers might attend on the poop, which would bring the ship
after [_more aft_]. To which the Captain was very willing; and upon the
Gunner's information, the soldiers gat themselves to the Poop to the
number of twenty; and five or six went into the Captain's cabin, where
always lay divers curtleaxes and some targets [_shields_].
And so we fell to work to pump the water; and carried the matter fairly
till the next day, which was spent as the former; being the 9th of
February, and, as GOD must have the praise! the triumph of our victory.
For by that time, all things were prepared, and the soldiers got upon
the Poop as the day before. To avoid suspicion, all that did belong to
the Gunner Room went down; and the slaves in the middle deck, attended
[to] their business. So that we may cast up our account in this manner.
First, nine English slaves, besides JOHN RAWLINS; five of the
Torbay men and one boy; four English Renegadoes and two Dutch; four
Hollanders: in all, four and twenty and a boy.
So that lifting up our hearts and hands to GOD, for the success of the
business; we were wonderfully encouraged, and settled ourselves till
the report of the piece gave us warning of the enterprise.
Now, you must consider that, in this company, were two of RAWLINS's
men, JAMES ROE and JOHN DAVIES, whom he brought out of England; and
whom the fortune of the sea brought into the same predicament with
their Master.
These were employed about noon, being, as I said, the 9th of February,
to prepare their matches; while all the Turks, or at least most of
them, stood on the Poop, to weigh down the ship as it were, to bring
the water forward to the pump, the one brought his match lighted
between two spoons, the other brought his, in a little piece of a can.
And so, in the name of GOD! the Turks and Moors being placed as you
have heard, and five and forty in number; and RAWLINS having proined
the touchholes: JAMES ROE gave fire to one of the pieces, about two
o'clock in the afternoon; and the confederates, upon the warning,
shouted most cheerfully.
The report of the piece did tear and break down all the biticle and
compasses; and the noise of the slaves made all the soldiers amazed at
the matter: till seeing the quarter of the ship rent and feeling the
whole body to shake under them; understanding the ship was surprised,
and the attempt tended to their utter destruction, never bear robbed of
her whelps was so fell and mad!
For they not only called us "Dogs!" and cried out "_Usance de la
mar_," which is as much as to say, "The fortune of the wars!" but
attempted to tear up the planks, setting a work hammers, hatchets,
knives, the oars of the boat, boat-hook, their curtleaxes, and what
else came to hand; besides stones and bricks in the Cook Room: all
which they threw amongst us; attempting still and still, to break and
rip up the hatches and boards of the steering, not desisting from their
former execrations, and horrid blasphemies and revilings.
When JOHN RAWLINS perceived them so violent, and understood how the
slaves had cleared the decks of all the Turks and Moors beneath; he set
a guard upon the powder, and charged their own muskets against them:
killing them from divers scout holes, both before and behind; and so
lessened their number, to the joy of all our hearts.
Whereupon they cried out, and called for the Pilot: and so RAWLINS,
with some to guard him, went to them; and understood them, by their
kneeling, that they cried for mercy and to have their lives saved; and
they would come down; which he bade them do. And so they were taken
one by one, and bound; yea, killed with their own curtleaxes. Which,
when the rest perceived, they called us, "English dogs!" and reviled us
with many opprobrious terms; some leaping overboard, saying, "It was
the chance of war!" Some were manacled, and so thrown overboard: and
some were slain and mangled with the curtleaxes; till the ship was well
cleared, and ourselves assured of the victory.
At the first report of our piece, and the hurly burly in the decks; the
Captain was writing in his cabin: and hearing the noise, thought it
some strange accident; and so, came out with his curtleaxe in his hand,
presuming by his authority to pacify the mischief.
But when he cast his eyes upon us, and saw that we were like to
surprise the ship; he threw down his curtleaxe, and begged to save his
life: intimating to RAWLINS, "how he had redeemed him from VILLA RISE;
and ever since admitted him to place of command in the ship; besides
honest usage in the whole course of the voyage."
All which RAWLINS confessed; and at last, condescended [_agreed_] to
mercy: and brought the Captain and five more into England.
The Captain was called RAMTHAM RISE; but his Christian name, HENRY
CHANDLER: and, as they say, a chandler's son in Southwark. JOHN GOODALE
was also an English Turk. RICHARD CLARKE, in Turkish, JAFAR; GEORGE
COOKE, RAMEDAM; JOHN BROWNE, MAMME; WILLIAM WINTER, MUSTAPHA: besides
all the slaves and Hollanders; with other Renegadoes, who were willing
to be reconciled to their true Saviour, as being formerly seduced with
the hopes of riches, honour preferment, and such like devilish baits to
catch the souls of mortal men and entangle frailty in the tarriers of
horrible abuses and imposturing deceit.
When all was done, and the ship cleared of the dead bodies; JOHN
RAWLINS assembled his men together, and with one consent gave the
praise to GOD: using the accustomed Service on ship board: and, for
want of books, lifted up their voices to GOD, as He put into their
hearts or renewed their memories. Then, did they sing a _Psalm_;
and, last of all, embraced one another, for playing the men in such
a deliverance, whereby our fear was turned into joy, and trembling
hearts exhilarated; that we had escaped such inevitable dangers, and
especially the slavery and terror of bondage, worse than death itself!
The same night, we washed our ship, put everything in as good order as
we could, repaired the broken quarter, set up the biticle, and bore
up the helm for England: where, by GOD's grace and good guiding, we
arrived at Plymouth, the 13th of February 1622; and were welcomed like
the recovery of the lost sheep, or as you read of a loving mother that
runneth, with embraces to entertain her son from a long voyage and
escape of many dangers.
Not long after, we understood of our confederates that returned home in
the bark of Torbay, that they arrived in Penzance in Cornwall, the 11th
of February.
And if any ask after their deliverance, considering there were ten
Turks sent to man her, I will tell you that too.
The next day after they lost us [_i.e., 7th_], as you have heard, the
three Renegadoes had acquainted the Master's Mate and the two English
in her, with RAWLINS' determination; and that they themselves would be
true to them, and assist them in any enterprise: then, if the worst
came, there were but seven to six.
But, as it fell out, they had a more easy passage than turmoil and
manslaughter. For they made the Turks believe the wind was come fair,
and that they were sailing to Argier, till they came within sight
of England: which one of them amongst the rest discovered, saying
plainly, "that land was not like Cape St. Vincent!"
"Yes!" saith he that was at the helm, "and [_if_] you will be
contented, and go down into the hold; and turn the salt over to
windward, whereby the ship may bear full sail: you shall know and see
more to-morrow!"
Whereupon five of them went down very orderly, the Renegadoes feigning
themselves asleep; who presently start up, and with the help of the
two English, nailed down the hatches. Whereat the principal amongst
them much repined; and began to grow into choler and rage, had it not
quickly been overpassed. For one stepped to him, and dashed out his
brains; and threw him overboard.
The rest were brought to Exeter: either to be arraigned according to
the punishment of delinquents in that kind, or disposed of as the King
and Council shall think meet.
And this is the story of this Deliverance, and end of JOHN RAWLINS's
voyage.
* * * * *
Now, gentle Reader! I hope you will not call in question the power
and goodness of GOD, who, from time to time, extendeth His mercy to
the miraculous preservation of His servants; nor make any doubt that
He hath still the same arm and vigour as He had in times past, when
GIDEON's three hundred men overcame the Midianites: and many ancient
stratagems are recorded to have had a passage of success, even within
our memories, to execute as great a wonder as this. Nor do I think you
will be startled at anything in the discourse touching the cruelty
and inhumanity of Turks and Moors themselves: who, from a native
barbarousness, do hate all Christians and Christianity; especially
if they grow into the violent rages of piracy, or fall into that
exorbitant course of selling of slaves, or enforcing of men to be
Mahomedans.
Nor can I imagine, you will call in question our natural desire of
liberty, and saving of our lives, when you see, from instinct of
nature, all the creatures of the world come to the law of preservation:
and our Saviour Himself, alloweth the flying out of one city into
another, in the time of persecution; and PAUL, by saying "He was a
Roman!" procured his delivery.
Well, then, it is only the truth of the story that you are amazed at:
making doubt whether your belief of the same may be bestowed to your
own credit! I can say no more. The actors in this comic tragedy are
most of them alive. The Turks are in prison! the ship is to be seen!
and RAWLINS himself dare justify the matter! For he hath presented it
to the Marquis! a man not to be dallied withal in these things; nor any
way to be made partaker of deceit.
Nay, I protest I think he durst not, for his ears! publish (concerning
the substance) such a discourse to open overlooking, if it were
not true! As for illustration, or cementing the broken pieces of
well-tempered mortar, blame him not in that! For precious stones are
worn enamelled and wrought in gold; which otherwise would still be of
value and estimation; but published and receiving the addition of art
and cunning, who doth not account [them] the better, and esteemeth
himself the ruler for their possession.
So, then, entertain it for a true and certain discourse! Apply it!
make use of it! and put it to thy heart for thy comfort! It teacheth
the acknowledgment of a powerful, provident, and merciful GOD, who
will be known in His wonders, and make weak things the instruments of
His glory! It instructeth us in the practice of thanksgiving when a a
benefit is bestowed, a mercy shown, and a deliverance perfected. It
maketh us strong and courageous in adversity, like cordial restoratives
to a sick heart; and our patience shall stand like a rock, against the
impetuous assaults of affliction. It is a glorious sun to dissipate
the clouds of desperation; and cheer us thus far that GOD can restore
us, when we are under the pressure of discomfort and tribulation: for
preferment comes neither from the East, nor the West; but from Him that
holdeth the winds in His hands, and puts a hook in the nostrils of
Leviathan.
So that if He do not give way to our contentment, it is because He
will supply us with better graces, or keep us from the adder's hole of
Temptation, whereat, if we tarry, we shall be sure to be stung unto
death.
In a word, it is a Mirror to look Virtue in the face! and teach men the
way to industry and noble performances; that a brave spirit and honest
man shall say, with NEHEMIAH, "_Shall such a man as I! fly?_ Shall I
fear death or some petty trial; when GOD is to be honoured! my country
to be served! my King to be obeyed! Religion to be defended! the
Commonwealth supported! honour and renown obtained! and, in the end,
the crown of immortality purchased?"
[Illustration]
The names of those [four] English Renegadoes as consented, and joined
with the Slaves, in the recovery of the Ship, were these:
RICHARD CLARKE, the Gunner; called in Turkish, JAFAR.
GEORGE COOKE, Gunner's Mate; called in Turkish, RAMEDAM.
WILLIAM WINTER, Carpenter; in Turkish, MUSTAPHA.
JOHN BROWNE, in Turkish, MEMME.
One Dutch Renegado.
Four Dutch Slaves.
One French Slave.
Five Englishmen and a boy, taken but three days before.
Nine English Slaves, which they took with them from Argier.
In all twenty-four men and a boy: which were all safely landed at
Plymouth, the 13th of February, 1621 [_i.e._, 1622].
* * * * *
They saved alive, of the forty-five Turks and Moors, the Captain, one
HENRY CHANDLER (born in Southwark), an English Renegado: and five Turks
more, who are at this present in Plymouth Gaol, &c.
[Illustration]
_Lyrics, Elegies, &c. from Madrigals,_
_Canzonets &c._