that kingdom remained entire and unbroken. To subdue
England seemed a necessary preparative to the reestablishment of his
authority in the Netherlands; and notwithstanding appearances, the
former was in itself, as a more important, so a more easy undertaking
than the latter. That kingdom lay nearer Spain than the Low Countries,
and was more exposed to invasions from that quarter; after an enemy
had once obtained entrance, the difficulty seemed to be over, as it was
neither fortified by an or nature; a long peace had deprived it of all
military discipline and experience; and the Catholics, in which it still
abounded, would be ready, it was hoped, to join any invader who should
free them from those persecutions under which they labored, and should
revenge the death of the queen of Scots, on whom they had fixed all
their affections. The fate of England must be decided in one battle at
sea, and another at land; and what comparison between the English and
Spaniards, either in point of naval force, or in the numbers,
reputation, and veteran bravery of their armies? Besides the acquisition
of so great a kingdom, success against England insured the immediate
subjection of the Hollanders, who, attacked on every hand, and deprived
of all support, must yield their stubborn necks to that yoke which they
had so long resisted. Happily, this conquest, as it was of the utmost
importance to the grandeur of Spain, would not at present be opposed by
the jealousy of other powers, naturally so much interested to prevent
the success of the enterprise. A truce was lately concluded with the
Turks; the empire was in the hands of a friend and near ally; and
France, the perpetual rival of Spain, was so torn with intestine
commotions, that she had no leisure to pay attention to her foreign
interests. This favorable opportunity, therefore, which might never
again present itself, must be seized; and one bold effort made for
acquiring that ascendant in Europe, to which the present greatness and
prosperity of the Spaniards seemed so fully to entitle them.[*]

These hopes and motives engaged Philip, notwithstanding his cautious
temper, to undertake this hazardous enterprise; and though the prince,
now created by the pope duke of Parma, when consulted, opposed the
attempt, at least represented the necessity of previously getting
possession of some seaport town in the Netherlands, which might afford
a retreat to the Spanish navy,[**] it was determined by