Sir Francis Drake's first meeting with the beautiful Elizabeth Syderham takes place outside the gates of the city, on his triumphant return from a foreign expedition. Determined to win her, he forces an entrance to the grounds of the rambling old home of his heart's desire and follows her to a quiet, secluded spot. She does not favor Drake's impetuosity at first, but, relenting, gives him a full red rose as a token of her regard. Another aspirant for Elizabeth's hand is Sir John Doughty. He, a friend of long standing to Elizabeth's father, says he will brook no interference from a "common sailor." Doughty comes to woo Elizabeth, but meets with scant encouragement. Thus embittered, he plans to rid himself of his rival by foul means. Obtaining assistance .from roughnecks, he instructs them to lie in wait and assassinate Drake. Meanwhile the latter is summoned upon a special mission by Queen Elizabeth, and he persuades his beloved to secretly wed him before he sails. Everything is arranged. Elizabeth, faithful to her tryst, steals away from her home under the protection of her bold lover. Their footsteps are dogged by Doughty, however, who, at a quiet spot near the quay, signals to his band of assassins and with drawn swords they attack the "common sailor." A sharp, exciting fight ensues. Drake clashes steel with his would-be murderers, one of whom soon falls before his trusty sword. A cowardly and one-sided battle ensues, but eventually Drake wounds another one of his assailants. Mad with rage at this unexpected reverse, Doughty lunges furiously at his hated rival and succeeds in disarming him. Quick as a flash, Drake bodily picks up the wounded and helpless assassin and wards off the onslaught of the other two. Seizing his only opportunity, with mighty strength, he hurls the limp form at Doughty, who, panic-stricken at meeting such brave and stout resistance, flees for his life. Drake's ship is reached at last and a picturesque scene is shown of the wedding on board. The ceremony over, Elizabeth returns to her home, unknown to her father, a bride. On the day of departure. Queen Elizabeth inspects Captain Drake's ship and, to wish him God speed, presents him with a sword, saying. "Take the sword, Master Drake, and we do account that he that striketh at thee, striketh at us." He departs. Time passes. Sir John Doughty is insistent in his advances. Elizabeth's father favors his suit, intercepting a letter from Drake to his bride, he descends to further depths of villainy by forging a letter conveying false news, that the venturesome seaman has been killed in a hard encounter on the high seas. Heartbroken by the news, Elizabeth cares not what becomes of her and under pressure from her father at last consents to marry Doughty. The wedding eve approaches, but Drake unexpectedly returns victorious and triumphant and is greeted by the populace with unbounded enthusiasm. Calls of love and loyalty force him to realize that his first duty is to his queen, at whose command he proceeds, with yearning heart, to the Royal Palace. Soon, with pomp and splendor, the magic words are spoken, "Arise, Sir Francis Drake." His honors thick upon him, he can think only of his loved one, and he rushes off to seek her, who, unknown to him, is, with ever deepening despair, preparing for the wedding with Sir John Doughty. Breathless, but happy, he arrives just on time to find the fair Elizabeth about to sacrifice her youth and beauty at her father's behest. Thwarted and humiliated. Sir John is forced to see the all-conquering Drake claim his well-won bride and placate her father before beating a hasty departure.
Where to Watch The Love Romance of Sir Francis Drake
