THE SPANISH ARMADA ad 



1588. 

 alleaging that it was more requisite to consult how the 

 enemie now pressing upon them might be repelled from 

 off their frontiers. Howbeit some there were in England 

 that greatly urged and prosecuted this league, saying, 

 that it would be very commodious unto the state of the 

 realme, as well in regard of traffique and navigation, as 

 for the avoiding of great expenses to maintaine the 

 warres, affirming also, that at the same time peace might 

 easily and upon reasonable conditions be obtained of the 

 Spaniard. Others thought by this meanes to divert some 

 other way, or to keepe backe the navy now comming 

 upon them, and so to escape the danger of that tempest. 

 Howsoever it was, the duke of Parma by these wiles 

 enchanted and dazeled the eyes of many English & 

 Dutch men that were desirous of peace : whereupon it 

 came to passe, that England and the united provinces 

 prepared in deed some defence to withstand that dreadfull 

 expedition and huge Armada, but nothing in comparison 

 of the great danger which was to be feared, albeit the 

 constant report of the whole expedition had continued 

 rife among them for a long time before. Howbeit they 

 gave eare unto the relation of certaine that sayd, that this 

 navie was provided to conduct and waft over the Indian 

 Fleets : which seemed the more probable because the 

 Spaniards were deemed not to be men of so small dis- 

 cretion as to adventure those huge and monstrous ships 

 upon the shallow and dangerous chanel of England. 



At length when as the French king about the end Her majesties 

 of May signified unto her Majestie in plaine termes that 'warlike prepa- 

 she should stand upon her guard, because he was now ''^^''^^ ^ ^^^' 

 most certainly enformed, that there was so dangerous 

 an invasion imminent upon her realme, that he feared 

 much least all her land and sea-forces would be sufficient 

 to withstand it, &c. then began the Queens Majestie 

 more carefully to gather her forces together, & to furnish 

 her own ships of warre, & the principall ships of her 

 subjects with souldiers, weapons, and other necessary 

 provision. The greatest and strongest ships of the 



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