naut Mami,[79] and
which not having stowage room for her great cargo, had taken her in tow
to convey her to the river Larache. Richard apprised them, in return,
that if they supposed his two vessels were Spanish, they were greatly
mistaken, for they belonged to the Queen of England. This information
astonished and alarmed them, making them fear that they had escaped from
one rock to founder on another; but Richard told them they had nothing
to fear, and that they might rely on obtaining their liberty, provided
they did not make any defence. "It would be impossible for us to do so,"
they said, "for as we have told you, we have neither cannon nor other
arms, and have no choice but to throw ourselves upon the generosity of
your general. Since he has freed us from the intolerable yoke of the
Turks, let him enhance his good work by an act which will exalt his fame
all over the world wherever the news reaches of this memorable victory
and his magnanimity."

[79] Under whom Cervantes himself was for four years in slavery at
Algiers.

Richard lent a favourable ear to this request, and immediately called a
council of his officers to consider what might be the best means of
sending all the Christians to Spain, without incurring any risk from
them, should their numbers encourage them to rise and attempt to
overpower his crews. There were some who suggested that they should be
brought on board one by one, and put to death as they entered. "No,"
said Richard; "since by God's grace we have obtained so rich a prize, I
will not betray my ingratitude by such an act of cruelty. It is never
well to have recourse to the sword, when, with a little forethought, the
end may be secured by other means. I will, therefore, not have any
Catholic Christian put to death, not that I care so much for them, but
for my own sake and for yours, for I would not have the honour of our
victory tarnished by cruelty. My orders are, then, that the crew of one
of our ships, with all her guns and arms and the greater part of her
stores, be put on board the large Portuguese vessel, which we will then
take to England, and leave the Spaniards to return home on ours."

No one ventured to contravene this proposal, which to some appeared
equally magnanimous and judicious, while others in their hearts
condemned it as showing an undue leaning towards the Catholics.

Taking with him fifty arquebusiers Richard went on hoard the Portuguese
ship, in which he found about