reat numbers, and with reckless
valor, having fire-balls in their hands, and earthen pots full of
powder; which, being now at the top of the walls, they kindled and cast
down among the Spaniards.

This effort of the pirates was very great, insomuch that the Spaniards
could not longer resist nor defend the castle, which was now entered.
Hereupon they all threw down their arms, and craved quarter for their
lives; only the governor of the city would crave no mercy, but killed
many of the pirates with his own hands, and not a few of his own
soldiers; because they did not stand to their arms. And though the
pirates asked him if he would have quarter; yet he constantly answered,
"By no means, I had rather die as a valiant soldier, than be hanged as a
coward." They endeavored as much as they could to take him prisoner, but
he defended himself so obstinately, that they were forced to kill him,
notwithstanding all the cries and tears of his own wife and daughter,
who begged him, on their knees, to demand quarter, and save his life.
When the pirates had possessed themselves of the castle, which was about
nightfall, they enclosed therein all the prisoners, placing the women
and men by themselves, with some guards. The wounded were put in an
apartment by themselves, that their own complaints might be the cure of
their diseases; for no other was afforded them.

This done, they fell to eating and drinking, and as usual, to committing
all manner of debauchery and excess, so that fifty courageous men might
easily have retaken the city, and killed all the pirates. Next day,
having plundered all they could find, they examined some of the
prisoners (who had been persuaded by their companions to say they were
the richest of the town), charging them severely to discover where they
had hid their riches and goods. Not being able to extort anything from
them, they not being the right persons, it was resolved to torture them:
this they did so cruelly, that many of them died on the rack, or
presently after. Now the president of Panama being advertised of the
pillage and ruin of Puerto Bello, he employed all his care and industry
to raise forces to pursue and cast out the pirates thence; but these
cared little for his preparations, having their ships at hand, and
determining to fire the city, and retreat. They had now been at Puerto
Bello fifteen days, in which time they had lost many of their men, both
by the unhealthiness of the country, and t