om they had committed so many cruelties on all occasions.
Hereupon they encouraged one another, and resolved either to conquer, or
spend the very last drop of blood in their bodies. Afterwards they
divided themselves into three battalions, or troops, sending before them
one of two hundred buccaneers, which sort of people are infinitely
dextrous at shooting with guns.[303] Thus the Pirates left the hill and
descended, marching directly towards the Spaniards, who were posted in a
spacious field, waiting for their coming. As soon as they drew nigh unto
them, the Spaniards began to shout and cry, 'Viva el Rey! God save the
King!' and immediately their horse began to move against the Pirates.
But the field being full of quags and very soft under foot, they could
not ply to and fro and wheel about, as they desired. The two hundred
buccaneers who went before, every one putting one knee to the ground,
gave them a full volley of shot, wherewith the battle was instantly
kindled very hot. The Spaniards defended themselves very courageously,
acting all they could possibly perform, to disorder the Pirates. Their
foot, in like manner, endeavoured to second the horse, but were
constrained by the Pirates to separate from them. Thus finding
themselves frustrated of their designs, they attempted to drive the
bulls against them at their backs, and by this means to put them into
disorder. But the greatest part of that wild cattle ran away, being
frightened with the noise of the battle. And some few that broke through
the English companies did no other harm than to tear the colours in
pieces; whereas the buccaneers, shooting them dead, left not one to
trouble them thereabouts.

"The battle having now continued for the space of two hours, at the end
thereof the greatest part of the Spanish horse was ruined and almost all
killed. The rest fled away. Which being perceived by the foot, and that
they could not possibly prevail, they discharged the shot they had in
their muskets, and throwing them on the ground, betook themselves to
flight, every one which way he could run. The Pirates could not possibly
follow them, as being too much harassed and wearied with the long
journey they had lately made. Many of them not being able to fly whither
they desired, hid themselves for that present among the shrubs of the
seaside. But very unfortunately; for most of them being found out by the
Pirates, were instantly killed, without giving quarter to any.[304]