History of the United Netherlands, 1607a | Page 3

on this famous spot that the ancient demigod had torn asunder by
main strength the continents of Europe and Africa. There stood the
opposite fragments of the riven mountain-chain, Calpe and Abyla,

gazing at each other, in eternal separation, across the gulf, emblems of
those two antagonistic races which the terrible hand of Destiny has so
ominously disjoined. Nine centuries before, the African king, Moses
son of Nuzir, and his lieutenant, Tarik son of Abdallah, had crossed
that strait and burned the ships which brought them. Black Africa had
conquered a portion of whiter Europe, and laid the foundation of the
deadly mutual repugnance which nine hundred years of bloodshed had
heightened into insanity of hatred. Tarik had taken the town and
mountain, Carteia and Calpe, and given to both his own name.
Gib-al-Tarik, the cliff of Tarik, they are called to this day.
Within the two horns of that beautiful bay, and protected by the fortress
on the precipitous rock, lay the Spanish fleet at anchor. There were ten
galleons of the largest size, besides lesser war-vessels and carracks, in
all twenty-one sail. The admiral commanding was Don Juan Alvarez
d'Avila, a veteran who had fought at Lepanto under Don John of
Austria. His son was captain of his flag-ship, the St. Augustine. The
vice- admiral's galleon was called 'Our Lady of La Vega,' the
rear-admiral's was the 'Mother of God,' and all the other ships were
baptized by the holy names deemed most appropriate, in the Spanish
service, to deeds of carnage.
On the other hand, the nomenclature of the Dutch ships suggested a
menagerie. There was the Tiger, the Sea Dog, the Griffin, the Red Lion,
the Golden Lion, the Black Bear, the White Bear; these, with the
AEolus and the Morning Star, were the leading vessels of the little
fleet.
On first attaining a distant view of the enemy, Heemskerk summoned
all the captains on board his flag-ship, the AEolus, and addressed them
in a few stirring words.
"It is difficult," he said, "for Netherlanders not to conquer on salt water.
Our fathers have gained many a victory in distant seas, but it is for us to
tear from the enemy's list of titles his arrogant appellation of Monarch
of the Ocean. Here, on the verge of two continents, Europe is watching
our deeds, while the Moors of Africa are to learn for the first time in
what estimation they are to hold the Batavian republic. Remember that
you have no choice between triumph and destruction. I have led you
into a position whence escape is impossible--and I ask of none of you
more than I am prepared to do myself--whither I am sure that you will

follow. The enemy's ships are far superior to ours in bulk; but
remember that their excessive size makes them difficult to handle and
easier to hit, while our own vessels are entirely within control. Their
decks are swarming with men, and thus there will be more certainty
that our shot will take effect. Remember, too, that we are all sailors,
accustomed from our cradles to the ocean; while yonder Spaniards are
mainly soldiers and landsmen, qualmish at the smell of bilgewater, and
sickening at the roll of the waves. This day begins a long list of naval
victories, which will make our fatherland for ever illustrious, or lay the
foundation of an honourable peace, by placing, through our triumph, in
the hands of the States-General, the power of dictating its terms."
His comrades long remembered the enthusiasm which flashed from the
man, usually so gentle and composed in demeanour, so simple in attire.
Clad in complete armour, with the orange-plumes waving from his
casque and the orange-scarf across his breast, he stood there in front of
the mainmast of the AEolus, the very embodiment of an ancient
Viking.
He then briefly announced his plan of attack. It was of antique
simplicity. He would lay his own ship alongside that of the Spanish
admiral. Pretty Lambert in the Tiger was to grapple with her on the
other side. Vice-admiral Alteras and Captain Bras were to attack the
enemy's vice-admiral in the same way. Thus, two by two, the little
Netherland ships were to come into closest quarters with each one of
the great galleons. Heemskerk would himself lead the way, and all were
to follow, as closely as possible, in his wake. The oath to stand by each
other was then solemnly renewed, and a parting health was drunk. The
captains then returned to their ships.
As the Lepanto warrior, Don Juan d'Avila, saw the little vessels slowly
moving towards him, he summoned a Hollander whom he had on board,
one Skipper Gevaerts of a captured Dutch trading bark, and asked him
whether those ships in the distance were Netherlanders.
"Not a