¶ NEWS OUT OF the Coast of Spain.  
The true Report of the honourable service for England, performed by Sir FRANCIS DRAKE in the months of April and May last past, 1587. upon Cales, and also since that in the Cape S. Vincent and Cape Saker: discoursed at large with every several exploit of their fortunate success, according to their own Letters, which likewise is confirmed by those that came from thence.  
Imprinted at London by W. How for Henry Haslop, and are to be sold at the Sign of the Gun at the North door of Paul's, by Edward White. 1587.   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable Charles L. Howard, Baron of Effingham, Knight of the Honourable Order of the Garter, and high Admiral of England, Ireland, and Wales, the dominions and Isles of the same, of the Town of Calais, and the marches thereof, of Normandy, Gascoigne, and Guines, and Captain general of all her majesties Seas and Navy Royal; increase of honours, and happiness to his heart's desire.  
IT hath ever (Right-Honorable) been an observation amongst scholars, when they intended to commit their exercises to the judgement of others, to shroud themselves under the patronage of some honourable parsonage; but I more honouring the noble minded, than able to express my good will, follow his opinion, that if he wrote of the dignity of a Crown, dedicated his labours to a King: if of the estate, to a grave Counsellor: if of religion, to a judicial Divine: if of tillage, to the experienced Husbandman: but if of the Seas, to the learned Admiral. So I, writing of high matters, concerning the good fortune of the Seas, shroud myself under the sails of the L. High Admiral, whose heroical mind I know to be such, that your repute it felony to rob a Soldier of his honour, and injury to hide what deserved honour is won by a Subject to his Sovereign: for virtue joined with nobleness, is a mixture of true humanity. And because (as Dion saith) the world is a huge cave of mingled conceits, and the multitude, as a many-headed beast, rumoring they know not what, and murmuring they know not whereat, some forward & wishing well, others froward & discouraging the well minded: which made me the bolder to publish for the comfort of my countrymen, the honourable service of that fortunate English soldier Sir Francis Drake, according to such copies as I have compassed of the same, which I have conferred with divers that were eye witnesses in that expedition: in which I carry this consideration, that such as prove apostatates from the field, backsliding from their service, might be preferred to be field bishops, and such as have not yet seen the honour and danger, may be spurred forward to reap in this harvest of renown: For when Darius' king of Percia clapped Nabarzanes on the back saying, now Nabarzanes for thy country, he made way as a fire through the throng of the Macedonians, that before studied what he were best to do and the applause of the people to the success of that Conquering African, put a double edge to his sword, and added a triple courage to his mind to die immortal, for honour is like spice which as the more it is punned in the motter, the sweeter it smells; so honour, the more it is tossed in the minds and mouths of men truly, the higher it climbs: In this respect am I animated to this enterprise, and this I humbly beseech your honour to countenance, that as some do▪ so all true English hearts may rejoice, and pray for his prosperous success, which the Almighty God direct and defend in all their proceed.  
Your honours humble in all service H. H.   

The most fortunate and honourable service for England, performed by Sir FRANCIS DRAKE in CALES the 19 of April, 1587. with his latest exploits in Cape S. Vincent and Cape Saker, done the 21. of May: written by a Gentleman of his company to one of his friends, as the very truth of this expedition and success.  
WHen we recount the incomparable commodities daily flowing into this Realm, especially from the first foundation thereof; how can we do less than speed to the temple of the Lord to speak the praises of his name? When we observe the infiniteness of our sins, and compare them with the mercies of the Lord, then with contrition of heart, and humility of spirit may we say; Sure the Lord hath done great things for us, he hath hardened the heart of Pharaoh, but drowned his multitudes in the Sea: he cut off Achitophel in his pride, and preserved David in his prosperity: he hath unto our enemies laid out a punishment, by the frowning of the heavens, by the barrenness of the earth, and emptiness of the sea: but unto us hath he reigned plenty, and Manna, even in the wilderness of our wickedness: Every wind blows home into our houses, the good and fortunate success of our friends, every sun shineth to our comforts, every river floweth with increase, and every day brings new tidings of England's happiness, which God in mercy long and ever continue. But if we compare other Realms with this, and withal search the memorable histories that registers the lives of our forefathers, we then may in agony of heart burst out & say: Our unthankfulness doth threaten punishment, and there is no way to withstand the wrath of the just God. Run over the lives of a few Romans, and observe their care of their common wealth, (and as thou readest, let not the life of this Englishman be forgotten which occasioneth my discourse.) Caius Marius, when he had conquered his country's enemies, & brought Rome to her height, triumphing as a goddess over the world, in conclusion of every exploit, dedicated his sacrifices to the Gods, as the authors of every good that had befortuned him: although in his face he carried the countenance of majesty, and by his speech he bred terror to his enemy. Scipio that African conqueror in all his victories, did never ascribe his success to himself, but gave the honour to the Gods, sacrificing his whole honour to them, and disposing himself for his country. Yet died not Scipio, without the slander of old Cato: nor should honour live in any, without the envy of many.  
When julius Caesar had overrun the world (almost) with his multitudes subjecting the Gales, 
Caesar's Comment. li. 4.  leading Belgic captive, terrifying Spain by his report, and carrying Africa at his girdle (in a manner.) Yet said he, not Caesar hath done this, but the gods: giving the glory to the heavens, and leaving the honour to his name. So the heathen set us down a rule, that is to dispose our lives for our country, to ascribe our honours to God, to begin in his fear, to continue in his truth, and to end to his praise: so hath this memorable man Sir France's Drake done: he hath studied to withstand his country's enemies, laboured to enrich us by their impoverishment, and made us strong by their weakening: his first attempt was concluded with a golden purchase, his second ended with no less honour, and his last service is now known to be no less fortunate than the proudest Roman whose honour Plutarch reports to the full. The Author of that mirror of Tragedies touching British princes, 
Mirror of Magistrates.  amongst others bringeth in Ninius, complaining that his honours were forgotten, and left unwritten, and discoursing his life sets down how his death was only by offending Caesar and defending his country, making his Catastrophe mightily to persuade other to the like honour. Then let not this servant of our Cassibilane rest without his reward, but register his deeds, writ his honours in gold, and pray for his success ●he hath not encountered Caesar, yet ta'en away his sword: he hath not freed his country, yet he defendeth it, by wounding the enemy, and breaking his spear: and in all his actions observe but his order, and then can you not but confess it is full of honour. The distance of his being hath not bred any forgetfulness of his friends: his letters are at large of his success, and his exploits expressed rather by others than himself (saving what in duty he must of force set down. 
His love unto M. Foxe. ) But the friendly lines full of love that he writ to that reverend father M. Fox shows his devotion, and confirms his religion, wherein amongst other matters was these words in effect: hearty thanks for his pains, his love, and prayers, with an earnest request that he would continually pray for him, in that he resolved that he sped the better for his good prayers, but all too soon for us was the good old father of the Church departed before his letters came, to the sorrow of the sender, bringer, and hearers.  
His service and success is seen hourly amongst us, which because the copies are common, and the publishing may be offensive to some, I will trip over them swiftly (as the dogs of Nilus drinks) lest I fall into danger.  
He having discovered (by advise of 2 ships of Middleborough that came from Cales, with whom we met in 40. degrees the 16. of April) and by them understanding that there was great provision in Cales & there about, appointed to come for Lishbourne, he with all speed possible did bend his force thither to cut of their power & provision.  
So as the 19 of April an hour before Sun setting, he entered the Harbour of Cales, and his Fleet: there checked with us at the entering thwart the Town 6 Galleys, but they in short time retired under their fortresses.  
There were in the Road 60 ships, and divers other small shipping under the fortresses.  
There fled some 20 French ships to Port Royal, & some Spaniards which could not be hindered of the flight by reason of the shields.  
There were sunk by us at our coming in with shot one Argozie of 1000 tun, furnished with thirty. pieces of brass, and richly laden.  
There were ij. Galleys more came presently from port royal, and ij. other from S. Marry port, but all in vain therpence of powder and shot the greatest gain to themselves.  
There were to the number of 38. ships undertaken before night, and victors of the Road, the Galleys retiring under the fortress.  
Twenty hulks Hollanders confiscated to the king, and their goods sold to the king's use, xxiv. of them were fired, the other six were at port royal laden with wines, and bread, and to be presently full laden for Lisbon.  
One Carack of 1400. tons appertaining to the Marquis of S. Cruse, fired.  
Five great Biskeiss fired, four of them, lading & taking in of victual for the king's provision for Lisbon, the fifth a ship of 1000 tun bound for Lisbon, having in her great store of Pipes, much iron, nails spikes, iron hoops, and such like, fired.  
One shattey laden with wines, of 200. and 50. tons for the king's provision, which we brought to sea with us, and discharged at sea part of her wines for the provision of the fleet, and then fired her.  
Three fly boats of about 400. tun laden with biscuit, whereof the one being of 200. tun and upwards, we half unladed in the harbour and fired her, the other two are yet with us in company.  
Some ten Barks more laden with wines, reasons, figs, oil, wheat, and such like fired.  
By supposition xxxviij. ships and barks fired, sunk and brought away with us, amounting in judgement 13000. tun of shipping.  
There rid in sight of us at port royal by estimation above 40. sails besides those that fled from Cales road.  
They gave us little ease during our abode there, with their shot from the Galleys, as also from the fortresses and from the shore, where continually they planted new ordinance at all places convenient to offend, notwithstanding their ships we continually fired as the flood came thereby, to be cleared of them, which terrible fires were pleasant unto us to behold, and mitigated the continual burden of travel which lay upon us day and night in discharging, firing, and unlading such provisions, with observations for good and gardable defence for the enemy.  
It pleased God by the General his great care and pains day and night to finish this happy action in her majesties service in one day and two nights, and came forth again the friday in the morning, with very little loss thanks be to God.  
Of xii. Galleys and those that came from port royal and S. Marry port, ten of them came forth after us as it were to make some pastime with their great ordinance, at length the wind scanting, we cast about again and stood in for the shore, and came to an anchor within a league of Cales, where their Galleys suffered us to ride quietly.  
There were also three Fliebotes more at Mallegoe laden with Biscuit bound for Cales, and so for Lisbon we understand of great provisions and forces provided within the straits, we doubt not but as God hath begun this work in great happiness, to the daunting of the enemy, so God will bless this Army in cutting daily their forces shorter, to the great annoyance of the enemy, and to the honour of our prince and country.  
We now have had the experience of Galley fights, wherein I can assure you, that these only four of her majesties ships, will make no account of xx. galleys, so as they were alone and not driven to guard others.  
There were never galleys had place fit for their advantage in fight upon shot, they had present succour to ground under the town, which they sundry times did, we riding in a narrow gut the yielding no better, in that we were driven to maintain the same until we had discharged and fired the ships which could not conveniently be done but upon the flood, thereby that they might drive clear of us.  
We rest now victualled with bread and drink for six months in our ships, and bread beside in ij. Fliebotes to maintain a good army three months.  
It may seem strange or rather miraculous that so great an exploit, should be performed with so small loss, considering the place so convenient, and their force so great as well appeared, from whom were shot at the least at us ij. C. culverin and Cannon shot, but in this, as in all other our actions heretofore (although dangerously attempted, yet most fortunately performed) our God will, and hath always made his infinite power to all papists apparent, and his name by us his servants under our blessed prince (whose life the Lord prolong) to be continually glorified.  
Your loving Cousin Thomas Fenner.  
And thus having set down our full action hitherunto performed as a beginning or entrance into greater matters, although this being weighed, considering the quantity of victual provided, the disapointment of the same, the infinite loss in goods (besides his shippings) I can by no means rate it at less than one hundred thousand pounds in spoil, this I say considered, may be thought an honourable piece of service, the honour whereof we attribute to the giver of all victories, whose name be praised, and the credit to our general, whose travel and pains being so great cannot be rewarded with too much praise: his due I wish him, nam operarius mercedem meruit.  

This was the first exploit of his last voyage: the second was thus as followeth in this Letter dated May 21.  
Master W. you shall understand that since the departure of Captain Cross, we have continued about Cape Saker, where we landed, and the better to have the benefit of the water, as also to ride in harborough at our pleasure, we assaulted the same Castle and three other strong holds, which we took, some by force, and some by submission.  
We have taken at several times of shipping, Barks, and caravels above an hundredth, laden with hoops, gally-oares, pipe staves, timber, and other provisions of the king of Spain's, for the furnishing of his forces intended against England, which we burned, and have consumed all the Fisher boats and nets thereabouts, to their great hindrance.  
Thence we came before the Haven of Lishbon, ancouring near unto Cast Cales, where the Marquis of S. Cruse was with his Galleys, and seeing us chase his ships ashore, to take and carry away his Barks and caravels, was content to suffer us there quietly to tarry and likewise to departed, and never charged us with one Cannon shot.  
Thus for want of time I leave the discourse of every particular event unto Captain Parker, who hath been an eye witness, and an actor in all our services past.  
From Cape Saker aboard her majesties good ship the Elizabeth Bonaventure, the 21. of May 1587. Your loving friend F. Drake.  
And this is the last and all the service yet done whereof news is come to England, being full of valour, danger, and honour: a maim to the enemy, and an arm to us, in that by their waning we wax stronger. It hath been ever, a custom amongst the ancient Romans, to surname such renowned soldiers, as Scipio was called the African of his conquest: Hannibal the scourge of Rome: Lycurgus the prop of Athens: Alexander the fire of Persia. And to come nearer (for our own Chronicles wants no copy of such honours) Edmund was surnamed Ironside of his valour: William the Norman, conqueror: Edward the third, the sting to France: Henry the fift, the furrower of Gallia: Henry the 8. the terror of his enemies. And to come yet nearer: we have now some living who for their honourable service against the enemy, are called rash & fortunate: others forward, but unlucky: others hot and terrible: and infinite honours are ascribed to them, drawn forcibly by their valours out of the mouth of the adversary. Amongst all which, wherein (for a subject) is this Scipio inferior to Hannibal? who is feared for his fortunes, 
Note this comparison  & honoured in his service. I remember in the time of Edward the 3. king of England, and in the French expedition, that Edward the black prince (so surnamed for the black battles he fought in France) seeing his honourable subject & friend the Lord Audley wounded to the death in the forefront of the service, of his bounty gave to him and his heirs yearly for ever 4000 crowns, whether he ever or never recovered. The languishing noble man accepting the gift, and learning of his Lord & general (as well as taught by nature) to be honourable, in the presence of the Prince, gave the same annual sum for ever to his four esquires that attended on his body: whereof being reproved by the giver, he answered, that in the service he had shown, those four were no less forward to defend him, and offend the foemen, than himself: and being now robbed by the enemy of a master, he knew it was his honour to leave them maintenance: and wished withal, that he were as able to enrich his whole company of followers severally, as he did these willingly. Herewith (though lamenting his death) the Prince consented to his gift, & so will we bury him with our discourse of him. Yet here out I observe this, that Generals in actions of expedition, are bound by honour to reward the well deserving, yet is it not in the power of any subject to exceed the limits of his ability, but to reward where he is led by honour, & to content the rest as he is commanded or allowed of those that exceed him in authority. If we do but look warily into the worlds estate, we may then conclude with our Divines: Mischief hath sheathed deceit, & hypocrisy draws it. And wisely was the estate of France compared to a set at Primero: & properly do those of Belgia figure their country by a woman assaulted on the foreside by a Frenchman, & entrapped with palm on the other side by a Spaniard. And in another impreasa, they figure her rent by the hair of the head by the French, disrobed by the Italian, bowelled by the Spanish, & succoured by the English: in which anatomizing their widow country, whom do they commend & submit unto but their succorers? whom do they reward with honours & riches but their soldiers? whom do they reverence, pray for, & cleave unto, but their Captains, whom the Athenians called walls of their countries, whom the lawless Scythians follow as stars, the gluttonous Persians adore as Gods, the rude Boetians run after as heads, & whom the hardy Lacedæmonians reckon as comets, that blaze ever against good fortune. In Rome, what troops of Senators, flocks of Nobles, & herds of Commons, would burst as a sea forth the gates, to reverence the welcome conqueror, that either brought home honour or riches? and that was the cause that encouraged the better sort to climb to virtue by honour, and enraged the worse sort to hunt after honour with a thirst of virtue. They that spare the praise, are unworthy the profit: a deserved commendation is a spur to the mind, & he that obscures the honour of a soldier or a scholar, wounds Mars, 
honours portraiture. Virtue joined with nobleness is a mixture of true humanity. Man in all ages.  & slays Mercury. Apelles drawing the counterfeit of Honour, portraieth her, holding a star in the one hand, & in the other a stone: meaning by this emblem, the although noble minds entitled with dignities should reach as high as the skies, yet the inferior might by virtue catch of stars. And as a Noble man without virtue is like a sun beam covered with clouds: so is a meaner man without valour like the bird Fawrus, the hath a great voice, & almost no body. Man in all ages is maintained thus: In his cradle with milk, in his childhood with rods, in green youth with shame & good discipline, in man's estate with arms, in elder age with counsel, & last of all with a staff till he go senseless to his grave: then if thou be a child, obey thy parents; if a man, serve thy Prince, and die for thy country; if old, counsel others to honour soldiers when they serve not, and to serve for honour when they enter arms. This made the wolves Nursery Romulus become both the first king and builder of Rome: This made the abject Cirus wear the first Crown in Persia, justinus the swineherd Emperor in Constantinople, Valentinus the husbandman Emperor in Rome, Telephanes the soldier king of Lydia: and this made Tarqvinius Priscus a stranger borne in Corinth, the son of one Demaratus a banished merchant from his Country, become a king in Rome. Yea, and by this in his life he became so famous, that he enlarged the confines of Italy, amplified the wealth and state of the country, augmented the number of Senators, increased the orders of Knighthood, and left Rome so happy at his death, that the Citizens thereof would have travailed so far as Corinth to speed of so noble a Prince. Then must every man press in service for preferment to honour, which springs of desert, and such as are not fortunate, must learn to follow and hope to find, must leave to envy and grieve to slander, ever carrying the upright mind of a religious subject, that in hearing evil spoken of the good, to enter into consideration strait of the man and the matter, and so shall he sift him out, either an enemy to the Estate or the Religion, that by rumours withdraw the willing and abuse the best, to bring them in hatred of the worst, because he knows the common multitude is like a many headed beast. But study every man rather to look into the danger of such services (I mean in respect of their bodies that performs it) and to thank God for the victories, to pray for their prosperity in their enterprises, and to encourage others to their supplies, so shall God be glorified, Nobility be honoured and animated, the peace of the Land maintained, and all men pleased.   
FINIS.