THE Honourable Actions of that most Famous and valiant Englishman, Edward Glemham, Esquire. Lately obtained against the Spaniards, and the holy Leauge, in four sundry fights.  
With his landing on S. George's Isle, belonging to our enemy, which he kept with four score and six men, the space of 48. hours.  
With his like success against 6. Gallegoes, of which he fired two: And notable victory in his fight with four Galleys, bound for Marceellus: to the eternal honour of our country, and no less worthy commendations of the valiant and brave minded Gentleman and his followers, having but one ship of burden 240. tons, or thereabout, whereof himself is owner.  
Published for an encouragement to our English adventurers, (Gentlemen, Sailars, and Soldiers,) that serve against the enemies of God and our Country.  
LONDON Printed by A. J. for William Barley, and are to be sold at his shop in Newgate Market. 1591.   

Honourable actions of Edward Glemham, Esquire.  
ABout August last passed, 1590., that most famous and venturous Gentleman, Edward Glemhall of Benhall in Suffolk, Esquire, set sail from Tilberry-hope near Gravesend, only accompanied with one good ship, viz. The Edward & Constance, of the burden of 240. Tons or upward, and one Pinnace called the Falcon, which Ship and Pinnace he alone equiped, furnished and victualled, in such sort and with such plenty, as seldom hath there been so much provision made for the like Voyage, all at his own proper costs. This famous Gentleman, being owner and sole adventurer: not only hassarded his goods to the fortune of the Seas, but scorning the Idle life which many desireth, adventured also his body in this voyage, showing his worthy undaunted mind, which holdeth honour in greater regard, than ease at home, preferring countries benefit, and his reputation far beyond life, (albeit) his worship in his Country, and livings were such, as might have drawn the coward minds of many, to have lived amongst their friends, free from those dangers imminent to travailers, yea, such were the bountiful blessings of God, enduing him with those worldly favours, as might have won him to have left his determined voyage, having so abundantly the love generally of his neighbours, Gentlemen, and commons, amongst whom he kept good hospitality, feasting his friends, and relieving the poor plentifully, such was the good mind both of the gentleman and his virtuous wife, whose worshipful ancestry, hath been, and is, most famous, both in Court and Country, being daughter and sole heir of a right worshipful Knight, famous in his life, and of great possessions. But neither the desire of living which he enjoyed, the sorrow of his right worshipful Wife, nor the piteous moan of his sweet children, might remove his settled determination from his intended voyage, which he undertook this last year, for the islands of the Suryes and canaries, whether at his departure he framed his course, giving the like directions to his Pinnace, who he was enforced to leave behind him at Dover, to repair some wants, but he never saw her since, by the negligence of the Master and Captain which he left in her, to no little grief of the Gentleman, & no small discomfort to all his company.  
All things furnished for his voyage, the great commander of the heavens and seas, favouring his enterprise, he set sail from Dover road, having the wind large at North East, which continued so eight days, so that it freed him from our coast. Thus happily he recovered the Cape, and from thence to the islands, there spending his time, doing small good, until November, abiding many sharp storms of wind and weather, which they continued, when many were enforced to forsake the Islands, and return home, keeping the Spanish coast, without doing any thing answerable to his valiant mind, loathing to return without doing some honourable exploit, aswell for honour of his Country, as his reputation, his men, healthful and in good liking, for whom was his chiefest care, for that he would profit them, whose living is thereby maintained, their wives and families, exteeming their good, more than his own loss, which was likely to be of no small import.  
hovering between the Islands, commanded by the harshness of the winds, to seek his best safety, having little chase or none, and desirous to relieve his companies with such fresh victuals as the Islands affords, he most valiantly accounted, to land on Saint George's Island. And having counseled with his company thereof, they were all willing, as men that love him, both for his valour and courtesy, to follow him, in what service so ever, all condescending to his will, he causeth speedy preparation to be made for the same. And having a small Caruill, which he had taken before at his stern, for that she drew little water, was the fit for the landing his companies: All things provided, they attend but the tide for their best advantage, and near upon a full sea, he halled up his long Boat and the carvel, into which entered four score and six men, 60 Shot, the rest Pikes, black Bills, and other warlike abiliments, and in God's name commit themselves to their good fortunes.  
The watch of the Island, perceiving their coming near the shore, with their Ship, more than commonly any stranger doth, had before given warnings, that the most force of the Island was there, ready to receive them: which our men perceived, yet could not be daunted with the sight of them, but valiantly put forwards, attempting to land where they were most sharply encountered by the enemy. But the Gunner taking advantage, with a Sacare from the Ship, charged with a Chain, made so good a shoot, that he flew and dismembered ten or twelve, who seeing his success answerable to his desire, he played still upon them with his Ordnance from the Ship, which made them the sooner to retire, so that the whole conflict at the first landing, continued not passed two hours, when the Spaniards hearts began to quail, and his men to be of more courage, which the Spaniards perceiving, sounded a retreat, and with all speed, fled into the high Countries, so thanks be to God, they ended only with the loss of two men, besides some hurt, yet did they great spoil amongst the Spaniards.  
Being landed, and night at hand, they had no policy, to pursue them, wherefore marching into the land a Mile or something less, they encamped themselves, dispersing sundry Sentinels, for watch, far from the Camp, divers ways, keeping a strong watch in camp. That if the enemy should have come upon them in the night, they might have been ready to receive them.  
But the Spaniards, having so bad a banquetiat their first meetings, had no haste to come again. Day being come, General Glemham commanded certain espials to be sent out, to see if they could descry the enemy, but they returned with little news, saving they saw many armed in no array, and divers women and children, carrying goods to hide.  
Upon this news, that worthy Gentleman, and brave Captain, Master Edward Horecourt his associate in those his Voyages, willed the General to divide the company, and he would lead the one of them: and so with Ensigns displayed, to march in warlike order farther up, to see what they would do: which counsel the General accepted, and with easy paces marched on, largely distanted one from the other, to make them seem far more in number than they were, with Drums, Trumpets, and two Ensigns displayed, yeeling such terrible cries as they marched, as might terrify a great company.  
The General governed by Captain Horecourt, whose experience in land service is much, having had charge of credit in the Low-countrieses, Ireland, and Portugal, and therefore wholly directed by him, the two Companies marched in sort like two wings, with intent and full resolution, if there came ten men for one, to encounter them, and valiantly to die together, or gain honour for ever with the enemy.  
They had not marched half a league, when making a stand for some parley, the espials brought word they saw one come, mounted as if he came to speak with them, wherefore the General sent a Guard of Musketeares to meet him, and to stay him, if he had any thing to say, for that he should not take view of their forces. When he came to this Court of Guard appointed to meet him: they demanded what he was? Who answered, he had to say to their General and Captains, and desired to be brought to their presence, they staid him there, and sent word to the General what he was, who came accompanied with four other Gentlemen, and his whole noise of Trumpets, most bravely to speak with him.  
After entertainment given him in the best manner, for that he seemed some Cavelere, he advertised the General that he came from the Governor, to know what they were, and what they required.  
The General using him kindly, gave him mild speeches, but willed him to return his answer thus. That he was a Gentleman of England, & what he pretended, he would not impart to any private man: but if the Governor would come himself, he promised on the honour of an English Gentleman, he should pass and repass in safety: if he gave not credit to his word, hostage of reputation, Gentlemen of his country, no whit inferior to the best Spaniard in the isle, should be delivered for him.  
With this answer, the Messenger hasteneth to the Governor: Who calling his Counsel, required their opinions, whose advises given, he came towards the Camp, accompanied with twelve others, well mounted, about some half mile from the Court of Guard, they made stay, and sent unto the General for his hostages, who ss he promised, sent a Gentleman, that sometimes attended the Earl of Warwick, Master Hammon, one Master Gore, and Master Hunnings, Guarded with twenty Musketeares, who delivered the Gentlemen, and received the Governor, conducting him to a place where the General made his stay, distant from his Campe.  
Being met, and having a while conferred, the General demanded to have the Island delivered him, unto the Queen of England's use, which if they would, they should have liberty to departed with what they had there in possession, if not, to commit it to the hazard of the sword, for what advantuge he had, he would keep, or die for it: and what spoil he could make they should be assured of.  
This demand the Governor flatly denied, alleging he was a Gentleman, and sworn to the King his Master, as the General for the Queen of England, and that before his allegiance therein should quail, he would die with honour like a Gentleman. Yet quoth he, as ye are a Gentleman, and will favour me hereafter, what there is in the isle will do you pleasure, command it, conditionally that your companies spoil not the King's subjects, nor their goods, which rather than I may endure, I will hazard all to my good Fortunes.  
The General for that he understood not the Spanish, was compelled to use an enterpretor, wherefore that he might speak his own mind, he demanded of the Governor if he spoke Latin, which he did excellent well, so in latin, which the General speaks as perfect as English, he confirmed what he had before spoken and no more.  
The General craved some respect to answer him, leaving captain Horecourt and the Master which was newly come ashore, to accompany him, he called the chiefest of all his company, advertising what offers were made, and willed them to look into the matter with advise, before they determined, for as he had brought them thither, he would in part be governed by them, who adventured as he did, though his charge was more, yet told them, that in his opinion, better some good end be made, then to adventure farther, for that they were strangers, not knowing their forces, neither the vantage or disvantage of the place, and to what perils they were subject unto, being of no more power, he referred to their directions to consider. I speak not this quoth the General of cowardis, for if I have but twenty of you to stand by me, Saint George for all: I will end my life before I distain the reputation of an English Gentleman.  
The company hearing his resolute mind, which they ever found, such as he seemed, with a general voice, put it to his discretion, vowing (what he did) to ratify, either to peace, or fight it out, to take part with him so far as their lives would go. The General gave them thanks for their loves, & protested that he would want whatsoever he had or should have in his possession, before they should lack. Thus grieved, to deliver that advantage which he had in his enemy's country, he wished but one hundred men more, to have tried h●s fortune with them, but he thought it small policy, to refuse those offers, to hazard their lives and all, considering his small power, the enemy being in his own country, likely to be relieved every day with more supply, and they to have nothing, but what by force they obtained, weighing all things with equality as well his own dangers as his companies, he returned the Governor this answer.  
That considering he was a Gentleman, which held his reputation in some account with his Master the King, and that it might greatly blemish his credit, if they should bid them battle and overthrow them, of which by God's help he was assured, he had with earnest request persuaded the company to give over their advantage, on those conditions presently to be performed, viz. That they should have of victuals of all sorts the Island affordeth, sufficient for the vitteling the ship, and 1000 Crowns amongst them, to be divided in recompense of the loss of their men slain at their landing.  
To those conditions the Governor condescended, and on his credit to deliver it in one days respect this matter ended. The General invited the Governor to such viands as they had, and so spent the time a while with friendship, carrewsing to the health of the English Queen, and making good cheer, when night approaching, the Governor took leave to departed, earnestly entreating the General, and Captain Horecourt, to accompany him to his house, where to such entertainment as the Island affords, they should be welcome, and so assured from any evil to be offered to him, or his company, as if he were in his best friends house in England. But the General knowing what it is to trust a reconciled foe, gave him as hearty thanks as his offers were kind, yet would trust him but as a Spaniard, so he departed, and the Gentlemen returned which was delivered for him, unto whom the Spaniards had given many gifts.  
The Governor being departed, order was taken for the watch, which was set in divers places, for fear of treachery in the night. About two hours in the night, a Trumpet sounded a parley near the Camp, which so amazed them, that they were greatly in doubt of the Spaniards treachery, and betook them all to arms presently. The General, according to law of arms, summoned him again with one other Trumpet, than after with his whole noise, and sent Captain Horecourt with a guard of Musketteares, to hear the cause of his coming, who found none but three men sent from the Governor, with such viands dressed as was purveyed for his own supper, and one But of Canary Wine, which the General thankfully accepted, and rewarding the trumpet largely with Crowns, sent him away.  
The next day about two of the clock after noon, the Governor came again to the General, accompanied with a troup of Gentlemen, where they passed the time in banqueting, attending the coming of the carriages which brought the victuals, viz. Beef, Kids, 30 Butts of Sack & Canary wines, Ruske, Meal, Flower, Salt, pompions, & other provision, sufficient for nine months victuals. The Spaniard having kept his word, the General was loath his courtesies should go altogether unrequited, wherefore he invited the Governor & his company to dinner aboard his ship the next day, which the rest were loath to consent unto, which the general perceiving, told them flatly & half in choler, that they did distrust him, but (quoth he) you shall not need, for the worst Englishman doth hold his word of honour in as much regard as their king, & that if his boy for him had promised any thing he would maintain it as his life. But Gentlemen (quoth he) seeing you suspect my word, & that ye may accept my offer without distrust, for that I would willingly have your company, my warrant shall be those pledges which I will not leave for the kingdom of Spain.  
The governor being of mild nature, was sorry to see him so disquiet: wherefore with gentle words, he first pacified the General, than entreated his friends to accompany him, which they easily granted, and accordingly came the next day, where the General feasted them in brave manner, to the honour of his country, & his own worthy commendations.  
The day following, he that ordained wind & tide to serve the purposes of men, sent them a fair & pleasing gale, which caused him the rather to set sail from thence, & so ranged alongst the islands again, seeking his good fortune. The 5 day after he put from S. George's, he descried two tall ships, to whom he gave chase, with a scant gale, all night, until the next day at noon, when bearing with them, the general hailed them, & commanded them to strike for the Queen of England. Those villains in despite showed the Leaguers flags & refused to strike, whereupon the Gunner shot one of them being Admiral, thorough, between wind & water, so that she was feign to lie by the Lee, to stop her leak. Then bare the Vice-admiral up to rescue her consart, whom the General commanded to strike, but they answered despitefully they would not, but ere they did yield, or strike, they would sink in the seas: so the company demanded whence they were, they said of S. Mallows, & their names the Dolphins, the one the great Dolphin, the other the little Dolphin, stout ships & well appointed, the least of them having 22 cast pieces: well quoth the General, strike your flag, for never shall so base vilains as you carry your flag, where an English gentleman is: they said they would not, then bare the General with them, & gave them their whole broad side, & shered close with them, intending to have boarded them, but by the negligence of the helms man, they fell off, to the General's great discontent. By this time the Admiral had reasonable well stopped her leak, & seeing the General bore with him, made ready to fight, and first gave them their whole side, but hit not the ship at all, so began a hot & mortal fight on their parts, for our men entering, the Admiral saw 7 or 8 men slain, and hauled into their forecastell, yet by e●d h●p they were put off again. But the Gunner whose name is Henry green, a brave & valiant man, so behaved himself, that it was marvelous to report. And every man in his place so bestirred themselves, that they deserve commendations. The Master, a man of no small courage, grieved at their putting off, cried still, aboard, aboard: and at the third encounter the General himself with twenty others to rescue him, boarded the Admiral, who being grappled, could not fall off again suddenly. The Vice-admiral seeing her consort in danger, laid her aboard also on the other side, entering her men, so that our company was enforced to retire, with little hurt, & great damage to the enemy. Five hours continued they this hot conflict; when parting by reason of the night coming on, they went away & were never seen after. This conflict ended, the General calling his company, first gave God thanks for preserving them, than caroused he to them, binding them all by their faiths, to fight it out with them the next day, & either to take them, or die for it, to which they willingly consented.  
Long seemed that night, to those which earnestly looked for better success. The day no sooner gave light, but happy was he might first look out to descry them, but in vain, for their market was marred, and the Frenchmens entertanement so bad overnight, they durst not stay to take a breakfast the next morning. When the General and his company perceived that they were quite gone, and no hope remained to meet them any more, the wind serving them so well, to bear with their own coast, it grieved them not a little, so hulling there some time, to splice such ropes as were perished with shot, and to amend such hurts as were done with shot likewise, which finished, and all things in good sort ordered, they went for the Northern Cape, to see if any better fortune would be fall them: where lying sometime at Hull, sometime bearing small sail, hovering too and again, thereabouts, they were chased with six Galligoes of Spain, who fiercely pursued them, but our General being becalmed, and seeing no hope to escape them, provided to fight it out.  
The Admiral of this Fleet, seeming a brave man, was the first that came up, never offering to shoot, until he laid them aboard, but by the good industry of the General, and careful working of the Master, M. james Bears of Gravesend, a man no less politic than valiant, they were put off again, and their foremast with a demie Culverin shot, borne by the board. Then the Vice-admiral and Rear admiral, upon whom their Gunner had played and done much harm unto, laid them also aboard, one of the one side, and the other on the other, where they were so sharply assailed, that they lost many of their men. The Captain of the Vice-admiral was slain by Captain Horecourt in his own Galligo, in fight most bravely. The other Galigoes would come up, and shoot often, and away again, but did little harm, thanks be to God. Three hours and more by estimation endured this fight, when a strong gale at North-east began to blow, and the seas to grow, so that perforced to put from them, our General caused his Gunner to bestow divers Arrows and picks of fireworks among them, so that he left them burning, and knoweth not how they did avoid it. But divers Englishmen being in sight of this fight, that durst not come near them for fear, to rescue them, hath reported at their home coming, that General Glemham his Ship and man were all burnt, whose reports are not of truth thanks be to God.  
The General freed from those bad companions, sustained great harms, and having done small good for himself and his companies, was loath to go for England, but determined to go for the straights, whether they framed their course, having the wind fair to serve their turn, yet with very foul and blustering weather, in which storm he spent his Main Mast, which had been before fished: but by reason of two shot therein received, which weakened it the more, he could not save it: and having few Harboures within the straits to friend, went for Argere, where he was most royally entertained, in such sort, that no Gentleman of any nation hath received the like at any time. There he set a Main Mast, and purveyed himself of all other necessaries he wanted, trimming his Ship at pleasure, wanting nothing that he could or would desire. Two months very near, he remained at Arger, or thereabouts, for that he would have had the company of the English Fleet, which could not be ready so suddenly, wherefore loath to stay any longer, he gave the attempt to go alone, only accompanied with a Ship of Deep in France, called The Flower de Luce, whose aid he promised to be. Coming near unto the mouth of the straights, without offer to be disturbed of any. There were four of the king of Spain's galleys bound for Marceelles, who espying those two Ships, bare with them, as much as might be: and coming within shot, discharged four Cannons against the General, which hit him not. The General's company being now fresh & lusty, like men of singular good courage, cheered one the other, affying one God which had been still their comforts, in whose name they gave a most brave and sharp onset upon them: the Gunner playing so well his part, that within less than two hours, he had almost sunk two of them, which compelled them to lie upon the carine, to stop their leaks, yet all they could do, could not help one of them: but they were feign to save their men and slaves, and let her sink. All this dismayed them not, but the other three continued the fight hotly, until they saw the French ship come up, who seeing the Galleys, was loath to put herself in danger, nor never offered Shot, yet provoked by the earnest means of certain English Sailars they had a board, they bore with them, which the galleys perceiving, doubting how to withstand both, that had so bad success with one alone, made to the shore with all the hast they could, which they recovered, & so escaped. But our general having endured many shot, was so spoiled of his riging, and other 〈◊〉, as he was enforced to put lack again to Argere, but the Flower de Luce, the French ship of Deep came 〈◊〉 way, thanks be to God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by his means.  
Other news there is of his good success, which I may God prove true, for the gentlemen's 〈◊〉, & his company, as there is no doubt made the 〈◊〉 & his home coming daily expected, which God grant may be sh●rt●y and in safety.  
Thus friendly Reader have I briefly turned the fortunate success of this worthy minded Gentleman, in this his first voyage to the seas, whose troubles have been such, by Fortune's crosses, as might cause many a man to cease his travails, & to live at home in content, yet this I assure you cannot dismay him at all, so brave and resolute is his unconquered mind, rather desiring honour and his country's good, than life with great possessions, whose worthy mind God increase in all Gentlemen of his calling, so shall our Prince be most honourably served, and her subjects gain fame, thorough the whole world by their prowiss, to England's eternal honour.   

H.R. in commendation of the right worshipful and valiant General, Edward Glemham, Esquire.  

Brave men at Arms, England's Cheveleers,  
Let Glemhams honours, 'mongst you be of name,  
Whose conquests gained, 'gainst Spanish Cavaliers,  
With golden Trump eternisd is by fame:  
Turkey, Spain, and France, reports the same.  
To England's honour Glemham gains renown,  
In spite of those which at his weal doth frown.   

Sweet man of worth, Mars new adopted son,  
Let winds and seas, subject themselves for thee,  
To Albion I'll, thou safety mayst return,  
Fraughted with Gold, and Pearl of Inde,  
To joy of friends, thy presence wish to see,  
Whose honours gained, with danger on the flood,  
Doth glad their hearts, that wish our country's good.   
FINIS.