SAILING OF THE ARMADA. 



285 



saw how perilous it was to act as if all were safe. He humbly entreated that nothing 

 might be lightly credited in so weighty a matter, and that he might retain these ships, 

 though it should be at his own cost. This was no empty show of disinterested zeal; for if 

 the services of those ships had not been called for, there can be little doubt, that in the 



THE FIRST SHOT AGAIXST THE ARMADA. 



rigid parsimony of Elizabeth's government, he would have been called upon to pay the 

 costs." 



The Armada, now completely refitted, sailed from Corunna on July 12th, and when off 

 the Lizard were sighted by a pirate, one Thomas Fleming, who hastened to Plymouth with 

 the news, and not merely obtained pardon for his offences, but was awarded a pension for 

 life. At that time the wind "blew stiffly into the harbour," but all hands were got on 

 board, and the ships were warped out, the Lord Admiral encouraging the men, and hauling 



