Dramatic Moments. THE WAY OF AN ENGLISHMAN

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 111, 4 February 1935, Page 7

Dramatic Moments. THE WAY OF AN ENGLISHMAN

Robert Blake, who finished a glorious career on the high seas in 1657, is remembered not only for his admirable seamanship, his brilliant achievements, care and forethought, but more for his chivalry and patriotism. He was, all that the ideal English admiral should be. It is said that once, while at Malagar, some of his sailors who were on leave ashore refused to bow when they met a sacred procession. The priest in charge incited the people to attack them, and this was done in a brutal manner. When the sailors returned to the ship and told what had happened they received no sympathy from Blake, Nevertheless, he ordered the Governor to apprehend the priest, and have him brought on board. The Governor replied that he had no authority over ecclesiastical persons. Blake’s answer was that it did not matter to him whether the Governor had authority or not, the priest was to be brought within three hours, or. the town would be bombarded. The priest duly appeared, and pleading the provocation given him by the sailors, received this reply: “If you had made .complaint t o me, the sailors would have been severely punished,' for I will not allow my men to affront the religion of any’ place 'or people, especially that-of a friendly Power. But you took the matter of punishment into your own, hands., which you bad no right to do, for I would have all the world know that an Englishman is only to be punished by au Englishman.”