These rough sailors, hardened by exposure, skilled in the use of arms, were no doubt formidable enough, individually; but this alone would not have intimidated the Spaniards, or have gone any great distance towards equalizing the tremendous odds between them.
It was the fury with which they fought that was the secret of their success.

It was as when a cat, furious with passion, flies at a dog many times larger and heavier than itself.

The latter may be as brave, in many matters, as the cat; and ready to face a creature much larger even than itself, under ordinary circumstances.

It is the fury of the cat which appalls, and turns it into a very coward.
Thus, when the band of English fell upon the Spaniards in the galleon--who were some six times as numerous as themselves--naked to the waist, with hair streaming back, with all their faces wild with pain, brandishing their heavy axes, and with a shout rushed upon their foes drawn up in regular order; the latter, after a moment or two of resistance, began rapidly to fall back.

Their officers, in vain, shouted to them to stand firm.