OK A WAR WITH SPAIN. 253 



and therefore there was no other way but to assail 

 and depress England, which was as a back of steel 

 to the Flemings. And who can warrant, I pray, 

 that the same counsel and design will not return 

 again ? So as we are in a strange dilemma of danger: 

 for if we suffer the Flemings to be ruined, they are 

 our outwork, and we shall remain naked and dis 

 mantled : if we succour them strongly, as is fit, and 

 set them upon their feet, and do not withal weaken 

 Spain, we hazard to change the scene of the war, 

 and to turn it upon Ireland or England : like unto 

 rheums and defluxions, which if you apply a strong 

 repercussive to the place affected, and do not take 

 away the cause of the disease, will shift and fall 

 straightways to another joint or place. They have 

 also twice invaded Ireland ; once under the pope s 

 banner, when they were defeated by the lord Gray : 

 and after in their own name, when they were de 

 feated by the Lord Mountjoy. So as let this suffice 

 for a taste of their disposition towards us. But it 

 will be said, this is an almanack for the old year ; 

 since 88 all hath been well ; Spain hath not assailed 

 this kingdom, howsoever by two several invasions 

 from us mightily provoked. It is true : but then 

 consider, that immediately after 88, they were im- 

 broiled for a great time in the protection of the 

 league of France, whereby they had their hands 

 full ; after being brought extreme low by their vast 

 and continual imbracements, they were enforced to 

 be quiet that they might take breath, and do repara 

 tions upon their former wastes. But now of late, 



