A FIG FOR THE SPANIARD, OR SPANISH SPIRITS.  
Wherein are lively portraihed the damnable deeds, miserable murders, and monstrous massacres of the cursed Spaniard.  
With a true rehearsal of the late troubles, and troublesome estate of Arragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and Portugal:  
Whereunto are 〈…〉 of much marvel, and causes of 〈◊〉 consequence.  
Magn● est veritas 〈◊〉 praevalet.  
LONDON Printed by john Wolf, and are to be sold by william Wright. 1591.   

TO THE CURTEOUS GENTLEMEN READERS, HEALTH.  
GEntlemen, though Philip of Spain be old and bed-redde yet he is not quite dead, and though his forces for the present be somewhat weakened, yet is he not utterly conquered: in good time he may be by divine assistance, and your worthy valours, show yourselves therefore the right inheritors of the virtues of your ancestors: that is, in peace to be mindful of war, and in war most studious of peace, bearing always upright minds, and forward hearts, to help your friendly neighbours. For if our friendly neighbours farewell, then like all friends we shall far the better, but if they fail of peaceable success, we can look for nothing but warlike uproars: your wisdoms know what I mean, let it be then briefly, pro lege, pro rege, pro grege: Macte virtute sitis.  
Yours at commandment, G. B.   

 portrait  

HAec est virgo poteus, haec est Regina fidelis,  
Haec est Diua latens muliebribus alma figuris,  
Quae tot lustra gerens apud Anglos nobile sceptrum,  
Regibus est redamata bonis, populoque, Deoque.   
LENVOY.  

ONe thing remains thee (Reader) yet undone,  
Cast up thine eyes, and see her splendent grace,  
Whom Graces so adorn that she hath won,  
From monarch all the first and highest place:  
And reigns on Earth like Goddess sent from love,  
In mercy, peace, prosperity, and love.   

To her for secure, kings do fly from far,  
No king (save one) but joys our saba's plight,  
Poor strangers from their soils expelled by war,  
For Christ's sake, find favour in her sight:  
From North, from South, from East, and from the West.  
To her they come, and here they find a rest.   

O happy Realm, where mercy beareth sway,  
O happy Realm, where Hypocrites avaunt:  
Such Hypocrites I mean, that counsel aye  
Nought else but death, and Princes brains enchant:  
Such Hypocrites in Friars habits lurk,  
That rapines, rapes, treasons, guiles, murders work.   

Ask France hereof, such Hypocrites they rue,  
And England when king john was poisoned:  
Her Majesty hath found it too too true  
But jove hath vowed 〈◊〉 save his daughter's head,  
jove her defend from all such monsters fell,  
And from the Romish monster, that monstrous fiend of hell.   
Pro Lege, pro Rege, pro Groge.   

A FIG FOR THE Spaniard.  
IT hath been seen from the heginning, 
There hath been always from time to time, a troublesome people in the world, and great molesters of their neighbours, examples follow.  and 〈◊〉 is proved most true, that among the nations there hath always been one several people, far surpassing the other in ambitious price, and tyrannical policy, not seeking by neighbourhood to quench their unlawful thirst to rule: but quickening the flames of their unnatural dropsy by haughty rage, the one purchasing them deadly hatred abroad, the other continual tumults at home, both endless unquiet of their restless thoughts.  
In the green spring of the world (what time 
In the second reign of Orifiel spirit of Saturn. The pride & tyranny of nimrod, sprung of the seed of Cham.  ambition thrusting out her monstrous head, began freshly to sow common discord among men, and general contempt of God himself.) Nimrod of the seed of cursed Cham, termed in holy writ a strong hunter: that is, such a one as compelled men to obey, either by force, or for fear, in loftiness of mind forgetting himself to be mortal, and feigning himself, and fellow Princes immortal, by over-maistring his simple neighbours, reared a tower, whose strange height might match the top of heaven, and consequently (like God) overlook the whole earth. But as he that sitteth above the Cherubins, and laugheth to scorn the fond devices of worldlings, with wonderful patience pampreth the proud a while, and suffereth them like coped Lions to swing their short course, so when they begin to grow intolerable, never was their lift so lofty, but their fall is as low, if not lower, to the lowest nook of hell.  
A present and perfect mirror is this Nimrod, who when he had tyrannised over his commons, 
The effects of tyranny.  usurped over his neighbours, foraged their Countries, neglected divine rites extinguished true religion, and in the mount of his pride (for such is the insatiable and swelling ●●●come of ambition) opposed himself against God, was suddenly thrown 
The fall of Nimrod first king of the world, and Emperor of the Chaldeans.  down, despoiled of his Crown, his glory rend from him, his Majesty impaired, his dominions translated, and all his stock defaced by Assur, of whom proceeded afterward the Monarchy, and masterdom of the Assirrians. These gallants enjoying the Empire, and his Metropolis Babylon, 
The example of the Assyrians proceeding of Assur.  more years than Nimrod, but with no less pride, thought it no offence with Nimrod to oppress their subjects, rob and spoil their friends, depopulate foreign countries, slaughter their neighbours, usurp over their Territories, and count all lawful pillage which their swords could wrongfully purchase.  
But as these cavaliers dealt with the Chaldeans, 
Such measure as we meat to others, such measure shall be met to us.  so likewise are they measured unto, and matched by the Medes, who perceiving their discipline of war, changed altogether into delicate ●●●●●nesse, their wealth reaped by prowess, rupt on the backs of strumpets, and that their riches made them reckless, more apt to take their present case, then to delight in their former exploits, took hearty grace, suddenly invaded them, speedily conquered 
The original of the Median Monarchy, in the fall of wanton Sardanapalus.  them, and forced the womanlike man, and unmanlike King Sardanapalus, as he was sitting and spinning among his Courtesans, wittingly and wilfully to end his own life, which (as some Authors affirm) was the only ●eed that ever he did to show himself a man, spending the rest of his days 
The Chaldeans & Assyrians, the first that made was in the world.  more like a woman. Thus were the vain glorious Chaldeans, and arrogant Ass●yrians the first seedmen of seditions, the stirrers up of bloody broils, maintainers of deadly wars, and usurpers over their neighbours, though happily not so will, politic, and cruel as they; yet as wise, as warlike, and more religious.  
In like violent actions succeeded the Medes, and 
The Persians, Greeks', and Romans, resembled in pride, & tyranny to the Chaldeans, Assyrians & Meads.  Persians, after them the Greeks', and Romans, so that the world hath hitherto never wanted some one nation: sometime it hath had more, that have been scourges, whips, and terrors unto the residue. But at this present day, whether our age doth want one, especially beautiful Europe, in many quarters, whereof the glorious light of the gospel 
At this present time the southern part of Europe affordeth a proud disturber, and injurious molester of his neighbour Princes.  shineth most clearly, that seeketh to banish and blemish her splendent beauty, that vexeth the other noble princes unjustly, disquieteth his neighbours both by sea and land maliciously, usurpeth over Crowns, kingdoms, and countries most impudently, governeth his own tyrannically, committeth massacres incessantly, breatheth out bitter threats opprobriously, snatcheth at all greedily, and aimeth at all with violence, and arms, ask his own dominions first (for he nameth all how ever it be gotten his own) and next all the estates of Christendom will answer with one consent, and readily decide the controversy. But 
Papists, or Neuters.  some will say, who either know little, or hear less, or see least of all, for that happily, or rather unhappily, they are of purpose ignorant, deaf for the nonce, and wilfully blind (as in this point a great number are) Sir I neither know nor hear, nor see any such matters in Christendom, as you mention: but to make further trial, let us examine the attempts and practices of all kings christened: and see who it is, that is guilty of these most heinous 
The right terms of Recusantes, and Traitors.  crimes you object, beginning first with the most worthy, the king Catholic, elder in years, mightiest in power, richest in substance, and most 
The adversaries arguments to prove the innocency of king Philip.  devout in religion: He for that he is a catholic, and pillar of the Church, loveth, embraceth, and nourisheth the Gospel: He for that he is by nature mild, and taught by God's laws not to murder, seeketh no man's blood: He for that his Ancestors have been just, and peaceable, liveth with his neighbour princes uprightly, and lovingly: He for that he cleaveth unto the Pope, cannot err, but is full of compassion: He for that he tendereth his jesuits hath learned to be humble and meek: He is full of charity, and therefore not covetous: He is old and decrepit, and therefore cannot invade, much less usurp, or do violence, all which untruths in a word or two, shallbe confuted.  
If he did sincerely love, embrace, and nourish 
The former reasons confuted.  the Gospel, would he xxxiii. whole years together molest the Prince, envy the people, and disturb the Realm, that generally above all other loveth, 
Meant by the Queen and people of England.  embraceth, and nourisheth the gospel? If he loved, embraced, and nourished the Gospel, would he seek by all means possible to hinder the rightful possession, and orderly proceed of a king, who 
The most christian king of France.  these many years hath impoverished himself by seeking to plant the Gospel, and so many times hath, and yet daily doth fight, and hazards his 
Cuius contrarium, verum est.  life for the Gospel?  
But so truly he loveth, embraceth, and nourisheth the Gospel, as he burneth and bannisheth out of his territories, infinite swarms of rich jews, sworn enemies to the Gospel. 
The Gospel willeth us to yield unto Caesar those things that are Caesar's, and unto God those things that are Gods: but he teacheth them all together treasons, rancour, and matice a 'gainst their Sovereign. Among all these nations the Spaniards sword have been busy.   
Lastly, so he loveth, embraceth, and nourisheth the Gospel, that he maketh his jesuits, and shavelings forget all Gospel, and mangleth, and massacreth all true professors of the Gospel. That he is mild by nature, and seeketh no man's blood, First ask his slaughtered son, and wife, ask the millions of Moors, and poor Portugese's, ask thousands of neopolitans, and Dutchmen, ask Frenchmen, and Italians, yea and the English, that have been tortured, and tormented to death by him, and they all but that he hath made them sure enough from crying, would with their woeful cries, and grievous clamours resolve you, or at the least all Christendom yet living, that have noted his drifts and dealings these forty years, will supply their office? How peaceably, and lovingly he liveth with his neighbour Princes: how full of compassion, humble and meek he is, and whether he do usurp, and offer violence, England, 
Each of these countries had their parts but these 33. whole years he hath had continually a fling at England.  France, Flanders, Poland, the Venetians, each dukedom in Italy, Arragon, Portugal, Navarre and Bearne, yea, and the books that are daily printed in them, and sent abroad from them touching our present matter do testify: and having so many authentic witnesses, what need I more proof in an open cause? Only this leave I request to think that the prophesy that was found in the University 
A prophesy found in Portugal.  of Conimbua in Portugal, in the reign of Dom Emanuel, is verified in him, that the little King of 
Parrius Rex Austri per singula climata mundi, Nobilis ingenii dicitur, sed tamen omni Europa fietterrori ut rector Auerni.  the great South, should be renowned through out the world for his policy, and redoubted in all christendom for his tyranny; for whom (notwithstanding he possesseth at this day more large territories, and greater store of wealth, than any of his progenitors, or any other prince Christian ever did, and all his proud Partisans thundering out whole worlds of threats: little England, the noble and victorious Queen of England, the honourable Nobility of England, the valiant Gentlemen 
If England fear God, and be true within itself, it may boldly bid a fig for the Spaniard.  of England, the true hearted commons of England relying upon God the defender of their right, do bid a Fig, in respect of any great danger, or strange detriment, they can inflict either upon her royal person, or her loyal subjects at home, or her majesties approved friends abroad, which action that it is both princely, politic, and discreet, as also christian-like, sincere, and charitable, shall appear by the sequel. First therefore to prove 
The Spaniards guile.  that the Spaniards, as it is their guise, rather thundereth rigorously, threateneth terribly, and spiteth out his spite vennemously, then meaneth (as they say) good earnest simply, how ever he holds our jesuits in hand, to make them persist in their wicked exploits: we will be so bold, as to consider his own domestical affairs, the late accidents, and cross business that befell in Arragon, & other places, and see whether in likelihood he be able now to perform, as whilom in the ears of 
Great garboils of late between the Spaniards and the Arragonians, between the Portugeses & Castilions.  the world he boasted. For who doth not hear that listeth to hearken after news, what uncouth troubles, dangerous skirmishes, daily mutinies, and plentiful effusion of blood, have lately happened between the Spaniards, and Arragonians, between the Castillions, & their other vassals: the tenor whereof shall briefly be touched. Antony Teretz 
The common rumour is for stabbing a lusty younker favoured of the King of Spain.  Secretary to the king of Spain, upon what occasion is yet uncertain (for that it is the Spaniards dissembling nature, to mind and revenge one thing, but to pretend another) being committed to prison, found the means partly through his wife, who daily had access unto him, and partly by his letters directed to his friends about the Court, that he escaped, some say in the habit of a Countryman, who being secretly conveyed to Saragosa 
The occasion of the first rising in Arragon  in Arragon among his friends, made known unto them, how indirectly, or rather injuriously the king and inquisition proceeded against them contrary to justice, and the privileges of their Realm, to what purpose they did it, and to what effect it would ensue, if it were not remedied. As of small drops, rise great floods, and of a spark is kindled a great fire: so of this (in man's judgement, but a small molehill is made so great a mountain that it may be a secret judgement of the Lord, to cause to spring from thence, either so great a flood, that may drown all Spain for their sins, or so forcible a light fire, that may purge & purify them from their dregs.  
But to the matter, news being brought unto the King, and inquisition of the escape of the secretary & that he had gotten Arragon, a strong Mandamus 
The light fire of the gospel  was sealed to the Viceroy, to make all speedy and diligent search after him: wherein the Viceroy proved so painful, that once again the Secretary 
THe double diligence of the Viceroy.  was taken and cast into prison, no doubt, but much more narrowly watched then before. The holy Fathers of the Inquisition, the catercappe devils, Doctors (I should say) that like bloody butchers, continually thirst after blood, thinking themselves sure, and all things in safety: whilst they are preparing to sit in judgement upon the said Anthony Teretz, and dispatch him in the way, were suddenly encountered by a multitude that lay closely in ambush for the purpose, in and about the City from the Country and mountains there about, whereby the Secretary was re-delivered, many of the holy Fathers slaughtered, their Couches some of them burnt, some hacked and hewed in pieces, their servants scattered, the Kings and Viceroys powers discomfited, and to the number of 150 persons slain. The King having intelligence of this great dishonour and unfortunate repulse, standing upon thorns till he were revenged, forthwith dispatched a band of 4000 against them; who knowing that the boon of a tyrant is blood, and his grace nothing but death, resolved every man to try the last dice of fortune, and so die, then yielding, be brought into a second slavery. In fine, so well the 
The rendering of the cities & kingdoms of Catalonia and valentia.  citizens and kingdom of Arragon demeaned themselves against the king's forces, that they drew unto them the cities and kingdoms of Catalonia, and Valentia also: which three kingdoms are up in arms against the King, partly to revenge the deaths of those noble personages, whom most cruelly he murdered: and partly to defend their ancient rites, and privileges: and upon many and weighty considerations, have elected them (as some report) a new King.  

The names of the Nobles, whom lately the King of Spain hath put to death. 
The names of the nobles who lately suffered in Spain.   be these. 


The Duke of Ossune.  
The Duke of Ferill.  
The County of Orgus.  
The County of Micas, governor of Granado. 

strangled and burnt    
The Archbishop of Corduba confessor to the King.  
The Bishop of Cadis.  
Don Francisco Lapeto, precedent of the King's counsel.     
Don Vasques Secretary to the state, is fled with 7. Nobles more, and Anthany Teretz also, whose discourse ye have heard is fled, and safe with the French King, who is his rightful Liege. These unexpected tumults, and sudden claps of war, though they have been of short continuance, yet have they been very cumbersome and bitter unto the Spaniard, and have not only caused great hart-burning against him with the laity, but also some rancour of the Clergy, as may appear by this probability.  
On All-Saints day last, there chanced a jesuite 
A pleasant, story of a jesuite and a friar confirmed by certain persons of sufficient credit, who have received the truth of all these matters.  (which order is most audible to all other cloisterers) to preach in Saragosa before divers men of account in the city, who among other matters began busily to handle the present mutinies, and unreverent rebellions of the land, against their Sovereign, and holy Fathers of the inquisition, showing the emolument that came by them, and inconveniences that would ensue, if they were resisted: concluding with this corollarium, that it would be meritorious, both for their bodies & souls, peaceable to the Realm, profitable to themselves, their wives, children, and kinsfolks, yea, and available for their lands and livings (for which they were now in contention) if they would quietly lay down those arms, and readily betake them to the mercy of his Catholic Majesty, and favour of the holy inquisition. A. Friar happily hearing him, and warily noting more than the common people, (although generally enough was noted) in his Epiphonema, or shutting up of his matter, not mistrusted approached the Pulpit, and suddenly threw a chain or collar of puddings about the jesuits neck, 
A pudding is too good meat for a traitorous jesuite.  crying out good people, here is meet dinner for the jesuits good sermon: which deed notwithstanding there were present men of authority of the City, and questionless very many of the currant stamps, yet generally it was so well taken, that out of the Church, the jesuit was haled into the street, and there disguised in a fools coat, carried upon men's shoulders to be scorned up and down the City, and whether he escaped with life, is not yet signified. And here by the way I wish all men, that either hear or read these truths, truly and duly to consider, what great cause Don Philip of Spain hath either to pretend, or practise any invasion, upon any 
K. Philip if he look about him, at this time hathsmal cause to broach new broils.  Prince foreign this year, having so much ado at home, not only with his temporalty, but also with his darling and sweet nursery his sacred and spotless spirituality. Thus far concerning the state and affairs of Arragon: now let us see what is and hath been done this year in Portugal. A 
Roceio is an open place, where gentlemen walk for their pleasure in Lisbon.  Portugal gentleman walking in the Roceio of Lisbon, espied a base Castilion of such proud and presumptuous demeanour, so fantastical in his attire, lofty in his looks, and slow in his pace, (as though he had been treading of measures) could not long bear him, but bearded him, and justled him, whereupon 
The original of the last dissensions in Portugal.  the matter was debated by Stafford law, the Portugal slain, and the Spaniard escaped into the Castle. Immediately certain Portugal Gentlemen of his familiars swore revenge, & not long since have had their wills. For on S. Mathews day last, finding a crew of Castilions reveling in a brothel house, suddenly set upon, and slew five of them, which caused the other Castillions of the Castle to come down in extreme heat of choler, and offer great violence through the city, until the great multitudes of Portugeses that were hastily swarmed together, made them betake them to their heels, and ever since more watchfully, & warily guard their 
But thus it is not ended: for since we have had knowledge of divers other bicker.  castle. The matter being brought in question before the Cardinal (who now a while keepeth warm the K. of Portugeses seat,) & being found that the Spaniards were chief masters of misrule and mischief, (as they are always) they were punished severely, but all in vain: for old rancour is not easily forgotten, 
A Paradox. King Philip to enjoy the crown of Portugal, especially committed these three most damnable iniquities, first he betrayed to death his own Nephew, next set paking the Cardinal, and lastly exiled and keepeth in exile the right heir.  nor the ancient malice between those two nations lightly forgiven. For it is impossible, & may pass for a Paradox to think that those two Nations, the Portugal and Spaniard will ever be fully reconciled. F●● as often as either they shall remember, or their chronicles report the fraudulent feats of false Philip against his neighbour K. and kingly nephew Don Sebastion so brave a young prince, & only hope of the Portugeses, record the damned usurping of the spiteful Spaniards, & miserable exile of Don Anthony lawful, and indubitant heir, now favoured and fostered by her Majesty: so often as they shall either speak, or think upon the cursed acts of Christopher de Moyra one of the King's favourites: as often as they shall either hear or think upon the heaps of their poor country men, that have been within this 13. years most desperately murdered, and of their own intolerable servitude they endure at this instant, they will have as good and fell stomaches; as ever they had at the isle of Terferes, what time the brave and wise gentleman Don Cyprian Figuredo 
Christo de Moyra sent a counterfeit cook into France to poison Don Antony. This governor gave the king of Spain great battles, and overcame in both, living now with his King in England.  Vasconsalus was governor there to the Spaniards cost, to rip out their hearts, and eat them with salt. Wherein I advertise all those of our Nation, that without any sufficient trial of their detestable deeds, and knowledge of their crabbed nature, are such great friends, and stout favourites of the enemies of the world, not to be deceived, but as they be men, and should have the spirit of reason, so to be governed and guided by reason. Suppose the Spaniard as they wish (but God be praised he is very far from) should make a conquest in this land, and bring all to his bay, as he hath done in other countries over whom he usurpeth: Would he (tro ye) spare this more than them? No: he will find five hundred times more cause to ●●ce and ransack our cities, to pill and pole our country, to murder and massacre our people, then theirs. For they were his neighbours; we mere strangers: they have been sometime his friends; we always (as he counteth) sworn enemies: they are of his own religion, we altogether contrary: they have the Pope to mitigate his wrath, if he be to fierce; we have both Pope and Pope-lings to incense him unto further ire, that he may be more froward: so that whatsoever the Pope and he could do, that they would do say they) promise they, swear they never so much to the contrary) and whatsoever they will do, may not be gainsaid as unlawful. Wherefore let all English hearts and true hearted Englishmen, say with the Poet.  
Aurea libertas gemma preciosior omni.  
And whilst they have it, embrace it, & not betray it, but hazard lands, lives, limbs & all, to maintain it. Finally, let those regions, over whom the Spaniard already tyranizeth, be examples unto us, whose coffers are already impoverished, whose people are mightily impaired, whose lives are not their own, whose lands upon every light quarrel are confiscate, whose antient-rightes are contemned, peculiar privileges infringed, wholesome laws violated, and all in all corrupted: then may we courageously say, God the Lord of hosts (who is, and hath always been our defender) is our right, and cheerfully vaunt, a Fig for the Spaniard.  
We have hitherto discussed how unlike, and unable the Spaniards is in respect of the foresaid troubles, which as yet on no part are fully pacified, to pursue his determination: now let us pry a little more narrowly into matters of no less consequence, and by examining them we may easily conjecture, what he is able to effect. The scarcity therefore of bread, and defect of all other store of 
Wonderful great dearth throughout all Spain.  victual, wherewith Spain, especially the sea-coasts thereof, this present year have been plagued, would rather have been a terrible warning to any other Prince of corrigible nature, to have humbled himself unto almighty God, and to continue in prayer for the avoidance of so great a misery, then to prepare and threaten bloody wars against his neighbour Princes, better able for the present to maugre, and endure arms than he: yea the flourishing kingdom of Naples, which for his 
God punisheth the people sometime for the transgressions of the Prince.  wonderful fertility was wont to be termed the Garden of the world, hath these two years so ill prospered, not only in her corn, and fruits, but also in her vintage, and other provision, that it is found not to yield the third part that it was wont: whereby the people perish most lamentably, the 
Nero Emperor of Rome, when he saw the City flaming with fire, laughed and song verses containing the destruction of Troy.  land is wasted pitifully, and all in all lament ruefully: only Philip who should be more grieved, and pensive than the rest, like his great grandsire Nero, when he saw Rome on fire, is so far from mourning, that he rather mocketh, and triumpheth risit Sardonico. But say that neither these plagues of swelling sedition, or pinching famine, happily sent by God himself to none other end, but to relent his stony heart, and set him at peace, with other Princes that seek after, and delight in peace, can qualify his haughty humour, or quench his hot desire of revenge: Let us yet weigh if there be not occasions of as great moment to move and mollify him, except he mean his people, ships, artillery, and warlike furniture should rather perish by war, then consumed through famine. Who is 
In Flanders, France, and England.  ignorant of the great slaughters of Spaniards, that have been committed within these four years? who is ignorant of the huge loss, both of men and ships he hath sustained in this last Indian voyage? who doth not know that he that enjoyeth much, hath need of Argus eyes, Mercury's brain, and Hercules strength to maintain it? and who doth not know that his storehouse of Sicily for this 
The Sicillons made him plainly answer, they had not corn enough for themselves.  year is empty? Seeing then Spain cannot presently sustain, much less relieve, or repair such infinite losses both of men, ships, artillery, and all other provision of victuals, within 
The Duke of Florence will have a saying to the Spanish Lantado, for abusing his colours, defeating the people of the provision of their corn, and many other injuries The last pope finely, and wittily denied the king of Spain many requests: These and such like dealings have caused the deaths of 5. Popes within these 17. months.  her own bounds, seeing such innumerable cares depend on their necks, and that they cannot endure them without the assistance of others: Let us now reason what possibility they have to be succoured by others, and begin first with their own neighbours. It is possible they may command a few hunger-starved slaves in Naples, and the parts adjoining (whereof they have the government) but in other parts of Italy, especially Genua, Florence, and Venice, where he is loved, as the Devil loveth holy water: he may command, and go without, and entreating, obtain as man●● bands of men, and thousands of crowns, (which some suspect was the death of the last Pope) as a chicken can hold in hi● fist. As for France and Flanders, therein his jolly bravo have such gallant counterbuffs daily, the one part by the most Christian mirror of chivalry, the french king, the other by the puissant and politic prince Grave Maurice, that they look for aid of him, who 
Sigismond king of Poland maintaineth the tumults of the jesuits at Gacow, where they have beaten down and razed the Churches of the reformed religion.  is himself aidless, rather than any way find themselves of strength to secure their hapless monarchs. Likewise Germany, and especially Poland, in many corners, whereof he hath closely couched his rabble's of jesuits, and set all in uproars, are so unable, and unapt to succour him, that they are scant able to defend themselves. Finally from England, wherinto daily he sendeth whole herds, and hundreds of jesuits, Seminaries, and Priests to disturb our peace: although her Majesty ever loving, & longing after peace, hath sought always rather to gratulate him, than any way to grieve him: yet in any of these attempts he is to hope for no help, except he would employ 
Philip maintained john Marilian hy● Ambassador three whole years at Constantinople to increate for peace, which at length was obtained in such sort, that neither Christian nor Turk thought it would continue, for both Princes applied themselves to the time, rather than that either of them desired any friendship of other.  his forces to better use, then only to seek the spoil, and effusion of christian blood. Princes of former years living together in amity, and linked with the sweet chain of christian-like charity, were wont to levy all their powers against the untamed Pagons, and enemies of Christianity, but he hath been lately convinced to do quite contrary: how then of Christians can he look for courtesy. But some will object, and say, Tush Philip is ric● he possesseth whole Mines of coin, he is the golden Chevallier, he needeth no man's courtesy. Let him but hold up his finger, he shall have friends, followers, and soldiers enough: this argument is both weak, and slender, and hath partly been refelled before: therefore in three words with the Poet, thus briefly I confute it. Malo virum pecunia, quam pecuniam viro indigentem. Hitherto concerning his business at home, and condition with his bordering neighbours. Now let us look what hope the Spaniards hath to enterprise any invasion, or conquest in respect of England.  
The first, and chiefest reasons therefore, wherewith his Partisans, and partakers use to induce him, and hale him on (whether of his own will he is readily enough inclined) are these three 
Three reasons our English Traitors use to urge to Philip.  in number. The first is drawn from the weakness of her majesties Navy. The second of a supposed evil contentment of a number of people in the land to serve the Queen, and her government against her enemies. Lastly, and most principally of a great strong party, that will be found here in the favour of them for religion 
A mere fable and of no likelihood.  that will take arms against her highness, upon the sight of the Catholic Navy on the coasts of England: all which that they are but imagined surmises, and untrue reports, hath already been proved, Anno. 1588. at what time the courageous force, and forcible courage of our Navy sufficiently appeared, when as at the first encounter with the mighty Spanish Armada, our 
Some say it was their Vice-admiral: but how ever it was, a most huge barge.  simple Fleet of Fish-boates (as it pleased them to term it) took their Vice-admiral, and for the space of 8. or 9 days together, so scattered, slaughtered, sunk, & chased them, that they were forced to fly from the coasts of Flanders near Calais, towards the unknown parts of the cold North: all their hopes, all their buildings, founded but upon a conceited conquest, utterly overthrown and (as it were) with an Earthquake, all their costs, and comforts by the omnipotent, and outstretched arm of God, brought to the ground. As to the second branch of their hope depending upon opinion of some great miscontentment of many, and sundry persons against the Queen's Majesty, the proof of the contrary so appeared the self same year, both of her majesties actions to maintain the liking of all her people, and of the general earnest devotion showed to her Majesty, by all estates, Noble and mean, rich and poor, protestants and papists, as I think no prince christened ever had greater cause of comfort in her people.  
Now to the last point, that there shallbe found here in the Realm a strong party of Catholics to join against the Queen, and assist the invaders, by the former relations of the general great, and fervent love of all the land toward her excellent Majesty, of the great offers of service, made by the whole Nobility of their goodly shows of brave men, and stately steeds, of their infinite costs and expenses, of the universal forwardness of the commons in all actions, and of their prompt minds to execute all duties of good subjects, even unto the loss of their lives, this their foundation is weak, feeble, and of no force, and therefore no way to be feared.  
We have already proved by many reasons, and those substantial enough, how unlike and unable the Spaniard is, both in respect of himself, in respect of the help of his neighbours, and in respect 
The Spaniard unlike to conquer England for three reasons.  of our own right, and might, to master and molest us with any huge hurt, or singular scathe: all which notwithstanding are thus, for that we often see man proposeth, but God disposeth, to be understood, and restrained that they may and shall prove true, so long as we serve God truly, 
Si Deus nobiscum quis contra nos. The Spaniard is not yet brought so low, but that he may rise, rage and reign again, if we be not thankful to almighty God, pliable to our country's peace, and watchful for his coming. Nam qui semel caepit esse hostis, & iterum erit, si nactus fuerit occasionem.  live in loyal service, and dutiful obedience toward our Prince lovingly, honour our Magistrates revereutly, live together charitably, and detect and descry wicked treasons, and obstinate traitors willingly: otherwise the Lord will renew, revive, and increase the Spaniards strength exceedingly, cause him prevail mightily, and triumph over us spitefully, so that no man amidst all that hath been spoken, is so far to presume, that either he omit any jot of christian-like service toward almighty God, or loyal obedience toward his natural Prince, or sacred honour toward the supriour Magistrate, or sincere love towards his home borne neighbours, but as we were seen not yet a Apprentice years 
Anno 1588.  sithence, (at what time the minds of many were daunted with a sodaives fear of the enemy) to serve God devoutly, obey our prince cheerfully, reverence the Magistrate discretely, & live and love together faithfully, so to continued, & (if need once again require) to spend lands, limbs, lives and all as then we proffered readily for God and our country, and not to hatch treasons closely, nourish traitors covertly, secure fugitives wilfully, or support shameless runnegats continually, men of no conscience, sworn enemies to God, their Prince, and country: which that we may do to the glory of the eternal GOD, comfort of our dread Sovereign, joy of our vigilant Magistrates weeding out of hypocritical rebels, wholesome 
Thus if we do, then may we boldly bid a Fig for the Spaniard, either a fig of his own, or, as they say una higa Italians.  preservation of mutual charity at home, & godly consolation of our poor distressed brethren abroad, the Lord of hosts in mercy grant for his sweet sons sake, to whom with his Christ our only peacemaker, & the holy Ghost our comforter, be all honour, lewd, praise, and thanksgiving for all his unspeakable loving kindnesses extended on the sinful people of England both now and for ever, and let all that fear his name, and wish the blessed peace of his Church, say in devout zeal, and zealous devotion of spirit,  
Amen.  
FINIS.