To fight these English devils thus is not an equal match!”
But to this plan the Hollanders, old England’s staunch Ally,
Refused consent, and would not let the pinnaces pass by.
At length the Spaniards spread their sails and took their onward way
Till off the Flemish coast, becalmed, the great Armada lay;
And still the gallant English ships kept up with their advance
Till six-score sail around them lay, and waited for their chance.
Meanwhile on land, Her Grace’s troops, as active as the fleet,
Prepared themselves with urgent haste the foreign foe to meet.
Ten thousand Londoners in arms rallied around the Queen,