History of the United Netherlands, 1588


Both Fleets off Calais--A Night of Anxiety--Project of Howard and
Winter--Impatience of the Spaniards--Fire-Ships sent against the
Armada--A great Galeasse disabled--Attacked and captured by English
Boats--General Engagement of both Fleets--Loss of several Spanish
Ships--Armada flies, followed by the English--English insufficiently
provided--Are obliged to relinquish the Chase--A great Storm
disperses the Armada--Great Energy of Parma Made fruitless by
Philip's Dulness--England readier at Sea than on Shore--The
Lieutenant--General's Complaints--His Quarrels with Norris and
Williams--Harsh Statements as to the English Troops--Want of
Organization in England--Royal Parsimony and Delay--Quarrels of
English Admirals--England's narrow Escape from great Peril--Various
Rumours as to the Armada's Fate--Philip for a long Time in Doubt--He
believes himself victorious--Is tranquil when undeceived.


CHAPTER XIX. Part 2.


And in Calais roads the great fleet--sailing slowly all next day in
company with the English, without a shot being fired on either side--at
last dropped anchor on Saturday afternoon, August 6th.

Here then the Invincible Armada had arrived at its appointed resting-
place. Here the great junction--of Medina Sidonia with the Duke of Parma
was to be effected; and now at last the curtain was to rise upon the last
act of the great drama so slowly and elaborately prepared.