THE motiue of this Discourse , most renounmed Soveraign , which at this time I intend to handle , for that it hath relation to two ends or periods , to wit , peace and warre , the one much to be preferred before the other , as well by divine , as human Arguments ; yet for that the time agreeing with the necessity , we are in regard of the feare of the Spanish greatnesse hereafter , which undoubtedly he will attain unto by the innumerable masses of his Indian treasures , which are the nerves and sinewes of all martiall intendments , by which fair opportunities offered unto the greatnesse of his desire , for the enlargement of his state , glory and renoume , and that there may be no object that may impediment the let thereof , but onely a determination in himselfe not to offend his neighbours , I shall hardly beleeu that he will so much differ from his Progenitors , I mean Ferdinand , Charles and Phillip , who raised not the fame of the Spanish Monarchie , by just , noble and laudible warres , but by cruell , bloudy and treacherous invasions , especially against Princes of their own bloud ; who under pretence of relieving or giving them aide against the oppression of others , haue made these passages unmoueable assurance , for the obtaining of the lands , Crowns and liues of their neerest Allies , which giveth me no cause of hope of his good dealing towards your Highness , and the States , who are neither allied unto him by bloud , as these former Princes were , nor tyed unto him by offices of Confederacie , wherby for former good turns received he might let you liue in peace : but contrarily , we being onely the stop of the Spanish fury of this part of the world : and a Nation who haue not onely given him infinite disgraces , as well by open battell , as sundry invasions and incursions , made upon his frontier Townes and Territories , to the irrecoverable dishonor of the Spanish people , and unmasking his former forces to all men ; which indeed are but a meer shew , and frighting them onely ; knowing their Greatnes depends with filling the world with an imagination of their Mightiness . For the Spaniard may well becompared to a drumme , or empty vessell ; that being beaten upon makes a great and terrible noise ; but come neerer them , break them , and look into them , and there is nothing within can hurt you . Or rather like the Asse , that wrapt him selfe in the Lyons skin , and marched a farre off , to strike terrour into the hearts of the beasts , but when the Fox drew neer , hee not onely perceived his long eares , but likewise discovered him and made him à jest to all the beasts of the Forrest . So that I inferre ( most gracious Soveraign ) that unlesse he now prevail with you , and by that means gain a peace to make himself more strong for a fitter time to hunt you and your neighbours ; his forces at this time , in respect of you and your Confederates , are so weak and resistable , as it may well appear unto your Highness , that his Monarchy is rather maintained by Opinion then Might ; as it hath ever stood since the losse of the low Countries ( if it had been with judgment exquisitely looked into ) rather by giving out greater rumours of power , and by secrecie , then by the greatnesse of their own forces : So as to make this Shadow a Substance , wherby not onely his Indies should be sure , but all the world tremble at his greatnesse . What oath is it that he would keep ? What condition that he would not break ? Or , what opportunity that he would let slip for the accomplishment thereof , if therby he might assure himselfe of the I le ? And therfore , though I commend peace before warre ; yet if the Country cannot obtain a good peace without a warre , I think it consequently follows , that it is necessary for you to make a warre with your enemy , whilst you haue the advantage in your hands , wherby you may lay a foundation of a sure peace for your Selfe , Posterity , and State for after ages ; rather then to dream of a peace which shall no longer hold , then he is able by breaking to revenge : For doubtlesse in the preservation of Kingdoms , it is no injurie to doe that to your enemie which he would doe unto you , if he could . And therfore those Princes , States or people whosoever , that shall build so firmly upon the condition of peace to be kept by the enemie , the breach wherof may turn to his or their great danger or destruction ; that Prince , State or people , in my opinion haue either little judgment of themselues , or are ill advised of the Councell : Securitie of their own estates , or too much fidelity to others , haue not onely been the destruction of many families , but likewise of great and potent Kingdoms , Provinces and Towns . And therfore to this day , there could never be found so great safety , to private men , or publique States , as mistrust ; as appeareth by Demosthenes in his second to the Athenians against Phillip of Macedon . There are ( quoth hee ) devised many strengths and defences for the maintenance of of Cities and Townes ; as Trenches , Walls , Ram-parts , Dikes , Bulwarkes , and such like , the which are made by mens hands , with great cost and charge : but nature ( saith he ) hath given to all wise men a common defence and safegard ; the which as it is profitable to all men particularly , so it is a most wholesome and sure hold and fortresse , to all Countries and Cities , against all manner of tyrannie , and what fortes to mistrust , that which if it be well and truely kept , it will preseru and keep you all . And therfore to prevent danger in a convenient season , and to provide in time against the worst , is a thing most wholesome , necessary , and worthy of greatest commendations : For as foresight makes men wary , so confident suspicion helpeth judgment , and bringeth to light many hidden practises : and those that doe not fear the complots of their enemies , nor regard of forces preparations against them , are doubtlesse neer some dissastrous fortune , or extrem ruin of their estates and fortunes .

How prejudiciall their treatise of peace haue ever been to such Princes or States with whom they haue contended , is most evident , as well to us , as other Nations , as appeares by their Armado in 88 , who came with fire and sword to cut the throats of the people of this land : ( had not God prevented their treacherous resolutions . ) At the selfe same time they had entertained us with a main shew of a desire of peace , and our Commissioners being with them for the same purpose . As also when Ferdinand of Aragon the last , and Phillip Archduke of Austria were in treaty of marriage of Madam Stawdii of France , with Charles the fifth ; and after was concluded , sworn and confirmed at Blois , the King of France being Lewis the twelfth ; his Lieftenants mistrusting nothing in respect of the promises , the Spaniards set upon them , defeating two French Armies , the one at Calabria , under the conduct of the Lord D' Aubigney ; the other at Cernigola , led by the Duke of Nemuers ; by which treacherous overthrow of these two noble Captains , by don Consolis de Cordua , called the great Captain Commander of the Spaniards in these parts : they wrested from the French , most of the places in Italy , which they keep untill this day . And therefore howsoever other men be opinionated of the Spanish faith and fidelity with your Majesty and State , yet for my part , I will think of them , and their promises , as a Noble man of Athens thought of a certain Oratour . Your words ( quoth he ) my friends are like the Cypresse , which although great and high , bear no fruit . And truely , as they are Spaniards I cannot well blame them ; for they well know , that the Crown of Spain is at stake , and all the Indies , and his other Signiories , and therfore will not fail to put in practise all tricks that may win the game , though it be by foule play . For if he haue not peace with England at this time , it is not unknown unto him that the foundation of his Monarchy will be shaken in peeces . And we cannot but see this , and yet will take no advantage therof , wherby we may secure our selues both for present and future times ; we may be compared to the Athenians , of whom I haue spoken before , who by Titus Livius report were men , who knew what to doe , but would not doe it : which is a fault so ominous to all states , that it not onely presenteth it selfe against ; but likewise followeth disasters and ruin to the Common-wealth that refuseth . For opportunitie doth not attend upon Captaines and Councellours pleasures , but sheweth it selfe on a suddain ; and if not imbraced , passeth away without returning : And therfore the advantages that one State , that are enemies hath of another , happen so seldom to the Globes , as Saturn finisheth his course but in 30 yeares . But our enemy is free , and I speak it to his honour , from this base and earthly resolution ; for it is reported of them , by this speciall vertue , they haue raysed their state to so high a pitch : which is , that no people can readier finde the occasion , or sooner take , or resolue it , when it is offered . And doubtlesse , to say the truth , I am much more fearfull of the Spanish proceedings , for that he goeth by precedent : which is an excellent kind of discipline , as well in Martiall as civill actions ; especially when the action is grounded upon a sure foundation . And as all Kings and Captaines which desire to attain to great things , doe imitate some one Prince , or Generall that hath preceded them : so doubtless haue the Kings of Spain for these many yeares , imitated in all their actions ( as neer as the time and States with whom they haue contended would giue them leaue ) that noble , valiant and politick Captain Phillip of Macedon , who indeed laid the foundation of his sons Monarchy , and this was his Maxime , That where force could not prevail , he alwaies used bribes and mony to corrupt the principall of the inhabitants : Insomuch that at a certain time at the assault of a Citie , which to a Captain of his seemed impregnable , and therfore thought to divert his purpose in the besieging therof . Then art a fool ( quoth he ) for I will haue this great Citie , notwithstanding the walles and ramparts , if the Gates be so big that an Asse laden with gold can but enter . And questionless , if your Majestie would but search into the Spaniards proceedings , since he had the Indies , you should acquaint your selfe with many such presidents of their part , to be a warning to you to look at this time advisedly to your own safety , lest you fall into the like misfortunes . And although I could alledge many which ( for brevities sake ) I omit , yet I will recite one ( lest it should be thought I knew none ) which is , viz. When Ferdinand of Aragon saw , by the sword he could not get the country of Rows●●ton and Perpignan , out of the hands of Charles the French King , which as they say had been ingaged to Lewis the 11 , he fell to practise with them of Religion ; wherfore he corrupted with a great summe of mony one Oliver Maillandor , as some say , Iohn de Madron a Franciscan Frier , Confessor to the Lady Brawnen the Kings sister , who under the root of Religion , cloaking his hypocrysie and coveteousnesse , perswaded this simple Lady , that unlesse restitution was made of those Territories to the King of Spain , his government could not prosper , nor please God ; she being moved in conscience with this Friers perswasions , brake this matter to Lewis of Amboise Bishop of S. Albie , the Kings Schoolemaster , who together with her , so terrified the Kings conscience , that hee not onely made restitution of the said Territories , by the said Bishop , but likewise freely released to the King of Spaine , the said Ferdinand , all the mony that Lewis his father had paid for them : Marry with condition , that the said King and his Successors should ever loue and honour the King of France , that he should make no warres against it , nor aide with mony , victuals nor counsell , any enemies therof , nor permit them to haue passage through their Dominions . And thus were the countries restored to the Frenchmens griefe . But the French King misreckoned himselfe in the Spanish fidelity , for having occasion to warre in Italy shortly after , he was no sooner past the Mountains , but the King of Spaine forgat all his kindness , and began to practise a leagu with his enemies . So as I inferre ( mighty Prince ) that either by shew of Religion , or subtle and sophisticall Arguments ; or in desire you haue to trust some about you , on whose shoulders ever ( in regard of your opinion of their wisedomes and fidelities ) you cast your selfe , and your care of your estate , in all , or either of these , you are like , without the more grace of God , to receiue disadvantage in this your peace-making ( and yet perhaps no fault in them . ) For it seemes to me wonderfull , that the truth of things being one ; yet may falshood be so apparelled with the habits of likelihood and truth , as ( changing countenance ) it is often retained in stead therof . As for as much as upon this Treatie now in hand , not onely dependeth your own happiness , the happiness of your noble Issue , States , Kingdoms , Subjects , or whatsoever else is deer unto you ; but likewise the happiness or unhappiness of all the Princes of Europe . So ( most gracious Lord ) in respect of these great and mighty dependances , as well in regard of your own particular , as generall good of the Christian Common-wealth , which so long hath groaned under the fear of the Spanish greatness , digest and distinguish every particular ; and in a point , in your own person , without trusting of any man with a matter of great importance : which although it will be very intricate by the diversitie of so many things as will offer themselues to be considered , yet ( renoumed Soveraign ) it will be very profitable to your Highness , and most acceptable and pleasing to the people , when they shall hear and see the great care the King hath of them and their safety : For as Commines saith , hee thinketh it the greatest plague that God can lay upon a Realm to giue them such a Prince as shall in great things giue his Authority unto others , which most especially in such a case as this hee ought to reseru unto himselfe . Although I confess Princes ought to haue Ministers in all things , especially in great matters , but not to conclude any thing without the Princes assent ; nor with him neither , but by the relation of many circumstances , in regard of that affinity which truth and falsehood haue in many matters of great moment . And yet I protest out of my own opinion , I am no way jealous of any of the Councell ; for as for them I hold them to be all most noble and worthy personages , and fit to manage great Kingdoms , as part of the Indies , and other Seigniories : which are as fit for you to take as the King of Spaine to keep ; which by your just command and valour of the English and Scottish Nations shall be gained unto you and your posterity ; without which , whatsoever your Selfe thinketh , or other men say , neither you , nor your posterity can ever be safe , upon probable and reasonable grounds , if the Spaniards intend to disquiet you , as I will now my selfe proue ; and as these following projects made by the Castilian themselues , may appear , by the necessity they are in to be Masters of the I le , viz. That a mighty King , determining to preserue his own , hath no better meanes then by conquering that of another mans ; alwaies holding this as a Maxime , That whosoever preserveth getting nothing , neither by keeping his own , can subdue the will of perverse men , that they may not be able to make him a disturbance . These reasons ought more to prevail with your Majestie ( quoth he ) then with any other Prince , since you hold your great State much dispersed , and the greatest part of your power consists in things moueable and uncerrain , which are the Indian Fleet ; which neither Garrisons , Fortresses , nor any good proceedings can hardly assure ; although your Majesty had great forces and power : as at this present we may well perceiu by this Pirat Drake , who with nothing is able to molest the whole world , notwithstanding the provisions which are made on your Majesties behalfe for the preventing therof . Wherfore ( saith he ) let your Majesty entertain an enterprise against England ; which both is , and may be the principall disturber of your Indian Fleet and Commerce . Neither let your Majesty suppose there can be a better or safer way , for the quiet of States , or the advancement of your certain Greatness , then by removing this Mountain of Disquiet to your most high and Kingly purposes , and conquering of this I le . As also Don Phillip the second , of Castile , having a great and earnest desire to make himselfe Master of this I le of the world , and perceiving two obstacles to curb his proceedings in that kind ; to wit , the warres of the Netherlands , and the Iealousie of this State of ours hath ever had of his Greatness ; and being desirous to haue the fountain of this happiness to spring from one of those two heads determining to build this resolution , which with most ease , most honour , most safety , and most advantage , might be carried to his after designes . Vpon consideration wherof , and mature deliberation , reasons were alledged pro & contra , amongst which , in my judgment , some are most prevailent reasons , and such doubts as the Spanish King from the mouth of him who made Reason his ground , and Experience his schoolmaster for what he said , and are following . It is my determination in this present Discourse ( said he ) to shew , as your renoumed Seigniorie commandeth me , by way of Reall foundation , that it is much more expedient for that purpose of your Catholike Majestie to moue your war against England then the Netherlands , declaring thus much notwithstanding reall foundation in this point , I mean not common principles of nature , or of science , neither of Mathematicall demonstrations of this present subject , is not capable , but rather reasons probably grounded upon truth . There are many , who but observing the first view of your Catholike Majesties interest to Flanders and England affirm , that though this Iland by just pretention pertaineth to your Majestie , yet you are so much the more bound to recover those countries of the Netherlands rather then conquer England ; by how much by all policy , the preservation of things already possessed , must goe before things never injoyed . But though this be a great position in publick affaires , yet we intreating of matters of State ( I ) will not judge it of that weight as that it may weigh down the ballance ; which galling the one side more then the other , might impair the whole summe and safety of things . Wee must consider what ought ; but further how it is possible , more profitable , more easie , more expedient to be done : For oftentimes Princes are so pricked to warre by the stimulation of honour , or of their desire to some enterprise , as that the bridle of many other circumstances , which would requisitely be considered cannot draw them back . For an example of this , we may set before our eyes the Venetian Common wealth , who thinking of nothing else but their duty to be revenged on the Duke of Millain , preferred immoderate ambition before all other respects ; and so , too late , remembred , that the office of prudence , is to moderate passions , and spleen in important resolutions : especially when they draw after them a tail or train of great inconveniences . The consideration therof ; that we are more bound to preserue the things we possesse , then conquer new , is not sufficient to conclude that your Majesty ought to take in hand the enterprise of Flanders rather then England ; neither in that so importunate affaires should we seek occasions so light . But to the end it may appear evidently , that in every respect your Majesty is bound to the enterprise of England , I will before any thing establish a foundation to that whole edifice of my opinion , viz. That in subduing of England , you overcome at the same time the Netherlands also ; but having overcome the Netherlands , England is not presently subdued ; neither doth peradventure the hope increase that you shall after conquer it . But I affirm moreover , that to conquer England is not an action more difficult , or lesse certain , then if it were the Netherlands : For if England doe consequently draw after it the Netherlands ; and if it be more easie and more secure , who doubteth , but he that should pervert this course would be a right destroyer of Opportunity ; and so become the forget of his own disgrace . But I will proue with prevailent Reasons , that one and the other member of my foundation , which is , that the victorie of England , is more profitable then that of the Netherlands , & more easie to obtain . As for the proofe of my first foundation , I betake my selfe to these principall heads . The first is : If the Netherlands had not maintained warre so many yeares , but by the aide and succour of England ; that which hath still supplyed fewell to the flames and fire of the rebellion : For if England would but fail them , it is cleer , they could not stand out ; no more then a living body can be preserved without nourishment , and it is more securely extinguisht by taking away the maintenance and nourishment thereof , then by striving to quench it by his contrary : For having no nourishment at all , the violent heat is used against it selfe , and so by it selfe consumed : but we determining to overcome it by the contrary , it may fall out , that instead of extinguishing it , the force of it may be much increased , if the contrary be subdued by the same : And therfore the Florentines then , and not before , quenched the fire of the Pison rebellion , when they took away the fewell and nourishment from it , which came from strangers , by cutting off Princes their Collegates , and the gaining their Citie in one action ; which otherwise all their own force , and their Confederates would not haue been sufficient to obtain . The other is ; for if England with her succours which shee sendeth , not onely maintaineth the Netherlands secure , with the bare hope of her shadow : for they count themselues in banishment , as it were , while they see before their eyes the Spanish forces ; and so would still doe , if they did not know the English will alwaies be ready to buckle with any one , that with a mighty Fleet should passe by these parts . In this respect the Athenians thought themselues sure from Phillips force , while the Town of Ohinton stood out ; and so on the contrary , when the Olintons were overcome , then saw they no impediments that could keep the enemy from them . Even so , if England should fall into the hands of your Majestie , the whole foundation of the Rebells obstinacy were shaken , the fortresse and back being removed , by favour of which they haue daily nourished the spirits of pride and insolencie : so as the soule and spirit yeeldeth England , being taken away ; we may perceiu that the conquest of the Netherlands is easily brought forth by the victorie , as her lawfull daughter ; and that the end followeth not as the daughter , or as the other being her mother , but even as inseparably , as the shadow the body , or nourishment the life . As also this reason which I will now recite , is infallibly grounded upon the direct rule of Art Millitarie : which is , that you ought never to imploy your selfe in the assault of any place , if there remain still at your back a a mighty meanes of some disturbance : Wherfore it is no sound deliberation to fasten first on the enterprise of the Netherlands ; when you leaue one ill-affected on your back , which peradventure may suddenly assail and break through in the midst of the Catholike Army , in the heart of the warres with the Netherlands . Charles the 5 , his attempt in Province had unhappy successe , for no other cause but that he contemned the advise of the Marquis Masto : which was , that first , before any thing , he should expugne the fortresse . But that resolution being not taken by Charles , was no lesse pernitious to the Imperialists then to the Author of that Councell , Antonio de Leva . Another reason is , attempting the warre upon the Netherlands , you come to buckle with braue experienced Souldiers , and men brought up in warre ; as on the contrary , the English want Art and Discipline Millitarie . I may giue the same comparison , that may be made between Idleness and Experience ; armed and unarmed ; and how advantagious it is to fight with unskilfull Souldiers : Amongst many other ; the example of Meltiades , in the field of Manathon , sheweth evidently ; who with lesse then ten thousand braue Souldiers , put to flight the force of unhappy Xerxes , who had more then six hundred thousand with him . An other is , that the Netherlands must be conquered by handfulls , and haue full , or whole Armies imployed in beleagering this or that Fort ; otherwise per-adventure of no great importance ; but as it may be a stop to his course of victory , that goeth about to seiz upon the Country . Wheras contrarily England hath no strong Towres or Fortresses , as well within as without : there is no doubt of that enterprise , and is as much more easie then this ; as it is a lesse matter to overcome them that doe not resist , then those that doe fight upon warlike advantages . There is no better example to bee produced to your Highnesse , then of the selfe same Countrie of the Netherlands ; in which , notwithstanding that your Majestie hath placed such strong Garrisons , yet at every step such prevailent accidents doe occurre , that oftentimes the Assaylants are overcome , by the often oppositions that these Fortresses use towards them : Even as on the contrary , the Kingdom of Portugal , there being no convenient Fortresses to giue impediment to the forces of the Souldiers , were suffered to enter into the very heart of the land ; they being not able to make any manner of defences to defend the same . Another reason is , for that the Fortresses are as prejudiciall to the Assaylants , after they haue obtained them , as they were before , by reason the Conquerour is forced to distribute his Army into many members , by which they are greatly weakned . So that , by this that hath been spoken , it may appear , that it is much more convenient ; nay , as it seemeth , much more easie for your Highnes to push at England then the Netherlands ; and therfore I will discourse of that Enterprise ; not in comparison of the other , as heertofore I haue done , but in respect of it self ; manifesting certain principles , which doe better declare and make manifest the opportunity & facility therof . In my opinion therfore it is a thing not to be doubted , if medicine is then truely to called wholesom , when it hath reference , not onely to the offended part or member , but further to cut off the root of the evill . And therfore if your Majesty shall enter into the conquest of the Netherlands , you but peradventure cure the wounds of that rebellion , but you shal not evacuate the causes of the beginnings of these ill humors , which haue daily sent nourishment to the disease : considering England is the place which hath given sustenance to the rebellious States . And though these Provinces were yours of this present disposition ; yet what can that be , in a body subject to continuall suggestion of matter , which in it own nature presenteth in the stomack some portion of offensiue humour : Your Majestie must therfore necessarily assault England ; to the end you may afterwards either securely digest , or evacuate these concourses . But to discourse more at large of the facility of the enterprise ; I deny not truely but that England is a very mighty Kingdom ; and the greatest Iland that ever wee finde any mention made of by the Ancients , seeing it containeth Scotland within the same , running 2000 miles in a circuit , although our modern Writers make a computation of 200 lesse . By Nature it hath been favoured with a security of a wall , or with a rampart : but yet notwithstanding it is most true , that the reputation that that Iland holdeth in warlike actions , is rather grounded on that it was in time past , then that which it hath at this present : and therfore as it often happeneth , the minde grown great , with the bundles of imaginations wherwith it is maintained , though the foundation wheron it dependeth be changed , and diminished : Yet for all that , is the estimation of England great in our minds ; because wee all behold it with the selfe same eye of consideration , as wee are wont to doe at all other times ; when as in ancient , for succession of more then 300 yeares , it possessed Normandie , Britaine , Guienne and Gascoigne , and made Scotland tributary , and for a long time enjoyed the most part of the Kingdom of France , upon which Henry the 6 , was publiquely crowned at Paris . But those that haue diligently observed her , now when shee is deprived of so great forces and aide , will judge that shee is greater through the reputation of her ancient fame , then for the quality of her present power and force : and that shee is now no more England , so grievous and terrible to the greatest Princes of Europe ; and since that with so unhappy a resolution shee fell into obscurity , shee hath been driven of necessity to submit her selfe to those fearfull things , which alteration of Religion and faith draw after them . A most mighty and prevailent meanes to the ruin and declination of States : For if Religion be the onely base of all the peoples obedience and loyalty , who doubteth , but that being removed , all rule of life goeth to the ground ; and together all lawes , both Divine and Human haue dispensation . In which parties , or rather habites , of this most pernicious beast , are most miserable , how much the mutations haue been sudden and violent ; as aboue all other , these of England haue been , which from the height of Religion threw it selfe headlong into the depth of Infidelity ; from thence rising againe into the Catholike light from whence it came ; and a fresh to fall ruinously into the darknesse of heresie : which is so prejudiciall unto States , as there is no greater pestilencie ; or that more weakens the sollidity of their forces . England therfore in these outragious stormes must needs haue suffered shipwrack , of which we may plainly see the effects , if wee doe but obserue shee hath lost the foundation , wherupon no lesse her reputation , then security was grounded : that is , shee hath lost the power and authority which sometimes shee had in sea-affaires ; for in times past this Iland maintained a great number of Shippes , and kept a continuall Fleet of Armes , wherupon it came to passe ; that minding to try the strength of her own forces , the preparation was admirable ; amongst others wee may see that when Henry the sixth of England , went against Charles the sixth of France , with neere eight hundred great Ships , which made a bridge over the Ocean : but the quality of that Iland is so diverse , and changed , that since the daies of Henry seventh and eighth , it hath not been able to maintain one hundred ordinary Ships ; which it was wont to wey , and haue in readinesse for the security of the State : and further , this Iland hath been put to such pinches , that they haue not onely been constrained to diminish , but to sell out-right a great part of their Shipping , which both was , and is , their onely securitie from forraign danger : so much more urgent in Princes is feare of present poverty , then the respect of their future safety . So that now , comming to resolue on the point of facility , that your Majesty shall now finde in that Enterprise against this Iland , I will offer to your Highness two principall heads ; the one of the Defendant , the other of the Assaylant , wherby I will shew , that the assayled is as unable to defend , as the Defendant is to assayle . As for the Defendant ( which is the Kingdom of England ) it may certainly be averred , that it cannot stand out in defensiue warre against the forces of your Majestie , if you will but invade it with the provisions , which is easie for you to compass , and such as the Enterprise , and importance of the action requireth , the which I will cleerly shew for divers respects . The first is ; because , as I haue said , the I le of England is poor ; and therefore is her debility such , as if shee should goe about to manage a defensiue war against so mighty and potent , as your Catholike Majestie , shee might as well goe about to sustain heaven on her shoulders , being neither Alcides nor Atlas . The second is , for the consideration of the necessity which possesseth there the State of England ; hath no more in readiness such number of Shippes as were sometimes maintained for the protection and security of their Kingdom . The third is , that the Kingdom of England , by carelessnesse neglected , or by poverty omitted , to haue alwaies in readinesse ; prepared , or practised Men , Armes , or provision , as all other Princes haue , to the end they may be a present remedy to all suddain Insurrectson , which groweth either at home or abroad . The fourth is , because the desire of Innovation is proper to the Kingdom , whose minds doe alwaies aspire after change ; and whosoever doth but obseru former histories , will judge that her seditious conspiracies , and every other effect of a disturbed and moving minde , haue had their proper nest ; being stirred up with considerations , which being accompanied with the ordinary disposition of the people , to be alwaies attempting of new things , may easily of a suddain , if it were assaulted , put the Realme into confusion ; especially when the Army of so mighty an enemy as your Majestie , shall present it selfe , wherby rebels may liberally discover their hearts without being chastised . So as this people being any way ill-affected , which meeting with their manner of disposition , may peradventure easily giue occasion , if your Majesty had no party in England , which you shall never fail off to some unlooked for action , if your Catholike Armies did but shew themselues . It being so ordinary a matter with that people , when they are masked with some great passion , either of hatred or disdain towards them that govern , that they will be ever ready to take all courses in hand that may be hurtfull to him : Even so that Tantanus discontented with government of Cajus Iberius brought in before his face the Carthaginians . First , the English in respect of their ancient greatnesse , haue been more accustomed to molest others , then to be molested themselues ; and when they shall see themselues overwhelmed , as it were , with an innumeration of braue Souldiers and Captaines , they will grow wonderfully astonied : even as that change of fortunes countenance is a terrible spectacle to those to whom this sight is unusuall : for by that meanes Greece which was sometimes Empresse of the whole East , fell suddenly into other mens hands ; who of an Assaylant , became assayled . And lastly , though nature get thus much in behalfe of them , that England be well furnished with Armes , men , victuals , and ships , and whatsoever else is necessary for the warres ; yet ( say I ) all this is nothing , when the quality and condition is wanting , which giveth form and essence to all enterprises ; which is mony : which the Kingdom of England , no lesse through the scarcity of Revenues , as by the charge of ordinary expences is brought unto ; which they shall never be able to recover , by their Trades and Commerce , if the use of the sea be taken from them : and therfore will never be able to supply expence of a defensiue Army Royall , when it hath scarcely enough to supply their own necessaries ; especially against so great and magnificent a Prince as your most Catholike Majestie , who embraceth within the circuits of your Dominions , the whole Diamemeter of the earthly Globe , and possesseth more land at this day , then all the Monarchs and Republiques of the world haue : A most opulent Prince in Armes , Men , Mony , Souldiers , Captains , Shippes , Victuals , and all other provision of warre : and a Prince , who like a Moderator , or Arbitrator , seemeth to hold in his hands , the bridle of Empire , both of the sea and land . And wheras it may be objected that the Gallies which doe you no service in that expedition , being vessels of great consequence in battels by sea : your enterprise of Portugal , and of the Iland , if it did not quite remoue it ; yet did it much abate the superstitious credulity of ours , that those Vessels are not good at any time to passe the Ocean withall ; as if there were no faire wether in that sea in the Summer ; or that fair weather were abortiue in shipping : there is no doubt but that Gallies may securely passe , and hazard themselues in that Sea in the Summe , for three moneths : And those that will object the contrary , by the overthrow of the Sea there , let them be contented to obserue well , that the same Anchor met not with no inward , but outward occasion , in the sea of that overthrow : For Caesar ignorantly could not discern the time of the Moon which was then in the full , and being mistaken by reason of her 100 much humidity , doth use to disturb , not onely the Ocean , but all the coasts , and the dominion shee holdeth of the salt waters . And therfore in respect of the great honesty and equity accompanying the cause ; with it so honourable and godly life , as the planting the Christian faith and religion , no obstacle can be sufficient to stay the force of divine power , serving under the standerd of Christ ; and therfore most weake , and but a shadow shall all humane helpe bee which shall oppose it selfe against the will of the great Arbitrator . But such are the pretentions of your Majestie over this Kingdom , and such the obligations wherin you stand bound for the recovery of your own , the title of Grandfather and Predecessours of famous memorie ; as there is no enterprise so peculiar and proper for you to undertake as this : for that you goe not onely to possesse your selfe of the right which you haue to this Kingdome , but likewise to make your selfe the most famous King that ever was in the memory of all the Princes of the world ; adding by this meanes unto the Crowne of Spaine , a Kingdom so illustrious , so mightie , and so famous .

By the relation of this Spanish project , against this State of England , most Illustrious Prince , may well appeare unto your Highnesse , that the Spaniard himselfe well knows , that there is no way for the expectation of his further Greatness ; no great possession of the high Monarchy , which he himselfe alledgeth that he already enjoyeth , but the conquering of this I le , and adding it to the Crown of Spain ▪ and therfore , if he had any other meanes to attain to this , by him so violently longed for , then by a peace : why should not your Majestie thinke , that the peace hee meanes to make with you at this time , is for that purpose , and for no other intent ? And therfore , my good Lord , I cannot , as one standing upon the firme land , gaze upon the shipwrack of my Countrie , being so doubtfully tossed , and floting in the dangerous sea of dissention , betwixt peace and warre , with one that will make a peace with you , for no other end and purpose , but that hee may bee the better able to make warre heerafter against you . But to cast out the last anchor hold of my selfe , which is boldness and freeness of speech to you ( my most renouned Soveraign ) to prevent if I can these extreme and certain dangers , wherein both your Selfe , your States , and glory of the English and Scottish names , are likely to be plunged , when the Spaniards ability shall be such , as there shall bee no let , but his good nature , to insult over you : which howsoever your Highness , or others , think contrary , will in foure or fiue yeares , if he enjoy his Indies be brought to passe . Surely , my gracious Soveraign , I am of opinion against Phillip of Spain , in the behalfe of my Countrie , as that noble Common-wealths man Demosthenes , against Phillip of Macedon in behalfe of the Athenians ; which no doubt hath much affinity with our case at this time . For Phillip seeing whilst he had warre with Athens ( at which he principally aimed ) hee could never overcome the other Provinces of Thebeans , Lacedemonians , Thessaliars , Phocians , O intans , and the rest , and till they were overcome he could never get Athens , began to take another course : which was , to bribe with mony and gifts , Councellours or Orators of that State to be of his side ; and by that means to be secure from the forces of that Republique or Commonwealth , till he had , by one and one , overcome the rest . But good Demosthenes perceived him by and by , and warned the Thebeans of that Treason ; but these traitors of Phillips Faction being grown great in the Citie , by meanes of the bounty they had daily received for rewards of their treason ; as also the Athenians were then , as we are now , not willing to hear of any warres or change to be brought against them ; which alwaies these Traitors joyn with the multitude , in assuring them that Phillip of Macedon meant them no harm , was the onely cause that all the other Provinces aforenamed were overcome ; but also the noble and stately Citie by him and Antèpator his successour . And therfore since that like examples , whilst the world doth last , will bring forth like effects , I will be of Demosthenes minde ; if since we cannot shunne the warres with Spain , either at this time , or hereafter , when he hath made himselfe more strong ; either by the conquest of his neighbours , or otherwise : that you should begin with him whilst you haue the advantage of him ; and then you shall by proofe finde how profitable it will be unto you , when you must needs doe a thing , to doe it with a courage and cheerfulness : And forasmuch as there is no man of another minde , but that we shall haue the King of Spaine , by so much more our mighty enemy , the greater Princes suffer him to be . Oh why be we so backward , or why linger you oh noble King , the great Commander of the braue spirits of the English and Scottish Nation , to doe that in reason and necessity you ought ? Our fathers , when they were Masters but of one part of this I le , were never wont to fear any thing in matters of warre , but if the skie should fall upon them , sailed over many a Sea to make their weapons glister in the bowels of other Kingdoms ; being by the honesty of their actions , and nobleness of their courage assured . And shall your Majestie , by whose blessed arrivall to this part of your Ancestors , and having brought home once again in your ship of Vnion , our brethren and kinsmen , no lesse valiant then our selues , being descended from the bloud of our Ancestours , and turned from us by the iniquity of time , and dissentions of some mutinous persons of either part ; which we must not account proceeded by consent of both people ; neither measure the intents of great Nations according to the notable wickedness of some particulars ? Shall you I say , who hath renewed again the ancient fame of this Ile ( by which , for valour , for men , for munitions , for engines , for warre , no Prince under heaven can lightly compare ) be doubtfull to undertake a warre to which you are so necessarily incited ; as well for the glory of God , the advancement of Christian Religion in all parts ; as also your particular safety , which can never be certain to You , nor us your posterity , but by the abatement of the Spanish greatness , by means wherof many murders , massacres , and rebellions haue been made in Europe . No no ( my renoumed Soveraign ) be it farre from your magnanimous minde , to harbour a thought so unworthy that vertue , that shineth so apparant in all mens eyes ; but rather since the nature of the Countries , the inclination of the Subjects , and the valours of the people , doe seek to overcome the violence of the enemies ; let them be seconded by the Kingly command , under which word , there is no question of victorie . Your Predecessours of famous memory , undertook these warres upon discreet , and premeditated considerations ; not onely chewed for many yeares together , but likewise digested by the experience of time , Conclusions of the Spaniards part of divers things against this State , and probability of many more dangers like to ensue , both against the people and country : And therfore ( most renoumed Soveraign ) if the addition you adde in your own Greatness and Person , to this your right inheritance of England , be not sufficient to alter the consideration of your former policies , in my minde ; you ought to be well-advised , before you stray from the pathes of your Predecessours , who built their onely safety upon the preservation of the Netherlands , and abatement of the Spaniards Greatness , as by divers excellent reasons , wherupon they undertook openly these warres , may appear . But perhaps it may be said , that the person of the Prince doth alter the pretence of the enemy . I hope I shall need to say little on that point , to so highly wise , learned and judicious a Lord , as your Highness ; especially when it is apparant to your Majestie , that the Spaniards build their certain Greatness upon no one thing so much , as the ruin and destruction of this land , as by their foregoing projects appeareth . But moreover , if they could not loue the Princes of their bloud , race , and kindred ; as the King of Naples , Cicily and Navarre , whom they not onely deposed from their Kingdomes ; but likewise some of them from their liues , under no pretence of reason or justice ; but onely thirsting after bloud and Seigniories , I shall infinitely mistrust his regard of the safety of your noble and fortunate Issue . And if your Majesty will goe by precedent ( which is most fit to most actions that doe minister themselues to men ) and but examine how the Monarchy of Spaine , hath but raysed himselfe to his Greatnes , you shall no doubt perceiu ( by comparing time past , with that which is like to follow ) the irrecoverable dangers you are like to fall into , by making peace with them , that for advantage , will hold it Religion to break with you . And for that , from Ferdinand of Aragons time they haue begun to render themselues so fearfull to their neighbours , which as it were yesterday , your Highness may acquaint your selfe with their unjust actions , which are fresh in memory to their unchristianlike wounds , given to many Christian Princes , still Bleeding ; wherby you may the better discern and distinguish them . For as Ferdinand himselfe , which was the root from whence their Princes sprang , there was no King in his time more unjust , more cruell , or more bloudy , thirsting after bloud , and breach of faith with all Princes , with whom he had to doe ; although they were his Cosen germaines ; his brother in law , his Sisters and Neeces ; and indeed laid his foundation of the Spanish Monarchy upon such base and treacherous foundations : For Charles the fifth , how hee behaved himselfe in his time amongst the Princes of Christendome , I cannot more aptly referre your Majestie to a briefe relation thereof , then by an Oration made by a worthy Gentleman , who had particularly acquainted himselfe with the accidents of that time , which hee wrote , and dedicated to the two yong Earles of Embden long since . For Phillip the second , what bloud hath hee caused to be shed both in England , Portugal , France , the Netherlands and Ireland ; is it not knowne to all Christian Princes ? Besides , the often seeking of the innocent bloud , of that most noble , and thrice renoumed Predecessour of famous memory Elizabeth , Queen of this land , which if , so it were , there were no other witnesse of his Goatish and Moorish inclination ( as there are thousands ) were it not enough to enroule and memorize him in the ranke of unworthie and tyrannous Potentates ? For Phillip the third , although hee bee yong , yet is hee a Spaniard : and whatsoever the wisest of the world haue ever thought of the nature and quality of a Spaniard is apparant : For Francis Quicchardine ( a man so sufficient , as the very reckoning of his very worth and perfections would require a story ) saith of them . The Spanish Nation are covetous and deceitfull , and where they bee at libertie , exceeding outragious , tyrannous , and very proud and insolent . And Andrew .. a famous Senatour of Venice , saith of them ; That they are unfaithfull , ravenous , and the most unsatiable of all Nations : For where is it ( saith hee ) of all the places of the world , where these infamous Harpies set their feet , which is not defiled with the foot-steps of most abominable vices ; and yet the shot of their Pistols doe so dazell the eyes of many in this land , that they are not ashamed to defend them to be the most noble , most faithfull , most honourable Nation in the world . Another writes of them ; That they are loathsome Swine , theevish Owles , and bragging Peacocks : For ( saith he ) whosoever would behold the liuely portrature of them , without troubling himselfe with the overturning of Martial or Terence , let him but behold the grim speech of a stately Spanyard . By whom , most mightie Prince , I may well say , and according to truth , that the world of America was not so much unknown to the former ages , as their monstrous outragious , and new devised cruelties , which these divelish and tyrannous Spanyards haue unhumanely practised amongst the simple and innocent people , as appeareth by Don Bartholmew de la Casas Bishop of ... and other of their own Historiegraphers . And although my selfe , being a stranger , which haue some time served against them , both in the Indies and else where , could say much of their cruelties , by relation of such their slaues as I haue taken , yet for that my eyes haue not seen them , I will forbear in modesty to charge them ; onely I will relate , from the mouth of a true reporter , a worthy Gentleman of this land , Sir Francis Drake , one truth ; that by that , your Majestie might be induced to beleeu the rest . Hee once talking with me of the Indies , told me , That he being in the South Sea , after he had taken his prize , he had thought to haue ventured to haue come home by the Northward , and stood his course to the I le of Canes , being in 12 degrees of the North latitude , and from thence to Aqua Palce , upon the maine , being 16 degrees , at one of the poore townes of the Citie of Mexico ; where going a shore , he found an old Negro , tyed in a chain of 20 yards long , which had been condemned by the justice of the place ; for that sometimes being oppressed with too much labour , the poor old man would runne into the woods , and absent himselfe from his Majesties work ; his sentence was , that he should be whipped , with whips , till he was all raw and bloudy ; and afterwards being tyed in a chain to be eaten with flies ; which poore soule hee released from that miserable death , and took him away with him : And therfore oh Turke , oh Scithians , and Tartarians , rejoyce yee now all , since now , there is to be found at this day a Nation in Christendome , which by the unhappy and cursed behaviour , doe increase the hatred that men haue born to the barbarous and ungracious cruelties . And therfore , most renowned Soveraign , I should be sory , in regard of the premises , that you should commit so great a fault in the government of the great and mighty Kingdoms , which is not sufferable to a private Captain over a few souldiers , to say , I doe not thinke it : so when hee hath by his own temerity , or fool-hardinesse , committed an action for want of due respect , to the subjects , undertaken that hath made him disastrous , and unfortunate in his honour , and the times of his people , ( which desire rather to giue them received Lawes ... For the desire of honour to advance States and enlarge Kingdoms , is naturally grafted in the hearts of all Princes of noble spirits ; and there was never any King , of a worthy and high courage , but desired to leau to his posterity the memory of some noble and worthy action ( as the American world ) by doing wherof , you shall not onely procure safety to your selfe , and those that shall succeed you in your Royall Seat , but generall happiness to so many millions of people , which at this day sit in darknesse and the shadow of death ; and is a thing so farre from discommendation or reproach , as you shall be so qualified in all succeeding ages , with the most happy , most gracious , and most fortunate Princes of the world . But yet I doe not deny , but Princes may haue such grounds and reasons to trust some private men , or forraign Princes , as being deceived by them , and they should say , I never would haue thought it , yet are not worthy of reprehension : as for example ; That Prince ought not to bee blamed , that hath put in a Fortresse some one Captain ; or place , in a Country some one Prince , either of which haue received goods or honours from him , and yet in the end is betrayed by them , and heereupon the knowledge thereof should say , I would never haue thought it , that such a man would haue betraied me , that Prince is not to be blamed ; as it happened to Lewis Morre Duke of Millaine , who having committed the Castle of the Citie to one Damerdine Covet , whom he had so absolutely raised , and made obliged to him by infinite graces and benefits ; yet notwithstanding was by the said Covet betrayed to his perpetuall dishonour and infamie . This Duke was no way to bee blamed . As also your Majestie ought not to be reproved , who providing for every mischiefe , is assailed by some strange accidents , that was not possible for your Majestie , in judgement or counsell to foresee , or prevent : as being not possible with reason to foresee a thing , which of it selfe is a thing without reason . As for example , was that most grievous accident of the powder , and other munition , prepared to be sent to diverse places before the Castle gate of the said Citie , which tooke fire , and was burnt by lightning from heaven when the weather was fair and cleer , wherby afterward ensued to the State so many losses and discommodities : upon this occasion , if the Captain of the Castle should haue said , I had never thought that this weather would haue brought so great and unfortunate a chance to me , hee had deserved no reproofe at all . But if before your Majesties eyes , it be apparant , that a manifest knowne enemy to the State , who as Demosthenes saith , hates the verie Religion of Athens , who hath not onely long thirsted after the Seigniorie of your Kingdome , in his secret designes , but likewise by open force of fire and sword hath assailed them ; If you will trust such an one , and after upon his breaking say ; You would not haue beleeved , that the King of Spaine would haue dealt so with you : Doubtlesse ( renoumed Soveraigne ) the world will not faile to taxe you with such carelessenesse and improvidence , as I hope shall never haue any affinity with your most Excellent Majestie , or any other of your Royall Off-spring that shall sway the Scepter of this noble I le . And therefore ( my gracious Lord ) in my judgement ; you ought to doe in this , so great a matter of State , as concluding a peace with so dangerous enemies as the Spanish Nation , as good and wise Carpenters seeme to doe in substantiall buildings ; which is , to make a sure foundation , lest by aspiring minde or breach of the enemy you be overthrown . And where as he saith in the fore-going project , that hee hath right and good title to the Crowne of England , by vertue of his Grandfather and Predecessours ( which I know to be otherwise ) yet contrarily can I proue your Majestie , by the vertue of your Grandfather of famous memory Henry the 7 , to bee as rightfull Heire to all the firme land of the Indies , as the King of Spain is to the Ilands of Cuba , Iannura and Hispaniola , with the rest of the Ilands of Lucaites Grante , and A●tile : and for that it is not inconvenient fully to take notice , and understand how these Kings intitles themselues and their Successors to the right and Seigniories of the Indies , I haue thought good to set down my opinion , how many waies they doe , or may take their claim : And first by discovery ; secondly , by the Popes gift ; thirdly , by consent of the people ; fourthly , by conquest and consent . So as if neither of these , be able to proue or giue a good and sufficient title ( or at least such an one as may barr you and other Princes that will , to inhabite in those parts ) I know no reason why your Majestie should not doe as he hath done ; that is , to possesse as much as you can of those Heathen Countries ; especially where the Spaniard is not seated , nor hath no command : wherby you might not onely propagate the Christian faith , amongst those Pagans and Infidels , as you are bound to doe , as much as you can ; but a golden world to the Crown of England : wherby you be more enabled , as well to undertake a forraign warre against the enemy of the Christian name ; as also to make your State the more strong by the Indian treasures , against such of your neighbours as shall envie your Highness . And therefore to come to his Title : If he claim his interest by possession , and first Discovery ( which doubtless must be the strongest Title that he can challenge ) then your Majestie hath as much title for all the firme land of the Indies , as he hath for these Ilands before named . As for proofe of this , the Captaines of Henry the 7 , being Sebastion Cabot , and his companions , discovered the Iland of the Indies , on the north part of the Indies , from 60 degrees , coasting the north latitude ; the verie year before Christian Columbus discovered the high land of Dania , on the south part of the Indies ; which was the first day that ever the Spaniards saw the maine , and took possession of that new Discovery in the behalfe of Henry the 7 , and his successours their Lord and Master . So , as if first Discovery and Possession be his Title , your Majestie preceding him in that said Title , must necessarily precede him in the right thereof . If he claime it by the gift of Pope Alexander the sixth , then it must be argued whether the said Pope had power to giue it ; yea , or no ; if not , then the gift is voide in it selfe : If yea , he must proue it either by Divine or Human Arguments ; for Human he cannot , for that no way belonged to him , or any other Christian Prince or Potentate , at that time ; nor were so much as ever heard of , before that present Discovery of Columbus , upon which the gift was made in the year of grace 1492. All things never known to him , or his Ancestors , can no way of right belong to him or them ; so as not belonging to him , directly or by circumstance , hee had no right to giue or dispose thereof , either in present or future , and thus for Human. For Divine Arguments ; if he say he gaue them as Christs Vicar , wherby he may dispose of Kings or Kingdoms , he must proue that authority by the word of God , or else we are not bound to beleeu him , or think his gift of any value : As for example , if hee be but Christs servant heer on earth , he must challenge to himselfe no more prerogatiue then his Master took on him whilst he was on earth ; for if he doe , it is a great token of pride and arrogancie : And our Saviour being but requested to make a lawfull division of a certaine inheritance betwixt one and his brother , refused to doe it ; saying , Who made me a Iudge over you ; as also he confessed openly to Pilate , That his kingdom is not of this world . Why then doth the Pope , who acknowledgeth himselfe to be no better then his servant , take upon him the giving of so many Kingdomes of this world . But the Popes say they , gaue Ireland to Henry the 2 , and his successours : and indeed they did so in word ; but when had he it ? when he had fast footing in it , and when Dernitius the King of Lemster had made the King of England his Heir . But for all that donation , had not the Kings of this land , by the sharpnesse of the sword more prevailed , then by this gift , the Popes donation had stood in little stead ; neither did the rest of the Irish Kings admit or allow of the Popes Donation ; for , if they had , they would never haue rebelled so often against this Crown . But to conclude this point ; though we confesse , that the Popes haue done this , or that ; yet it is no good argument , in my opinion , to say that they did it , and therfore it was lawfull , unlesse they could shew they did it rightfully . But the Popes gift of the West Indies , may well be compared to the Sermon of Iudge Molineux his Chaplain in Queen Maries daies , who would make it appear , by a liuely text out of the Scripture to his Parishioners , what a lying knaue the divell was : and for his Text , he took the place where the divell took Christ , and carryed him up to the mountain , from whence he shewed him all the Kingdoms of the world ; & told him , it he would fall down and worship him , he would giue them all unto him . My Masters ( quoth he ) by this you may well perceiue what a lyar he is ; for he had no more right to haue given him these Kingdoms ( if would haue fallen down and worshipt him , ) then my selfe , that am now in the Pulpit . If I should say to you all now ; Sirs , if you will all fall down and worship me , before I goe out of the Church , I will giue every man his Copie-hold for ever ; which if I should doe , I should giue you your livings in words : But my Masters ( quoth hee ) that sit there below to whom they belong , would take them from you again : And therfore ( saith he ) if he had given all these Kingdoms to Christ , the Kings of the earth , to whom by right they did pertain , would never haue suffered him to haue injoyed them . And so for that . — For the earth is the Lords , and all that dwell therin , he founded and prepared it , as in the Psalmist : and so consequently , neither the Popes , nor the divels , doe dispose to whom they please . The copie of which foolish donation of the Popes , truely translated out of the originall , hath been delivered to your Majestie long since , and ( I hope ) perused before this time . To proue that he hath no generall consent of all the people and Nations of the Indies , appeareth most evidently , by this reason ; for that no Spaniard farther inhabiteth northward then Florida , where they haue but two little Forts or Villages , the one called S. Austine , the other S. Helena : All the rest of that huge tract , whose insinitenesse is such , ( as no mortall tongue can expresse , nor eye hath seen , ) doe not so much as think there is another world but that they themselues inhabite , except some few of them which dwell upon the edges of the shore , that sometimes see both us , the French , the Dutch , and the Spanyard , when we come a fishing , but are not able to distinguish of us , but think us all one people : then how can we imagine , that these people haue freely given themselues to the Spanish obedience , and acknowledge him for their Lord and King , when they never so much as heard that there was such a man or Nation . Againe , from Capi culli formia , all the land that runneth and maketh the stange of Anian , and the Netherlands therof , whose bounds and limits are never discovered ; the Spanyard hath not so much as once seated himselfe to make himselfe known , whereby there might bee any likelyhood that they had acknowledged him for their Soveraign . And for us to beleeu that the Spanyard is Lord of such , whom he hath never seen nor known , nor they him , were a manifest sign of a strong faith in us . And there were no way for any man to make me beleeue Miracles sooner , then by making me beleeue this : for after the beliefe of this , I should never doubt of any miracle , though he should tell me a thousand in a day : So that if this title come not by consent of all in generall , he neither ought to write himselfe Lord of the whole Indies , nor debar other Christians from conquering or trading in those parts where the Spanyard hath neither residence nor Seigniory , nor command . If he challenge right by conquest and consent , then must he claim no more , then he hath by conquest and consent obtained . As for example , all that part of the West Indies , which at this day is scatteringly inhabited by the Spanyards and Portugals , is almost contained in two Tropicks , excepting the two small Villages of Saint Augustine and Helena in Florida , the Province of new Biscay Northwards , and fiue Villages or Townes neere the River of Plate , called Sancto Sprinto , Saint Anna , the Citie of Ascension , Saint Fee , and Fuvirnan , lyeth halfe way betwixt the mouth of the river of Plate , and the Mine of Polossie ; and in the South Sea beyond the Tropick , in the Kingdome of Chelix , the Townes or Villages of Coquenbo Persco , Saint Iago la impe : villa del Lago . And therfore , if the Spanyards haue nothing to doe , any further ; either to the Northward or to the Southward ; what reason hath he to forbid any Nation to conquer or dwell there ? But if hee should admit you , I think it not convenient that your Majesty should be so satisfied , for so should you doe your selfe , and other Christian Princes , great wrong : for his Townes and Castles are so divided , and such masses of land and Kingdome betwixt them , which he hath no right , nor dare to enter ; as being duely considered by your Majestie , hee ought not to claime no more , then he ought to claime the Kingdome of France , because his Fort of Graueling is of one side , and South Arabia on the other , France being in the midst between them ; or to claime France , because his Frontiers in Italy bound it on the one side , and Spaine , on the other : or to claime the Iland of the Venetians and the Turks in Levant ; for that Cicilia and Sardinia , and a few others belong to him , that stands in that sea : Or claime all the Ilands or Shoares in Barbarie , for that he hath a Castle or two in the Straits , and another in Libia . These Countries they never lay claime to , because they are in the eye of the Christian world ; which would make us rise up in Armes against them for their foolish arrogancy , if they should pretend it : But in the unknown parts , which haue been familiar unto us ; whose light by the iniquity of the time , and troublesome warres in these parts , haue to us been hidden , although to the Ancient well known , where they began their foolerie . Betwixt the Castle of Argiue in Libia , and the Iland of Macoa in the river of Canton , in the Kingdom of China , the foolish Portugals say all is theirs , when many a hundred Kings ( as absolute and powerfull in regard of people , as any King in these parts ) dwelleth betwixt , and admit the Portugals by way of petition or bribes , to dwell in some place by the Sea side , and trafique with them ; neither dare they lay claim to any Kingdome , but onely to such Fortresses , Factories and Villages , on the Sea side , as perforce and favour of the Iland they are permitted to dwell in , as most excellently appeareth by answer of Charles the fifth , made unto the Embassadours of Portugal , anno 1522 , when they came to require and beseech him , that his subjects the Spanyards , might not trade nor commerce , as then they did , in the conquest or navigation of the Portugals ; who after a most peremptory and noble answer of his part , told them ; he knew no reason , neither would he suffer them , that his subjects should be prohibited freely , to passe into any Country where the hope of gain offereth it selfe ; and that if the Portugals in the cause of their Trade , should doe any violence to any of his people , either in their persons or goods , he would be revenged neerer home , meaning upon the Kingdom of Portugal . With which answer , at that time , the Lucitans were forced to depart . Which answer , if it should please your Majestie to returne upon the Castilians themselues , at this time , I know no reason how it can any way be bettered , having so good a president , as their own King against the Portugals , upon the same subject . But for the Portugals , where all their strength is seated , I mean upon the coast of Malubor , where they haue more Fortes and Castles then in all India besides ; the Kings doe so pen and lock them up in their Garrisons and Fortes , as they can haue nothing the Countrie yeeldeth , but by their friendship procured by yearly bribes ; As for example , to the King of Cathaie , they pay an yearly tribute of 256000 Reis : to the King of Pimenta .. Reis : to the mother of the King of Pimenta yearly 36000 Reis ; to the King of Pargnan yearly 72000 ; to the King of Manfata yearly 72000 Reis . To Carto Babua , the proper name of a man of account upon that coast , an yearely tribute of 42000 Reis : to the Teratates , which are brethren and Kings , an yearly tribute of 72000 Reis . All which summes or tribute , are imposed upon the King , and Custome of goods , brought from these parts . As for their credit and reputation amongst these Heathens , it is so small , either for feare they haue of them , or loue they bear to them ; that , when we , and the Hollanders pay no custome for goods bought and sold there , they make the Portugals pay 30 per hundred , we going free before their faces , and they paying before ours .

By this , your Majestie may well perceiue , what base account the Princes in those parts make of them there ; and yet these vain-glorious Woodcoks , will be very angry with us , if we will not beleeue , when they say , that all the East Indies is theirs , and they haue conquered it . In selfe manner ( most renowmed Soveraign ) stand the Kings of the West Indies , with the Spanyards , both in the South sea , upon the Kingdom of Cheley , Reta , Peru , and others ; as at this time is apparant by the Kings of Cheley , who hath within this few yeares beaten down the Spaniard , and wonne from them the Town of Impetial , wherin was wont to be placed and maintained , one of the greatest Garrisons of the South Sea ; and not onely razed it to the ground , but likewise kild and driven the Castilians quite from them . Even so , upon the East and North part of the Indies , both upon the Coast of Brazil , with all the firm land upon the Indies from Parabia to Cartagene , the gulfe of Vraba , the gulfe of Mexico , and all alongst the Coast of Bahana , even to their Forts in Florida , they are in continuall warres , with the Kings and peoples of those lands . And surely under your Highness pardon , I am confident of this opinion , that it hath been a main policy of the Kings of Spain , for these many yeares , to keep us in continuall warres one with another in these parts ; or if not , to encourage us himselfe ; whereby being forced to look to our home defences , wee might not haue meanes to discover these his invasions abroad , wherby he puts a mask before all the Princes eyes of Europe . And therfore since he is now laid open , and by no Nation so much as by your Majesties subjects of this land ; I hope , for the prevention of future mischeife against this State , as for other honourable respects , and prevailent Reasons , in challenging of that which is your own ; or at least as much yours as his ; you will no bee unmindfull ; which doubtlesse will not tend onely to the enlightning of many soules , which to this day haue sate in the shadow of death , but likewise lay a ground ( as before said ) for the safety and preservation of your States , Glorie , Person and Posterity , in despite of the Spanish treacheries in the time to come , which otherwise by no meanes , by the wit of mortall man can be prevented , as upon my life , by circumstances I will make apparant .

But least this field of reasoning whereinto I haue walked be too tedious unto your Highnesse , I will briefly end ; referring my selfe to Argument with any one , against this mischievous and poysonous peace with Spain , which I doe see , cannot but proue very fatall to your Majestie and Common-wealth . And though I bee not called , yet considering I am your subject , I cannot forbeare , in respect of my great and loyall affection to your Majestie , the Prince , with the rest of the noble Issue , and my natiue Country , I cannot but presume to speake of such things , which I think now fit to be considered : especially at this time ; even as Merca●ie Gata●er , Chancellour of Spain , did against the peace that was concluded betwixt Francis the first , and Charles the Emperour his Master ; for he seeing , that the Emperour was disposed to make peace with the said King , and to set him at liberty , and that the Viceroy of Naples , and all other the Lords of the Councell tended to the same , and although he knew , as I doe now , that his counsell would not be accepted , yet failed he not to speak what he thought , but likewise refused , being great Lord Chancellour of Spain , to signe the Articles , which he defended with most excellent reasons , which reasons are well delivered , and with much gravity of speech by Quiccardine in the oration of the said Gataner . But this event made it known , that the counsell of Gataner was most noble , most just , and grounded as well upon the high wisedome , as great zeale to the loue and good of his Country . For as soon as the King was at liberty , all the Spaniards wonderfull hopes that they expected of this peace , and all the French Kings great promises to them vanished into smoke , according to the opinion of that worthy Gentleman . And I know no reason ( most noble Soveraign ) that I being your subject , as hee was the King of Spaines , and loving you and my Country , as much as ever he did his , and hauing a subject of the same quality , to fear , as he did them ; although I may well say , as much more danger to us by the Spanyards , if our peace be not built upon a sure foundation , then it could any way be unto them by the French . But to speak my opinion , make what Articles you will , and let them bee guilded over with the fairest shew , either they , or those of their Faction ( if you haue any about you ) can devise ; unlesse these foure be granted on their part to you , you can never make any sure peace with them : or at least such a peace , as if he haue the minde to breake he will haue the advantage of you . And Phillip Comines saith , That for the many conclusions that hee hath seen in his time in the affaires of State , that it were inexcusable folly for a Prince , if he were able for to prevent it , to put himselfe under the power of another . 1 That your subjects may haue free accesse to the Indies , either to traffique or plant , where the Spanyards haue neither conquest , Seigniorie , nor tribute . 2 That he doe pull down all inquisition wheresoever your people shall resort in all his Dominions , and that the Customes be reduced to an ancient order . 3 That he shall never come with a main Army of Ships into these Seas , under colour of chastising the Hollanders . 4 That it shall be as lawfull for your subjects to serue the States in warres against them , as it shall be to serue them against the States ; these things accorded , your peace may be safe , otherwise not .