In ours
there were none at all beside the mariners, but the servants of
the commanders and some few voluntary gentlemen only." And yet
the Spaniards "were still repulsed, again and again, and at all
times beaten back into their own ships, or into the seas."
*The meaning of the word is uncertain. It may be high-charged.
In the beginning of the fight one little store ship of the
English fleet hovered near. It was small and of no use in
fighting. Now it came close to the Revenge and the Captain asked
Sir Richard what he should do, and "Sir Richard bid him save
himself, and leave him to his fortune." So the gallant Revenge
was left to fight alone. For fifteen hours the battle lasted,
Sir Richard himself was sorely wounded, and when far into the
night the fighting ceased, two of the Spanish vessels were sunk
"and in many other of the Spanish ships great slaughter was
made." "But the Spanish ships which attempted to board the
Revenge, as they were wounded and beaten off, so always others
came in their places, she having never less than two might
galleons by her sides and aboard her.
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