TO THE HIGH AND mighty PRINCES, FREDERICK and ELIZABETH, by the Grace of God, King and queen of Bohemia, Princes Palatines of the Rhine, &c. AS ALSO To the most Illustrious and victorious, Maurice, Prince of orange, Count of Nassau, &c. 

Most High  
Most Illustrious  
Princes,    
THAT I haue adventured in these unfaithful times, so full of suspicion and danger, to pass( without leave) your guards, and to press into your Presence, I most humbly crave pardon, having I confess no other excuse not unmindful of a Matchiavillian and 
Divide, et Impera.  old maxim; But I trust Almighty God( as he hath already begun) will open the eyes of all Christian kings and Princes, in time not onely to pry into, but effectually to oppose, these his immense and ambitious designs, which else in time may fall heavy vpon our children and posterity, I end; humbly beseeching the King of Kings and kingdoms, the Almighty Lord of hosts: Most High, Most Illustrious Princes, to protect the persons of yourselves and children, with his grace to multiply your Honors and Dignities, fourfold to restore your estates, and after many yeares to crown you in Heaven, with the diadems of glory and endless happiness.  
Who is most devoted unto your Highnesses, in all loyal affection T. S. of U.   

THE spanish PARLIAMENT. 
Ingentibus exidit ausis.   depiction of the Spanish Parliament  
AFter the shouts and acclamatiof all true hearted English, for the safe and single return of the Prince of Great britain, had made the roof of heaven to resound, and with the noise hand shooke such a terror into the ill affencted body of spain, that a could, and benumbing fear, ran through her joints, her friends began to bethink themselves, of a timely recomfort, to find the means a fresh to rouse up her spirits,( by this time half repenting herself of parting with so precious a pawn,( the possession whereof she imagined, might haue tied us to haue precisely kept day,( though it were likely to haue had proved more fatal unto her, then ever was the gold of Thousouse to Cepio's Souldiers) and as it falleth out among sick persons, some of sounder iudgement then the rest, about her in particular and every one in general giuing their best opinions, undertook( so she would be ruled) to rid her off that fit and distempered perplexity.  
And for this purpose appointing for a further consultation to be at seville in Audaluzia, whether already the King with most of the Nobility had retired themselves in regard( they said) the English who were in number about seauen-score, had not long before eaten up all the provision in Madrid, and within thirty miles about, there came as truest and old friends to her estate, the Arch-bishop of Toledo, the Dukes of Medina Coeli, of Braganza, of Ville Hermosa, of Hijaz, D. of Infantado, D. of Cea, D. of Sesa, D. of Veragua, Marques of Malagon; Count de Penna-fiore, Count de Monterry, Count de Sanstephano, &c. Escalona, the Marques of Castello, Rodrigo the Admirant and Constable of Castile, Count Olivares, Count Gondomar, Pedro de Toledo, Gonzales de Cordua, Lewes de Velasco, with sundry others of remark and note, of the chiefest Nobility, whither being come, and having made choice of a goodly and faire palace, anciently belonging unto the D. of Beiar principal of the family of the Zanigas, in a faire great Chamber hung with rich Arras, over the leather guilded. Guara Mazilla's, after many an interchange of compliment, each as his precedence required took his place, like a college of wise Physitians to consult of the state of that body and kingdom, how with medicines( as Physitians call them) to prevent her future danger, withall for the present to repair the ruin of her reputation and credit with the world,( since now her plots and practices are smoked, their gordian knots vntwisted even by children: Lastly, how to gain by strong hand, what all this while shee could not compass by artes and policy.  
Being all set and silent, the Duke of Medina Coeli, stood up and spake as followeth.  
My Lords, it hath pleased his catholic majesty the King our Mr. to give way to this our meeting and Parlamentary assembly, to consult and aduise among ourselves, what course is most fittest to be holden of us, in these tempestuous times, for the weather being changed, and the bright beams of our hopes overcast, we are from every side to expect rage and storms. You are not ignorant how there is now a Parliament holden in England, that bided us no good, in Holland a daily consultation with present preparation, In France a council together with an vnaminity of Kings and peers, for some great undertaking: How nearly then concerns it us of spain, to be vigilant, and to look about us: first, for the maintenance and aduancement of the catholic Religion, and holy Church: Secondly, for the defence of his majesties kingdoms and Territories: Thirdly, to hear the grievances of the people groaning under the heavy burden of exaction and oppression, though the couetuosnesse of public offices. Fourthly, for the supply of the Treasury which a late hath been much exhausted, partly by preparation by Sea against our Common enemies, Turkes, and Hollanders, and partly by the extraordinary entertainment of Charles Prince of Wales, the charge whereof amounted to 49. thousand ducats. Fift, and lastly, for giuing the world satisfaction, and the taking away of those vile scandals and imputations, which even within these few dayes haue been, and are hourly cast vpon us, especially,( as they give it out) in dealing doubly and dishonourably with England, concerning the Treaty of the Match.  
He having ended, the D. of Braganza the next began thus.  
I am sorry that I live to see the day, that the Honor of spain which was wont to dazzle the eye of Europe with the unsufferable splendour of its brightness, should now be over cast with the black cloud of disgrace, and the name of a spaniard so redoubted over the world, become branded with the infamous attributes and epithets of false, ambitious, proud, and cruel, and those Nations who were wont to adore us for our faith, contemn, and scorn us now for treachery and falsehood. Certes loyalty and the Religious observance of our promises, and faith, was anciently held our prime virtue, insomuch that Fey de Spagna grew into a proverb, like the gold of Ophir out valewing any other, that I speak no new thing, or untruth, you may plainly perceive it by the multitude of discourses, pamphlets and pasquills that are daily vented against us from all parts of the World, wherein wee are jested at, derided, disgraced, by verses and unseemly Pictures, especially of late dayes, from Holland, France, and England: yea as I understand in songs and ballads, sung up and down the streets in many places: whence this imputation, vpon so just and brave a Nation, so potent a Monarch( at the brandishing of whose sword Europe trembles) should proceed, I cannot guess, yet desire to be satisfied herein, in the King my Mr. and Kinsmans behalf, my Kinsman, for you all know my near alliance unto his majesty, and my poesy may intimate no less unto the world which is Pues vos, nos, after you, we, being next in blood if the issue royal should fail.  
But I am a fraide the ill carriage of some private men at home,( perhaps our ambassadors in foreign parts,) haue thrown this aspersion vpon us, having either given abroad to many overtures of our designs, or attempted their ends with overmuch hast and violence, which in time and by gentle hand might haue been easier won, as a bough whose fruit we mean to gather, is borough down by degrees, which else might break and we loose our longing.  
Surely, in the first, me think our Nation should not easily offend, we being esteemed the most close and reserved to ourselves in the world, as the event of our greatest and most important actions haue sufficiently shown. Did we not in 88. carry our business for England so cunningly and secretly as well, in that well dislembled treaty with the English near Ostend, whereto for us were deputed, Aremberge, Champigny, Richardot and other, as in bringing our navy to their shores, while their Commanders and Captaines were at bowls vpon the hoe of plymouth, and had my Lord Alonso Guzman, the Duke of Medina Sidonia had but the resolution( but in truth his Commission was otherwise) he might haue suprized them as they lay at anchor, and the like. In Ireland when Don Ivan d' Aquila had gotten footing in the Irish ground ere any of the mist: How were our plots and correspondence with byron carried▪ with infinite the like examples.  
Touching the latter, the Spanish Nation hath of all other in the world been held for the most sober, stayed, and wise, and were wont never to attempt any thing but vpon great and long advice, accounting it with Quintus Fabius more honourable to bee accounted drones or cowards, then to hazard our affairs, or Armies, French like, onely in a vainglorious hastiness to gain the Honor of charging the first. So that it seemeth strange to me that we haue I know not vpon what grounds incurred the hate and scorn of other Nations, and that we especially of the Nobility should be thought ill of since of Nobility ours of spain, hath been ever held the most illustrious and eminent of the world.  
The Duke having made an end, Gondomar easily raising himself from his chair wherein he sat vpon two down pillows, and resting himself vpon a little brasil staff, spake as followeth.  
My Lords, I can derive this slander of our Country, and hate of ourselves from no other fountain then the fanatical humors and distracted spirits of some of the English, who find themselves not a little galled and vexed with our politic delays heretofore, and now our final rejection, and( I hope) shaking hands with that heretical Nation for ever, for if your Alteses and Honors will but consider what adventure and boot we haue made by them, I think you will say we might well endure these British northern and could blasts: mean time in so suffering for our catholic King, and in the catholic cause we ought to take such approbry rather as an Honor unto us then otherwise.  
moreover, if we shall consider who are the Authors of these flying Plamphlets, wee shall find to proceed from the pens of light and vnstayed wits, with intent either to win the opinion of good intelligencers and statistes together with the airy applause of the Vulgar, or to raise to their desperate Fortunes, when the tempest is over,( as it oft hath happened) and now likely we being fallen off from England, and the Treaty at an end.  
Yea, but quoth the Duke of Medina Caeli, what should be the reason of that inbred and natural hate the common people of England should bear to us, and our Country above any Nation in the world, the Hollanders, Turkes, and Indians excepted.  
Quoth the Arch-bishop of Toledo, herein we are 
Arch. B. Toledo.  much deceived, for his catholic majesty and ourselves all haue very many faithful and fast friends in England, who would not stick to hazard their lives and fortunes in the service of his majesty, might time and occasion be offered, yea, and some none of the meanest.  
The marquis of Castello Rodrigo, then arising up with a grave countenance, and a deliberate utterance said, is it possible that any place in the world should bring forth such a monster, as a traitor to his Country, or allow bread to any one so unnaturally base, as to draw his sword, and side with an enemy against her, I will say that for our spain, I do not remember or ever had red, that shee afforded a traitor, or so much as one that served a sworn enemy against her Prince.  
By your favour, quoth Lewes de Velasco, what Country-man was he of Count John of Nassau's regiment, that took the Admirant of Arragon prisoner at the battle of Neuport.  
It is true quoth Gonzales de Cordua, he was a Spaniard, but examples hereof are very rare.  
Quoth Gondomar, so they are, and though England be the colder Country, yet it hath bread more venomous Creatures of this Nature, then ever spain, yea even under the sunshine of their mildest and most moderate governments.  
Whence quoth the Duke of Escalona should this proceed.  
I will tell you( quoth Gondomar) my opinion, the English naturally are desirous of novelties, and innovations, and as it were sick in the soft beds of their long liberty, peace, and plenty,( which they enjoy under as wise and as good a King as ever lived) they suppose nothing wanteth to their full happiness but change and variety: I must liken them to Giotto of Florence his ass, who when he went along with a rich saddle of beaten gold on his back with a crown and sceptre lying thereon, yet he could not choose but smell vpon a Carriers packesaddle as it lay at an inn door.  
Hence are strangers the most admired and entertained amongst them, and if of quality preferred many times to place and preferment before the English, though perhaps there are many who deserve better. I haue seen there a torn and tattered French Lacquay, but as this day arrived out of France, and the next, he hath ietted in the Court in his Tissue or Scarlet at the least: what preferment came that arch-hypocrite Spalato unto. Ascanio the friar, who left his wife in St. Mantins lane, and ran again to his Order. And a poor and ignorant Italian mountebank, sought after for his skill as if Aesculapius or Machaon were again raised from the dead, yea when but a Spanish gown( happily of the ambassadors Lady, or of her gentlewoman) how was it sought after by Ladies, and Taylors for the fashion, happy was she that could first get her into the Spanish fashion, to their no small charge, the Spanish garments exceeding all other in fullness, compass, and length, which by this time it may be they haue converted into Cushions. My Lords, you would hardly haue forborn laughter, to haue heard how I haue been inquired after for Maisters for the Spanish tongue,( that I may say nothing of so many bills set up in every corner of the City by Professors) nay I could haue no service almost done me of my Mullettors and grooms, for being employed in teaching the Spanish among ladies and their maids, though I knew I tell you, English must be that they were to trust too when all was done.  
Touching myself being ambassador there from his catholic majesty, and the sole instrument in the Treaty for the match, which the catholics there so long thirsted after, if I should relate unto you the particulars of mine own entertainment, you would( I suppose) imagine I  told you wonders beyond belief, for beside the great and gracious respect I found, and favours I received from his majesty of Great britain, and sundry of the Nobility, who seemed wholly to be compounded of courtesy and nobleness, there passed not a day wherein I was not visited, by some of the best rank, or received some present or other, from catholic Gentlemen, or their ladies,( so welcome was the very thought of the Spanish match unto them) I returning them again, with thankes, large promises, and apparent hopes of preferment, when the time should come.  
And be it spoken among ourselves, since wee are falling off from England, I made better use of their kindness then so, for there were few catholics in England of note, from whom in this regard, I wrested not out a good round sum of money: Sir Robert Cotton a great Antiquary, I hear, much complaineth of me, that from his friends and acquaintance onely I got into my purse the sum at the least of ten thousand pounds, I deny it not; and true it is, I borrowed of the good old Lady W. of the Parish in St. Martins in the fields 300 pounds, or thereabouts, promising her repayment( whereof I will not fail) so soon as Donna Maria, the Infanta should arrive in England, and for the use hereof, I promised to make her mother of her maids, persuading her, it was not fit that so grave and good a Lady as herself should lie obscured in private, but rather attend vpon my young mistress, the bravest and most hopeful princess of the World, vpon these hopes she turned catholic, and since I never saw her. I sold moreover, the place of Groomesse, of her highnesse stool, to six several English ladies, who were eager of it, only cause be they might take place before their fellowes: I lost nothing neither by a Noble Gentleman, whom I caused to be known for a kinsman of the King my Mr. for that he was descended from the Noble and ancient family of Aiala in spain, these are but mites and crumbs in regard of those great presents, and many pensions I had sent me underhand, from the catholics from all parts of England during my abode there, had my finger but ached, or been ill disposed( as I often was in body) I had sent me jewels, sweet-meates, perfumes, linen, Rose-water, and a thousand of such trifles, only I returned them thankes, and promised them or their friends preferment, when time served.  
If you were my Lord, so nobly entertained in England, quoth Braganza, whence is it, or vpon what occasion haue wee gotten to ourselves the ill will and distaste of that Nation.  
I must confess, quoth Gondomar, the common people of England bear generally an inbred spleen toward us, as it seemeth by many rude affronts, we were offered there by the base sort, contrary to the will and pleasure of his majesty of great Brittany, who published many edicts and Proclamations in our behalfs, punishing many times the offenders severely as they could be taken, but why the name of a Spaniard should be so become odious unto them, is a question I cannot easily resolve.  
Some think that there is a natural antipathy or contrariery of affection between our disposition and theirs, they living in the North, and we in the South; which being( as Charron a French Author observeth) nearer to the sun, the inhabitants are more crafty, politic, and religious,( though he his in that) even to superstition and Idolatry, where as on the contrary, those of the North( howsoever goodlier in person, better faced, and more beautiful then ourselves by reason of the coldness of the climate, preserving inwardly the natural heat, and radical moisture,) are plain simplo, nothing so religious contemners withall, of the glorious ceremonies of our Church, wherewith we haue drawn more Heathen in either India to Christianity, in one year, then they can with their Lutheran and calvinistical Sermons in all their lives.  
This very self same thing( quoth Gonzales) I once urged by way of Argument to an earl of Germany who was a professed Lutheran heretic, and his reply herein was, so are fools and children taken with bells, gilded pouches, and colours, and our Ladies and faire Gentlewomen,( we see) oftentimes wooed and won, only with a brave out-side on the back of a base knave, when an honest man, and of deserving parts is rejected, in a plain and ordinary suite of clothes, and not held worthy the looking after.  
They talk as they are( quoth Gondomar) I am sure these drew more to my little private chapel in holborn, then their best Preachers of Sermons could do to any Church they had.  
But quoth the Duke of Hijaz, it may be they hate us for the same cause, that France, Germany, italy, and the rest of the Countries of Europe, for that many of us are descended of the Moorish race: wherefore we are termed of them in Italy, M●rani, and of other Moros Blancos, and Nue vos Christianos: For indeed it was but in the year 1492. when Granado was recovered from the Moores, Mahomet surnamed the Little, and son of Muley Albohacen being King thereof, though Toledo and Cordoua long before, and it may be they hold us still infected with Moorish minds, and a spice of their manners, though they are assured we are Christians, yea and the most catholic too.  
I hear( quoth signor Gondomar) it is objected in their now present Parliament, that in all treatises for the space of these two hundred yeares, spain hath dealt with the English, fide punica, never kept touch with them in any serious capitulation, but ever aiming at her own ends, used their alliance and friendship but as a stale or stalking-horse over their backs to shoot at others, or serve her own necessities for the present, and hereof their Antiquaries( they say) haue found many Presidents. Among others they affirm and prove, to the prejudice of our Treaty, that Charles the fift was first himself betrothed to queen Mary, and I know vpon what trick and policy he untied himself again, and used the means to confer her vpon Prince Philip his son.  
But the very truth is, they carry a vindictive resolution against us ever since our intended conquest of them in 88. and peradventure the Powder-plot in 1605. which yet seemeth manner alta mente repostum. indeed Henry the 4. of France, surnamed the Great, laboured at one time a reconciliation between us, but he found the roots of eithers discontent so deep, and the sore so vnsalueable, that he gave it over in the end. Touching mine own person, I was generally hated, I confess, of the common people: for no other cause, I imagine, then for the great grace and favour I was in with his majesty, unto whom I had free access at all times, and his gracious ear to any reasonable suite or request I could demand, the particulars of the service I did to the King my Master( whom God long preserve) I think are not unknown unto you, I omitting no one hour or minute of time wherein I did not benefit either him by my service, myself by experience, or a friend by a good turn.  
For during the time of my abode in England, and whilst I lay in London, I got partly by the means of well affencted friends, and partly by mine own experience( for in summer, time under the colour of taking the air, I would take view of the country) I had perfect knowledge of the estate of the whole Land: for there was no Fortification, haven, Creeke, or Landing-place about the cost of England, but I got a platform and draft thereof, I learned the depth of all their Channels, I was acquainted with all Sands, shelves, rocks, Riuers that might impeach or make for invasion, I had perpetually in a Role the names of all the Ships of King james his navy royal, I knew to a hair of what burden every ship was, what Ordinance she carried, what number of sailors, who were the Captaines, for what places they were bound, which were in repair and fit for service, and which not, I knew the strength of the Tower of London, what armor, Ordinance, small Shot and Powder it might afford. You know moreover my Lords, I acquainted the King my master with Sir Walter Raleigh's intended voyage to Guiana, and every particular thereof, when it was but in embryone, and when he himself vowed onely three were acquainted with his purpose and resolution, but the fourth should never know what he intended until he had set footing in America: yet I say, I knew what he aimed at, what course he meant to hold, where to land, what places he meant to surprise, what force he carried, and by what way he resolved to return: with all which particulars, as I haue already said) I acquainted you long ere he went, and he was no sooner gone but I was assured I had his head at my devotion, to take it when I listed( having sufficient matter to all●dge against him) and at last, though his treason for which he stood condemned many yeares before) was the hatcher, yet the hand was mine that gave him the blow: For it concerned us above all the rest in case we should fall off from England, and burst out into our old enmity, to make away with him, who would haue proved the onely Boutefeu and Cendiarie of the world, instirring ●p the hatred of the English and other Nations against us, he being a Darling of our late deadliest enemy queen Elizabeth, and one of the last men to be born of those great Spirits, and experienced Captaines the time of her reign produced. His majesty( I humbly thank him) took especially notice of this service of mine( and as it was  told me) gave me great thankes for it above the rest.  
I was no less diligent for the discovery of the Inland, then for the Shores and Sea-coasts: For there was neu●r a shire in England, but I better know the estate, power and quality thereof then the Inhabitants, even the best of them themselves did. I could in particular relate the nature of the soil, what power of men and horse th●y were able to raise, who were the chief and of most ability and credit in the country, who the most ancient Gentlemen, what they were worth in their revenues and estates, how they stood affencted in Religion, who were puritans, and who catholics, and among catholics who stood for us, and who( for such there were) were indifferent or against vs. And which moreover is of equal consequence, there was not a Sermon preached at Paules cross, or indeed in any other Church of the City or place in the kingdom, that did but touch the hem of my maisters garment, or was any way prejudicial unto us or the match( which we seemingly intended) but I had my Leame-hounds ready in every corner to draw after them dry-foote, and fetch the Authors Coram nobis, to their cost, as one Dr. everard of St. Martins, was for his bold and malapert inueighing and continually preaching against us and the match silenced by my onely means, for( I said) and often  told my best friends, till the mouths of such Rabshecahs were stopped, no unity or sincere reconciliation of either Nation:( for the effecting of which now was the time) could possibly be expected. One whiteing, besides a Dr. of divinity, Mr. Clayton for his Spanish Ewe, in a Sermon at S. Paules cross was laid up for his lavish tongue, and had like before to haue smarted for a Sermon he made before his majesty at Wansted in Essex in August some two yeares since, taking for his Text, Remember Lots Wise, Luk. 17. 32. And I think Ward of Ipswich escaped not safely for his lewd and profane picture of 88. and their Powder treason, one whereof my L. Arch-bishop I sent you in a letter, that you might see the malice of these detestable heretics, against his Holinesse and the catholic Church.  
Neither was there any public speech made openly in any Court of Iustice, were it in either house of Parliament; star Chamber, country Assize, yea, many times uttered privately in the Court, but I got an inkling, and made good use thereof: yea, I was partaker of Gossips news in the city, brought to mine own bed chamber by my well known and private friend, &c. Mrs. M. of Fleet-streete.  
indeed signor Gondomar, quoth one, herein consisted the pythe and marrow of your service, but if you please proceed.  
I again entertained, to my no small charge, Intelligencers in every country( indeed catholic Priests) whose liberty out of prison I obtained for that very purpose: for being abroad, they did us a threefold service: First they gained souls to God, friends to the King my master, and money good store into our purses: for I got out of English catholics to mine own use threescore thousand pounds at the least.  
For the first, it hath been certified me for a certain,& by report from many of their own mouths, that the number of souls which they haue gained into the bosom of the Church since the remission of the penal laws against them, and their freedom by my means obtained, amounteth to the number of eight and thirty thousand and odd.  
Secondly, they haue confirmed the catholics, and made them so fast for the King our master, that they haue avowed unto me diverse times, that rather then miss of the Match, they would make up the best part of the Infanta's portion out of their own purses, yea, though it were with the selling or pawning of all their plate and jewels.  
Within the City, for a small matter, I feed certain discontented and necessitous catholics of the English, to walk the common and most frequented places of the city of London, as St. Paules Church, the Exchange, now and then among the Ordinaries, to learn the common news, out of which many times I picked good matter.  
Neither could the States of Holland, or the ambassadors of any other foreign Prince carry their business so close, but with my Maisters golden Key, I could find a means to dive into their Cabbinets, reseale and seal again their Packets, without the help either of Arthor Gregory, or his old acquaintance Phillips.  
It was not one of my worst pieces, to hold the English in suspense, with an apparent overture of the match, and a dilatory promise of golden mountaines, with the age of old Saturne again, when every oak in greenwich park, Sudaret roscida mella, till the Palatinate was lost beyond recovery, a matter of main consequence: for hereby Bohemia with the rest of the Emperours Territories being secured above, our master may at pleasure call to his aid the Emperors forces( who it seemeth for this purpose hath made a League with the turk for these twenty yeares) together with the strength of Tilley, 
Die Caese camer.  and the D. of Bauaria joined, and with his own forces suddenly( for now is the time) give Holland such a Camisado, as the best wits of the 
So the Spaniard scorn●ully calls the ●●ge where the States usually reside.  chief Chamber, will be to seek of their old-ward, and wonted policy.  
Yea( quoth Don Pedro) but imagine this plot were resolved vpon, shall we think the Princes of Germany, King of France, and England, and other their old friends and allies, will stand still as idle Spectators, and not run in with their swords drawn to their rescue? Or that the Hollander who hath been so long weather beaten at sea, is not able to discern this storm a far off, and take in his sails ere it shall hazard his ship, yes without doubt; and howsoever we may flatter ourselves with the easiness of the Conquest, wee shall assuredly find it as hard a task as ever spain undertook.  
It is true, you say( quoth the Admirant of Castile) what haue we gained of them for these fifty yeares place and upward, ever since Don John of Austria, the Duke of Alva, Lewes Requesens, were governors, and undertook the Low-Country Warres, but sound knocks, with the fruitless expense of many a million.  
Quoth( Lewes de Velasco) a shorter cut for the 
The error of the Duke of Alva.  Conquest of those Rebells, had been long since taken, had the Duke of Alva been so wise as to haue secured himself of Brill, Flushing, and the rest of the Frontier, and Sea-Townes, he then might haue been master of all the rest within at his pleasure, for so long as they were open and free, they were to the others, as the mouth to the stomach or body, which could not possibly famish, so long as it was supplied continually from England, and other places, but this by the way.  
All what( quoth Gondomar) I haue already said is but a praeludium or small Preface, to those projects I had in my brain, if( as unluckily it happened) the Treaty had not suddenly broken off, but been spun out a year or two longer, which indeed was the main plot, and had been effected, had not 
The Prince in spain before he was looked for.  the coming over of Prince CHARLES in Person into spain, with the Duke of Buckingham spoyled all, for howsoever we made a seeming show of rejoicing at his coming, and did him all Honor beseeming so great and worthy a Prince, yet to speak the truth my Lords, you all know wee wished him a thousand miles off; and I beleeue some of the English themselves were here sorry that he had engaged himself in so long and tedious a journey.  
But quoth the Duke of Hijaz standing up and turning himself to the Duke of Medina Coeli, and the Archbishop of Toledo.  
How may it be conceived that the Prince of England his arrival in spain, should either prejudice us, or the Treaty of the Match a whit, since he found here the greatest content he could devise, he had a sight of the Lady Maria la Infanta his mistress, whose self known and seen exceeded her same, he was entertained and attended vpon by the most complete and generous Nobles of Europe, and had that entertainment, no Nation could afford the like. Lastly, Maiorem habemus fidem iis quae occulis vsurpamus, quam quae auribus haurimus.  
Quoth the Duke of Escalonia, the effect hath fallen out quiter contrary, for the English report since their coming home, they never came into a base Country in their lives, where they could get 
Great want of victual and provision in spain▪  meate neither for themselves or their horses, nor saw so much as one handful of grass in two hundred miles riding, and if they dined at one place, 
He that surfeits at a Spaniards Table, trust me I will pay for his physic.  they were fain to go 30 or 40 miles ere they could get any thing to their supper, and then perhaps a piece of lean Kid, or Cabrito, a Tripe, Tone's or such like, indeed I remember when the Prince lay at Madrid, we were fain to sand seventeen miles off for a calf, for his highnesse diet, as for Mutton we may kill none without especial Licence from the King, for fish our Riuers afford none, and we being most temperate ourselves, how should our diet agree with their stomachs, who are accounted the greatest feeders of the World.  
I verily beleeue indeed( quoth Gondomar) that those places they call in England, East-cheape, and Smith-field bars, kills, and utters more beef and Mutton in a month, then all spain eats in seven yeares, which plenty our men meeting withall, at our first coming over into England; and since some who attended Don Iniosa( as I lately heard) did over eat themselves, and died shortly after.  
The poor and miserable surface of our Country;( quoth Escalona) the scarcity of victual and 
The Princes going over in person, was happy for England.  hardness of lodging was not all, the Prince of Wales by coming in Person discovered our plot, and found how faire so ever wee pretended, wee meant nothing less, when he thinking( as also did the King of Great britain his father) nothing had been wanting to the absolute consummation of the marriage, but the Rites of the Church, he found all as Raw and as backward, as he had been all this while in a dream, and no such matter ever thought of: So that he found the Honor of our glorious entertainment to be but as a delicate sauce to help digestion.  
The Marques of Castello Rodrigo then stepping up, said, I will add one thing more, and whereof if he lives, he vows not to be unmindful of; and that is as I am informed, some affronts done him by the Clergy, as that rude and barbarous putting him 
add moreover the digging up of the bodies of our butted dead, casting them into the Sea.  out of a Church which his Highnesse came in to view: The arresting and taking away of a young youth a page., who attended,( I think) on master Mounteague in a manner from his heels, which young Gentleman( they say) cannot be heard of to this day; with that( insolent and african pride) of restraining him from that liberal access and converse,( not denied elsewhere to a mean person) with the Lady Maria Infanta his mistress( which Princes by their his own right may challenge, he being equivalent in birth, and the rarest endowments of body and mind, to any Prince whatsoever in the world) with whom in all the time of his being here, he had not above twice talked, and then before either the queen. or yourself signor Olivares or some other, if he had any thing to say afterward, it was by us to be penned to his hand, and to be spoken before witness, we must assuredly think and expect that so great and eminent a Prince, and the darling of that Nation, howsoever he could wisely smother his discontent amongst us in spain, we may one day perhaps find the fruits of our double dealing, and the effects of his haught and incensed courage, well knowing how, like a young lion, though yet in his den, and scarce acquainted with ranging, his teeth and nails are grown to that length, that he is past jesting or playing withall.  
indeed my L. Olivares, you are much blamed for that discovery and light you gave to Buckingham 
The Infanta by her Fathers will, bequeathed to the Emperors son.  of our design, and the secret and tenor of the last Kings will, wherein he charged us not to match with England, but rather to hold a faire Treaty with them, having as you all know bequeathed Maria the Infanta to the Emperours son, so that now the English suppose themselves manifestly deluded.  
Quoth the Duke of Sesa, they know it well enough, and I beleeue we shall find them so sensible of it, that we had been better to haue played faire, then to hazard the losing of our rest by such an encounter.  
Now I pray you let us take into our considerations the mischiefs which are like to follow.  
First, it is thought hereupon they haue called a Parliament, which consisteth of the King, Prince, all the Lords spiritual, and temporal, of the Gentry, and Commons of the ablest judgements, and understanding in the Land, unto this Parliament: the King( they say) hath wholly referred himself, not onely for the examination and redress of all abuses and misdemeanours at home, but for the discussing and searching into all plots and practices of 
The unity and sweet consent of the King& his people in this present Parliament observed.  others abroad, that may seem any way to prejudice the quiet and well governed estate of his kingdoms, without interposition or mediation, so that the King and people go all on and together, with that alacrity and constancy, in providing for the good estate of the kingdom, as the like hath not been seen these many yeares, Prince CHARLES himself being there early and late, Assiduvs& accubuus, amongst them, whom( I am informed) with the Duke of Buckingham, wee haue our prime and principal opposers. 
A difference between the Duke of Buckingham, and Count Olivares which the papists give out( though falsely) to be the first occasion of the breach of the match.   
I must confess( quoth Count Olivares) there fell a difference between the Duke of Buckingham, and myself, which some haue rashly and inconsiderately given out, to be the onely cause of this breach, for they say before that time all things went forward in as faire a way as might be.  
indeed quoth Toledo the catholics of England haue so given it out, laying all the fault vpon the Duke of Buckingham, who is not guilty of any such thing, I will excuse him, that piece was hammered vpon our own anvil: Buckingham is a Noble, Wise, and a Generous Prince, vpon whom the King his master hath deservedly conferred his grace, and those transcendent Honors, yea though for no other former merit else then the resolute and wise carriage of himself, in the business of this Treaty amongst us, whereby he hath not onely assured himself of the affection and heart of the King and Prince, but infinitely for his faithful service,( another Fidus Achates) unto him gained the general love of the Common people, as it not long since appeared, when he was ill after his tedious Voyage by Sea,( The Prince himself all the time healthy and sound) for whose return the people had been excessive, and beyond measure, had it not been somewhat allayed, and tempered with the report of Buckinghams sickness, they praying as hearty 
The Duke of Buckingham for his true service to the King& Prince, and State▪ hearty beloved of the people.  for his recovery, as if he had been some good land-Lord, or great House-keeper amongst them, whose loss had been half their undoing.  
It were to be wished, quoth Don Mendosa, that the Prince of Wales, and himself with the rest of the Parliament, were not vpon just cause I confess, so bent against vs. I remember, quoth the Arch-bishop, when I was a young Student, a saying of Seneca, Ingenuitas non recipit contemptum, ingenuity or a generous spirit can in no wise brook contempt, shall we imagine then a Prince, yea such a Prince as CHARLES of Wales, and onely son to the King of Great britain, vpon whom and whose action's as a bright blazing Comet Europe begins to fix her eye, afraid and doubtful, where the fatal effect of his discontent will light, will carry coals, and not cry quittance with his enemies, yet doubtless, his mettle is of another temper, and not so flexible as some take it; for mine own part I would not haue him our enemy, if his friendship could be had, though with the expense of many millions of ducats.  
As if spain, quoth Rodrigo, needed to fear that 
Cujus contrarium verum est.  angle of the world England, haue not we evermore given them their hands full? haue they not more feared our fleets and Armies, then we theirs? do we not equal them in men, and expert Commanders, as well by land as by sea? do we not exceed them in Treasure, and money from our Indian mines? that like ever▪ running fountains, are never drawn dry, that I may say nothing of the courage of our people, our wisdom and policy whereby wee haue made ourselves maisters of so many goodly Territories, and gained so many brave victories both at Sea and Land.  
Had we an enemy, quoth the D. of C●a, of far less ability and power then England is, we ought not so slightly to contemn him, the woeful experience 
A quarrel about a load of calves skins cost the D. of Burgundy the loss of his life& whole estate.  whereof our Nation natural haughty and opinionate of their valour, as well as others haue proved, the Duke of Burgundy out of aninsolent pride so contemned the Swisses, the quarrel arising betwixt th●m but for the toll of a load of calves skins; that at the last by them, he was deprived both of his estate and life, at that unfortunate encounter at Nancie. 
The Spaniards pride and contempt of us, how dear it cost them at Neuport.   
Who could with-hold the Arch-duke Albertus, and our grand Captaines from bidding Prince Maurice battle at Neuport: But scorning the enemy in regard of his small number, in respect of theirs, together being puffed up with that petty victory against the Scots the same morning, they had the reward of pride and contempt of a weak adversary, for the Arch-duke was forced to fly; saving himself very hardly, leaving dead behind him, the oldest and best Souldiers spain had. Let us beleeue the weakest may do us a mischief, as is wittily shown by Aesop in that fable or apology of his between the Eagle and the Conies. But by your favour my Lord, you are much mistaken in the estate and strength of England; and quality of the people, and so you will tell me, if wee shall haue to do with them, as we haue found, and had in former times, let us think two of the accession of Scotland unto that kingdom, and how Ireland standeth in good 
The strength of Ireland at this present.  terms, and is at this time so well peopled with English and Scottish, that there is not so much as a starting hole left for Rebellion, or so much ground to spare in that Country, that might afford any friends horse of ours a bottle of Hay, wickedness suffice for an army to march over, and to be maintained vpon.  
I might hereto add the valour and sufficient fidelity of that Noble Gentleman, Sir Henry carry Lord Viscount Falkland, the now present Lord Deputy thereof, with many other brave Spirits, that are employed in his majesties service in that good Country.  
But to return to the Parliament of England, what effects hear you is it likely to produce, or wherein is it thought to prove praejudicious to the King our master, or to the catholic Religion?  
First replied Gondamor, it is likely to go worse with the catholics then ever, as who must expect no favour, but must prepare themselves to undergo the sharpest censure, and animaduersion of the Law against them, yea whosoever shall be found abettors, maintainors, concealors of their plots or harberours of their persons, shall suffer for the same in like manner; and I hear say, that there is a Proclamation either coming forth, or published already to that effect, and how they are to depart the realm by a prefixed day.  
But what( quoth Count de Monterey) will then become of them, or by whom shall they be entertained? will they return to their colleges again 
The Seminary colleges beyond the Seas, almost empty at this time.  at douai, rheims, room, Villadolid, and other places, some whereof I haue lately seen, and observe to stand empty.  
Nothing less( quoth Gondomar) for I am persuaded though many will colourably depart though return again shortly by new ports and new names more will remain behind,( and since never likely again to haue such an opportunity of professing themselves openly, and exercising their functions, which they could do in a friends Chamber, and many times in the common inns) for the better avoiding suspicion, and concealing themselves, some will turn schoolmasters in private mens houses, as there are many in England, some Gentlemen ushers unto Collapsed Ladies are, some such there are in Drury-lane: the L. T. in yorkshire, hath one follows her in that Nature; the L. S. not far from my old house in holborn in London; the L. M. near unto Stratford-bow: Some Falconers whereof I know two, the one in Sussex, the other in high suffolk, only one I was acquainted withall, who was the Keeper of a park, and a good Huntsman, and of whom I haue had many a good piece of Venison, if he be living, I know another Priest who having lived with an ancient Lady of great estate, and of good credit, by reason he was environed with a pestilent crew of puritans on every side, and the better to colour his absence from the Church, learned the arte of Cookery, and is grown so expect therein, within a short space, that he is able to dress a Dinner with such arte, and good meate after the English fashion, that never a cook in all spain, is able to set the like by it, and his manner is, when he hath laid his meate to the fire, to go and say mass, which finished by that time, or soon after his meate is boiled or roasted, which with a clean Apron, and white sleeves with some small help of a kitchen boy, he serveth up to his old mistress.  
Quoth the Arch-bishop, this was the condition of the old Christians, under the persecuting Emperors, 
Erasinus.  of which times it is said; Ingeniosa res fuit illis temporibus esse Christianum. 
The number of Priests and lesuits in London only, is 255 in a manner foreuery parish two if mass were up again.   
Without doubt quoth Gondomar, they will be severely proceeded against in this present Parliament, and that for many respects.  
First, by reason of their number, and daily increase, whereby they became formidable to the State.  
Secondly, because of the correspondence they 
God be thanked, the house is well rid of them.  held with us, for by their means we understood the secrets of their State, knew what they did, or spake in their Parliaments, in a word, they were our onely instruments for any employment, were it never so desperate.  
Thirdly,( wherein I must needs say, they were to blame) they abused the Kings grace, and Lenity towards them, with their insolency and affronts oft 
The Kings Lenity abused.  times braving their Aduersaries in the streets to their faces, Preachers in their Pulpits, Iudges and Iustices on the Bench, that had they so done with us in spain, they should haue soundly smarted for it, of what Religion soever they had been.  
For example, vpon Easter monday last, in the afternoon, came a Iesuite formally attired in black 
ask master Primrose of the truth hereof.  to the Court, then at White Hall( the day following being the day of the Kings healing of that disease, they call there, the Kings evil, what time a great throng of people of all sorts being gathered together, at the door of sergeant Primrose, who was to take the names, and to search such as had need of help) thrust into the Chamber, and being demanded what business he had there, feigning himself to be in drink made answer he had none, neither knew he how he came there; they seeing him in such a case, would haue carried him into another room, and haue laid him vpon a bed, but he refused it, and hearing by chance Mr. Primrose, and one Mr. White confer in latin together, he suddenly broke out, and said, know you not such a one who attendeth vpon such a Lord, he is my Brother and a catholic, whereat Mr. White replied I pray get you gone, I care for no such company, where vpon he would haue drawn his dagger, and had not company been nigh, he had doubtless slain him; and no sooner was he out of the Chamber, but he returned with three or four more of his friends and acquaintance, daring him to come forth, and deeply vowing to be revenged vpon him, and the rest within, &c.  
Fourthly, because( say the English) they are the 
No treason commonly without a Priest or jesuit at on end of it.  only engines and complots of all Treasons, authors of Tumults, and seditious within the land, they instance long since the rebellion in the North, of late the Gun-powder Treason, Watsons plot with that of Sr. Walter Raleighes, and many more the like.  
Fift and lastly, because their carriage not answering the reverend and high dignity of their profession, they are grown odious( say they) to those even of their own side, for indeed they are the only boon Companions about the town, losing hereby much of their value, which I like not of. St. Francis was reputed so holy a man, that the Popes 
After the naming of St. Francis, you are to lick your lips.  Holinesse ordained, that whosoever did but name St. Francis, he should lick his lips after, so sweet and Saint-like was his life and conuersasion: Yet now I remember at my departure out of England, I gave it some of them in charge, to get what they could, of whom, or by what means soever, because I foresaw their harvest would be short, and the money would stand us all instead, for indeed the greatest part was at my devotion, and to be employed as I saw cause.  
And this stirred up one Gee an Apostate Calvinist to publish a pestilent and a malicious against the Priests and Iesuites, residing in and about London, wherein after he hath discovered their practices, he setteth down in a Catalogue at the end all their names, with the places of their lodging, what books they haue at any time published, with the names of catholic Doctors of physic, and Apothecaries, to their no small disgrace, and prejudice.  
The things my L. quoth Sesa, at your being in England, were by your means wont to be severely looked into, and punished.  
It is true, quoth Gondomar, either hanging or loss of the Authors cares had ensued, or else I had missed of my aim; but the case is now altered, I was then powerful, and in grace, and by my policy effected those things, which were they now to be wrought again, would require the labour and all the strength of Hercules.  
But my L. quoth the D. of Braganza, what news lately from England, in what state stand things there, and how doth D. Intosa carry himself among the English, at this turbulent season, and amid the deepest of their discontent,& displeasure against us?  
Well enough( quoth Gondomar) and the better if he be careful to observe some directions I gave him, at my last departure, but for novelty sake, I will produce a Letter I received from him, written with his own hand, within these few dayes.  
My L. all health and happiness ever attend our sovereign, his catholic majesty, next yourself 
The Proclamation against Priests and Iesuites.  and yours: You are much desirous I know to hear what the English Parliament hath already effected, or what they intend touching ourselves, and the catholics, and the rather by your wisdom, that you might prevent further dangers, which if foreseen, are ever the better encountered withall, and withstood: Either house of Parliament with great vehemency against the catholics, having published a Proclamation for their final banishment; and our selves every day grow more odious& in contempt with that Nation then other, which I cannot remedy, I did what lay in my power, and according to my direction, to break off this Parliament, by laying an 
So all the World supposeth.  aspersion vpon the Prince, and D. of Buckingham, to breed a iealousy in the Kings majesty, which is heinously taken of all the land, whereupon I hoped that the Parliament would soon haue been dissolved but my arte failed me; and I haue gained nothing but disgrace, the enmity of the Prince and Duke, together with the hate of the whole Land, insomuch that yourself S. Gondomar were wont to pass free and vnmolested,( except at once, or the second time, when the offenders were imprisoned and punished) we cannot pass( though no violence I 
The better sort never gave you ill use.  confess is offered) but we haue the bans and settlings of the multitude, I mean the base sort, wishing we had never come here.  
The divell drive us home again, withall I had three or four of the Proclamations for the banishing of the Priests and Iesuites, pasted on my wall, hard by my door: a Coachfull of my Gentlemen were by chance, hard by the Savoy overthrown, but Lord what a shout was there among the multitude for ioy; some interpreting the same to be malum omen to our Nation, but Deo gratias there was no harm done.  
But are not these affrontes and unseemly dealing of the Common people with ambassadors, soundly punished.  
Yes indeed( quoth Gondomar,) it is much against his majesty, and the wall of the State, who by public Proclamation, haue vpon a severe penalty forbidden any whosoever, either by word or deed, to do them any affront or injury, but it seems our dealing hath deserved it, how happeneth it then that these are not restrained, replied the M. of Mandesario.  
It is unpossible( quoth Gondomar) to charm the tongues of a multitude, beside they are people of the worse condition, for of the better sort we are respected with all observance: but let us proceed 
No Nation more benign and courteous to strangers then English.  with the contents of my Lords Letter.  
Here came forth about February likewise, a Proclamation for the banishment of all Priests, &c. out of the kingdom of Ireland, but it is to be hoped, that there be so many of the chief Magistrates and Gentlemen in Ireland, so well affencted to the catholic cause, that it will do us no great hurt in those parts, though the crack be terrible.  
Count Mansfield arrived not long since in England, and had great entertainment, but what his errand or business was, I could never learn, though I tried all the means I could to know, I am wanting in nothing insomuch as in some ingenious and good intelligencer. That( quoth Gondomar) is a fault which must be remedied, I remember of late yeares, there came a great parsonage, a messenger( call him ambassador I may not) from a Visier in Constantinople 
A notorious practise of the Spaniards, to discover the business of a Turkish ambassador with the estates, as the Hage in Holland.  to the Estates of Holland, to the Hage, and there was sent from antwerp to insinuate into his acquaintance, afterward into his service a natural born Spaniard, who had been formerly a slave in CONSTANTINOPLE, and spake the the Turkish tongue, as naturally as if he had been born there, withall he knew the friends and kindred of the said Turkish Gentleman, and could call them by their names, and  told him he was such a mans son of the City, who being taken Prisoner when he was young by the Spaniards, he was detained as 
Of the truth hereof inquire of Capt. I. B.  a Galley-slaue amongst them many yeares, and having now made an escape, fled to him for succour, and desired to serve him as an Interpreter, he believing all true that he said, entertained him to attend on him in his Chamber, it fortuned that on a time when the Estates of North-Holland were invited by the Prince of Orange to a Supper or Banquet at his Court in the Hage, and with them this Turkish ambassador, one of the Company a Dutch man, of North-Holland, observing his carriage and countenance, and remembering that his garb and condition was Spanish, and moreover avowing he had seen him in spain, caused him in despite of his new master to be preached, and at the instant found about him directions how to carry himself, and which was the main plot, to discover what was the Turkes errand to the Estates, hereupon it being the time of Peace, he was banished, and at Delft put into a boat and sent a way, vpon pain of his head never to return into Holland again: but these diuises are like Stratagems in war, once cluded never to be put in practise again.  
Well to proceed, he writes unto us moreover how and with what alacrite the Parliament with one 
provision for making ready the navy.  consent haue granted Subsidies for furnishing and rigging up the navy, and preparation for war.  
But writes he nothing, quoth Velasco, where it is thought they will appoint Sedem belly, the home of that war.  
That quoth Gondomar is a secret among them, but I think his majesty will reserve that to himself.  
Why quoth Lewes de Velasco, there should be nothing so secretly carried amongst them, but we should know it.  
The times( replied Gondomar) are not now as heretofore, and when I was in England, our best intelligencers, and the catholics are not in that grace as they haue been: we haue had in times past many friends, even in the Parliament House, but they haue now so sifted and culled them out, yea if but suspected that we haue little hope of diving into their Actions.  
The Prince of Orange with the Estates of the Low-Countries, haue taken the same course, for whereas their entendments and resolutions, where and when to make a war, was known in common to them all of the council,( so that what they determined or concluded of, wee knew it the same night, or the next morning, witness the surprise of Breda with a turf boat, and their enterprise vpon antwerp) the Prince of Orange reserves that within his own breast, whereby things are now carried with far more secrecy, and good success then before. 
The enterprise vpon Breda in Brabant.  But how happened it quoth C. Monterey that Breda( as I haue heard) was surprised notwithstanding.  
By mere accidents( quoth Gonzales de Cordua) for Antonio Lancavechia the governor, which happened not in seven yeares before, lay that night from home( I mean the Castle) at Geertrudenberge six miles off, when the same night came letters unto him from a friend, on the other side, which revealed 
The friend was suspected to be monsieur Barneueit.  the plot, but leaving his son Deputy governor he durst not open them( for vpon the opening once of a love letter that came to his Father from a Lady, his Father charged him never to meddle with looking into any letter that was directed to him again) but laying them up till his Father came home, the Castle and town wherein were 5000. men horse and foot, with threescore and ten hidden close under turfs miraculously taken, the grief whereof as some think, cost the Prince of Parma his life.  
But quoth Castello Rodrigo, signor Gondomar, if there remain any more news from England, impart it freely, we are I hope of one mind.  
Quoth the Arch-bishop of Toledo, I haue heard that since this little time of respite and freedom, wherein the catholic Religion hath taken breath a little, there haue been many miracles done in England.  
Yes assuredly very many( quoth Gondomar) I heard it credibly reported for a truth, that St. patrick visibly appeared to many Religious Priests and Friers at 
This is as true as St. Francis eat a Spider, and scrathed her again out of his thigh.  his Purgatory, confirming and preaching unto them daily, prophesing moreover, a great time of persecution ere long to befall vpon them. moreover our Blessed Lady appeared to an English maid, arrayed as bright as the sun, with the moon under her feet, whereupon she became wholly to be converted catholic.  
No doubt quoth the Duke of Medina Caeli, many of this Nature are mere impostures, what think you my L. Arch-bishop.  
No question, quoth Gonzales de Cordua, I cannot be persuaded that, that which they call the holy Blood of Boxall, which the Brabanders and all the Netherlands visit in Pilgrimage, and every year looks as read and fresh, as if it had been taken from the body but yesterday, can be the very blood of Christ.  
Nor that a young married wife shall haue a child the same year if she can stride over at once Saint Rombauts breeches at Mechlin.  
Nor that as many of the Hollanders hold that Mary was butted at Hueclom, for which cause it hath been in times past a place by pilgrims much frequented since we hold her Assumption into heaven, for quoth the Arch-bishop, signor Gonzales these are Contraria in eodem obiecto, you are a soldier, and you know for the most part they are none of the devoutest men, I wish you rather modestly and piously with the Church, that all these things are true. Abuses may creep in by accident, but never to be publicly allowed by the Sacred Authority of the Church.  
No, how chanced it( replied Gonzales) that a Painter of Shertogenbosch( my Lord of Grobbendonck 
I myself haue often seen the picture, though never worshipped it.  governor of the town,  told me the tale) being deadly in love with a faire and beautiful Lady near to Pirroy Huesden, and being to draw our Ladies Image for a chapel, either in St. Iohns, or some other Church in the Bosch, to insinuate himself the 
The Church of Rome like one of her Images take off the golden coat of ceremony, underneath it is rubbish, or a rotten block:  farther into this Ladies favour, drew her picture with her young son in her arms, which he hung up for our blessed Ladies picture, and is at this day worshipped with as great devotion, as if herself were descended from heaven, and were there in person.  
I cannot beleeue( quoth the Arch-bishop) there was any such thing, if there were) so long as it brings in good store of money to the poor Priestes of the Church, it may easily be endured: besides, if these things should be over narrowly looked into, it would hazard the credit of the catholic Church, betraying to the vulgar and ignorant her greatest mysteries, and as it were, pulling off her fairest plumes, expose her naked to vulgar scorn and contempt.  
But the D. of Escalono, who had satin silent this good while, now stepping up said, the end of our present assembly, is not to trouble ourselves about these by discourses and trivial matters, now it stands us in hand to look to ourselves, to provide money, men, and all necessaries for the war withall speed, holding it fit to call home our ambassador, who I beleeue hereafter is like to get no better answer concerning our affairs with England, then Mendoza did of Henry carry, Baron Hunsdon, and Lord chamberlain, in the dayes of queen Elizabeth, who being commanded by the Q. to give him his answer, she denying him access, by reason( say the English) his demands were insolent and unreasonable,  told him the queen hath commanded me to answer you, my answer is, Setting your Oranges and Limmons aside, a fig for your ambassage, his meaning was saving for sauce for their hens and Capons, they could live, neither caring for us, nor our Country.  
It seemeth( quoth Villa Hermosa) they care not 
A Banquet sent out of spain to Prince Charles, not long since.  much for that neither, for when as a various and a delicate Banquet, such as spain afforded, was sent over, whether by yourself my L. Olivares, your Lady, or some other, to the Prince of Wales, I heard that the Prince touched not any whit of it, but the figs and other iunkettings were given some to one, some to another, and at last refused, even of Boyes and Pages, for fear there should be dropped in a fig, or two worse relished then their fellowes.  
Then Castello Rodrigo stood up and said, Spice the English are so busy at home to provide for themselves, and happily to offend some body else( whom yet we know not) let us also timely provide least we be to seek, paries cum proximus ardet, and like true hearted Patriots and loyal Subiects to our catholic King and Country, every one sincerely and freely deliver his opinion, and reasons how our Religion, ourselves, friends, and allies might be best secured, in case the storm should fall on our heads, for this was the main end of our meeting.  
Then quoth the Duke of Medina: signor Gondomar, since you are best acquainted with the state and affairs of England, give your aduise what is best to be done, whither to haue open war with them, to wind them up still with new pretences and overtures of the Match, or to entertain a( seeming) league of amity and unity, and the Infanta to take her Fortune else where.  
For the first,( quoth Gondomar) I utterly disallow it, that we vpon no apparent ground, and 
spain unwilling to be at odds with England,  probable reason should prouoake so potent and irreconcilable a Nation, who are content to let us alone, so that they may enjoy their peace and quiet, you know the danger of awaking a sleepy lion, but hereof by the way, I will tell you a pretty and a pleasant accident of a sleepy dog, that happened at my being in England, one D. W. well known about Paules and Feetestreete in London,( a place whereto I many times resorted) for some private occasion) finding his dog a great huge Mastiue lying fast a sleep by 
A tale of D. W. dog.  his kitchen fire, said to a friend that stood by, my dog is fast a sleep, I will( to wake him) go hallow in his ear, he no sooner began to hallow, but the dog( used to no such alarms) leaps up, and laying his forefeete on his Maisters shoulders, tares him down on either cheek from the eyes, almost to the mouth: Let us by no means hallow in the ears of the English, For first, we are not so well furnished with men, munition, or money, as the World imagineth, or Arsenalls Magazines and Store-houses in sevil, Cadiz, lisbon, being almost disfurnished of all manner of munition and necessaries, though they seem otherwise.  
How haue our fleets miscarried of late yeares, some by distress and foulness of weather, 
spain greatly endamaged of late yeares.  others by depredation and piracy of the Hollanders taken or sunk, moreover, consider how our either Indies( even at this present) do Laborare in extremis, We never( since the first Conquest of the West by Columbus) in more apparent danger of losing them, then at this time, by the great and unexpected success of the Hollander in those parts, yea within these few monthes.  
For the fleet of Holland arriving at Lima in Peru, either took or sunk the very best ships of our navy, or beaten the rest, so that they are unfit for any service whatsoever, hereby they haue now gotten footing( never known before) within that goodly and golden kingdom, and by the assistance and courage of the navy Indians,( to whom the name of a Spaniard is more hateful and odious then Hell) haue taken many strong holds and places of retract and defence, from whence they are not easily to 
The Hollanders gotten footing in Peru this last year.  be undermined, or removed, their number and strength daily increasing, and they finding the commodity so great. For of all his majesties Kingdoms in Europe, Asia, or America, Peru is the prime and sovereign, being above any other in the World, most abounding in gold, silver, and pearl, where gold, and silver is not as in other places, only with great labour, digged and sought for, in deep and rockey mines, but here Nature hath dispersed and thrown it about in such plenty, that it is ordinarily found in sands by the sea side, and vpon the common ways, in wells, lakes, marshes, among stones in the earth, cleaving to the ground under the roots of plants, and trees, plucked or digged up, neither in scruples, or little and small grains, but in lumps, and solid mashes, weighing two or three pound weight a piece.  
The like success( we are certainly informed) they had but this other day( replied the D. of Cea,) in going to the East-Indies under their admiral Eremits, by surprising the strong Castle of Delr●io, which they yet hold and maintain( having sent back again unto Holland for a second fleet to their supply, which consisteth of 4000. mariners, whereof one ship( unknown to her fellowes) is fraught with handsome young wenches and boyes for plantation) these with the former making the number of fifty good ships, and for certain it is reported that they are preparing for a third navy to follow the other two out of hand.  
I think( quoth L. De Velasco) the divell intends to give them all the kingdoms of the earth.  
But replied the D. of Braganza, If I am not deceived, 
Great prepararation of the Spaniards against the Hollander, but all in vain.  they were met withall by the way, and fell far short of their reckoning, to what end else should his majesty this last year prepare so mighty a fleet, both in spain and Portugall, sending for the shipping of dunkirk, Winoxbergen and Oostend: besides many merchant Ships arrested and stayed of England, France, Lub●●k, Hamborow and other places, to be joined with his navy. Or what effect wrought the consultation at Madrid, and the daily posting with letters from thence to brussels.  
All came to just nothing, quoth the D. of Sesa: for even in the heat and threat of this great preparation, the Hollanders were so bold as to set vpon a goodly Ship of ours, whose lading was silver, which they took and brought safely home to horn: So that weighing all occurrences rightly, we shall find it no time to think of an offensive war with England, for which we are not in case, yet it is not amiss for us to pretend like lions, and seem terrible to the world, but necessity doth admonish, notwithstanding we must eke and lengthen out our hides with Foxes tail.  
Therefore in my opinion, it is best to make faire weather with England, in any case so long at the lest, till we haue tried the uttermost of our strength against Holland, which I hope his catholic majesty our master will do this Summer, and as I am informed, all those musters and taking up of men which we hear are in Naples, sicily, the duchy of Millan, spain, Artois, Henalt, Luxemburge and other places, are to that end. For the door being but half shut we had yet room to enter, if we prolong the time we shall be so bard and bolted, that there will be no hope of entrance at all, except( quoth Don Lewes of Velasco) as my Lord Duke of Sesa saith in this interstitium or twi-light of treaty, or suspense between war and Peace, we take to ourselves some notable advantage, and follow opportunity close at the heels, we are like howsoever we flatter ourselves with gitting the game, to go away the greatest losers: For we see whatsoever we intend the Hollanders are still in action, daily getting ground of vs. Did they not in August last recover Mogodor in Aethiopia from us? did not shortly after grave earnest take Embden( which Tillie supposed to be at his devotion) bringing in to the defence of the same 28. pieces of Count Mansfeilds great Ordinance? hath not the Prince of orange with as great industry and care as Spinola on our parts( presently after the death of Obham the chief admiral of Holland, who dyed this last year at the Hage) taken view of all the forts and towns standing along the maze Waell and the rhine, put in stronger Garrisons into Rauenstein& Genn●p, and after all this, made up full the army of Brunswick. moreover, hath he not strengthened and enabled to endure the longest siege Zutphen, Denenter, Swoll, with the rest of the frontier towns towards Frizeland, the passage we held ever to be our easiest and readiest for the subduing of the Netherlands? Did not those of the Garrison of Emmerick surprise and take Holden, a well fortified town hard by Dinxlaken, took all our Spaniards that lay there in garrison, and brought away the keys of the town gate with them. On the other side, if we attempt any thing, it is either discovered( so vigilant are the States) ere it be acted, or faileth in the manner and means of the action. As that enterprise of ours vpon Isendike( notwithstanding we kept the gates of antwerp shut for two dayes together, and no man suffered to go out) which we intended vpon the sudden to surprise with our scaling-ladders, yet do what we could they had notice of our intent, that when we came before it we might( as they say) throw our caps at it, for ever winning or coming within it.  
And the like attempts( to no purpose) we made this last winter vpon Bortagna by Groening, and vpon St. Andres scorn, had not the Prince of orange, think we, knowledge of Count Henry Vandem Berges journey this last winter into Frizeland? yes doubtless, as the event shewed. For he( vpon my knowledge) was secretly informed that the Spanish Horsemen had caused in antwerp and other places all their horse-shoes to be altered, and as many new to be made as would suffice for six or eight thousand norse all calked sharp and frost-nayled of purpose for travail over the Ice, whereby he knew( as he is most circumspectly and provident) that some enterprise was to be attempted vpon either 
The expedition of Count Henry Vanden-Berge, into Freezeland.  Holland or Frizeland: in that time of the great frost, all fens, Riuers, and marshes, being passable by reason of the thickness of the Ice( for it froze continually) therefore he doubled the garrisons within the frontier town, sent certain troops of horse, to observe& watch the most suspected places for passage, and had ships abroad to bring him tidings vpon the least motion or occasion. Lastly, he sent in wagons six thousand Skippers and watermen to break Ice in the most common and likely places of passage, in the Riuers of Rhine, Isell, the Wael, and about the ditches of towns, marshes, and other places, neither did his Prognostication fail him. For Count Henry Vandenberg presently after our consultation at Madrill, had his Commission at Brussels for eighteen thousand horse and foot: with which, and eleven pieces of Ordinance, and a great multitude of wagons, he passed by Emmerick, in exceeding bitter and could weather towards Frizeland, but turning another way between Duisburgh& Bronckhorst( a Castle belonging unto the grave of Stirumen which he took and spoyled) he came to the Isell with 4. pieces of Ordinance, whereof one( the Ice breaking) sunk, the rest he left at Bronckhorst, having passed the river, he fortified his foot at Diterbusch, with trees he filled up the River. The Estates believing he went directly for Arnhem, they sent Marquet with troops of horse and certain foot Companies, but Vandenberge saluting the town with a volley of small shot, and beside, making a shot or two into the town with his great Ordinance departed, I heard great( quoth Pennatiore) outrages were by him committed in that journey, wherein he spared neither Age nor sex.  
cruelty( replied Gonzales) is natural and inhaerent to our Nation, for except our victories be drowned in blood, we cannot taste them. It is most true that he gave way to his Souldiers in the depth and greatest bitterness of the frost and snow this last winter, to turn men and women stark naked out of their houses, to shift for themselves in the open fields, to ravish young girls not above eight or ten yeares of age, wilfully to beate out the heads of their wine and beer vessells, that they might drink only water in that extremity of could weather, that many infants( their parents flying away for fear) at their return, were found either starved for food, or frozen to death with the could, having neither fire, nor clothing.  
What( quoth Don Pedro) slept the Prince of orange all this while? or was no manner of revenge taken by the Dutch?  
Yes, it seemed so( quoth Velasco,) for the most part of our Spanish souldiers were cut off, in their marching away and retreat, by the Garrisons of Duisburgh, Arnhem, Daventrie, Campen, and Zutphen, beside great numbers who perished with extremity of could, some having their noses, some their hands frozen and rotted off, beside those that were starved for want of bread, so that wee cannot boast of this voyage, wee staying in the Velue but seven dayes, which a Spaniard had not seen in above thirty yeares before.  
All this discourse( quoth Count Gondomar) had on all sides, I see tendeth to no other end, then to intimate our disability and disproportion of strength, if wee should undertake a present war against the Netherlands, without either making ourselves Masters of great britain, a thing which his majesties Predecessors for these hundred years haue aimed at( and we may truly say and beleeue is a matter impossible) or by faire means entreat them, from their cliffs of Dover, to bee but onely Spectators, while wee wrestle for the remnant of our right in the Low Countries, wherefore at the last, to end and shut up this our Consultation, I haue( with Aduise) drawn together certain Heads and Conclusions, as maxims of State, for the present and future securing of our Countries and selves, which I humbly submit to all your gracious and honourable censures.  
Herewith Gondomar kissing the paper, delivered the same to the D: of Braganca, which the D. again delivered to a secretary of Estate, commanding him to read them openly and distinctly before the whole house: the contents whereof were as followeth.  
1 First above all things to maintain and uphold the catholic Religion, against Pagans and heretics, and to do our best to plant and propagate the same in all places of the world.  
2 To hold fast, with both hands( if we can) the friendship of his majesty of great britain, which setting and declining from us, let us labour to reassure and gain by all means possible, vpon what pretence or condition soever, for hereupon depends the fortunate or ill success of all our affairs, either now for the present or hereafter, imitating herein good engineers or workmen, when they would build a Bridge, to keep off, or turn the main channel another way.  
3 That being effected, otherwise let us think never to take weapons in hand. Let( Sr. Gonzales) Spinola, with yourself, break at an instant into Brabant, and try your strength vpon Breda, or Bergen op Zoom, giuing them an alarum in those parts, while Count Henry Vanden-Berge joined with Tillyes forces shall by Wezell or Rees, passing the Rhine, come like an inundation vpon them in Freezeland.  
4 That our Garrisons be doubled in dunkirk, Ostend, and other towns of Flanders, and the havens well guarded and defended.  
5 That the Emperour take a truce for six yeares with his deadly enemy Bethlem Gabor, and that we hold good correspondence, with the D. of Savoy and the Venetians.  
6 That all shipping be stayed, whether English, French, Scottish, Hamburgers, or of what Nation soever till our pleasure be further known.  
7 That all our Magazines and store-houses be examined and furnished, with all manner of Provision, led, powder, match, bullets, and cordage.  
8 That a certain number of ships be newly built and sent into the West Indies, as well to secure and guard our Navy home, as to supplant those Hollanders who haue gotten footing in our kingdom of Peru.  
9 That all strangers, of what Nation or Country soever, be banished the Land.  
10 That we take an order for the relief of such Priests and Iesuites as shall be banished England and Ireland, and to increase the number of our Intelligencers.  
11 That we bar the English, French, Dutch, Scottish, and other Nations whatsoever, from all access to the Indies, either to traffic or plant.  
12 That we set up and maintain the Inquisition in all our Dominions, and to enhaunse our customs.  
13 That we make ourselves able to encounter whosoever shall oppose, or stop our passage on the narrow Seas, and that we give it out,( what ever our intent is) that our Fleets pass that way onely but for the chastising of the Hollander.  
14 That hereafter wee entertain no English nor Scots into our pay, but the Irish onely, to the intent after they haue gotten experience, and are able to command, they may stand us in stead, in case wee should hereafter make any attempt vpon Ireland.  
15 That we call in as much of our gold and silver as is possible.  
16 That you speedily writ to our ambassador in England, to give notice to all our trusty well beloved the Iesuites and secular Priests, with some of the best minded catholics toward us, that they labour as much as in them lieth to take away all aspersion,& what soever may tend to our dishonour,& for this cause to give us notice of all scandalous books, Pictures, invectives, Pasquills, &c. that shall be Printed against us in Holland, England, and other places.  
That they curiously search into the proceedings of the Parliament, and sand us an abbreviate of all the passages thereof, with what forces, and how soon they resolve to succour the Low-Countries.  
Lastly, that in the Name of their obedience to his Holinesse, and observance to his catholic majesty, they labour where ever they live, to educate and instruct their friends children in the catholic Religion, and timely to enable either their sons for our Seminaries, or their daughters for our Nunneries, so the houses shall be supplied still with novices, our Treasuries with money, and we with friends and instruments at all occasions.  
Concerning these two last Propositions, for a conclusion I will produce a Letter unto me subscribed with the hand of many of the chief among them,( whose portraitures with their names ye haue here inserted) of the manner of their proceedings, and that you may know they spend not their time in vain in England. For I must my LL: tell you I hold intelligence with the wisest and best learned among them, and where ever they are transeo per medium illorum. Therefore I thought it not amiss by a draft to let you see them in their Consultation, as they were wont to sit at the house of one L. a Goldsmith in Fetter-lane by holborn 
L: a Goldsmith; and one that furthereth the Printing of Popish books.  in London, this L. hath for many yeares closely kept a Printing house, to the great furtherance and increase of the catholic Religion in that Land, for by his means thousands& thousands of good Books haue been dispersed over the Land, which, albeit they are sold at an excessive rate, and he hath been a great gainer by them, yet are they printed and reprinted again, and much money gotten by them though uttered at a third hand; but I will read the Letter, it is not long: your Honors therefore deign it the hearing.  
Illustrious and excellent Lord▪ it is now( wee all think) a long time since we heard from your Honor, or received any instruction from you concerning the business you wot of, we in England here, are like shortly to groan under the heavy and unsupportable burden of persecution, but we shall( I hope) the better endure it, so long as our cause is warranted▪ and our constancy assisted and increased by the prayers& supplications of the Church, we labour daily in the catholic Harvest, and recover,( with wonderful success thousands of souls from the abyss of Perdition into the bosom of the Church, the onely difficulty is in concealing ourselves and intendments, from that many headded Monster heresy. Wee walk openly and haue our time allotted us till the 14 day of june next, which is the utmost period of our stay, in the mean time we desire to be advised by your Lordship, what afterward were fittest to be done of us, for your Honors depth of iudgement and all-admired policy, is the compass by which we all steer to escape present danger. Our Lord protect your Honor to all our Comforts; and our blessing be vpon you. From London this 3. of May.  

I haue here set the true portraiture of the jesuits and prists: as they use to sit at counsel in England to further the catholic Cause.   depiction of priests  

D. Wight.  
D. bristol.  
F. Barlow.  
D. Bishop.  
F. Fisher.  
F. Pattison.  
F. Porter.  
D. Smith.  
F. sweet.  
F. Ployden.  
F. Louett.  
F. Wothington.  
F. Heyham.  
F. Palmer.  
F. Townsend, &c.   
To this Letter I gave them this answer as followeth.  
Holy Fathers, I received your Letters to my great comfort, but I confess I am nearly touched with the so sudden approach of your common calamity, but as the greatest so are findeth his salve, so the greatest affliction some consolation or other in the midst of extremity; For mine own part know, that I will not be wanting to your comforts in any thing that in me lieth, or that I can procure in your behalfs, either from his holiness at Rome, or my Master his catholic majesty here. The times are dangerous, carry yourselves therefore wisely with that perverse Nation, which scorns you, and hourly consulteth how to sweep you from the face of the earth, and even now haue they the broom in their hands, I mean the present Parliament, who will leave no dust, or Sluts corners behind them, favour you are to expect none therefore, with the fox( when hunted out of breath) you must rely vpon your Arts, and subtle sleights. Of which nature may be these following. If your credits be so good with any great or eminent parsonage, make him your Instrument to sow dissension betwixt the Prince& people, imitating herein souldiers, when they would get an advantage of flying or running away, they use to set fire on villages and their baggage, that they might escape unseen by the benefit of the smoke. learn or device new and the most difficult Characters for writing Letters, with all the sleights and devices of privy conveyance; you may practise physic as Doctors of Padua, or set up bills as mountebanks, venting collor'd oils, Balsames, counterfeit bezoar, perfumd Lozenges, Receipts for the toothache, with a thousand the like: get the perfect and true receipt for any one disease or ache, it is enough to gain credit to your practise, and make you pass for currant. If you sand any youths over to our Seminaries, let them be the sons of the richest and ablest men, so shall you not want a place of retreat, and means to relieve you at an extremity. Young Gentlewomen, you may convey over to brussels, or whither you please, by putting them in boyes apparel, their hair being handsomely tied up with a Fillet, and a wrought cap worn over it with a great broad-brimmd Hat. If you would at any time convey over any Silver or Gold, the Searcher commonly may be couzoned, if you sand it over in Pasties baked, provided that you haue some of flesh onely to eat or give away, as a colour for the rest. For the venting of hallowed oil, beads, Agnus-Deies, Maddalles, Pardons, Crucifixes, &c. You may do it by some one poor yet trusty catholic or two, to go up and down the country in the habit and nature of peddlers: this also is a good way to hold intelligence with friends in many places. I haue known some under the cullour of selling Tobacco, haue carried Letters handsomely, privily in the balls or rolls▪  
Also we advice you, if persecutions come vpon you, to fly into Scotland for a season, and when you see your best time return again; for it seemeth by this Proclamation you sent, that you are not banished Scotland, therefore that may be a good shelter unto you.  
Be sure to haue going in the North or West part of England, two Printers Presses at work, which let be well stocked; also a small rolling press for little Pictures of Saints, Veronica's heads, Crucifixes, and the like, much money may be gained hereby.  
Haue a care whensoever any book or Picture comes out to our prejudice, set some friends to buy them all up, though you burn them forthwith, except some few, which fail not still but to sand us of every sort three at the least, for they will be unto us of great use.  
Many more directions( Holy Fathers) there are which are alike necessary to be thought vpon, but I refer them to your own grave and pious considerations. So committing you to the tuition of our blessed Lady, and myself to your holy and devout Prayers, I rest. From sevil this 6. of May.  
Count Gondomar having made an end, they all with one voice applauded and highly commended his directions and counsel, not onely for his particular Letter, but for the wise carriage of himself heretofore in many and weighty affairs that concerned the catholic Religion, the honor of his majesty, and the general good of the Estate. Esteeming him worthily honoured with the title of a Grande at home in spain, and of his Masters ambassador abroad, having effected more by his wit and policy, then could haue been wrought by the strength of many Armies.  
And now when they were come almost to a period, and full conclusion of their Consultation for that time, there came a Messenger in post, who brought letters from the King to Count Olivares his favourite, to call him to the Court vpon some special employment, what it was, could not bee certainly known, but as I heard, some complaint was lately come out of England, against the Ambassadors resident there;& moreover that a great fight had been lately between nine great Spanish ships,& 5. men( or ships) of war of horn and Enchuisen in Holland, wherein, the report went, the Hollanders had taken two, and sunk one, whereupon, they all arose up together in a great confusion, every one hasting to his horse which stood ready in a faire base Court without, they took their way, some with Olivares to the Court, others to their places of charge and command, the rest to their own houses, where I leave them, till wee hear further of their proceedings.   

TO THE illustrious, MAGNIFIQVE, AND GRAVE Assembly of the High Court of Parliament in England.  
here as in a little glass, may you( Most honourable, Great, and grave Senate) view the Epitome, or rather effect of a seven yeares treaty with spain, ye may plainly see the hold and assurance we were ever like to haue had of that Nation, yea, even when we thought ourselves surest of them. Here we may( to our warning of taking heed whom we trust) behold to the life the Hauty-Pride, Thirsty-Couetousnes, and kind dissimulation of that same Fox Populi, Count Gondomar, the 
For they say, he is a Grandè in spain.  Great. here may the Netherlands perceive the imminent danger that hung over their heads, shortly without doubt to haue fallen vpon them, had not the Spanish ambushes been timously discovered. here may that Illustrious King, and the most renowned and second queen Elizabeth( for her constancy and spirit) of Bohemia, and Princes Palatines of the Rhine, consider how assuredly faithfully the surrendering of their Palatinate should haue been performed. In a word, here may wee all see the great mercies of