A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government, Regnal history 16 (4 of 5)

A Chronicle of the Kings of England from the Time of the Roman Government · Regnal history 16 (4 of 5)

p. 66After this, Leicester assaulteth Zutphen, where setting upon a Fort, he takes it in this manner; Edward Stanley (of the Stanlies of Elford) catching hold of a Spaniards Launce, which was brandished at him, held it so fast, that by it he was drawn into the very Fort; whereupon, the Spaniards being affrighted (as thinking all the enemies were comming up) forsook the place; Leicester knighted Stanly for this act, gave him forty pounds in present money, and yeerly Pension of an hundred Marks during his life. And now though in this forwardnesse to winne the Town, yet winter being already come on, he thought it unseasonable to besiege it any longer (especially so many English Garrisons lying round about it, which were in nature of a siege) but returned to the H…g…e, where the States entertained him with complaints, that their money was not carefully husbanded, that the number of the English supplies was not full, that forreign souldiers were levyed without their consent, that the priviledges of the united Provinces were set at nought, and new devises for contribution invented; for all which evills, p. 67they entreat him to provide some present remedy. To which complaints (having a purpose to go for England) he gave a friendly answer; but upon the very day in which he was to depart, he committeth the government of the Province, to the deliberation of the States; and the same day, made another private instrument of writing, where he reserved to himself the whole authority over the Governours of the severall Provinces, Cities, and Forts; and more than this, taketh away the wonted jurisdiction …rom the States Councell, and Presidents of the Provinces; and came into England the third day of December. And thus passed the affairs of the Nether-lands for this yeare.

But in England, Philip Earle of Arundel, who had lyen in Prison a whole year, was at last brought to the Starchamber; and being charged with fostering of Priests, and having correspondence with Allen and Parsons the Jesuit, and offering to depart the Kingdom without licence, was fined ten thousand pounds, and imprisonment during the Queens p…easure.

At this time, the Queen, by Sir Horatio Palavicino, supplied with a large summe of money the King of Navarr… ; thorow whose side, the Guyses opposed the reformed Religion in Scotland, but her most intentive care was how to unite England and Scotland in a solid friendship: To which end, she sent Thomas Randoll into Scotland, who making Propositions to the King, touching a League offensive and defensive, though the King at first required some additions, and though the French Ambassador infinitely opposed it, yet at last he consented to it; and in Iuly following, there met at Barwick, Edward Earle of Rutland, William Lord Euer, and Thomas Randoll for the Queen of England; Francis Earl of Bothwell, Robert Lord Boyde, and Humes for the King of Scots, and there the League (which was called the League of strict Amity; for that the word offensive liked not the Scots) was upon certain points concluded: First, for the maintenance of the reformed Religion, and then other such Articles, as commonly in Leagues are usuall.

The very same monethmonth that this League was agreed on, a most dangerous conspiracy against the Queen was discovered. For first, one Iohn Savage, was by the perswasions of Gifford, Doctor in Divinity, induced to believe, that it was a meritorious work, to take away the lives of Princes Excommunicate, who thereupon vowed to kill Queen Elizabeth: but to make the Queen and her Councell secure, at the very same time they wrote a book… exhorting the Papists in England, to attempt nothing against their Prince, and to use only the Christian weapons of Tears, Prayers, Watching, and Fasting. About Whitsuntide, one Ballard a Seminary Priest of Rheims, acquainted with the vow of Savage (having dealt in France with Mendoza and Charles Paget, about invading of England) arrived here in a souldiers habit, and by a counterfeit name, called Captain Fos… ; with these matters he acpuaints one Anthony Babington, a gentleman of Darbyshire, who by the Bishop of Glasco, the Queen of Scots Ambassador in France, had been commended to her, as one worthy of her love; so, as between them, there passed often letters in unknown characters. In short time, Babington had drawn into the Plot, other gentlemen as zealous of the Romish Religion as himselfe; namely, Edward Windsor, brother to the Lord Windsor, Thomas Salisbery of a good Family in Devonshire, Charles Tilney one of the Queens Pensioners, Chydiock Tichburne of Hamshire, Edward Abington (whose father was Coferer to the Queen) Robert Gage of Surrey, Iohn Travers…, and Iohn Charnock of Lancashire, Iohn Iones… Savage formerly spoken of, Barnwell of a noble Family in Ireland, and Henry Dunne a Clerk in the Office of First-fruits and Tenths, one Pollie also serued himselfe into their company, a fellow throughly acquainted with the affairs of the Queen of Scots, who was thought to have revealed all their consultations to Walsingham day by day. To these Gentlemen, Babington communicateth his affairs, but not p. 52every particular to every one, but to Ballard, Tichburne, and Dunn…, he sheweth the Letters which passed between him and the Queen of Scots; with Tilney and the rest, he dealeth to be the Assassinates; of whom, some at first loth, at last consented, and in a foolish vaingloriousnesse, a picture of the Assassinates was made to the life, and Babington in the midst, with these words; Quorsum haec alio properentibus? This Picture (they say) was gotten and privately shewed to the Queen, who knew none of them by face, but only Bernwell (who had oftentimes come to her in the causes of the Earl of Kildare, whose servant he was) Certain it is, that the Queen one day walking abroad, spyed this Bernwell, and turning to Hatton sayd, Am not I well Guarded, that have not so much as one man in the company with a sword by his side? Thus much Bernwell himselfe told the rest of his confederacy, and how easie a matter it had bin to have dispatched her at that time, if the rest had been present. The chief discoverer of the Plot, was the aforesayd Gifford: This man was a gentleman of a good Hou…e at Chellington in Staffordshire, not far from Chartley, where the Queen of Scots was kept prisoner, and was now sent by the English fugitives in France, under the counterfeit name of Luson, to put Savage in minde of the vow he had made, and to convey letters between them and the Queen of Scots. But he, whether pricked in conscience, or dismayed in minde, came to Walsingham privately, revealing who he was, and for what end, and by whom sent into England. Walsingham courteously entertained him, and sent him down into Staffordshire, to do the work he had undertaken. Here Gifford bribing the Brewer of the House, where the Queen of Scots lay, contrived the matter in such sort with him, that by a hole in the wall, in which a loose stone was put, he should give in, and receive forth Letters, the which by messengers purposely layd by the way, came evermore to Walsinghams hands, who broke them open, copied them out, and by the rare cunning of one Thomas Philips, found out the meaning of the private Characters, and by the singular Art of Arthur Gregory, sealed them again so curiously, that no man would imagine them to have been opened, and ever sent them to the parties, to whom the superscription directed them. In like manner were the former letters from the Queen of Scots to Babington intercepted; as also, other letters written at the same time to Mendoza the Spanish Ambassador, Charles Paget, the Lord Paget, the Archbishop of Glasco, and Francis Englefield. The Queen as soon as she understood by these letters of the storm hanging over her head, both at home and abroad, commanded Ballard to be apprehended, who on a sodain is taken in Babingtons house. Babington hereupon goeth to Walsingham, with whom he had long been a suiter, for licence to go into France, promising to do great matters in discovering the practises of the Fugitives; Walsingham with fair promises drives him off from day to day; and now perswades him, that for a small space till he could get his license sealed, he would lodge at his house in London, where they might have secret conference without suspition. This Web Walsingham himselfe had spun hitherto, and no other of the Queens Councell were made acquainted; and longer yet he would have drawn the thread out, but that the Queen was unwilling; least (as she sayd) by not avoyding danger when she might, she should seem rather to tempt God, than to trust in him. Whereupon, Walsingham sent a Note to his man Scudamore from the Court, to looke carefully to Babington: This Note was delivered in such manner, that Babington sitting by at Table when Scudamore read it, overlooked him, and read it likewise; Hereupon, suspecting that all was discovered, the next night he and Scudamore, and one or two more of Walsinghams servants supping at a Tavern, and being very merry, he made an excuse that he must needs step aside, and rose up, leaving his Cloak and his sword, and so made haste through the dark to Westminster, where Gage and he changed apparel, and then together withdrew themselves p. 63… S. Iohns wood neer the City, whether Barnwell also and Dun betook them…ves. In the mean space they were proclaimed Traytors all England over… Hereupon they lay lurking in Woods and by-places; they shave Babingtons …, disfigure the beauty of his countenance (for he was of an extraord…ary beauty) with the husks of green Wall-nuts; and when they were hal… starved, went to the houses of the Bellamies, neer Harrow on the hill, who were great Papists; There they were hid in Barns, and put into a Coun…ey habit: but notwithstanding all their shifting, within ten dayes after they were discovered and brought to London. The other Complices were soon after taken, most of them in the Suburbs of the Citie, Salisbury and Trav…se in Cheshire, and Iones in Wales, who harboured them in his house, after he knew they were Proclaimed Traitors, Windsor only was never heard of. Many dayes were spent in the examination of them, who cut one the others throats with their own confessions. All this while, the Queen of Soits and her servants are so narrowly looked to by Pawlet, that she knew nothing of all these passages: Assoon as they were apprehended, Thomas Gorge was sent to acquaint her with the whole matter, which yet he did not do, till she was got on horse-back to Ride a hunting, and was not then suffered to return, bu… in shew of curtesie was carried up and down, to see the Houses of the Gentry thereabouts. In which mean while, Iohn Manners, Edward Acton, Richard Bagot, and Sir William Waad, took Nave and Curle the Queen of Sc…s Secretaries, and the rest of her servants, and delivered them to Keepers apart, that they might have no speech between themselves, nor with their Lady the Queen of Scots. Then they break open all doors, and such Desks and Boxes as they found with any papers in them, they set their seals upon, and sent them to the Court: In which, being broken open before the Queen, were found a number of Letters from Forreign parts, the copies likewise of Letters sent to severall persons, and threescore Alphabets at least of private Characters; as also, Letters to her from some of the English Nobility, containing great proffers of love and service, which the Queen notwithstanding took no notice of, but passed over in silence, according to her Motto, Video, & Taceo, I see, and say nothing, Gifford now, who had all this while served their turn, is sent into France; but ere he went hence, left an Indenture with the French Ambassador here in England, with instructions, that he should deliver no Letters to the Queen of Scots, or the Fugitives in France; but to him that exhibited an Indenture matching with that, the which he sent underhand to Sir Francis Walsingham.

The twentieth o… September, seven of the forenamed Conspirators were Arraigned, and pleading guilty, were condemned of High-treason. Two dayes after, seven other were called to the Bar, who pleaded not guilty, but notwithstanding were found guilty by their own confessions, and condemned; Pollie only, though he were privie to all passages, yet because he had disclosed many things to Walsingham, was not called in question. The twentieth day of the monethmonth, the first seven in St. Giles Fields, where they were wont to meet, were hanged, cut down instantly, their privy members cut off, and themselves yet living and beholding it, were in cruell manner bowelled and quartered; namely, Ballard, Babington, Savage (who, the roap breaking, fell dowd from the Gibbet, and was presently taken by the hangman, his privie members cut off, and bowelled, while he was perfectly living) Barnwell, Tichburne, Tilney, And Abbington. The next day, the other seven were drawn to the same place, and executed in the same fashion, but in a more gentle manner, by the Q…eens speciall charge, who detested the former cruelty, for they were to hand till they were quite dead. Salisbery first, then Dun, then Iones, Cherno…k, Traverse, Gage, and with them Hierome Bellam…, who had concealed Babington after he was Proclaimed Traytor (whose brother being guilty of the same fact, had strangled himselfe in Prison.

p. 70When these men were executed, Nave a Frenchman, and Curle a Scotsman, Secretaries to the Queen of Scots, were examined concerning the Letters, the copies of Letters, and priviate Characters found in the Queen of Scots Closet; who under their own voluntary subscriptions acknowledged, that they were their own hand writings, dictated in French by the Queen her self, taken by Nave; turned into English by Curle, and copied out in secret Characters. Hereupon, Sir Edward Wootton was sent out of hand into France, to make known to the King, the order of the Treason, and to shew him the copies of the Queen of Scots Letters, confirmed by the testimony of sundry of the English Nobility, that the French King might see what dangerous plots were by Charls Paget, and the English Fugitives contrived against the Queen of England.

And now, what should be done with the Queen of Scots, was a great consultation, wherein the Councellours were not all of one minde; some conceived, That it were not good to take any rigorous course against her, but only to hold her in fast custody; both for that she was not Authour of the Treason, but only conscious to it, and because she was crazie, and not likely to live long. Others, out of a care of Religion, were of opinion, To have her forthwith Arraigned and put to death according to the Law; Leicester thought it better to have her poisoned, and sent a Divine to Walsingham to prove it lawfull, but Walsingham protested against that course. A difference then arose amongst them, by what Law to proceed against her; Whether by the Law of the 25. of Edward the Third? (In which they are Pronounced guilty of Treason, who plot the destruction of the King or Queen, raise War in his Dominions, or adhere to his Adversaries.) Or else by the 27. of the Queen, Enacted a year since: Their opinion at last prevailed, who thought best to proceed against her by this latter Law, as being indeed in this case provided. Whereupon, divers of the Lords of the Privie Councell, and other of the Nobility, are Authorized by the Queens Letters, to enquire by vertue of that Law, and passe sentence against all such as raised Rebellion, Invaded the Kingdome, or attempted any violence against the Queen. These Commissioners therefore upon the 11. day of October, repaired to Fotheringay Castle in Northamptonshire, where the Queen of Scots was then held prisoner; and the next day, sent unto her VValter Mildmay, Pawlet and Edward Barker, publick Notary, who delivered her the Queens Letters; which, having with a setled countenance read, She sayd, It seems to me strange… that the Queen should lay her Command upon me, to hold up my hand at the Bar; as though I were a Subject, seeing I am an absolute Queen, no lesse than her selfe; but howsoever, I will never do any thing prejudiciall to Princes of my degree, nor to my Son the King of Scotland. After many meetings, she standing still upon her innocency, and upon her exemption from answering, as being an absolute Prince, and specially for yeelding to be tryed by the English Laws; of which, One (she sayd) had lately been made of purpose for her destruction. It was at last told her plainly, by the Chancellour and Treasurer, That if she refused to answer to such crimes as should be objected, they would then proceed against her, though she were absent. Being brought at last, with much ado to consent, the Commissioners came together in the Presence Chamber; a Chaire of Estate was set for the Queen of England, in the upper end of the Chamber, under a Canopy; beneath over against it, was placed a Chair for the Queen of Scots; on both sides of the Cloth of Estate, stools were set, upon which on the one side sate the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Treasurer, the Earls of Oxford, Kent, Derby, Worcester, Rutland, Cumberland, Warwicke, Pembrooke, Lincolne, and Viscount Mountacute … On the other side sate the Lords Aburgavany, Zouch, Morley, St. Iohn of Bletsho, Compton, and Cheyney; Next to these, sate the Knights that were Privie Councellors, Sir Iames Crofts, Sir p. 71Christopher Hatton, Sir Francis Walsingham, Sir Ralph Sadler, Sir Walter Mild…, and Sir Amis Pawlet; Foreward, before the Earls, sate the two Chiefe Justices, and the Lord chiefe Baron; on the other side, the two Barons, and the other Justices; Dale, and Foord, Doctors of the Civill Law, at a Table in the midst, Popham the Queens Atturney Generall, Egerton her Solicitor, …die her Serjeant at Law, the Clerk of the Crown, and two Notaries. When the Queen of Scots was come, and had placed her selfe, silence being made, Bromely Lord Chancellor turning towards her, sayd; That the Queen had appointed these Commissioners, to hear what she could Answer to crimes layd to her charge, assuring her, that nothing would be cause of more joy to the Queen, then to hear, that she had proved her selfe innocent. Upon this, she rising up, sayd; That although, being an absolute Prince, she could not be compelled to appear before the De…egates, yet to manifest her innocency, she was now content to appear. Then Gawdie, opened every speciality of the Law lately made (against which she had taken excception) shewing, By Babingtons confession, by Letters passed between them, by the confessions of Ballard, and Savage, by the confessions of her Secretaries, Nave, and Curle, that she was privy to their Treasons, and consented to the Invasion of England, and destruction of the Queen. To which she answered, That Letters might be counterfeited, her Secretaries might be corrupted, and rest, in hope of life, might be drawn to confesse that which was not true: In this she stood peremptorily, That she never consented to any Attempt against the Queens Person; though for her own delivery, she confessed she did. After many other charges by the Commissioners, and replies by the Queen of Scots; At last, she requested, that she might be heard in a full Parliament, or before the Queen her selfe, and her Councell. But this request prevailed not; for on the 25. day of October following, at the Star-Chamber in Westminster, the Commissioners met again, and there pronounced sentence against her; Ratifying by their Seals and subscriptions, that after the 1. day of Iune, in the seven and twentieth year of our Soveraign Lady Queen Elizabeth, divers matters were compassed and imagined in this Kingdom, by Anthony Babington, and others, with the privity of Mary Queen of Scots, pretending Title to the Crown of England, tending to the hurt, death, and destruction of the Royall Person, of our sayd Soveraigne Lady the Queen.

After a few dayes, a Parliament was holden at Westminster, the which was begun by Authority from the Queen, derived to the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of Derby; and the same, not without some Presidents. At this Parliament, the Proscriptions of the Lord Paget, Charls Paget, Francis Inglefield, Francis Throgmorton, Anthony Babington, Thomas Salisbury, Edward Iones, Chyd…ock Tichburne, Charles Tilney, and the other complices, was confirmed, and their goods and possessions adjudged confiscate. Also the Peers of the Kingdom, with an unanimous consent, exhibit a Petition to the Queen by the Lord Chancellor, that for the preservation of the true Religion, and safety of the Queen, of themselves, and their Posterity, the Sentence passed against Mary Queen of Scots, might according to Law be presently Promulged: They put the Queen in minde of the fearfull examples of Gods Judgements extant in Scripture, upon King Saul, for sparing of Agag, and upon Ahab, for not putting Benhadad to death. But the Queen answereth them to this effect: First, acknowledging Gods miraculous preservation of her, and then their constant affections towards her, for whose sakes onelyonly she desires to live: Otherwise, when she calls to minde things past, beholds the present, and expects what may happen in time to come, that she accounts them most happy, who go soonest hence. That the Law lately made, by which the Queen of Scots is condemned, was not made (as some maliciously have imagined) to ensnare her; p. 72but cont…ariwise, to forewarn and deterre her from attempting any thing against it, which though it had not been made, yet were there other ancient Laws enough to condemne her. Nothing could have been more grievous to me, than that a Prince, and one so neer Allied unto me, should deserve the Sentence pronounced against her; and seeing the matter is of rare example, and of a very weighty consequence, I hope you will not expect, that I should at this present determine any thing; Yet that there may be no danger in delay… I will in due time signifie my minde unto you; and in the meane time, would have you to expect from me, whatsoever good Subjects may looke for, from a Gracious Prince.

Twelve dayes after, having deeply weighed the matter in her minde, she sent the Lord Chancellor to the Peers, and Puckering to the Lower House, entreating them to advise more diligently concerning so weighty a matter, and to bethinke themselves of some wholesome remedy, by which the life of the Queen of Scots might be spared, and their security also provided for. They, when they had a long time in most serious manner deliberated hereof, Return at last this Verdict; That the Queenes life could not be in safety, while the Queen of Scots lived, unlesse she either repented and acknowledged her crimes, or were kept in straight custody, or bound by her oath and obligations, or gave Hostages, or lastly, departed the Kingdome. And seeing none of these were likely to be remedies; It remained, that only her death would be a remedy. Repentance in her they could little hope for, who would not so much as acknowledge her self faulty: Close Imprisonment, Obligations, Oath, and Hostages they accounted as nothing, which all vanished, if the Queens life were once taken away; and if she departed the Kingdom, they feared she would straightway go about to Invade it again. These things the Lord Chancellor, and Puckering the Speaker of the Lower-House, declared to the Queen at large, and urged her in their names, to have the Sentence put in execution. Hereupon, the Queen after a short pawse, spake at last to this effect: I protest, my chief desire hath been, that for your security, and my own safety, some other way might be devised, than that which is now propounded; but seeing it is now evident and certain, that my safety without her destruction, is in a more deplorate estate, I am most grievously affected with inward sorrow; That I, who have pardoned so many Rebells, have neglected so many Treasons (either by connivance, or silence) should now at last exercise cruelty, upon a Prince so neerly Allied to me. As for your Petition, I beseech you to rest in an Answer, without an Answer: If I say I will not grant your Petition, I shall happily say what I mean not; I… I should say, I will grant it, then cast I my selfe into destruction headlong, whose safety you so earnestly desire, And that I know, you in your wisedoms would not I should doe.

After this, the Parliament was Prorogued, and then were the Lords Buckhurst and Beale sent to the Queen of Scots, to let her understand that Sentence was pronounced against her, and confirmed by Parliament, and that the execution of it was earnestly desired, by the Nobility and the Commons; and therefore perswaded her, that before her death, she would make acknowledgement of her offences, against God and the Queen; Intimating, That if she lived, the Religion received in England, could not subsist. Hereupon, she was taken with an unwonted alacrity, and seemed to triumph for joy, giving God thanks, and gratulating her own felicity, That she should be accounted an Instrument, for establishing Religion in this Island; and therewith requested, She might have some Catholike Priest to administer the Sacrament to her; but was denied, which some deemed, not inhumane onelyonly, but tyranicall and heathenish. The Bishop and the Dean, whom for this cause they commended to her, she utterly p. 73rejected, and jeered at the English Nation, saying; The English were ever …nd anon wont to murther their own Kings, and therefore, no mar… they should now thirst after her destruction. In Dcember following the Sentence against her was Proclaimed, in London first, and after, over all the Kingdom, wherein Queen Elizabeth seriously protested, that this Promulgation of the Sentence was extorted from her, to her great grief, by the importunity of the whole Body of the Kingdome. The Queen of Scots being told hereof, seemed not a whit dejected with it; but writing to the Queen, never maketh intercession for her self, nor expostulateth her death, but onelyonly makes three small requests, one, That she might be buried in France, by her Mother; another, That shee might not be put to death privately, but her servants to be present; the third That her servants might freely depart, and enjoy such Legacies as she had given them. Of which Requests, she desireth the Queen to vouchsafe her an answer; but whether this Letter ever came to Queen Elizabeth, is uncertain.

This condemnation of the Queene of Scots, as a thing strange, and scarce credible, was soone spread farre and neare; so as intercessions came thicke in her behalfe to Queene ELIZABETH, but specially from the King of Scots, and the King of FRANCE, who sent their severall Ambassadors, using all the reasons that naturall affection in the one, and likenesse of condition in the other, could urge, for sparing of her life; but when the necessity of the State, seemed to obstruct all wayes of clemency, the French Ambassador L' Aubespine, falls from reasons to action, and thinketh no way so effectuall for saving the Queen of Scots life, as to take away Queen ELIZABETHS life; and thereupon, First, he dealeth covertly with William Stafford, a young Gentleman, and prone to embrace hopes (whose Mother was of the Bed-chamber to Queen ELIZABETH, and his brother at that time, Ambassador Lieger in France) and afterward, more openly by Trappe his Secretary, to murther the Queen. Stafford, though not daring to act such a villany himselfe, yet commended one Moody to him, a resolute fellow, and one that for money would be sure to do it. Upon this, Stafford brings Trappe to Moody, being then in the common Gaole, who upon Trappes offers, undertakes it: But then the consultation was, by what way it should be done? Moody propounded poison, or else to lay a bagge of Gunpowder under the Queens Bed, and suddenly fire it. But Trappe liked of neither of these wayes, but would rather have it done, as was done to the Prince of Orange. But while they are thus consulting about the way of doing it; Stafford discovers all to the Lords of the Councell. Whereupon Trappe, who was now bound for France, was apprehended, and being examined, confessed the whole matter. Upon this, the Ambassador himself was sent for to Cecills house, the twelveth of Ianuary; where met him by the Queens appointment, Cecill Lord Treasurer, the Earl of Leicester, Sir Christopher Hatton Vice-Chamberlain, and Davyson one of her Secretaries; who declare to the Ambassador every particular which Stafford, Moody, and Trappe his Secretary had confessed. Assoone as Stafford was brought forth, and began to speake, the AMBASSADOR interrupted him, and revyling him, made asseveration, that St…fford first propounded it; when Stafford falling on his knees, made fearful imprecations, that the AMBASSADOR first propounded it himself. But whosoever propounded it (sayth BVRLEIGH) It appeares, that you were made acquainted with the matter. To which hee presently Replyed; That if hee had knowne of any such thing, yet, being he was an AMBASSADOVR, he o…ght not p. 74to give notice of it, but to his own King. After much reasoning in this manner; The Lord Burleigh admonished him, to beware how he offended hereafter in this kinde; and let him know, That he is not quitted from the offence, though for this time the Queen be pleased to forbear him.

But upon this Treason, the Queen of Scots Adversaries put many terrors into Queen Elizabeths minde, giving out, That the Spanish Navy was come to Milford Haven, That the Scots were broken into England, That the Duke of Guyse with a great Army was landed in Sussex, That the Queen of Scots was escaped out of Prison, and had gotten a Company up in Arms, and many other such feigned suggestions; Through which, at length they drew the Queen to this: That she sealed Letters, for executing the Sentence against the Queen of Scots; and one of her greatest perswaders to it (as the Scots reported) was one whom the King of Scots had sent to disswade her from it; namely, Patricke Grey, who sounded often in her ears, Mortua non mordet; when she is dead, she cannot bite.

The Queen notwithstanding, began to weigh with her self, whether it were better to rid her out of the way, or else to spare her; and many great reasons offered themselves on both sides, but where only speculative reasons presented themselves for sparing her; many practicall reasons, and those pressed both by Courtiers and Preachers, were presented to her; so as long holden in suspence, she would oftentimes sit speechlesse, and her countenance cast down: At last, her fear prevayling, she delivered to Secretary Davyson, Letters under her hand and Seal, to get the Commission made under the Great Seal of England, for the Execution of the Queen of Scots, which might be in a readinesse upon any fear of danger; charging him not to disclose the matter, to any whomsoever. But the next day her minde was altered, and sent Sir William Killegrew to Davyson, to countermand the making of the Commission. Whereupon Davyson goes to her, and lets her know, That the Commission was already made, and the Seal put to it; Whereat, the Queen extreamly angry, rebuketh him sharply for his hastinesse; yet Davyson imparteth the matter to Privy Councellors; and perswades them, That the Queen Commanded, the Commission should be put in execution. Hereupon, Beale Clerk of the Councell, is sent down with Letters, wherein authority is deputed to the Earls of Shrewsbury, Kent, Derby, Cumberland, and others, that she should be put to death according to the Law; with which proceeding, the Queen was not once made acquainted; and more than this, Although she had intimated to Davyson, That she would take some other order concerning the Queen of Scots, yet did not he stay Beale from going.

And now comes in the last Act of the Queen of Scots Tragedy… for assoon as the Earls were come to Fotheringay; They, together with Sir Amis Pawlet, and Sir Drue Drurie, with whom she was then in custody; go unto her, and reading the Commission, signifie the cause of their comming; and in a few words, admonish her to prepare her selfe for death, for that she must dye the next day. Whereto, without any change of countenance or passion of minde, she made Answer; I had not thought that my Sister the Queen, would have consented to my death, who am not subject to your Laws; but since it is her pleasure, death shall then be to me most welcome. Then she requesteth that she might conferre with her Confessor, and Melvyn her Steward, which would not be granted: The Bishop or Deane of Peterborough they offered her, but them she refused. The Earles being departed, she gave order that Supper should bee hastened, where shee eat (as she used to doe) soberly, and sparingly; and perceiving her men and women servants to lament and weepe, she comforteth them, and bid them rejoyce rather, p. 75that she was now to depart out of a world of misery. After supper, she looketh over her Will, read the Inventory of her Goods and Jewells, and writ their names severally by them, to whom she gave any of them; at her wonted hour she went to bed, and after a few hours sleep, awaking; spent the rest of the night in her devotion. And now the fatall day being come, wich was the 8 of February, she getteth up, and makes her ready in her best Apparell, and then betook her self in her Closet to Almighty God, imploring his assistance with deep sighes and groans; untill Thomas Andrews Sheriffe of the County gave notice, that it was time to come forth, and then with a Princely Majesty, and chearfull conntenance, she came out, her head covered with a linnen Vayl, and carrying an Ivory Crucifix in her hand; In the Gallery the Earls met her, and the other Gentlemen, where Melvyn her servant upon his bended knees, deplored his own fortune, that he should be the messenger to carry this sad newes into Scotland; whom she comforted saying, Do not lament Melvyn, Thou shalt by and by see Mary Steward freed from all cares. Then turning her self to the Earls, She requested that her servants might stand by her at her death, which the Earl of Kent was very loath to grant, for fear of superstition; To whom she sayd, Fear nothing, these poor wretches desire only to give me my last farewell. I know the Queen my Sister, would not deny me so small a request. After this, the two Earls, and the Sheriff of the County leading the way, she came to the Scaffold, which was set up at the upper end of the Hall, where was a Chayre, a Cushion, and a Block, all covered with Mourning. Then the Dean of Peterborough going to Prayers, she falling upon her knees, and holding up the Crucifix in both her hands, prayed with her Servants in Latine, out of the Office of the blessed Virgin. Prayers being ended, she kissed the Crucifix, and signing her self with the Sign of the Crosse, said, As thy arms, O Christ, were spread forth upon the Crosse, so embrace me with the open arms of thy mercy, and forgive me my sins. Then the Executioner asking her pardon, she forgave him. And now her women helping off her outer Garments, and breaking forth into shrikes and cryes, she kissed them, signed them with the Crosse, and willed them to leave lamenting, for now an end of her sorrows was at hand; and then shadowing her face with a Linnen Cloth, and lying down on the Block, she repeated the Psalm, In te Domine speravi, ne confundar in aeternum; at which words she stretching forth her Body, her head at two blows was taken off. Her Body was afterward Royally buried in the Cathedrall Church at Peterborough; but since that, her Noble Son Iames, King of Great Britain, erected a Royall Monument for her, in King Henry the seventh's Chappell at Westminster. This end had Mary Queen of Scots, in the six and fortieth yeer of her age, and of her Imprisonment in England the eighteenth; a Lady so compleat in all excellent parts of body and minde, that must needs have made her a happy woman, if she had not been a Queen; and perhaps a happy Queen too, if she had not been Heir to the Crown of England: For why did all her endeavours want successe, but onelyonly from the fear of that Succession; and no Innocency of heas could be a Defence, where the fury of Jealousie made the Assault.

Assoon as it came to the Queens knowledge, that the Queen of Scots was put to death, her countenance grew dejected, and her speech fayled her; insomuch that all in mourning weeds, she gave her self over to sorrow, Commanded her Councellors from her Presence, and caused Davyson to be cited to the Starchamber. And assoon as grief would suffer her, She wrote a Letter with her own hand to the King of Scots, and sent it by Sir Robert Cary, to this effect; That her minde was infinitely disquieted, in regard of this lamentable event, against her meaning and intent; p. 76entreating him to believe, That if she had commanded it, she would never have denyed it, and withall, Protesting her true affection towards him, and her assiduous watchfulnesse for the prospering of his affairs.

While Carye was on his journey, Davyson is cited to the Star-Chamber before these Delegates, Sir Christopher Wray Chiefe Justice of the Kings-Bench, for that time made Lord Privy Seal, the Archbishop; of Canterbury and York, the Earls of Worcester, Cumberland, and Lincolne, the Lords Grey, and Lumley, Sir Iames Croft, Comptroller of the Queens House, Sir Walter Mildmay, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Edmond Anderson, Lord Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and Sir Roger Manwood, Lord Chief Baron (where note, That Bromely Lord Chancellor, Burleigh Lord Treasurer, Leicester, and Hatton, who were indeed more guilty of the fact, than Davyson, were none of the number.) Before these Delegates, Popham the Queens Atturney layeth to Davysons charge, Contempt of the Queen; Majesty, violating of his trust, and neglect of his duty, laying open all particulars of his fact; which after Egerton the Queens Solicitor, Gawdy, and Puckering her Serjeants at Law, urged also against him with great aggra…ation: To which Davyson mildely answered, That he would not contest with the Queen; only protests, That if he had done any thing otherwise than he ought, it was out of ignorance and mistaking, and not out of any purpose to disobey her Majesty. It seems the Queen had carried her selfe, as one that would have it done, and yet was loth to do it, scarce knowing her one minde, and yet would have another know it; meaning to make it the work of mistaking, rather than of purpose, that so at least she might leave some place of satisfaction to her selfe, that it was not absolutely of her doing.

The Pleadings ended, the Commissioners went to censure; Manwood began, and gave his opinion, That Davyson, for the inconsideratnesse of his fact… should be fined ten thousand pounds, and Imprisonment during the Queens pleasure; the rest went on in that Sentence, only the Lord Grey excused Davyson so far, That he tho…ght him worthy of reward, rather than of punishment: The conclusion was, the first Sentence for his Fine and Imprisonment, was by Wray keeper of the Privy Seal confirmed; and Davyson never after recovered the Queens favour, though she relieved him sometimes in his necessity. A man ingenious indeed, but not throughly acquainted with the wayes of the Court; and thought to have been raised to this place, of purpose to Act this part, and for nothing else.

By this time Sir Robert Cary, Son to the Lord Hunsdon, who was sent to excuse the Queen, was come to the Borders; but being come thither, was not suffered to set foot in Scotland, The King would scarce hear him by another, and with much adoe received his Letters. He called home his Ambassador out of England, and thought of nothing but revenge.

But the Queen still laying the fault upon Davyson, and the unadvised credulity of her Councellros, by little and little allayeth his passion; and expecting, till time had somewhat asswaged his griefe, that it would endure to be touched, at length, by her Agents in Scotland; And soon after by the Lord Hunsdon Governor of Berwicke, She admonished him, How dangerous it would be for him, to break out into War against England, and what little help he could justly expect from either Spain or France, but if he persisted in the amity with England, he might be sure the Queen of England, would most lovingly account him for her Son. And to the end, that he should assure himself, that the Queen his Mother was put to death without her privity, she sent him the Sentence against Davyson, under the Seals of all the Delegates, and attested under the Great Seal of England; and another Instrument likewise signed with the hands of the Judges of England; in which they averre, That the Sentence against the Queen of Scots, could in no wise be prejudice to his right in the Succession.

p. 77Having now by these and the like courses, somewhat asswaged the King of Scots indignation; to prevent the War which they foresaw was imminent from the King of Spain, they send forth Drake with four of the Queens ships and others, unto the Coast of Spain, to set upon their ships in the Have…s, and to intercept their Munition. Drake entring into the Port of Cales, sunck, took, and fired, about an hundred ships, wherein was great store of Munition and Victualls: Then returning to the Cape of St. Vincent, he set up three Forts, and compelled them to yeild. Thence setting sayl towards the Western Islands, called Azores, under the great Meridian; by great good fortune he happened upon an huge and wealthy Carack, called St. Philip, returning from the East-Indies, and easily vanquished it; Wherupon the Mariners on both sides, from the name of Philp, portended no good luck to Philip King of Spain.

At the same time, Thomas Cavendish of Suffolke, in the other part of the World, who two years before had set sayl from England with three ships, passing thorough the Straights of Magellan, in the Coast of Chily, Peru, and Nu…va Hispania, fired a great number of Spanish Towns, took and pillaged ninteen great ships, and amongst them a wealthy ship of the Kings, nigh unto Caliphornia, in North America; and so by the Philippine Isles, the Mol…cce, the Cape de Bone Esperance, and the Island of St. Helene, returned home the next year, being the third after Magellan, that sayled about the World.

As Drake and Cavendish at this time gained great fame and renown… so two other men in the Netherlands (Stanley and Yorke) purchased as great infamy and disgr…ce: This Yorke was a Londoner, a bold fellow, and of loose behaviour; famous for bringing first into England, the manner of turning the point upon the Adversary in single Combats, whereas the English till this time, were wont to be armed with Bucklers and swords, and to strike with edge, and it was held no manhood to turn the point, or strike below the girdle. He suffering some affront from the Earl of Leicester, fled away, and for a time, served under the Spaniards in the Netherlands, till at length being reconciled to Leicester, he was sent over the Fort near Zutphen; but being bribed, he not only yeilded up the place to the Enemy, but drew to the like villany one Stanley, who with great valour had served in an Irish expedition; to yeild up Daventry to the Spaniards, a wealthy and well Fortified Town. But what got they by their treachery, The Spaniards set Yorke and Stanley at variance, they poison Yorke and seize upon his goods, his carkasse was three years after digged up by the States commandment, and hanged upon a Gibbet till it rotted away… Stanley went into Spain, where there was no credit given to him; for the Spaniards have a saying, It is lawfull to give honor to a Traytor sometimes, but never to trust him.

These late treacheries, wrought the Earl of Leicester much envy with the Confederate Netherlands, because the Traytors were very intimate with him; whereupon the States in large letters to the Queen, accuse Le…cester for his ill managing of the Weal-Publick, in the matter of money, Merchandize, and Military affairs; and to his credulity, They impute the harm which accrewed by Yorke and Stanley. The Queen, for the narrow sifting of the matter, and composing it; sent thither Thomas Sackvile Lord Buckehurst (lately taken i…to her Privie Councell in Leicesters absence) Norris, and Bartholmew Clerke: B…t when as the officious diligence of Buckhurst, seemed to trench upon Leicesters re…utation; his grace with the Queen proved so forcible, that Buckhurst at his return, was for certain moneths confined to his house.

Afterward, Sluce being beleaguered by the Prince of Parma, Leicester was by the States sent for out of England, to succour it; the Town was furiously a…saulted, with seventeen thousand great shot, and a mighty breach was p. 78made into it; which neverthelesse, Roger Williams, Franis Vere, Nicholas Baskervile, with the Garrison of the English and Wallons, were valiantly defended for a while, but at last were enforced to yeild it up… Leicester, that came to relieve it, finding himself too weak for the Besiegers, being gone away. And indeed, the States would not commit any great Army to his Command; who (they knew had a determination to se…ze L…yden, and some other Towns into his own hands, and had a purpose to surprize the absolute Government. Whereupon, the States used means, that Leicester was called home; gave up the Government to the States, and in his roome succeeded Maurice of Nassaw Son to the Prince of Orange, b…ing now but twenty years of age.) Peregrine Lord Willonghby, was by the Queen made Gene…all of the English Forces in the Low-Countries, to whom she gave command to reduce the English Factions into the States obedience; the which, with the help of Prince Maurice, he easily effected.

Leicester being now come home, and perceiving that an accusation was preparing against him by Buckhurst and others, for his unfaithfull managing of affairs in Holland; privately with tears he cast himself down at the Queens feet, entreating her, that she would not receive him with disgrace, at his return, whom she had sent forth with honor; and so far prevailed with her, that the next day being called to examination before the Lords, he took his place amongst them, not kneeling down at the end of the Table, as the manner of Delinquents is; and when the Secretary began to read the heads of his Accusation, he interrupted him, saying; That the publick instructions which he had received, were limited with private restriction; and making his appeal to the Queen, eluded the whole crimination, with the secret indignation of his Adversaries.

This year was famous for the death of many great Personages: In the monethmonth of February, dyed Henry Nevill Lord of Aburgaveny, great Grand-childe to Edward Nevill, who in the Reign of King Henry the Sixth, got this Title in the right of his Wife, only Daughter and Heir to Richard Beauchamp Earl of Worcester, and Lord of Aburgaveny; In which right, when as the only Daughter of this Henry, Wife to Sir Thomas Fane, challenged the Title of Baronesse of Aburgaveny; a memorable contention arose concerning the Title between her, and the next Heir Male, to whom by Will (and the same confirmed by Authority of Parliament) the Castle of Aburgaveny was bequeathed. This question being a long time debated; at last in a Parliament holden in the second year of King Iames, the matter was tryed by voyces; and the Heir Male carried the Lordship of Aburgaveny, and the Barony Le Dispencer, was ratified to the Female. This year also, in the monethmonth of Aprill, dyed Anne Stanhope Dutchesse of Somerset, ninety years old, who being the Wife of Edward Seymer Duke of Somerset, and Protector of England, contended for precedency, with Katherine Parre, Queen Dowager to King Henry the Eight. There dyed also, Sir Ralph Sadler, Chancellor of the Dutchy of Lancaster, the last Baneret of England, with which dignity he was adorned at the Battell of Musselborough in Scotland. After him dyed Thomas Bromley Lord Chancellor of England; and six dayes after, He, whom the Queen meant should have succeeded him, Edward Earl of Rutland; but he now fayling, Sir Christopher Hatton was made Lord Chancellor, who though he were a Courtier, yet the Queen knowing him to be an honest man, thought him not unfit for that place, where conscience hath, or should have more place than Law; although some were of opinion, That it was not so much the Queens own choice, as that she was perswaded to it by some that wisht him not well; both thereby to be a cause of absenting him from the Court, and thinking that such a sedentary place, to a corpulent man that had been used to exercise, would be a means to shorten his life, and indeed he lived not full out three years after.

p. 79This yeer Sir Iohn Perot was called home out of Ireland, and left all in … quiet to Fits Williams his Successor. For hitherto the English … it no hard matter to vanquish the Irish, by reason of their unskil…ulnesse in Arms; eight hundred Foot, and three hundred Horse, was …ld an invincible Army: but after that by Perots command, they were …cised in Feats of Arms, and taught to discharge Muskets at a Mark, … had in the Low-Countries learned the Art of Fortification, they held the English better to it, and were not so easily overcome.

And now we are come to the one and twentieth yeer of Queen Eliza…s Raign, being the yeer 1588, long before spoken of by Astrologers, … be a wonderfull yeer, and even the Climactericall yeer of the World. And yet the greatest Wonder that happened this yeer, was but the wonderfull Fleet that Spain provided for invading of ENGLAND, if the defeat of that wonderfull Fleet were not a greater Wonder.

It is true, there was at this time a Treaty of Peace between England and Spai… ; and the Earl of Derby, the Lord Cobham, Sir Iames Crofts, Dale and Rogers, Doctors of Law, Commissioners for the Queen: for the Prince of Parma, the Count Aurenberg, Champignie, Richardot, Ma…s, and Garvyer, Doctors, had many meetings about it neer to Ostend; but it seemed on the p…rt of Spain, rather to make the English secure, that they should not make provision for War, than that they had any purpose of reall proceeding, seeing they accepted not of any reasonable Conditions that were offered, but trifled out the time, till the Spanish Navy was come upon the Coast, and the Ordnance heard from Sea, and then dismissed the English Delegates.

The Spanish Navy consisted of one hundred and thirty Ships; whereof Galeasses and Galleons, seventy two, goodly Ships, like to floating Towers; in which were Souldiers, 19290; Marriners, 8350; Gallyslaves, 2080; Great Ordnance, 2630: For the greater holinesse of their Action, twelve of their Ships were ca…led, The twelve Apostles. Chief Commander of the Fleet, was Don Alphonso, Duke of Medina; and next to him, Iohn Martin Recalde, a great Sea-man. The twentieth of May they weighed Anchor from the River Tagus, but were by Tempest so miserably disperst, that it was long ere they m…t again: but then they sent before to the Prince of Parma, That he with his Forces, consisting of fifty thousand old Souldiers, should be ready to joyn with them, and with his Shipping conduct them into England, and to land his Army at the Thames Mouth.

The Queens Preparation in the mean time, was this; The Lord Charles Howard, Lord Admirall, with all her Navy; and Sir Francis Drake, Vice-Admirall, to be ready at Plimouth; and the Lord Henry Seymor (second son to the Duke of Somerset, with forty English and Dutch Ships, to keep the Coasts of the Netherlands, to hinder the Prince of Parma's coming forth. Then for Land-Service, there were laid along the Southern Coast, twenty thousand souldiers, and two Armies besides of Trayned men were levyed; over one of which, consisting of a thousand Horse, and two and twenty thousand Foot, the Earl of Leicester commanded, and pitched his Tents at Tilbury, neer the Thames mouth: Over the other, appointed to Guard the Queens Person, and consisting of four and twenty thousand Foot, and two thousand Horse, the Lord Hunsdon was Generall. Arthur Lord Grey, Sir Francis Knolles, Sir Iohn Norris, Sir Richard Bingham, Sir Roger Williams, and other Military men, were chosen to make a Councell of War, and consult how the Land-service should …e ordered. These declared, amongst other things, That the places which lay fittest for the enemies landing, as Milford Haven, F…lmouth, Plimouth, p. 80Portland, the Isle of Wight, Portsmouth, the Downs, the Thames mouth, Harwich, Yarmouth, Hull, and such other, should be fortified with Works and Garrisons; the Trayned Souldiers of those Shires which lay neer the Sea Coast, should defend those places, and be ready at the Alarm to hinder the Enemy from Landing; but if he did land, then to spoyl the Countrey round about, that he might finde no food; and by continuall crying, Arm, Arm, give the Enemy no rest, but yet should not give Battell, till good store of Commanders were come together.

At this time many fearing the Papists at home, no lesse than the Spa…iards abroad, perswaded the Queen to take off the heads of some of t…e greatest of them; but she detesting such cruelty, took order onelyonly, That some few of them should be committed to custody in Wisbych Castle.

And now all things on both sides prepared, the Spanish Navy set forth out of the Groyne in May, but was dispersed and driven back by weather. The English Navy set forth somewhat later out of Plimouth, bearing up towards the Coast of Spain; but partly by occasion of contrary windes, partly by advertisement that the Spaniards were gone back, and upon some doubt also that they might passe by towards the Coast of England, whilest they were seeking them afar off, they returned to Plimouth; At which time, a confident (though false) advertisement came to the Admirall, That the Spaniards could not possible come forward that yeer: whereupon the E…glish Navy was upon the point of disb…nding, and many of the men were gone on shore; when suddenly the invincible Armada (for so it was called in a Spanish ostentation) was discovered upon the Western Coast: whereof the Lord Admirall being informed, had much ado to get the Queens Navy out of the Haven (the winde being contrary) yet at length he haled it forth. The next day, the English beheld the Spanish Ships, in height like to Castles, sayling slowly along, whom they suffered peaceably to passe by, that they might have the benefit of the winde to follow after. The one and twentieth day of Iuly, the Admirall of England sent a Pinnace before, called, The Defianc…, which by a great shot, challenged the Spaniards to fight, and by and by they fell to it. Then Drake, Hawkins, and Forbisher let fly against the outmost Squadron, which Recalde commanded, making him glad to fly to their main Navy for succour. The night following… a mighty Biskayner of Oquenda's (in which the King of Spain's Treasure was) was by chance fired with Gun-powder, but was timely quenched by other Ships sent to her succour; one of which Ships, was the Galleon of Don Pedro, whom Sir Francis Drake took prisoner, and sent him to Darthmouth. The Biskayner it self (the Treasure being taken out by the Spaniards) they left behinde them, which the English brought into the Haven at Weymouth.

The three and twentieth day of this Month, they had a seco…d Fight, in which most of the Spanish Shot flew over the English Ships, and never hurt them; OnelyOnly Cock an English-man, being with his little Vessell in the midst of the enemies, died valiantly. The four and twentieth day, they rested on both sides; in which time the Lord Admirall ranked his whole Fleet i…to four Squadrons: The first he ruled himself, Drake the second, Hawkins the third, and Forbisher the fourth.

The five and twentieth day (which was the Saint Iames day) they fell to it the third time; in which Fight, the English had again the better, so as after this time, the Spaniards would no more turne upon the English, but holding on their course, dispatched a Messenger to the p. 81Prince of Parma; Requiring him forthwith to joyne himself to the Kings Fleet, and withall to send them Bullets.

The day following, the Lord Admirall Knighted Thomas Howard, the Lord Shefield… Roger Townsend, Iohn Hawkins, and Martin Frobisher; and holding a Councell of War, they decreed not to set again upon the Enemy, till they came to the streight of Calice, where the Lord Henry Seymor and Sir William Winter waited for their coming. And now so far were the English from being terrified with this invincible Navy, that many of the Nobility and other of speciall note, hired Ships at their own charges and came to the Admirall; as the Earls of Oxford, Northumberland, Cumberland, Thomas and Robert Cecill, Henry Brook, Sir Charls Blunt, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir William Hatton, Sir Robert Carie, Sir Ambrose Willoughby, Sir Thomas Gerard, Sir Arthur Gorge and others.

The seaven and twentieth of July towards the Evening, the Spaniards cast Anchour neer unto Calis, and not far from them rode the English Admirall, within shot of a great Ordnance, to whom Seymor and Winter joyned themselve…, so as by this time there were in the English Navy a hundred and forty Ships, nimble and serviceable for Fighting or Sayling, yet only Fifteen of them bore the stroke of the Battell. And now againe the Spaniards sent Post after Post to the Prince of Parma to send them forty Flye-boates, without which they were not able to skirmish with the English, by reason of the greatnesse and unweldinesse of their Ships, and importune him presently to put to Sea with his Army; But he was unprepa…ed, and his Flat-bottomed Boates were full of chinks and leaked, and besides, the Hollanders hovered before the Ports of Dunkerk and Newport, in such sort, that he durst not look forth.

The eight and twentieth day; the Lord Admirall made ready eight of his worst Ships, on the out-side dawbed with wild-fire, Rozin and Brimstone, within, full of combustible matter, and under the conduct of Young and Prowse, sent them down with the winde in the silent time of the night towards the Spanish Fleet; the which when the Spaniards saw approach them, and the Sea as it were all on a light fire; imagining withall, that those Fire-ships might carry in them some murthering Engines, they made … hideous noise, took up Anchours, cutt Cables, spread Sayles, and betook themselves to their Oars, but more to flight: One of the Spanish Galleasses having lost her Rudder, and floating up and down, was held in fight by Annias Preston, Thomas Gerard, and Harvie, who …lew Captain Hugh Moncada, cast the Souldiers over board, and carryed away a great deale of Gold, but the Vessell and Ordnance was wreck to the Governour of Calice.

Drake and Fencz in the mean while perceiving the Spanish Fleet to gather togethea again before Graveling, set upon them with great violence, to whom str…ightwayes, Fenton, Southwell, Beeston, Crosse, and Riman joyne themselves, and soon after the Admirall himself, Sir Thomas Howard, and the Lord Sheffield, the Galleon called Saint Matthew, was sorely battered by Seymor and Winter, driven toward Ostend, and set upon again by the Zelanders, and at last was taken by the Flushingers.

And now the Spanish Navy having want of many nec…ssaries, and no hope of the Prince of Parma's coming, they resolved to returne Northward for Spain; in which passage they lost both many Ships and men, the English Navy still following them close, till they were faine to give them over for want of Powder. Whilest these things passed at Sea, the Queen …n Person came to Tilbury to view the Army and Campe there, where she shewed such undaunted Courage and Resolution, that it wonderfully animated the spirits of them all.

And thus this Navy, which was three whole Yeers in preparing, in the space of a month was often beaten, and at length put to flight, many of p. 82their men being slain, more then halfe of their Ships taken and sunk (of the English not above a hundred at the most missing, nor so much as a Ship, but Cocks little Vessell) and Sayling about all Brittaine by Scotland, the Orkeneys and Ireland, they returned into Spain with as much dishonour as they came out with boasting, for indeed Mendoza in France by a Book in Print, Triumphed before the Victory.

For the happy successe of this Action, Queen Elizabeth appointed prayers and thanksgiving over all the Churches of England, and she (as it were in triumph) came in Person, attended with a great Troop of the Nobility into the City, and went into the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul (where the Banners taken from the Enemy was placed in view) and there in most humble manner gave thanks to Almighty God. And …hat which increased the publike joy, was the newes which Sir Robert Sidney brought out of Scotland, That the King had over-past all injuries, was lovingly affected towards the English, and desired to imbrace sincere and perfect amitie with the Queen. For as for the King of Spain, he wittily told the Embassadour, that he expected no other courtesie from him, but such as Polyphemus promised Ulisses, that he should be the last whom he would devoure.

And now dyed the great Earl of Leicester the fourth day of September, at his Mannor of Killingworth of a violent Feaver; I may well say the great Earl, considering the many great Honours he enjoyed, which are extant in the Story; yet one honour greater then any he had before, he effected even then when he was ready to go out of the world, and that was… To be Vice-gerent in the high Government of England and Ireland, for which the Patent was already drawne, and had been sealed; but that Burleigh and Hatton shewed the Queen how dangerous a thing it might prove, for so great Authority to reside in one Subject. He was while he lived in so great favour with the Queen, that some thought (and himselfe not the least) that she meant to marry him; yet when he dyed, his goods were sold at an Outcry to make payment of the debts he owed her.

About this time Philip Earl of Arundell, who three yeers before had been cast in prison, was now cited in Westminster Hall, to the judgement of his Peers, and Henry Earl of Derby was made High Steward of England for the time. The matters layd to his charge were these: That he had contracted friendship with Cardinall Allen, Parsons the Jesuite, and other Traytours, exciting divers both abroad and at home to restore the Romish Religion, promising his assistance thereunto: and for that reason had a purpose to depart the Kingdom. That he was privy to the Bull, in which Pope Sixtus Quintus had deposed the Queen, and given England to the Spaniard; that being imprisoned in the Tower he caused Masse to be said for the prosperous successe of the Spanish Fleet, and for that purpose had framed peculiar prayers for his own private use. Being demanded whether he were guilty of these things; turning himself to the Judges, he asked them these questions: First, whether it were lawfull to heap up so many crimes together in one Bill of Indictment? They answered that it was: Then whether Arguments taken from presumptions were of force? They answered, that it was lawfull for him to interpose exceptions if he saw cause. Then again, if he might be Arraigned for those things which were Capitall, by the Law made the thirteenth yeer of the Queen, after that the time expressed in the Act was expired? They promised, they would proceed against him by no Law; but the old Statute of Treason, made in the Raigne of King Edward the Third. But now again asked if he were guilty or not… He pleaded not guilty, whereupon Puckening the Queens Sergeant at Law, Popham Atturney Generall, Shuttleworth Sergeant at Law, and Egerton the Queens Sollicitour, in their turnes, urged and proved the crimes objected; some whereof he denyed, some he extenuated; but in conclusion was by p. 83his Peers found guilty and condemned; yet the Queen spared his life, and was content with thus much done in terror to the Papists.

It was now the yeer 1589. And the two and thirtieth of Queen Eliza…eths Raign; when to be in some sort revenged of the Spaniards for their invasion, she gave leave to Sir Iohn Norris and Sir Francis Drake to under…ake an Expedition at their own private charges, requiring nothing of her but a few Ships of War, who took along with them Anthony the bastard, laying clayme to the Kingdom of Portingall, and of Souldidrs to the number of eleven thousand, of Sea-men about fifteen hundred: setting Sayle from Plimmouth the fifth day of Aprill, they arrived at the Groyne in Ga…acia; whereof, with great valour they took first the Lower town, and afterward the Higher, and from thence sayling toward Portingall, they met Robert Earl of Essex, who without the Queens leave had put to Sea: After two dayes they arrive at Penycha a Town of Portingall, which they took; and left the Castle to Don-Antonio, and from thence they march by land towards Lisbon threescore miles off: The Foot Companies led by Norris, whom Drake promised to follow with the Fleet. Being come to the West Suburbs of Lisbon, they found no body there but a few poor disarmed Portugalls who cryed out, God save King Antonio. The day following the Spaniards made a sayle out, in which Skirmish Bret, Caresley, and Carre, (stout Commanders) were slain; yet did the Earl of Essex drive the Spaniards to the very gates of the Citie. And now having tarryed here two dayes, and seeing no signe of the Portingalls revolting; which Don-Anthonio had assured them would be, finding fresh supplies come into the Town, their own Army sickly, Victualls and Powder failing; and that which most of all Sir Francis Drake not bringing the great Ordnance as he promised, they departed from the Suburbs of Lisbon towards Cascais, a little Town at the mouth of the River Tagus, which Town Drake had taken this meane while, who excused his not coming to Lisbon, by reason of the Flat… he must have passed, and the Castle of Saint Julian, Fortified with fifty pieces of great Ordnance. Neer this place they found threescore Hulke… of the Hause towns of Germany, laden with corne and all manner of Munition, which they took as good prize towards their charges, in regard the Queen had forbidden them to carry Victualls or Munition to the Spaniard. From hence they set sayle toward Virgo, a forlorne Town by the Sea-side, and pillaging all along that Quarter, returned for England, having lost in the Voyage of Souldiers and Marriners about six thousand; yet not so much by the Enemy, as by eating of strange fruites and distemper of the Climate.

It concerns the state of England, to look at this time into the state of France; for while those things were in doing between Spain and England, the Popish Princes of France, under pretext of defending the Catholike Religion, entred into a combination, which they called, The holy League: The purpose whereof was, to root out the Protestants, and to divert the Right of Succession to the Crown of France; For they bound themselves to each other by oath, to suffer no person but a Catholike to be King of France; which was directly to exclude the King of Navarre, and the Prince of Conde, if the present King, without issue male, should fail. The head of this League, was the Duke of Guise, who having given some overthrows to the German Forces, that came into France in aid of the Protestants, was immeasurably extolled by the Clergie and others; and grew to such a height of reputation, that entring into Paris, he made the King glad to leave the City, and in an Assembly at Bloys, to make him great Master of the French Cavalery, and to consent by Edict, to the cutting off the Protestants. So as the King standing now in fear of him, used means at last, even in the very Court, to have him murthered; and soon after, the Cardinall his brother p. 84to be strangled. Hereupon so great a confusion followed, that the people every where disobeyed the Magistrates, and spoiled the Kings very Pallace at Paris. Some Cities affected a Democr…cie, others an Aristocracie, but few liked of a Monarchy. The Confederates in the mean while, made a new Seal, usurped the Royall Authority, seized into their hands the best fortified places, intercept the Kings Revenues, call in Spanish Souldiers, and in all places denounce war and violence against the King. And the King in this case being forced to flye to the Protestant… for succour, they then most wickedly, by one Iames Clement a Monk, made him away. The King being ready to dye, Declareth the King of Navarre to be his lawfull successor, but the Confederates would exclude him as an open Heretick; and yet whom to make choice of they cannot well agree, some would have the Duke of Lorraine, as being descended from the ancient Kings of France, some th… Duke of Savoy, as borne of the French Kings daughter, a Prince Po…e…t and Couragious; others would have the Duke of Guises brother that wa… murthered… others the King of Spain; but the greatest part gave thei… voices for the C…rdinall of Bourbon, who was one degree neerer al…yed to the slain King, then the King of Navarre his Nephew. He therefore was presently proclaimed King of France, with the Title of Charls the Tenth; but he being a Priest, the King of Navarre also was at the same time proclaimed King of France, who abode at Diepe a Sea Town of Normandy, and doubted not to drive the Cardinall easily out of France.

The King of Navarre being thus raised in Dignity, but weake in means, implored Aid of the Queen of England, offering to make a League Offensive and Defensive; the Queen out of a pious respect to a King of her own Religion, sent him presently two and twenty thousand pound sterling in Gold (such a summe of Gold, as he professed he had never seen at one time before) and withall supplyed him with four thousand Souldiers, under the command of Peregrine Lord Willoughby; for Colonells, she appointed Sir Thomas Wilford, who was made Marsh…ll of the Field, Iohn Boro…ghs, Si… William Drury, and Sir Thomas Baskervyle, and gave them a months pay in hand. Hereupon the Confederates (whom the King had vanquished … little before at Arques beyond all expectation) began to quaile, and the day before the Arrivall of the English they vanished away, with this addition of Forces the King marcheth to Paris, and being ready to enter the Citie, causeth a retreat to be …ounded, as loath to have spoile made of a Citie, which he hoped shortly should be his own. Afterwards by the assistance of the English he wonne many Towns, and then having marched at least five hundred miles on foot, he gave them leave after a long winters service, to returne into England. In which Voyage of men of note, dyed Captain Hunnings, but of a naturall death, also Stubbs (he whose right hand was cutt off for writing the book against the Queens marriage) and Sir William Drury slain by Master Boro…ghs in a single Combat, where the quarrell was, that he being but a Knight, would take place of Boroughs that was the younger son of a Baron, contrary to the Lawes of the English Gentry.

About this time, Iames King of Scots (with Queen Elizabeths good liking) Espoused Anne the daughter of Frederick the second King of Denmarke by his Deputy; but she afterward sayling for Scotland, was by tempest cast upon Norway, and there, through continuall stormes forced to stay, so as the King in the winter season set sayle thither, that the marri…ge according to his vow might be accomplished within the yeer: some were of opinion that those stormes were caused by witch-craft, and was confirmed indeed by some witches taken in Scotland; who confessed they had raised those stormes to keep the Queen from landing in Scotland, and that the Earl of Bothwell had asked Counsell of them concerning the p. 85Kings end; who was thereupon cast into prison, but in a short time breaking loose, occasioned new stirs in Scotland.

This yeer, many Noble personages dyed; Frances Countesse of Sussex, sister to Sir Henry Sidney, Sir Walter Mildway, Chancellour and Vice-Treasurer of the Exchequer, William Somerset Earl of Worcester, so numerous in his off-spring, that he could reckon more children of both Sexes, then all the Earls of England. Also Iohn Lord Sturton, Henry Lord Compton, and at Bruxels the Lord Paget.

At this time, the Queen who was alwayes frugall, strained one point of Frugality more then ever she had done before; for upon the information of one Caermarden, (though Burleigh, Leicester, and Walsingham were offended, that credit should be given to such a one, and themselv…s neglected) she raised Thomas Smith the customer from thirteen thous…nd pounds yeerly, to two and forty thousand pounds, and at last to fifty thousand.

It was now the yeer 1590. and the three and thirtieth of Queen Elizabeths Raigne, in which, the Earl of Cumberland made a Voyage to the Indies, where he laid levell to the ground the Fort of the Isle of …iala, and brought away eight and fifty Pieces of great Ordnance.

This yeer was fatall to many Noble personages; first dyed Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick, (son to Iohn Duke of Northumberland) without issue. After him Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary, a man more skilfull in the Politicks, then in the Oeconomicks; more cunning in managing matters of the publick State, then of his own private estate, which he left so mean, and dyed so much indebted, that he was fain to be buryed by night, without a…y Funerall pomp, in the Cathedrall Church of Saint Paul; leaving behinde him one onelyonly daughter, famous for her three husbands, all of them the goodliest men of their time; the first, Sir Philip Sidney; the second, Robert Earl of Essex; the third, Richard Burgh Earl of Clanricard, by King Charls made Earl of Saint Albans. Within two Moneths after W…lsingham, dyed Sir Thomas Randol…, who had been fourteen times sent in Embassage to severall Princes, yet was never rewarded with any greater dignities, then the Chamberlainship of the Exchequer, and the Postmastership of England. Soon after him dyed Sir Iohn Crof…s, who had done good service in Scotland, in Edward the sixths time; in Queen Mary's time was condemned of high Treason; in Queen Elisabeths time set at liberty, and made Comptroller of her house. After him dyed George Talbot, the seventh E. of Shrewsbury of this house; he was made Earl Marshall of England, and left behinde him a memoriall of Wisdom and Integrity. Lastly dyed Thomas Lord Wentworth, the last of the English that had been Governour of Calice.

In Ireland at this time Hugh Gaveloc (so called, because he had been long kept in Fetters) the naturall son of Shan O Neale, accused Hugh Earl of Tir-Oen, for holding private consultations with certain Spaniard, who in 88 were by Shipwrack cast upon the coast of Ireland: Tir-Oen to prevent the Accusation, took the said Hugh, and when others refused to do it, took a cord and with his own hands strangled him. Hereupon he was sent for into England, and came, and upon pardon obtained, solemnly undertook in presence of the Queen at Greenwich, to maintain the peace with Turlogh Leynigh; Not to usurpe the Title of O-Neale, nor any authority over the Gentry about him; to reduce the Territory of Tir-Oen to the form of a County, and civil behaviour, and many such matters; giving hostages for his true performance; and indeed for a time he observed all things very duly. This trouble allayed, another arose; for soon after this, Hugh Roe Mac-Mahon, a Potentate in the Territory of Monaghan, compelled those under his jurisdiction to pay him tribute; whereupon the Deputy caused him to be taken, and tryed by a Jury of common Souldiers, and then to be hanged up, dividing his lands amongst certain English; and some of the Mac-Mahons, reserving p. 86a certain yeerly Rent to the Crown of England, by this means thinking to extinguish the Power and Title of Mac-Mahon. But hereupon, O-Rork, fearing hee should be served in like manner, took up Arms against the Queen, whom Bingham President of Connacht soon distressed, and drave into Scotland, and at the Queens request, was by the King delivered up into his hands.

It was now the yeer 1591. and the Four and thirtieth of Queen Elisabeths Raign, when she, carefull lest Britain should come into the Spaniards hands, sent Edmund York into France, to advertise the King to take care thereof; and promising to send him Forces to that end, if he would, some Towns, where they might be in safety. Hereupon he named Cherburg, Granvile, or Brest, as the fittest; and it was agreed, that Three thousand English should be sent into Brittainy and Picardy; but in the mean time, Henry Palmer was sent to Sea, with certain Ships, who seized upon Thirteen Spanish Ships, as they were returning from Nova Francia. And now Roger Williams, with a Company of Six hundred Souldiers, passeth over to Diepe in Normandy; and Sir Iohn Norris with the rest of the Forces, hasted into Britain soon after. Roger Williams, with his own Six hundred, and the help of Charter Governour of Diepe, put to rout the Confederates, that had blocked up the passages; whose valour, the French King in his Letters to the Queen, highly extolled. Whereupon growing more couragious, and not minding his charge, which was to stay at Diepe, he accompanyed the King to the very Suburbs of Paris, where in honour of his Nation, he sent a Challenge to the Spaniards, to encounter Two hundred Pikemen of the English, and a hundred Musquetiers, with as many Spaniards in open Field.

After this, the King of France acquainted the Queen, that he had a purpose to set upon Roan, or New-haven, before the Prince of Parma should come into France, and thereupon requested her, to send Four thousand English into Normandy, which upon certain conditions she willingly did, and sent them under the Command of Robert Earl of E…sex, accompanyed with Sir Thomas Leighton, and Sir William Killegrew, as his Counsellours. When the Earl came into France, he found that the King was at Noyon, and in Normandy no preparation for the War at all, which seemed strange, and much troubled him; but by and by Sir Roger Williams comes to him from the King, requesting him to come to Noyon, that they might confer concerning a course of War. Thither the Earl made a tedious journey, and being come thither; the King told him, he was now of necessity to go himself into Champaigne; but promiseth to send Marshall Biron, and the Duke of Montpensier forthwith to him, to lay siege to Roan. Hereupon the Earl returned to his Tents, expecting their coming, but neither of th…m …me, which troubled the Earl more then before; so as being weary now … doing nothing, he made himself one approach to Roan, where hi… Brother W…lt… Devereux was unfortunately slain. Indeed the affairs of the …ing of Fr…nce were at this time upon so uncertain terms, that before he could …t … h… had resolved, something still intervened, that diverted him; for which, by his Letters he excused himself to the Queen of England, and by the mediation of the Ea…l, and Mornay Lord du Plessie, whom to that end he sent into England, obtained new supplies, and then besieged Roan.

At this time was memorable the prodigious cariage of one Hacket, born at Oundale in Northamptonshire, a mean fellow of no learning, whose first prank was this; That when, in shew of Reconciliation to one with whom he had been at variance, he imbraced him, he bit off his Nose, and the man desiring to have his Nose again, that it might be sowed on, while the wound was green, he most villanously eat it up, and swallowed it down before his face. After this, all on a …udden, he took upon him a shew of wonderfull holinesse, did nothing but hear Sermons, and getting Scriptures by heart, p. 87…d counterfeting Revelations from God, and an extraordinary calling, and …rew to be so magnified by certain zealous Ministers, and specially of one …ard Coppinger, (a Gentleman of a good house) and one Arthington, a great admirer of the Geneva Discipline; that they accounted him as sent …rom Heaven, and a greater Prophet then Moses or Iohn Baptist, and finally, that he was Christ himself, come with his fanne in his hand, to judge the world. And this they proclaimed in Cheapside; giving out that Hacket participated of Christs glorified body, by his especiall Spirit, and was now come to propagate the Gospel over Europe, and to settle a true Discipline in the Church of England; and that they themselves were two Prophets, the one of MercieMercy, and the other of Judgement; with many other such incredible blasphemies; whereupon Hacket was apprehended and arraigned; and at last, hanged, drawn and quartered, continuing all the time, and at his death, his blasphemous Assertions. Coppinger a while after starved himself to death in prison, Arthington repented, and made his Recantation in a publike writing.

Besides these, other also at this time opposed the established Government of the Church of England, crying down the calling of Bishops, with whom sided some Common-Lawyers also, affirming, that the Queen could not depute, nor these men exercise any such Ecclesiasticall Jurisdiction; and that the Oath Ex Officio was unchristian. But the Queen conceiving, that through the sides of the Prelates, she her self was shot at, suppressed them what she could, and maintained the Government formerly established.

About this time, the Lord Thomas Howard, with six of the Queens ships, having waited at the Azores six whole Moneths, for the coming of the Spanish Fleet from America, was at last set upon by Alphonso Bassano, with three and fifty ships, sent out for the Convoy of the American Fleet, where Richard Granvile Vice-Admirall, being in the Revenge, and separated from his company, was so hemmed in by the Spanish ships, and so battered with great shot; that most of his men being slain, his Main-mast cut off, himself sore wounded in the head, he commanded to sink the ship, that it might not come into the Spaniards hands; but this being countermanded by most voices, it was agreed, to yeeld it to the Spaniards, upon condition that the men should be set at liberty. Granvile himself was carryed into the Spanish Admirall, where within two dayes he dyed, not without praise of his very enemies: Thus the great ship called the Revenge, was yeelded, but had so many leaks in the Ke…l, that soon after it was cast away in a storm; and the losse of this one ship the English soon made good upon the Spaniards, by taking many of theirs.

About this time also, Cavendish, who in the yeer 1578. had sailed round about the world, now with five ships bent his course toward the Magellan Straits, but by reason of foul weather, was not able to passe them, being driven to the coast of Brasile, was there cast away.

And now, enmity increasing daily between Spain and England, two Proclamations were set forth; one, prohibiting upon pain of high-Treason, to carry Victuals or Munition into any of the King of Spains dominions: Another, forbidding all persons to entertain any in their houses, till inquiry made, what they were, lest they might entertain Popish Priests, who at this time came swarming into England, by reason the King of Spain had lately founded a Seminary at Valledolid for the English.

At this time dyed Sir Christopher Hatton, Lord Chancelour, whom of a mean Gentlemans house, the Queens favour had raised to this height of Dignity; a goodly personage of body, of Noble, but no aspiring spirits; the onelyonly of all the Queens speciall Favourites, that dyed a Batchelour; and therefore left William Newport his sisters son his heir, who erected for him, in Pauls Church, a sumptuous Monument. After his death, the keeping p. 88of the great Seal was for certain Moneths committed to the Lord Burleigh Treasurer, Hunsdon, Cobham and Buckhurst: Afterward, Puckering the Queens Sergeant at Law was elected, not Chancelour, but Keeper of the great Seal.

At this time also, Brian O-Rork, the Irish Potentate, was arraigned at Westminster; his Indictments were, For raising Rebellion against the Queen, for dragging her Picture at a horse tail, for giving the Spaniards entertainment; which things being told him by an Interpreter, (for he understood no English) hee said, Hee would not be tryed, unlesse the Queen her self in person sate to judge him. Yet being told, that it was the Law; hee onelyonly said, If it must be so, let it be so; and so condemned, was executed at Tyburn as a Traitour, whereof hee seemed to make as little reckoning, as if it had but been in jest. And now this yeer, the Queen made the Colledge of Dublin in Ireland, an University, which was formerly the Monastery of All-Saints, endowing it with power to confer Scholasticall Dignities.

At this time, Sir Iohn P…rot, who had been Deputy of Ireland, and done good service there, was yet by the malice of Adversaries, of whom Hatton was one, called in question, before the Baron Hunsdon, the Lord Buckhurst, Sir Robert Cecill, (lately made a Councellour) Sir Iohn Fortescue, Sir Iohn Wolley, and some of the Judges: His Accusations were; first, that he had spoken opprobrious words against the Queen, saying, Shee was illegitimate and cowardly; secondly, that hee had fostered notorious Traitours, and Popish Priests; thirdly, that hee held correspondence with the Prince of Parma, and the Queens enemies. To the first of which he confessed, that in his passion he had spoken of the Queen unadvisedly, for which hee was infinitely grieved; the rest hee denyed: And all men knew, he was never Popishly affected. His Accusers were, one Philip Williams, sometime his Secretary; Denys O-Roghan an Irish marryed Priest, whose life hee had saved; and one Walton, a fellow of no worth or Reputation. Yet the crimes being urged against him, by Popham and other Lawyers, till eleven a clock at night; hee was at last condemned of high Treason, but Sentence wa… not pronounced till twenty dayes after; and yet was not put to death, but dyed a naturall death in the Tower; hee vvas a man of a goodly personage, stout and chollerick, and one whom (many thought) the Queen had the more reason to respect, for her father King Henry the Eighths sake.

The Earl of Ess…x, after a tedious Winters siege in Normandy, challenged Monsieur Villerse Governour of Roan to a single combate, who refusing to meet him; hee then returned into England, being called home by the Queen, whose favour, by his long absence, might else have suffered prejudice.

And now the King of France, hearing that the Prince of Parma was coming i…to France, once again was fain to flye to the Queen for succour, to whom, upon certain conditions, she granted an Army of four thousand men, and some great Ordnance, with which Sir Iohn Norris was sent into France; whom yet the French King imployed not, as was agreed, to the great displeasure of the Queen. But as for the Prince of Parma's coming into France, hee was prevented by death, when hee had governed the Netherlands under the Spaniard fourteen yeers; a Prince of many excellent parts, and whom Queen Elisabeth never mentioned but with honour.

And now Queen Elizabeth considering that the King of Spaines chiefe strength was in his Gold of America, sends forth Sir Walter Ralegh with a Fleet of fifteene Ships to meete with the Spanish Fleet; who p. 89passing by a Promontory of Spain, received certain intelligence, that the Spa…ish Fleet was not to come forth that yeare: Whereupon, dividing his Navy into two parts; whereof, the one he committed to Sir Iohn Bur…ghs, the other to Sir Martin Forbysher; he waited other opportunities, when soon after, a mighty Caraque came in view, called The Mother of God, which from the Beake to the Sterne, was a hundred threescore and five foot long, built with seven Decks, and carrying six hundred men, besides rich Merchandize. This great Vessell they took, and in it, to the …lue of a hundred and fifty thousand pounds sterling, over and above what the Commanders and Sea-men pilfered.