Francis, the eldest
son, was born in the hull of an old vessel where the family had taken
refuge in time of religious persecution. In spite of his humble
origin, Sir Francis Russell had stood his godfather at baptism. The
Earl of Bedford had been his patron. John Hawkins, a relative,
supplied money for his education. Apprenticed before the mast from his
twelfth year, Drake became purser to Biscay at eighteen; and so
faithfully had he worked his way, when the master of the sloop died, it
was bequeathed to young Drake. Emulous of becoming a great sailor like
Hawkins, Drake sold the sloop and invested everything he owned in
Hawkins's venture to the West Indies. He was ruined to his last penny
by Spanish treachery. It was almost a religion for England to hate
Spain at that time. Drake hated tenfold more now. Spain had taught
the world to keep off her treasure box. Would Drake accept the lesson,
or challenge it?
{140} Men who master destiny rise, like the Phenix, from the ashes of
their own ruin. In the language of the street, when they fall--these
men of destiny--they make a point of falling _up_stairs.
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