MEGALOPSYCHY BEING A Particular and Exact ACCOUNT Of the last XVII. Years OF Q. Elizabeth's Reign, Both MILITARY and CIVIL. The First written by Sir William Monson, one of the Queen's Admirals. The Second written by Heywood Townsend, Esq. WHEREIN Is a True and Faithful Relation of all the Expeditions, Attempts, Designs, Successes, and Errors, both of the English and Spanish Wars, from the Year 1585., to the Queen's death. With a Full Account of the eminent Speeches and Debates, etc. in the said time. To which is added Dr. Parry's Trial in the Year 1584. All written at the time of the Actions, by Persons eminently Acting therein.  
LONDON, Printed for W. Crook, and sold by W. Davis in Amen Corner. M.DC.LXXXII.   

A TRUE and EXACT ACCOUNT OF THE Wars with Spain, In the REIGN of Q. ELIZABETH, (Of Famous Memory.) BEING The Particulars of what happened between the English and Spanish Fleets, from the Years 1585. to 1602. SHOWING The Expeditions, Attempts, Fights, Designs, Escapes, Successes, Errors, etc. on both sides. With the Names of Her Majesty's Ships and Commanders in every Fleet. Being a Pattern and Warning to Future Ages. Never Printed before.  
Written by Sir William Monson, who was a Captain in most, and Admiral of several of those Fleets in the said Wars, and Dedicated to his Son.  
LONDON, Printed for W. Crook, and sold by W. Davis in Amen Corner. M.DC.LXXXII.   

TO THE READER By way of Advertisement.  
YOu have here put into your hands a Piece of English History of a time of great Actions. You will hardly meet more Truth in any History than you will find in this. All circumstances considered, there could not in any thing be greater opportunities of Truth, they being written by Persons of Eminent Characters, and Considerable Actors in the same times. These very Authors Wise and Heroic Actions make no inconsiderable part of the History itself.  
The First is a Relation of the Military Transactions of the Nation for nigh Twenty Years, beginning Anno Domini 1585., (from which time to Queen Elizabeth's death there was yearly set out a Fleet against the Spaniards) with a full Account of all the Expeditions, Stratagems, Attempts, Successes, and Miscarriages, that happened in that War on both sides; wherein is showed the Valour and Heroic Acts of those great Soldiers that were so plenty in that Age; as, 

Cumberland  
Suffolk  
Essex  
Sheffeild  
Drake  
Raleigh  
Hawkins  
Forbisher  
Carlee  
Burroughs  
Bellingham  
Fenner  
Southwell  
Cross  
Seymour  
Cross  
Winter  
Beeston  
Palmer  
Barker  
Bostock  
Sackvile  
Goring  
Norris  
Williams  
Leicester  
York  
Greenvile  
Vavasor, etc.    
And Sir William Monson, the Author of this, who was Admiral in several of the said Expeditions against the Spaniards, and also a Member in her last Parliaments.  
The second part is the full and exact Account of the Four last Parliaments (both Lords and Commons) of Queen Elizabeth, taken from the original Records of their Houses, by Heywood Townsend Esquire, a Member thereof; with the particular Speech and Behaviour of the Wife and Learned Statesmen, Lawyers, etc. which that time was foe fruitful of, viz. 

Egerton  
Burleigh  
Buckhurst  
Cecil  
Walsingham  
Hatton  
Bacon  
Raleigh  
Hobby  
Crook  
Coke  
Moor  
Fortescue  
Pophan  
Yeluerton  
Finch  
Maynard  
Spelman  
Wentworth  
Hobart  
Manwood  
Jones  
Digby  
Caesar  
Anderson  
Winch, etc.    
With other passages of History in those times, that is, runs contemporary with Sir William Monsons' Relation both together being the Account of the Military and Civil State of Affairs, of nigh 20 Years of the last part of Queen Elizabeth's Reign, being the most eminent time of Action in all her Government.  
With Sir William Monsons' Directions and Advice to his Son by way of Dedication, to excuse it's not coming forth sooner, may be to avoid such Offences, which must necessarily be given by a faithful and exact Historian, that writes of the present Age, when the Parties are living that were Actors in it; it may by this time be supposed that such Objections (against its now coming forth) may be over. You have added at the end of this the Trial, Condemnation, and Execution of Dr. Parry, for a Conspiracy against the said Queen, written also at the time of his Trial and Execution.  
So that what is here offered for thy use, is nothing but what was written at the time of the Action, or by the Persons who were Actors, and of such Quality, that it is quite out of all suspicion there should be the least Falsehood in this; it being never at all designed for the public in the life-time of the Authors. Therefore neither Profit nor Honour did the Authors expect, although their exact and careful Accounts of Truth must be no small benefit to the curious Reader.  
There is lately published a small Book of 1 s. 6 d. price, called, The Connexion, being choice Collections of some principal matters in King James his Reign, and passages betwixt this Book and Rushworth, Nalson, and the rest that begin at King Charles I.   

Sir WILLIAM MONSON TO HIS Son JOHN.  
Dear Son,  
THE Custom of Dedicating Books hath been ancient, and they have been usually dedicated either to Great Persons, for protection or remuneration; or to Familiars, out of friendship and affection; or to Children, in respect of nature and for admonition. And to this end it is, that to you I commend the reading of the Discourse following; that so beholding the 18 years' War by Sea, which for want of years you could not then remember; and comparing them with the 18 years of Peace, in which you have lived, you may consider three things. First, that after so many pains and perils God hath lent Life to your Father to further your Education. Secondly, what proportion his recompense and rewards have had to his Services. Lastly, what just cause you have to abandon the thoughts of such dangerous and uncertain courses; and that you may follow the ensuing Precepts, which I commend to your often perusal.  
And in the first place, I will put you in mind of the small Means and Fortune I shall leave, that you may rate your Expenses accordingly; and yet as little as it is, 'tis great to me, in respect I attained to it by my own endeavours and dangers, and therefore no body can challenge Interest in it but myself, though your Carriage may promise the best possibility.  
Beware you presume not so much upon it, as thereby to grow disobedient to your Parents; for what you can pretend to, is but the privilege of two years of age above your younger Brother; and in such cases Fathers are like Judges, that can and will distinguish of offences and deserts according to truth, and will reward and punish as they shall see cause.  
And because you shall know it is no rare or new thing for a man to dispose of his own, I will lay before you a Precedent of your own House, that so often as you think of it, you may remember it with fear, and prevent it with care.  
The Great Grandfather of your Grandfather was a Knight by Title, and John by name, which name we desire to retain to our eldest Sons; God blessed him with many earthly Benefits, as Wealth, Children, and Reputation; his eldest Son was called John after his Father, and his second William like to yourself and Brother; but upon what displeasure I know not, (although we must judge the Son gave the occasion) his Father left him the least part of his Fortune, though sufficient to equal the best Gentleman of his Shire, and particularly the ancient House called after his name. His other Son William he invested with what your Uncle now enjoys. Both the Sons whilst they lived carried the port and estimation of their Father's Children, though afterwards it fell out that the Son of John, and Nephew to William, became disobedient, negligent, and prodigal, and spent all his Patrimony; so that in conclusion he and his Son extinguished their House, and there now remains no memory of them. As for the second Line and Race, of whom your Uncle and I descended, we live as you see, though our Estates be not great, and of the two mine much the least; which notwithstanding is the greater to me in respect I achieved it with the peril and danger of my Life; and you will make my contentment in the enjoyment of it the greater, if it be accompanied with that comfort I hope to receive from you.  
The next thing I will handle shall be Arms. Know that Wars by Land or Sea are always accompanied with infinite dangers and disasters, and seldom rewarded according to Merit: For one Soldier that lives to enjoy that Preferment which becomes his right by Antiquity of Service, ten thousand fall by the Sword and other casualties: And if you compare that of a Soldier with any other Calling or Profession, you will find much difference both in the reward and danger  
Although Arms have been esteemed in all Ages, and the more as there was greater occasion to use them; yet you shall find they have been always subject to jealousies and envy; Jealousies from the State, if the General or other Officer grow great and popular; subject to envy from Inferiors, who through their perverse and ill dispositions malign other men's Merits.  
The Advancement of Soldiers is commonly made by Councillors at home, whose eyes cannot witness the Services performed abroad; but a man is advanced as he is befriended, which makes the Soldier's Preferment as uncertain as his Life is casual.  
Compare the estate and advancement of Soldiers of our time but with the mean and mercenary Lawyer, and you shall find so great a difference, that I had rather you should become Apprentice to the one, than make Profession of the other.  
A Captain that will seek to get the love of his Soldiers. as his greatest praise and felicity, of all other vices must detest and abandon Covetousness; he must live by spending as the Miser doth by sparing; insomuch as few of them can obtain by War wherewith to maintain themselves in peace, and where Wealth wants Preferment fails.  
Soldiers that live in peaceable Islands, as in England, their Profession is undervalved, because we see not those dangers which make the Soldiers necessary, as others do where Wars are practised. And the good success in our Wars hath been such as makes us attribute our Victories, not so much to Valour as to Chance.  
I confess the base and ill behaviour of some Soldiers, hath made themselves and their Callings the less esteemed; for the name of a Captain, which was ever wont to be honourable, is now became a word of reproach and disdain.  
Soldier's may have Reputation, but little Credit; Reputation enough to defend their Honours, but little Trust in Commerce of the World; and not without cause, for their security is the worse, by how much the danger of death is the greater.  
Learning is as much to be preferred before War, as the trade of a Merchant before that of the Factor. By Learning you are made sensible of the difference betwixt Men and other Creatures, and will be able to judge between the good and the bad, and how to walk accordingly. By Learning you attain to the knowledge of Heavenly Mysteries, and you may frame your Life accordingly, as God shall give you grace. By Learning you are made capable of Preferment, if it concur with Virtue and Discretion; and the rather because you are a Gentleman by birth, and of good Alliance, which I observe next to Money in this Golden Age is the second step to Advancement.  
For one that is preferred by Arms, there are twenty by Learning; and indeed the Soldier is but a Servant to the Learned, for after his many fought Battles, and as many dangers of his Life, he must yield account of his Actions, and be judged, corrected, and advanced as it shall please the other.  
You may wonder to hear me extol Learning so highly above my own Profession, considering the poor Fortune I shall leave was achieved by Arms; it is enough therefore to persuade you what I say is not conjectural but approved: for if I did not find this difference, the natural affection of a Father to a Son would make me discover it to you, that you may follow that which is most probable and profitable.  
Good Son, love Soldiers for your Country's sake, who are the Defenders of it; for my sake, who have made Profession of it; but eat the practice of it as you will do Brawls, Quarrels, and Suits, which bring with them perplexities, and dangers.  
There are many things to be shunned, as being perilous both to Body and Soul; as Quarrels and occasions of them, which happen through the enormities and abuses of our Age. Esteem Valour as a special virtue, but eat Quarrelling as a most detestable vice. Of two evils it were better to keep company with a Coward than a Quarrel; the one is commonly sociable and friendly, the other dangerous in his Acquaintance, and offensive to Standersbies. He is never free from peril, that is conversant with a Quarrel, either for offence given to himself, or to others wherein he may be engaged.  
A true valiant man shall have enough to do to defend his own Reputation. without engaging for others: nor are all valiant that will fight, therefore Discretion makes a difference betwixt Valour and Desperateness. Nothing can happen more unfortunate to a Gentleman, than to have a Quarrel, and yet nothing so ordinary as to give offence; it draweth with it many mischiefs both to Body and Soul: being slain he is danger of damnation, and no less if he kill the other without great repentance. He shall perpetually live in danger of revenge from the Friends of the Party killed, and fall into the mercy of the Prince and Law where he liveth; but if for fear and baseness he avoid and shun a Quarrel, he is more odious living than he would be unhappy in dying.  
Drinking is the foundation of other vices, it is the cause of Quarrels, and then follows Murders. It occasion Swearing, Whoredom, and many other vices depend upon it.  
When you behold a Drunkard, imagine you see a Beast in the shape of a Man. It is a humour that for the time pleaseth the Party drunk, and so bereaves him of sense, that he thinketh all he doth delighteth the Beholders; but the day following he buys his shame with repentance, and perhaps gives that offence in his drunkenness, that makes him hazard both Life and Reputation in a Quarrel. You have no man that will brag or boast so much of the word Reputation as a Drunkard, when indeed there is nothing more to a man's imputation than to be drunk.  
A Drunkard is in the condition of an excommunicated person, whose Testimony betwixt Party and Party is of no validity. Avoid (good Son) the company of a Drunkard, and occasions of drinking, then shall you live free without fear, and enjoy your own without hazard.  
Whoredom is an incident to Drunkenness, though on the contrary all Whoremasters are not Drunkards. It is a sin not washed away without the vengeance of God to the third and fourth generation.  
Besides the offence to God, it giveth a disreputation to the party and his Offspring, it occasioneth a breach betwixt Man and Wife, encourageth the Wife oftentimes to follow the ill example of her Husband, and then ensueth Dislike, Divorce, Disinheriting of Children, Suits in Law, and Consuming of Estates.  
The next and worst sin I would have you shun is Swearing. I do not advise you like a Puritan, that ties a man more to the observing of Sundays, and from taking the Name of God in vain, than to all the rest of the Commandments: but I wish you to avoid it for the greatness of the sin itself, for the Plague of God hangeth over the House of the Blasphemer. Swearing is odious to the Hearers, it giveth little credit to the words of him that useth it, it affordeth no pleasure as other sins do, nor yieldeth any profit to the party; Custom begetteth it, and Custom must make one leave it.  
For your Exercises let them be of two kinds, the one of Mind, the other of Body; that of the Mind must consist of Prayer, Meditation, and your Book; let your Prayers be twice a day, howsoever you dispose of yourself the rest of the time; Prayers work a great effect in a contrite and penitent Heart.  
By this I do not seek to persuade you from such Exercises and Delights of body as are lawful and allowable in a Gentleman; for such increase health and agility of body, make a man sociable in company, and draw good Acquaintants; many times they bring a man into favour with a Prince, and prove an occasion of preferment in his Marriage; they are often times a safeguard to a man's Life, as in vaulting suddenly upon a Horse to escape an Enemy.  
I will especially commend unto you such pleasures as bring delight and content without charge; for others are fitter for greater men than one of your Fortune to follow.  
Hawking and Hunting, if they be moderately used, are like Tobacco, in some cases wholesome for the Body, but in the common use both laboursom and loathsome; they alike bring one discommodity, (as commonly Vices do) that they are not so easily left as entertained.  
Tobacco is hot and hurtful to young Bodies and Stomaches, and augments the heat of the Liver, which naturally you are subject to. It is offensive to company, especially the Breath of him that takes it; it drieth the Brain, and many become Fools with the continual use thereof.  
Let your Apparel be handsome and decent, not curious nor costly. A wise man is more esteemed in his plain Cloth than gay Clothing. It is more commendable to be able to buy a rich Suit than to wear one. A wise man esteems more of a man's Virtues and Valour than of his Vesture; but seeing this Age is fantastical and changeable, you must fashion yourself to it, but in so mean and moderate a manner, as to be rather praised for Frugality, than derided for Prodigality.  
He that delights in curious clothes is an Imitator of a Player, who measures his Apparel by the part he acts. And as Players appear upon the Stage to be seen of the Spectators, so do the Gallants proclaim their Braveries in open Assemblies.  
Whilst I live and you not marry, I shall temper this Expense; but when I die remember what I say, seek Advancement rather by your carriage; the curiousness, the reputation you gain by that will be lasting, when this will appear but like a Flower fading.  
Frame your Course of Life to the Country and not to the Court; and yet make not yourself such a stranger to great persons, as in Assemblies they should ask others who you are. I confess the greatest and suddenest rising is by the Court; yet the Court is like a hopeful and forward Spring, that is taken with a sharp and cold Frost, which nips and blasts a whole Orchard except 2 or 3 Trees; for after that proportion commonly Courtiers are preferred. And he that will thrive at Court must make his dependency upon some great person, in whose Ship he must embark all his hopes; and how unfortunate such great persons are oftentimes themselves, and how unthankful to their Followers, we want not Precedents.  
He that settles his Service upon one of them shall fall into the disfavour of another; for a Court is like an Army ever in War, striving by stratagems to circumvent and kick up one another's heels, You are not ignorant of the aptness of this Comparison by what you know of me, whose case will serve you for a Prospective-glass, wherein to behold your danger afar off, the better to prevent it. Yet reverence Lords because they are Noble, and one more than another, as he is more notable in virtue.  
Be choice of your Company; for as a man makes election of them he is censured: Man lives by Reputation, and that failing he becomes a Monster. Let your Company consist of your own rank, rather better than worse; for hold it for a Maxim, The better Gentleman the more gentle in his behaviour.  
Beware they be not accused of Crimes, for so it may touch you in Credit; and if you lose your Reputation in the bud of your Youth, you shall scarce recover it in the whole course of your Life. Let them be civil in carriage, for commonly such men are sensible above all; let them be learned, for Learning is a Fountain from whence springs another Life; let them be temperate in Diet and Expense, so shall you learn to live in health, and increase in wealth.  
Beware they be not choleric in disposition, or arrogant in Opinion; for so you shall become a Slave to their Humours, and base by suffering. A choleric man of all others is the worst Companion, for he cannot temper his rage, but on any slight occasion of a Friend becomes an Enemy. Value true Friendship next to Marriage, which nothing but Death can dissolve; for the fickleness of Friendship is oftentimes the ruin of ones Fortune.  
Beware of Gaming, for it causes great vexation of Mind. If you lose, it begets in you that humour, that out of hope of regaining your losses, you will endanger the loss of all. Do not presume too much of your skill in Play, or making wagers as if you were excellent above others, or have Fortune at command; for she is like a Whore variable and inconstant, and when she disfavours you, it is with more loss at once than she recompenseth at twice.  
Love your Brother and Sisters for their own sakes, as you are bound by Nature, but especially for mine whose they are. Remember you are all indifferent to me, but that God chose you from the rest to be a strength and stay to them; think you cannot honour your Father more being dead, than in showing affection to them he dearly loved; and nothing will more approve you to be mine, than love and kindness amongst yourselves. You owe somewhat more to me than that I am your Father, in that I seek your Advancement above theirs, of which Obligation I will acquit you conditionally you perform what you ought to them. For because Man cannot himself live ever, he desires to live in his Posterity; and if I had an hundred Sons, my greatest hope must depend upon you as you are my eldest, and seeing my care is of you above the rest, do not make my Memory so unhappy, as to give the World an occasion to say, I left an unnatural Son. The only request I make is, be kind and loving to them, who I know by their disposition will give you no cause of offence. A discourtesy from you will be as sharp to them as a Razor from another.  
Be courteous and friendly to all, for men are esteemed according to their carriage. There is an old Proverb, The courtesy of the mouth is of great value, and costs little. A proud man is envied of his Equals, hated by his Inferiors, and scorned by his Superiors; so that betwixt Envy, Hate, and Scorn he is friendless.  
Many times a man is condemned to death out of presumption, especially when it concurs with an opinion of his former ill carriage: how much therefore doth it concern a man in the times of his Prosperity to lay up a stock of Love and Reputation?  
There cannot be a greater Honour than to gain a man's Enemy by a courtesy; it far exceeds the kindness that is done to another, and doubly obligeth him that receiveth it. Love is a thing desired by a King from his Subjects, by a General from his Soldiers, and by a Master from his Servants; he that hath it is rich by it, it maintains peace in time of peace, and is a safe Bulwark in time of war.  
Do not buy this Love with the ruin of your Estate, as many do with prodigal Expenses, and then are requited with pity and derision. Let your Expense be agreeable to the wearing of your clothes, better or worse according to Company; or the journeying your Horse, the less way you go to day, you may travel the further to morrow; but if you go every day a long and wearisome Journey, your Horse will fail, and you be enforced to go on foot. And so will it be in your Expenses, if you do not moderate them according to Days and Companies, your Horse and you may travel faintly together.  
If you are prodigal in any thing, let it be in Hospitality, as most agreeable to the will of God, you shall feed the hungry, relieve the poor, and get the love of the rich. What you spend among your Neighbours is not lost, but procures their loves and helps when you have need, and thereby you shall find Friendship in the Country as available as Favour at Court.  
If you are called to any place of Magistracy, do justice with pity, revenge not yourself of your Enemy under colour of Authority, for that shows baseness, and will procure you hatred. In Money matters favour your Country, if it be not against the present profit of the King, for many times his Name is used for the gain of other men.  
Study the Laws, not to make a mercenary practice of them, but only for your own use, the good of your Neighbours, and the Government of your Country. Hold the Laws in reverence next to the King; for that Kingdom is well governed where the King is ruled by the Laws, not the Laws by the King.  
Be not presumptuous in your Command, yet seek to be obeyed as you desire to obey; for as you are above others, others are above you. Give your mind to accommodate Controversies among your Neighbours, and you shall gain their Love, which will more avail you than the hate of the Lawyers can hurt you.  
Punish Idleness and other vices, as well for that they are such, as for examples sake. Gain love by doing Justice, and hate doing wrong, though it were to your immediate profit.  
If you marry after my death, choose a Wife as near as you can suitable to your Calling, Years, and Condition; for such Marriages are made in Heaven, though celebrated on Earth.  
If your Estate were great, your choice might be the freer; but where the preferment of your Sisters must depend upon your Wife's Portion, let not your Fancy overrule your Necessity. It is an old Saying, He that marrieth for love hath evil days and good nights: Consider if you marry for Affection, how long you will be raising Portions for your Sisters, and the misery you shall live in all the days of your life; for the greatest Fortune that a man can expect is in his Marriage. A wise man is known by his actions, but where Passion and Affection sway, that man is deprived of sense and understanding.  
It is not the Poverty or Meanness of her that's married that makes her the better Wife, for commonly such Women grow elevated, and are no more mindful of what they have been, than a Mariner is of his escape from a danger at Sea when it is past. You must set your Wife a good example by your own carriage, for a wise and discreet Husband usually makes an obedient and dutiful Wife. Beware of Jealousy, for it causeth great vexation of mind, and scorn and laughter from your Enemies.  
Many times it is occasioned by the behaviour of the Husband towards other Women: in that case do like the Physician, take away the cause of the infirmity, if not you are worthy to feel the smart of it. Jealousy is grounded upon conceit and imagination, proceeds from a weak, idle, and distempered Brain; and the unworthy carriage of him that is jealous, many times maketh a Woman do what otherwise she would not.  
If God be pleased to give you Children, love them with that discretion that they discern it not, lest they too much presume upon it. Encourage them in things that are good, and correct them if they offend. The love of God to Man cannot be better expressed, than by that of a Father to his Children. Comforts or Crosses they prove to their Parents, and herein Education is a great help to Nature.  
Let your Children make you to disrelish and abandon all other delights and pleasures of the world, in respect of the comfort and joy you receive by them. Make account then that Summer is past, and the melancholy Winter approacheth; for a careful and provident Father cannot take delight in the world and provide for his Children.  
For a conclusion I will recommend two principal Virtues to you, the one is Secrecy, the other Patience. Secrecy is necessarily required in all, especially public persons, for many times they are trusted with things, the revealing whereof may cost them their lives, and hinder the designs of their Masters. It is a folly to trust any man with a secret, that can give no assistance in the business he is trusted with. Councillors of State and Generals, of Armies, of all other aught to be most secret, for their designs being once discovered, their Erterprises fail. Silence was so much esteemed among the Persians, that she was adored for a Goddess. The Romans kept their Expeditions so secret, as that alone was a principal cause of their Victories. But of all others trust not Women with a Secret, for the weakness of their Sex makes them unsecret. Be patient after the example of Job, and you shall become a true Servant of God. Patience deserveth to be painted with a Sword in her hand, for she conquers and subdues all difficulties. If you will take advantage of your Enemy, make him choleric, and by patience you shall overcome him.  
Marcus Aurelius being both Emperor and Philosopher confessed, he attained not the Empire by Philosophy but by Patience. What man in the world was ever so patient as our Saviour himself, by following whose example his Ministers have converted more by their words, than all the persecuting Emperors could deter by rigour or cruelty of Laws. The impatient man contests with God himself, who giveth and taketh away at his good will and pleasure.  
Let me (good Son) be your Pattern of Patience, for you can witness with me, that the Disgraces I have unjustly suffered, (my Estate being through my misfortunes ruined, my Health by imprisonments decayed, and my Services undervalved and unrecompensed) have not bred the least distaste or discontent in me, or altered my resolution from my infancy; that is, I was never so base as to insinuate into any man's favour, who was favoured by the times. I was never so ambitious as to seek or crave Employment, or to undertake any that was not put upon me. My great and only comfort is, that I served my Princes both faithfully and fortunately; but seeing my Services have been no better accepted, I can as well content myself in being a Spectator, as if I were an Actor in the world.  
Before I treat of the Sea I will show what Laws Richard the First established in his Expedition by Sea, which in some points are observed to this day.  
1. That whosoever should kill a man, should be tied to him killed, and thrown into the Sea with him.  
2. If any be killed on Land, the party to be buried alive with him killed.  
3. Whosoever shall strike another, and not draw blood, shall be ducked three times at the Yards Arm.  
4. Whosoever revileth or curseth another, so often as he revileth shall pay an ounce of Silver.  
5. Whosoever draweth his Knife, or draweth Blood, shall lose his Hand.  
6. Whosoever doth steal, shall have his Head shorn, and boiled Pitch poured upon it, and Feathers strewed upon the same, whereby he may be known; and at the first Landing place he shall be towed on shore.   

A Yearly Account of the English and Spanish Fleets, which were set forth from the Year 1585., when the Wars with Spain first began, until the Year 1602, when King James made his happy Entrance into this Kingdom; showing the Designs, Escapes, and Errors on both English and Spanish sides, with the Names of the Queen's Ships and Commanders in every Expedition.  

A Voyage of Sir Francis Drake to the West Indies, Anno Dom. 1585.  
Ships. Commanders. The Elizabeth Bonaventure Sir Francis Drake. The Aid Capt. Forbisher.  Capt. Carlee Lieutenant General by Land.  
UPon the knowledge of the Imbargo made by the King of Spain in Anno 1585., of the English Ships, Men, and Goods found in his Country; Her Majesty having no means to help or relieve her Subjects by friendly Treaty, authorised such as sustained loss by the said Arrest, to repair themselves upon the Subjects of the King of Spain; and to that end gave them Letters of Reprisal, to take and arrest all Ships and Merchandizes that they should find at Sea, or elsewhere, belonging to the Vassals of the said King.  
Her Majesty at the same time to revenge the wrongs offered her, and to resist the King of Spain's Preparations made against her equipped a Fleet of 25 Sail of Ships, and employed them under the command of Sir Francis Drake, as the fittest man by reason of his Experience and Success in sundry Actions.  
It is not my intent to set down all the particulars of the Voyages treated of, but the Services done, and the Escapes and Oversights past, as a warning to those that shall read them, and to prevent the like Errors hereafter.  
This Voyage of Sir Francis Drake being the first undertaking on either side, (for it ensued immediately after the Arrest of our Ships and Goods in Spain) I will deliver my Opinion of it, before I proceed any further.  
One impediment to the Voyage was, that to which the ill success of divers others that after followed, is to be imputed, viz. the want of Victuals and other necessaries fit for so great an Expedition; for had not the Fleet by chance met with a Ship laden with Fish, that came from New found Land, which relieved their necessities, they would have found themselves reduced to great extremity.  
The Service that was performed in this Action, was the taking and sacking Sancta Domingo in Hispaniola, Cartagena in Terra firma, and the Fonta aqua in Florida; three Towns of great importance in the West Indies. This Fleet was the greatest of any Nation but the Spaniards, that had been ever seen in those Seas since the first discovery of them; and if it had been as well considered of before their going from home, as it was happily performed by the Valour of the Undertakers, it had more annoyed the King of Spain, than all other Actions that ensued during the time of the War.  
But it seems our long Peace made us uncapable of advice in War; for had we kept and defended those places being in our possession, and provided to have been relieved and succoured out of England, we had diverted the war from this part of Europe: for at that time there was no comparison betwixt the strength of Spain and England by Sea, by means whereof we might have better defended them, and with more ease encroached upon the rest of the Indies, than the King of Spain could have aided or succoured them.  
But now we see and find by experience, that those places which were then weak and unfortified, are since so strengthened, as it is bootless to undertake any Action to annoy the King of Spain in his West Indies.  
And though this Voyage proved both fortunate and victorious, yet considering it was rather an awakening than a weakening of him, it had been far better to have wholly declined it, than to have undertaken it upon such slender grounds, and with so inconsiderable Forces.   

The second Voyage of Sir Francis Drake to the Road of Cadiz, and towards the Islands of Tercera, Anno 1587.  
Ships. Commanders. The Elizabeth Bonaventure Sir Francis Drake, General. The Lion Sir William Borrough, Vice Admiral. The Rainbow Capt. Bellingam. The Dread-nought Capt. Thomas Fenner.  
HER Majesty having received several Advertisements, that while the King of Spain was silent, not seeking revenge for the injuries the Ships of Reprisal did him daily upon his Coasts, he was preparing an invincible Army to invade her at home. She thereupon sought to frustrate his designs, by intercepting his Provisions before they should come to Lisbon, which was their place of Rendezvouz, and sent away Sir Francis Drake with a Fleet of 30 Sail great and small, 4 whereof were her own Ships.  
The chief Adventure in this Voyage (besides those 4 Ships of Her Majesties) was made by the Merchants of London, who sought their private gain more than the advancement of the Service; neither were they deceived of their expectation.  
Sir Francis Drake understanding by two Ships of Middleborough, that came from Cadiz, of a Fleet with Victuals, Munition, and other habiliments for War, riding there, ready to take the first opportunity of a wind, to go to Lisbon and join with other Forces of the King of Spain, he directed his course for Cadiz Road, where he found the Advertisement he received from this Ships of Middleborough in every point true; and upon his arrival attempted the Ships with great courage, and performed the Service he went for, by destroying all such Ships as he found in Harbour, as well of the Spaniards as other Nations that were hired by them; and by these means he utterly defeated their mighty Preparations which were intended against England that year 1587.  
The second Service performed by him was, the assaulting the Castle of Cape Sacre, upon the utmost Promontory of Portugal, and three other strong Holds; all which he took some by force, and some by composition. From thence he went to the mouth of the River of Lisbon, where he anchored near Cask Cadiz; which the Marquis of St. Cruze beholding, durst not with his Galleys approach so near as once to charge him.  
Sir Francis Drake perceiving, that though he had done important Service for the State by this fortunate Attempt of his, yet the same was not very acceptable to the Merchants, who adventured only in hope of Profit, and preferred their private gain before the security of the Kingdom, or any other respect. Therefore from Cask Cadiz he stood to the Islands of Tercera, to expect the coming home of a Carack, which he had intelligence wintered at Mosambique, and consequently she was to be home in that month. And though his Victuals grew scarce, and his Company importuned his return home, yet with gentle Speeches he persuaded, and so much prevailed with them, that they were willing to expect the issue some few days at the Islands; and by this time drawing near the Island of S. Michael, it was his good fortune to meet and take the Carack he looked for; which added more Honour to his former Service, and gave great content to the Merchants, to have a profitable Return of their Adventure, which was the thing they principally desired. This Voyage proceeded prosperously and without exception, for there was both Honour and Wealth gained, and the Enemy greatly endamaged.   

The first Action undertaken by the Spaniards was in 1588., the Duke of Medina General, who were encountered by our Fleet, the Lord Admiral being at Sea himself in person.  
Ships. Commanders. The Ark Royal The Lord Admiral. The Revenge Sir Francis Drake, Vice Admiral. The Lion The Lord Thomas Howard. The Bear The Lord Sheffeild. The Elizabeth Ionas Sir Robert Southwell. The Triumph Sir Martin Forbisher. The Victory Sir John Hawkins. The Hope Capt. Cross. The Bonaventure Capt. Reyman. The Dread-nought Capt. George Beeston. The Nouperil Capt. Thomas Fenner. The Rainbow The Lord Henry Seymore. The Vanguard Sir William Winter. The Marry Rose Capt. Fenton. The Antilope Sir Henry Palmer. The Foresight  The Aid Capt. Barker. The Swallow  The Tiger Capt. Fenner. The Scout  The Swiftsure Capt. Hawkins. The Bull  The Tremontary Capt. Bostock. The Acatice  Pinnaces, Galleys, Hoys— 10 Capt. Ashley.  
NOtwithstanding the great spoil and hurt Sir Francis Drake did the year passed in Cadiz Road, by intercepting some part of the Provisions intended for this great Navy, the King of Spain used his utmost endeavours to revenge himself this year, lest in taking longer time his Designs might be prevented as before, and arrested all Ships, Men, and necessaries wanting for his Fleet, and compelled them per force to seave in this Action.  
He appointed for General the Duke of Medina Sidonia, a man employed rather for his Birth than Experience; for so many Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls, voluntarily going, would have repined to have been commanded by a man of less quality than themselves. They departed from Lisbon the 19th. day of May 1588., with the greatest pride and glory, and least doubt of Victory, that ever any Nation did; but God being angry with their insolence, disposed of them contrary to their expectation.  
The directions from the King of Spain to his General were, to repair as wind and weather would give leave, to the Road of Calais in Piccardy, there to abide the coming of the Prince of Parma and his Army, and upon their meeting to have opened a Letter directed to them both with further Instructions.  
He was especially commanded to sail along the Coasts of Britain and Normandy, to avoid being discovered by us here; and if he met with the English Fleet, not to offer to fight, but only seek to defend themselves. But when he came athwart the North Cape, he was taken with a contrary wind and foul weather and forced into the Harbour of the Groin, where part of his Fleet lay attending his coming. As he was ready to depart from thence, they had intelligence by an English Fisherman, whom they took Prisoner, of our Fleets late being at Sea, and putting back again, not expecting their coming that year; insomuch that most part of the Men belonging to our Ships were discharged.  
This Intelligence made the Duke alter his Resolution, and to break the Directions given him by the King; yet this was not done without some difficulty, for the Council was divided in their Opinions, some held it best to observe the King's Command, others not to lose the opportunity offered to surprise our Fleet unawares, and burn and destroy them.  
Diego Flores de Valdoes, who had the command of the Andalusian Squadron, and on whom the Duke most relied, because of his experience and judgement, was the main man that persuaded the Attempt of our Ships in Harbour, and with that resolution they directed their course for England.  
The first Land they fell with was the Lizard, the Southermost part of Cornwall, which they took to be the Ram's Head athwart Plymouth, and the night being at hand they tacked off to Sea, making account in the morning to make an Attempt upon our Ships in Plymouth.  
But whilst they were thus deceived in the Land, they were in the mean time discovered by Capt. Flemminge a Pirate, who had been at Sea pilfering, and upon view of them, knowing them to be the Spanish Fleet, repaired with all speed to Plymouth, and gave warning and notice to our Fleet, who were then riding at Anchor; whereupon my Lord Admiral hastened with all possible expedition to get forth the Ships, and before the Spaniards could draw near Plymouth, they were welcomed at Sea by my Lord and his Navy, who continued fight with them until he brought them to an Anchor at Calais. The particulars of the Fight, and the Successes thereof, being things so well known, I purposely omit.  
While this Armado was preparing, Her Majesty had from time to time perfect intelligence of the Spaniards Designs; and because she knew his intent was to invade her at Sea with a mighty Fleet from his own Coast, she furnished out her Royal Navy under the Conduct of the Lord High Admiral of England, and sent him to Plymouth, as the likeliest place to attend their coming, as you have heard.  
Then knowing that it was not the Fleet alone that could endanger her safety, for that they were too weak for any Enterprise on Land, without the assistance of the Prince of Parma, and his Army in Flanders; therefore she appointed 30 Sail of Holland Ships to lie at an Anchor before the Town of Dunkirk, where the Prince was to embark in Flat-bottomed Boats, made purposely for the Expedition of England.  
Thus had the Prince by the Queen's Providence been prevented, if he had attempted to put out of Harbour with his Boats; but in truth neither his Vessels nor his Army were in readiness, which caused the King ever after to be jealous of him, and as 'tis supposed to hasten his end.  
Her Majesty, notwithstanding this her vigilant care to foresee and prevent all danger that might happen at Sea, would not hold herself too secure of her Enemy, and therefore prepared a Royal Army to welcome him upon his Landing; but it was not the will of God that he should set foot on English ground, the Queen becoming Victorious over him at Sea, with little hazard or bloodshed of her Subjects.  
Having showed the Design of the Spaniards, and the course taken by Her Majesty to prevent them; I will now collect the Errors committed as well by the one as by the other, as I have promised in the beginning of my Discourse.  
As nothing could appear more rational and likely to take effect, after the Duke had gotten intelligence of the state of our Navy, than his design to surprise them unawares in Harbour, he well knowing that if he had taken away our strength by Sea, he might have landed both when and where he listed, which is a great advantage to an Invader; yet admitting it had took that effect he designed, I see not how he was to be commended in breaking the Instructions given him by the King, what blame then did he deserve, when so ill an event followed by his rashness and disobedience?  
It was not the want of Experience in the Duke, or his laying the fault upon Valdes, that excused him at his return; but he had smarted bitterly for it, had it not been for his Wife, who obtained the King's favour for him.  
Before th' Arrival of the Ships that escaped in this Voyage, it was known in Spain, that Diego Flores de Valdes was he who persuaded the Duke to break the King's Instructions; whereupon the King gave commandment in all his Ports, where the said Diego Flores de Valdes might arrive, to apprehend him; which was accordingly executed, and he carried to the Castle of Sancta Andrea, and was never seen or heard of after.  
If the King's Directions had been punctually followed, then had his Fleet kept the Coast of France, and arrived in the Road of Calais before they had been discovered by us, which might have endangered Her Majesty and the Realm, our Ships being so far off as Plymouth, where then they lay; and thought the Prince of Parma had not been presently ready, yet he had gained time sufficient by the absence of our Fleet to make himself ready.  
And whereas the Prince was kept in by the 30 Sail of Hollanders, so many of the Duke's Fleet might have been able to have put the Hollanders from the Road of Dunkirk, and possessed it themselves, and so have secured the Army and Fleets meeting together; and then how easy it had been after their joining to have transported themselves for England? And what would have ensued upon their Landing here may be well imagined.  
But it was the will of him that directs all men and their actions, that the Fleets should meet, and the Enemy be beaten as they were, put from their Anchorage in Calais Road, the Prince of Parma beleaguered at Sea, and their Navy driven about Scotland and Ireland with great hazard and loss; which showeth how God did marvellously defend us against their dangerous Designs.  
And here was opportunity offered us to have followed the Victory upon them; for after they were beaten from the Road at Calais, and all their hopes and designs frustated; if we had once more offered them fight, the General by persuasion of his Confessor was determined to yield, whose example 'tis very likely would have made the rest to have done the like. But this opportunity was lost, not through the negligence or backwardness of the Lord Admiral, but merely through the want of Providence in those that had the charge of furnishing and providing for the Fleet; for at that time of so great advantage, when they came to examine their Provisions, they found a general scarcity of Powder and Shot, for want whereof they were forced to return home. Another opportunity was lost not much inferior to the other, by not sending part of our Fleet to the West of Ireland, where the Spaniards of necessity were to pass after so many dangers and disasters as they had endured.  
If we had been so happy as to have followed this course, as it was both thought and discoursed of; we had been absolutely victorious over this great and formidable Navy, for they were brought to that necessity, that they would willingly have yielded, as divers of them confessed that were shipwrecked in Ireland.  
By this we may see how weak and feeble the designs of Men are, in respect of the Creator of Man, and how indifferently he dealt betwixt the two Nations, sometimes giving one, sometimes the other, the advantage; and yet so that he only ordered the Battle.   

The Action of Portugal, 1589.  
Ships. Commanders by Sea. Commanders by Land. The Revenge Sir Francis Drake Sir John Norris The Dread-nought Capt. Thomas Fenner Sir Edward Norris The Aid Capt. William Fenner Sir Henry Norris The Nonperil Capt. Sackvile Sir Roger Williams The Foresight Capt. William Winter. Sergeant Major The Swiftsure Capt. Goring Earl of Essex Voluntier  
THE last overthrow of 1588. given to the Invincible Fleet, as they termed themselves, did so encourage every man to the War, as happy was he that could put himself into Action against the Spaniards, as it appeared by the Volunteers that went in this Voyage; which the Queen (considering the great loss the King of Spain received in the year past, whereby it was to be imagined how weakly he was provided at home) was willing to countenance, though she undertook it not wholly herself, which was the main cause of its ill success and overthrow.  
For whosoever he be of a Subject, that thinks to undertake so great an Enterprise without a Prince's Purse, shall be deceived; and therefore these two Generals in my opinion never overshot themselves more, than in undertaking so great a charge with so little means; for where there are Victuals and Arms wanting, what hope is there of prevailing?  
The project of this Voyage was to restore a distressed King to his Kingdom, usurped as he pretended; and though the means for the setting forth of this Voyage was not so great as was expedient; yet in the opinion of all men, if they had directed their course whither they intended it, without landing at the Groin, they had performed the Service they went for, restored Don Antonio to the Crown of Portugal, dissevered it from Spain, and united it in League with England, which would have answered the present charge, and have settled a continual Trade for us to the West Indies, and the rest of the Portugals Dominions, for so we might easily have conditioned.  
But the Landing at the Groin was an unnecessary linger and hindrance of the other great and main design, a consuming of Victuals, a weakening of the Army by the immoderate drinking of the Soldiers, which brought a lamentable Sickness amongst them, a warning to the Spaniards to strengthen Portugal, and (as great as all this) a discouragement to proceed further being repulsed in the first Attempt.  
But notwithstanding the ill success at the Groin, they departed from thence towards Portugal, and arrived at Penech, a Maritine Town twelve Leagus from Lisbon, where with a small resistance they took the Castle, after the Captain understood Don Antonio to be in the Army.  
From thence General Norris marched with his Land Forces to Lisbon, and Sir Francis Drake with his Fleet sailed to Cask Cadiz, promising from thence to pass with his Ships up the River to Lisbon, to meet with Sir John Norris, which yet he did not perform, and therefore was much blamed by the general consent of all men; the overthrow of the Action being imputed to him.  
It will not excuse Sir Francis Drake, for making such a Promise to Sir John Norris, though, on the other hand, I would have accused him of great want of Discretion, if he had put the Fleet to so great an Adventure to so little purpose: For his being in the Harbour of Lisbon, signified nothing to the Taking of the Castle, which was two Miles from thence; and had the Castle been taken, the Town would have been taken of course.  
Besides, the Ships could not furnish the Army with more Men or Victuals: wherefore I understand not in what Respect his going up was necessary; and yet the Fleet must have endured many Hazards to this little purpose.  
For betwixt Cask Cadiz and Lisbon, there are three Castles, St. John, St. Francis, and Bellin. The first of the three, I hold one of the most impregnable Forts to Seaward in Europe; and the Fleet was to pass within Calliver Shot of this Fort; though I confess, the passing it, was not the greatest Dander: For with a reasonable Gale of Wind, any Fort is to be passed with small Hazard.  
But at this time there was a General Want of Victuals; and being once entered the Harbour, their coming out again was uncertain, the place being subject to contrary Winds: In the mean while, the better part of the Victuals would have been consumed, and they would have remained there in so desperate a Condition, as they would have been forced to have fired one half of the Fleet, for the bringing home of the rest: for being as they were, yet after the Army was embarked for England, many died of Famine Homeward, and more would have done, if the Wind had took them short; or, if by the Death of some of them, the rest who survived had not been the better relieved.  
And besides all these Casualties and Dangers, the Adilantado was then in Lisbon with the Galleys of Spain; and how easily he might have annoyed our Fleet, by towing Fireships amongst us: We may suppose the Hurt we did the Spaniards the Year before in Cadiz Road; and greater we had done them, had we had the Help of Galleys.  
It was a wonder to observe every man's Opinion of this Voyage, as well those that were Actions in it, as others that stayed at Home; some imputing the Overthrow of it, to the Landing at the Groin; others to the portugals failing us of those Helps and Assistances which were promised by Don Antonio; and others, to Sir Francis Drake's not coming up the River with his Fleet.  
Though any of these three Reasons may seem probable enough, and the Landing at the Groin, the chiefest of the three; yet if we weigh truly the Defect, and where it was, it will appear, that the Action was overthrown before their setting out from Home, they being too weakly provided of all things needful for so great an Expedition.  
For when this Voyage was first treated of, the Number of Ships was nothing equal to the Proportion of Men: Wherefore they were forced to make Stay of divers Easterlings which they met with in our Channel, and compelled to serve in this Action, for the Transportation of our Soldiers; and though these Ships were an Ease to our Men, who would have been otherwise much pestered for want of Room; yet their Victuals were nothing augmented; but they were put aboard the Ships, like banished men, to seek their Fortunes at Sea, it being confessed, that divers of the Ships had not four days Victuals when they departed from Plymouth.  
Another Impediment to the good Success of this Voyage, was, the want of Field-Pieces; and this was the main Cause why we failed of taking Lisbon: For the Enemy's Strength consisting chiefly in the Castle, and we having only an Army to countenance us, but no means for Battery, we were the Loss of the Victory ourselves: For it was apparent by Intelligence we received, that if we had presented them with Battery, they were resolved to parley, and by Consequence to yield; and this too was made use of by the portugals, as a main Reason why they joined not with us.  
And there is as much to be said on the portugals behalf, as an Evidence of their good Will and Favor to us, that though they showed themselves forward upon this Occasion, to aid us, yet they opposed not themselves as Enemies against us: Whereas if they had pursued us in our Retreat from Lisbon to Cask Cadiz, our Men being weak, sickly, and wanting Powder, and Shot, and other Arms, they had in all probability put us to a great Loss and Disgrace. And if ever England have the like Occasion to aid a Competitor in Portugal, we shall questionless, find, that our fair Demeanour and Carriage in this Expedition towards the People of that Country, have gained us great Reconciliation among them, and would be of singular Advantage to us: For the General strictly forbade the Rifling of their Houses in the Country, and the Suburbs of Lisbon, which he possessed, and commanded, just Payment to be made by the Soldiers for every thing they took, without Compulsion, or rigorous Usage: And this hath made those that stood but indifferently affected before, now ready upon the like Occasion to assist us.   

A Voyage undertaken by the Earl of Cumberland, with one Ship Royal of her Majesties, and six of his own, and of other Adventures, Anno Dom. 1589.  
Ships. Commanders. The Victory The Earl of Cumberland The Margaret, Capt. Christopher Lister And Five other Capt. Monson, now Sir William Monson, Vice-Amiral.  
AS the Fleets of Sir John Norris and Sir Francis Drake, returned from the Voyage of Portugal, my Lord of Cumberland proceeded upon his, towards that Coast,; and meeting with divers of that Fleet, relieved them with Victuals, who otherwise had perished.  
This Voyage was undertaken at his and his Friends Charge, excepting the Victory, a Ship Royal of the Queen's, which she adventured.  
The Service performed at Sea, was the taking of three French Ships of the League in our Channel, and his encountering upon the Coast of Spain, with Thirteen Hulks, who made some Resistance. Out of these he took to the Value of 7000 l. in Spices belonging to Portugal.  
From thence he crossed over to the Island of Terceras, and coming to St. Michael's, with Boats he fetched out two Spanish Ships from under the Castle, which the same Night arrived out of Spain.  
In this Course, from thence to Flores, he took a Spanish Ship, laden with Sugars and Sweetmeats that came from the Maderas.  
Being at Flores, he received Intelligence of divers Spanish Ships, which were in the Road of Fayal, whereupon he suddenly made from that Island, where Captain Lister and Captain Monson gave a desperate Attempt in their Boats upon the said Ships; and after along Fight possessed themselves of one of them of 300 Tuns Burden, carrying Eighteen Pieces of Ordinace, and Fifty Men. This Ship, with one other, came from the Indies, two of the rest out of Guiney, and another was Laden with Woad which that Island affords in great Plenty; who putting from thence to Sea, and coming to the Island of Graciosa, after two days Fight, yielded us by Composition some Victuals: Off that Island we likewise took a French Ship of the League, of 200 Tuns, that came from Newfoundland.  
Afterwards, Sailing to the Eastward of the Road of Terceras, in the Even-we beheld 18 Tall Ships of the Indies, entering into the said Road, one whereof we after took in her Course to the Coast of Spain: She was laden with Hides, Silver and Cochineal; but coming for England, she was cast away upon the Mounts Bay in Cornwall, being valued at 100000 l.  
Two other Prizes of Sugar we took in our said Course to the Coast of Spain, esteemed each Ship at 7000 l. and one from under the Castle of St. Mary's to the same Value.  
There was no Road about those Islands, that could defend their Ships from our Attempts; yet in the last Assault we gave, which was upon a Ship of Sugars, we found ill Success, being sharply resisted, and two parts of our Men slain and hurt: Which Loss was occasioned by Captain Lister, who would not be persuaded from Landing in the View of their Forts.  
The Service performed by Land, was the taking of the Island of Fayall, some months after the surprising of those Ships formerly mentioned. The Castle yielded us 45 Pieces of Ordinance, great and small: We sacked and spoiled the Town, and after ransomed it, and so departed.  
These Summer Services, and Ships of Sugar, proved not so sweet and pleasant as the Winter was afterwards sharp and painful: For in our Return for England, we found the Calamity of Famine, the Hazard of Shipwreck and the Death of our Men so great, that the like befell not any other Fleet during the time of the War. All which Disasters must be imputed to Captain Lister's Rashness, upon whom my Lord of Cumberland chiefly relied, wanting Experience himself.  
He was the man that advised the sending the Ships of Wine for England, otherwise we had not known the Want of Drink; he was as earnest in persuading our Landing in the Face of the Fortifications of St. Mary's, against all Reason and Sense. As he was rash, so was he valiant; but paid dearly for his unadvised Counsel: For he was one of the first hurt, and that cruelly, in the Attempt of St. Mary's, and afterward drowned in the Rich Ship, cast away at Mounts Bay.   

Sir John Hawkins, and Sir Martin Forbisher, their Voyage undertaken, Anno 1590.  
Ships. Commanders. The Revenge Sir Martin Forbisher The Mary-Rose Sir John Hawkins The Lion Sir Edward York The Bonaventure Capt. Fenner. The Rainbow Capt. George Beeston The Hope  The Crane Capt. Bostock The Quittance  The Foresight Capt. Burnell The Swiftseur.   
FRom the Yeear 1585. until this present Year 1590. there was the greatest possibility imaginable of enriching our Nation, by Actions at Sea, had they been well followed; the King of Spain was grown so weak in Shipping, by the Overthrow he had in 1588., that he could no longer secure the Trade of his Subjects.  
Her Majesty now finding how necessary it was for her to maintain a Fleet upon the Spanish Coast, as well to hinder the Preparations he might make against Her, to repair the Disgrace he received in 1588. as also to intercept his Fleets from the Indies, by which he grew Great and Mighty.  
She sent this Year 1590. Ten Ships of her own, in two Squadrons; the one to be Commanded by Sir John Hawkins, the other by Sir Martin Forbisher, two Gentlemen of tried Experience.  
The King of Spain understanding of this Preparation of hers, sent forth 20 Sail of Ships, under the Command of Don. Alonso de Bassan, Brother to the late Famous Marquis of St. Cruz. His Charge was to secure home the Indian Fleet and Carrecks.  
But after Don Alonso had put off to Sea, the King of Spain becoming better advised, than to adventure 20 of his Ships to 10 of outs, sent for Don Alonso back, and so frustrated the Expectation of our Fleet.  
He likewise made a Dispatch to the Indies, commanding the Fleets to Winter there, rather than to run the hazard of coming Home that Summer: But this proved so great a Hindrance and Loss to the Merchants of Spain, to be so long without Return of their Goods, that it caused many to become Bankrupts, in Sevil and other places; besides, which was so great a weakening to their Ships, to Winter in the Indies, that many years hardly sufficed to repair the Damage they received.  
Our Fleet being thus prevented, spent seven months in vain upon the Coasts of Spain, and the Islands: but in that space, could not possess themselves of one Ship of the Spaniards; and the Carrecks, upon which part of their Hopes depended, came Home without Sight of the Islands, and arrived safe at Lisbon.  
This Voyage was a bare Action at Sea, though they attempted Landing at Fayal, which the Earl of Cumberland, the year before had taken and quitted; but the Castle being refortified, they prevailed not in their Enterprise: And thence forwards the King of Spain endeavoured to strengthen his Coasts, and to increase in Shipping, as may appear by the next ensuing Year.   

Two Fleets, the one by Us, under the Lord Thomas Howard, the other by the Spaniards, Commanded by Don Alonso de Bassan, Anno 1591.  
Ships. Commanders. The Defiance The Lord Thomas Howard The Revenge Sir Richard Greenvile, Vice-admiral The Nonperil Sir Edward Denny The Bonaventure Capt. Cross The Lion Capt. Fenner The Foresight Capt. Vavasor The Crane Capt. Duffeild.  
HER Majesty understanding of the Indian Fleets Wintering in the Havana, and that Necessity would compel them home this Year 1591. she sent a Fleet to the Islands under the Command of the Lord Thomas Howard.  
The King of Spain perceiving her Drift, and being sensible how much the safety of that Fleet concerned him, caused them to set out thence so late in the Year, that it endangered the Shipwreck of them all; choosing rather to hazard the perishing of Ships, Men and Goods, than their falling into our Hands.  
He had two Designs in bringing home this Fleet so late: One was, he thought the Lord Thomas would have consumed his Victuals, and have been forced Home. The other, that he might in the mean time furnish out the great Fleet he was preparing, little inferior to that of 1588. In the first he found himself deceived: For my Lord was supplied both with Ships and Victuals out of England; and in the second, he was as much prevented: For my Lord of Cumberland, who then lay upon the Coast of Spain, had Intelligence of the Spaniards putting out to Sea, and advertised the Lord Thomas thereof, the very Night before they arrived at Flores, where my Lord lay.  
The day after this Intelligence, the Spanish Fleet was discovered by my Lord Thomas, whom he knew by their Number and Greatness, to be the Ships of which he had warning; and by that means escaped the Danger that Sir Richard Greenvile, his Vice-admiral rashly ran into. Upon View of the Spaniards, which were 55 Sail, the Lord Thomas warily, and like a discreet General, weighed Anchor, and made Signs to the rest of his Fleet to do the like, with a purpose to get the Wind of them; but Sir Richard Greenvile, being a stubborn man, and imagining this Fleet to come from the Indies, and not to be the Armado of which they were informed, would by no means be persuaded by his Master, or Company to cut his main Sail, to follow his Admiral; nay, so headstrong and rash he was, that he offered violence to those that counselled him thereto.  
But the Old Saying, that a wilful man is the Cause of his own Woe, could not be more truly verified than in him: For when the Armado approached him, and he beheld the Greatness of the Ships, he began to see and repent of his Folly; and when it was too late, would have freed himself of them, but in vain: For he was left a Prey to the Enemy, every Ship striving to be the first should board him.  
This wilful Rashness of Sir Richard, made the Spaniards triumph as much as if they had obtained a Signal Victory; it being the first Ship that ever they took of Her Majesties, and commended to them by some English Fugitives to be the very best she had; but their Joy continued not long. For they enjoyed her but five days before she was cast away with many Spaniards in her, upon the Islands of Tercera.  
Commonly one Misfortune is accompanied with another: For the Indian Fleet, which my Lord had waited for the whole Summer, the day after this mishap, fell into the Company of this Spanish Armado: who, if they had stayed but one day longer, or the Indian Fleet had come home but one day sooner, we had possessed both them and many millions of Treasure, which the Sea afterward devoured: For from the time they met with the Armado, and before they could recover home, nigh an hundred of them suffered Shipwreck, besides the Ascension of Sevil, and the double Flyboat, that were sunk by the side of the Revenge.  
All which was occasioned by their Wintering in the Indies, and the late Disambogueing from thence: For the Worm which that Country, is subject to, weakens and consumes their Ships.  
Notwithstanding this cross and perverse Fortune, which happened by means of Sir Richard Greenvile, the Lord Thomas would not be dismayed or discouraged; but kept the Sea so long as he had Victuals; and by such Ships as himself and the rest of the Fleet took, defrayed the better part of the Charge of the whole Action.   

The Earl of Cumberland to the Coast of Spain, 1591.  
Ships. Commanders. The Garland of her Majesties. The Earl of Cumberland. Capt. under him Seven other Ships of his and his Friends Capt. Monson, now Sir William Monson.  
THE Earl of Cumberland keeping the Coast of Spain, as you have heard, while the Lord Thomas remained at the Islands, and both to one end, viz. to annoy and damnify the Spaniards, though in two several Fleets, the Earl found Fortune in a sort, as much to frown upon him, as it had done upon the Lord Thomas Howard.  
In his Course from England to the Spanish Coast, he encountered with divers Ships of Holland, which came from Lisbon, wherein he found a great quantity of Spices belonging to the portugals: So greatly were we abused by that Nation of Holland, who, though they were the first that engaged us in the War with Spain, yet still maintained their own Trade into those parts, and supplied the Spaniards with Munition, Victuals Shipping and Intelligence against us.  
Upon my Lord's Arrival on the Coast of Spain, it was his hap to take three Ships at several times, one with Wine, which he unladed into his own; and two with Sugars, which he enjoyed not long: no more did he the Spices, which he took out of the Hollanders.  
For one of the Ships of Sugar, by means of a Leak that sprung upon her, was forced to be cast off, and the men, with much difficulty, recovered the Shore, and saved their Lives.  
The other being sent for England, and tossed with contrary Winds, was for want of Victuals forced into the Groin, where they rendered themselves to the Enemy's mercy.  
The Spices were determined to be sent for England, and a Ship appointed for that purpose, with other Ships to guard her; and Captain Monson was sent on Board her to the Islands of the Burling, with a Charge to see her dispatched for England.  
But the other Ships, not observing the Directions which were given them, and the Night falling calm; early in the Morning, this scattered Ship was set upon by six Galleys; and after a long and bloody Fight, the Captain, and the Principallest men being slain, both Ship and Spices were taken; but whether it was the respect they had to the Queen's Ship which was Admiral of that Fleet, or Honour to my Lord that commanded it; or Hope, by good Usage of our men, to receive the like again, I know not; but true it is, that the ordinary men were treated with more Courtesy than they had been from the beginning of the Wars.  
My Lord of Cumberland considering the Disasters that thus befell him, and knowing the Spanish Fleet's readiness to put out of Harbour; but especially finding his Ship but ill of Sail, it being the first Voyage she ever went to Sea, he durst not abide the Coast of Spain, but thought it more Discretion to return for England, having (as you have heard) sent a Pinnace to my Lord Thomas with the Intelligence aforesaid.   

A Voyage undertook by Sir Walter Raleigh; but himself returning, left the Charge thereof to Sir Martin Forbisher, Anno 1592.  
Ships. Commanders by Sea. Commander by Land. The Garland Sir Walter Raleigh Sir John Boroughs. The Foresight, with divers Merchant's Ships. Capt. Cross, and others. Sir Walter went not, but Sir Martin Fobisher.   
SIR Walter Raleigh, who had tasted abundantly of the Queen's Love, and found it now began to decline, put himself upon a Voyage at Sea, and drew unto him divers friends of great Quality, and others, thinking to have attempted some place in the West Indies; and with this resolution he put out of Harbour; but spending two or three days in fowl Weather, Her Majesty was pleased to command his Return, and to commit the Charge of the Ships to Sir Martin Forbisher, who was sent down for that purpose; but with an express Command, not to follow the Design of the West Indies.  
This sudden Alteration being known unto the rest of the Captains, for the present made some Confusion, as commonly it happens in all voluntary Actions. Their General leaving them, they thought themselves free in point of Reputation, and at liberty to take what course they pleased: Few of them therefore did submit themselves to the Command of Sir Martin Forbisher, but chose rather each one to take his particular Fortune and Adventure at Sea.  
Sir Martin, with two or three other Ships, repaired to the Coast of Spain, where he took a Spaniard laden with Iron, and a Portugal with Sugar: He remained there not without some danger, his Ship being ill of Sail, and the Enemy having a Fleet at Sea.  
Sir John Boroughs, Captain Cross, and another, stood to the Islands, where they met with as many Ships of my Lord of Cumberland's, with whom they consorted. After some time spent thereabouts, they had sight of a Carack, which they chased; but she recovered the Island of Flores before they could approach her; but the Carack, seeing the Islands could not defend her from the Strength and Force of the English, chose rather, after the men were got on Shore to fire herself, than we the Enemy should reap Benefit by her.  
The Purser of her was taken, and by Threats compelled to tell of another of their Company behind, that had Order to fall with that Island; and gave us such particular Advertisement, that indeed she fell to be ours.  
In the mean time Don Alonso de Bassan was furnishing at Lisbon 23 of those Galleons, which the Year before he had when he took the Revenge; he was directed with those Ships to go immediately to Flores, to expect the coming of the Carrecks, who had order to fall with that Island, there to put on Shore divers Ordnance for strengthening the Town and Castle.  
Don Alonso breaking his Directions, unadvisedly made his repair first to St. Michael's, and there delivered his Ordnance before he arrived at Flores; and in the mean time one of the Carrecks was burnt, and the other taken, as you have heard.  
This he held to be such a Disreputation to him, and especially for that it happened through his own Error and Default, that he became much perplexed, and pursued the English 100 Leagues; but in vain, they being so far a Head.  
The King of Spain being advertised of his two Carrecks mishap, and the Error of Don Alonso, though he had much favoured him before, in respect of divers Actions he had been in with his Brother, the Marquis of St. Cruz, and for what he had lately performed, by taking the Revenge: Yet— the King held it for such a Blemish to his Honour, not to have his Instructions obeyed; and observed, that he did not only take from Don Alonso his Command; but he lived and died too in Disgrace; which, in my Opinion, he worthily deserved.  
The Queen's Adventure in this Voyage, was only two Ships; one of which, and the least of them too, was at the taking of the Carack; which title, joined with her Regal Authority, she made such use of, that the rest of the Adventures were fain to submit themselves to her Pleasure, with whom she dealt but indifferently.   

The Earl of Cumberland to the Coast of Spain, Anno Dom. 1593.  
Ships Commanders. The Lion The Earl of Cumberland The Bonaventure, and seven other Ships. Capt. under him, Capt. Monson Sir Edward York.  
THE Earl of Cumberland finding, that many of his Voyages had miscarried through the Negligence, or Unfaithfulness of those who were entrusted to lay in necessary Provisions; and yet, being encouraged by the good Success he had the last year, obtained two of her Majesty's Ships; and Victualled them himself, together with seven others that did accompany them; and arriving upon the Coast of Spain, He took two French Ships of the League, which did more than treble the Expense of his Voyage. My Lord, being one day severed from his Fleet, it was his hap to meet with 12 Hulks, at the same place where Captain Monson was taken the same day two years before: He required that Respect from them that was due unto Her Majesty's Ship, which they peremptorily refused, presuming upon the Strength of their 12 Ships against one only; but they found themselves deceived: For after two hours Fight he brought them to his Mercy, and made them acknowledge their Error; and not only so, but they willingly discovered, and delivered up to him a great quantity of Powder and Munition, which they carried for the King of Spain's Service.  
My Lord of Cumberland having spent some time thereabouts, and understanding that Fervanteles de Menega, a Portugal, and the King's General of a Fleet of 24 Sail, was gone to the Islands; he pursued them, thinking to meet the Carrecks before they should join together. At his coming to Flores, he met, and took one of the Fleet, with the Death of the Captain, who yet lived so long as to inform him both where the Fleet was, and of their Strength: The day after, he met the Fleet itself; but being far too weak for them, he was forced to leave them, and spent his time thereabouts, till he understood the Carrecks were passed by, without seeing either Fleet or Island.   

Sir Martin Forbisher, with a Fleet to Breast in Britain, Anno 1594.  
Ships. Commanders. The Vanguard Sir Martin Forbisher The Rainbow Capt. Fenner The Dreadnought Capt. Clifford The Quittance. Capt. Savil  
ABout three years past, Anno 1591. the Queen sent Sir John Norris with 3000 Soldiers, to join with the French King's Party in those Parts. The King of Spain, who upheld the Faction of the League, sent Don John de Aquila with the like Forces, to join with the Duke de Merceur, who was of the contrary side. The Spaniards had fortified themselves very strongly near the Town of Breast, expecting new Succours from Spain by Sea; which the French King fearing, craved Assistance from the Queen, which her Majesty was the more willing to grant, because the Spaniards had gotten the Haven of Breast to entertain their Shipping in, and were like to prove there very dangerous Neighbours: Wherefore she sent Sir Martin Forbisher thither in this year, 1594, with four of her Ships: And upon his Arrival there, Sir John Norris, with his Forces, and Sir Martin with his Seaman, assailed the Fort; and though it was as bravely defended as men could do; yet in the end it was taken with the loss of divers Captains, Sir Martin Forbisher being himself sore wounded, of which Hurt he died at Plymouth after his return.   

A Fleet to the Indies, Sir Francis Drake, and Sir John Hawkins Generals, wherein they adventured deeply, and died in the Voyage. Anno 1594.  
Ships. Commanders by Sea. Commander by Land. The Defiance Sir Francis Drake Sir Tho. Baskervile The Garland Sir John Hawkins  The Hope Capt. Gilbert York  The Bonaventure Capt. Troughton  The Foresight Capt. Winter  The Adventure Capt. Tho. Drake.   
THese two Generals, presuming much upon their own Experience and Knowledge, used many Persuasions to the Queen, to undertake a Voyage to the West Indies, giving much assurance to perform great Services, and promising to engage themselves very deeply therein, with the Adventure of both Substance and Life. And as all Actions of this Nature promise fair, till they come to be performed, so did this the more, in the Opinion of all Men, in respect of the two General's Experience.  
There were many Impediments and Let's to this Voyage, before they could clear themselves of the Coast, which put them to greater Charge than they expected; the chiefest cause of their Lingering, was a mistrust our State had of an Invasion, and the Danger to spare so many good Ships and men out of England as they carried with them.  
The Spaniards with their usual subtlety, let slip no opportunity to put us in amazement, thereby to dissolve the Action; and sent four Galleys to Bleuret in Britain, from thence to seize some part of our Coast, that so we might apprehend a greater Force was to follow. These Galleys landed at Pensants in Cornwall, where, finding the Town abandoned, they sacked and burnt it; but this Design of theirs took little effect; for the Voyage proceeded notwithstanding.  
The Intent of the Voyage, was to land at Nombre de dois, and from thence to march to Panuma, to possess the Treasure that comes from Peru; and if they saw reason for it, to inhabit and keep it. A few days before their going from Plymouth, they received Letters from her Majesty, of an Advertisement she had out of Spain, that the Indian Fleet was arrived; and that one of them, with loss of her Mast, was put room to the Island of Porto Ricom. She commanded them, seeing there was so good an opportunity offered, as the readiness of this her Fleet, and the weakness of Porto Ricom, to possess themselves of that Treasure; and the rather, for that it was not much out of their way to Nombre de dois. It is neither Years, nor Experience, that can foresee and prevent all mishaps, which is a manifest Proof, that God is the Guider and Disposer of men's Actions: For nothing could seem more probable to be effected, than this later Design, especially considering the Ability and Wisdom of the two Generals; and yet was unhappily prevented, and failed in the Execution: For there being five Frigates sent out of Spain, to fetch this Treasure from Porto Ricom, in their way it was their hap to take a Pinnace of the English Fleet, by whom they understood the Secrets of the Voyage; and to prevent the Attempt of Porto Ricom, they hastened thither with all speed (whilst our Generals lingered at Quadrupa, to set up their Boats) and at their Arrival, so strengthened the Town with the Soldiers, brought in the Prigats, that when our Fleet came thither, not expecting Resistance, they found themselves frustrate of their Hopes, which indeed they themselves were the occasion of, in managing their Design with no more Secrecy. This Repulse bred so great a Disconceit in Sir John Hawkins, as it is thought to have hastened his days; and being great and unexpected, did not a little discourage Sir Francis Drake's great Mind, who yet proceeded upon his first resolved Design, for Nombre de dios, though with no better Success: For the Enemy having knowledge of their coming, fortified the Passage to Panuma, and forced them to return with loss. Sir Francis Drake, who was wont to rule Fortune, now finding his Error, and the difference between the present strength of the Indies, and what it was when he first knew it, grew melancholy upon this Disappointment, and suddenly, and I hope naturally, died at Nombre de dios, where he got his first Reputation. The two Generals dying, and all other Hopes being taken away by their Deaths, Sir Thomas Baskervile succeeded them in their Command, and began now to think upon his return for England; but coming near Cuba, he met and fought with a Fleet of Spain, though not long, by reason of the Sickness and Weakness of his Men. This Fleet was sent to take the Advantage of ours in its Return, thinking, as indeed it happened, that they should find them both weak, and in want; but the swiftness of our Ships, in which we had the Advantage of the Spaniards, preserved us. You may observe, that from the year the Revenge was taken, until this present year 1595. there was no Summer, but the King of Spain furnished a Fleet for the guarding of his Coasts, and securing of his Trade; and though there was little fear of any Fleet from England to impeach him, besides this in the Indies; yet because he would show his greatness, and satisfy the Portugal of the care he had in preserving their Carrecks; he sent the Count of Feria, a young Nobleman of Portugal, who desired to gain Experience, with 20 Ships to the Islands; but the Carrecks did, as they used to do in many other years, miss both Islands and Fleets, and arrived at Lisbon safely. The other Fleets of the King of Spain in the Indies, consisted of 24 Ships, their General Don Bernardino de Villa nova, an approved Coward, as it appeared when he came to encounter the English Fleet; but his Defects were supplied by the Valour of his Vice-admiral, who behaved himself much to his Honour: His Name was John Garanay.   

The Earl of Essex, and the Lord Admiral of England, Generals, equally, both by Sea and Land, Anno 1596.  
Ships. Commanders. The Repulse The Earl of Essex. Capt. under him The Ark-royal Sir Will. Monson The Mere-honor The Lord Admiral. Capt. under him The Warspite Ames Preston The Lion The Lord Thomas Howard The Rainbow Sir Walter Raleigh The Nonperil Sir Robert Southwell The Vanguard Sir Francis Vere The Mary Rose Sir Robert Dudley The Dreadnought Sir John Wingfield The Swiftsuer Sir George Carew The Quittance Sir Alexander Clifford The Tremontary, with several others. Sir Robert Cross  Sir George Clifford  Sir Robert Mansfield  Capt. King.  
THE first of June 1596. we departed from Plymouth; and our Departure was the more speedy, by reason of the great pains, care and industry of the 16 Captains, who in their own Persons, laboured the Night before, to get out some of their Ships, riding at Catwater, which otherwise had not been easily effected. The Third, we set Sail from Cansom Bay, the Wind, which when we weighed, was at West and by South, instantly cast up to the North East, and so continued until it brought us up as high as the North Cape of Spain; and this fortunate beginning put us in great hopes of a lucky Success to ensue.  
We being now come upon our Enemy's Coast, it behoved the Generals to be vigilant in keeping them from Intelligence of us, who therefore appointed the Litness, the True Love, and the Lion's Whelp (the three chief Sailors of our Fleet) to run a Head, suspecting the Spaniards had some Carvels of Advice out, which they did usually send to discover at Sea, upon any Rumour of a less Fleet than this, was made ready in England.  
No Ship or Carvel escaped from us, which I hold a second Happiness to our Voyage: For you shall understand hereafter, the Inconvenience that might have happened upon our Discovery.  
The 10th. of June, the said three Ships, took three Fly-Boats that came from Cadiz 14 days before; by them we understood the State of the Town, and that they had no suspicion of us, which we looked on as a third Omen of our good Fortune to come.  
The 12th. of June, the Swan, a Ship of London, being commanded, as the other three, to keep a good way off the Fleet, to prevent discovery, she met with a Flyboat, which made Resistance, and escaped from her. This Flyboat came from the straits, bound Home, who discovering our Fleet, and thinking to gain Reputation and Reward from the Spaniards, shhaped her Course for Lisbon; but she was luckily prevented by the John and Francis, another Ship of London, commanded by Sir Marmaduke Darrel, who took her within a League of the Shore; and this we may account a fourth Happiness to our Voyage. The first (as hath been said) was for the Wind to take us so suddenly, and to continue so long: For our Soldiers being Shipped, and in Harbour, would have consumed their Victuals, and have been so pestered, that it would have endangered a Sickness amongst them. The Second, was the taking all Ships that were seen, which kept the Enemy from Intelligence. The Third, was the intercepting of the Fly-Boats from Cadiz, whither we were bound, who assured us, our coming was not suspected, which made us more careful to hail from the Coast than otherwise we should have been: They told us likewise of the daily expectation of the Galleons to come from St. Jacar to Cadiz, and of the Merchantmen that lay there, and were ready bound for the Indies. These Intelligences were of great moment, and made the Generals presently to contrive their business both by Sea and Land, which otherwise would have taken up a longer time, after their coming thither, and whether all men would have consented to attempt their Ships in Harbour, if they had not known the most part of them to consist of Merchants, I hold very doubtful. The Fourth, and fortunatest of all, was the taking of the Flyboat by the John and Francis, which the Swan let go: For if she had reached Lisbon, she had been able to make report of the number and greatness of our Ships, and might have endangered the loss of the whole Design, she seeing the course we bore, and that we had passed Lisbon, which was the place the Enemy most suspected, and made there his greatest preparation for Defence: But had the Enemy been freed of that doubt, he had then no place to fear but Andulozia and Cadiz above the rest, which upon the least warning might have been strengthened, and we put to great Hazard; he might also have secured his Ships, by towing them out with Galleys; and howsoever the Wind had been, might have sent them into the straits, where it had been in vain to have pursued them, or over the Bar of St. Lucar, where it had been in vain to have attempted them.  
And indeed, of the good and ill of Intelligence, we had had sufficient experience formerly, Of the good in 1588. For how suddenly had we been taken and surprised when it we lest suspected, had it not been for Captain Fleming? Of the ill in the year before this, by the Spaniards taking a Bark of Sir Francis Drake's Fleet, which was the Occasion of the Overthrow of himself and the whole Action?  
The 20th. of June we came to Cadiz, earlier in the morning than the Masters made reckoning of. Before our coming thither, it was determined in Council, that we should land at St. Sebastian's, the Westermost part of the Land; and thither came all the Ships to an Anchor, every man preparing to land as he was formerly directed; but the Wind being so great, and the Sea so grown, and four Galleys lying too, to intercept our Boats, there was no attempting to land there, without the hazard of all.  
This day was spent in vain, in returning Messengers from one General to another; and in the end, they were forced to resolve upon a Course which Sir William Monson, Captain under my Lord of Essex, advised him to, the same morning he discovered the Town; which was to surprise the Ships, and to be possessors of the Harbour before they attempted landing.  
This being now resolved on, there arose a great Question, who should have the Honour of the first going in? My Lord of Essex stood for himself; but my Lord Admiral opposed it, knowing if he miscarried, it would hazard the Overthrow of the Action; besides, he was straight charged by Her Majesty, that the Earl should not expose himself to Danger, but upon great necessity.  
When my Lord of Essex could not prevail, the whole Council withstanding him he sent Sir William Monson that night, on Board my Lord Admiral, to resolve what Ships should be appointed the next day to undertake the Service. Sir Walter Raleigh had the Vanguard given him, which my Lord Thomas Howard hearing, challenged in right of his place of Vice-admiral, and it was granted him; but Sir Walter having Order over night to ply in, came first to an Anchor; but in that distance from the Spaniards as he could not annoy them: And he himself returned on Board the Lord General Essex, to excuse his coming to Anchor so far off, for want of Water to go higher; which was thought strange, that the Spaniards which drew much more Water, and had no more Advantage than he of Tide, could pass where his could not: But Sir Francis Vere, in the Rainbow, who was appointed to second him, passing by Sir Walter Raleigh his Ship, Sir Walter the second time, weighed and went higher. The Lord General Essex, who promised to keep in the midst of the Fleet, was told by Sir William Monson, that the greatest Service would depend upon three or four Ships; and Sir William put him in mind of his Honour; for that many Eyes beheld him.  
This made him forgetful of his Promise, and to use all means he could to be foremost in the Fight. My Lord Howard, who could not go up in his own Ship, the Mere-honor, betook himself to the Nonperil; and in respect the Rainbow, the Repulse and Warspight, had taken up the best of the Channel, by their first coming to an Anchor, to his grief he could not get higher: Here did every Ship strive to be the headmost; but such was the narrowness of the Channel, as neither the Lord Admiral, nor any other Ship of the Queens could pass on. There was Commandment given, that no Ship should shoot but the Queens, making account, that the Honour would be the greater, if the Victory were obtained with so few. This Fight confinued from Ten, till Four in the Afternoon: The Spaniards then set Sail, thinking either to run higher up the River, or else to bring their other Broad Sides to us, because of the heat of their Ordnance; but howsoever it was, in their floating, they came a ground, and the men began to forsake the Ships: Whereupon there was Commandment given, that all the Hoys, and Vessels that drew least Water should go unto them. Sir William Monson was sent in the Repulse Boat, with like directions. We possessed ourselves of the great Galleons, the Matthew, and the Andrew; but the Philip and Thomas fired themselves, and were burnt down before they could be quenched.  
I must not omit to describe the manner of the Spanish Ships and Galleys, riding in Harbour at our first coming to Cadiz. The four Galleons singled themselves from out the Fleet, as Guards of their Merchants. The Galleys were placed to flank us with their Prows before Entry; but when they saw our Approach, the next morning the Merchants ran up the River, and the Men of War of Port Royal to the Point of the River, brought themselves into a good Order of Fight, moving their Ships a Head and a Stern, to have their Broad Sides upon us. The Galleys than betook themselves to the Guard of the Town, which we put them from before we attempted the Ships.  
The Victory being obtained at Sea, the L. General Essex landed his men in a Sandy Bay, which the Castle of Poyntull commanded; but they seeing the Success of their Ships, and mistrusting their own strength, neither offered to offend his Landing, nor to defend the Castle; but quitted it, and so we became Possessors of it.  
After my Lord's peacable Landing, he considered what was to be done; and there being no place from whence the Enemy could annoy us, but the Bridge of Swasoe, which leadeth over from the main Land to the Island; by our making good of which Bridge, there would be no way left for the Galleys to escape us. He sent three Regiments under the Command of Sir Conniers Clifford, Sir Christopher Blunt, and Sir Thomas Garret to the Bridge; who at their first coming were encountered by the Enemy, but yet possessed themselves of it, with the loss of some men; but whether it was for want of Victuals, or for what other reasons, our men quitted it, I know not, and the Galleys breaking down divers Arches passed it, and by that means escaped.  
My Lord dispatched a Messenger to my Lord Admiral, entreating him to give Order to attempt the Merchants that road in Port Royal, for that it was dangerous to give them a Night's respite, lest they should convey away their Wealth, or take example by the Philip and Thomas, to burn themselves. This Message was delivered by Sir Anthony Ashley, and Sir William Monson, as my Lord Admiral was in his Boat, ready with his Troups of Seamen to land, fearing the Lord General Essex should be put to Distress with his small Companies, which were but three Regiments, hastened by all means to second him, and gave order to certain Ships the next day to pursue him.  
Seeing I have undertaken to show the Escapes committed in any of our English Voyages, such as were committed here, shall without Fear or Flattery appear to the Judicious Reader.  
Though the Earl of Essex his Carriage and Forwardness merited much, yet if it had been with more Advisement, and less Haste, it would have succeeded better: And if he were now living, he would confess, Sir William Monson advised him, rather to seek to be Master of the Ships, than of the Town; for it was that would afford both Wealth and Honour: For the Riches in Ships could not be concealed, or conveyed away as in Towns they might. And the Ships themselves being brought for England, would be always before men's Eyes there, and put them in remembrance of the greatness of the Exploit; as for the Town, perhaps it might be soon won, but probably not long enjoyed, and so quickly forgotten: And to speak indifferentiy, by the Earl's sudden Landing, without the Lord Admiral's Privity; and his giving Advice by a Message to attempt the Ships, which should have been resolved of upon mature Deliberation, no doubt, the Lord Admiral found his Honour a little Eclipsed, which perhaps hastened his Landing for his Reputation sake, whenas he thought it more advisable to have possessed himself of their Fleet.  
Before the Lord Admiral could draw near the Town, the Earl of Essex had entered it; and although the Houses were built in that manner, as that every House served for a Platform; yet they were forced to quit them, and to retire into the Castle.  
My Lord at last, in despite of the Enemy, gained the Market place, where he found greatest Resistance from the Houses thereabouts; and where it was that that Worthy Gentleman Sir John Wingfield was unluckily slain. The Lord General Essex caused it to be proclaimed by Beat of Drum through the Town, that all that would yield, should repair to the Town-House, where they should have promise of Mercy, and those that would not, to expect no Favour. The Castle desired Respite to consider until the morning following; and then by one general Consent, they surrendered themselves to the two Lord General's Mercies. The Chief Prisoners, Men and Women, were brought into the Castle, where they remained a little space, and were sent away with Honourable Usage. The noble treating of the Prisoners, hath gained an everlasting Honour to our Nation, and the General's in particular.  
It cannot be supposed the Lord Generals had leisure to be idle the day following, having so great business to consider of, as the securing the Town, and enjoying the Merchant's Ships: Wherefore, for the speedier dispatch, they had Speech with the best men of the City, about the Ransom to be given for their Town and Liberties, 120000 Ducats was the Sum concluded on; and for Security thereof, many of them became Hostages. There was likewise an Overture for the Ransom of their Ships and Goods, which the Duke of Medina hearing of, rather than we should reap any profit by them, he caused them to be fired.  
We found by Experience, that the destroying of this Fleet (which did amount to the value of six or seven Millions) was the general impoverishing of the whole Country: For when the Pledges sent to Sevil, to take up money for their Redemption; they were answered, that all the Town was not able to raise such a Sum, their Loss was so great by the loss of their Fleet. And to speak truth, Spain never received so great an Overthrow, so great a Spoil, so great an Indignity at our Hands as this: For our Attempt was at his own Home, in his Port, that he thought as safe as his Chamber, where we took and destroyed his Ships of War, burnt and consumed the Wealth of his Merchants, sacked his City, ransomed his Subjects, and entered his Country without Impeachment.  
To write all Accidents of this Voyage, weet too tedious, and would weary the Reader; but he that would desire to know the Behaviour of the Spaniards, as well as of us, many confer with divers English men that were redeemed out the Galleys in exchange for others, and brought into England.  
After we had enjoyed the Town of Cadiz a Fortnight, and our men were grown rich by the Spoil of it, the Generals embarked their Army, with an intent to perform greater Services before their Return; but such was the Covetousness of the better Sort, who were enriched there, and the fear of Hunger in others, who complained for want of Victuals, as they could not willingly be drawn to any farther Action, to gain more Reputation. The only thing that was afterwards attempted, was Pharaoh, a Town of Algarula in Portugal, a place of no Resistance or Wealth, only famous by the Library of Osorius, who was Bishop of that place; which Library was brought into England by us, and many of the Books bestowed upon the new erected Library of Oxford.  
Some Prisoners were taken; but of small account, who told us, that the greatest Strength of the Country was in Lawgust, the chief Town of Argarula, twelve miles distant from thence; because most part of the Gentlemen thereabouts were gone thither, to make it good expecting our coming. This News was acceptable to my Lord of Essex, who preferred Honour before Wealth: And having had his Will, and the Spoil of the Town of Pharaoh and Country thereabouts: He Shipped his Army, and took Council of the Lord Admiral how to proceed. My Lord Admiral diverted his course for Lawgust, alleging the place was strong, of no Wealth, always held in the nature of a Fisher-Town, belonging to the Portugals, who in their Hearts were our Friends; that the winning of it, after so eminent a place as Cadiz, could add no Honour; though it should be carried, yet it would be the Loss of his best Troops and Gentlemen, who would rather to die, than receive Indignity of a Repulse. My Lord of Essex, much against his Will, was forced to yield unto these Reasons, and desist from that Enterprise.  
About this time there was a general Complaint for want of Victuals; which proceeded rather out of a desire that some had to be at home, than out of any necessity: For Sir William Monson and Mr. Darrel, were appointed to examine the Condition of every Ship, and found seven week's Victuals (Drink excepted) which might have been supplied from the Shore in Water; and this put the Generals in great hope to perform something more than they had done. The only Service that was now to be thought on, was to lie in wait for the Carrecks, which in all probability could not escape us, though there were many Doubts to the contrary; but easily answered by men of Experience: But in truth, some men's desire homeward, were so great, that no Reason could prevail with, or persuade them.  
Coming into the height of the Rock, the Generals took Council once again, and then the Earl of Essex, and the Lord Thomas Howard, offered with great earnestness, to stay out the time our Victuals lasted; and desired to have but 12 Ships furnished out of the rest to stay with them; but this would not be granted, though the Squadron of the Hollanders offered voluntarily to stay. Sir Walter Raleigh alleged the scarcity of Victuals, and the Infection of his Men. My Lord General Essex, offered, in the Greatness of his Mind, and the Desire he had to stay, to supply his want of Men and Victuals, and to exchange Ships; but all Proposals were in vain: For the Riches kept them that got much, from attempting more; as if it had been otherwise pure want, though not Honour would have enforced them to greater Enterprises.  
This being the last Hopes of the Voyage, and being generally withstood, it was concluded to steer away for the North Cape, and afterwards, to view and search the Harbours of the Groin and Ferrol; and if any of the King of Spain's Ships chanced to be there, to give an Attempt upon them.  
The Lord Admiral sent a Carvel of our Fleet into these two Harbours, and aparrelled the men in Spanish clothes, to avoid Suspicion. This Carvel returned the next day, with a true Relation, that there were no Ships in the Harbours: And now passing all places where there was any hope of doing good, our Return for England was resolved upon; and the 8th. of August, the Lord Admiral arrived in Plymouth, with the greatest part of the Army: And the Lord General Essex, who stayed to accompany the St. Andrew, which was under his Charge, and reputed of his Squadron, two days after us, the 10th. of August, where he found the Army in that perfect Health, as the like hath not been seen, for so many to go out of England, to such great Enterprises, and so well to return home again,  
He himself rid up to the Court, to advise with her Majesty, about the winning of Calais, which the Spaniards took the Easter before: Here was a good opportunity, to have regained the Ancient Patrimony of England; but the French King, thought he might with more ease regain it from the Spaniard, who was his Enemy, than recover it again from us, who were his Friends.  
My Lord Admiral, with the Fleet, went to the Downs, where he landed, and left the Charge of the Navy, to Sir Robert Dudley, and Sir William Monson. In going from thence to Chatham, they endured more foul Wether, and contrary Winds, than in the whole Voyage besides.   

A Voyage to the Islands, the Earl of Essex General, Anno 1597.  
Ships. Commanders. The Mere-honor The Earl of Essex. Capt. under him After in the Repulse Sir Robert Mansell The Lion The Lord Thomas Howard The Warspite Sir Walter Raleigh The Garland The Earl of Southampton The Defiance The Lord Mountioy The Mary Rose Sir Francis Vere The Hope Sir Richard Lewson The Matthew Sir George Carew The Rainbow Sir Will. Monson The Bonaventure, Sir Will. Harvey The Dreadnought Sir Will. Brooke The Swiftsuer Sir Gilly Merick The Antelope Sir John Gilbert, he went not. The Nonperil Sir Tho. Vavasor The St. Andrew Capt. Throgmorton.  
HER Majesty having Knowledge of the King of Spain's drawing down his Fleet and Army to the Groin and Ferrol, with an intent to enter into some Action against Her; and that, notwithstanding the loss of thirty six Sail of his Ships that were cast away upon the North Cape, in their coming thither: He prepared with all possible means, to revenge the Disgraces we did him the year last passed at Cadiz. Her Majesty likewise prepared to defend herself, and fitted out the most part of her Ships for the Sea; but at length, perceiving his Drift was more to affright than offend her, though he gave it it out otherwise, because she should provide to resist him at home, rather than to annoy him abroad. She was unwilling the great Charges she had been at, should be bestowed in vain; and therefore turned her Preparations another way, than that for which she first intended them.  
The Project of this Voyage, was to assault the King of Spain's Shipping in the Harbour of Ferrol, which the Queen chiefly desired to do for her own Security at home; and afterwards to go and take the Islands of Tercera; and there to expect the coming home of the Indian Fleet. But neither of these two Designs took that effect which was expected: For in our setting forth, the same day we put to Sea, we were taken with a most violent Storm, and contrary Winds; and the General was separated from the Fleet, and one Ship from another, so that the one half of the Fleet were compelled to return home, and the rest that kept the Sea, having reached the Coast of Spain, were commanded home, by order of the Lord General.  
Thus after their return, they were to advise upon a new Voyage, finding by their Ships and Victuals, they were unable to perform the former: Whereupon it was thought convenient all the Army should be discharged, for the prolonging of the Victuals, except a thousand of the prime Soldiers of the Low Countries, which were put into her Majesty's Ships, that they might be the better prepared, if they should chance to encounter the Spanish Fleet. Thus the second time they departed England, though not without some danger of the Ships, by reason of the Winter's near approach.  
The first Land in Spain we fell withal, was the North Cape, the place whither our Directions led us, if we happened to lose Company; being there descried from the Shore, and not above 12 Leagues from the Groin, where the Spanish Armado lay. We were in good hopes to have enticed them out of the Harbour to fight us; but spending some time thereabouts, and finding no such Disposition in them, it was thought fit no longer to linger about that Coast, lest we should lose our opportunity upon the Indian Fleet; therefore every Captain received his Directions to stand his Course into 36 Degrees, there to spread ourselves North and South, it being a height that commonly the Spaniards sail in from the Indies.  
At this time the Lord General complained of a Leak in his Ship; and two days after, towards midnight, he brought himself upon the Lee to stop it. Sir Walter Raleigh, and some other Ships, being a head the Fleet, and it growing dark, they could not discern the Lord General's Working; but stood their Course as before directed; and through this unadvised working of my Lord, they lost him and his Fleet.  
The day following, Sir Walter Raleigh was informed by a Pinnace he met, that the great Armado, which we supposed to be in the Groin and Ferrol, was gone to the Islands, for the Guard of the Indian Fleet. This Pinnace, with this Intelligence it gave us, Sir Walter Raleigh immediately sent to look out the General. My Lord had no sooner received this Advice, but at the very instant he directed his Course to the Islands, and dispatched some small Vessels to Sir Walter Raleigh, to inform him of the sudden Alteration of his Course, upon the News received from him, commanding him with all Expedition, to repair to Flores, where he would not fail to be at our Arrival. At the Islands we found this Intelligence utterly false: For neither the Spanish Ships were there, nor were expected there: We met likewise with divers English men, that came out of the Indies; but they could give us no assurance of the coming home of the Fleet; neither could we receive any Advertisement from the Shore, which made us half in despair of them.  
By that time we had watered our Ships, and refreshed ourselves at Flores, Sir Walter Raleigh arrived there, who was willed by the Lord General, after he was furnished of such Wants as that poor Island afforded, to make his repair to the Island of Fayal, which my Lord intended to take. Here grew great Questions and Heart-burnings against Sir Walter Raleigh: For he coming to Fayal, and missing the Lord General, and yet knowing my Lord's Resolution to take the Island, he held it more advisable to land with those Forces he had, than to expect the coming of my Lord: For in that space the Island might be better provided: whereupon he landed, and took it before my Lord's approach. This Act was held such an Indignity to my Lord, and urged with that Vehemence, by those that hated Sir Walter, that if my Lord, though naturally kind, and flexible, had not feared how it would have been taken in England, I think Sir Walter had smarted for it.  
From this Island we went to Graciosa, which did willingly relieve our Wants, as far as it could; yet with humble entreaty to forbear landing with our Army, especially, because they understood there was a Squadron of Hollanders amongst us, who did not use to forbear Cruelty wherever they came; and here it was that we met the Indian Fleet, which in manner following, unluckily escaped us.  
The Lord General having sent some men of good Account into the Island, to see there should be no Injury offered to the Portugals, he having passed his word to the contrary; those men advertised him of four Sail of Ships descried from the Shore, and one of them greater than the rest, seemed to be a Carack: My Lord received this News with great Joy, and divided his Fleet into three Squadrons, to be commanded by himself, the Lord Thomas Howard, and Sir Walter Raleigh. The next Ship to my Lord, of the Queen's, was the Rainbow, wherein Sir William Monson went, who received direction from my Lord to steer away South that Night; and if he should meet with any Fleet, to follow them, carrying Lights, or shooting off his Ordnances or making any other Sign that he could; and if he met with no Ships, to direct his Course the next day, to the Island of St. Michael; but promising that Night to send 12 Ships after him. Sir William besought my Lord, by the Pinnace that brought him this Direction, that above all things he should have a care to dispatch a Squadron to the Road of Angra in the Terceras: For it was certain, if they were Spaniards, thither they would resort.  
Whilst my Lord was thus contriving his Business, and ordering his Squadrons, a small Bark of his Fleet happened to come to him, who assured him, that those Ships discovered from the Land, were of his own Fleet; and that they came in immediately from them. This made my Lord countermand his former Direction; only Sir William Monson, who was the next Ship to him, and received the first Command, could not be recalled back. Within three hours of his Departure from my Lord, which might be about 12 of the Clock, he fell in company of a Fleet of 25 Sail, which at the first he could not assure himself to be Spaniards; because the day before, that number of Ships was missing from our Fleet. Here he was in a Dilemma and great perplexity with himself; for in making Signs, as he was directed, if the Ships proved English, it were ridiculous, and he would be exposed to scorn; and to respite it until morning, were as dangerous, if they were the Indian Fleet: For than my Lord might be out of View, or of the hearing of his Ordnance: Therefore he resolved rather to put his Person, than his Ship in Peril. He commanded his Master to keep the Weather-Gage of the Fleet, whatsoever should become of him; and it blowing little Wind, he betook himself to his Boat, and rowed up with the Fleet, demanding of whence they were: They answered, of Sevil in Spain; and asked of whence he was? He told them of England; and that the Ship in sight was a Gallion of the Queen's of England, single and alone, alleging the Honour they would get by winning her; his Drift being to draw and entice them into the Wake of our Fleet, where they would be so entangled, as they could not escape; they returned him some Shot, and ill Language; but would not alter their Course to the Terceras, whither they were bound, and where they arrived to our misfortune. Sir William Monson returned aboard his Ship, making Signs with Lights, and Report with his Ordnance; but all in vain: For my Lord altering his Course, as you have heard, stood that Night to St. Michael's, and passed by the North side of Tercera, a farther way, than if he had gone by the way of Augra, where he had met the Indian Fleet.  
When day appeared, and Sir William Monson was in hope to find the 12 Ships promised to be sent to him, he might discern the Spanish Fleet two miles and a little more a Head him, and a Stern him a Gallion, and a Pinnace betwixt them; which putting forth her Flags, he knew to be the Earl of Southampton in the Garland: The Pinnace was a Frigate of the Spanish Fleet, who took the Garland and the Rainbow to be Galleons of theirs; but seeing the Flag of the Garland, she found her Error, and sprang a loof, thinkink to escape; but the Earl pursued her with the loss of some Time, when he should have followed the Fleet; and therefore was desired to desist from that Chase by Sir William Monson, who sent his Boat to him. By a Shot from my Lord, this Frigate was sunk; and while his Men were rifling her, Sir Francis Vere and Sir William Brook came up in their two Ships, who the Spaniards would have made us believe were two Galleons of theirs; and so much did my Lord signify to Sir William Monson, wishing him to stay their coming up: for that there would be greater hope of those two Ships, which there was no doubt but we were able to Master, than of the Fleet, for which we were too weak.  
But after Sir William had made the two Ships to be the Queen's, which he ever suspected them to be, he began to pursue the Spanish Fleet afresh; but by reason they were so far a Head of him, and had so little way to sail, they recovered the Road of Tercera; but he and the rest of the Ships pursued them, and himself led the way into the Harbour, where he found sharp Resistance from the Castle; but yet so battered the Ships, that he might see the Masts of some shot by the Board, and the men quit the Ships; so that there wanted nothing but a Gale of Wind to enable him to cut the Cables of the Hawsers, and to bring them off: Wherefore he sent to the other 3 great Ships of ours, to desire them to attempt the cutting their Cables; but Sir Fra. Vere rather wished his coming off, that they might take a Resolution what to do. This must be rather imputed to want of Experience than Backwardness in him: For Sir William sent him word, that if he quitted the Harbour, the Ships would tow near the Castle; and as the Night drew on, the Wind would freshen, and come more off the Land, which indeed proved so, and we above a League from the Road in the morning.  
We may say, and that truly, there was never that possibility to have undone the State of Spain as now: For every Royal of Plate we had taken in this Fleet, had been two to them, by our converting it by War upon them.  
None of the Captains could be blamed in this Business: All is to be attributed to the want of Experience in my Lord, and his flexible Nature to be overruled: For the first hour he anchored at Flores, and called a Council, Sir William Monson advised him upon the reasons following, after his Watering, to run West, spreading his Fleet North and South, so far as the Eastern Wind that then blue would carry them; alleging, that if the Indian Fleet came home that Year, by computation of the last light Moon, from which time their disimboguing in the Indies, must be reckoned, they could not be above 200 Leagues short of that Island; and whensoever the Wind should chop up Westernly, he bearing a slack Sail, they would, in a few days overtake him.  
This Advice my Lord seemed to take, but was diverted by divers Gentlemen, who coming principally for Land Service, found themselves tired by the tediousness of the Sea. Certain it is, if my Lord had followed his Advice, within less than 40 hours, he had made the Queen owner of that Fleet: For by the Pilot's Card, which was taken in the Frigate, the Spanish Fleet was but 50 Leagues in traverse with that Eastern Wind, when my Lord was at Flores, which made my Lord wish, the first time Sir William Monson repaired to him, after the Escape of the Fleet, that he had lost his Hand so he had been ruled by him.  
Being met Aboard Sir Francis Vere, we consulted what to do, and resolved to acquaint my Lord with what had happened, desiring his Presence with us, to see if there were any possibility to attempt the Shipping, or surprise the Island, and so to possess the Treasure.  
My Lord received this Advertisement, just as he was ready with his Troops to have landed in St. Michael's; but this Message diverted his Landing, and made him presently cast about for the Islands of the Terceras, where we lay all this while expecting his coming. In his Course from St. Michael's, it was his hap to to take three Ships that departed the Havana the day after the Fleet: Which three Ships did more than countervail the whole Voyage.  
At my Lord's meeting with us at Tercera, there was a Consultation how the Enemy's Ships might be fetched off, or destroyed as they lay; but all men with one consent, agreed the impossibility of it. The attempting the Island was propounded; but withstood for these reasons, the difficulty in Landing, the strength of the Island, which was increased by fourteen or fifteen Hundred Soldiers in the Ships, and our want of Victuals to abide by the Siege. Seeing then we were frustrate of our Hopes at the Tercera, we resolved upon landing in St. Michael's, and arrived the day following at Punta Delgada, the Chief City. Here my Lord embarked his small Army in Boats, with offer to Land; and having thereby drawn the Enemy's greatest Force thither to resist him, suddenly he rowed to Villa Franca, three or four Leagues distant from thence; which, not being defended by the Enemy, he took. The Ships had order to abide in the Road of Delgada; for that my Lord made account to march thither by Land; but being on Shore at Villa Franca, he was informed that the March was impossible, by reason of the high and craggy Mountains, which diverted his purpose.  
Victuals now grew short with us, and my Lord General began discreetly to foresee the danger in abiding towards Winter upon these Coasts, which could not afford him an Harbour, only open Roads that were subject to Southern Winds; and upon every Wind, he must put to Sea for his safety. He considered, that if this should happen, when his Troops were on Shore, and he not able to reach the Land in a Fortnight or more, which is a thing ordinary, what a desperate case he should put himself into, especially in so great a want of Victuals: And so concluding, that he had seen the end of all his Hopes, by the Escape of the Fleet, he embarked himself and Army, though with some difficulty, the Seas were now grown so high.  
By this the one half of the Fleet that rid in Punta Delgada, put room for Villa Franca, and those that remained behind, being thought by a Ship of Brazile to be the Spanish Fleet, she came in amongst them, and so was betrayed: After her there followed a Carack, who had been served in the like manner; but for the hasty and indiscreet weighing of a Hollander, which made her run a Shore under the Castle; when the Wind lessened Sir William Monson weighted with the Rainbow, thinking to give an Attempt upon her, notwithstanding the Castle; which she perceiving, as he drew near unto her, she set herself on fire, and burned down to the very Keel. She, was a Ship of 1400 Tuns Burden, that the year before was not able to double the Cape of bona Esperansa, in her Voyage to the East Indies; but put into Brazile, where she was laden with Sugars, and afterwards thus destroyed. The Spaniards, who presumed more upon their Advantages than Valours, thought themselves in too weak a Condition to follow us to the Islands, and put their Fortunes upon a days Service, but subtly devised how to intercept us as we came Home, when we had least Thought or Suspicion of them; and their Fleet, that was all this while in the Groin and Ferrol, not daring to put forwards while they knew ours to be upon the Coast, their General the Adelantada came for England, with a Resolution to land at Falmouth, and fortify it, and afterwards, with their Ships, to keep the Sea, and expect our coming home scattered.  
Having thus cut off our Sea Forces, and possessing the Harbour of Falmouth, they thought with a second supply of 37 Levantiscoes Ships, which the Marquis Arumbullo commanded, to have returned and gained a good footing in England.  
These Designs of theirs were not foreseen by us: For we came Home scattered, as they made reckoning, not 20 in number together.  
We may say, and that truly, that God sought for us: For the Adalantada being within a few Leagues of the Island of Silly, he commanded all his Captains on Board him to receive his Directions; but whilst they were in Consultation, a violent Storm took them at East, insomuch that the Captains could hardly recover their Ships, but in no case were able to save their Boats, the Storm continued so furious, and happy was he that could recover home, seeing their Design thus overthrown by loss of their Boats, whereby their means of Landing was taken away. Some who were willing to stay, and receive the farther Commands of the General, kept the Seas so long upon our Coast, that in the end they were taken; others put themselves into our Harbours for Refuge and Succour; and it is certainly known, that in this Voyage the Spaniards lost eighteen Ships, the St. Luke, and the St. Bartholomew, being two and in the rank of his best Galleons.  
We must ascribe this Success to God only: For certainly the Enemy's Designs were dangerous, and not to be diverted by our Force; but by his Will, who would not suffer the Spaniards in any of their Attempts, to set footing in England, as we have done in all the Quarters of Spain, Portugal, the Islands, and both the Indies.   

The Lord Thomas Howard Admiral to the Downs, from whence he returned in one Month, Anno 1599  
Ships. Commanders. The Elizabeth Ionas The Lord Thomas Howard The Ark Royal Sir Walter Raleigh The Triumph Sir Fulke Grivel The Mere-honor Sir Henry Palmer The Repulse Sir Tho. Vavasor The Garland Sir Will. Harvey The Defiance Sir Will. Monson The Nonperil Sir Robert Cross The Lion Sir Richard Lewson The Rainbow Sir Alexander Clifford The Hope Sir John Gilbert The Foresight Sir Tho. Shirley The Mary Rose Mr. Fortescue The Bonaventure, Capt. Troughton. The Crane Capt. Ionas The Swiftsuer Capt. Bradgate The Tremontary Capt. Slingsby The Advantage Capt. Hoer The Quittance Capt. Reynolds  
I Cannot write of any thing done in this Year of 1599 For there was never greater Expectation of War, with less Performance. Whether it was a Mistrust the one Nation had of the other, or a Policy held on both sides, to make Peace with Sword in Hand, a Treaty being entertained by consent of each Prince, I am not to examine; but sure I am, the Preparation was on both sides very great, as if the one expected an Invasion from the other; and yet it was generally conceived, not to be intended by either; but that ours had only relation to my Lord of Essex, who was then in Ireland, and had a Design to try his Friends in England, and to be revenged of his Enemies, as he pretended, and as it proved afterwards by his Fall: Howsoever it was, the Charge was not so great as necessary: For it was commonly known, that the Adalantada had drawn both his Ships and Galleys to the Groin; which was not usually done, but for some Action intended upon England or Ireland, though he converted them after to another use, as you shall hear.  
The Galleys were sent into the Low Countries, and passed the Narrow Seas, while our Ships lay there, and with the Fleet the Atalantada pursued the Hollanders to the Islands, whither he suspected they were gone. This Fleet of Hollanders, which consisted of 73 Sail, were the first Ships that ever displayed their Colours in Warlike sort against the Spaniards, in any Action of their own: For how cruel soever the War seemed to be in Holland, they maintained a peaceable Trade in Spain, and abused us. This first Action of the Hollanders at Sea proved not very successful: For after the Spoil of a Town in the Canaries, and some Hurt done at the Island of St. Ome, they kept the Sea for some seven or eight months, in which time their General and most of their Men sickened and died, and the rest returned with Loss and Shame. Another Benefit which we received by this Preparation, was, that our Men were now taught suddenly to Arm, every man knowing his Command, and how to be commanded, which before they were ignorant of: and who knows not, that sudden and false Alarms in an Army, are sometimes necessary? To say truth, the Expedition which was then used in drawing together so great an Army by Land, and rigging so great and Royal a Navy to Sea in so little a space of Time, was so admirable in other Countries, that they received a Terror by it; and many that came from beyond Sea, said, the Queen was never more dreaded abroad for any thing she ever did.  
Frenchmen that came Aboard our Ships, did wonder (as at a thing incredible) that her Majesty had rigged, victualled and furnished her Royal Ships to Sea in 12 days time: And Spain, as an Enemy, had reason to fear, and grieve to see this sudden Preparation; but more, when they understood how the Hearts of Her Majesty's Subjects joined with their Hands, being all ready to spend their dearest Blood for her and her Service. Holland might likewise see, that if they became insolent, we could be assoon provided as they; not did they expect to find such celerity in any Nation but themselves.  
It is probable too, that the King of Spain, and the Archduke, were hereby drawn to entertain Thoughts of Peace: For as soon as our Fleet was at Sea, a Gentleman was sent from brussels, with some Overtures, although for that time they succeeded not. However, whether it was, that the intended Invasion from Spain was diverted, or that her Majesty was fully satisfied of my Lord of Essex, I know not; but so it was, that she commanded the sudden Return of her Ships from Sea, after they had lain three weeks or a month in the Downs.   

Sir Richard Lewson to the Islands, Anno Dom. 1600.  
Ships. Commanders. The Repulse Sir Richard Lewson The Warspight Capt. Troughton The Vanguard Capt. Summer.  
THE last Year, as you have heard, put all men in expectation of War, which yet came to nothing. This Summer gave us great hope of Peace; but with the like effect: For by consent of the Queen, the King of Spain, and the Archduke, their Commissioners met at Bulloign in Piccardie, to treat of Peace; a place chosen indifferently, the French King being in League and Friendship with them all. Whether this Treaty were intended but in show only, or, that they were out of hopes, to come to any conclusion; or, what else was the true and real cause of its breaking off so suddenly, I know not; but the pretence was but slender, for there grew a difference about Precedency, betwixt the two Crowns, though it was ever due to England; and so the hopes of Peace were frustrated, though had it been really intended, matters might easily have been accommodated.  
The Queen suspecting the Event hereof, before their meeting, and the rather, because the Spaniards entertained with the like Treaty, in 1588. when at the same instant, his Navy appeared upon her Coast to Invade her; therefore, lest she should be guilty of too great security, in relying upon the success of this doubtful Treaty, she furnished the Three Ships before named, under pretence to guard the Western Coast, which at that time was infested by the Dunkirkers.  
And because there should be the less notice taken, part of the Victuals was provided at Plymouth; and Sir Richard Lewson, who was then Admiral of the Narrow Seas, was appointed General, for the more secret carriage of the business; so as it could not be conjectured, either by their Victualling, or by their Captain, being Admiral of the Narrow Seas, that it was a Service from home. As they were in a readiness at Plymouth, expecting Orders, the Queen beingfully satisfied, that the Treaty of Bulloign would break off without effect, she commanded Sir Richard Lawson to hasten to the Islands, there to expect the Carrecks, and Mexico Fleet. The Spaniards on the other side, being as circumspect to prevent a mischief, as we were subtle to contrive it; and believing (as we did) that the Treaty of Peace would prove a vain, hopeless show of what was never meant, they furnished Eighteen tall Ships to the Islands, as they had usually done, since the Year 1591. The General of this Fleet was Don Diego de Borachero.  
Our Ships coming to the Islands, they and the Spaniards had intelligence of one another, but not the sight, for that Sir Richard Lewson hailed Sixty Leagues Westward, not only to avoid them, but in hopes to meet with the Carrecks, and Mexico Fleet, before they could join them: But the Carrecks being formerly warned by the taking of one of them, and burning of another, in 1591. had ever since that year, endeavoured to shun the sight of that Island, so that our Fleet being now prevented, as they had often before been, (nothing being more uncertain, than Actions at Sea, where Ships are to meet one another casually) they returned home, having consumed time and Victuals, to no purpose, and seen not so much as one Sail, from the time they quitted the Coast of England, till their return, two Ships of Holland excepted, that came from the East Indies (for then began their Trade thither) which Ships Sir Richard Lewson relieved, finding them in great distress and want.   

Sir Richard Lewson into Ireland, Anno 1601.  
Ships. Commanders. The Warsight Sir Richard Lewson The Garland Sir Amias Preston The Defiance Capt. Goer The Swiftsuer Capt. Summer The Crane Capt. Mainwaring  
IN the Year 1600. and part of the Year 1601. there was a kind of cessation from Arms, though not by agreement, for this Year gave a hope of Peace; which failing, the former course of annoying each other was revived; we in relieving the Low Countries, the Spaniards in assisting the Rebels in Ireland. This was the Summer, that the Archduke besieged Ostend, which was bravely defended, but principally, by the Supplies out of England. And towards Winter, when the Spaniards thought we lest looked for War, Don Diego de Borachero, with 48 Sail of Ships, and 4000 Soldiers was sent to Invade Ireland.  
In his way thither he lost the company of his Vice-Admiral, Siriago, who returned to the Groin, which when the King heard, he was much distasted with Siriago, and commanded him upon his Allegiance, to hasten with all speed for Ireland, as he was formerly directed; Don Diego, his Landing being known in England, when it was too late to prevent it; yet, lest he should be supplied with further Forces, Sir Richard Lewson valiantly entered the Harbour, drew near their Fortifications, and fought the Enemy for the space of one whole day, his Ship being an Hundred times shot through, and yet but Eight men slain. God so blest him, that he prevailed in his Enterprise, destroyed their whole Shipping, and made Siriago fly by Land into another Harbour, where he obscurely Embarked himself in a French Vessel, for Spain. All this while was the main Army, which Landed with their General, Don Juan de Aquila, seated in Kinsale, expecting the aid of Tyroen, who promised every day to be with him. Our Army commanded by the Lord Montjoy, Lord Deputy of Ireland, besieged the Town, so that he prevented their meeting, and many skirmishes passed betwixt them.  
The Siege continued, with great miseries to both the Armies, and not without cause, considering the Season of the Year, and the condition of the Country, that afforded little relief to either: some few days before Christmas, Tyroen appeared with his Forces, which was some little heartening to the Enemy, in hopes to be freed of their Imprisonment, for so may I call it, they were so strictly beleaguered. The day of agreement, betwixt the Spaniards and Tyroen, was Christmas Eve, on which day, there happened an Earthquake in England; and, as many times such Signs prove aut bonum, aut malum Omen; this proved Fortunate to us, the Victory being obtained, with so little loss, as it is almost incredible.  
This was the day of Trial, whether Ireland should continue a parcel of our Crown, or no; for if the Enemy had prevailed in the Battle, and a Treaty had not afterwards obtained more than Force, it was to be feared, Ireland would hardly have been ever recovered. The Spaniards in Ireland, seeing the success of Tyroen, and the impossibility for him to reinforce his Army, being hopeless of supplies out of Spain, and their Poverty daily increasing, they made offers of a Parley, which was granted, and after ensued a Peace there: The Conditions whereof are extant in Print. They were furnished with Ships, and secured of their Passage into Spain, where arriving in English Vessels, the Ships returned back for England.   

Sir Richard Lewson, and Sir William Monson, to the Coast of Spain, Anno 1602.  
Ships. Commanders. The Repulse Sir Richard Lewson, Admiral The Garland Sir Will. Monson, Vice-Admiral. The Defiance Capt. Goer The Mary Rose Capt. Slingsby The Warspight Capt. Summer The Nonperil Capt. Reynolds The Dreadnought Capt. Mainwaring The Adventure Capt. Trevor The English Carvel Capt. Sawkel  
THE last Attempt of the Spaniards in Ireland awakened the Queen, who, it seemeth for two or three Years together, entertained the Hopes of Peace, and therefore was sparing in setting forth her Fleets. But now perceiving the Enemy had found the way into Ireland; and that it behoved her to be more vigilant than ever; she resolved, as the safest course to infest the Spanish Coasts with a continual Fleet; and in this year furnished the Ships aforesaid, having Promise from the States of Holland, to join to them twelve Sail of theirs; and because this important Service required great speed, she had not time enough to man them, or supply them with Provisions altogether so well as they were usually wont to be; but was content with what could be gotten in so short a warning, so desirous was she to see her Ships at Sea.  
Sir Richard Lewson set sail with five of them the 19th. of March, and left Sir William Monson behind with the other four, to attend the coming of the Hollanders; though within two or three days after, Sir William received Command from the Queen, to hasten with all speed to Sir Richard Lewson; for that she was advertised, that the Silver Ships were arrived at the Terceras. Sir William Monson hereupon neglected no time, nor stayed either to see himself better Manned, or his Ships better furnished; but put to Sea the 26th. of March.  
This Intelligence of the Queen's was true: For the Plate Fleet had been at the Terceras, and departing from thence, in their Course for Spain, Sir Richard Lewson, with his few Ships, met them; but to little purpose, wanting the rest of his Fleet, and the help of the 12 Hollanders. We may very well account this not the least Error or Negligence that hath been committed in our Voyages: For if the Hollanders had kept touch according to Promise, and the Queen's Ships had been fitted out with Care, we had made her Majesty Mistress of more Treasure than any of her Progenitors ever enjoyed.  
Sir Richard Lewson's Design against the Indian Fleet, notwithstanding his Renowned Valour, being thus frustrated, and by the Hollanders slackness crossed, he plied towards the Rock, to meet Sir William Monson, as the place resolved on between them; but Sir William having spent 14 days thereabouts, and hearing no Tidings of him, went round to the Southward Cape, where he was likewise frustrated of a most promising Hope: For meeting with certain Frenchmen and Scots, at the same instant, he descried three Ships of ours, sent by Sir Richard to look him. These French and Scottish Ships came from St. Lucas, and made report of five Galleons, ready the next Tide to set sail for the Indies: They likewise told him of two others that departed three days before, wherein went Don Petro de Valdes, to be Governor of the Havana, who had sometimes been Prisoner in England.  
These two later Ships were met one Night by the Warspight, whereof Capt. Summer was Conmander; but whether it was by the Darkness of the Night, or by what other Casualty (for the Sea is subject to many) I know not, but they escaped.  
This News of the five Galleons, and the three Ships of the Queen's so happily meeting together, made Sir William direct his Course into the height wherein the Spaniards were most likely to sail in; and coming into that height, he had sight of five Ships, which in respect of their Number and Course, he made reckoning to be the five Galleons; and thought that day should fully determine and try the difference between the Strength and Puissance of the English and Spanish Ships, their number and greatness being equal: But his Joy was soon quailed: For coming up with them, he found them to be English Ships coming out of the straits, and bound home; but yet this did not discourage the Hope he had conceived that the Spaniards might be met withal; and the next day he gave Chase to one Ship alone that came out of the Indies, which he took, though he had been better without her: For she brought him so far to Leeward, that that Night the Galleons passed to Wind-ward, not above eight or ten Leagues off us, by report of an English Pinnace that met them, who came into our Company the day following. These Misfortunes lighting first upon Sir Richard, and after upon Sir William, might have been sufficient Reasons to discourage them; but they knowing the Accidents of the Sea, and that Fortune could as well laugh as weep, having good Ships under foot, their Men sound and in health, and plenty of Victuals, they did not doubt but that some of the Wealth which the Indies sent forth into Spain would fall to their Shares.  
Upon Tuesday, the first of June, to begin our new Fortune with a new Month, Sir Richard Lewson and Sir William Monson, who some few Nights before had met accidentally in the Sea, were close on board the Rock, where they took two Ships of the East Country, bound for Lisbon; and while they were rummaging these Ships, they descried a Carvel from Cape Picher bearing with them; which by Signs she made, they perceived had a desire to speak with them. Sir Richard immediately chased her, and left Sir William with the two Easterlings to abide about the Rock till his return. The Carvel being fetched up, made a relation of a Carack and 11 Galleys to be in Cisembre Road; and that she was sent by two Ships of ours, the Nonperil and the Dreadnought which lay thereabouts to look out the Admiral. With what Joy this News was apprehended may be easily imagined: Sir Richard made Signs to Sir William to stand with him; and lest he should not be discerned, he caused the Carvel to ply up with him, wishing him to repair to him; but before they could approach the Cape, it was midnight, and nothing chanced all that time, but the exchanging of some Shot, that passed betwixt the Admiral and the Galleys.  
Upon Wednesday, the second of June, every man looked early in the morning what Ships of her Majesties were in sight, which were five in number, the Warspight, wherein Sir Richard was: For the Repulse he had sent for England some few days before, by reason of a Leak; the Garland, the Nonperil, the Dreadnought, and the Adventure, besides the two Easterlings taken the day before. All the Captains resorted on Board the Admiral, to council, which took up most part of the day. At first there was an Opposition by some, who alleged the Danger and Impossibility of taking the Carack, being defended by the Castle and 11 Galleys: But Sir William Monson prevailed so far, as that all consented to go upon her the next day, and concluded upon this Course following, that he and Sir Richard should anchor as near the Carack as they could, the rest to ply up and down, and not anchor. Sir William was glad of this occasion, to be revenged of the Galleys, hoping to requite the Slavery they put him to when he was Prisoner in them; and singled himself from the Fleet a League, that the Galleys might see it was in defiance of them; and so the Marquis of St. Cruz, and Frederick Spaniola, the one General of the Portugal, the other of the Spanish Galleys, apprehended it, and came forth with an intent to fight him; but being within Shot, were diverted by one John Bedford an Englishman, who undertook to know the Force of the Ship, and Sir William that commended her. Before I go farther, I will a little digress, and acquaint you with the Situation of the Town, and the manner of placing the Galleys against us. The Town of Cisembre lieth in the bottom of a Road, which is a good Succour for Ships with a Northerly Wind. It is built with Freestone, and near the Sea is erected a strong and spacious Fort, well replenished with Ordnance: Above the Town, upon the top of a Hill, is seated an ancient, strong Friary, whose Situation maketh it impregnable, and able to command the Town, Castle and Road; close to the Shore lay the Carack, like a Bullwork to the West side of the Castle; so as it defended both that, and the East part of the Town: The 11 Galleys had flanked and fortified themselves with the small Neck of a Rock on the West side of the Road, with their Prows right forward, to play upon us, every one carrying a Cannon in their Cruzia, besides other Pieces in their Prows; and they were no way to be damaged by us, till our Ships came so nigh the Town, that all these Forces might play upon us in one instant.  
The Galleys being placed to this great Advantage, they made account (as a Captain of one of them we took confessed) to have sunk our Ships of themselves, without any farther Help. We saw the Tents pitched, and great Troops of Soldiers drawn together; which was no less than the whole Country in Arms against us: The Boats passed betwixt the Shore and the Carack all the day long, which we supposed was to unlade her; but we found afterwards it was rather to strengthen her with Men and Munition: Here appeared many Difficulties and Dangers, and little hope of taking her; but rather of sinking or burning her, as most men conjectured. The Danger from the Galleys was great, they being flanked with the point of a Rock at our Entrance, as you have heard, it being likewise calm, and they shooting low: Another Danger was, that of the Wind: For if it had come from the Sea, the Road being open, and the Bay deep, our Attempt must have been in vain. And notwithstanding these, and many more apparently seen; and that there was no man but imagined, that most of the Carrecks Lading was on shore, and that they would hale her on ground, under the Castle, where no Ship of ours should be able to fleet to her; all which objections, with many more, were alleged, yet they little prevailed, procrastination was perilous, and therefore with all expedition, they thought convenient to charge the Town, the Fort, the Galleys, and Carack, all at one instant. And they had determined, if the Carack had been on ground, or so nigh the shore, that the Queen's Ships could not fleet to her, that the Two Easterlings, the day before taken, should Board her, and Burn her.  
Thursday the Third day, early in the morning, every man commending himself to God's Tuition and Protection, expected when to begin, according to the agreement the day before. A gale of Wind happening about Ten of the Clock, the Admiral weighed; shot off a Warning-piece, and put forth his Flag in the Maintop: the Vice-Admiral did the like in his Foretop, according to the Custom of the Sea; every Captain encouraged his men, which so emboldened them, as though they were grown weak and feeble before, they were now revived, and bestirred themselves, as if a new Spirit had been infused into them; the Admiral was the first that gave the charge, after him followed the rest of the Ships, showing great Valour, and gaining great Honour; the last of all, was the Vice-Admiral, at whose entrance into the Fight, he still strove to get up as near the shore as he could, where he came to an Anchor, continually fight with the Town, the Fort, the Galleys, and Carack, all together, for he brought them betwixt him, that he might play both his Broad Sides upon them; there might be seen the Prowess of the Galleys, swim by the sides of them, the Slaves forsake them, and every thing in confusion amongst them, and thus they Fought, till Five of the Clock in the Afternoon.  
The Vice-Admiral was Anchored to such an advantage, as the Galleys rowed from one side to another, seeking to shun him, which Sir Richard Lewson observing, came on Board him, and openly, in the view and hearing of his whole Company, embraced him, and told him, He had won his heart for ever.  
The rest of the Ships, as they were directed, plied up, except the Admiral, who by the negligence of his Master, or some other impediment, when he should have Anchored, fell so far to Leeward, as the Wind and Tide carried him out of the Road, so that it was the next day, before his Ship could be fetched in again; whereat the Admiral was much enraged, and put himself into the Dreadnought, and brought her to an Anchor close to the Vice-Admiral, about Two of the Clock in the Afternoon: There was no opportunity let pass, for where the Admiral saw defect in any other Ship, he presently caused it to be supplied, and the Easterlings, who were appointed to Board the Carrek, beginning to saint, and fail of observing the directions given them, the Vice-Admiral perceiving it, went on Board them himself, vowing, that if they seemed backward in putting in Execution the design of firing the Carack, they should look for as little Life from the English, as they could expect from the Enemy. Whilst the Vice-Admiral was thus ordering things, Sir Richard Lewson came to him, and would in no case suffer him to Board the Carack himself, but carried him into the Dreadnought, where they consulted how to preserve the Carack, and enjoy her.  
The result of this Reference was, to offer her parley, which they presently put in practice, and commanded all the Ships to leave shooting, until the return of the Messenger: The man employed, was one Captain Sewell, who had escaped, and swum to us, having been Four Years Prisoner in the Galleys, and so did many Turks and Christians; the effect of this Parley, was to persuade them to yield, promising honourable Conditions, and he was to intimate, as from himself, that the Galleys, whose strength they presumed upon, were beaten, some burnt, the rest fled; that we had the possession of the Road, the Castle not being able to abide our Ordinance, much less the Carack, and if they refused this offer of Mercy, they were to expect all the Cruelty and Rigour, that a Conqueror could impose upon his Enemy: After some Conference to this effect, the Captain of the Carack told him, He would send some Gentlemen of Quality, with Commission to Treat, and desired, that some of the like Quality fromus, might repair to him, to the same purpose.  
These Gentlemen came aboard the Dreadnought, where the Admiral and Vice-Admiral were, attending the return and success of Captain Sewell; after the delivery of their Message, they would needs hasten on Board the Carack again, for that, as it seemed, there was an uproar and a division in her, some being of opinion to entertain a Parley, others to save themselves, and set her on fire: which Sir William Monson hearing, without further delay, or conference, with Sir Richard, what was to be done, he leapt suddenly into his Boat, and rowed unto the Carack; when he drew near to her, he was known by divers Gentlemen on Board her, he having once been a Prisoner among them: they seemed to be very glad of this meeting, and their passed divers Embracements between them, in remembrance of their old acquaintance: The Captain was called Don Diego de Lobo, a Gallant young Gentleman, of a Noble House. He descended down upon the bend of the Ship, and commanded his men to stand aside; Sir William did the like to his company, in the Boat; the Captain demanded of him, if he had the Portugal Language; he told him, he had sufficient to Treat of that business; acquainted him of the Place he commanded in the Fleet, intimated the affection and respect he bore the Portugal Nation, and that the Treaty which was offered, proceeded out of his motion, and wished him to make his proposals, which were as followeth, The first demand he made, was, That they should be safely put on shore with their Arms. The Second, That it should be done the same Night: The Third, That they should enjoy their Ship and Ordinance, as appertaining to the King, but we the Wealth. The Fourth, That the Flag and Ancient should not be taken down, but worn while the Carack was unlading, His Speech being ended, Sir William told him, That his Demands gave suspicion, that under pretence of Parley, they meant Treachery, or that their hopes were greater, than there was cause; and, but that he knew it was the use of some men, to demand great things, when less will serve them, he would not lose his advantage, to entertain a Parley; he desired, that what they intended, might be quickly concluded, for Night growing on, might advantage them, and for his Resolution, he should understand it in few words, viz. To his first Demand, He was willing to yield, That they should be put on shore with their Arms. To the Second, That he was contented, that they should be set on shore that Night, except Eight or Ten of the Principal Gentlemen; whom he would detain Three Days. To the Third, He held it idle and frivolous, to imagine, he would consent to separate Ship and Goods, and esteemed it Por Cosa de burla. To the Fourth, He would not consent, being resolved, never to permit a Spanish Flag to be worn in the presence of the Queen's Ships, unless it were disgracefully, over the Poop. There was long expostulations upon these points, and Sir William Monson seeing the obstinacy of the Captain, offered, in a great rage, to leap into his Boat, resolving to break the Treaty, which the rest of the Gentlemen perceiving, and that he had propounded nothing but what might very well stand with their Reputation, they entreated him once more to ascend into the Carack, and they would enter into new Capitulations: The effect whereof, as it was agreed upon, were these that follow;  
That a Messenger should be sent to the Admiral, to have his Confirmation of the points concluded on; and that in the mean time the Flag and Ancient should be taken down; and if the Admiral should not consent to the Agreement, they to have leisure to put out their Flag and Ancient tofore the Fight should begin. That the Company should be presently set on Shore; but the Captain, with eight other of the principal Gentlemen three days after. That the Ship with her Goods, should be surrendered without any Practice or Treason. That they should use their endeavours, that the Castle should forbear shooting whilst we rid in the Road; and this was the effect of the Conditions agreed upon. This Carack Wintered in Mosambicke, in her return from the Indies, a place of great Infection, as appeared by the Mortality among them: For of 600 and odd men, twenty of them lived not to return Home. After a great deal of Calamity and Mortality, she arrived at this Port of Cisembre, as you have heard, the Viceroy of Portugal, having sent 11 Galleys to her Rescue, and 400 mocas de Camera, which is a Title of Gentlemen that serve the King upon any Honourable Occasion, when they are commanded. That she was brought to this pass, and forced to yield on these Conditions, Sir Robert Cecil was wont to impute to the gentlemen's Acquaintance with Sir William Monson. Although three days were limited for setting the Captain on Shore, yet it was held Discretion not to detain them longer than until the Carack was brought off safely to our Ships; and therefore Sir William Monson having carried the Captain, and the rest of the Gentlemen on board him, where they Supped, had variety of Music, and spent the Night in great Jollity; the Morning following, accompanied them on Shore himself, whither the Conde de Vitagera had drawn down all the Force of the whole Country, amounting to the number of 10000 men.  
I must not omit to describe the Behaviour of the Galleys in the Fight, that every Man may have that Honour that is due to him: Those of Portugal, being of the Squadron of the Marquis of St. Cruz, betook themselves, with their General, to Flight in the middle of the Fight; but Frederico Spinola, who was to convey his Galleys out of Spain into the Low Countries, followed not the Example of the Marquis, but made good the Road; which the other seeing, with Shame returned; but to both their Costs: for before they departed, they found the Climate so hot, as they were forced to fly, their Galleys being so miserably beaten, and their Slaves so pitifully slain, as there wanted nothing but Boats to possess them all, as well as the two we took and burnt; which is a thing hath been seldom seen or heard of, for Ships to take and destroy Galleys. The number of Men slain in the Town, the Castle, the Carack and Galleys, are unknown, though they could not choose but be many; the Wealth of the Carack could then as ill be estimated, though after found to be great; the Value of the two Galleys burnt with their Loading of Powder, is hard to judge, though it's known to have been a Service of great Importance. For our Loss, it was not much, only one man killed in the Flyboat, five slain, and as many hurt in the Garland, and one hurt in the Adventure: Sir William Monson had the left Wing of his Doublet shot off, but received no other Hurt.  
The day following, with a favourable Wind, we stood our Course for England, which brought us into 47 Degrees; and there we met a Pinnace, sent with a Packet from the Lords, signifying the readiness of a second Fleet to supply us, and the setting out of the Hollanders, which were so long looked for; which Fleet of Holland was in View of the Pinnace the same Night; but passed by us unseen. This unlooked for Accident made the Admiral and Vice-Admiral consider what to do, and concluded, they could not both appear at Home, and have a Fleet of so great Importance upon the Enemy's Coast without a Guide or Head; and therefore they held it fit the Vice-Admiral should put himself into the Nonperil, as the ablest Ship of the Fleet, and make his Return once more to the Coast of Spain; but he having taken his Leave, and standing his Course for the Coast, a most violent Storm, with a contrary Wind took him, which continued ten days, and discovered the weakness of his Ship, who had like to have foundered in the Deep. The Carpenters and Company seeing the apparent Danger, if he bore not up before the Wind, presented him with a Petition, beseeching him to have a regard to their Lives; for by keeping the Seas they should all perish. Thus was he forced by mere Extremity to bear room for England; and coming for Plymouth, he found the Carack safely arrived, and the Fleet he went back to take Charge of, not to have quitted the Coast of England.  
Though it be somewhat impertinent to this Voyage, to treat of more than the Success thereof; yet I will a little digress, and relate the Mishap of that worthy Young Gentleman Don Diego de Lobo, Captain of the Carack; and because his Worth will more appear by his Answer to Sir William Monson's Offer to him when he was his Prisoner; thus it was: Sir William Monson told him, he doubted, that by the loss of the Carack, he had lost his best Means; for that he supposed, what he had gained in the Indies, was laden in her; and therefore offered, that what he would challenge upon his Reputation to be his own, he should have Freedom to carry along with him. The Gentleman acknowledged the Favour to be extraordinary; but replied, that what he had, he had gained by his Sword; and that his Sword, he doubted not, would repair his Fortunes again, utterly refusing to accept any Courtesy in that kind: But, poor Gentleman, ill Fortune thus left him not: For the Viceroy, Don Cristoball de Moro, holding it for a great indignity to have the Carack taken out of the Port, that was defended by a Castle, and guarded with 11 Galleys, and especially in his hearing of the Ordnance to Lisbon, and in the view of thousands of People who beheld it; some of them feeling it too, by the loss of their Goods that were in her, others grieving for the Death of their Friends that were slain; but every man finding himself touched in Reputation.  

The Names of the Carrecks and Eleven Galleys.  
The St. Valentine, a Carack of one Thousand seven Hundred Tuns.  
The Christopher, the Admiral of Portugal, wherein the Marquis de Sancta Cruz went.  
The St. Lewis, wherein Frederick Spinola went General of the Galleys of Spain.  
The Forteleza, Vice-Admiral to the Marquis.  
The Trividad, Vice-Admiral to Frederick Spinola, burnt.  
The Snis, in which Sir William Monson was Prisoner, 1591.  
The Occasion burnt, and the Captain taken Prisoner.  
The St. John Baptist.  
The Lazear.  
The Padillar.  
The Philip.  
The St. John.   
And the Viceroy not knowing how to clear himself so well, as the laying it upon the Gentlemen he put on Board her, the same Night they returned to their Lodging, he caused the most part of them, with their Captain, to be apprehended, imputing the loss of the Carack to their Cowardice and Fear, if not Treason and Connivance with the Enemy. After some time of Imprisonment, by mediation of Friends, all the Gentlemen were released but the Captain, who received secret Advice, that the Viceroy intended his Death, and that he should seek by Escape to prevent it. Don Diego being thus perplexed, practised with his Sister, who finding means for his Escape out of a Window, he fled into Italy, where he lived in Exile, from 1602. when this happened, until 1615. His Government in the Indies, for which he had a Patent in Reversion, was confiscate, and he left hopeless ever to return into his Native Country, much less to be restored to his Command; an ill Welcome after so long and painful a Navigation. Having thus spent thirteen years in Exile, at the last he advised with Friends, whose Council he followed, to repair into England, there to inquire after some Commanders, that had been at the taking of the Carack, by whose Certificate he might be cleared of Cowardice or Treason in the loss of her, which would be a good Motive to restore him to his Government again. In the Year 1515. he arrived in London, and after some Enquiry found out Sir William Monson, to whom he complained of his hard Mishap, craving the Assistance of him and some others, whom Sir William knew to be at the taking of the Carack, and desired him to testify the manner of surprising her, which he alleged, was no more than one Gentleman was bound to afford another in such a case.  
Sir William wondered to see him, and especially upon such an Occasion: For the present, he entertained him with all Courtesy; and the longer his stay was in England, the Courtesies were the greater, which Sir William did him. Sir William procured him a true and effectual Certificate from himself, Sir Francis Howard, Captain Barlow, and some others who were Witnesses of that Service; and to give it the more Reputation, he caused it to be enrolled in the Office of the Admiralty. The Gentleman being well satisfied with his Entertainment, and having what he desired, returned to Flanders, where he presented his Certificate to the Archduke and the Infanta, by whose means he got Assurance, not only of the King's Favour, but of Restitution likewise to his Government. The poor Gentleman having been thus tossed by the Waves of Calamity, from one Country to another, and never finding rest; Death that masters all men, now cut him off short, in the midst of his hopes, as he was preparing his Journey for Spain; and this was an end of an unfortunate gallant young Gentleman, whose Deserts might justly have challenged a better reward, if God had pleased to afford it him.   

Sir William Monson to the Coast of Spain, Anno 1602.  
Ships. Commanders. The Swiftsuer Sir Will. Monson The Mary Rose Capt. Trevers The Dreadnought Capt. Cawfield The Adventure Capt. Norris The Answer Capt. Brodgate The Quittance Capt. Browne The Lion's Whelp Capt. May The Paragon, A Merchant. Capt. Jason A small Carvel Capt. Hooper  
THe Fleet of Sir Richard Lewson being happily returned, with the fortune of a Carack, as you have heard, and the Queen having now no Ships upon the Spanish Coast, to impeach the Enemy's preparations, she feared, the Fleet which was ready at the Groin, would give a Second Assault upon Ireland; whereupon Sir William Monson, who by this time was arrived at Plymouth, was sent for in great haste, by her Majesty, to advise about, and take on him the charge of the Fleet, then at Plymouth. After a long Conference with Sir William Monson, in the presence of her Majesty, her Lord Admiral, Treasurer, and Secretary, it was Resolved, That Sir William should repair to Plymouth, and with all speed get forth those Ships, and others that were there making ready. His directions were, to present himself before the Harbour of the Groin, being the place where the Spaniards made their Rendezvous, and if he found any likelihood of a design upon Ireland, not to quit that Coast until he saw the Issue, but if he found Ireland secure, and the Enemy's preparations to be intended only for defence of their own Coasts, than his instructions led him thence, to the place where the Holland Fleet had order to attend, and expect him; and afterwards, the whole carriage of the Action was referred to his discretion, but with this caution, that above all respects of other profit or advantage, he attended the affair of Ireland. The Wind this part of the Summer hung contrary, and it was Six Weeks before he could clear the Coast, during which time, he lost his greatest hopes, by the return of the Carrecks of the Indian Fleet, which happened a full Month before his arrival: He set Sail from Plymouth the last of August, with a scant Wind, which continued with foul Wether, until he recovered the Groin, choosing rather to keep the Sea, then hazard the overthrow of the Voyage by his return.  
He stayed at the Groin, until he understood that the Fleet which was suspected to be prepared for Ireland, was gone to Lisbon, to join with Don Diego de Borachero, who all that Summer durst not budge forth, for fear of our Fleet, that made good the Coast thereabouts: Sir William in his way to the Rock, commanded his Carvel to repair to the Islands of Bayon, as the likeliest place to procure Intelligence of the State of those parts; as the Carvel drew near the Islands, he discerned the Spanish Fleet, consisting of Twenty Four Sail, whose design was, as she understood by a Boat she took, to look out the English Fleet, whose coming they daily expected upon the Coast; and meeting Sir William with this news, he held it a good Service to be thus warned of them. Here he took two goodly Ships of France, bound for Lisbon, which Harbour he put them from, and took Pledges that they should directly return into France, without touching in any Harbour of Spain, for that he understood, the Spanish Fleet was ill provided of men, and many other things which these Ships could supply. Sir William and the Dreadnought, were carried with a chase into the Road of Cisimbre, where the Carack was taken not long before, and after some Fight with the Castle, who defended the Vessel chased, they came to a friendly Treaty, and Presents passed between them.  
That Night, while the Admiral rid in the Road, a Carvel coming in, not mistrusting him, was taken, but dismissed in a friendly manner; by whom he understood the affairs of Lisbon, but could get no notice of the Holland Fleet, which was appointed to attend at the Rock, whither once more he repaired.  
Coming thither the 26th of September, a light was espied in the Night, which the Admiral chased, thinking it had been the Fleet of St. Omer, or Brazil, bound for Lisbon, where they were expected; but drawing so near them, that he might hail them, he found them, by the hugeness of their Vessels, and the number which answered the relation the Carvel made, to be the Armado of Spain: whereupon he sought means how to clear himself, being engaged amongst them, and made a Spaniard which served him call to them, but they could not hear him; the Adventure only, and the Whelp, were left with him, the rest losing company, Four nights before in a Storm; the Enemy perceiving our lights, and thinking it to be some Fleet of Flemings, stood in amongst us, but the Adventure being discovered to be an Enemy, the Alarm was soon taken, and they shot at her, and slew and hurt some of her men; as soon as the day appeared, the Spaniards beheld the Three Enlish Ships a head them, which they chased, and Three of them, which were better of Sail than the rest, fetched upon us, and drew near the Whelp, who was of small Force to resist them.  
But the Admiral resolving, though it was to his own evident Peril, not to see a Pinnace of her Majesties so lost, if so be he could rescue her with the loss of his Life, though it was much against the persuasions of his Master, and company, he stroke his two Sails for the Whelp, and commanded her to stand her course, while he stayed for the Three Spanish Ships, with hope to make them have little list to pursue us: The Admiral of the Spaniards perceiving how little he cared for his Three Ships, in that he lingered for their coming up, took in with the shore, and shot off a piece for his Three Ships to follow him. It may appear by this, as by several other expeditions of ours, how much the swift Sailing of Ships doth avail, being the principal advantage in Sea Service, and indeed the main thing we could presume upon, in our War against the Spaniards. Sir William having thus escaped the Enemy, in his traverse at Sea, there happened, as there doth upon all Coasts, where there is plenty of Trade, divers occasions of chaces; and one day Sir William following one Ship, and the Adventure another, they lost company for the whole Voyage.  
Sir William was advertised by a Ship he took, being a Frenchman, who came from St. Lucas, that the St. Domingo Fleet was looked for daily, which Intelligence made him bear up for the South Cape, as well in hopes to meet with them, as to have news of his Fleet.  
He was no sooner come to the Cape, but he was informed by some English men of War, that the Domingo Fleet was passed by two days before; here he met with Ships of several Nations, some he rescued from Pirates, and to others that were in League with her Majesty, he gave his safe conduct, for their free passage on the Sea; he kept that Coast until the 21th of October, on which morning he gave chase to a Gallion of the King of Spain, who recovered the Castle of Cape Sacre, before he could fetch her up; although he knew the strength of the Castle, yet he attempted, and had carried her, had it not been for the fear and cowardice of him at the Helm, who bore up, when he was ready to Board her: The Fight was not long, but sharp and dangerous, for there never passed shot between them, till they were within a Ships length one of another: The Castle played her part, and tore his Ship, so that a man might have crept through her: Between the Castle and Gallion, they slew in the Admiral Ten men, and hurt many more, in the view of Sireago and his Quadron, to the Westward, and of divers English men of War, to the Eastward, who durst not put themselves upon the rescue of Sir William, for fear of the Castle: Sir William being now left alone, and seeing what head Land soever he came unto, he was to encounter a Spanish Squadron, stood his course that night to Sea, thinking to try, if the Islands of Terceras would afford him any better Fortune, but coming within Forty or Fifty Leagues of the Islands, he was taken short with the Wind, yet still, bearing up what he could for the Rock; but at length finding his Victuals grew short, his Mast perished, and the dangers he was exposed to, by keeping that Coast, he directed his course for England, and came to Plymouth, the 24th of November, where he found the Mary-rose and Dreadnought, most part of their men being dead or sick.  
The Adventure arrived within an hour after him, who in her way homewards fell, amongst the Braizl Fleet, and encountering with them, lost divers men, but took none: The Paragon was at home long before, with a Prize of Sugar, and Spices, which countervailed the charge of the Voyage. The Quittance in her return, met Two Ships of Dunkirk, and in fight with them, her Captain was slain, but she acquitted herself very well, without further harm. This Fleet, as you have heard, was to keep the Enemy busied at home, that he might be diverted from the thoughts of Ireland; what hazard it endured by the Enemy, the fury of the Sea, and foul Wether, doth appear; and no marvel; for it was the latest Fleet in Winter, that ever kept upon the Spanish Coast, as it was likewise the last Fleet her Majesty employed; for in March after she died, and by her Death all War ceased. As Sir William Monson was General of this last Fleet, so was he a Soldier, and a Youth, at the beginning of the Wars, and was at the taking of the first Spanish Prize, that ever saw the English Coast, which yet was purchased with the loss of Twenty Five of our men, besides Fifty hurt. This Prize was afterwards a Man of War, and served against the Spaniards, and was in those days reckoned the best Ship of War we had; she was called the Commander, and belonged to Sir George Carew, than Governor of the Isle of Wight.   

Sir Richard Lewson and Sir William Monson into the Narrow Seas, Anno 1603.  
Ships. Commanders. The Repulse Sir Richard Lewson The Mere-honor Sir William Monson The Defiance Capt. Goer The Warspight Capt. Seymers The Rainbow Capt. Trevor The Dreadnought Capt. Reynolds The Quittance Capt. Howard The Lion's Whelp Capt. Polwheele  
SIR William Monson returning with his Fleet, in November, there was a Resolution to furnish another against February, which should be recruited with fresh Ships, Men and Victuals in June. Sir Richard Lewson was to command the former Fleet, and Sir William Monson the later: For the Queen found it a Course both secure and profitable, to keep a continual Force upon the Spanish Coast, from February to November, that being the time of greatest Peril to her Majesty; and she was the rather encouraged thereto, by the safety she found the last Summer, and the Wealth and Riches she had from time to time taken from the Enemy. The Complaint of the ill furnishing out of her Ships in other Voyages, made it more carefully to be looked unto now, and there was better Choice of Victuals and Men than usually had been; but in the mean time, it pleased God to visit her Majesty with Sickness, which caused a lingering, though no absolute dissolving of the Fleet; but when her Danger was perceived to increase, the Ships were hastened out to Sea, it being a point of good Policy, to keep our Seas guarded from any Foreign Attempt, until his Majesty should be peaceably settled in England.  
This Fleet departed from Quinborough the 22th. of March, and arrived in the Downs the 25th. of the same, being the day after her Majesty's Death: The News whereof, and Commandment to proclaim King James the Sixth of Scotland, our Lawful King, and the rightful Inheritor to the Crown, arrived both together; which put us into two contrary Passions, the one of Grief, the other of Joy: Grief for the Loss of the Queen, Joy for accepting of the King in that peaceable manner, which was a Happiness beyond all Expectation, either at home or abroad.  
As the Design of this Fleet was to guard and defend our own Coasts from any Incursion that might be made out of France or the Low Countries; so the Commanders were vigilant to appear on those Coasts once in two days, to dishearten them, in case they had any such Thought; but the truth is, it was beyond their Abilities, whatever was in their Hearts to impugn his Majesty. And because the Archduke would make the Candidness of his Intention apparent to the World, he called in his Letters of Reprisal against the English; and published an Edict for a free and unmolested Traffic into Flanders: So that now our Merchants might again trade peaceably into those Parts from which they had been debarred the space of Eighteen Years. The King finding, that France neither impeached his Right, nor gave any Jealousy by the raising of an Army; and that the Archduke made a Demonstration of his desire of Peace, his Majesty did the like, acknowledging the League he had with those Princes, with whom the late Queen had Wars: For Wars betwixt Country's are not hereditary; but commonly end with the Death of their Kings: Wherefore he commanded his Ships to give over their Southern Employment, and to repair to Chatham, giving manifest Testimonies, how desirous he was that his Subjects should recover that Wealth and Freedom by Peace, which they had formerly lost by War.  
FINIS.    

A true and plain DECLARATION OF THE Horrible Treasons Practised by WILLIAM PARRY Against the Queen's Majesty; AND OF His Conviction and Execution for the same, The 2d. of March 1584. according to the account of England.  
THis William Parry being a man of very mean and base Parentage, but of a most proud and insolent Spirit, bearing himself always far above the measure of his Fortune, after he had long led a wasteful and dissolute life, and had committed a great Outrage against one Hugh Hare, a Gentleman of the Inner-Temple, with an intent to have murdered him in his own Chamber, for the which he was most justly convicted; seeing himself generally condemned with all good men for the same, and other his Misdemeanours, he left his natural Country, and gave himself to travel into foreign parts beyond the Seas. In the course of this his Travel, he forsook his Allegiance and dutiful Obedience to her Majesty, and was reconciled, and subjected himself to the Pope. After which, upon conference with certain Jesuits, and others of like quality, he first conceived his most detestable Treason to kill the Queen (whose life God long preserve;) which he bound himself by Promise, Letters, and Vows, to perform and execute: and so with this intent he returned into England in January 1583; and since that did practise at sundry times to have executed his most devilish purpose and determination: yet covering the same, so much as in him lay, with a vail and pretence of great Loyalty to her Majesty.  
Immediately upon his return into England, he sought to have secret Access to her Majesty, pretending to have some matter of great importance to reveal unto her: which obtained, and the same so privately in her Highness' Palace at Whitehal, as her Majesty had but one only Counsellor with her at the time of his Access, in a remote place, who was so far distant, as he could not hear his Speech. And there then he discovered unto her Majesty (but shadowed with all crafty and traitorous skill he had) some part of the Conference and Proceeding, as well with the said Jesuits, and other Ministers of the Popes, as especially with one Thomas Morgan, a Fugitive, residing at Paris, who above all others did persuade him to proceed in that most devilish Attempt, (as is set down in his voluntary Confession following,) bearing her Majesty notwithstanding in hand, That his only intent of proceeding so far with the said Jesuits, and the Pope's Ministers, tended to no other end, but to discover the dangerous Practices devised and attempted against her Majesty by her disloyal Subjects, and other malicious persons in foreign parts. Albeit it hath since appeared most manifestly, as well by his said Confession, as by his dealing with one Edmond Nevil Esq; That his only intent of discovering the same in sort as he craftily and traitorously did, tended to no other end, but to make the way the easier to accomplish his most devilish and wicked purpose.  
And although any other Prince but her Majesty (who is loath to put on a hard Censure of those that protest to be loyal, as Parry did,) would rather have proceeded to the punishment of a Subject that had waded so far, as by Oath and Vow to promise the taking away of her life (as he to her Majesty's self did confess;) yet such was her goodness, as instead of punishing, she did deal so graciously with him, as she suffered him not only to have Access unto her presence, but also many times to have private Conference with her; and did offer unto him, upon opinion once conceived of his fidelity towards her (as though his wicked pretence had been, as he protested, for her service) a most liberal Pension.  
Besides, to the end that he might not grow hateful to the good and well-affected Subjects of the Realm, (from whom he could in no sort have escaped with safety of his life, if his devilish purpose had been revealed) her Majesty did conceal the same, without communicating it to any creature, until such time as he himself had opened the same unto certain of her Council; and that it was also discovered, that he sought to draw the said Nevil to have been a party in his devilish and most wicked purpose.  
A very rare Example! and such as doth more set forth the singular goodness and bounty of her Majesty's Princely nature, than commend (if it be lawful for a Subject to censure his Sovereign) her providence such as ought to be in a Prince and person of her Majesty's wisdom and quality. And as the goodness of her Majesty's nature did hereby most manifestly show itself to be rare in so extraordinary a case, and in a matter of so great peril unto her own Royal Person; so did the malice of Parry most evidently appear to be in the highest and extremest degree: who notwithstanding the said extraordinary grace and favour extended towards him, did not only persuade the said Nevil to be an Associate in the said wicked Enterprise, but did also very vehemently (as Nevil confesseth) importune him therein, as an Action lawful, honourable, and meritorious, omitting nothing that might provoke him to assent thereunto.  
But such was the singular goodness of Almighty God, (who even from her Majesty's Cradle, by many evident Arguments, hath showed himself her only and especial Protector) that he so wrought in Nevil's heart, as he was moved to reveal the same unto her Majesty; and for that purpoce made choice of a faithful Gentleman, and of good quality in the Court, unto whom upon Monday the 8th of February last, he discovered at large all that had passed between Parry and him; who immediately made it known to her Majesty: whereupon her Highness' pleasure was, That Nevil should be examined by the Earl of Leicester, and Sir Christopher Hatton; who in the evening of the same day did examine him; and he affirmed constantly all which he had before declared to the said Gentleman.  
In the mean time, her Majesty continued her singular and most Princely magnanimity, neither dismayed with the rareness of the Accident, nor appalled with the horror of so villainous an Enterprise, tending even to the taking away of her most gracious life; (a matter especially observed by the Counsellor that was present at such time as Parry, after his return, did first discover unto her Majesty his wicked purpose; who found no other alteration in her countenance, than if he had imparted unto her some matter of contentment;) which showeth manifestly how she reposeth her confidence wholly in the defence of the Almighty. And so her Majesty, following the wont course of her singular Clemency, gave order that Parry the same Monday in the evening (though not so known to him) should be sent to Mr. Secretary's house in London, he being then there; who according unto such direction as he received from her Majesty, did let him understand, That her Highness (in respect of the good will she knew he bore unto the said Parry, and of the Trust that Parry did outwardly profess to repose in Mr. Secretary) had made especial choice of him to deal with him in a matter that concerned her highly; and that she doubted not but that he would discharge his duty towards her, according unto that extraordinary devotion that he professed to bear unto her.  
And thereupon told him that her Majesty had been advertised that there was somewhat intended presently against her own Person, wherewith she thought he could not but be made acquainted, considering the great Trust that some of her worst-affected Subjects reposed in him; and that her pleasure therefore was, That he should declare unto him his knowledge therein: and whether the said Parry himself had let fall any speech unto any person (though with an intent only to have discovered his disposition) that might draw him in suspicion, as though he himself had any such wicked intent. But Parry with great and vehement protestations denied it utterly; whereupon Mr. Secretary, the rather to induce him to deal more plainly in a matter so important, declared unto him, That there was a Gentleman of Quality, every way as good or better than himself, and rather his Friend than Enemy, that would avouch it to his face: Yet Parry persisted stubbornly in his former denial, and justification of his own innocency; and would not in any respect yield that he was party or privy to any such Motion, Enterprise, or intent. And being lodged that night at Mr. Secretary's house, the next morning he desired earnestly to have some further speech with Mr. Secretary; which granted, Parry declared to him, that he had called to remembrance that he had once some speech with one Nevil a Kinsman of his (so he called him) touching a point of Doctrine contained in the Answer made to the Book, entitled, The Execution of Justice in England; by which book it was resolved, That it was lawful to take away the Life of a Prince, in furtherance of the Catholic Religion: But he protested that they never had any speech at all of any Attempt intended against her Majesty's Person. Which Denial of his (at two sundry times, after so much light given him) doth set forth most apparently both the Justice and Providence of God: His Justice, for that (though he was one of a sharp conceit) he had no power to take hold of this Overture, thereby to have avoided the danger that Nevil's Accusation might bring him into by confessing the same, as a thing propounded only to feel Nevil's mind, whom before he had reported unto Master Secretary he found a person discontented, and therefore his Confession might to very great purpose have served to have cleared himself touching the intent: His Providence, for that of his great Mercy he would not suffer so dangerous and wicked a member to escape, and to live to Her Majesty's peril.  
The same day at Night Parry was brought to the Earl of Leicester's house, and there eftsoons examined before the said Earl of Leicester, Master Vice-Chamberlain, and Master Secretary: He persisted still in his denial of all that he was charged with. Whereupon Nevil, being brought before him face to face, justified his Accusation against him. He notwithstanding would not yet yield to confess it, but very proudly and insolently opposed his Credit against the Credit of Nevil, affirming that his No was as good as Nevil's Yea; and as by way of recrimination, objected the Crime to Nevil himself. On the other side, Nevil did with great Constancy affirm all that he had before said, and did set down many probable Circumstances of the Times, Places, and Manners of their sundry Conferences, and of such other Accidents as had happened between them in the course of that Action. Whereupon Parry was then committed to the Tower, and Nevil commanded by their Honours to set down in writing under his Hand, all that which before he had delivered by words: which he did with his own hand, as followeth.  

Edmund Nevil his Declaration the 10th of February, 1584. subscribed with his own Hand.  
WIlliam Parry the last Summer, soon after his repulse in his Suit for the Mastership of St. Katherine's, repaired to my Lodging in the White Friars, where he showed himself a person greatly discontented, and vehemently inveighed against Her Majesty, and willed me to assure myself, that during this time and state, I should never receive Contentment. But sith, said he, I know you to be Honourably descended, and a Man of Resolution, if you will give me assurance, either to join with me, or not to discover me, I will deliver unto you the only means to do yourself good. Which when I had promised him, he appointed me to come the next day to his House in Fetterlane: and repairing thither accordingly, I found him in his Bed; whereupon he commanded his men forth, and began with me in this order. My Lord, said he, (for so he called me) I protest before God, that three Reasons principally do induce me to enter into this Action, which I intent to discover unto you; the replanting of Religion, the preferring of the Scotish Title, and the advancement of Justice, wonderfully corrupted in this Commonwealth: And thereupon entered into some Discourses what places were fit to be taken, to give entrance to such Foreign Forces as should be best liked of, for the furtherance of such Erterprises as were to be undertaken. And with these Discourses he passed the time, until he went to Dinner: after which, the Company being retired, he entered into his former discourses. And if I be not deceived, (said he) by taking of Quinborough- Castle, we shall hinder the passage of the Queen's Ships forth of the River. Whereunto when he saw me use no contradiction, he shook me by the hand; Tush, said he, this is nothing: If men were resolute, there is an Enterprise of much more moment, and much easier to perform; an Act honourable and meritorious to God and the world. Which seeing me desirous to know, he was not ashamed to utter in plain terms, to consist in killing of her Majesty: Wherein, saith he, if you will go with me, I will lose my Life, or deliver my Country from her bad and tyrannous Government. At which Speeches finding me discontented, he asked me, if I had read Doctor Allen's Book, out of which he alleged an Authority for it. I answered, No, and that I did not believe that Authority. Well, said he, what will you say, if I show further Authority than this, even from Rome itself a plain Dispensation for the kill of her, wherein you shall find it (as I said before) meritorious? Good Cousin, said I, when you shall show it me, I shall think it very strange, when I shall see one to hold that for meritorious, which another holdeth for damnable. Well, said Parry, do me but the favour to think upon it till to morrow: And if one man be in the Town, I will not fail to show you the thing itself: and if he be not, he will be within these five or six days; at which time if it please you to meet me at Chanon-row, we may there receive the Sacrament to be true each to other, and then I will discover unto you both the party, and the thing itself. Whereupon I prayed Parry to think better upon it, as a matter of great charge both of Soul and Body. I would to God, said Parry, you were as perfectly persuaded in it as I am, for then undoubtedly you should do God great service.  
Not long after, eight or ten days, (as I remember) Parry coming to visit me at my lodging in Herns rents in Holborn, as he often used, we walked forth into the fields, where he renewed again his determination to kill her Majesty, whom he said he thought most unworthy to live, and that he wondered I was so scrupulous therein. She hath sought, said he, your ruin and overthrow, why should you not then seek to revenge it? I confess, quoth I, that my case is hard, but yet am I not so desperate as to revenge it upon myself, which must needs be the event of so unhonest and impossible an enterprise. Impossible, said Parry, I wonder at you; for in truth there is not any thing more easy: you are no Courtier, and therefore know not her customs of walking with small train, and often in the Garden very privately, at which time myself may easily have access unto her, and you also when you are known in Court. Upon the fact we must have a Barge ready to carry us with speed down the River, where we will have a ship ready to transport us if it be needful: but upon my head, we shall never be followed so far. I asked him, How will you escape forth of the Garden? for you shall not be permitted to carry any men with you, and the Gates will then be locked, neither can you carry a Dag without suspicion. As for a Dag, said Parry, I care not: my Dagger is enough. And as for my escaping, those that shall be with her, will be so busy about her, as I shall find opportunity enough to escape, if you be there ready with the Barge to receive me. But if this seem dangerous in respect of your reason before showed, let it then rest till her coming to St. James, and let us furnish ourselves in the mean time with men and horse fit for the purpose: we may each of us keep eight or ten men without suspicion. And for my part, said he, I shall find good fellows that will follow me without suspecting mine intent. It is much, said he, that so many resolute men may do upon the sudden, being well appointed with each his Case of Dags: if they were an hundred waiting upon her, they were not able to save her; you coming of the one side and I on the other, and discharging our Dags upon her, it were unhappy if we should both miss her. But if our Dags fail, I shall bestir me well with a sword ere she escape me. Whereunto I said, Good Doctor give over this odious enterprise, and trouble me no more with the hearing of that, which in heart I loathe so much. I would to God the enterprise were honest, that I might make known unto thee whether I want solution. And not long after, her Majesty came to St. James'; after which, one morning (the day certain I remember not,) Parry revived again his former discourse of killing her Majesty, with great earnestness and importunity persuading me to join therein: saying, he thought me the only man of England like to perform it, in respect of my valour, as he termed it.  
Whereupon, I made semblance as if I had been more willing to hear him than before, hoping by that means to cause him to deliver his mind to some other that might be witness thereof with me; wherein nevertheless I failed. After all this, on Saturday last, being the sixth of February, between the hours of five and six in the afternoon, Parry came to my Chamber, and desired to talk with me apart: whereupon we drew ourselves to a window. And where I had told Parry before, that a learned man whom I met by chance in the fields, unto whom I proponed the question touching her Majesty, had answered me that it was an enterprise most villainous and damnable, willing me to discharge myself of it: Parry then desired to know that learned man's name, and what was become of him, saying, after a scornful manner, No doubt he was a very wise man, and you wiser in believing him: and said further, I hope you told him not that I had any thing from Rome. Yes in truth, said I Whereunto Parry said, I would you had not named me, nor spoken of any thing I had from Rome. And thereupon he earnestly persuaded me estsoons to depart beyond the Seas, promising to procure me safe passage into Wales, and from thence into Britain; whereat we ended. But I than resolved not to do so, but to discharge my conscience, and lay open this his most traitorous and abominable intention against her Majesty: which I revealed in sort as is before set down.  
Edmund Nevil.   
After this confession of Edmund Nevil, William Parry the 11th. day of February last, being examined in the Tower of London, by the Lord Hunsdon, Lord Governor of Barwick, Sir Christopher Hatton knight, Vicechamberlain to her Majesty, and Sir Francis Walsingham Knight, principal Secretary to her Majesty, did voluntary and without any constraint, by word of mouth make confession of his said Treason; and after, set it down in writing all with his own hand in his Lodging in the Tower, and sent it to the Court the 13th. of the same, by the Lieutenant of the Tower. The parts whereof concerning his manner of doing the same, and the Treasons wherewith he was justly charged are here set down, word for word, as they are written and signed with his own hand and name, the 11th. of February, 1584.  

The voluntary Confession of William Parry, in writing all with his own hand.  
The voluntary Confession of William Parry Doctor of the Laws, (now Prisoner in the Tower) and accused of Treason by Edmund Nevil Esquire, promised by him (with all faith and humility) to the Queen's Majesty, in discharge of his Conscience and Duty towards God and her. Before the Lord Hunsdon, Lord Governor of Barwick, Sir Christopher Hatton Knight, Vicechamberlain, Sir Francis Walsingham Knight, principal Secretary,  
the 13th. of February, 1584. Parry.  
IN the year 1570. I was sworn her Majesty's servant, from which time until the year 1580. I served, honoured, and loved her with as great readiness, devotion, and assurance as any poor subject in England. In the end of that year, and until Midsummer 1582. I had some trouble for the hurting of a Gentleman of the Temple. In which action I was so disgraced and oppressed by two great men (to whom I have of late been beholden) that I never had contented thought since. There began my misfortune, and here followeth my woeful fall.  
In July after, I laboured for licence to travail for three years, which (upon some consideration) was easily obtained. And so in August, I went over with doubtful mind of return, for that being suspected in Religion, and not having received the Communion in twenty two years, I began to mistrust my advancement in England. In September I came to Paris, where I was reconciled to the Church, and advised to live without scandal, the rather, for that it was mistrusted by the English Catholics, that I had Intelligence with the greatest Counsellor of England. I stayed not long there, but removed to Lions (a place of great Traffic) where, because it was the ordinary passage of our Nation to and fro, between Paris and Rome, I was also suspected.  
To put all men out of doubt of me, and for some other cause, I went to Milan, from whence, as a place of some danger (though I found favour there) after I had cleared my conscience, and justified myself in Religion before the Inquisitor, I went to Venice. There I came acquainted with father Benedicto Palmio, a grave and a learned Jesuit. By conference with him of the hard state of the Catholics in England, and by reading of the Book De persecutione Anglicana, and other discourses of like argument, 1 I conceived a possible mean to relieve the afflicted state of our Catholics, if the same might be well warranted in religion and conscience by the Pope, or some learned Divines. I asked his opinion; he made it clear, commended my devotion, comforted me in it, and after a while made me known to the Nuntio Campeggio, there resident for his Holiness. By his means I wrote to the Pope, presented the service, and sued for a Passport to go to Rome, and to return safely into France. Answer came from Cardinal Como, that I might come, and should be welcome. I misliked the warrant, sued for a better, which I was promised: but it came not before my departure to Lions, where I promised to stay some time for it. And being indeed desirous to go to Rome, and loath to go without countenance, I desired Christofero de Salazar, Secretary to the Catholic King in Venice, who had some understanding by conference, of my devotion to the afflicted Catholics at home and abroad, to commend me to the Duke di Nova Terra, Governor of Milan, and to the County of Olivaris Embi, than Resident for the King his Master in Rome: which he promised to do effectually for the one, and did for the other. And so I took my journey towards Lions, whither came for me an ample Passport (but somewhat too late,) that I might come and go in verbo Pontificis per omnes jurisdictones Ecclesiasticas, absque impedimento. I acquainted some good Fathers there, of my necessity to depart towards Paris by promise, and prayed their advices upon divers points; wherein I was well satisfied. And so assuring them that his Holiness should hear from me shortly, it was undertaken that I should be excused for that time.  
In October I came to Paris, where (upon better opinion conceived of me amongst my Catholic Countrymen) I found my credit well settled, and such as mistrusted me before, ready to trust and embrace me. And being one day at the Chamber of Thomas Morgan a Catholic Gentleman (greatly beloved and trusted on that side) amongst other Gentlemen, talking (but in very good sort) of England, I was desired by Morgan to go up with him to another Chamber, where he broke with me, and told me that it was hoped and looked for, that I should do some service for God and his Church. I answered him, I would do it, if it were to kill the greatest subject in England; whom I named, and in truth then hated. No, no, said he, let him live to his greater fall and ruin of his house:  
2 It is the Queen I mean. I had him as I wished, and told him it were soon done, if it might be lawfully done, and warranted in the opinion of some learned Divines. And so the doubt once resolved (though as you have heard I was before reasonably well satisfied) I vowed to undertake the enterprise, for the restitution of England to the ancient obedience of the Sea Apostolic. Divers Divines were named. Doctor Allein I desired, Parsons I refused. And by chance came Master Wattes a learned Priest, with whom I conferred, and was overruled.  
3 For he plainly pronounced (the case only altered in name) that it was utterly unlawful: with whom many English Priests did agree as I have heard, if it be not altered since the book made in answer of The execution of the English Justice was published, which I must confess hath taken hard hold in me, and (I fear me) will do in others, if it be not prevented by more gracious handling of the quiet and obedient Catholic subjects, whereof there is good and greater store in England, than this age will extinguish. Well notwithstanding all these doubts, I was gone so far by letters and conference in Italy, that I could not go back, but promised faithfully to perform the enterprise, if his Holiness upon my offer and letters would allow it, and grant me full remission of my sins. 4 I wrote my letters the first of January 1584. by their computation; took advice upon them in confession of Father Anibal a Codreto a learned Jesuit in Paris, was lovingly embraced, commended, confessed, and communicated at the Jesuits at one altar with the Cardinals of Vandosmi, and Narbone, whereof I prayed certificate, and enclosed the same in my Letter to his Holiness, to lead him the rather to absolve me; which I required by my Letters, in consideration of so great an enterprise undertaken without promise or reward. 5 I went with Morgan to the Nuntio Ragazzoni, to whom I read the Letter and certificate enclosed, sealed it, and left it with him to send to Rome: he promised great care of it, and to procure answer: And so lovingly embraced me, wished me good speed, and promised that I should be remembered at the altar. 6 After this I desired Morgan, that some special man might be made privy to this matter, lest he dying, and I miscarrying in the execution, and my intent never truly discovered, it might stick for an everlasting spot in my Race. Divers were named, but none agreed upon for fear of beraying. 7 This being done, Morgan assured me, that shortly after my departure, the L. Fernehurst (then in Paris) should go into Scotland, and be ready upon the first news of the Queens fall to enter into England with 20 or 30000 Men to defend the Queen of Scotland, (whom, and the King her Son, I do in my conscience acquit of any privity, liking, or consent to this, or any other bad action, for any thing that ever I did know.) I shortly departed for England, and arrived at Rye in January 1583. from whence I wrote to the Court, advertised some, that I had a special service to discover to the Queen's Majesty; 8 which I did more to prepare access and credit, than for any care I had of her Person, though I were fully resolved never to touch her (notwithstanding any Warrant) if by any device, persuasion, or policy she might be wrought to deal more graciously with the Catholics than she doth, or by our manner of proceeding in Parliament meaneth to do, or any thing yet seen. I came to the Court, (then at Whitehall,) prayed audience, had it at large, and very privately discovered to her Majesty this Conspiracy, much to this effect, though covered with all the skill I had: she took it doubtfully, I departed with fear. And amongst other things, I cannot forget her Majesty's gracious speech than uttered touching the Catholics, which of late, after a sort I avowed in Parliament: she said to me, that never a Catholic should be troubled for Religion or Supremacy, so long as they lived like good Subjects. Whereby I mistrusted that her Majesty is born in hand, that none is troubled for the one or the other. It may be truly said, that it is better than it hath been, though it be not yet as it should be.  
In March last, while I was at Greenwich (as I remember) suing for St. Katherine's, came Letters to me from Cardinal Como, dated at Rome, the last of January before, whereby I found the enterprise commended, and allowed, and myself absolved (in his Holiness name) of all my sins, and willed to go forward in the name of God. That Letter I showed to some in Court, who imparted it to the Queen: what it wrought, or may work in her Majesty, God knoweth: only this I know, 9 that it confirmed my resolution to kill her, and made it clear in my conscience, that it was lawful and meritorious. And yet was I determined never to do it, if either policy, practice, persuasion, or motion in Parliament could prevail. I feared to be tempted, and therefore always when I came near her, I left my Dagger at home. 10 When I looked upon her Majesty, and remembered her many excellencies, I was greatly troubled: And yet I saw no remedy, for my Vows were in Heaven, my Letters and Promises in Earth, and the case of the Catholic Recusants, and others, little bettered. Sometimes I said to myself, Why should I care for her? what hath she done for me? have I not spent 10000 Marks since I knew her service, and never had penny by her? It may be said, she gave me my life. But I say (as my case stood) it had been Tyranny to take it: And I fear me it is little less yet. If it please her graciously to look into my discontentments, I would to Jesus Christ she had it, for I am weary of it. And now to come to an end of this tragical discourse: In July I left the Court, utterly rejected, discontented, and as her Majesty might perceive by my passionate Letters, careless of myself. I came to London: Doctor Alleins Book was sent me out of France: 11 it redoubled my former conceits: Every word in it was a warrant to a prepared mind: It taught that Kings may be excommunicated, deprived, and violently handled: It proveth that all Wars Civil or Foreign undertaken for Religion, is Honourable. Her Majesty may do well to read it, and to be out of doubt (if things be not amended) that it is a warning, and a Doctrine full dangerous. This is the Book I showed, in some places read, and lent it to my Cousin Nevil (the accuser) who came often to mine house, put his finger in my Dish, his hand in my Purse; and the night wherein he accused me, was wrapped in my Gown, six months at least after we had entered into this Conspiracy: In which space her Majesty, and ten Princes in several Provinces might have been killed. God bless her Majesty from him: for before Almighty God, I joy and am glad in my soul, that it was his hap to discover me in time; though there were no danger near.  
And now to the manner of our meetings. He came to me in the beginning of August, and spoke to me in this or like sort. Cousin, let us do somewhat, sithence we can have nothing. I offered to join with him, and gladly heard him, hoping because I knew him to be a Catholic, that he would hit upon that I had in my head: but it fell not out so. He thought the delivery of the Queen of Scotland easy, presuming upon his Credit and Kindred in the North: I thought it dangerous to her, and impossible to men of our fortunes: He fell from that to the taking of Barwick: I spoke of Quinborough and the Navy, rather to entertain him with discourse, than that I cared for those motions, my head being full of a greater matter: 12 I told him that I had another manner of Enterprise, more honourable and profitable to us, and the Catholics Commonwealth, than all these, if he would join in it with me, as he presently vowed to do: He pressed to know it; I willed him to sleep upon the motion: He did so, (and belike overtaken) came to me the next morning to my Lodging in London, offered to join with me, and took his Oath upon a Bible, to conceal and constantly to pursue the enterprise for the advancement of Religion; which I also did, and meant to perform: the killing of the Queen was the matter.  
The manner and place, to be on Horseback, with eight or ten horses, when she should ride abroad about St. James, or some other like place. It was once thought fit in a Garden, and that the escape would be easiest by water into Shepey, or some other part: but we resolved upon the first.  
This continued as agreed upon many months, until he heard of the death of Westmoreland, whose Land and Dignity (whereof he assured himself) bred belike this Conscience in him to discover a Treason in February, contrived and agreed upon in August. If it cost him not an ambitious Head at last, let him never trust me. He brought a tall Gentleman (whom he commended for an excellent Pistolier) to me to Chanon-Row, to make one in the match: but I refused to deal with him, being loath to lay my head upon so many hands.  
Master Nevil hath (I think) forgotten, that he did swear to to me at divers times, that all the advancement she could give, should serve but for her scourge, if ever time and occasion should serve: and that though he would not lay hand upon her in a corner, his heart served him to strike off her Head in the field. Now leaving him to himself, this much (to make an end) I must confess of myself, I did mean to try what might be done in Parliament, to do my best to hinder all hard courses, to have prayed hearing of the Queen's Majesty, to move her (if I could) to take compassion upon her Catholic Subjects; and when all had failed, to do as I intended. If her Majesty by this course would have eased them, though she had never preferred me; I had with all comfort and patience born it: 13 but if she had preferred me without ease or care of them, the Enterprise had held.  
Parry God preserve the Queen, and incline her merciful heart to forgive me this desperate purpose; and to take my Head (with all my heart) for her better satisfaction.   
After which, for the better manifesting of his Treasons, on the 14th of February last, there was a Letter written by him to her Majesty, very voluntarily, all of his own Hand, without any motion made to him: The tenor whereof, for that which concerneth these his Traitorous dealings, is as followeth.  
A Letter written by Parry to Her Majesty.  
YOur Majesty may see by my voluntary Confession, the dangerous fruits of a discontented mind; and how constantly I pursued my first conceived purpose in Venice, for the relief of the afflicted Catholics; continued it in Lions, and resolved in Paris to put it in adventure, for the Restitution of England to the ancient Obedience of the See Apostolic. You may see withal, how it is Commended, Allowed, and Warranted in Conscience, Divinity, and Policy, by the Pope and some great Divines: Though it be true or likely, that most of our English Divines (less practised in matters of this weight) do utterly mislike and condemn it.  
The Enterprise is prevented, and Conspiracy discovered by an honourable Gentleman, my Kinsman and late familiar Friend, Master Edmund Nevil, privy and by solemn Oath (taken upon the Bible) party to the matter, whereof I am hardly glad, but now sorry (in my very Soul) that ever I conceived or intended it, how commendable or meritoritous soever I thought it. God thank him, and forgive me, who would not now (before God) attempt it (if I had liberty and opportunity to do it) to gain your Kingdom. I beseech Christ, that my Death and Example may as well satisfy you Majesty and the world, as it shall glad and content me.  
The Queen of Scotland is your Prisoner; let her be honourably entreated, but yet surely guarded.  
The French King is French, you know it well enough, you will find him occupied when he should do you good; he will not lose a Pilgrimage to save you a Crown. I have no more to say at this time, but that with my Heart and Soul I do now honour and love you; am inwardly sorry for mine Offence, and ready to make you amends by my Death and Patience. Discharge me à culpâ, but not à poenâ, good Lady. And so farewell, most gracious, and the best-natured and qualified Queen that ever lived in England.  
From the Tower, the 14th of February, 1584. W. Parry.  
After which, to wit, the 18th of February last passed, Parry, in further acknowledging his wicked and intended Treasons, wrote a Letter all of his own hand, in like voluntary manner, to the Lord Treasurer of England, and the Earl of Leicester, Lord Steward of her Majesty's house; the Tenor whereof is as followeth.  
William Parry's Letter to the Lord Treasurer, and the Earl of Leicester.  
MY Lords, now that the Conspiracy is discovered, the Fault confessed, my Conscience cleared, and Mind prepared patiently to suffer the Pains due for so heinous a Crime: I hope it shall not offend you, if crying Miserere with the poor Publican, I leave to despair with cursed Cain. My Case is rare and strange, and, for any thing I can remember, singular: A natural Subject solemnly to vow the Death of his natural Queen (so born, so known, and so taken by all men) for the Relief of the afflicted Catholics, and Restitution of Religion. The Matter first conceived in Venice, the Service (in general words) presented to the Pope, continued and undertaken in Paris; and lastly, commended and warranted by his Holiness, digested and resolved in England, if it had not been prevented by Accusation, or by her Majesty's greater Lenity and more gracious Usage of her Catholic Subjects. This is my first and last Offence conceived against my Prince or Country, and doth (I cannot deny) contain all other faults whatsoever. It is now to be punished by Death, or most graciously (beyond all common expectation) to be pardoned. Death I do confess to have deserved; Life I do (with all Humility) crave, if it may stand with the Queen's Honour, and Policy of the Time. To leave so great a Treason unpunished, were strange: To draw it by my Death in example, were dangerous: A sworn Servant to take upon him such an Enterprise, upon such a ground, and by such a warrant, hath not been seen in England: To Indict him, Arraign him, bring him to the Scaffold, and to publish his Offence, can do no good: To hope that he hath more to discover than is Confessed, or that at his Execution he will unsay any thing he hath written, is in vain: To conclude, that it is impossible for him in time to make some part of amends, were very hard, and against former Experiences. The Question than is, whether it be better to kill him, or (lest the matter be mistaken) upon hope of his amendment to pardon him. For mine own opinion (though partial) I will deliver you my Conscience. The Case is good Queen Elizabeth's, the Offence is committed against her Sacred Person, and she may (of her Mercy) pardon it without prejudice to any. Then this I say, in few words, as a man more desirous to discharge his troubled Conscience, than to live. Pardon poor Parry, and relieve him: for life without living is not fit for him. If this may not be, or be thought dangerous, or dishonourable to the Queen's Majesty (as by your favours, I think it full of Honour and Mercy) than I beseech your Lordships (and no other) once to hear me before I be Indicted, and afterwards (if I must die) humbly to entreat the Queen's Majesty to hasten my Trial and Execution, which I pray God (with all my heart) may prove as honourable to her, as I hope it shall be happy to me; who will, while I live, (as I have done always) pray to Jesus Christ for her Majesty's long and prosperous Reign.  
From the Tower, the 18th of February, 1584. W. Parry.  
And where in this mean time Sir Francis Walsingham, Secretary to her Majesty, had dealt with one William Creichton, a Scot for his Birth, and a Jesuit by his Profession, now Prisoner also in the Tower, for that he was apprehended with divers Plots for Invasions of this Realm, to understand of him, if the said Parry had ever dealt with him in the parties beyond the Seas touching that Question, Whether it were lawful to kill her Majesty, or not: the which at that time the said Creichton called not to his remembrance; yet after upon better calling it to mind, upon the 20th day of February last passed, he wrote to Master Secretary Walsingham thereof voluntary, all of his own hand, to the effect following.  
William Creichtons' Letter. February 20.  
RIght honourable Sir, when your Honour demanded me if Mr. Parry did ask me, If it was reason to kill the Queen, indeed and verity, than I had no remembrance at all thereof. But since, thinking on the matter, I have called to mind the whole fashion of his dealing with me, and some of his Arguments: for he dealt very craftily with me, I dare not say maliciously. For I did in no ways think of any such design of his, or of any other, and did answer him simply after my conscience and knowledge to the verity of the question. For after that I had answered him twice before, Quòd omnino non liceret, he returned late at Even, by reason I was to depart early in the next Morning toward Chamberie in Savoy where I did remain, and being returned out of the Close within one of the Classes of the College, he proponed to me of the new matter, with his Reasons and Arguments. First, he alleged the utility of the deed for delivering of so many Catholics out of misery, and restitution of the Catholic Religion. I answered, that the Scripture answereth thereto, saying, Non sunt facienda mala, ut veniant bona. So that for no good, how great that ever it be, may be wrought any evil, how little that ever it be. He replied, that it was not evil to take away so great evil, and induce so great good. I answered, That all good is not to be done, but that only, Quod bene & legitime fieri potest. And therefore, Dixi, Deum magis amare adverbia quam nomina. Quia in actionibus magis ei placent bene & legitime, quam bonum. Ita ut nullum bonum liceat facere, nisi bene & legitimè fieri possit. Quod in hoc casu fieri non potest. Yet said he, that several learned men were of the opinion, Quod liceret. I answered, that they men perhaps were of the opinion that for the safety of many in Soul and Body, they would permit a particular to his danger, and to the occult judgement of God: Or perhaps said so, moved rather by some compassion and commiseration of the miserable estate of the Catholics, not for any such Doctrine that they did find in their Books. For it is certain, that such a thing is not licite to a particular, without special revelation Divine, which exceedeth our Learning and Doctrine. And so he departed from me.  
Out of the Prison in the Tower, the 20th of February. Your Honour's poor servitor in Christ Jesus. William Creichton Prisoner.  
And where also the same Parry was on the same 20th day of February examined by Sir Francis Walsingham Knight, what was become of the Letter contained in his Confession to be written unto him by the Cardinal de Como, he then answered, that it was consumed and burnt: and yet after, the next day following, being more vehemently urged upon that point in examination (because it was known that it was not burnt) he confessed where he had left it in the Town: whereupon, by Parrys direction it was sent for, where it had been lapped up together with other frivolous papers, and written upon the one side of it, The last Will of William Parry, the which Letter was in the Italian Tongue, as hereafter followeth, with the same in English accordingly Translated.  
A mon Signore, mon Signore Guglielmo Parry.  
MOn Signore, la Santita di N. S. ha veduto le Lettere di V. S. del primo con la fede inclusa, & non puo se non laudare la buona disposittione & risolutiene che scrive di tenere verso il servitio & beneficio publico, nel che la Santita sua lessorta di perseverare, con farne riuscire li effetti che V. S. promette: Et accioche tanto maggiorment V. S. sia ajutata da quel buon Spirito che l'ha mosso, le concede sua Beneditione, plenaria Indulgenza & remissione di tutti li peccati, secondo che V. S. ha chiesto, assicurandos si che oltre il merito, che n'havera in cielo, vuole anco sua Santita constituir si debitore a riconoscere li meriti di V. S. in ogni miglior modo che potra, & cio tanto piu, quanto che V. S. ùsa maggior modestia in non pretender niente. Metta dunque ad effetto lìesuoi santi & honorati pensieri, & attenda astar sano. Che per fine io me le offero di core, & le desidero ogni buono & felice suceesso.  
Di Roma a 30 di Gennaro, MDLXXXIV. Al piacer di V. S. N. Cardinale di Como, Al Sig. Guglielmo Parri.  
Cardinal de Como's Letter to Will. Parry, January 30th 1584. by account of Rome.  
MOnsignor, the Holiness of our Lord hath seen the Letter of your Signory of the first, with the assurance included, and cannot but commend the good disposition and resolution, which you write to hold towards the Service and Benefit public: Wherein his Holiness doth exhort you to persevere, with causing to bring forth the effects which your Signory promiseth. And to the end you may be so much the more holpen, by that good Spirit, which hath moved you thereunto, his Blessedness doth grant to you plenary Indulgence and Remission of all your Sins, according to your request. Assuring you, that besides the Merit that you shall receive therefore in Heaven, his Holiness will further make himself Debtor, to reacknowledge the deservings of your Signory in the best manner that he can. And that so much the more, in that your Signory useth the greater Modesty, in not pretending any thing. Put therefore to effect your holy and honourable thoughts, and attend your Health. And to conclude, I offer myself unto you heartily, and do desire all good and happy success.  
From Rome the 30th of January, 1584. At the pleasure of your Signory, N. Card. of Como.  
UPon all which former Accusation, Declaration, Confessions, and Proofs, upon Monday the 22th day of February last passed, at Westminster-Hall, before Sir Christopher Wray Knight, Chief Justice of England, Sir Gilbert Gerrard Knight, Master of the Rolls, Sir Edmund Anderson Knight, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, Sir Roger Manwood Knight, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, Sir Thomas Gawdy Knight, one of the Justices of the Pleas before her Majesty to be holden, and Will. Perriam, one of the Justices of the Common Pleas, by virtue of her Majesty's Commission to them and others in that behalf directed; The same Parry was Indicted of High Treason, for intending and practising the Death and Destruction of her Majesty, whom God long prosper, and preserve from all such wicked attempts. The tenor of which Indictment appeareth more particularly in the course of his Arraignment following.  

The manner of the Arraignment of Will. Parry the 25th of February, 1584. at Westminster, in the place where the Court, commonly called the Kings-Bench, is usually kept, by virtue of her Majesty's Commission of Oyer and Terminer, before Henry Lord Hunsdon Governor of Barwick, Sir Francis Knolles Knight, Treasurer of the Queen's Majesty's Household, Sir James Croft Knight, controller of the same Household, Sir Christopher Hatton Knight, Vice-Chamberlain to her Majesty, Sir Christopher Wray Knight, Chief Justice of England, Sir Gilbert Gerrard Knight, Master of the Rolls, Sir Edmund Anderson Knight, Chief-Justice of the Common-Pleas, Sir Roger Manwood Knight, Chief-Baron of the Exchequer, and Sir Thomas Hennage Knight, Treasurer of the Chamber.  
FIrst, three Proclamations for silence were made, according to the usual course in such cases. Then the Lieutenant was commanded to return his Precept; which did so, and brought the Prisoner to the Bar, to whom Miles Sands Esquire, Clerk of the Crown, said, William Parry, hold up thy hand; and he did so. Then said the Clerk of the Crown, Thou art here Indicted by the Oaths of twelve good and lawful men of the County of Middlesex, 
The Indictment.  before Sir Christopher Wray Knight, and others, which took the Indictment by the name of William Parry, late of London, Gentleman, otherwise called William Parry, late of London, Doctor of the Law; for that thou, as a false Traitor against the most Noble and Christian Prince, Queen Elizabeth, thy most gracious Sovereign and Liege-Lady, not having the fear of God before thine eyes, nor regarding thy due Allegiance; but being seduced by the instigation of the Devil, and intending to withdraw and extinguish the hearty Love and due Obedience which true and faithful Subjects should bear unto the same our Sovereign Lady, didst at Westminster in the County of Middlesex, on the first day of February, in the 26th year of her Highness' Reign, and at divers other times and places in the same County, maliciously and traitorously conspire and compass, not only to deprive and depose the same our Sovereign Lady of her Royal Estate, Title and Dignity; but also to bring her Highness to Death and final Destruction, and Sedition in the Realm to make, and the Government thereof to subvert, and the sincere Religion of God established in her Highness' Dominions to alter and subvert. And that, whereas thou William Parry, by thy Letters sent unto Gregory Bishop of Rome, didst signify unto the same Bishop thy purposes and intentions aforesaid, and thereby didst pray and require the same Bishop to give thee Absolution; that thou afterwards, that is to say, the last day of March in the 26th year aforesaid, didst traitorously receive Letters from one called Cardinal de Como, directed unto thee William Parry, whereby the same Cardinal did signify unto thee, that the Bishop of Rome had perused thy Letters, and allowed of thine intent; and that to that end he had absolved thee of all thy Sins, and by the same Letter did animate and stir thee to proceed with thine Enterprise; and that thereupon, thou, the last day of August, in the 26th year aforesaid, at Saint Giles in the fields, in the same County of Middlesex, didst traitorously confer with one Edmund Nevil Esquire, uttering to him all thy wicked and traitorous devises, and then and there didst move him to assist thee therein, and to join with thee in those wicked Treasons aforesaid, against the Peace of our said Sovereign Lady the Queen, her Crown and Dignity. What sayest thou, William Parry, Art thou guilty of these Treasons whereof thou standest here Indicted, or not guilty?  
Then Parry said, 
Parry's answer to the Indictment.  Before I plead not guilty, or confess myself guilty, I pray you give me leave to speak a few words: and with humbling himself, began in this manner. God save Queen Elizabeth, and God send me grace to discharge my duty to her, and to send you home in charity. But touching the matters that I am Indicted of, some were in one place, and some in another, and done so secretly, as none can see into them, except that they had eyes like unto God; wherefore I will not lay my Blood upon the Jury, but do mind to confess the Indictment. It containeth but the parts that have been openly read, I pray you tell me? Whereunto it was answered, that the Indictment contained the parts he had heard read, and no other: whereupon the Clerk of the Crown said unto Parry, Parry, thou must answer directly to the Indictment, whether thou be guilty or not.  
Then said Parry, 
Parry confesseth that he is guilty of all things contained in the Indictment.  I do confess that I am guilty of all that is therein contained: And further too, I desire not life, but desire to die. Unto which the Clerk of the Crown said, If you confess it, you must confess it in manner and form as it is comprised in the Indictment. Whereunto he said, I do confess it in manner and form as the same is set down, and all the circumstances thereof. Then the Confession being Recorded, the Queen's learned Council being ready to pray Judgement upon the same Confession, Master Vice-chamberlain said, These matters contained in this Indictment, and confessed by this man, are of great importance: they touch the Person of the Queens most excellent Majesty in the highest degree, the very state and well-doing of the whole Commonwealth, and the truth of God's Word established in these her Majesty's Dominions, and the open demonstration of that capital envy of the man of Rome, that hath set himself against God and all godliness, all good Princes and good Government, and against good men. Wherefore, I pray you, for the satisfaction of this great Multitude, let the whole matter appear, that every one may see that the matter of itself is as bad as the Indictment purporteth, and as he hath Confessed. Whereto in respect that the Justice of the Realm hath been of late very impudently slandered, all yielded as a thing necessary to satisfy the world in particular, of that which was but summarily comprised in the Indictment, though in the Law, his Confession served sufficiently to have proceeded thereupon unto Judgement. Whereupon the Lords and others the Commissioners, her Majesty's learned Council, and Parry himself agreed, that Parry's Confession (taken the 11th and 13th of February 1584. before the Lord of Hunsdon, Master Vice-chamberlain, and Master Secretary,) and Cardinal de Como his Letters, and Parry's Letters to the Lord Treasurer and Lord Steward, should be openly read.  
And Parry, for the better satisfying of the people and standers by, offered to read them himself: but being told that the Order was, the Clerk of the Crown should read them, it was so resolved of all parts. And then Master Vice-chamberlain caused to be showed to Parry his said Confession, the Cardinal's Letter, and his own Letter aforesaid; which after he had particularly viewed every leaf thereof, he confessed, and said openly they were the same.  
Then said Master Vice-chamberlain, Before we proceed to show what he hath Confessed, what say you, said he to Parry, is that which you have Confessed here true, and did you Confess it freely and willingly of yourself, or was then any extort means used to draw it from you?  
Surely, said Parry, I made that Confession freely without any constraint, and that is all true, and more too: for there is no Treason that hath been sithence the first year of the Queen, any way touching Religion, saving receipt of Agnus Dei, and persuading of others, wherein I have not much dealt, but I have offended in it. And I have also delivered mine opinion in writing, who ought to be Successor to the Crown, which he said to be Treason also.  
Then his Confession of the eleventh and thirteenth of February, 
Parry's Confession of his Treasons was read by his own assent.  all of his own hand writing, and before particularly set down, was openly, and distinctly read by the Clerk of the Crown. And that done, the Cardinal di Como his Letter in Italian was delivered unto Parry's hand by the direction of Master Vicechamberlain, which Parry there perused, 
A Letter of Cardinal di Como to Parry, also read.  and openly affirmed to be wholly of the Cardinals own hand writing, and the Seal to be his own also, and to be with a Cardinal's Hat on it: And himself did openly read it in Italian, as before is set down. And the words bearing sense as it were written to a Bishop, or to a man of such degree, it was demanded of him by Master Vice-Chamberlain, Whether he had not taken the degree of a Bishop? He said, No: But said at first, those terms were proper to the Degree he had taken. And after said, that the Cardinal did vouchsafe, as of a favour, to write so to him. Then the Copy of that Letter in English, as before is also set down, was in like manner openly read by the Clerk of the Crown; which Parry then acknowledged to be truly translated.  
And thereupon was showed unto Parry his Letter of the 18th of February, 
Parry's Letter of the 18th of February to the Lord Treasurer and the Earl of Leicester, read.  written to the Lord Treasurer, and the Lord Steward: which he confessed to be all of his own Handwriting, and was as before is set down.  
These matters being read openly, for manifestation of the matter, Parry prayed leave to speak: Whereto Master Vice-chamberlain said, If you will say any thing for the better opening to the world of those your foul and horrible Facts, speak on: but if you mean to make any excuse of that which you have confessed, which else would have been and do stand proved against you, for my part, I will not sit to hear you.  
Then her Majesty's Attorney-general stood up and said, It appeareth before you, my Lords, that this man hath been Indicted and Arraigned of several most heinous and horrible Treasons, and hath confessed them, which is before you of Record; wherefore there resteth no more to be done, but for the Court to give Judgement accordingly, 
The Queen's Attorney requires Judgement.  which here I require in the behalf of the Queen's Majesty.  
Then said Parry, I pray you hear me for discharging of my Conscience. I will not go about to excuse myself, nor to seek to save my Life, I care not for it; you have my Confession of record, that is enough for my Life. And I mean to utter more, for which I were worthy to die. And said, I pray you hear me, in that I am to speak to discharge my Conscience.  
Then said Master Vice-Chamberlain, Parry, then do thy Duty according to Conscience, and utter all that thou canst say concerning those thy most wicked Facts.  
Then said Parry, My cause is rare, singular and unnatural, conceived at Venice, presented in general words to the Pope, undertaken at Paris, commended and allowed of by his Holiness, and was to have been executed in England, if it had not been prevented. Yea, I have committed many Treasons, for I have committed Treason in being reconciled, and Treason in taking Absolution. 
Parry had for his credit aforetime said very secretly, that he had been solicited beyond the Seas to commit the fact, but he would not do it; wherewith he craftily abused both the Queen's Majesty, and those tw● Counsellors whereof he now would help himself with these false Speeches, against most manifest proofs.  There hath been no Treason sithence the first year of the Queen's Reign touching Religion, but that I am guilty of (except for receiving of Agnus Dei, and persuading as I have said:) And yet never intended to kill Queen Elizabeth. I appeal to her own knowledge, and to my Lord Treasurers, and Master Secretaries.  
Then said my Ld Hunsdon, Hast thou acknowledged it so often, and so plainly in writing under thy hand, and here of record; and now, when thou shouldest have thy judgement according to that which thou hast Confessed thyself guilty of, dost thou go back again, and deny the effect of all? How can we believe that thou now sayest?  
Then said Master Vice-chamberlain, 
Master Vice-chamberlains Speeches, proving manifestly Parry's Traitorous intentions.  This is absurd. Thou hast not only Confessed generally, that thou wert guilty according to the Indictment, which summarily, and yet in express words doth contain that thou hadst Traitorously compassed and intended the death and destruction of her Majesty; but thou also saidst particularly that thou wert guilty of every of the Treasons contained therein, whereof the same was one, in plain and express letter set down, and read unto thee. Yea, thou saidst that thou wert guilty of more Treasons too besides these. And didst thou not upon thy examination voluntarily confess, how thou wast moved first thereunto by mislike of thy state after thy departure out of the Realm, And that thou didst mislike her Majesty for that she had done nothing for thee; How by wicked Papists and Popish Books, thou wert persuaded that it was lawful to kill her Majesty; How thou wert by reconciliation become one of that wicked sort, that held her Majesty for neither lawful Queen nor Christian, And that it was meritorious to kill her? And didst thou not signify that thy purpose to the Pope by Lettersand, receivedst Letters from the Cardinal, how he allowed of thine intent, and excited thee to perform it, and thereupon didst receive Absolution? And didst thou not conceive it, promise it, vow it, swear it, and receive the Sacrament that thou wouldst do it? And didst not thou thereupon affirm, that thy Vows were in Heaven, and thy Letters and Promises on Earth to bind thee to do it? And that whatsoever her Majesty would have done for thee, could not have removed thee from that intention or purpose, unless she would have desisted from dealing as she hath done with the Catholics, as thou callest them? All this thou hast plainly Confessed: And I protest before this great Assembly, thou hast Confessed it more plainly and in better sort, than my memory will serve me to utter: And sayest thou now, that thou never meantest it?  
Ah, said Parry, your Honours know, how my Confession upon mine Examination was extorted.  
The both the Lord Hunsdon and Master Vice-Chamberlain affirmed, that there was no Torture or threatening words offered him.  
But Parry then said, that they told him, that if he would not confess willingly, he should have torture: whereunto their Honours answered, that they used not any speech or word of torture to him.  
You said, said Parry, that you would proceed with rigour against me, if I would not confess it of myself.  
But their Honours expressly affirmed, that they used no such words. But I will tell thee, said Master Vice-chamberlain, what we said. I spoke these words: If you will willingly utter the truth of yourself, it may do you good, and I wish you to do so: If you will not, we must then proceed in ordinary course to take your Examination. Whereunto you answered, that you would tell the truth of yourself. 
Parry reproved of false Speeches, and so by himself also confessed.  Was not this true? Which then he yielded unto.  
And hereunto, her Majesty's Attorney-general put Parry in remembrance what Speeches he used to the Lieutenant of the Tower, the Queen's Majesty's Sergeant at Law, Master Gaudie, and the same Attorney, on Saturday the twentieth of February last, at the Tower, upon that he was by them then examined by Order from the Lords: which was, that he acknowledged he was most mildly and favourably dealt with, in all his Examinations: which he also at the Bar then acknowledged to be true.  
Then Master Vice-chamberlain said, that it was wonder to see the magnanimity of her Majesty, which after that thou hadst opened those Traitorous Practices in sort as thou hast laid it down in thy Confession, was nevertheless such, and so far from all fear, as that she would not so much as acquaint any one of her Highness' Privy-Council with it, to his knowledge, no not until after this thine Enterprise discovered and made manifest. And besides that which thou hast set down under thine own hand, thou didst confess, that thou hadst prepared two Scottish Daggers, fit for such a purpose; and those being disposed away by thee, thou didst say, that another would serve thy turn. And withal, Parry, didst thou not also confess before us, how wonderfully thou wert appalled and perplexed upon a sudden, at the presence of her Majesty at Hampton-Court this last Summer, saying, that thou didst think, thou then sawest in her, the very likeness and image of King Henry the Seventh? And that therewith, and upon some Speeches used by her Majesty, thou didst turn about and weep bitterly to thyself? And yet didst call to mind that thy Vows were in Heaven, thy Letters and Promises on Earth; and that therefore thou didst say with thyself, that there was no remedy but to do it? Didst thou not confess this? The which he acknowledged.  
Then said the Lord Hunsdon, 
The L. of Hunsdon's Speeches, convincing Parry manifestly of his Treason.  Sayest thou now, that thou didst never mean to kill the Queen? Didst thou not confess, that when thou didst utter this practice of treachery to her Majesty, that thou didst cover it with all the skill thou hadst, and that it was done by thee, rather to get credit and access thereby, than for any regard thou hadst of her Person? But in truth thou didst it, that thereby thou mightest have better opportunity to perform thy wicked Enterprise. And wouldst thou have run into such fear as thou didst confess that thou wert in, when thou didst utter it, if thou hadst never meant it? What reason canst thou show for thyself? With that he cried out in a furious manner, I never meant to kill her: I will lay my Blood upon Queen Elizabeth and you, before God and the World: And thereupon fell into a rage and evil words with the Queen's Majesty's Attorney-general.  
Then said the Lord Hunsdon, This is but thy Popish Pride and Ostentation, which thou wouldst have to be told to thy fellows of that Faction, to make them believe that thou diest for Popery, when thou diest for most horrible and dangerous Treasons against her Majesty, and thy whole Country. For thy laying of thy Blood, it must lie on thine own Head, as a just Reward of thy wickedness. The Laws of the Realm most justly condemn thee to die, out of thine own mouth, for the conspiring the Destruction both of her Majesty, and of us all: Therefore thy Blood be upon thee; neither her Majesty nor we at any time sought it, thyself hast spilt it.  
Then he was asked, What he could say, why Judgement of Death ought not to be awarded against him.  
Whereto he said, he did see that he must die, because he was not settled.  
What meanest thou by that, said Master Vice-Chamberlain? Said he, Look into your Study, and into your new Books, and you shall find what I mean.  
I protest (said his Honour) I know not what thou meanest: thou dost not well to use such dark Speeches, unless thou wouldst plainly utter what thou meanest thereby. But he said, he cared not for Death, and that he would lay his Blood amongst them.  
Then spoke the Lord Chief-Justice of England, 
The Lord Chief-Justices Speech to Parry.  being required to give the Judgement, and said, Parry, you have been much heard, and what you mean by being settled, I know not; but I see you are so settled in Popery, that you cannot settle yourself to be a good Subject. But touching that you should say, to stay Judgement from being given against you, your Speeches must be of one of these kinds, either to prove the Indictment (which you have confessed to be true) to be insufficient in Law; or else to plead somewhat touching her Majesty's Mercy, why Justice should not be done of you. All other Speeches, wherein you have used great Liberty, is more than by Law you can ask. These be the matters you must look to, what say you to them? Whereto he said nothing.  
Then said the Lord Chief-Justice, Parry, thou hast been before this time Indicted of divers most horrible and hateful Treasons, committed against thy most gracious Sovereign and Native Country: the matter most detestable, the manner most subtle and dangerous, and the occasions and means that led thee thereunto, most ungodly and villainous. That thou didst intend it, it is most evident by thyself. The matter was the destruction of a most Sacred and an Anointed Queen, thy Sovereign and Mistress, who hath showed thee such Favour, as some thy betters have not obtained: Yea, the Overthrow of thy Country wherein thou wert born, and of a most happy Commonwealth whereof of thou art a Member, and of such a Queen, as hath bestowed on thee the Benefit of all benefits in this world, that is, thy Life, heretofore granted thee by her Mercy, when thou hadst lost it by Justice and Desert. Yet thou her Servant, sworn to defend her, meantest with thy bloody hand to have taken away her Life, that mercifully gave thee thine, when it was yielded into her hands: This is the matter wherein thou hast offended. The manner was most subtle and dangerous, beyond all that before thee have committed any Wickedness against her Majesty. For thou, making show as if thou wouldst simply have uttered for her safety the Evil that others had contrived, didst but seek thereby credit and access, that thou mightest take the apt opportunity for her Destruction. And for the occasions and means that drew thee on, they were most ungodly and villainous, as the persuasions of the Pope, of Papists, and Popish Books. The Pope pretendeth that he is a Pastor, when as in truth, he is far from feeding of the Flock of Christ; but rather as a Wolf, seeketh but to feed on and to suck out the blood of true Christians, and as it were thirsteth after the blood of our most Gracious and Christian Queen. And these Papists and Popish Books, while they pretend to set forth Divinity, they do indeed most ungodly teach and persuade, that which is quite contrary both to God and his Word. For the Word teaches Obedience of Subjects towards Princes, and forbiddeth any private man to kill: But they teach Subjects to disobey Princes, and that a private wicked person may kill; yea, and whom? A most godly Queen, and their own natural and most gracious Sovereign. Let all men therefore take heed how they receive any thing from him, hear or read any of their Books, and how they confer with any Papists. God grant her Majesty, that she may know by thee, how ever she trust such like to come so near her Person. But see the end, and why thou didst it; and it will appear to be a most miserable, fearful, and foolish thing: For thou didst imagine, that it was to relieve those, that thou callest Catholics, who were most likely amongst all others to have felt the worst of it, if thy devilish practice had taken effect. But sith thou hast been Indicted of the Treasons comprised in the Indictment, 
The Form of the Judgement against the Traitor.  and thereupon Arraigned, and hast confessed thyself Guilty of them, the Court doth award, that thou shalt be had from hence to the place whence thou didst come, and so drawn through the open City of London upon an Hurdle to the place of Execution, and there to be hanged and let down alive, and thy privy parts cut off, and thy entrails taken out and burnt in thy sight, than thy Head to be cut off, and thy Body to be divided in four parts, and to be disposed at her Majesty's pleasure: And God have mercy on thy Soul.  
Parry nevertheless persisted still in his rage and fond Speech, and ragingly there said, he there summoned Queen Elizabeth to answer for his Blood before God: wherewith, the Lieutenant of the Tower was commanded to take him from the Bar, and so he did. And upon his departure, the people stricken as it were at heart with the horror of his intended Enterprise, ceased not, but pursued him with outcries, as, Away with the Traitor, away with him, and such like: whereupon he was conveyed to the Barge, to pass to the Tower again by water, and the Court was adjourned.  
After which, 
2. Martii. William Parry the Traitor Executed.  upon the second day of this instant March, William Parry was by virtue of process in that behalf, awarded from the same Commissioners of Oyer and Terminer, delivered by the Lieutenant of the Tower early in the morning, unto the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex, who received him at the Tower-hill, and thereupon, according to the judgement, caused him there to be forthwith set on the Hurdel. From whence he was drawn thereupon threw the midst of the City of London, unto the place for his Execution in the Palace at Westminster: where, having long time of stay admitted unto him before his Execution, he most maliciously and impudently, after some other vain discourses eftsoons and often delivered in Speech, that he was never guilty of any intention to kill Queen Elizabeth, and so (without any request made by him to the people to pray to God for him, or prayer publicly used by himself for aught that appeared; but such as he used, if he used any, was private to himself) he was executed according to the judgement. And now for his intent, howsoever he pretended the contrary in words, yet by these his own Writings, Confessions, Letters, and many other proofs afore here expressed, it is most manifest to all persons, how horrible his intentions and Treasons were, and how justly he suffered for the same; and thereby greatly to be doubted, that as he had lived a long time vainly and ungodly, and like an Atheist and godless man, so he continued the same course till his death to the outward sight of men.  
Here endeth the true and plain course and process of the Treasons, Arrest, Arraignment, and Execution of William Parry the Traitor.   

An addition not unnecessary for this purpose.  
FOr as much as Parry in the abundance of his proud and arrogant humour, hath often both in his Confession, and Letters, pretended some great and grievous causes of discontentment against her Majesty, and the present State: It shall not be impertinent, for better satisfaction of all persons, to set forth simply and truly, the condition and quality of the man, what he was by Birth and Education, and in what course of life he had lived.  
This vile and Traitorous Wretch was one of the younger Sons of a poor man, called Harry ap David: he dwelled in North-Wales in a little Village called Northoppe, in the County of Flint: there he kept a common Alehouse, which was the best and greatest stay of his living. In that house was this Traitor Born, his Mother was the reputed Daughter of one Conway a Priest, Parson of a poor Parish called Halkin, in the same County of Flint: his his eldest Brother dwelleth at this present in the same House, and there keepeth an Alehouse as his Father did before him. This Traitor in his Childhood, so soon as he had learned a little to Write & Read, was put to serve a poor man dwelling in Chester, named John Fisher, who professed to have some small skill and understanding in the Law. With him he continued divers years, and served as a Clerk, to write such things, as in that Trade which his master used, he was appointed. During this time, he learned the English Tongue, and at such times of leisure, as the poor man his Master had no occasion otherwise to use him, he was suffered to go to the Grammar-school, where he got some little understanding in the Latin Tongue. In this his Childhood he was noted by such as best knew him, to be of a most villainous and dangerous nature and disposition. He did often run away from his Master, and was often taken and brought to him again. His Master, to correct his perverse and froward conditions, did many times shut him as Prisoner in some close place of his house, and many times caused him to be chained, locked, and clogged, to stay his running away. Yet all was in vain: For about the third year of her Majesty's Reign, for his last farewell to his poor Master, he ran away from him, and came to London to seek his Adventures. He was then constrained to seek what Trade he could to live by, and to get meat and drink for his belly, and clothes for his back. His good hap in the end was to be entertained in place of Service above his Desert; where he stayed not long, but shifted himself divers times from Service to Service, and from one Master to another. Now he began to forget his old Home, his Birth, his Education, his Parents, his Friends, his own Name, and what he was. He aspired to greater matters, he challenged the Name and Title of a great Gentleman, he vaunted himself to be of Kin and allied to Noble and Worshipful; he left his old Name, which he did bear and was commonly called by in his Childhood, and during all the time of his abode in the Country, which was William ap Harry (as the manner in Wales is.) And because he would seem to be indeed the man which he pretended, he took upon him the Name of Parry, being the Surname of divers Gentlemen of great Worship and Honour. And because his Mother Name by her Father (a Priest) was Conway, he pretended Kindred to the Family of Sir John Conway, and so thereby made himself of kin to Edmund Nevil. Being thus set forth with his new Name and new Title of Gentleman, and commended by some of his good Favourers, he matched himself in Marriage with a Widow in South-Wales, who brought him some reasonable Portion of Wealth. She lived with him but a short time, and the wealth he had with her lasted not long: it was soon consumed with his dissolute and wasteful manner of life. He was then driven to his wont shifts, his Creditor were many, the Debt which he owed great, he had nothing wherewith to make Payment, he was continually pursued by Sergeants and Officers to Arrest him, he did often by slight and shifts escape from them. In this his needy and poor estate, he sought to repair himself again by a new match in Marriage with another Widow, which before was the Wife of one Richard Heywood; this matter was so earnestly followed by himself, and so effectually commended by his Friends and Favourers, that the Woman yielded to take him to Husband: a Match in every respect very unequal and unfit; her Wealth and yearly Livelihood was very great, his poor and base Estate worse than nothing; he very young, she of such age, as for years she might have been his Mother. When he had thus possessed himself of his new Wife's wealth, he omitted nothing that might serve for a prodigal, dissolute, and most ungodly course of Life. His Riot and Excess was unmeasurable; he did most wickedly deflower his Wives own Daughter, and sundry ways pitifully abuse the old Mother: He carried himself for his outward port and countenance (so long as his Old wives Bags lasted) in such sort, as might well have sufficed for a man of very good behaviour and degree. But this lasted not long; his proud heart and wasteful hand had soon poured out of Heywood's Wealth. He then fell again to his wont shifts, borrowed where he could find any to lend, and engaged his Credit so far as any would trust him. Amongst others, he became greatly indebted to Hugh Hare, the Gentleman beforenamed; who after long forbearing of his Money, sought to recover it by ordinary means of Law. For this cause Parry conceived great displeasure against him, which he pursued with all Malice, even to the seeking of his Life. In this murderous intent, he came in the nighttime to Mr. Hares Chamber in the Temple, broke open the door, assaulted him, and wounded him grievously, and so left him in great danger of Life. For this Offence he was Apprehended, Committed to Newgate, Indicted of Burglary, Arraigned, and found Guilty by a very substantial Jury, 
Parry Condemned for Burglary, Pardoned of the Queen.  and Condemned to be Hanged, as the Law in that Case requireth He standing thus Convicted, her Majesty, of her most gracious Clemency, and pitiful Disposition, took compassion upon him, pardoned his Offence, and gave him his Life, which by the Law and due course of Justice he ought then to have lost. After this he carried not long, but pretending some causes of discontentment, departed the Realm, and traveled beyond the Seas. How he demeaned himself there from time to time, and with whom he conversed, is partly in his own Confession touched before. This is the man, this is his Race, which he feared should be spotted, if he miscarried in the execution of his Traitorous Enterprise; this hath been the course of his Life, these are the great causes of his Discontent.  
And whereas at his Arraignment and Execution he pretended great care of the disobedient Popish Subjects of this Realm, whom he called Catholics, and in very insolent sort seemed to glory greatly in the Profession of his pretenced Catholic Religion: The whole course and action of his Life showeth plainly, how profanely and irreligiously he did always bear himself. He vaunted, that for these two and twenty years passed he had been a Catholic, and during all that time never received the Communion: Yet before he traveled beyond the Seas, at three several times within the compass of those two and twenty years, he did voluntarily take the Oath of Obedience to the Queen's Majesty, set down in the Statute made in the first year of her Highness' Reign; by which, amongst other things, he did testify and declare in his Conscience, that no Foreign Prince, Person, Prelate, State, or Potentate, hath or aught to have any Jurisdiction, Power, Preeminence, or Authority, Ecclesiastical or Spiritual, within this Realm; and therefore did utterly renounce and forsake all Foreign Jurisdictions, Powers, and Authorities; and did promise to bear Faith and true Allegiance to the Queen's Highness, her Heirs and lawful Successors.  
With what Conscience or Religion he took that Oath so often, if he were then a Papist indeed, as sithence the discovery of his Treasons he pretended, let his best friends the Papists themselves judge. But perhaps it may be said, that he repented those his Offences past; that since those three Oaths so taken by him, he was twice reconciled to the Pope, and so his Conscience cleared, and he become a new man; and (which is more) that in the time to his last Travel, he cast away all his former lewd manners: that he changed his degree and habit, and bought or begged the grave Title of a Doctor of Law, for which he was well qualified with a little Grammar-School Latin; that he had Plenary Indulgence, and Remission of all his Sins, in consideration of his undertaking of so holy an Enterprise as to kill Queen Elizabeth, a sacred anointed Queen, his Natural and Sovereign Lady: That he promised to the Pope, and vowed to God to perform it: that he confirmed the same by receiving the Sacrament at the Jesuits, at one Altar with his two Beaupeers, the Cardinals of Vendosme and Narbonne: And that since his last return into England, he did take his Oath upon the Bible to execute it. These Reasons may seem to bear some weight indeed amongst his Friends the Jesuits, and other Papists of State, who have special Skill in matters of such importance.  
But now lately in the beginning of this Parliament in November last, he did eftsoons solemnly in public place take the Oath before mentioned, of obedience to her Majesty. How that may stand with his reconciliations to the Pope, and with his Promises, Vows, and Oath to kill the Queen, it is a thing can hardly be warranted, unless it be by some special privilege of the Pope's omnipotency.  
But let him have the glory he desired, to live and die a Papist. He deserved it, it is fit for him, his death was correspondent to the course of his life, which was disloyal, perjured, and Traitorous towards her Majesty, and false and perfidious towards the Pope himself, and his Catholics, if they will believe his solemn protestations which he made at his Arraignment and Execution, that he never meant nor intended any hurt to her Highness' Person. For if that be true, where are then his Vows which he said were in Heaven, his Letter and Promise upon Earth? Why hath he stolen out of the Pope's shop so large an Indulgence and plenary Remission of all his Sins, and meant to perform nothing that he promised? Why was his Devotion and Zeal so highly commended? Why was he so specially prayed for and remembered at the Altar? All these great favours were then bestowed upon him without cause or desert: for he deceived the Pope, he deceived the Cardinals, and Jesuits, with a false semblance, and pretence to do that thing which he never meant.  
But the matter is clear, the Conspiracy, and his traitorous intent is too plain and evident: it is the Lord that revealed it in time, and prevented their malice: there lacked no will, or readiness in him to execute that horrible fact. It is the Lord that hath preserved her Majesty from all the wicked Practices and Conspiracies of that Hellish Rabble: it is he that hath most graciously delivered her from the hands of this Traitorous miscreant. The Lord is her only defence, in whom she hath always trusted.   

A Prayer for all Kings, Princes, Countries and People which do profess the Gospel; and especially for our Sovereign Lady Queen Elizabeth: used in Her Majesty's Chapel, and meet to be used of all persons within Her Majesty's Dominions.  
O Lord God of hosts, most loving and merciful Father, whose power no creature is able to resist, who of thy great goodness hast promised to grant the petitions of such as ask in thy Son's Name: We most humbly beseech thee to save and defend all Princes, Magistrates, Kingdoms, Countries and People which have received and do profess thy holy Word and Gospel; and namely this Realm of England, and thy servant Elizabeth our Queen, whom thou hast hitherto wonderfully preserved from manifold Perils and sundry Dangers, and of late revealed and frustrated the Traitorous Practices and Conspiracies of divers against her: for the which, and all other thy great goodness towards us, we give thee most humble and hearty thanks, beseeching thee in the Name of thy dear Son jesus Christ, and for his sake, still to preserve and continue her unto us, and to give her long life and many years to rule over this Land. O Heavenly Father, the practices of our Enemies, and the Enemies of thy word and truth, against her and us, are manifest and known thee. Turn them, O Lord, if it be thy blessed Will, or overthrow and confound them, for thy Names sake: Suffer them not to prevail: Take them, O Lord, in their crafty Willness that they have invented, and let them fall into the Pit which they have digged for others. Permit them not ungodly to triumph over us: Discomfort them, discomfort them, O Lord, which trust in their own multitude, and please themselves in their subtle devices, and wicked Conspiracies. O loving Father, we have not deserved the least of these thy Mercies which we crave: For we have sinned, and grievously offended thee; we are not worthy to be called thy Sons: We have not been so thankful unto thee as we should, for thy unspeakable benefits poured upon us: We have abused this long time of Peace and Prosperity; We have not obeyed thy Word: We have had it in Mouth, but not in heart; in outward appearance, but not in deed: We have lived carelessly: We have not known the time of our visitation: we have deserved utter destruction. But thou, O Lord, art merciful, and ready to forgive; therefore we come to thy Throne of Grace, confessing and acknowledging thee to be our only refuge in all times of peril and danger: And by the means of thy Son, we most heartily pray thee to forgive us our Unthankfulness, Disobedience Hypocrisy, and all other our Sins; to turn from us thy heavy wrath and displeasure, which we have justly deserved; and to turn our hearts truly unto thee, that daily we may increase in all goodness, and continually more and more fear thy holy Name: So shall be glorify thy Name, and sing unto thee in Psalms, and Hymns, and Spiritual Songs: And thy enemies and ours shall know themselves to be but men, and not able by any means to withstand thee, nor to hurt those whom thou hast received into thy protection and defence. Grant these things, O Lord of Power, and Father of Mercy, for thy Christ's sake; to whom with thee and thy Holy Spirit, be all Honour and Glory for ever and ever. Amen.   

A Prayer and Thanksgiving for the Queen, used of all the Knights and Burgesses in the High Court of Parliament, and very requisite to be used and continued of all her Majesty's loving Subjects.  
O Almighty and most merciful God, which dost pitch thy tents round about thy people, to deliver them from the hands of their enemies; we thy humble Servants, which have ever of old seen thy Salvation, do fall down and prostrate ourselves with Praise and Thanksgiving to thy glorious Name, who hast in thy tender Mercies from time to time saved and defended thy Servant ELIZABETH, our most gracious Queen, not only from the hands of strange Children, but also of late revealed and made frustrate his bloody and most barbarous Treason, who being her natural Subject, most unnaturally violating thy Divine Ordinance, hath secretly sought to shed her blood, to the great disquiet of thy Church, and utter discomfort of our Souls: his snare is hewn in pieces, but upon thy Servant doth the Crown flourish. The wicked and bloodthirsty men think to devour jacob, and to lay waste his dwelling place: But thou (O God) which rulest in jacob, and unto the ends of the world, dost daily teach us still a trust in thee for all thy great Mercies, and not to forget thy merciful Kindness showed to her, that feareth thy Name. O Lord, we confess to thy Glory and Praise, that thou only hast saved us from destruction, because thou hast not given her over for a prey to the wicked: Her Soul is delivered, and we are escaped. Hear us now we pray thee, (O most merciful Father) and continue forth thy loving Kindness towards thy Servant, and evermore to thy Glory and our Comfort, keep her in health, with long Life, and Prosperity; whose rest and only refuge is in thee, O God of her Salvation. Preserve her, as thou art wont, preserve her from the snare of the Enemy, from the gathering together of the froward, from the insurrection of wicked Doers, and from all the traitorous Conspiracies of those which privily lay wait for her life. Grant this, O Heavenly Father, for jesus Christ's sake, our only Mediator and Advocate, Amen.  
Io. Th.   

A Prayer used in the Parliament only.  
O Merciful God and Father, forasmuch as no counsel can stand, nor any can prosper, but only such as are humbly gathered in thy Name, to feel the sweet taste of thy Holy Spirit; we gladly acknowledge, that by thy favour standeth the peaceable protection of our Queen and Realm, and likewise this favourable liberty granted unto us at this time to make our meeting together; which thy bountiful Goodness we most thankfully acknowledging, do withal earnestly pray thy Divine Majesty so to incline our hearts, as our counsels may be subject in true obedience to thy Holy Word and Will. And scythe it hath pleased thee to govern this Realm by ordinary assembling the three Estates of the same: Our humble Prayer is, that thou wilt graft in us good minds to conceive, free liberty to speak, and on all sides a ready and quiet consent to such wholesome Laws and Statutes, as may declare us to be thy people, and this Realm to be prosperously ruled by thy good guiding and defence: So that we and our Posterity may with cheerful hearts wait for thy appearance in judgement, that art only able to present us faultless before God our Heavenly Father: To whom with thee our Saviour Christ, and the Holy Spirit, be all Glory both now and ever. Amen.  
FINIS.