peerage, and a letter of credit
for 40,000_l._ to put the privateers in a condition to do service, and
the money was actually paid by Philip's London agent. Admitted as he now
was to full confidence, Fitzwilliam learnt all particulars of the great
plot. The story reads like a chapter from _Monte Cristo_ and yet it is
literally true.

It ends with a letter which I will read to you, from Hawkins to Cecil:--

'My very good Lord,--It may please your Honour to be advertised
that Fitzwilliam is returned from Spain, where his message was
acceptably received, both by the King himself, the Duke of Feria,
and others of the Privy Council. His despatch and answer were with
great expedition and great countenance and favour of the King. The
Articles are sent to the Ambassador with orders also for the money
to be paid to me by him, for the enterprise to proceed with all
diligence. The pretence is that my powers should join with the Duke
of Alva's powers, which he doth secretly provide in Flanders, as
well as with powers which will come with the Duke of Medina Celi
out of Spain, and to invade this realm and set up the Queen of
Scots. They have practised with us for the burning of Her Majesty's
ships. Therefore there should be some good care had of them, but
not as it may appear that anything is discovered. The King has sent
a ruby of good price to the Queen of Scots, with letters also which
in my judgment were good to be delivered. The letters be of no
importance, but his message by word is to comfort her, and say that
he hath now none other care but to place her in her own. It were
good also that Fitzwilliam may have access to the Queen of Scots to
render thanks for the delivery of the prisoners who are now at
liberty. It will be a very good colour for your Lordship to confer
with him more largely.

'I have sent your Lordship the copy of my pardon from the King of
Spain, in the order and manner I have it, with my great titles and
honours from the King, from which God deliver me. Their practices
be very mischievous, and they be never idle; but God, I hope, will
confound them and turn their devices on their own necks.

'Your Lordship's most faithfully to my power,
'JOHN HAWKINS.'

A few more words will conclude this curious episode.