[3] MS. 'the shot of.' The whole MS. has evidently been very carelessly copied and is full of small blunders, which have been corrected in the text above. 'Board' till comparatively recent times meant to close with a ship. 'Enter' was our modern 'board.'
[4] 'Ridden' = 'cleared.'
[5] 'Bulge' = 'scuttle.' A ship was said to bulge herself when she ran aground and filled.
[6] The passage should probably read 'hale or haul his tacks aboard.'
[7] I.e. 'without,' 'unless.'
[8] It was under this old rule that Boroughs lodged his protest against Drake's entering Cadiz in 1587.
[9] The rest of the articles relate to discipline, internal order of ships, and securing prize cargoes.
THE ADOPTION OF SPANISH TACTICS BY HENRY VIII
INTRODUCTORY
These two sets of orders were drawn up by the lord high admiral in rapid succession in August 1545, during the second stage of Henry VIII's last war with France. In the previous month D'Annibault, the French admiral, had been compelled to abandon his attempt on Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight, and retire to recruit upon his own coast; and Lord Lisle was about to go out and endeavour to bring him to action.