OF A WAR WITH SPAIN. 283 



of all others, is most to be considered, the ticklish 

 and brittle state of the greatness of Spain. Their 

 greatness consisteth in their treasure, their treasure 

 in their Indies, and their Indies, if it be well weighed, 

 are indeed but an accession to such as are masters by 

 sea. So as this axle-tree, whereupon their greatness 

 turneth, is soon cut in two by any that shall be 

 stronger than they by sea. Herein therefore I refer 

 myself to the opinions of all men, enemies or whom 

 soever, whether that the maritime forces of Great 

 Britain, and the United Provinces, be not able to 

 beat the Spaniard at sea ? For if that be so, the 

 links of that chain whereby they hold their greatness 

 are dissolved. Now if it be said, that admit the 

 case of Spain to be such as we have made it, yet we 

 ought to descend into our own case, which we shall 

 find, perhaps, not to be in state, for treasure, to 

 enter into a war with Spain. To which I answer ; I 

 know no such thing ; the mint beateth well ; and 

 the pulses of the people s hearts beat well. But 

 there is another point that taketh away quite this 

 objection : for whereas wars are generally causes of 

 poverty or consumption ; on the contrary part, the 

 special nature of this war with Spain, if it be made 

 by sea, is like to be a lucrative and restorative war. 

 So that, if we go roundly on at the first, the war in 

 continuance will find itself. And therefore you must 

 make a great difference between Hercules labours 

 by land, and Jason s voyage by sea for the golden 

 fleece. 



For confederates ; I will not take upon me the 



