A fig for the Spaniard, or Spanish spirits VVherein are liuelie portraihed the damnable deeds, miserable murders, and monstrous massacres of the cursed Spaniard. With a true rehearsal of the late trobles, and troblesome estate of Aragon, Catalonia, Valencia, and Portingall: Wherevnto are annexed matters of much marueile, and causes of nolesse consequence. Magna est veritas, & preualet.

A FIG FOR THE Spaniard .

IT hath bene seene from the heginning , There hath bene alwaies from time to time , a troublesome people in the world , and great molesters of their neighbours , examples folow . and 〈◊〉 is proued most true , that among the nations there hath alwaies beene one seuerall people , farre surpassing the other in ambitious price , and tyrannicall policy , not seeking by neighborhood to quench their vnlawfull thirst to rule : but quickning the flames of their vnnaturall dropsie by hawty rage , the one purchasing them deadly hatred abroad , the other continuall tumults at home , both endlesse vnquiet of their restles thoughts .

In the greene spring of the worlde ( what time In the second raigne of Orifiel spirite of Saturne . The pride & tyranny of nimrod , sprong of the seede of Cham. ambition thrusting out her monstrous head , began freshly to sow common discord among men , and general contempt of God himselfe . ) Nimrod of the seed of cursed Cham , tearmed in holy writ a strong hunter : that is , such a one as compelled men to obay , either by force , or for feare , in loftines of mind forgetting himselfe to be mortall , and faining himselfe , and fellowe Princes immortall , by ouer-maistring his simple neighbours , reared a tower , whose strange height might match the top of heauen , and consequently ( like God ) ouer-looke the whole earth . But as he that sitteth aboue the Cherubins , and laugheth to scorne the fond deuices of worldlinges , with woonderfull patience pampreth the proud a while , and suffreth them like coped Lyons to swing their short course , so when they begin to grow intollerable , neuer was their lift so lofty , but their fall is as low , if not lower , to the lowest nook of hell .

A present and perfect mirrour is this Nimrod , who when he had tyrannized ouer his commons , The effects of tyranny . vsurped ouer his neighbors , foraged their Countries , neglected diuine rites extinguished true religion , and in the mount of his pride ( for such is the insatiable and swelling ●●●come of ambition ) opposed himselfe against God , was suddenly thrown The fall of Nimrod first king of the world , and Emperour of the Chaldeans . downe , despoiled of his Crowne , his glorie rent from him , his Maiestie impaired , his dominions translated , and all his stocke defaced by Assur , of whome proceeded afterward the Monarchie , and masterdome of the Assirrians . These gallants enioying the Empire , and his Metropolis Babilon , The example of the Assirians proceding of Assur . more yeares then Nimrod , but with no lesse pride , thought it no offence with Nimrod to opresse their subjects , rob and spoile their friends , depopulate forraine countries , slaughter their neighbours , vsurpe ouer their Territories , and count all lawefull pillage which their swords could wrongfully purchase .

But as these caualiers dealt with the Chaldeans , Such measure as we meat to others , such measure shall be met to vs . so likewise are they measured vnto , and matched by the Medes , who perceiuing their discipline of warre , changed altogeather into delicate ●●●●●nesse , their wealth reapt by prowesse , rupt on the backes of strumpets , and that their riches made them rechlesse , more apt to take their present case , then to delight in their former exploits , tooke hartie grace , suddenly inuaded them , speedily conquered The originall of the Median Monarchie , in the fal of wanton Sardanapalus . them , and forced the woman-like man , and vnmanlike King Sardanapalus , as he was sitting and spinning among his Curtizans , wittingly and wilfully to end his owne life , which ( as some Authors affirme ) was the onely ●eed that euer hee did to shew himselfe a man , spending the rest of his daies The Chaldeans & Assirians , the first that made was in the world . more like a woman . Thus were the vain glorious Chaldeans , and arrogant Ass●yrians the first seedmen of seditions , the stirrers vp of bloudy broyles , maintainers of deadly warres , and vsurpers ouer their neighbours , though happilie not so wille , politike , and cruell as they ; yet as wise , as warlike , and more religious .

In like violent actions succeeded the Medes , and The Persians , Greekes , and Romanes , resembled in pride , & tyrany to the Caldeans , Assirians & Meads . Persians , after them the Greekes , and Romanes , so that the worlde hath hitherto neuer wanted some one nation : sometime it hath had mo , that haue beene scourges , whippes , and terrours vnto the residue . But at this present day , whether our age doth want one , especially beautifull Europe , in many quarters , whereof the glorious light of the gospell At this present time the southern part of Europe affordeth a proud disturber , and injurious molester of his neighbour Princes . shineth most cleerely , that seeketh to bannish and blemish her splendent beautie , that vexeth the other noble princes vniustly , disquieteth his neighbours both by sea and land maliciously , vsurpeth ouer Crownes , kingdomes , and countries moste impudently , gouerneth his owne tyrannicallie , committeth massacres incessantly , breatheth out bitter threates opprobriously , snatcheth at all greedily , and aymeth at all with violence , and armes , aske his owne dominions first ( for hee nameth all how euer it be gotten his own ) and next all the estates of Christendome will answere with one consent , and readily deside the controuersie . But Papistes , or Neuters . some will say , who either know little , or heare lesse , or see least of all , for that happily , or rather vnhappily , they are of purpose ignoraunt , deafe for the nonce , and wilfully blind ( as in this point a great number are ) Sir I neither know nor heare , nor see any such matters in Christendome , as you mention : but to make further triall , let vs examine the attemptes and practises of all kings christened : and see who it is , that is guiltie of these moste heinous The right tearmes of Recusantes , and Traytors . crimes you obiect , beginning first with the moste worthie , the king Catholicke , eldest in yeares , mightiest in power , richest in substance , and moste The Aduersaries arguments to proue the innocencie of king Philip. deuout in religion : He for that he is a catholicke , and piller of the Churche , loueth , imbraceth , and nourisheth the Gospell : He for that hee is by nature milde , and taught by Gods lawes not to murther , seeketh no mans bloud : He for that his Ancesters haue been iust , and peaceable , liueth with hys neighbour princes vprightly , and louingly : He for that he cleaueth vnto the Pope , cannot erre , but is full of compassion : He for that hee tendreth his Iesuites hath learned to be humble and meeke : He is full of charitie , and therefore not couetous : He is olde and decrepit , and therefore cannot inuade , much lesse vsurpe , or do violence , all which vntruthes in a word or two , shal be confuted .

If he did sincerely loue , imbrace , and nourishe The former reasons confuted . the Gospell , would he xxxiii . whole years togither molest the Prince , enuie the people , and disturbe the Realme , that generally aboue all other loueth , Meant by the Queene and people of England . imbraceth , and nourisheth the gospel ? If he loued , imbraced , and nourished the Gospell , woulde hee seeke by all meanes possible to hinder the rightful possession , and orderly proceedings of a king , who The moste christian king of France . these manie yeares hath impouerished himselfe by seeking to plant the Gospell , and so manie times hath , and yet daily doth fight , and hazardes his Cuius contrarium , verum est . life for the Gospel ?

But so truely he loueth , imbraceth , and nourisheth the Gospell , as he burneth and bannisheth out of his territories , infinite swarmes of riche Iewes , sworne enemies to the Gospel . The Gospell willeth vs to yeelde vnto Caesar those thinges that are Cesars , and vnto God those thinges that ar Gods : but he teacheth them all together treasons , rancor , and matice a gainst their Soueraigne . Among all these nations the Spaniards swordes haue beene busie .

Lastly , so he loueth , imbraceth , and nourisheth the Gospel , that he maketh his Iesuites , and Shauelinges forget all Gospel , and mangleth , and massacreth all true professors of the Gospell . That hee is milde by nature , and seeketh no mans bloud , First aske his slaughtered sonne , and wife , aske the millions of Moores , and poore Portingales , aske thousands of Neopolitanes , and Dutchmen , aske Frenchmen , and Italians , yea and the English , that haue been tortured , and tormented to death by him , and they all but that he hath made them sure inough from crying , would with their wofull cries , and greeuous clamours resolue you , or at the least all Christendome yet liuing , that haue noted his drifts and dealings these fortie yeares , will supplie their office ? How peaceably , and louingly he liueth with his neighbour Princes : how full of compassion , humble and meeke hee is , and whether hee do vsurpe , and offer violence , England , Each of these countries had their partes but these 33. whole yeares he hath had continually a fling at England . France , Flanders , Poland , the Venetians , ech dukedome in Italie , Aragon , Portugall , Nauarre and Bearne , yea , and the bookes that are daily printed in them , and sent abroad from them touching our present matter doe testifie : and hauing so many autentique witnesses , what neede I more proofe in an open cause ? Only this leaue I request to thinke that the prophesie that was found in the Vniuersitie A prophesie found in Portingall . of Conimbua in Portingall , in the raign of Dom Emanuell , is verified in him , that the little King of Parrius Rex Austri per singula climata mundi , Nobilis ingenii dicitur , sed tamen omni Europa fietterrori vt rector Auerni . the great South , should be renowned through out the world for his pollicie , and redoubted in al christendome for his tyranny ; for whome ( notwithstanding he possesseth at this day more large territories , and greater store of wealth , then anie of his progenitors , or any other prince Christian euer did , and al his proud Partizans thundring out whole worldes of threates : little England , the noble and victorious Queene of England , the honorable Nobilitie of England , the valiant Gentlemen If England feare God , and be true within it selfe , it may boldly bid a fig for the Spaniard . of England , the true hearted commons of England relying vpon God the defender of their right , do bid a Figge , in respect of anie great danger , or strange detriment , they can inflict either vpon her royall person , or her loyall subiects at home , or her Maiesties approued friendes abroad , which action that it is both princely , politique , and discreet , as also christianlike , sincere , and charitable , shall appeare by the sequell . First therefore to proue The Spaniards guile . that the Spaniardes , as it is their guise , rather thundereth rigorously , threatneth terriblie , and spitteth out his spight vennemously , then meaneth ( as they say ) good earnest simply , howe euer he holds our Iesuites in hand , to make them persist in their wicked exploits : we will be so bold , as to consider his owne domesticall affaires , the late accidents , and crosse businesse that befell in Aragon , & other places , and see whether in likelihood he be able now to performe , as whilome in the eares of Great garboils of late betwen the Spaniards and the Aragonians , betweene the Portingals & Castilions . the world hee boasted . For who doth not heare that listeth to hearken after newes , what vncouth troubles , dangerous skirmishes , daily mutinies , and plentifull effusion of bloud , haue lately happened betweene the Spaniards , and Aragonians , between the Castillions , & their other vassals : the tenor wherof shal briefly be touched . Antonie Teretz The common rumor is for stabbing a lustie younker fauoured of the King of Spaine . Secretarie to the king of Spaine , vpon what occasion is yet vncertaine ( for that it is the Spaniardes dissembling nature , to minde and reuenge one thing , but to pretend another ) being committed to prison , found the meanes partly through his wife , who daily had accesse vnto him , and partly by his letters directed to his friendes about the Court , that he escaped , some say in the habite of a Countriman , who being secretly conueied to Saragosa The occasion of the first rising in Aragon in Aragon among his friends , made known vnto them , howe indirectly , or rather iniuriously the king and inquisition proceeded against them contrarie to iustice , and the priuiledges of their Realme , to what purpose they did it , and to what effect it would insue , if it were not remedied . As of small drops , rise great flouds , and of a sparke is kindled a great fire : so of this ( in mans iudgement , but a small mole-hill is made so great a mountaine that it may bee a secret iudgement of the Lorde , to cause to spring from thence , either so great a floud , that may drowne all Spaine for their sinnes , or so forcible a light fire , that may purge & purifie them from their dregs .

But to the matter , newes being brought vnto the King , and inquisition of the escape of the secretarie & that he had gotten Aragon , a strong Mandamus The light fire of the gospell was sealed to the Vice-roy , to make all speedy and diligent search after him : wherein the Vice-roy prooued so painefull , that once againe the Secretarie THe double diligence of the Viceroy . was taken and cast into prison , no doubt , but much more narrowly watched then before . The holy Fathers of the Inquisition , the catercappe deuils , Doctors ( I should say ) that like bloudy butchers , continually thirst after bloud , thinking them selues sure , and all things in safety : whilest they are preparing to sit in iudgement vpon the said Anthonie Teretz , and dispatch him in the way , were suddenly encountred by a multitude that lay closely in ambushe for the purpose , in and about the Cittie from the Countrey and mountaines there about , whereby the Secretarie was re-deliuered , many of the holy Fathers slaughtered , their Couches some of them burnt , some hackt and hewed in peeces , their seruants scattered , the Kings and Vice-royes powers discomfited , and to the number of 150 persons slaine . The King hauing intelligence of this great dishonour and vnfortunate repulse , standing vpon thornes till he were reuenged , forthwith dispatched a band of 4000. against them ; who knowing that the boon of a tyrant is bloud , and his grace nothing but death , resolued euerie man to trie the last dice of fortune , and so die , then yeelding , bee brought into a second slauerie . In fine , so well the The rendering of the citties & kingdomes of Catalonia and valentia . citizens and kingdom of Aragon demeaned themselues against the kings forces , that they drew vnto them the citties and kingdomes of Catalonia , and Valentia also : which three kingdomes are vppe in arms against the King , partly to reuenge the deaths of those noble personages , whome most cruelly he murdered : and partly to defend their antient rites , and priuileges : and vpon many and waightie considerations , haue elected them ( as some report ) a new King .

The names of the Nobles , whom lately the King of Spaine hath put to death . The names of the nobles who latelie suffered in Spaine . be these . The Duke of Ossune . The Duke of Ferill . The Countie of Orgus . The Countie of Micas , gouernor of Granado . strangled and burnt The Archbishop of Corduba confessor to the King . The Bishop of Cadis . Don Francisco Lapeto , president of the Kings counsell .

Don Vasques Secretarie to the state , is fled with 7. Nobles more , and Anthany Teretz also , whose discourse ye haue heard is fledde , and safe with the French King , who is his rightfull Liege . These vnexpected tumults , and sudden claps of war , though they haue bin of short continuance , yet haue they bene very combersome and bitter vnto the Spaniard , and haue not onely caused great hart-burning against him with the Laiety , but also some rancour of the Cleargy , as may appeare by this probabilitie .

On All-Saints day last , there chanced a Iesuite A pleasant , storie of a Iesuite and a frier confirmed by certaine persons of sufficient credite , who haue receiued the truth of all these matters . ( which order is most odible to all other Cloysterers ) to preach in Saragosa before diuers men of account in the citty , who among other matters began busily to handle the present mutinies , and vnreuerent rebellions of the land , against their Soueraigne , and holy Fathers of the inquisition , shewing the emolument that came by them , and inconueniences that would ensue , if they were resisted : concluding with this corollarium , that it would be meritorious , both for their bodies & soules , peaceable to the Realme , profitable to themselues , their wiues , children , and kinsefolkes , yea , and auailable for their landes and liuinges ( for which they were now in contention ) if they wold quietly lay down those armes , and readilie betake them to the mercy of his Catholique Maiestie , and fauour of the holy inquisition . A. Frier happilie hearing him , and warilie noting more then the common people , ( although generally enough was noted ) in his Epiphonema , or shutting vp of his matter , not mistrusted approched the Pulpit , and suddenly threwe a chain or coller of puddings about the Iesuits neck , A pudding is too good meat for a traiterous Iesuite . crying out good people , heere is meete dinner for the Iesuits good sermon : which deed notwithstanding there were present men of authority of the Citty , and questionlesse very many of the currant stamps , yet generally it was so well taken , that out of the Church , the Iesuit was haled into the street , and there disguised in a fooles coat , carried vppon mens shoulders to bee scorned vp and downe the Citty , and whether hee escaped with life , is not yet signified . And here by the way I wish all men , that either heare or read these truthes , truly and duly to consider , what great cause Don Philip of Spain hath either to pretend , or practise any inuasion , vpon anie K. Philip if he looke about him , at this time hathsmal cause to broch new broiles . Prince forraine this yeare , hauing so much ado at home , not onely with his temporaltie , but also with his darling and sweet nurserie his sacred and spotles spiritualtie . Thus far concerning the state and affaires of Aragon : nowe let vs see what is and hath beene done this yeare in Portingall . A Roceio is an open place , where gentlemen walke for their plesure in Lisbon . Portingal gentleman walking in the Roceio of Lisbon , espied a base Castilion of such proud and presumtuous demenor , so fantasticall in his attire , loftie in his looks , and slow in his pace , ( as though he had bin treading of measures ) could not long bear him , but bearded him , and iustled him , wherevpon The originall of the last dissentions in Portingall . the mater was debated by Stafford law , the Portingall slaine , and the Spaniard escaped into the Castle . Immediatly certaine Portingall Gentlemen of his familiars swore reuenge , & not long since haue had their wils . For on S. Mathews day last , finding a crue of Castilions reuelling in a brothell house , suddenlie set vpon , and slewe fiue of them , which caused the other Castillions of the Castle to come downe in extreame heat of choller , and offer great violence through the cittie , vntill the great multitudes of Portingals that were hastilie swarmed together , made them betake them to their heeles , and euer since more watchfullie , & warilie guard their But thus it is not ended : for since we haue had knowledg of diuers other bickerings . castle . The mater being brought in question before the Cardinal ( who now a while keepeth warm the K. of Portingals seat , ) & being found that the Spaniards were chief masters of misrule and mischiefe , ( as they are alwaies ) they were punished seuerelie , but all in vaine : for old rankor is not easilie forgotten , A Paradox . King Philip to inioy the crown of Portingall , especially committed these three most damnable iniquities , first he betraied to death his own Nephew , next set paking the Cardinal , and lastly exiled and keepeth in exile the right heire . nor the antient malice between those two nations lightlie forgiuen . For it is impossible , & may passe for a Paradox to thinke that those two Nations , the Portingall and Spaniard will euer be fullie reconciled . F●● as often as either they shal remember , or their cronicles report the fraudulent feats of false Philip against his neighbour K. and kingly nephew Don Sebastion so braue a yong prince , & only hope of the Portingals , record the damned vsurping of the spitefull Spaniards , & miserable exile of Don Anthony lawful , and indubitant heire , now fauoured and fostered by her Maiestie : so often as they shal either speake , or thinke vpon the cursed acts of Christophero de Moyra one of the Kings fauorites : as often as they shall either heare or thinke vpon the heapes of their poore countrey men , that haue bin within this 13. yeares most desperatly murthered , and of their owne intollerable seruitude they indure at this instant , they will haue as good and fell stomaks ; as euer they had at the Ile of Terferes , what time the braue and wise gentleman Don Cyprian Figuredo Christo de Moyra sent a counterfeit cooke into France to poyson Don Antonie . This gouernor gaue the king of Spain great battailes , and ouercame in both , liuing now with his King in England . Vasconsalus was gouernour there to the Spaniards cost , to rip out their harts , and eat them with salt . Wherein I aduertise all those of our Nation , that without any sufficient triall of their detestable deeds , and knowledge of their crabbed nature , are such great friends , and stout fauorites of the enemies of the world , not to bee deceiued , but as they be men , and should haue the spirite of reason , so to bee gouerned and guided by reason . Suppose the Spaniard as they wish ( but God be praised he is verie far from ) should make a conquest in this land , and bring all to his bay , as hee hath done in other countries ouer whome hee vsurpeth : Would hee ( tro yee ) spare this more then them ? No : hee will finde fiue hundred times more cause to ●●ce and ransacke our citties , to pill and pole our country , to murther and massacre our people , then theirs . For they were his neighbours ; we meer strangers : they haue bene sometime his friends ; wee alwaies ( as he counteth ) sworne enemies : they are of his owne religion , wee altogeather contrary : they haue the Pope to mittigate his wrath , if hee be to fierce ; wee haue both Pope and Pope-lings to incense him vnto further ire , that hee may be more frowarde : so that whatsoeuer the Pope and hee could doe , that they would doe say they ) promise they , sweare they neuer so much to the contrarie ) and whatsoeuer they will doe , may not bee gainesaid as vnlawfull . Wherefore let all English hearts and true hearted English-men , say with the Poet.

Aurea libertas gemma preciosior omni .

And whilest they haue it , imbrace it , & not betray it , but hazard lands , liues , lims & all , to maintain it . Finally , let those regions , ouer whome the Spaniard alreadie tyranizeth , be examples vnto vs , whose cofers are alreadie impouerished , whose people are mightily impaired , whose liues are not theyr owne , whose landes vpon euerie light quarrell are confiscate , whose antient-rightes are contemned , peculiar priuiledges infringed , wholesome lawes violated , and all in all corrupted : then may we couragiously say , God the Lord of hostes ( who is , and hath alwaies been our defender ) is our right , and cheerfully vaunt , a Fig for the Spaniard .

We haue hetherto discussed howe vnlike , and vnable the Spaniardes is in respect of the foresayd troubles , which as yet on no part are fully pacified , to pursue his determination : nowe let vs prie a litle more narrowly into matters of no lesse consequence , and by examining them wee may easily coniecture , what he is able to effect . The scarcitie therefore of bread , and defect of all other store of Wonderfull great dearth throughout all Spaine . victuall , wherwith Spaine , especially the sea-coasts thereof , this present yeare haue beene plagued , woulde rather haue beene a terrible warning to anie other Prince of corrigible nature , to haue humbled himselfe vnto almightie God , and to continue in praier for the auoydance of so great a miserie , then to prepare and threaten bloudy wars against his neighbour Princes , better able for the present to maugre , and indure armes then he : yea the flourishing kingdome of Naples , which for his God punisheth the people sometime for the transgressions of the Prince . woonderfull fertilitie was wont to be tearmed the Garden of the world , hath these two yeares so ill prospered , not onely in her corne , and fruites , but also in her vintage , and other prouision , that it is found not to yeeld the third part that it was wont : whereby the people perish moste lamentably , the Nero Emperor of Rome , when hee saw the Citie flaming with fire , laughed and soong verses containing the destruction of Troy . land is wasted pitifully , and all in all lament rufully : onely Philip who should be more grieued , and pensiue then the rest , like his great grandsier Nero , when he sawe Rome on fire , is so farre from mourning , that he rather mocketh , and triumpheth risit Sardonico . But say that neither these plagues of swelling sedition , or pinching famine , happily sent by God himselfe to none other ende , but to relent his stonie heart , and set him at peace , with other Princes that seek after , and delight in peace , can quallifie his hautie humour , or quench his hot desire of reuenge : Let vs yet weigh if there be not occasions of as great moment to moue and mollifie him , except he meane his people , shippes , artillerie , and warlike furniture should rather perish by warre , then consumed through famine . Who is In Flanders , France , and England . ignorant of the great slaughters of Spaniards , that haue beene committed within these foure yeares ? who is ignorant of the huge losse , both of men and ships he hath sustained in this last Indian voyage ? who doth not knowe that he that inioyeth much , hath need of Argus eyes , Mercuries braine , and Hercules strength to maintaine it ? and who doth not knowe that his storehouse of Sicilie for this The Sicillons made him plainly answere , they had not corne enough for themselues . yeare is emptie ? Seeing then Spaine cannot presently sustaine , muche lesse relieue , or repaire suche infinite losses both of men , shippes , artillerie , and all other prouision of victualles , within The Duke of Florence will haue a saying to the Spanish Lantado , for abusing his colours , defeating the people of the prouision of their corne , and manie other iniuries The last pope finely , and wittily denied the king of Spaine manie requestes : These and such like dealinges haue caused the deathes of 5. Popes within these 17. monethes . her owne boundes , seeing suche innumerable cares depend on their neckes , and that they cannot indure them without the assistance of others : Let vs nowe reason what possibilitie they haue to be succoured by others , and beginne first with their owne neighbours . It is possible they may command a few hungersterued slaues in Naples , and the partes adioyning ( whereof they haue the gouernment ) but in other partes of Italie , especially Genua , Florence , and Venice , where he is loued , as the Diuell loueth holy water : he may command , and go without , and intreating , obtain as man●● bands of men , and thousands of crowns , ( which some suspect was the deathe of the last Pope ) as a chicken can holde in hi● fist . As for France and Flanders , therein his iolly brauo haue such gallant counterbuffes daily , the one part by the most Christian mirrour of chyualrie , the french king , the other by the puissant and politicke prince Graue Maurice , that they looke for aid of him , who Sigismund king of Poland maintaineth the tumultes of the Iesuites at Gacow , wher they haue beaten downe and rased the Churches of the reformed religion . is himselfe aidlesse , rather then anie way finde themselues of strength to succour their haplesse Monarches . Likewise Germanie , and especially Poland , in manie corners , whereof he hath closely couched his rabbles of Iesuites , and set all in vprores , are so vnable , and vnapt to succor him , that they are skant able to defend themselues . Finally from England , wherinto dayly he sendeth whol heards , and hundreds of Iesuites , Seminaries , and Priests to disturb our peace : althogh her Maiestie euer louing , & longing after peace , hath sought alwaies rather to gratulate him , then anie way to grieue him : yet in anie of these attempts he is to hope for no helpe , except hee woulde imploy Philip mantained Iohn Marilian hy● Embassadour three whole years at Constantinople to increate for peace , which at length was obtained in suche sorte , that neither Christian nor Turke thoght it would continue , for both Princes applied them selues to the time , rather then that eyther of them desired anie friendship of other . his forces to better vse , then onely to seeke the spoyle , and effusion of christian bloud . Princes of former yeares liuing together in amitie , and linked with the sweete chaine of christian-like charitie , were woont to leuie all their powers against the vntamed Pagons , and ennemies of Christianitie , but hee hath beene lately conuinced to doe quite contrarie : howe then of Christians can he looke for courtesie . But some will obiect , and say , Tush Philip is ric● he possesseth whole Mines of coine , he is the golden Cheuallier , he needeth no mans courtesie . Let him but holde vp his finger , hee shall haue friendes , followers , and souldiers inowe : this argument is both weake , and slender , and hath partly beene refelled before : therefore in three wordes with the Poet , thus briefly I confute it . Malo virum pecunia , quam pecuniam viro indigentem . Hetherto concerning hys businesse at home , and condition with his bordering neighbours . Nowe let vs looke what hope the Spaniardes hath to enterprise anie inuasion , or conquest in respect of England .

The first , and chiefest reasons therfore , wherewith his Partizans , and partakers vse to induce him , and hale him on ( whether of his owne will he is readily inough inclined ) are these three Three reasons our English Traytours vse to vrge to Philip . in number . The first is drawne from the weakenesse of her Maiesties Nauie . The second of a supposed euill contentment of a number of people in the land to serue the Queene , and hir gouernment against her enemies . Lastly , and most principally of a great strong partie , that will be found heere in the fauour of them for religion A meere fable and of no likelihood . that wil take armes against her highnesse , vppon the sight of the Catholique Nauie on the coasts of England : all which that they are but imagined surmises , and vntrue reportes , hath alreadie bene proued , Anno. 1588. at what time the couragious force , and forcible courage of our Nauie sufficiently appeared , when as at the first encounter with the mightie Spanish Armada , our Some say it was their Viceadmirall : but how euer it was , a most huge barge . simple Fleete of Fish-boates ( as it pleased them to tearme it ) tooke their Viceadmirall , and for the space of 8. or 9. dayes togither , so scattered , slaughtered , sunk , & chased them , that they were forced to flie from the coastes of Flanders neere Calice , towards the vnknowne parts of the cold North : all their hopes , all their buildings , founded but vppon a conceited conquest , vtterly ouerthrowne and ( as it were ) with an Earthquake , all their costes , and comfortes by the omnipotent , and outstretched arme of God , brought to the ground . As to the second branch of their hope depending vpon opinion of some great miscontentment of manie , and sundry persons against the Queenes Maiestie , the proofe of the contrarie so appeared the selfe same yeare , both of her Maiesties actions to maintaine the liking of all her people , and of the generall earnest deuotion shewed to her Maiestie , by all estates , Noble and meane , rich and poore , protestantes and papists , as I thinke no prince christened euer had greater cause of comfort in her people .

Now to the last point , that there shal be found heere in the Realme a strong partie of Catholiques to ioyne against the Queene , and assist the inuaders , by the former relations of the generall great , and feruent loue of all the land toward her excellent Maiestie , of the great offers of seruice , made by the whol Nobilitie of their goodly shewes of braue men , and stately steedes , of their infinite costes and expences , of the vniuersall forwardnesse of the commons in all actions , and of their prompt mindes to execute all dueties of good subiectes , euen vnto the losse of their liues , this their foundation is weake , feeble , and of no force , and therefore no waie to be feared .

We haue already proued by manie reasons , and those substantial inough , how vnlike and vnable the Spaniard is , both in respect of himselfe , in respect of the helpe of his neighbors , and in respect The Spaniard vnlike to conquer England for three reasons . of our own right , and might , to master and molest vs with anie huge hurt , or singuler scath : all which notwithstanding are thus , for that we often see man proposeth , but God disposeth , to be vnderstoode , and restrained that they may and shall proue true , so long as we serue God truely , Si Deus nobiscum quis contra nos . The Spaniard is not yet brought so low , but that he may rise , rage and reigne again , if we be not thankefull to almightie God , pliable to our countries peace , and watchfull for his comming . Nam qui semel caepit esse hostis , & iterum erit , si nactus fuerit occasionem . liue in loyall seruice , and dutifull obedience toward our Prince louingly , honour our Magistrates reuereutly , liue togither charitably , and detect and discrie wicked treasons , and obstinate traytors willingly : otherwise the Lord will renew , reuiue , and increase the Spaniards strength exceedingly , cause him preuaile mightely , and triumph ouer vs spightfully , so that no man amidst all that hath beene spoken , is so farre to presume , that either he omit anie iote of christianlike seruice toward almightie God , or loyall obedience toward his naturall Prince , or sacred honour toward the supriour Magistrate , or sincere loue towardes his home borne neighbours , but as wee were seene not yet a Prentice yeares Anno 1588 sithence , ( at what time the minds of many were daunted with a sodaiue feare of the enemie ) to serue God deuoutly , obey our prince cheerfully , reuerence the Magistrat discretly , & liue and loue together faithfully , so to continue , & ( if need once againe require ) to spend lands , lims , liues and all as then wee profered readilie for God and our countrey , and not to hatch treasons closely , nourish traitors couertly , succour fugitiues wilfullie , or support shameles runnegats continually , men of no conscience , sworne enemies to God , their Prince , and countrey : which that we may do to the glorie of the eternall GOD , comfort of our dread Soueraigne , ioy of our vigilant Magistrats weeding out of hypocriticall rebels , wholesome Thus if we doe , then may we boldly bid a Fig for the Spaniard , eyther a figge of his owne , or , as they say vna higa Italians . preseruation of mutuall charity at home , & godlie consolation of our poore distressed bretheren abroad , the Lord of hosts in mercy grant for his sweet sons sake , to whom with his Christ our only peacemaker , & the holy Ghost our comforter , be al honour , lawd , praise , and thankesgiuing for all his vnspeakeable louing kindnesses extended on the sinfull people of England both nowe and for euer , and let all that feare his name , and wishe the blessed peace of his Church , say in deuout zeale , and zealous deuotion of spirit ,

Amen . FINIS .