AD. THE ENGLISH VOYAGES 



1596. 



but by one small path, by which wee were enforced to goe. 

 Our Generall seeing himselfe thus straighted, and perceiv- 

 ing the drift of the Portugals was to draw him into 

 this trench, and knowing wel that he could not returne 

 as we came, by reason of many straights and advantage- 

 able places, with an excellent resolution (like unto him- 

 selfe) cryed out, all courage my hearts : assure your selves 

 that the device of the Portugals shall serve our turne this 

 day ; for they will suffer us quietly to passe downe 

 into their supposed trappe, and then will pursue us, then 

 [III. 600.] which nothing can happen better. The day is ours now 

 shew your selves as I know you will : and so presently 

 we descended into the trench. And being downe the 

 enemy pursued with a mightie crie, and all the cliffes 

 on both sides were beset full of men ; shot, and stones 

 we wanted none from them on every side in great plenty ; 

 for this naturall trench was not halfe a musket shot over. 

 Those that attempted our Rereward by our Generals 

 policie were so received that they made a stand, and 

 never more came neere us. We had now halfe a mile to 

 the towne, into the which when wee came, wee were 

 received with the streetes full of souldiers, who joyned 

 with us at the push of the pike. But their captaine 

 and divers of them being slaine (feare possessing them) 

 The towne of they fled : and our Generall pursuing with such furious 

 \'l^^j ^^l^^ speede, did so dismay them that they fled the towne, and 

 Sherle^. ^^^ third of August we possessed both the lower forts. 



Being now masters of the towne, we presently by 

 the Generals direction (whose skill, spirit, and diligence 

 can never have sufficient commendation) baricadoed up all 

 the streets, and brought our selves into a very convenient 

 strength. After we had bene sixe houres in the towne the 

 Portugals still comming in great multitudes to the 

 upper fort, began to sally downe upon us, and to assault 

 us at every baricado : so that in the first assault they 

 slew and wounded eighty of our men, to our very great 

 weakening. But they had small cause of triumph, for 

 their losse was thrise more then ours : but they still 



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