A BRIEF DISCOURSE DIALOGVEWISE, SHOWING how false & dangerous their reports are, which affirm, the Spaniards intended invasion to be, for the re-establishment of the Romish religion; for her majesties succours given to the Netherlanders, and for Sir FRANCES DRAKES enterprise three years passed into the West Indies.  
Imprinted at London by Richard Field, dwelling in the Black Friars near Ludgate. 1590.   

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE CHARLES LORD HOWARD, BARON OF EFFINGHAM, Lord high Admiral of England, Knight of the most noble order of the Garter, and one of her majesties most honourable privy Counsel, E. Da. wisheth long life, with increase of all honour and virtue.  
WHO so shall duly observe Homer describing contention (whom he nameth the sister of Mars, 
Lib. 4. Ilia.  being at her birth little, but after, though keeping her feet on the earth, yet increasing till she touch the heavens with her head: procuring in this growth, noises, debates, discensions, tears, sighs and late repentance) will say, notwithstanding that the Poet were blind, that he saw as far as our time in which this foolish Goddess shaketh like a fearful earthquake the foundations both of the Ecclesiastical and civil state. In consideration whereof (right honourable Lord) and that many are moved by some aspects of contention injuriously to report her majesties proceed with the Spaniard (she having lived in greater temperance than any Prince of her time) I thought meet (those rumours extenuating his ambition and avarice long preceding any act done by her Majesty to him) to prove that his enterprises and desire of this kingdom were of longer life than her majesties attempts: to the end that our people (apprehending his injustice for piety, offered against the dignity of Kings, and equity of nations) may, knowing the counterfeit, abide in their place of obedience and duty. This labour, though neither for matter or volume, worthy your honourable view, I notwithstanding (as bound heretofore for your L. favours towards me to yield some agreeable service) humbly dedicated to your good L. whose noble bearing draweth to it by a forcible power of virtue, the hearty and good affections of all men. Take therefore my good Lord the same in good part of him, who prayeth to your L. increase of long health, honour and all the virtues of true Nobility.  
Your Lordship's most bounden in duty EDWARD DANCE.   

A BRIEF DISCOURSE DIALOGVEWISE SHOWING how FALSE AND DANGEROUS their reports are, which affirm the Spaniards intended invasion to be, for the re-establishment of the Romish religion; for her majesties succours given to the Netherlanders, etc. and for Sir Frances Drakes enterprise three years passed into the West Indies.  Epoenetus, Philemon. 
AFTER her Majesty had taken (though at the worst hand) the offers of the lower countries; many, whom nothing (if not fathered by themselves) can please, affirmed that she received by that mean a sword (as the proverb is) anointed with honey; inferring thereby not only a sweetness, by retaining them mingled with danger; but also, that howsoever she governed; whether by lenity or rigour, they as a people impatient of order, would not be prescribed, but would either with the crab-fish, being held loosely creep forth; or hard strained with the eel slip away: by mean whereof she might not only live doubtful of them; but also for their sakes, raise a cruel and untractable enemy against her.  
These things (as noting the injurious slanders of this time) I proposed in the presence of divers, amongst whom there was then by occasion, a gentleman of those parts named PHILEMON, who after long fixing his eyes on me, with such countenance as he had again beheld the deep wounds of his country newly bleeding; at last turned to the rest and said. Nothing (Gentlemen) hath in this life been dearer to me then the liberty of my country, the which with others, whilst I might, I endeavoured to make eternal: neither had we failed to effect so much, had not the ambition of strangers, meeting with our descension, brought forth the first fruits of our miseries: since which time our provinces have been so tossed with the contrary winds of fortune, that few could keep their oars, or hold the stern of government: for whilst many commanded, fewer having learned to obey, we were distracted into sundry favours: some as never acquainted with the condition of liberty, preferring the title of Burgundy, some the neighbourhood of the Empire, some of France, and others the alliance with England, each one bestowing their apologies, either in the conceits of Guses, Patriats, or malcontents: by mean whereof all parts in steed of our country sports, were so filled with tokens of war, that no place was left for good men to bewail this change. But when after long deliberation, we had, as well for our union with you in matters of religion, as our present necessity both of defence and intercourse of traffic, cast ourselves into the arms of England: some hope remained of better speed had not the division of opinions for a time stayed her majesties laudable endeavours: during which consultation, the Duke of Parma having speedilier deliberated, bereaved us of Antwerp (the key of our provinces) by which he hath since entered other towns and forts of account. And though we took hurt by her majesties cunctation, who according to her wont piety, sought to reconcile our provinces to Spain, yet we intermitted not any thing that might concern either our ancient alliance, or duties of subjects, but have preferred the honour of her nation before any, as our importunate suit to be shadowed under her wing of justice, and our service daily attendant, have made apparent. After which speeches PHILEMON with his eyes full of tears turning again towards me, said, How miserable is our time in which avarice and tyranny keep weight, & are higher priced than honesty? and wherein wolves quarrel with lambs for troubling the stream: and the mouth, hands, and other members conspire against the belly? and herein moreover is our sorrow inexplicable, that whilst her Majesty endeavoured to have due place among the best Princes, and we to live in the order of good subjects, that yet both have been subject to one slander, far unmeet for her royal dignity, our innocency and loyalty. To which I answered. It is true PHILEMON that many by often lying believe they speak the only oracles of God, by mean whereof all good enterprises are either suppressed, or so obscured, that the light of honour due to them and their authors, seems either eclipsed, or clean put out: a practice drawn, as I think, from the custom of ill women, who to be less blamed, accuse all virtuous and chaste matrons of lightness, and herein is our disgrace the greater, in that we have bred those birds that have not only pecked at our eyes, but also have defiled their own nest with all infamy, not fearing (though they would seem the loving sons of our country, and ready sacrifices for her health) to be the obliged pensioners of Spain, injuriously reporting that the motions of that kingdom, are for matter of religion, her majesties favours towards your people, and her enterprise into the West Indies: slanders of so apparent danger, the same extenuating the precedent avarice and ambition of Spain, meeting with the ill humours of our people, that I marvel those feigners should no less in their conventicles lament their practice, than Cicero wondered the Aruspices could in deluding the people, forbear laughter beholding one another. To which PHILEMON; the sun hath not beheld any thing more unseemly than this pretence of justice, cloaked with a deep desire of novelty: those rumours being not only factious, but also false, and regarding the time, full of peril and danger, as you EPOENETUS, said he, may know, if you look but as far as the emperor Charles the fift, when Granuellanus in our provinces, and Philip not long after in this realm, sought to make our golden fleece and your Lion a pray for the Eagles of Austria.  
Then I. I am not ignorant PHILEMON of either: for whilst all places (as with bright trophies of papacy) were lightened with the burnt bodies of the people; Philip hoist his first sail of ambition, which as a skilful master he bore so low, that many favoured his course, and wished him the good winds of fortune, especially his wife Mary, who being persuaded by him, it would greatly advance her authority, were he crowned and made her companion of dignity, seriously endeavoured (not knowing how much that ceremony would prejudice her succession) to effect his purpose. To this she was also greatly incited by the clergy, who to make sure their particular, by that mean, cared not to hazard the general state of the realm. But the Lords, who by an ancient policy had greater interest in matters of government, having more cause to regard the reputation of their houses (likely to diminish by his neighbourhood) than the Prelates their momentany dignities, withstood it as a matter dangerous, and not without common peril. This purpose being overthrown by their providence, he taketh occasion by tumults happening about that season, to persuade his wife to new matter, seeming not only profitable, but also necessary for both, alleging that he often departing this realm for the affairs of his own countries, could not without danger perform the parts of a loving husband towards her, the blockhouses standing which might prohibit his return, and the want of common favour remaining. For greater credit whereof he cited a late act then of the valorous Baron the Lord William Howard of Effingham high Admiral of England, who being sent to conduct him with the navy, brought the king's ship in peril, by delivering some great shot, for that he wouldnot, as the custom is, strike sail, by which ceremony he was to acknowledge the Queen's sovereignty in these seas. I was, said PHILEMON, at that time in the shipping of our country with the Spanish fleet, and know that to be the only cause why that noble Baron was after removed from his room: but proceed EPOENETUS. This motion (said I, returning where I left) seeming just, was forthwith effected: and what lets soever to his return, either razed, or translated into his several countries, under colour of furnishing him for the wars of France: so that for achieving his intention (having the favour of his wife and Prelates) he wanted little more than time (we being in a manner disarmed) to be made absolute, & to apply the significant posy of the golden fleece, PRETIUM NON VILE LABORIS, to the order of our George & Garter, which perhaps (being touched in conscience with the honourable device and meaning of our order, HON Y SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE) he would have refused.  
These proceed were then suspected as tending to disbranch the natural cions to engraff himself, which he had in nearer sort attempted, had he not been tripped by the death of his wife. And notwithstanding that he had thereby lost many occasions of time and place, and that his pray ready to be devoured, was by that mean taken from between his teeth, he yet desisted not to take occasion by the forehead, when, and wheresoever he met her: for which cause, and to impress an opinion in all nations of his right to our country, he joined many years after her majesties happy entrance to the Royal seat, the title of England with that of his own dominions: which could not be with any good meaning, or without great prejudice to her Majesty, her heirs, & lawful successors.  
These things are well known to many yet living: neither will the Spaniards by colour of the authority they had gotten amongst us, deny it as a thing unjust, considering that the limitation of tyrants consisteth in things they can not get: but if these good bodies should (appealing to the favour of malcontents) complain they are slandered, let us enter into a scrutiny of times, and we shall find them charged with the munition, artillery, and other habiliments of war, which could not be embezeled to any other end then the increase of their empire. But if they deny the having of it, or that they had it to any such use, I will join with them in issue for both. If they had it not, let them (they running through the store of the realm) account how it was bestowed. For Henry the eight, being one of the victorious kings of that age, & still in action with France and Scotland, (the least of which is able to abate the high thoughts of a proud enemy) could not, in respect of his conquests, be unfurnished of provision to withstand the power of so great adversaries. Again the time between this triumphant king, & his daughter Mary was (in regard of our expectation) but short, in which there was no diminution of any thing within the realm, as might appear as well by the victories of that good king Edward, being the hope of Europe, as his bettering of the gold, and silver coins. But how great her majesties charges grew by a new provision of all thing immediately after her royal entry, no man is ignorant, no not stranger's: the dukes Memorancie and Cassimer greatly praising, upon their view only of her store in the Tower, her careful and most wise providence; which they would not have done had they known any part thereof not to have been of her majesties cost. Now the question is to be asked of these temperate persons (our warlike furniture being at that time their king married with her majesties sister Mary comparable with any of the greatest Princes of the west part) who eloigned the same? I must answer for them (they being occupied in hastening the fift monarchy) even they who have vowed to make desolate our country, and to murder a most sacred and Christian Princess.  
The seizure of armour, treasure and munition with the rasure of places defensive upon conditions of peace; is an old stratagem, and used by the Turk in the times of his friendship with them, whom he mindeth to subdue: which if any would excuse in the Spaniard as a matter impossible to his justice: how answer they his usurpation of the title of this realm, often reproved by Master Man, her majesties liger in Spain, to the great hazard of his person, as I heard him and some of his train affirm, before the same was laid a part. But they may reply, that he being permitted during his abode in this kingdom by general assent to use that title, might without her majesties prejudice continue the same. But there we may, as the proverb is, lay a straw: for whatsoever is allowed by any authority, may be disannulled by the same: again, the causes of any thing ceasing, the effects of the same proceed no further: whereby may be concluded, that not only the Princes and people of this kingdom, by whose favours he had that title, have power to retract the same; but also that his wife dying without issue by him, could leave Philip no greater interest than she had; which was but for term of her natural life.  
These matters, say they (for that they have made their will a law) require neither answer nor excuse: no more doth their boast made seven years passed in the duke of Parma's Camp before men of account (who by the great prudence of that honourable counsellor Sir Francis Walsingham now dead, were appointed for special service to that place) that they would leave their trade to Peru, our country being a shorter cut, from whence they might draw equal treasure. At this time there was no speech of religion, neither of her majesties alliance with the Netherlanders, or of Sir Francis Drake (who as then had not been in the Indies) but of their avarice, cruelty, and ambition; the effects of which, preceded any act done by her Majesty, whose mildness of neighbourhood and contentment of state, have exceeded the temperance of all Princes of this or any other age.  
Now gentlemen, said I, consider of the Spanish proceed, which were broached in the time of papacy, and our greatest devotion to Philip and his nation: before either the re-establishment of the reformed religion, or of her majesties receiving the Netherlanders, for their ancient alliance with her kingdom, into her safeguard, or any enterprise made into the Indies by her authority.  
Weigh moreover the state and quality of justice, which, whether she governeth between nations, or a people of one country, never imposeth any law, or punisheth by the same, till offences be committed: 
Exod. cap. 24. sect. 4. & 7.  which law must then also be received by the general and free consent of nations and people.  
judge also whether his enterprises do stand with his pretence of piety, for if he had been (as he feigneth) devoured with the zeal of his religion, were there not great occasions given him in the time of the French king Charles the ninth his brother in law and neighbour, to show some effects of his Catholic title, Cassimer then departing France twice, upon the only pay of the French king? Nay hath he not since then maintained at his charge the Dukes of GVISE and Maine against his other brother in law Henry the third, a devout Romanist, and chief ringleader at the great murder in Paris? yea & which more is, hath he not consented to the murder of the said Henry (I will not say procured it) contrary to the dignity of all kings? did he after (according to the justice & custom of good princes) either reprove the Duke du Maine or his complices for that fact? or hath he not since then aided the said Duke rather more openly than before, not only with treasure, but also with soldiers sent from the duke of Parma? To conclude, hath not his policy been by nourishing factions in that and our realm, to be made absolute in the west continent of Europe & islands adjacent? and hath he not for that purpose renewed his league with the Turk, who slily smiling at his madness, panteth to devour him and the rest of Christendom by that mean? No man can deny it, time hath proved it, & the blood of thousands crieth against it.  
A reformation then of Religion, or our ill neighbourhood to him, are no causes of his motions (he having plotted our ruin, and rasure of his Catholic alley, in his nearest friendship with both) but the avarice, cruelty, and pride of his people, which neither the penury of Spain can satisfy, or the Pyrene hills, or wide Ocean can limit.  
Believe me EPOENETUS (said PHILEMON) a gentleman of good quality told me, that he heard in Rome that the cardinal named Buono compagno (called since then, Pope Gregory) being demanded at his return from Spain, how he liked that kingdom: answered, there were plains of luxury, vales of misery, and hills of pride.  
To which I answered, I am, PHILEMON, easily persuaded to believe you, Monsieur la Nouë a man so well qualified that few come near him in all the virtues, & not one goeth beyond him in any, confirming some part thereof.  
This noble gentleman composing during his captivity amongst the Spaniards diverse discourses both politic and martial, 
Paradox troisiesme.  notwithstanding that he giveth honourable testimony of their discipline, drawn from the great fortunes and military prudence of the Emperor Charles the fift, yet affirmeth that very often one shall hear in their armies a new soldier but of three crowns pay the month, say in great majesty (if he hath not those favours he expecteth) that he is as good as the king: he further for proof of their insolency maketh this question: what will then a Captain do, in like case, that hath been found at assaults and battles? He will, answereth lafoy Nouë, say I am better than the Pope. Fron this figure, may our countrymen, who are yet free, frame their argument of word and fact against them that would make them captive; that honourable and famous person speaking so liberally of their pride in his durance. They may also foresee what insolency the great officers of Spain would use towards strangers, their meanest companions standing amongst themselves, so much upon their pantofles, we may be also persuaded, that they who compare with their natural king, will smally esteem their friendship, which traffic the state of their country: unless they may after maintain that amity which they have gained by gold, by their water imperial, drawn from the hardness of iron: many having been pleased with the foul pleasures of some in the night, whose beauties, they have after loathed in the day.  
Then PHILEMON: I would EPOENETUS that all men were (for the common quiet) of your mind: nothing breeding a greater resolution in this sort, then to think they are esteemed sacred of them, by whose promises they are corrupted: as though they were of the deepest trust, which have offended in the highest degree of treachery  
They are not PHILEMON, said I, tyrants (although they make no semblant thereof) ever fearing those by whom they are advanced: Philip of Macedonia allowing for his profit those that would betray their country, but not those that had betrayed it. And for that their greediness is seldom satisfied, whose country contenteth them not, it may be still doubted (no place being esteemed so dear as the place of birth and education) that their lightness can not be stayed by change; but rather impaired by losing their first faith: the just recompense of which, amongst those that are prudent, is chastisement.  
Vortiger could well band with this racket, 
Flor. Hist.  he putting to death an hundred Picts at one bandy, whom he procured to kill the king Constantius.  
Selim the great Turk had also great skill at this game; 
Sans. de vitis Tur.  who promising Vstarabi a physician, ten Ducats a day during his life, to poison his father Baisit the second, did for recompense of the fact, cut of his head, saying, the physician would no more spare him then he did his father, if any would require him.  
The like Caesar Borgia the Spaniard practised with Messire Remiro Dorco, whom he only used in all murders, treasons, and oppressions of the people.  
If this were the bounty of tyrants to traitors, good kings I hope will not be behind them in just punishments, whom they have exceeded in due maintaining justice: as the testimonies of David that caused the Amalec to die that boasted to have slain Saul; 
Reg. 2. cap. 1.  and of good Dane Canutus, who (being companion in this kingdom with Edmond, named for his chivalry Ironside) put to death Eudricus the Saxon, who had slain his sovereign, to bring the whole empire into Canutus' hands, 
Flor. Hist.  do plentifully witness.  
These are, said PHILEMON, precedents of rare justice, & most excellent to be followed of them that care to maintain the high reputation of their calling: for according to the opinion of civilians, who affirm, that their laws permit a gentleman to make any injury done to one of his order, no less his, then if it were proffered himself: which interest and similitude of dignity (were it duly regarded by persons of equality) would greatly abate the bold offers of these disturbers of government: as well for that they arrive not amiss either into the hands of bad, or good Princes in regard of chastisement, as that wise kings may suspect, that as they many times rise, they may also fall by factious followers: to whom (in respect of their country's health) to neglect money, 
Adelpho. Act. 2.  would be sometimes (according to the comical Poet) a great gain.  
Then I. It is most true, that where this moth of faction entereth, she eateth through the garments of peace, whether of the long or short rob. Of this opinion was that noble gentleman Monsieur du Lant, who (being sent by the French king Lewes the 12. into Italy to restore divers castles to the Florentines, taken from them by the Duke Valentino, and the Vitelli in the vales of Trevere and Chiana; and finding there many which boasted to be of the faction of one Marzoco) greatly blamed them; alleging that if the subjects of France should name themselves partakers with the king his Master (though spoken with duty) they should be chastised, as such which suppose a contrary party in that realm against the king: an admonition worthy to be written with letters of gold in public places, as monuments of his singular prudence. For if the unity of elements, humours, or qualities maintaineth the life either of bodies natural, or politic, it cannot be, but a disagreement doth breed a resolution, spasm, or some other most dangerous infirmity in both. Examples of antiquity need not, we having too many that be modern of our near neighbours: amongst which these tokens of murder, IE SVIS ROYAL, and, IE SVIS GVISIAN, have woefully concluded their tragedy.  
For conclusion, to maintain that the motions of Spain issue from our actions, is to make accent upon these words, I favour the Spaniard; which are no less to be forborn than these, I take part with Marzoco, or I am a Guisian; all four by implication being of one nature. In regard whereof, & that all subjects are to esteem their natural Prince, as the General of God: I would that those who have not observed the course of times, should (with the ancient French which esteemed all things lawful their kings did in favour of the people) humbly reverence their Princes proceed, as his, who standing for the public benefit of his country, is always blameless, though his pretences (to the ignorant multitude) have some show of injustice. For how may he that leadeth a private life, and never handled public affairs, be able to reason in things meet, lawful, or necessary for government? the true knowledge of which, drawing near the divine providence, is not to be disputed in the schools of Thersites, unless there be some Ulysses to moderate. 
Home. Lib. 2. Ilia.  For who so attributeth the effects of things present, to causes next going before, may be deceived with him who not knowing his patient's infirmity, and finding neither oyster shells or the parings of apples, by which he might conjecture the sick had surfeited, but after spying a saddle under the bed, feared not to wager his life, that his patient had eaten a horse: or more properly, to ascribe the hostility of Spain to the injuries of our nation, is to be no less mad than he, who thought his frenzy happened by washing his head the day before in cold water. For nothing gentlemen, said I, is plainer than that their natural avarice and pride, and not our injuries, have furiously incited them (according to their emblem of Burgundy having two hands with a steel and flint striking fire, with these words, Ante ferit quàm flamma micet) to esteem no law of society, or bond of nature; whereby they may more securely oppress all parts by violence and stealth.  
This hath been touched by many, but very aptly by the expert and valiant knight Sir Roger William's, who having served long time in their wars, hath with quick colours described their cruelty towards their faithful servitors not being of their nation. With these therefore that keep no mediocrity, it is most dangerous in matter of state, to use a way consisting in a mean; the same being neither able to procure friends or to propel a weak or feeble enemy.  
Which speeches ended, PHILEMON, in the behalf of the rest, which seemed by their silence desirous to departed; answered; well EPOENETUS, the time rather requiring to consider what we ought to do, than what we have done; let both our nations, to express the good affections of honest men, have in their standards, guidons and ensigns, the devise of a soldiers match burning, with these words about the wreath, all fine loyal: which spoken, he and the company departed with countenances promising the accomplishment and performance of great matters.  
FINIS.