BY JAMES BALDWIN
Upon a Peak in Darien"—Second Story
Famous Stories Retold: Story 3 of 30
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Francis Drake’s Hatred: Englishman Francis Drake, who hated Spaniards, sought gold on the Spanish side of Darien.
Ambush: Drake and his men ambushed a Spanish mule train carrying treasures from Peru.
A good book we like, we explorers. That is our best amusement, and our best time killer
- Roald Amundsen, Explorer
Sir Francis Drake: Humbling Spain, Glorifying England
In an era of exploration and conquest, one man dared to challenge the power of the Spanish Empire and carve out a name for England. His name was Francis Drake. This audacious sailor, fuelled by an intense hatred for Spain, embarked on a daring journey that would forever change the course of history. This tale is more than just the story of a man; it's the saga of a nation's rise to maritime glory. Join us as we set sail on a voyage of discovery, unearthing the valor, the vision, and the unyielding determination of this intriguing figure.
The Adventurer Ascends: Drake's Journey to Darien Peak
Francis Drake, a man known far and wide as the most daring sailor on the seas, stood atop a peak in Darien, a mere seventy years after Balboa's discovery of the Pacific Ocean. His hatred for Spain and the Spaniards fueled his adventurous spirit. Like Balboa, Drake traveled to Darien in pursuit of gold, but his intention was not merely to discover it - he sought to seize it from his enemies by force. As he stood on the edge of a towering cliff, he spotted a tall tree with stretching branches - the ideal vantage point for the bold mariner.
A Vision of the Pacific: Drake's First Glimpse of the Mighty Ocean
Drake's climb up the gnarled trunk of the tall tree led him to a breathtaking view. He found himself surrounded by tropical verdure, deep ravines, broad valleys, and thick forests. To the north, he saw the sea he had recently sailed, where his ship lay concealed from Spanish eyes. However, what truly captivated him was not the northern view but the sight to the west. There, he beheld the grandeur of the mighty Pacific Ocean. The same waters Balboa had discovered and Spain had claimed as her own were dancing and sparkling under the sunlight. Emotions overwhelmed him as he became the first Englishman to gaze upon the great ocean.
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A Prayer and a Promise: Drake's Vow to Humble Spain and Promote England
Tears welled up in Drake's eyes as he watched the Spanish ships ferrying treasures of Peru and the golden East, increasing the wealth and power of the Spanish king. He felt a strong determination to humble the pride of Spain and promote England's glory on the seas. Forgetting his surroundings, Drake knelt among the branches and prayed to God for help in his cause. He vowed to devote his time and strength to this endeavor and to never rest until he sailed an English ship on the waters of the great ocean. An unexpected call from his men below signaled the arrival of a mule train laden with gold and silver from the mines of Peru - a golden opportunity he had been waiting for.
The Golden Opportunity: Drake's Bold Encounter with the Spanish Treasure Train
Francis Drake's fervor for glory and gold brought him to Darien's peak. It was here, amidst the dense tropical forest, that he found the golden opportunity he had been waiting for. A train of mules, heavily laden with gold and silver from the rich mines of Peru, was slowly making its way along the narrow mountain path. The treasure was meant for the Spanish king, but Drake and his daring crew had other plans. They waited patiently, hidden behind rocks and trees, for the perfect moment to strike. When the train was within their reach, they sprang into action, capturing the precious cargo with a swift, well-executed raid. The haul was so vast that they couldn't carry it all, and some of it was buried in a secret location for future retrieval. This audacious act of piracy marked the beginning of Drake's campaign against the Spanish Empire.
The Humbling of Spain: Drake's Fearless Exploits and the Beginning of England's Maritime Dominance
Returning to his ship, Drake's exploits began to instill fear in every Spanish port on the coast. His audacity and success in capturing the Spanish treasure spread like wildfire, sparking the start of the humbling of Spain. But Drake was far from finished. Two years later, he embarked on a daring voyage along the coasts of Chile and Peru. He plundered Spanish towns, intercepted Spanish treasure ships, and spread terror throughout the Spanish provinces. His relentless attacks on the Spanish fleet marked the beginning of England's maritime dominance. His exploits became a beacon of hope for England, marking the start of a new era where the nation began to assert its power on the high seas.
A Knight at Sea: The Queen's Recognition and Drake's Unforgettable Voyage
Drake's exploits did not go unnoticed back home. Upon hearing of his audacious voyages and the wealth he had amassed, Queen Elizabeth was overjoyed. So much so, that she declared, "He shall be Sir Francis Drake. I myself will make him a knight." And thus, Drake, the daring sea captain, became Sir Francis Drake, the knight. His unforgettable voyage around the world, the first by an Englishman, firmly established England as a major maritime power. His legacy, his audacious exploits, and his unyielding quest for glory, continue to inspire and captivate us, reminding us of a time when the world was ripe for exploration and discovery.
Conclusion
The audacious exploits of Sir Francis Drake remain etched in the annals of maritime history. His unyielding determination and vision led to the humbling of the Spanish Empire and the rise of England's dominance at sea. From his daring ascent at Darien Peak to his unforgettable circumnavigation of the globe, Drake carved out a legacy of fearlessness and valor. His story continues to inspire, reminding us of the unparalleled power of unwavering resolve in the face of immense challenges. Truly, Drake's saga is a testament to England's glory at sea.
