grieue for the Fleete Q. E. And I lament it E. 6. And I pittie it Q. A. And I bewaile it Q. M. And not to dissemble both Gondomar King Philip his Master the Pope my selfe and all the Romane Catholiques of England reioyce hereat for the Impotency and destruction of this Royall Nauy is the Harbinger to prepare the way and a step for King Philip to mount the Throne of Estate to plucke off King Iames his Crowne and to place and settle it on his owne head Q. E. O my Ships my Ships God knowes they were still deere to me because still necessary to England Where is my Drake where my Cumberland my Forbisher my Grinuille my Cauendish my Hawkins my Rauleigh and the rest Alas they want me and King Iames and England wants them for when they liued and I raigned our Valour could stop the Progression of Spaine Yea my Ships domineerd in his Seas and Ports and their Clouds of smoke and fire with their Peales of Thunder strooke such amazement to the hearts and terrour to the courages of Castille and her faint-hearted Castillians that every Spanish Bird kept his owne Nest not powerfull enough to defend themselues much lesse to offend any and least of all England who was then in her Triumphes in her lustre in her glory P. H. Grieue no more deere Aunt for the Nauy Royall of England for although Nottingham were remisse and carelesse herein yet braue Buckingham hath of late yeares set a new face on that Fleet and makes it not onely his delight but his glory to re-edifie and reforme them yea there is not a yeare passes him but he brings some new forth from their Dockes and puts in other olde although Cranfield resembling himselfe byte his lippes at the Charge thereof because he affirmes he hath other occasions to disburse and pay away the Kings Treasure Q. E. Nephew Wales I am glad to heare that Buckingham is so carefull of Englands Fleet-Royall and in very deed his Ambition Care and Zeale herein will infallibly purchase him much loue and honour of the whole Kingdome especially if he continue it H. 8. Me thinkes Scotland annexed and vnited to England should make it farre the stronger Q. E. But how can King Iames say England and Scotland is strong when he feares the power of Spaine and will not know or beleeue his owne E. 6. Yea it were much honour to the King and happinesse to his Kingdome and Subiects if in any poynt knowing the weaknesse thereof he would fortifie and reforme it Q. A. And it were a great happinesse for most Kingdomes and free Estates of Europe if they would follow the Examples of the Venetians and Hollanders who will neither trust nor loue much lesse feare Spaine P. H. And among the rest if England would follow it they should draw securitie out of danger whereas now her apparant danger is drawne and deriued from her apparant securitie Q. A. O that the King my Husband would thinke hereof P. H. O that the King my Father would make vse hereof Q E. O that King Iames my Heyre and Successor would not hearken or beleeue the contrary hereof H. 8. But this were the way to haue Warres with Spaine and King Iames I vnderstand is resolued to liue and dye in peace with them Q. M. Warre cannot be bought at a cheape rate Q. E. But it is pittie that peace should be bought at too deare and dishonourable a rate P. H. I haue alwayes beene informed that England still gets by her Warres with Spaine Q. E. I got by my Warres with Spaine and Spaine lost by it P. H. My Father and his Subiects lose by his Peace with Spaine and Spaine gets by it Q. M. When England hath lost her selfe shee can lose no more Q. E. But Sister your death was the death of the Popes hopes and of Spaines pretences to England P. H. But they both seeme to reviue and bud forth afresh if the Match betweene my noble Brother P. Charles and the Infanta of Spaine take effect Q. A. May Heauen deny the first and the King your Father never consent to the second Q. E. So shall Spaine euer feare England but neuer England Spaine Q. M. But I hope the contrary for in these dayes the King of Spaines Gold and his Embassadour Count Gondomar act wonders in England H. 8. Hath Gondomar propounded this match to King Iames P. H. O long since and he hath vowed to weare out his red leather Coach and greene buckeram Litter but he will see an end of it this Parliament Q. A. I thought indeede it was not for nothing that he makes Aesops Fables his daily pocket guest E. 6. How doth King Iames relish this match Q. M. His Exchequer is poore and King Philips Indies riches and therefore his Maiestie likes it so well as he will hearken to no other H. 8. How doth Prince Charles himselfe like this motion P. H. I know not how my Brother likes it but for my part I should ever haue preferred a Daughter of France to that of Spaine and I hope the match will not succeed because my Noble Brother Prince Charles is wise valiant and generous E. 6. But how doth the braue and graue Parliament savour this Spanish match Q. A. Few loue it most feare it But as the match so the Parliament is not yet ended Q. E. This would be Musicke indeede for the Romane Catholikes of England if it should take effect for the very first newes thereof made them flappe their wings as if they were readie to crowe Q. M. Yea for they hope and which is more they know that if it proue a match That the Infanta will soone introduce the Masse and Vsher in the Pope therefore they haue reason to reioyce at it P. H. But if the King of Spaine will not giue the summe which my Father King Iames demands will not they make it vp Q. E. It is probable and credible That their Holy Father the Pope and themselues will stretch both their purses and credits to knit the match H. 8. Why hath Gondomar such power with King Iames to hope to see this match effected Q. M. O yes for his Maiestie saith that his Master is an honest King and he a wise Servant The first all the world knowes and the second I hope England shall shortly feele at least if all hookes take P. H. Indeed if Gondomar can effect this match it is the direct way for him to be a Grande of Spaine and to procure a red Hat for his Sonne or Nephew Q. A. Was the Duke of Monteleone so rewarded for his French matches Q. M. He is alreadie a Grande of Spaine and hath the promise of a Haâ— Q. A. Why then Count Gondomar need not feare for he hath as much policie as the Duke of Monteleone though not so much ostentation H. 8. Who made and concluded the match with King Philip Q. M. My selfe and the Parliament Q. E. Nay Sister put in
Sonne yet he knowes he is his Subiect Q. A. All the world cannot better teach the Prince my Sonne to obey the King his Father then already he knowes and doth but I could wish that King Iames my Husband would not inforce his affection to this Spanish Match Q. E. If he marry the Infanta shee may proue a false and vnsecret Secretary to the Prince her Husband and a dangerous Princesse to the State for he giuing her his heart his Highnesse can hardly reserue any corner thereof for himselfe P. H. Yea then every Spanish Traytor and English Rebell will shroud themselues vnder the authority and greatnesse of the Princesse E. 6. So if England match with Spaine Spaine vndoubtedly will in a short time ouer-match England Q. A. And infallibly take the Crowne from it Q. M. Borrow it peradventure to see it not to weare it P. H. I feare to weare it neuer to returne it H. 8. Yea for once gone it is gone for euer Q. E. And then shall Englands strong men fall vpon the edge of the Sword her Virgins bee defloured and murthered her Wiues defiled and slaine in sight of their dying Husbands and their Children young Babes shall haue their braines dashed against the wals in sight of their dead Parents P. H. Yea then shall our Nobility and Gentry dye vpon the swords of those Barbarous Castillians and those who escape and suruiue their fury shall bee fettered and led Captiues and slaues to worke in the Mines of Peru and Mexico E. 6. Then shall our Priestes who are now cloathed in the white robes of Righteousnesse bee drowned in those of their owne scarlet blood No Church no Temple no Preaching no Sacraments but all couered with the thick fogges of Romes superstitious Idolatries and Egyptian darknes Q.A. Yea then the King my Husband the Prince my Sonne my excellent Daughter the Queene of Bohemia her Princely Posterity and if Spaine possibly can all Great Brittaines blood Royall shall be rooted out and exterminated as if they neuer had beene or at least no remembrance left of them or of the name of Great Brittaine Q. M. This were musicke indeed for Rome and Spaine to dance at and for Gondomar to laugh himselfe to death for ioy Q. E. But I hope God of his mercy will confound all those who wish or desire it whether it be Gondomar the Iesuits Englands Recusants Spaine the Pope or the Divell The Conclusion of the Consultation H. 8. But heere let vs make a stand and shut vp our Consultation and sith so many millions of imminent dangers desolations and miseries attend and hang over the head of England by this Match of Spaine let vs goe to suffrages and Votes that plurality may giue sentence whether it shall bee a Match yea or no for what wee conclude I make no doubt but our great God with his owne voyce will ratifie and confirme H. 8. Q. M. Whereunto we all consent and agree E. 6. Q. E. Whereunto we all consent and agree P. H. Q. A. Whereunto we all consent and agree H. 8. I am against the Match E. 6. I am against the Match P. H. I am against the Match Q. M. I am for the Match Q. E. I am against the Match Q. A. I am against the Match H. 8. Daughter Mary wee are fiue against you one therefore the Match of England and Spaine hath end ere beginning and is absolutely cast without reuocation And now let vs breâ—ke vp our Consultation and againe repayre to the Throne of the Lambe of our sacred God both of Heaven and Earth to acquaint his Diuine Maiestie with all the particulars thereof and therein to receiue his Heauenly pleasure and Commaund When the Angell opening Heauens Starre-chamber a great concourse and afluence of Saints and Angels singing most Diuinely conduct them to the Blessed Tribunall where the whole newes of their Consultation being already arriued to the vnderstanding of the Almightie It pleased his Diuine and Coelestiall Maiestie to call foorth Queene Mary whom he sharpely reproues checks in loving Spaine to be so vnnaturall to hate her natiue Countrey of England Then he infinitly Disproues the Match of Prince Charles with the Infanta of Spaine as derogating from his Diuine Glory and Englands safetie and prosperitie and so to Conclude very joyfully cheerefully approues of their Consultation which for the more grace and authoritie he makes and reputes as his owne When Commanding these three Princes two Queenes for Queene Mary was now put by and excluded to send vnto England by its owne Tutulary Angell foure seueral printed Copies of this their Consultation The first to be deliuered to King Iames the second to Prince Charles his Sonne the third to the High Court of Parliament and the fourth to the Lords of his Majesties most Honourable Priuy Counsel the which in his Sacred presence was speedily performed and effected When a great shout of Ioy and an Vniuersall plauditie being hereunto giuen by all the Angels and Host of Heaven These fiue Royall Personages againe followed the Lambe CHRIST IESVS where he went This Consultation thus ended Queene Mary biting the lippe at her checke and Disgrace and grieuing to see the Match of the Infanta with Prince Charles thus vnexpected dash'd and consequently the Pope frustrated of his hopes and the King of Spaine of his Ambitious desires Shee cals Mercury to her and withall possible speed sends him away likewise to England with these two ensuing Letters which shee had written the one to Count Gondomar the other to all the Romane Catholikes of England Queene Mary To Count Gondomar Ambassadour for Philip the III. King of Spaine resident with IAMES King of Great BRITTAINE YOur Excellencie may vnderstand that I haue dispatch'd Mercurie to you in England to aduertise you of a ConsultatioÌ„ held here in Heaven by my Father King Henry VIII my Brother King Edward VI. my Sister Queene Elizabeth Queene Anne Prince Henry and my selfe concerning your Masters pretences and hopes of England by the Match of the Infanta his Daughter with Prince Charles which al the other fiue haue opposed as preiudiciall Dangerous and my selfe maintayned as profitable and Honourable for England For louing Philip the Father I must wil euer Honour Philip his son They haue likewise ript vp vnmasked Spaines former Ambition Crueltie and Treacherie aswell towards England as other Kingdomes and States of Europe the discouery and relation whereof I could neuer silence nor prevent your Excellencie must giue me leaue to signifie that I feare your Secretaries are not so honest as your self Politike For you are hereby these Princes brought on the Stage in your naked and naturall Colours therefore I could wish you to be more modest and not so busie Only to the vtmost of your mortall power knit the knot of this Match for if it holde the heart of England will be soone broken or if the coÌ„trary it wil infalliably breake the necke of the King
your Masters generall hopes pretences and also of your owne particular credit and reputation aswell in England as Spain you haue many eies ouer you although your sweet wordes and promises lulle King Iames asleepe you will neverthelesse go neere to be circumuented by those you seeke to circumuent If you can bring in the Infanta doubt you not but she will vsher in the Pope and consequently he the Catholike King your Master Forget not to continue and fortefie your Intelligence with the Seminaries and Iesuits of England as also with the Catholike Ladyes of that Kingdome and especially with those of the Nobler ranke and who are most powerfull at Court for they may open a passage for your Master when none else dare At any hand vse the prime of your Art Inuention to keepe the King of England poore be sure to rivet this nayle soundly to his Maiestie that there is no Vertue so Royall and Magnificent in a Great King as Liberality I am sorie to heare that Englands Nauie Royall doth so prosper and flourish In which regard consideration the King your Master shal do well to build store of new Ships in Biscay Ostend and Dunkerke for if Spaine master England at Sea England can neuer withstand Spaine by Land for now the English are Effeminate and you Spaniards Souldiers I doubt not but by this time there is such order taken in Spain that the English Fleet at Alicant Cartagena shall returne home with losse shame and repentance whereby you may teach them that it is only proper for Spaniards to Domineere at Sea and that the Sea and Maritine actions are now Spaines no longer Englands Element So whiles England lyes gasping on her bed of Peace securitie let the King your Master provide for warre Continue to sow Diuision in the Church of England and rather augment then diminish your Pensions to you know whom If there be any Army to goe out of England either for Bohemia the Palatinate the Netherlands or Venice deale so effectually with King Iames that either it be so small as it can doe no great hurt to Catholikes or bee a meanes to cause them to stay so long that it be impossible to doe any good for Protestants I commend your Excellencies policy in being sharpe and bitter against those who either Speake write or Preach against the King your Master and his pretences for now you hauing the Honour and felicitie to see your selfe tyed to King Iames his Eare his Maiesty to your Girdle the disgrace and punishment of these wil terrifie others Be sure to be intimately acquainted with all Factious and Discontented Catholikes for they will proue fine Agents Instruments to execute your Masters commands I am glad to see King Philip so sleight and disrespect King Iames as he hath not this many yeares sent him an Extraordinary Ambassadour especially now for Treating and Concluding this Match for the more you and he Debase the Honour and vndervalue the Reputation of England the more you aduance and prise that of Spaine But that which grieues me most is because God himselfe hath opposed and confirmed the breach and delaceration of the Match but I hope that for the Catholike Kings sake our Holy Father the Pope and our blessed Mother the Church will so interpose their Prayers to his Sacred and Diuine Maiesty that very shortly he wil reuoke change his Resolution and relish that which hee now Distasteth Through your zeale and industry I likewise doubt not but before a few yeares be past and blowne over to see England made a Province to Spaine her Nobilitie most murthered and the rest caryed away Slaues to worke in the Mines of Peru and Mexico the Pope Installed all Heretikes rooted out either with Fire or Halter Let your Excellency proceed as you haue well and happily begun and feare not but you shal enioy your wishes the King your Master his hopes and my selfe and all the Roman Catholikes of England our desires In the meane time I kindly greet and salute your Excellency and by your next Dispatch for Spaine fayle not to signifie that I kisse the Catholikes Kings hand Written and sent from Heaven Your Excellencies Friend MARIE Queene Queene Mary To the Roman Catholikes of England of both Sexes and of all Rankes MY Heart on Earth and my Soule in Heauen hath euer so deepely affected you and your Religion as to the vtmost of my power I will neuer permit that any aduerse accident or Stratagem whatsoeuer shall endamage you or preiudice it to which end now by Mercury whom I haue purposly sent vnto you I wold not fayle to aduertise you of a Consultation which hath bin heere held by my Father Henry VIII my Brother Edward VI. my Sister Queene Elizabeth Queene Anne Prince Henry and my selfe tending to the safetie and glory of England to the vnmasking of Spaines pretentious Ambition and Treacherie to many Estates of Europe and more especially to the vtter breach of the Match betwixt Prince Charles the Infanta of Spaine which two last points I alone maintayned and defended but they all most violently Contradicted and Opposed In which Consultation I write it aswell with Griefe as Pittie Count Gondomar hath beene narrowly both sifted and censured and all his Actions brought on the Table and made apparant and obvious to the dimmest Eye to the weakest Iudgement and Vnderstanding the which I haue now signified his Excellency by a particular Letter Wherein I haue prayed him to haue a more iealous and curious Eye ouer his Secretaries as I know England hath ouer him And to the end your Soules and Consciences may haue Spiritual food Consolation I wish and exhort you to put all your Wits on the tender-hookes to bring in the Infanta Or else neuer expect the Pope and consequently not the Catholike King For else all your Intelligence with Rome and Spaine your Correspondence with the Iesuites and Count Gondomar will not preuaile nor your poyson Poniard or Powder take effect if the Match doe not And because King Iames wants Money and his Exchequer is drawne dry and exhausted if hee stand on a greater summe then the Catholike King can or will giue you shall do a most acceptable seruice to our Blessed Father the Pope and to our Holy Mother the Church That you Lords and Knights morgage your Manners and Plate and you Ladyes and Gentlewomen pawne your Ringes and Iewels to make vp the expected Summe For the Match once consumated you know and Count Gondomar can perfectly teach you a thousand wayes to refetch it with a ioyfull and golden Interrest I highly prize and applaude your Ioy when you saw Bohemia wonne the Palatinate assaulted towards which Victories and Conquests your bountiful Contributions gaue a great stroke which although Ferdinand for the present cannot recompence yet doubt not but Philip shortly and futurely will Sith his Ambassadour Gondomar makes him confident that you are as fast nayled to his Scepter as his Catholike Maiestie is to the Popes tripple Crowne Be you still the eyes of Count Gondomar and let him still continue your Oracle for you can neuer desire a better Solliciter then himselfe nor a stronger Protector then the King his Master But in very deed I much feare that this great Parliament will teach the Protestants of England wit and you Romane Catholikes repentance If Holland the Palatinate or Venice be in the Field be not you Idle in your Houses or in England for although Douer be shut you shall finde Ports enough open for it is for the Progression and Aduancement of the Catholike Cause for the Seruice of the great Catholike King and if all things hit well you shall not repent your selues of your Valor Generositie employed spent in his Service What though God haue heere approued of this Consultation against the Match yet his great Vicar the Pope will Confirme the Match against the Consultation Therefore make you your Peace with the Pope doubt not but his Holinesse both can and will at his pleasure mak his with his God Howsoeuer be ruled and beleeue in the Pope who is the Head of the Church For you know out of the Church there is no Saluation I like well that there daily Trauels some of your wisest Gentlemen for Spaine and now you see there is no feare to bring home Priests and Iesuites for Count Gondomar hath found out the Art and Mysterie to open the Doores of Wisbich the Gatehouse and the Clicnke at his pleasure To liue Idle is Effeminate and base bee you therefore like your selues still busie and in action for as in matters of Religion and Pietie so in those of the State the Practique is alwayes more Honourable then the Theorie In a word as long as Heritike Kinges raigne in England your zealous Catholikes shall there finde but little Peace and lesse Ioy and yet I must needs confesse that God seemes to beare a particular affection to King Iames but withall you know the second meanes must be vsed which I write to my comfort I see his Maiestie neglects So if Gondomar continue in England and the Match dye not then I hope a little time will worke all thinges to the best Till when I salute you all and will still pray with you for the Prosperitie of the Great cause Written and sent from Heaven Queene MARIE FINIS
Woolsey and Gardyner and leaue out the Parliament for you onely proposed it them but for forme and had secretly concluded it before hand your selfe Q. M. Suppose I did I might doe it of mine owne authoritie and prerogatiue Royall Q. E. But you offred no faire play to the Parliament though in asking their aduise when the Contracts were ready to be sealed Q. M. But I had reason to follow mine owne Iudgement not their Passions H. 8. Nay nay Daughter you contrariwise followed your own passion not their Iudgements so God gaue limits to Philips Ambition and your owne desires by making you forsake earth he England E. 6. But wise King Iames is opposite to my Sister Mary aswel in Religion as sexe and therfore I hope nay I assure my selfe he will first consult this match with his Parliament ere he conclude it with Spaine P. H. If the voice of the Parliament be free and not enforced I make no doubt but the Pope the King of Spaine Gondomar and all our Recusants will come short of their hopes for the match H. 8. Daughter what benefits proposed you to the Parliament by your match with Spaine Q. M. Strength Profit Honour which England King Iames and Prince Charles will likewise now find if the match hold E. 6. As for strength if England would know its selfe it need not expect or hope for any from Spaine for Spaines assistance hath alwayes proued fatall and ruinous to those who haue vsed it And if England would assume the ancient generositie of her Ancestors and forsake her new fangled pride and prodigalitie Wee know it is strong enough to beate Spaine and all his Kingdomes and Prouinces no way so weake to feare that Spaine should make England a Pâ—â—uince for it were farre safer for England and Englishmen if they wore worse cloathes and had better hearts and swords and if they were more martiall and lesse effeminate Q. E. For Profit what Indies are richer then England For if England want money her selfe is still more powerfull and capable to inrich it selfe if it would be lesse vaine and more frugall and industrious c. What is a fewe hundred thousand pounds to England if England be thereby exposed to the danger of Spaine or that it be againe fetcht from them by the Bye as it was brought in by the Mayne for was profit ever cheape when it was bought with losse and repentance with teares and bloud or shall not euery Ducket be weighed and counterpoised downe with a farre greater preiudice and inconueniency for if the Match hold will not our Recusants looke a-loofe will not Spaniards be so ambitiously insolent to attempt to out-looke English will not the Pope steale in by degrees and the King of Spaine breake in either like a Torrent or a Thunderbolt when his Factors and Agents haue made all things ripe and in a readinesse will this be Englands profit P. H. For Honour England and Scotland were free Royall and ancient Monarchies when indeed Spaine was not Spaine but dis-ioynted and dissevered Provinces yea for Pompe State and Glory our Princes were Kings when their Kinges were scarce Princes nor their Princes Nobles Therefore GREAT BRITAINE by the Match can conferre and adde honour to Spaine but not Spaine to GREAT BRITTAINE Q. A. I could neuer yet affect the Match of Spaine for either of the two Princes my Sonnes for the Spaniard is by nature as trecherous as proud and although Northampton perswaded me thereto yet I loued true-hearted Salisbury who alwayes diuerted me from it as in the depth of his Allegiance and the profunditie of his wisedome Iudgement well fore-seeing they would proue fatall and ruinous to England E. 6. It is strange to see with what insatiable desire and Ambition Spaine couets England for he hath alreadie attempted it by treachery by force and now by the Match of his Daughter the Infanta to Prince Charles Q. M. You meane King Philip the 2. and not this present King Philip the 3 And as Don Iuan de Taris the Ambassadour of Spaine told King Iames at his first comming to the Crowne of England that the Ambition and malice of Spaine to England dyed with that Prince and was interred and buryed with him Q. E. But was this King Philip the third and his Councell neuer acquainted with that horrible Gunpowder Treason whereby it was intended and resolued that England should haue beene blowne vp ouerthrowne and ruined in a moment Q. M. O no he is too Catholike a King to haue hearkened much lesse to haue approued that Passionate plot Q. E. You might haue said that execrable and damnable plot of treason but that you will still seeke to diminish and extenuate Rome and Spaines Treasons Q. M. You infinitely wrong the Pope and King of Spaine to suspect much lesse to beleeue that they were acquainted with that Powder-plot Q. E. No went not Faulkes that hellish Incendary once to Rome about it and the younger Winter twice to Vallidolide Q. M. Yea about some other businesse it may be although I must confesse it was very immediately before that Treason was discouered P. H. Gondomar told me that both the Pope and King of Spaine abhord that Treason Q. A. I feare they abhord it for griefe it tooke not effect Q. M. If euer this King Philip hated England yee may be sure now he loues it for else he would neuer seeke to match his Daughter to it Q. E. What force and trechery cannot effect now affection in the match shall Wherein King Philip is of Lysanders minde who when the Lyons skinne will not serue he will sowe on a peece of the Foxes tayle E. 6. So he come into England he cares not by which way he ariue P. H. So the Daughter come not into England England neede not feare the comming of the Father Q. M. Count Gondomar will beate his head and his horse shoes but he will bring in the Daughter and already his hopes the probabilities are great for hee is exceeding great and familiar with King Iames. Q. E. Else he could neuer haue gotten open the Prisons-doores for the Romane Priests and Iesuites P. H. Nor haue made Rauleighs head to caper beyond his body Q. A. Nor haue kept backe an Armie from my Sonne and Daughter the King and Queene of Bohemia when so many hundred thousand valiant English Souldiers desired and longed to haue serued them in their warres Q. E. Nor haue shipt away so great a quantitie of Ordnance for Spaine which one of these dayes will returne Bullets to our hearts E. 6. Nor haue procured a gallant Fleete to secure the coast of Spaine against the Turkish Pyrates vnder coulour of going to Argier and Barbary P. H. That Fleete was fitter to haue gone to Mexico Q. A. So indeed it might haue returned with glory and Gold whereas now I feare it will with losse and repentance I will not say with shame Q. E. I know by Experience it is
an excellent thing for England to fight with Spaniards but not to ioyne with Spaniards against others P. H. Why should not our English Fleetes goe for the West Indies Q. M. If this Proposition be broached then Gondomar will runne madde E. 6. What difference is there betwixt the East and West Indies P. H. As much as there is betweene Pepper and Siluer or white Feathers and yellow Gold H. 8. O but England neere this twentie yeares hath lost those golden times of going to the gardens of Hesperides P. H. And now Holland after ten yeares tryall and patience resolues to finde them Q. E. Now we speake of Holland It againe exceedingly grieues me that England goes from Holland in that it will not protect it against Spaine Q. M. And truely it is my ioy and comfort to vnderstand it for the farther England goes from Holland I am sure the neerer Spaine comes to England P. H. Nay if the match hold Holland can expect no assistance from England for the Pope the King of Spaine Gondomar the Iesuits and English Recusants will in few yeares so shuffle deale the Cards as England shall not be able to assist her selfe much lesse her Neighbours E 6. Why that is the way in a few more yeares to make England a Province to Spaine Q E. Yea yea there is the mysterie for if the Match with Spaine hold the Conquest of England will vndoubtedly follow and then Gondomar can be no lesse then Vice-roy or great Commander of England for the King and Councell of Spaine will iudge him worthy of this honour because he hath deserued it P. H. It were better Spaine were hell and Gondomar Vice-roy to the Diuell as he is now Ambassadour to the Catholike King Q. A. But is it possible that the King of Spaine hath so little Iustice and Charitie and so much Vanitie and Ambition to desire it E. 6. The Kings of Spaine make this the tenth Article of their Creede that the Rules of the Empire and State ought to giue Lawes but not to receiue any Q. E. But this is contrary to the Lawes of the KING of Kings Q. M. But in the Councell of Spaine the Rules of State are alwayes too sublime and powerfull for those of Religion yea the Pope will easily dispence with the King of Spaine to make a Conquest of England either by trechery hostilitie or the match for it is against an heretike King and People who refuse to enter into the bosome of the Church therefore lawfull in it selfe because it tends to the Catholike cause the displanting and rooting out of Heretikes and the establishing preservation of the Romane Catholikes in England Q. E. Those giddie and passionate Romane Catholikes of England who desire to fish in troubled waters who delight in nothing but in innovation and noueltie and who make a May-game of Conscience and an Ape of Religion may peraduenture flatter themselues with the false sunne-shine of these hopes but those of them whose hearts are better lodged and whose eyes and iudgements can see farther and clearer Those I say who know by the Lawes of Grace and Nature what they owe to GOD to their lawfull Prince and Countrie those remember that the Duke of Medina Sydonia sayd in eightie eight who was then Generall of the Spanish Fleete that his Commission was not to distinguish of Religion but to make a passage with his Sword ore both Religions without exception that thereby the King his Master might haue the easier way and fairer passage to the Crowne and Kingdome of England Therefore we neede no perspectiue Glasse or Spectacles to see that it is not the establishing of the Romane Religion but of himselfe in England whereat the King of Spaine still aymes Q. M. But Count Gondomar is wise enough to provide a Playster for that sore for he in netling the Nobler sort of Catholikes with the Match hath in plaine tearmes given the lye to the Duke of Medina his speech and therefore he hopes they will beleeue him P. H. The nobler and more passionate and factious sort of them may beleeue Gondomar herein but the wiser temperate and conscious will not and yet the Feminine Gender are Masculine sticklers and solicitors for him as he and the Iesuites are for the King his Master Q. E. Nay the Romane Catholikes of England haue reason to beleeue Gondomar sith King Iames loues him so well as he esteemes his speeches Oracles and Scripture and who with the quintessence of his Castillian or rather Galician braine hath now brought matters to this passe that no cinsere advise honest Letter Religious Sermon or true picture can point at the King of Spaine but they are called in and their Authors imprisoned in stead of rewarded though never so honest and loyall Subiects H. 8. But me thinkes that this is no subtill policie of Gondomar for the more he striues to suppresse the truth the more it will flourish and prevaile For for the good of England if one penne or tongue be commanded to silence they will occasion and set tenne at libertie to write and speake as Grasse or Cammomell which the more it is depressed the thicker it will spread and growe Q. M. But hath not Gondomar reason to strike whiles he findes the Iron hot and to take the benefit of the floud before the ebbe come or the tyde be spent Q. A. Indeed they say he reports that this Summer time the ayre of London and Islington is not sweete enough either for his Fistula or perfumed braine and that he hath therefore gotten leaue of his Maiestie to lodge in a part of his Pallace of Greenwich which standes in so pure an ayre vpon the pleasant Christall Riuer of Thames Q. E. That were a presumptuous part of Gondomar indeed to aspire to lodge in that pleasant and Royall Pallace of Greenwich Q M. But if it be so I thinke it is not to lodge there himselfe but onely to square out the Infanta's Lodgings her Chamber of Presence and a Plot to build her Grace a Chappell against shee come whereof Iones Sir Innigo hath alreadie the Modell in his braines P. H. If King IAMES my Father lodge Gondomar this Summer in Greenwich the next King Philip himselfe will hope to lye in White-Hall E. 6. Nay soft first let his Daughter the Infanta come for she must breake the Ice ere his Catholike Maiestie will dare aduenture to come passe the Seas hither Q. M. Aduenture to come Why wherefore els saith Count Gondomar lyes King IAMES his Fleete at Alicant and Cartagena but to transport her for England this Summer Q. E. Vntill I am inforced to vnderstand that that Fleete is at Lisbone the Groyne or Saint Andera I will not beleeue it but then I will feare it Q. M. So the Heretike Protestants of France feared their Spanish matches and yet we see they prosper Q. A. It is the end which crownes the beginning not the beginning the end of a worke Q.
E. What speake you Sister of the French matches with Spaine to this of England and Spaine for all the world knowes that the Estates of England and France are Diametrically opposite in point of Religion for France hath fortie Papists for one Protestant and England fortie Protestants for one Papist Q. M. But those Protesting Heretikes of England will sing another tune when they see the King of Spaine hath made their Countrey his Prouince P. H. Heauen forbid that euer England should sing the tune of Spaines Ballad or Spaine liue so long to make England see that dismall and bloudie day Q E. It were farre better that Prince Charles were married to an English Milke-maid and the Infanta of Spaine mew'd vp for a Nunne in a Cloyster Q. A. Yea for how can my Sonne Prince Charles thinke the King of Spaine loues him when he sees that vnder-hand he is a mortall and professed Enemy to his Brother and Sister the King and Queene of Bohemia Q. M. You mistake Madame for it is the Emperour Ferdinand and not King Philip that is their mortall Enemy P. H. If Philip had not vnder-hand powerfully assisted Ferdinand His Imperiall Maiestie had neither had legges to goe nor wings to flie into Prague and yet the King my Father will not assist his Sonne in Law King Fredericke Q. A. Yes to recouer the Palatinate if that were lost But Gondomar through his slye Crooches and sugred insinuations hath extorted a hope and some say wrested a Promise from King IAMES not to assist Bohemia but I hope the contrary Q.E. But will Spinola restore those townes he hath taken in the Pallatinate Q.M. Gondomar promiseth that Digby shall bring that home vnder his hand and seale onely hee saies t is fit that Spinola should be satisfied of his charges Q. E. That 's an old baffle and tricke of Spaine which vpon the matter will proue but a flat denyall Therefore if King Iames please to hearken to my advise I would send an Army thither and refetch these Townes of the Pallatinate from Ferdinand Phillip Alâ—eâ—tus and Bavaria with the point of the sword in despight of Spinola Tilly and Cordova P. H. If I were againe living in England I would so worke with the King my Father that this resolution of Queene Elizabeth should never dye but speedily bee put in execution for it is the safest cheapest shortest and Honourablest way for England yea what would not England doe for my deere and Royall Sister of Bohemia if the King my Father would but giue it the word of command Q. M. But content your selfe Nephew Count Gondomar hath promised that his Master King Phillip will giue King Iames content for the Townes of the Pallatinate Q. A. So Gondomar promised his Maiestie that Spinola should never attempt the Pallatinate and yet wee see the contrary and being false in this how or what reason haue wee to beleeue him to bee true in the match Q. M. England must beleeue him sith their King doth and wil. And herein I both triumph and glory P. H. Thus my Royall Father intreats where he should command and loues paine where he hath farre more reason to hate it Q. E. And this is my truest griefe and deepest affliction that King Iames will â—â—â—ll delight in contemplation when if his Maiesty will not all the world sees that King Phillip is vnder-hand deepe in action H. 8. It may be King Iames thinkes King Phillip to be of Hannybals minde who more feared Fabius not fighting then Marcellus fighting or of Pompey or Marcus Crassus their opinion who were more affraide of Cicero's gowne then of Caesars sword Q. M. No thing lesse for King Phillip loues King Iames his Gowne Pen yet no way feares his sword Q. E. But if King Iames inherited my resolution as he doth my Kingdomes I would make Spaine feare his sword and Rome either loue or obey his Pen and neuer consent to a Peace much lesse to the match Q. M. But why should King Phillip feare King Iames his sword sith hee never yet knew the way to draw it or why should his Catholike Maiestie feare the Councell of England sith it is apparant to all the World that the element and delight of their King is bookes not battailes the pen not the Pike H. 8. Why Know you not Daughter that King IAMES hath lately established a Councell of Warre and wherevnto thinke you tends that Q. M. To Peace I hope or rather assure my selfe Q. E. Then Sister yee are of neere intelligence with Gondomar for not long since in one of his dispatches to Spaine hee wrote the LL. of that Councell that they should not doubt or feare of the Councell of Warre of England for it was said he but a scarre-Crowe to feare not to hurt and would onely serue as a Vane on a house top rather for ornament then vse But if King Iames were of my minde his Councell of Warre should strike rather then threaten and send a Royall Armie into the bowels and heart of Castille ere they thought it could be readie to depart from the Ports of England Q. M. Not into Castille for then the Peace were quite broken betwixt ENGLAND and SPAINE P. H. Why then into Bohemia the Palatinate The Netherlands or the States of Venice or wheresoever the Castillian Regiments disturbe the publike Peace of Christendome E. 6. I see no reason to the contrary but England should be as soone in Armes and Action as Spaine Q. E. But it is the inchanting melody of the Match that brings England out of tune Q M. But in this Proposition and Parlee of the Match the King and Councell of Spaine speake faire termes and giue reall not verball content to King Iames. Q. E. So did Phillip your Husband and his Father by his Embassadors to mine at Bourbourg thereby to lull me asleepe when his great Armado was in a manner ready to weigh Anchor and set Sayle from Lisbone to inuade me and my England Q. M. But King Iames knowes Spaines affection and Gondomars sincerity to him and consequently to England in seeking this Match Q. A. But England knowes neither the affection of the Master or the sinceritie of the Seruant and therefore hath reason though not to feare yet to suspect both H. 8. It rather thinkes King Phillip of Pericles his opinion and Ambition who desired that the Iland in the Port of Piree mought bee removed sith it was a moate and beame in his eye P. H. The Morall is that Phillip would haue England a Prouince to Spaine but if the Match hold not Spaines Ambition Gondomares pollicie and both their trechery will proue too weake to performe so strong an execution Q. M. Then the King of Spaine will hate Gondomare as much as he vaunts the King of England loues him But I trust Count Gondomare hath liued too long to dote or be made a Child in his old age P. H. No no Gondomare is too young to dote and too old
Vox Coeli OR NEWES FROM HEAVEN Of a Consultation there held by the high and mighty Princes King Hen. 8. King Edw. 6. Prince Henry Queene Mary Queene Elizabeth and Queene Anne wherein SPAINES ambition and trecheries to most Kingdoms and free Estates of EVROPE are vnmaskd and truly represented but more particularly towards ENGLAND and now more especially vnder the pretended match of Prince CHARLES with the Infanta DONA MARIA Whereunto is annexed two Letters written by Queene Mary from Heauen the one to Count Gondomar the Ambassadour of SPAINE the other to all the Romane Catholiques of ENGLAND Written by S.R.N.I. Printed in Elisium 1624. TO THE ILLVSTRIOVS AND GRAVE ASSEMBLY OF THE HIGH COVRT OF PARLIAMENT The fruition of all Temporall Blessings The felicitie of all Spirituall Blessings Lords Knights Burgesses TO you who are the re-presentiue body of England and the Epitomie and Compendium of this great Volume of our Estate To you who are assummoned by our King and sent vp by our Country to obay the first with your best Fidelities to serue the second with your chiefeft zeale and endevours and to affect and honour both with your most religious prayers and wishes To you from whom God for his glory our Soveraigne for his honor and safety and our Church and Common-weale for their flourishing welfare and prosperity doe expect much by your transcendent and honourable imploiments To you I say and to no other do I present this Consultation termed Vox Coeli to your consideration and dedicate it to your protection And because in point of integritie and dutie I hold my selfe bound to bring the truth neerer to your knowledge or rather home to your vnderstanding May it please you to be informed that about some three yeares since at the first setting of the last high Court of Parliament when our King was so earnest in proposing the match of our Noble Prince his Sonne with the Infanta of Spaine When the King of Spaine coulourably pretended though not really intended to be deepely affected to entertaine and embrace the said motion When Count Gondomar his Ambassador made shew to be a zealous solicitor and a most actiue and officious stickler for compassing and finishing it When our Romish Catholiques became passionately and insultingly confident of the free toleration of their Religion and in the skie-reaching mountaines of their ambitious and superstitious hopes were already preparing to erect their Groves and Altars to set vp their Idols and Images and consequently to introduce their Pope and his Masse in the Temples of our God when all Prisons were vnlocked and open to all pernitious Priests and dangerous Iesuites and that many others like Caterpillers and Vipers came flocking and swarming from diuers parts of Europe to poyson and eate out the soules of our people with their Idolatrous doctrine of Antichrist and to withdraw their hearts and consciences from their Alleagiance and Fidelity to their naturall Prince Countrey purposely with more treachery then Religion to subiect them to a forreine power iurisdiction When the Emperour had beaten the King of Bohemia from Prague and the Duke of Bavaria with the assistance of the Swords Souldiers and Treasure of the King of Spaine had in a setled truce assaulted and taken many Towns in the Palatinate contrary to their promises to our King of his Maiesties to the Prince his Sonne in Law and contrary to the publique peace of Germany and Christendome Then then it was that to pull off the Maske of Spaines ambition and malice who with the fire of this match sought to set England all flaming in a mournefull and miserable combustion thereby to bury her glory in the dust and her safety in the cinders of her subuersion and ruines that as Prometheus fetch'd fire from heauen so the fire of my zeale to the good of my Prince Countrey likewise fetch'd from thence this Royall consultation for the discovery of our apprant and imminent dangers and in knowing them to know likewise how to prevent them Which resolving to make publique because it is solely tended to Englands publique glory and prosperity I contrary to my expectation but not to my feares saw my hopes nipt in their blossomes and my desires stifled in their births because the Seas of our Kings affection to Spaine went so lofty and the windes were so tempestuous that it could not possibly be permitted to passe the Pikes of the Presse When albeit my zeale and fidelity againe and againe infused new audacity and courage to my resolutions to see it salute the light yet it was impossible for me or it to be made so happy because I saw Allureds honest Letter Scots loyall Vox Popoli D. Whiting D. Everad Claytons zealous Sermons and others suppress'd and silenced as also Wards faithfull picture which yet was so innocent as it onely breathed forth his fidelity to England in silent Rethorique and dumbe eloquence Whervpon inforced to take a law from the iniquity of the time with much reluctation and more griefe I hushed vp my said Consultation in silence and because I could not serve my Prince and Country in that booke of mine I therefore then renewed my constant resolution and zeale to serue them in my most fervent prayers and my most religious and zealous wishes the which I haue ever since faithfully and constantly performed Sitting thus to behold the constant inconstancie of the World which presents as many different accidents to our knowledge as obiects to our eye and being iealous vigilant and attentive to that which did or which might any way appertaine to my Soveraigne and his Princely posterity to his Dominions and Subiects I was enforced to see O that I had beene so happy as not to haue seen the perfidious Progresse of Spaines new treacheries and vsurpation vpon many Countries of Europe For first his Cousine Leopaldus hath devoured the Dutchy of Cleaves and Iulliers then he and his forces have taken many other fre Townes and whole Bishopricks in the Counties of Luxembourg and La Marcke as also in the frontiers of Swisserland and Loraine then he and his Factor the Duke of Bavaria for him hath finished his absolute Conquest of the Palatinate that dainty rich and fertile Prouince of Germany the Dowry of our onely Princesse the inheritance of the Prince her Husband and the Patrimony of their Royall issue wherein the honour of our King and of his three famous Kingdomes doe most extreamely suffer I saw him conquer the cheifest Cities Forts and Passages of the Grisons and hath brought their liberties and liues to their last gaspe and periode yea to the mercilesse mercy of his not generous but bloody sword which being vnder the protection of the French King doth likewise cast a wonderfull staine and blemish on the lustre of his honor and Crowne if he speedily take not his revenge thereof by leauing these his honest Confederates as free as he found them and as great Henry his Father left
this Q. E. Sister it is to be fear'd as you wish desire P. H. Why they out of passionate zeale more then of zealous and sollid iudgement approue of any Match for their King so it be not with a Protestant and yet of none so well as of this with Spaine Demand their reason and they will answer you with as much vehemency as ignorance that the King of Spaine is the Catholique King and if you come further to particularize they reply that their Cardinalls who indeede are onely the Popes Creatures shall deliver more at the estates Generall So the Clergie bad the Spaniards well-come into France Q. E. But where are the Fire-brands and Incendiaries of the State the French Iesuites who indeed are the Fistulaes and Botches of a State what entertainment gaue they to the young Queene and her Spaniards P. H. Surely Aunt they crouched very low to the Queene but in Cottons absence Arnoux and Berrulla their Tongue and Eare whispered so secretly to her Maiestie that I could neither gather nor vnderstand what they said but I guest at it onely they gaue faire words and actions to all the Spaniards in generall and to the nobler and wiser sort of them in particular they ingaged themselues to keepe curious correspondence with the Catholique King to whom they affirmed and swore by their Semi-God and sole Patron Ignatius Loyolla they would beare true observance as the Marigold doth to the Sunne Q. A. Are not these two Iesuites the French Kings ordinary Preachers and yet dare they doe it Q. E. Although Berrulla be the Father of the Oratory yet he is in heart and soule a Iesuite and Arnoux is the Arch-Iesuite of France and the Kings Confessor and yet they dare and will doe it H. 8. But how did the Queene Regent enterteyne the Spaniards P. H. Courteously and Nobly because shee made the Match which since shee hath repented tho yea and the Duke of Mayene too who concluded finished it And so did Villeroy likewise although it were to late But Sillery and Du Vair loue Spaine so well as their courages are so masculine that though they see their errours in perswading these Matches yet they rather persist then acknowledge it for like good cleere-sighted States-men they haue witte enough to beare vpp with the time for otherwise they know the times will not beare them vp Q. M. But how did the Commons of France entertaine the Spaniards Q. E. Truely I thinke they will never be perswaded to like the fashion of the little Hatte and great set Ruffe Q. A. Son Henry pray answere Queene Mary P. H. If we may iudge of Hercules by his foote so we then may of France by those of Paris which is the eye the heart the soule thereof where the Citizens in all streetes and especially the Lakeyes at the Lovrre gate and the new bridge still salute the Spaniards as they passe by by these courteous Epithites Boracho Pantalones and Bouriques H. 8. How long remained all these Spaniards in France Q. M. So long I warrant you vntill they did all their Kings businesse and their owne too before they departed P. H. In truth so long till all France was weary and distasted of them and their proceedings yea so many yeares that at last the King and Councell were in a manner constrained to send them away by an Edict as they themselues not many yeares since did the Moores Q. M. The banishing of the Moores was a good and wholesome counsell of Spaine Q. E. And I assure you Sister the sending home of the Spaniards was an excellent one of France for vpon the matter they were but spyes moaths and drones and would haue proved so to France if they had continued there longer E. 6. But were they all sent home and none left at the Court of France to giue and receiue packets to and fro for the Iesuits the King of Spaines Factors and Agents Q. E. O no assure your selfe for the Councell of Spaine is too wise to commit so grosse and palpable an errour of State P. H. Therefore to cast the thicker mist and to put the better varnish on the businesse The Countesse De la Tour was left there with the title of gouernesse to the young Queene and there is as much correspondencie betwixt her and Don Ferdinand de Geron the Ambassador of Spaine as there is betwixt him and the French Iesuites Q. A. Thus Spayne leaues alwaies a Sting behind him and I feare France will in the end find it so Q. M. Whereon is your suspition and feare grounded Q. A. Vpon the apparant symptomes of the Lethargie Feuer or Consumption of France E. 6. You say right Madam and the Noblest and truest hearted French-men participate of your apprehension For the Iesuites beeing the Popes Factors and the King of Spaynes Oracles and Agents haue already corrupted the Parliaments and Priuie Councell who should bee her Illium Acrocorynth They haue vndermyned and ruinated the Sorbone heeretofore her Palladium once the Queene of Vniuersities Who now as a mournefull Widdow sits with her hayre dandling about her eares and her teares trickling downe her cheekes liuing onely in her shaddow or Ghost or rather in her ruines for her Genius and Soule hath alreadie made a transmigration to Clermont-House Yea and to speake true French in our English tongue they by their diuelish Aphorismes and bloodie positions vnder a false hypocriticall shew of Learning and Pietie doe poyson and corrupt the Youth and prime Witts of France as the Iewes did the Springs and Fountaines in England Q. E. Also the Clergie of France degenerates from its Pristine candor and zeale to the good of France and the glory of the French Church for they receiue Lawes from the Popes Nuncio and the Iesuites to whome they should giue them How else at the last generall Estates of Paris and the assemblie of Notables at Rouen were they so vnwise dishonest and cowardly to referre themselues to the two Cardinalls Perron and Gondye who like good Cardinalls but bad French-men having onely their Bodies in France but their Hearts at Rome in thankfulnes to the Pope for their red Hatts forgat themselues and their allegiance so much as to prostitute and debase that famous Crowne and flourishing Kingdome of France to be dependant to Rome in Temporall matters notwithstanding the Pragmatick Sanction and the prerogatiues of the Crowne Church of France to the contrary whereat the Popes Nuncio at Paris laught with open mouth So did the Colledge of Cardinalls and the Pope himselfe at Rome and likewise the Catholike King in Spaine with all that huge rabble of Iesuites whiles all the Kings Soveraigne Princes and Free Estates of Europe Spaine and Italie excepted grieued and lamented at it with as much shame as wonder E. 6. Indeed these are two maine points reasons that the greatnesse and generosity of France declynes and that Rome and Spaine will shortly shuffle the Cards so well as it must
his whole Army in Spaine after that he had inthronised seated the said Peter in his Kingdome and with his Victorious Armes expel'd Henry the Bastard who Vsurped it Q. M. If Spaine had not loued England and Englishmen King Philip would never haue married me Q. E. He loued you well Sister but your Kingdome farre better for you were the Obiect of his zeale but England that of his Ambition H. 8. But Elizabeth he hated you more then ever he loued Mary Q. E. And yet I dare truely affirme that King Philip loued my Kingdome farre more then ever he hated my Person H. 8. To speake truth Daughter he neither loued you nor Mary his wife and Queene but onely England P. H. And I haue heard that if he had neuer married my Aunt Mary she had never lost Calais nor consequently England France E. 6. Though that Match were vnfortunate to England in the losse of Calais yet it was fortunate in that Philip and Mary had no Children Q. M. If we had had any Males England had beene long since a Province to Spaine Q. E. God knew so much and therefore preuented it wherein I blesse his Mercy and Providence as also your sterrilitie P. H. Aunt and I your resolution in speaking it Q. M. The Kings of Spaine are the greatest and most potent Kings of the World Q. E. Yea in Ambition and ostentation but not in power for I proued it not so I found it not so I left it not so P. H. You Madam found Warre with Spaine surer and safer then Peace Q. E. Yea farre more safer and farre more profitable too for England Q. A. Then I wonder that King Iames my Husband so delights and drownes himselfe in his Peace with Spaine Q. M. O but Spaine findes both policie and reason enough to lull King Iames a sleepe in the Cradle of Peace and Securitie Q. E I neuer feared Spaine lesse thâ—n when I loued it not nor more then when it made greatest shew to loue me P. H. And the King my Father neuer loued it more then now when he feares it E. 6. But is it possible King Iames feares Spaine P. H. It seemes so for els he would neuer loue it so excessiuely Q. E. Sir Nicholas Bacon my Chancellor on his Death-bed wrote mee a Letter that the Glory and Conservation of England consisted in holding Spaine at Rapiers poynt and will not his Sonne Sir Francys the now Chancellor tell his Master so much P. H. O no he is otherwise imployed H. 8. But tell me Daughter was Spaine euer trecherous to your Person Q. E. Almost euery yeare Spaine hatched me a new Treason witnesse Paâ—y Babbington Williams Yeorke Lopez and infinite others who sought to lay violent hands on my Person and Life but that God in his infinite mercie and prouidence still protected and defended me to their owne confusion P. H. But King Philip II. chiefely discouered his loue to England in the trecherous attempt of his huge Armado of 88. tearmed by the Pope in a bravery The Invincible Fleete at what time his ambition and greedie desire of Vsurpation so farre oreswayd him and his Councell as he thought to haue made an absolute Conquest of England but he was deceived of his hopes for God looked on England with his indulgent eye of pittie and compassion and on that great and mightie Navall Army with contempt and detestation Q. E. Yea God was so gracious to England and so mercifull to me as not onely my Ships and People but the Windes and Waues fought for my defence and that of my Countrey against the pride and malice of Spaine who grew mad with anger and pale with griefe to see this his great and warrelike Armado beaten foyled and confounded in the midst of their glory and ambition E. 6. But Sister was this all Spaines malice and trechery towardes You and your State Q. E. No no for I had forgotten how before that his Maiestie in Spaine and his Lieutenant the Duke of Alua in Flanders embarg'd and confisk'd a world of Goods and Ships that belonged to my Subiects contrary to all Lawes of Conscience and Nations P. H. And no other Q. E. Yes King Philip beg'd my Kingdome of Ireland of the Pope and so assisted the Rebels and made a confedracy with them for the Conquest thereof from me bringing in first Stukley then Don Iuan of Aquilla into that Kingdome to the same effect But Heaven alwayes laught at their ambition vsurpation and trechery which still prooved as vaine as impious and vniust P. H. And yet see the iustice of the cause and the â—quitie of your Armes for Essex landed at Caliz and in despight of Spaine tooke and rifled it beating and sinking their best and greatest Ships in a maner without any shew of defence or resistaÌ„ce Q. M. O but now the Times are altered and changed for then Spaine was poore and England rich and now England is poore and Spaine rich Likewise Spaines Warres parsimonie and frugalitie makes his Men Souldiers and our Peace pride and superfluitie hath made our Souldiers either Courtiers or Cowards H. 8. France knew that I found Souldiers in England when I tooke Tourney and Boloigne Q E. And Spaine felt that English were Souldiers when my Drake beate them on my Seas and Coast in 88 my Norris at Croyden in 94 my Essex at Calez in 96. and my Montioy at Kingsale in 1600. Q. M. But then England was delighted in Combats Warres and Victories and now in Stage-Playes Maskes Reuels and Carousing so as their courages are become as rustie as their Swords and Muskets which serue to grace the walles and not the fieldes except in poore Musters and sleyght Traynings and that but once a yeare which vpon the whole is more for ostentation then Seruice Moreouer then Englands Navy-Royall could giue a law to the Ocean and now time and negligence hath almost made all these Ships vnseruiceable who lye rotting at Chatam and Rochester E. 6. Heere Queene Mary hath reason for now shee is in the truth Q. E. What Sister and Brother my Royall Navy lye rotting who are the Bulwarkes and Walles of England and when I left them were capable to beate the power and pride of Spaine to shivers O this grieues me but I beleeue not that my wise and prudent Successour King Iames will suffer or permit it I pray God-sonne and Nephew Prince Henry resolue me hereof P. H. Indeede Madam I confesse I haue seene so much my selfe when God knowes I greeued to see it neyther did I fayle to put the King my Father often in remembrance thereof and his Maiestie still promised mee to new builde and repayre that Royall Fleete to which number I added my Prince-Royall a Ship who had shee many fellowes England needed not feare all the Fleetes of the World but although the old Lord Admirall hath not beene carefull for the preseruation of the Nauy yet the new one is H. 8. If he be not I