Teneriffe was strongly fortified, as it was a harbour of refuge between
Spain and her oversea possessions, both East and West. It was also
very strong by nature, being surrounded by mountains, subject to dead
calms and sudden storms, and lying snugly at the inner end of a big
deep bay. But Blake knew the brave Spaniards for the lubbers they have
always been at sea. So, on the 20th of April, 1657, he ran in with
wind and tide, giving the forts at the entrance more than they
bargained for as he dashed by. Next, ranging alongside, he sank, drove
ashore, or set on fire every single Spanish vessel in the place. Then
he went out with the tide, helped by the breeze which he knew would
spring up with the set of the sun.
This perfect feat of daring skill, though sometimes equalled by the
Navy, has never been surpassed; and when Blake died on his way home the
people mourned their sudden loss as they have never mourned except for
Nelson and for Drake.
CHAPTER XII
THE SECOND AND THIRD DUTCH WARS
(1665-1673)
The Dutch quickly took up the East India trade dropped by the beaten
Spaniards, started their general oversea freighting again, and were
soon as dangerous rivals as before.
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