Chapter VIII: Front Matter (8)

_GEORGE ELLIOT (sometime servant to Master THOMAS ROPER; and since belonging to a Gentlewoman, the widow of Sir WILLIAM PETRE: in whose service he made show to be a sound and good Catholic) not long since committed a murder, as men say: for which offence, fearing the danger that was like[ly] to ensue, he went and submitted himself to one of the chief Lords in the Court; and, the better to win his favour, on his own behalf promised to deliver into his hands the Father EDMUND CAMPION._

_This promise, saith he, was received; and unto the said GEORGE and an Officer, was delivered Commission to take and apprehend the said EDMUND CAMPION._

_Then went they on their way, and coming into Berkshire to [the] house of one Master YATE; GEORGE ELLIOT met with the Cook of the house with whom he was very well acquainted, because they had before both served one Master._

[Sidenote: His Master was then in the gaol at Reading. Judge then how CAMPION could be within "with his Master." [A.M.]]

_The Cook, thinking no ill, began to tell him many things; and that Father CAMPION was in the house with his Master._

_Upon which report, GEORGE sent his fellow to the Justice, who was a very great Calvinist. And he in mean while was brought into the house by the said Cook: where, like another JUDAS, traitor and disloyal, he first attended the sacrifice of the Mass which was celebrated that day by the Father EDMUND, as also a Sermon which he made. In which time behold a good man came running, willing them to take heed of a present treason._

_Scantly was all carried away that had served for the Mass and the Sermon; but the Justice was there arrived with [a] very great force, besetting the house round about, that none should escape away._

_After very diligent search through all the chambers and other more secret places; they were determined to return, as not finding anything, until they were advertised (either by GEORGE, who had understood it of the Cook; or by some other) of a certain corner, more dark and subtle; where they found the Father EDMUND and two other Priests hidden: who, the same day, with Gentlemen and other persons, were sent up to London; a spectacle of great joy unto their adversaries._

This much of our French historian's words, I thought good in this place to set down: because the disproof thereto annexed may discover what truth all they of this sect frequent in any of their actions.

[Sidenote: By that which followeth, written by GEORGE ELLIOT himself; consider the truth of this report. [A.M.]]

This aforenamed GEORGE ELLIOT came home unto my lodging [? in Barbican, see page 221; and in February 1582]; where I shewed him the slanders that were used of him in the French book.

Whereupon, taking good advice, and noting the circumstances that so highly touched him; upon his conscience, he delivereth this unreprovable Answer.

_GEORGE ELLIOT his Answer, to clear himself of the former untrue Objections._

ABOUT three years since [? 1578] it was my fortune to serve Master THOMAS ROPER of [Orpington in] Kent. With whom I had not stayed past eleven weeks, but PAYNE the Priest (of whom mention is made [see page 205] in the _Discovery of CAMPION_ set forth by the Author of this book [_i.e._ ANTHONY MUNDAY]) inticed me [in November 1578] from thence to serve my Lady PETRE, to whom the said PAYNE served craftily as Steward of her house.

[Sidenote: Who frequenteth their company shall find all their dealings disloyal and traitorous. [A.M.]]

With her I continued almost two years [? Nov. 1578-Nov. 1580]. In which time, being myself bent somewhat to that religion, frequenting the company of a number of Papists, I perceived their dealings to be, as they are indeed, full of wicked treasons and unnatural dispositions, too bad to be named. The conceit whereof (examining first my duty to GOD, next my love to my Princess [_Sovereign_], and last the care of my country,) by the grace and permission of GOD, offered me so great disliking of their dealings that, so warily and conveniently as I might, I weaned my affection from their abominable infection: nevertheless using their companies still, for that it gave me the better occasion to see into the depth of their horrible inventions.

From my Lady PETRE, in November was twelvemonth [1580], by entreaty I came to Master ROPER's again. With whom I continued till Whitsuntide last [14th May 1581], when my conscience hardly digesting such a weighty burden as with their devices and practices it was very sore ladened; I was constrained to give over that slavish kind of life, and humbly committed my reconciliation to the Right Honourable and my good Lord, the Earl of LEICESTER: to whom I made known the grievous estate of my life which, for the space of four years, I had endured amongst them.

Now whereas it hath pleased my adversary to set down that I

_committed a murder, and to avoid the danger of law
offered to the aforesaid my good Lord to deliver unto him
EDMUND CAMPION, thereby to obtain my pardon._

[Sidenote: It is very unlike[ly] that he, which never saw CAMPION in all his life, nor knew where he was, could make any promise to bring him forth. [A.M.]]

How untrue this is, his Honour very well knoweth; and so do a number more besides. For, in truth, I neither, as then, knew CAMPION, had never seen him in all my life, nor knew where or in what place he was, it is very unlike[ly] then I should make him any such promise. But that he may learn another time to order his matters with more truth and discretion; I will set down both how I went, with what Commission, and to what intent: and then let him have judgment according to the credit of his Work:

* * * * *

When I had revealed the traitorous speeches of PAYNE the Priest (how, and after what manner, you may read in the book [by ANTHONY MUNDAY] before expressed [see page 205]) I was demanded, If I knew where he was at that time?

I could not make any certain answer.

Whereupon I was demanded again, If I would do my endeavour to search him out?

Whereto, according to my bounden duty, I agreed right willingly.

[Sidenote: I saw the Warrant myself; and neither was CAMPION, PAYNE, or any one named therein: but _all Priests, Jesuits, and such seditious persons._ [A.M.]]

Then was I appointed, in company with DAVID JENKINS, one of the Messengers of Her Majesty's Chamber; and to us was delivered a Warrant to take and apprehend, not any one man, but _all Priests, Jesuits, and such like seditions persons_, as in our journey we should meet withal. Neither was CAMPION, PAYNE, or any one man named in the Warrant: for that as the one was judged hard to be found; so it was uncertain where to find him [that] I knew well enough.

Wherefore remembering, when I served Master ROPER, that there was one THOMAS COOPER a Cook, who served him likewise, and also knew the aforesaid PAYNE; to him I thought good to go, because I had understanding that he dwelt at Lyford in Berkshire with one Master YATE who was a very earnest Papist and gave great entertainment to all of that sect: thinking as it might so fall out that we either might find the said PAYNE there, or else understand where he was. And considering the generality [_comprehensiveness_] of our Warrant, some other Priests might chance to be there; in respect that he was such a host for all of that disposition.

When we came to Lyford, and had talked with this aforesaid THOMAS COOPER; we were framing ourselves to depart thence, not having been within the house at all. But he desiring us to stay dinner, we alighted and went in with him; he not telling me that

_CAMPION was there with his Master_

for he [_Master YATE_] was then in the gaol at Reading; or any other Priest: though it hath pleased our nameless Author to write so.

[Sidenote: A holy kind of Church, whereof the Devil is Vicar. [A.M.]]

When we were within the house, this COOPER brought us into the buttery: where he, whispering me in the ear, demanded, If my fellow were within the Church or no? as much to say as, Whether he was a Papist or no?

I answered, "He was not; yet nevertheless," quoth I, "he is a very honest man, and one that wisheth well that way."

Then said the Cook, "Will you go up?"

Hereby I understood that he would bring me to a Mass. Whereto I consenting, leaving DAVID JENKINS in the buttery, he brought me up: where, after one SATWELL alias FOORD had said Mass, CAMPION prepared himself to say Mass. And there was the first time that ever I saw CAMPION in all my life: not having heard by any that he was there in the house, before I was brought up into the chamber.

* * * * *

As concerning how he was taken, how he was brought up to London, and how all things passed in that service; I have already set down in my book imprinted: which conferring with his false report, you shall find it as much to differ as truth doth from falsehood.

This have I thought good here to set down, in the reproof of him who hath published such a manifest untruth: and as concerning what I have reported to be spoken by PAYNE, I am ready at all times to justify it with my death, that they are his words according as he spake them.

By me GEORGE ELLIOT.

[Footnote 4: In MUNDAY's _Brief Discourse, &c._ [24 July 1581]
there is a description of this "secret place"; which may be correct as
to its situation in the Manor House at Lyford:

A chamber, near the top of the house; which was but very simple:
having in it a large great shelf with divers tools and instruments
both upon it, and hanging by it; which they judged to belong to
some crossbow maker. The simpleness of the place caused them to use
small suspicion in it: and [they] were departing out again; but one
in the company, by good hap, espied a chink in the wall of boards
whereto this shelf was fastened, and through the same he perceived
some light. Drawing his dagger, he smit a great hole in it; and saw
there was a room behind it: whereat the rest stayed, searching for
some entrance into it; which by pulling down a shelf they found,
being a little hole for one to creep in at.]

The Copy of a Letter lately written in metre by a young Gentlewoman to her inconstant Lover.

WITH

An Admonition to all young Gentlewomen and to all other Maids in general, to beware of Men's flattery.

BY

Is. W.

NEWLY JOINED TO

A Love Letter sent by a Bachelor, a most faithful Lover, to an inconstant and faithless Maiden.

Imprinted at London

by Richard Jones; dwelling in the upper end of Fleet lane, at the sign of the _Spread Eagle_.

_The Printer to the Reader._

WHAT lack you, Master mine?
some trifle that is true?
Why then, this same will serve your turn;
the which is also new.

Or if you mind to read
some Fables that be feigned:
Buy this same book! and ye shall find
such in the same contained.

Perchance, my words be thought
uncredible to you;
Because I say this Treatise is
both false and also true.

The matter of itself
is true, as many know:
And in the same, some feignèd tales
the Author doth bestow.

Therefore buy this same book
of him that here doth dwell;
And you, I know, will say you have
bestowed your money well.

Farewell.

Is. W.

_To her unconstant Lover._

AS close as you your wedding kept,
yet now the truth I hear:
Which you, ere now, might me have told.
What need you "Nay!" to swear?

You know I always wished you well;
so will I during life!
But sith you shall a Husband be;
GOD send you a good Wife!

And this, whereso you shall become,
full boldly may you boast:
That once you had as true a Love
as dwelt in any coast.

Whose constantness had never quailed,
if you had not begun:
And yet it is not so far past,
but might again be won.

If you so would, yea and not change
so long as life should last:
But if that needs you marry must;
then Farewell! Hope is past!

And if you cannot be content
to lead a single life,
Although the same right quiet be:
then take me to your Wife!

So shall the promises be kept
that you so firmly made:
Now choose, Whether ye will be true,
or be of SINON's trade?

Whose trade if that you long shall use,
it shall your kindred stain!
Example take by many a one,
whose falsehood now is plain.

As by ENEAS, first of all,
who did poor DIDO leave;
Causing the Queen by his untruth,
with sword her heart to cleave.

Also I find that THESEUS did
his faithful Love forsake;
Stealing away within the night,
before she did awake.

JASON, that came of noble race
two Ladies did beguile:
I muse how he durst show his face
to them that knew his wile.

For when he, by MEDEA's art,
had got the Fleece of Gold;
And also had of her, that time,
all kinds of things he would:

He took his ship, and fled away;
regarding not the vows
That he did make so faithfully
unto his loving Spouse.

How durst he trust the surging seas,
knowing himself forsworn?
Why did he 'scape safe to land
before the ship was torn?

I think King ÆOLUS stayed the winds,
and NEPTUNE ruled the sea;
Then might he boldly pass the waves:
no perils could him slay.

But if his falsehood had to them
been manifest before;
They would have rent the ship as soon
as he had gone from shore.

Now may you hear how falseness is
made manifest in time;
Although they that commit the same
think it a venial crime.

For they, for their unfaithfulness,
did get perpetual fame.
Fame! Wherefore did I term it so?
I should have called it shame.

Let THESEUS be! let JASON pass!
let PARIS also 'scape,
That brought destruction unto Troy,
all through the Grecian rape.

And unto me a TROILUS be!
If not, you may compare
With any of these persons that
above expressèd are.

But if I cannot please your mind,
for wants that rest in me:
Wed whom you list! I am content
your refuse for to be.

It shall suffice me, simple soul,
of thee to be forsaken:
And it may chance, although not yet,
you wish, you had me taken.

But rather than you should have cause
to wish this, through your Wife:
I wish to her, ere you her have,
no more but loss of life.

For she that shall so happy be,
of thee to be elect;
I wish her virtues to be such,
she need not be suspect!

I rather wish her HELEN's face,
than one of HELEN's trade!
With chasteness of PENELOPE,
the which did never fade.

A LUCRECE for her constancy,
and THISBE for her truth!
If such thou have, then PETO be:
not PARIS, that were ruth!

Perchance, ye will think this thing rare
in one woman to find.
Save HELEN's beauty, all the rest
the gods have me assigned.

These words I do not speak, thinking
from thy new Love to turn thee!
Thou knowest by proof what I deserve!
I need not to inform thee.

But let that pass! Would God I had
CASSANDRA's gift me lent!
Then either thy ill chance, or mine,
my foresight might prevent.

But all in vain for this I seek.
Wishes may not attain it!
Therefore may hap to me what shall;
and I cannot refrain it.

Wherefore I pray, GOD be my guide,
and also thee defend!
No worser than I wish myself,
until thy life shall end!

Which life, I pray GOD, may again
King NESTOR's life renew!
And after that, your soul may rest
amongst the heavenly crew!

Thereto I wish King XERXES's wealth,
or else King CRŒSUS's gold!
With as much rest and quietness
as man may have on mold!

And when you shall this letter have
let it be kept in store!
For she that sent the same, hath sworn
as yet to send no more.

And now, "Farewell!" For why? At large
my mind is here exprest:
The which you may perceive, if that
you do peruse the rest.

FINIS.

IS. W.

_The Admonition by the Author to all young Gentlewomen, and to all other Maids, being in love._

YE Virgins, that from CUPID's tents
do bear away the foil!
Whose hearts as yet with raging love
most painfully do boil:

To you, I speak! For you be they
that good advice do lack;
O if I could good counsel give,
my tongue should not be slack!

But such as I can give, I will
here in a few words express:
Which if you do observe, it will
some of your care redress.

Beware of fair and painted talk!
Beware of flattering tongues!
The Mermaids do pretend no good,
for all their pleasant Songs!

Some use the tears of crocodiles,
contrary to their heart:
And if they cannot always weep,
they wet their cheeks by Art.

OVID, within his _Art of Love_,
doth teach them this same knack:
To wet their hand, and touch their eyes;
as oft as tears they lack.

Why have ye such deceit in store?
have you such crafty wile?
Less craft than this, God knows, would soon
us simple souls beguile!

But will ye not leave off; but still
delude us in this wise?
Sith it is so, we trust we shall
take heed to feignèd lies.

Trust not a man at the first sight!
but try him well before:
I wish all Maids, within their breasts,
to keep this thing in store.

For trial shall declare this truth,
and show what he doth think:
Whether he be a Lover true,
or do intend to shrink.

If SCYLLA had not trust too much
before that she did try;
She could not have been clean forsake,
When she for help did cry.

Or if she had had good advice,
NISUS had livèd long!
How durst she trust a stranger, and
do her dear father wrong!

King NISUS had a hair by fate;
which hair while he did keep,
He never should be overcome,
neither on land nor deep.

The stranger, that the daughter loved,
did war against the King;
And always sought how that he might
them in subjection bring.

This SCYLLA stole away the hair,
for to obtain her will:
And gave it to the stranger, that
did straight her father kill.

Then she, who thought herself most sure
to have her whole desire,
Was clean reject, and left behind;
When he did home retire.

Or if such falsehood had been once
unto ŒNONE known;
About the fields of Ida wood,
PARIS had walked alone!

Or if DEMOPHOON's deceit,
to PHILLIS had been told;
She had not been transformèd so,
as Poets tell of old.

HERO did try LEANDER's truth
before that she did trust;
Therefore she found him unto her
both constant true and just.

For he always did swim the sea,
when stars in sky did glide;
Till he was drownèd by the way,
near hand unto the side.

She scrat[ched] her face, she tare her hair,
it grieveth me to tell,
When she did know the end of him
that she did love so well.

But like LEANDER there be few;
therefore, in time, take heed!
And always try before ye trust!
so shall you better speed.

The little fish that careless is
within the water clear.
How glad is he, when he doth see
a bait for to appear!

He thinks his hap right good to be,
that he the same could spy;
And so the simple fool doth trust
too much before he try.

O little fish, what hap hadst thou,
to have such spiteful fate!
To come into one's cruel hands,
out of so happy state.

Thou didst suspect no harm, when thou
upon the bait didst look:
O that thou hadst had LYNCEUS's eyes,
for to have seen the hook!

Then hadst thou, with thy pretty mates,
been playing in the streams;
Where as Sir PHŒBUS daily doth
shew forth his golden beams.

But sith thy fortune is so ill
to end thy life on shore;
Of this, thy most unhappy end,
I mind to speak no more.

But of thy fellow's chance that late
such pretty shift did make
That he, from fisher's hook did sprint
before he could him take.

And now he pries on every bait,
suspecting still that prick
For to lie hid in everything,
wherewith the fishers strike.

And since the fish, that reason lacks,
once warnèd, doth beware:
Why should not we take heed to that
that turneth us to care.

And I, who was deceivèd late
by one's unfaithful tears,
Trust now for to beware, if that
I live this hundred years.

IS. W.

FINIS.

A Love Letter,
or an earnest persuasion of a Lover,
sent, of late, to a young Maiden;
to whom he was betrothed:

Who, afterward, being overcome with
flattery, she seemed utterly to swerve
from her former promise, without
occasion; and so to
forsake him.

By W. G.

W. G.

_A Love Letter sent from a faithful Lover, to an unconstant Maiden._

AS duty wills, so Nature moves
thy friend these lines to write
Wherein thy fraud, O faithless Thou!
I mind to bring to light.

Can plightèd faith, so firmly plight,
without desert be moved?
Or should the man that faithful is,
so slenderly be loved?

Should hate his guerdon thus remain
in place of thy goodwill?
Should rigour reign within thy breast,
to vanquish reason's skill?

Should faith, to falsehood so be changed?
alas, the greater ruth,
When double dealing is preferred
before the perfect truth!

If case such hap as recompense
unto your friend you yield,
What bulwark canst thou claim
'gainst GOD thyself to shield?

Can they that sit in hau[gh]ty heavens,
such covert guilt abide?
Or are they partial now, deemst thou?
is Justice thrown aside?

Nay, just are they, and justice still,
as just, they justly use:
And unto them, as guiltless then,
canst thou thyself excuse?

No, no; not so, for they behold
thy double deeds, be sure!
No forgèd style, nor flatt'ring phrase,
their favour may allure.

No gifts, no gold, can them corrupt;
such justice there doth reign:
And they that disobey their 'hests,
are subject unto pain.

These are no novel news I tell,
the proof is plainly known:
To such as do offend their wills,
their power forth is shown.

They see thy conscience guilty is;
thy faithless fraud they see:
And think'st thou then, this guilt of thine
can unrewarded be?

O FAITH, think not so far to wish
from reason's limits pure!
But judge thyself, what justice they
to sinful ones inure.

And thyself such doom shall give,
as guilty shalt thou find:
Therefore relent, and once again
thy grudging conscience mind!

Which unto gods that sacrèd are,
as guilty thee bewray.
In place of fraud, let faith and truth
with thee now bear the sway!

Revoke and call to memory
the fruits of friendship shown!
Perpend in mind my torments strong,
my plaints and pensive moan!

Which, six long years, as passionate
to carping yoke of care,
I 'bode for thee, as thou thyself,
I know, canst well declare.

Remember thou the plaints and tears
which I poured forth for thee!
And ponder well the sacred vow
that thou hast made to me!

Which vow gave comfort to thy friend,
that subject served to grief:
Thou gavest thyself a pledge to me!
Thy faith was my relief!

But now what hellish hag, alas,
hath turned thy love to hate?
Or else what whelp of HYDRA's kind
in thee hath wrought debate?

Alas, wilt thou despoil me quite
of my possessèd joy?
Or wilt thou plunge me headlong thus
to gulfs of great annoy?

Who would a [_have_] thought alas,
such fraud to rest in thee?
Who would have deemed, without desert
thy heart should change from me?

Whose heart hath couched his tent
within my covert breast
And thine, I hoped, of me thy friend
likewise had been possesst.

But wavering minds, I plainly see,
so compassèd with guile,
Pretend by sleights, the perfect joys
of friends for to exile.

O should a prattling parasite
so egg thee with disdain;
That thou, the presence of thy friend,
through flattery, shouldst refrain?

Not vouching once to speak with him,
whose heart thou hadst in hold:
Sith Liking fame hath granted grace;
should Love so soon be cold!

Consider these my letters well,
and answer them again!
For I, thy friend in covert zeal,
this time hath closed my pen.

Farewell! Adieu! Ten thousand times
to GOD I thee commend!
Beseeching him his heavenly grace
unto thee still to send!

Thy friend in wealth, thy friend in woe:
Thy friend while life shall flit me fro.
And whilst that you enjoy your breath,
Leave not your friend unto the death!
For greater praise cannot be won
Than to observe True Love begun.

W. G.

FINIS.

Imprinted at London by Richard Jones.

_The destruction, capture, &c. of Portuguese Carracks, by English seamen._

1592-1594 _A.D._

R. HAKLUYT. _Voyages_, III., 194, Ed. 1600.

In the Third Volume of this Series will be found the
fullest and most exact description in our language of the
annual Fleets, usually consisting of five Carracks, that
went from Lisbon to Goa and back; written by JAN HUYGHEN
VAN LINSCHOTEN, a Dutchman, who made that Voyage in the
years 1582-1592. The following events occurred after
LINSCHOTEN reached Lisbon, on 2nd January 1592 [III. 470].

Some additional particulars from a very rare tract,
_The Seaman's Triumph_, London, 1592, 4to, are given in
the footnotes.

_A true Report of the honourable Service at sea performed by Sir JOHN BURROUGH Knight, Lieutenant General of the Fleet prepared by the Honourable Sir WALTER RALEGH Knight, Lord Warden of the Stanneries of Cornwall and Devon. Wherein, chiefly, the_ Santa Clara _of Biscay, a ship of 600 tons, was taken: and the two East Indian Carracks, the_ Santa Cruz _and the_ Madre de Dios, _were forced; the one burnt, the other taken and brought into Dartmouth the 7th of September 1592._

SIR WALTER RALEGH, upon Commission received from Her Majesty for an Expedition to be made to the West Indies, slacked not his uttermost diligence to make full provision of all things necessary: as, both in his choice of good ships, and [of] sufficient men to perform the action, evidently appeared. For [of] his ships, which were in number fourteen or fifteen, those two of Her Majesty's, the _Garland_ and the _Foresight_, were the chiefest. The rest [were] either his own, or his good friends', or [belonged to] Adventurers of London. For the Gentlemen his consorts and Officers, to give them their right, they were so well qualited in courage, experience, and discretion as the greatest Prince might repute himself happy to be served with their like.

The honour of Lieutenant General was imposed upon Sir JOHN BURROUGH, a Gentleman, for his manifold good and heroical parts, thought every way worthy of that commandment. With whom, after Sir WALTER RALEGH returned, was joined in Commission, Sir MARTIN FROBISHER: who, for his special skill and knowledge in marine causes, had formerly carried employments of like, or greater, place. The rest of the Captains, soldiers, and sailors were men of notable resolution; and, for the most part, such as heretofore had given to the World sufficient proof of their valour in divers Services of the like nature.

With these ships, thus manned, Sir WALTER RALEGH departed towards the West country, there to store himself with such further necessaries as the state of his Voyage [_Expedition_] did needfully require. Where the westerly winds, blowing for a long time contrary to his course, bound and constrained him to keep harbour so many weeks that the fittest season for his purpose was gone; the minds of his people, much altered; his victuals, consumed: and withal Her Majesty, understanding how crossly all this sorted, began to call the procedings of this preparation into question.

Insomuch that, whereas the 6th of May [1592] was first come before Sir WALTER could put to sea; the very next day, Sir MARTIN FROBISHER, in a Pinnance of my [Lord HOWARD of Effingham, the] Lord Admiral's, called the _Disdain_, met him: and brought to him, from Her Majesty, Letters of Revocation, with commandment to relinquish for his own part, the intended attempt; and to leave the charge and conduct of all things in the hands of Sir JOHN BURROUGH and Sir MARTIN FROBISHER.

But Sir WALTER (finding his honour so far engaged in the undertaking of this Voyage [_Expedition_] as, without proceeding, he saw no remedy either to salve his reputation; or to content those his friends, which had put in adventures of great sums with him: and making construction of the Queen's Letters, in such sort, as if her commandment had been propounded in indifferent terms, either to advance forward, or to retire, at his own discretion) would in no case yield to leave his Fleet now under sail.

Wherefore continuing his course into the sea, he met, within a day or two, with certain Sails lately come from Spain. Among which was a ship appertaining to Monsieur GOURDON, Governor of Calais: and [he] found aboard her, one Master NEVEL DAVIES, an Englishman, who (having endured a long and miserable captivity for the space of twelve years [1580-1592]; partly in the Inquisition in Spain) was now, by good fortune, escaped; and upon [his] return to his [own] country.

This man, among other things, reported for certain, That there was little hope of any good this year to be done in the West India: considering that the King of Spain had sent express order to all the ports, both of the Islands and of _Terra firma_, that no ship should stir that year, nor any treasure be laid aboard for Spain.

But neither this unpleasant relation, nor aught else, could stay his proceedings, until a tempest of strange and uncouth violence, arising upon Thursday the 11th of May, when he was athwart Cape Finisterre, had so scattered the greater part of the Fleet, and sunk his boats and Pinnaces: that as the rest were driven and severed, some this way, and some that; Sir WALTER himself, being in the _Garland_ of Her Majesty's [Ships], was in danger to be swallowed up of the sea.

Whereupon Sir WALTER RALEGH finding that the season of the year was too far gone to proceed with the enterprise which he had upon Panama, having been held on the English coast from February till May [1592], and thereby spent three months' victuals; and considering withal that to lie upon the Spanish coast, or at the Islands [of the Azores], to attend the return of the East [Indian], or West Indian Fleets, was rather a work of patience than aught else: he gave directions to Sir JOHN BURROUGH and Sir MARTIN FROBISHER to divide the Fleet in two parts. Sir MARTIN with the _Garland_, Captain GEORGE GIFFARD, Captain HENRY THIN, Captain GRENVILLE, and others, to lie off the South Cape [_Cape St. Vincent_]; thereby to amaze the Spanish Fleet, and to hold them on their own coast, while Sir JOHN BURROUGH [in the _Roebuck_], Captain [Sir] ROBERT CROSSE [in the _Foresight_,] Captain THOMSON [in the _Dainty_], and others, should attend the Islands for the Carracks [from Goa] or any other Spanish ships coming from Mexico or other parts of the West Indies.

Which direction took effect [_was effectual_] accordingly. For the King of Spain's Admiral, receiving intelligence that the English Fleet was come on the coast, attended to defend the south parts of Spain, and to keep himself as near Sir MARTIN FROBISHER as he could, to impeach [_hinder_] him in all things which he might undertake: and thereby neglected the safe conduct of the Carracks; with whom it fared as hereafter shall appear.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: The _Santa Clara_, a Biscayen ship of 600 tons, taken.]

Before the Fleet severed themselves, they met with a great Biscayen on the Spanish coast, called [the] _Santa Clara_, a ship of 600 tons. The noise of the artillery on both sides being heard; immediately they drew to their Fleet. Where, after a reasonably hot fight, the ship was entered and mastered: which they found fraighted with all sorts of small ironwork, as horse-shoes, nails, plough-shares, iron bars, spikes, bolts, locks, gimbols, and such like, valued by us at £6,000 or £7,000 [=£24,000 _to_ £30,000 _now_] but worth to them treble the value. This Biscayen was sailing towards San Lucar [de Barrameda, the Port of Seville], there to take in some further provision for the West India.

This ship being first rummaged, and after sent for England: our Fleet coasted along towards the South Cape of St. Vincent.

And, by the way, about the Rock [_Cape da Roca_] near Lisbon, Sir JOHN BURROUGH in the _Roebuck_ spying a Sail afar off, gave her present chase: which, being a Fly-boat and of good sail [_a good sailer_], drew him far southwards before he could fetch her; but at last she came under his lee, and struck sail.

The Master of which Fly-boat coming aboard him, confessed, that the King [PHILIP II.] indeed had prepared a great Fleet in San Lucar [de Barrameda] and Cadiz; and, as the report in Spain was current, for the West Indies.

But indeed the Spanish King had provided this Fleet upon this counsel:

He received intelligence that Sir WALTER RALEGH was to put out strong for the West India. To impeach him, and to ranconter [_encounter_] his force; he appointed this Fleet: although, looking for the arrival of his East Indian Carracks, he first ordained those ships to waft [_convoy_] them from the Azores. But persuading himself that if the Fleet of Sir WALTER RALEGH did go for the West India, then the Islands should have none to infest them but small Men of War; which the Carracks of themselves would be well able to match: his order was to Don ALONSO DE BAÇAN, brother to the Marquis of SANTA CRUZ, and General of his Armada, to pursue Sir WALTER's Fleet, and to confront him; what course soever he held.

[Sidenote: Sir JOHN BURROUGH in great danger of the Spanish Fleet.]

And that this was true, our men in short time by proof understood. For Sir JOHN BURROUGH (not long after the taking of his last prize, the Fly-boat), as he sailed back again towards the rest of his company, discovered the Spanish Fleet to seaward of him: which, having likewise spied him betwixt them and the shore, made full account to bring him safe into [a] Spanish harbour; and therefore spread themselves in such sort before him, that indeed his danger was very great. For both the liberty of the sea was brought into a narrow straight [_distance_]; and the shore, being enemy [_hostile_] could give him no comfort of relief. So that, trusting to GOD's help only and his good sail [_sailing_], he thrust out from among them, in spite of all their force; and, to the notable illusion of all their cunning, which they shewed to the uttermost in laying the way for his apprehension.

* * * * *

[Sidenote: The Isle of St. Michael.]

But now Sir JOHN BURROUGH, having happily escaped their clutches; finding the coast guarded by this Fleet; and knowing it was but folly to expect a meeting there with Sir MARTIN FROBISHER (who understanding of this Armada, as well as himself, would be sure not to come that way), began to shape his course to the Azores, according to Sir WALTER RALEGH's direction: and came in sight of St. Michael; running so near by Villa Franca, that he might easily discern the ships lying there at anchor.

[Sidenote: Divers small ships taken.]

Divers small Caravels both here and between St George's [Island] and the Pike [_Pico_], in his course towards Flores, he intercepted: of which no great intelligence for his affairs could be understood.

[Sidenote: Santa Cruz, a village in the Isle of Flores.]

Arriving before Flores, upon Thursday the 21st of June, towards evening, [in the _Roebuck_], accompanied only by Captain CAUFIELD and the Master of his ship; the rest not being yet arrived: he made towards the shore with his boat: finding all the people of Santa Cruz, a village of that island, in arms; fearing their landing, and ready marshalled to defend their town from spoil.

Sir JOHN, contrariwise, made signs of amity unto them by advancing a white flag, a common token of peace: which was answered again of them with the like. Whereupon ensued intercourses of good friendship; and pledges were taken on both sides, the Captain of the town for them and Captain CAULFIELD for ours. So that whatsoever our men wanted, which that place could supply, either in fresh water, victuals, or the like, was very willingly granted [_i.e. for payment_] by the inhabitants; and good leave had they to refresh themselves on shore, as much and as oft as they would, without restraint.

[Sidenote: News of the East Indian Carracks.]

At this Santa Cruz, Sir JOHN BURROUGH was informed that indeed there was among them no expectation of any Fleet to come from the West: but from the East, that no longer since than three days before his arrival [_i.e._ 18th June 1592] a Carrack was passed by for Lisbon, and that there were four Carracks more behind, of one consort [_company or Fleet_].

Sir JOHN, being very glad of this news, stayed no longer on shore, but presently embarked himself: having only in company a small Bark, of 60 tons [? the _Phœnix_, see page 255], belonging to one Master HOPKINS of Bristol.

In the meanwhile that these things thus passed at Flores; part of the rest of the English Fleet, which Sir JOHN BURROUGH had left upon the coast of Spain, drew also towards the Azores. And whereas he quickly, at sea, had discovered one of the Carracks [the _Santa Cruz_]: the same evening, he might descry two or three of [GEORGE CLIFFORD] the Earl of CUMBERLAND's ships [_two of them were the_ Tiger _and the_ Sampson], whereof one Master NORTON was Captain [_or as_ _we should now say, Commodore_]; which having, in like sort, kenned the Carrack, pursued her by that course which they saw her to run towards the Islands.

But on no side was there any way made, by reason of a great calm which yielded no breath to spread a sail. Insomuch that (fitly to discover her what she was; of what burden, force, and countenance) Sir JOHN BURROUGH took his boat, and rowed the space of three miles, to make her [out] exactly; and, being returned, he consulted with the better sort of the Company then present, upon the boarding [of] her in the morning.

But a very mighty storm arising in the night, the extremity thereof forced them all to weigh anchors; yet their care was such in wrestling with the weather, not to lose the Carrack: [so] that, in the morning (the tempest being qualified, and our men bearing again with the shore), they might perceive the Carrack very near the land; and the Portugals confusedly carrying on shore such things as they could, [in] any manner of way, convey out of her. And seeing the haste our men made to come upon them; [they] forsook her.

[Sidenote: A Carrack, called the _Santa Cruz_, set on fire.]

But first, that nothing might be left commodious to our men; [they] set fire to that which they could not carry with them: intending by that means, wholly to consume her; that neither glory of victory, nor benefit of ship, might remain to ours.

And lest the approach and industry of the English should bring means to extinguish the flame, thereby to preserve the residue of that which the fire had not destroyed: being 400 of them in number and well armed, they intrenched themselves on land so near the Carrack, that she, being by their forces protected and our men kept aloof off; the fire might continue to the consumption of the whole.

[Sidenote: A hundred of our men landed.]

This being noted by Sir JOHN BURROUGH; he soon provided a present remedy for this mischief. For landing 100 of his men (whereof many did swim, and wade more than breast high, to shore) and easily scattering those that presented themselves to guard the coast: he no sooner drew towards their new trenches, but they fled immediately; leaving as much as the fire had spared [of the _Santa Cruz_] to be the reward of our men's pains.

Here were taken, among others, one VINCENT FONSECA, a Portugal, Purser of the Carrack; with two others, one an Almain [_German_], and the second a Low Dutchman [_Hollander_] Cannoniers: who, refusing to make any voluntary report of those things which were demanded of them, had the torture threatened; the fear whereof, at the last, wrested from them this intelligence:

[Sidenote: Angola, a new watering place for the Carracks.]

That, within fifteen days, three other greater Carracks than that [the _Santa Cruz_] lately fired, would arrive at the same Island [of Flores]. And that being five Carracks in the Fleet at their departure from Goa, to wit, the _Buen Jesus_, Admiral [_Flag Ship_]; the _Madre de Dios_; the _San Bernardo_; the _San Christophoro_; and the _Santa Cruz_, whose fortune you have already heard: they had received special commandment from the King [PHILIP II.] not to touch, in any case, at the Island of St. Helena, where the Portugal Carracks, in their return from the East India, were always, till now, wont to arrive, to refresh themselves with water and victuals. And the King's reason was, because of the English Men of War: who, as he was informed, lay there in wait to intercept them. If therefore their necessity of water should drive them to seek [a] supply anywhere, he appointed them Angola, in the main[land] of Africa; with order there to stay only the taking in of water, to avoid the inconvenience of infections, whereunto that hot latitude is dangerously subject. The last rendezvous for them all was the Island of Flores: where the King assured them not to miss of his Armada, thither sent of purpose for their wafting [_convoy_] to Lisbon.

Upon this information, Sir JOHN drew to Council [of War], meeting there Captain NORTON, Captain DOWNTON, Captain ABRAHAM COCKE, Captains of three ships of [GEORGE CLIFFORD,] the Earl of CUMBERLAND; Master THOMSON of Harwich, Captain of the _Dainty_ of Sir JOHN HAWKINS's, one of Sir WALTER RALEIGH's Fleet; and Master CHRISTOPHER NEWPORT, Captain of the _Golden Dragon_, newly returned from the West Indies; and others.

These being assembled, he communicated with them what he had understood of the foresaid Examinates; and what great presumptions of truth their relation did carry: wishing that forasmuch as GOD and good fortune had brought them together in so good a season, they would shew the uttermost of their endeavours to bring these Easterlings [_here meaning, the Carracks from the East: an unusual application of a word ordinarily applied to Baltic ships_] under the lee of English obedience.

Hereupon a present accord, on all sides, followed; not to part company, or leave off those seas, till time should present cause to put their consultations in execution.

The next day [? 29th June 1592], Her Majesty's good Ship the _Foresight_, commanded by Sir ROBERT CROSSE, came in to the rest: and he, likewise informed of the matter, was soon drawn into this Service.

* * * * *

Thus Sir JOHN, with all these ships, departing thence [to some] six or seven leagues to the West of Flores; they spread themselves abroad from the North to the South; each ship two leagues, at the least, distant from another. By which order of extension, they were able to discover the space of two whole degrees [=140 _miles_] at sea.

In this sort, they lay from the 29th of June to the 3rd of August [1592].

[At] what time, Captain THOMSON, in the _Dainty_, had first sight of the huge Carrack, called the _Madre de Dios_ [the _Mother of God_]; one of the greatest receipt [_burden_] belonging to the Crown of Portugal.

The _Dainty_, being of excellent sail, got the start of the rest of our Fleet: and began the conflict, somewhat to her cost, with the slaughter and hurt of divers of her men.[5]

Within a while after, Sir JOHN BURROUGH, in the _Roebuck_ of Sir WALTER RALEIGH's [Fleet], was at hand to second her: who saluted her with shot of great ordnance, and continued the fight, within musket shot, (assisted by Captain THOMSON [in the _Dainty_] and Captain NEWPORT [in the _Golden Dragon_] till Sir ROBERT CROSSE, Vice Admiral of the Fleet [there present], came up; [having] been to leeward.

At whose arrival, Sir JOHN BURROUGH demanded of him, What was best to be done?

Who answered, That if the Carrack were not boarded; she would recover the shore, and fire herself, as the other had done.

Whereupon Sir JOHN BURROUGH concluded to entangle her: and Sir ROBERT CROSS promised also to fasten himself [in the _Foresight_] to her together at the instant. Which was performed.

But, after a while, Sir JOHN BURROUGH['s ship, the _Roebuck_,] receiving a shot, with a cannon perier, under water, and [being] ready to sink; [he] desired Sir ROBERT CROSSE to fall off that he might also clear himself, and save his ship from sinking: which with difficulty he did. For both the _Roebuck_ and the _Foresight_ were so entangled as, with much ado, could they clear themselves.

The same evening, Sir ROBERT CROSSE (finding the Carrack then sure, and drawing near the Island) persuaded his company to board her again; or else there was no hope to recover her: who, after many excuses and fears, were by him encouraged. And so [his ship] fell athwart her foreships all alone; and so hindered her sailing, that the rest had time to come up to his succour, and to recover the Carrack ere she recovered the land.

[Sidenote: The _Madre de Dios_ taken.]

And so, towards the evening, after he had fought with her alone three hours singly, my Lord of CUMBERLAND's two ships [the _Tiger_ and the _Sampson_] came up: and, with very little loss, [they] entered with Sir ROBERT CROSSE; who had, in that time, broken their courage, and made the assault easy for the rest.[6]

The General [Sir JOHN BURROUGH] having disarmed the Portugals; and stowed them, for better security, on all sides [_i.e. in the various English ships_]; first had presented to his eyes, the true proportion of the vast body of this Carrack; which did then, and may still, justly provoke the admiration [_wonderment_] of all men not formerly acquainted with such a sight.

But albeit this first appearance of the hugeness thereof yielded sights enough to entertain our men's eyes; yet the pitiful object of so many bodies slain and dismembered could not but draw each man's eye to see, and heart to lament, and hands to help, those miserable people; whose limbs were so torn with the violence of shot, and pain made grievous with the multitude of wounds. No man could almost step but upon a dead carcase, or a bloody floor. But especially about the helm; where very many of them fell suddenly from stirring [_steering_] to dying. For the greatness of the stirrage [_steering_] requiring the labour of twelve or fourteen men at once; and some of our ships, beating her in at the stern with their ordnance, oftentimes with one shot slew four or five labouring on either side of the helm: whose rooms being still furnished with fresh supplies, and our artillery still playing upon them with continual vollies; it could not be but that much blood should be shed in that place.

[Sidenote: Exceeding humanity showed to the Enemy.]

Whereupon our General, moved with singular commiseration of their misery, sent them his own chirurgions, denying them no possible help or relief he, or any of his Company, could afford them.

* * * * *

Among the rest of those, whose state this chance had made very deplorable, was Don FERNANDO DE MENDOZA, Grand Captain and Commander of this Carrack: who indeed was descended of the House of MENDOZA in Spain; but, being married into Portugal, lived there as one of that nation. A Gentleman well stricken in years, well spoken, of comely personage, of good stature: but of hard fortune.

In his several Services against the Moors, he was twice taken prisoner; and both times ransomed by the King [of Spain].

In a former voyage of return from [_or rather_, going to] the East India, he was driven [in August 1585] upon the _baxos_ or "sands of India" [_now called_ Bassas da India, _and situated midway between Africa and Madagascar_], near the coast of Cephala [_Sofala_]; being then also Captain of a Carrack [the _San Jago_], which was there lost: and himself, though escaping the sea danger, yet fell into the hands of infidels on land, who kept him under long and grievous servitude. [_An account of this shipwreck will be found in Vol. III., pp._ 25, 311-316.] Once more the King [PHILIP II.], carrying a loving respect to the man and desirous to better his condition, was content to let him try his fortune in this Easterly Navigation; and committed unto him the conduct of this Carrack [the _Madre de Dios_], wherein he went [in 1591] from Lisbon, General of the whole Fleet: and in that degree had returned, if the Viceroy of Goa, embarked for Portugal on the _Buen Jesus_, had not, by reason of his late Office, being preferred.

* * * * *

Sir JOHN, intending not to add too much affliction to the afflicted, moved with pity and compassion of human misery, in the end, resolved freely to dismiss this Captain and the most part of his followers to their own country; and for the same purpose, bestowed them in certain vessels, furnished with all kinds of necessary provision.[7]

This business thus dispatched, good leisure had he to take such [a] view of the goods as conveniency might afford. And having very prudently, to cut off the unprofitable spoil and pillage whereunto he saw the minds of many inclined, seized upon the whole to Her Majesty's use; after a short and slender rummaging and searching of such things as first came to hand: he perceived that the wealth would arise nothing disanswerable to expectation; but that the variety and grandeur of all rich commodities would be more than sufficient to content both the Adventurers' desire and the soldiers' travail.[8]

* * * * *

And here I cannot but enter into the consideration and acknowledgment of GOD's great favour towards our nation; who, by putting this purchase [_booty_] into our hands, hath manifestly discovered those secret trades and Indian riches which hitherto lay strangely hidden and cunningly concealed from us: whereof there was, among some few of us, some small and unperfect glimpse only; which now is turned into the broad light of full and perfect knowledge. Whereby it should seem that the will of GOD for our good is, if our weakness could apprehend it, to have us communicate with them in those East Indian treasures: and, by the erection of a lawful Traffic, to better our means to advance true religion and his holy service. [_Just at the time RICHARD HAKLUYT printed this, 1600 A.D.; he and others were chartered by Queen ELIZABETH, as the English East India Company._]

* * * * *

The Carrack, being in burden, by the estimation of the wise and experienced, [of] no less than 1,600 tons; had fully 900 of those, stowed with the gross bulk of merchandise: the rest of the tonnage being allowed, partly to the ordnance, which were 32 pieces of brass of all sorts; partly to the passengers and the victuals; which could not be any small quantity, considering the number of the persons, betwixt 600 and 700, and the length of the navigation.

[Sidenote: A brief Catalogue of the sundry rich commodities of the _Madre de Dios_.]

To give you a taste, as it were, of the commodities, it shall suffice to deliver you a general particularity of them, according to the Catalogue taken at Leaden Hall, the 15th of September 1592. Where, upon good view, it was found that the principal wares, after the jewels (which were no doubt of great value, though they never came to light), consisted of _Spices_, _Drugs_, _Silks_, _Calicoes_, _Quilts_, _Carpets_, and _Colours_,&c.

The _Spices_ were Pepper, Cloves, Maces, Nutmegs,
Cinnamon, Green Ginger.

The _Drugs_ were Benjamin [_the gum Benzoin_],
Frankincense, Galingale [_or Galangal_], Mirabolams,
Aloes, Zocotrina, Camphor.