Their pictures and inscriptions well we know[1];
We may be bold one medal sure to show. 
View then their falsehoods, rapine, cruelty;
And think what once they were, they still would be: 
But hope not either language, plot, or art;
’Twas writ in haste, but with an English heart: 
And least hope wit; in Dutchmen that would be
As much improper, as would honesty.

Footnote
1.  Amongst the pretexts for making war on the states of Holland were
   alleged their striking certain satirical medals, and engraving
   prints in ridicule of Charles ii.  See his proclamation of war in
   1671-2.

Dramatispersonae.

Captain Gabriel Towerson. Mr Beamont, } English Merchants, his Friends. Mr Collins, } Captain Middleton, an English Sea Captain. PEREZ, a Spanish Captain. HARMAN Senior, Governor of Amboyna. The Fiscal. HARMAN Junior, Son to the Governor. VAN HERRING, a Dutch Merchant.

ISABINDA, betrothed to TOWERSON, an Indian Lady. JULIA, Wife to PEREZ. An English Woman. Page to TOWERSON. A Skipper. Two Dutch Merchants.

SCENE—­Amboyna.

AMBOYNA.

ACT I.

SCENE I.—­A Castle on the Sea.

Enter HARMAN Senior, the Governor, the Fiscal, and VAN HERRING: 
Guards.

Fisc. A happy day to our noble governor.

Har. Morrow, Fiscal.

Van Her. Did the last ships, which came from Holland to these parts, bring us no news of moment?

Fisc. Yes, the best that ever came into Amboyna, since we set footing here; I mean as to our interest.

Har. I wonder much my letters then gave me so short accounts; they only said the Orange party was grown strong again, since Barnevelt had suffered.

Van Her. Mine inform me farther, the price of pepper, and of other spices, was raised of late in Europe.

Har. I wish that news may hold; but much suspect it, while the English maintain their factories among us in Amboyna, or in the neighbouring plantations of Seran.

Fisc. Still I have news that tickles me within; ha, ha, ha!  I’faith it does, and will do you, and all our countrymen.

Har. Pr’ythee do not torture us, but tell it.

Van Her. Whence comes this news?

Fisc. From England.

Har. Is their East India fleet bound outward for these parts, or cast away, or met at sea by pirates?

Fisc. Better, much better yet; ha, ha, ha!

Har. Now am I famished for my part of the laughter.

Fisc. Then, my brave governor, if you’re a true Dutchman, I’ll make your fat sides heave with the conceit on’t, ’till you’re blown like a pair of large smith’s bellows; here, look upon this paper.