“It matters not,” said Philip. “I shall not disembark till to-morrow.”
“Your Highness will exercise a wise discretion in the delay, as a better reception can be given you,” returned the Admiral. “I humbly take my leave. Come, nephew.”
“It is my pleasure that your nephew should remain with we, my lord,” said Philip.
“But I am about to despatch him in a swift galley to her Majesty,” remonstrated the Admiral.
“You must find a fresh messenger, my lord,” said Philip. “I have other business for him. However, I would place no constraint upon the young man. He can depart with your lordship if he is so minded.”
“Nay, I desire nothing so much as to remain with your Highness,” cried Osbert, eagerly.
“The Prince was right in saying he was born a courtier,” muttered the Admiral. “I can do nothing with him.”
Making another obeisance, he then quitted the Prince’s presence, and, being formally conducted by D’Egmont to the head of the vessel’s stairs, re-entered the boat, and was rowed back to his ship, in no very good humour.
On reaching it, he immediately issued orders to his fleet to make all way to Southampton, and the noble vessels were soon bending in that direction. The Spanish and Flemish fleets followed in the same track. But so slight was the breeze, that some time elapsed before they passed Calshot Castle and entered Southampton Water.
As the Admiral had predicted, evening was at hand ere the fleets had cleared the broad and beautiful estuary, at the northern end of which stood the ancient and then highly picturesque town of Southampton. The grey walls circling the town, the spires of the churches, and the castle on the hill, were glowing in the last rays of the setting sun.