our
bastions, and to the sea two more. The south part is totally
inaccessible, through the cragginess of the mountain. The north is
surrounded by the river, which here is very broad. At the foot of the
castle, or rather mountain, is a strong fort, with eight great guns,
commanding the entry of the river. Not much lower are two other
batteries, each of six pieces, to defend likewise the mouth of the
river. At one side of the castle are two great storehouses of all sorts
of warlike ammunition and merchandise, brought thither from the island
country. Near these houses is a high pair of stairs hewn out of the
rock, to mount to the top of the castle. On the west is a small port,
not above seven or eight fathoms deep, fit for small vessels, and of
very good anchorage; besides, before the castle, at the entry of the
river, is a great rock, scarce to be described but at low tides.

No sooner had the Spaniards perceived the pirates, but they fired
incessantly at them with the biggest of their guns. They came to an
anchor in a small port, about a league from the castle. Next morning,
very early, they went ashore, and marched through the woods, to attack
the castle on that side. This march lasted till two of the clock in the
afternoon, before they could reach the castle, by reason of the
difficulties of the way, and its mire and dirt; and though their guides
served them very exactly, yet they came so nigh the castle at first,
that they lost many of their men by its shot, they being in an open
place without covert. This much perplexed the pirates, not knowing what
course to take; for on that side, of necessity, they must make the
assault: and being uncovered from head to foot, they could not advance
one step without danger: besides that, the castle, both for its
situation and strength, made them much doubt of success. But to give it
over they dared not, lest they should be reproached by their companions.

At last, after many doubts and disputes, resolving to hazard the assault
and their lives desperately, they advanced towards the castle with their
swords in one hand, and fire-balls in the other. The Spaniards defended
themselves very briskly, ceasing not to fire at them continually; crying
withal, "Come on, ye English dogs! enemies to God and our king; and let
your other companions that are behind come on too, ye shall not go to
Panama this bout." The pirates making some trial to climb the walls,
were forced to retreat, resting t