Reflections on Drake's big voyage 7
March 20th 2007 21:16
After just a little over thirty six months, Drake was home. He made his arrival in a quiet manner as his main concern was to find out if his queen still lived. He sent her a message and was eventually received at court. His stories of his adventures outgrew even his own bragging. And well could he brag. He had achieved everything he set out to do and then more. He proved himself to be a strong leader, a navigator without peer and a sailor that knew how to take care of his ship and men. He was a rogue by my standards but by his own standards and those of the time he badly wanted to be known as a gentleman and a well cultured man.
The treasure was beyond belief. Drake himself was allowed to take anything he wanted, even after he had his fill he was asked to come and take more. The national debt was written off and the queen could again spend as she wished without worrying how to pay. The Spaniards, bad sports that they were wanted it all back! Philip of Spain rattled his sabre and sent his ambassadors to do their work but as Drake had not actually declared war, nor had he actually done much physical violence not much could be done. In the end the owners of the loot were advised to go to civil court for restitution and as far as we know it could still be in court. The brother of the man Drake killed as a mutineer tried to get a fair hearing but that to was thrown out of court without getting a hearing.
I have skipped over his feats very lightly but this does not mean I feel that way about what he did. He was a rogue, a pirate, a corsair but he badly wanted to be the best and fairest of all seamen, a gentleman and great navigator. Without doubt he is a hero.
The treasure was beyond belief. Drake himself was allowed to take anything he wanted, even after he had his fill he was asked to come and take more. The national debt was written off and the queen could again spend as she wished without worrying how to pay. The Spaniards, bad sports that they were wanted it all back! Philip of Spain rattled his sabre and sent his ambassadors to do their work but as Drake had not actually declared war, nor had he actually done much physical violence not much could be done. In the end the owners of the loot were advised to go to civil court for restitution and as far as we know it could still be in court. The brother of the man Drake killed as a mutineer tried to get a fair hearing but that to was thrown out of court without getting a hearing.
I have skipped over his feats very lightly but this does not mean I feel that way about what he did. He was a rogue, a pirate, a corsair but he badly wanted to be the best and fairest of all seamen, a gentleman and great navigator. Without doubt he is a hero.
| 33 |
| Vote |
Subscribe to this blog
