SO soone as the right honorable Charles Earle of Nottingham L. High Admirall of England had taken notice from his Maiesty, That it was his will and plea­sure to employ him in this great Ambassage to the K. of Spaine, calling to minde, how honourably and richly the Duke of Fryas, Constable of Castilla & late Ambassa­dour for the said king, had formerly demeaned him­selfe [Page 2] in England: presently, with a most honourable resolution, neither fearing the hazard of his person, being now aged, nor regarding the expences, that so great and honourable an employment should re­quire: with what speed he conueniently might, en­deuoured to performe his Maiesties designes and ap­pointment heerein. And therefore by the aduice of the Councell of England, he first resolued both what honourable personages and what number of them might be fitting, for accompanying and attending him, in this his great imployment. To whom when as particular Letters from the Councell, by his Ma­iesties especiall commandement were dispatched, to giue them notice, to prepare themselues to attend the said Noble Earle according as his Highnesse had commanded; they seemed so willing and readie to performe their duty and seruice therein, that his Lordship was farre more troubled to denie many, and that of very good sort, who voluntarily tendered their seruice in good will and honour of his Lord­ship to attend him in this his appointed voyage, than he was at first in bethinking what company were ne­cessary to take with him. And therefore at last con­cluding of a competent number, (not without di­spleasing many) he resolued vpon these whose names heereafter follow:

• The Earle of Pearth.
• The Lord Howard of Effingham his sonne and heire.
• The Lord Willoughbey.
• The Lord Norrys.
• [Page 3]Sir Charles Howard knight, his second sonne.
• Sir Thomas Howard knight, second sonne to the Earle of Suffolke.
• Sir Iohn Sheffeild knight, sonne and heire to the Lord Sheffeild.
• Master Pickering Wotton, sonne and heire to the Lord Wotton.
• Sir Richard Lewson knight, Admirall of the fleet and Viceadmirall of England.
• Master Thomas Compton, brother to the Lord Compton.
• Hans Herman Van Veiscenbach, a German, and of good esteeme in England.
• Sir Robert Drewry.
• Sir Robert Maunsell, Treasurer of the kings Na­uy, and Vice admirall of the fleet.
• Sir Edward Howard his nephew.
• Sir Thomas Palmer.
• Sir Edward Swift.
• Sir William Smith.
• Sir Iohn Treuor, surueyor of the nauy.
• Sir Robert Killegrew.
• Sir Richard Cowper, Gentleman-porter of the Kings house.
• Sir George Buc.
• Sir Guylford Slingsby.
• Sir Adolfus Cary.
• Sir Francis Howard, his Lordships nephew also.
• Sir Sackuyle Treuor, Rereadmirall of the fleet.
• Sir Walter Gore.
• [Page 4]Sir William Page.
• Sir Giles Hoftman.
• Sir Thomas Roe.
• Sir Iohn Eyres.
• Sir Phillip Cary.
• Sir Henry Knowles.
• Sir Iohn Gueuarra. Knights.

Master Giles Porter his interpreter. Doctor Marbeck. Doctor Palmer, Physitians. Master Pawlet. Ma­ster Cary. Master Barret. Master Iohn Lewson. Lewis Tresham. Captaine Thomas Button. William Button. Iohn Fearne. Hierom Laments. Henry But­ler. Iohn Milliscent. Bernard Saunders. Philip Roper. Francis Plomb. Roger Tailor. Captaine Wil­liam Morgan. Henry Minn. Christopher Fredericke. Thomas Buc. Captaine William Polewheele. Ed­mond Fittou. Walter Grey. Iohn Atkinson. Dudley Carleton. Edward Smith, and many other gentle­men of good condition and quality aswell his Lordships priuate Officers and Seruants, as di­uers whose names are not heerein remembred.

The ships appointed to attend his Lordship and his company for transportation of themselues, the followers and necessaries, were these:

• The Beare. being shippes royall.
• The Dew-repulse. being shippes royall.
• The Wast-spight. being shippes royall.
• The Mary-Anne.
• The Amity.
• The Resistance.
• The great Hoy called the George.

According to appointmēt, the said Lords, Knights and Gentlemen prepared themselues to giue their at­tendance whensoeuer his Lordship should take his iourney, and therefore vnderstanding that he inten­ded to take leaue of the king on Thurseday the one and twentieth day of March according to the compu­tation of England; the greatest number of them be­ing very richly apparelled themselues and extraordi­narily appointed for their seruants, gaue their atten­dance at Nottingham house the said one and twentie day of March, his Lordship hauing appointed many barges and boates for conueying himselfe, the said lords and knights and their company to the Court, the Kings Highnesse then being at Greenwich: the said Earle hauing ordained his owne company to be in number as followeth: Six Trumpeters clad in O­range colour Damaske, with cloakes of cloth of the same colour, and Banners of Damaske with his Ho­nours armes thereupon. Six Footemen in Orange Tawny veluet alike suted. Six Pages, clad likewise in veluet of the same colour, with their cloakes suteable. Thirty gentlemen with cloakes of blacke veluet. Fourescore yeomen well apparelled with liuery cloakes of Orange Tawny cloth, garded with siluer & blew silk lace. The said noble Earle being thus pre­pared went with his said company from Nottingham house the said Thursday about noone, & so shooting the bridge, arriued at Greenwich immediatly after dinner: and there presenting himselfe and his com­pany vnto his Maiestie, was most acceptably and gra­ciously enterteined. After some time spent in recei­uing [Page 6] his Highnesse commandement aswell concer­ning himselfe in his owne particular, as also touching the conducting and presenting of Sir Charles Corn­wallys knight, who was appointed for to be his Maie­sties liedger Ambassadour with the king of Spaine. The said Ambassadours, Lords, Knights and Gentle­men humbly taking their leaues of his Highnesse were for that night dismissed; euery one taking him­selfe to his lodging, there remaining and expecting his Lordships further pleasure to be knowen when they should prepare to set forward on this iourney.

His Lordship hauing now dispatched his priuate counsels and intendments with his Maiesty and the Lords of the Councel, gaue warning to his said com­pany and followers to be ready against Tuesday mor­ning being the six and twentieth day of the said mo­neth of March. Which time he gaue to prepare themselues; for that day he intended to set forward. On which said day being both mindfull and for­ward for his intended Iourney, he was early vp in the morning, and taking the time of the tide, and such company as were ready, being to the number of 80. persons, in diuers barges and boates passed from Not­tingham house to Grauesend, and there dined, staying for much of the company which followed. After din­ner they rode from Grauesend to Chatham where he lodged that night. The same night the Earle of Marre came from the court of purpose to congratu­late with his Lordship, and do such like priuate offi­ces of friendship. The next day being wednesday his Lordship would haue gone to the ships, which were [Page 7] then fallen so low as Quynborow, there riding at An­chor and staying our comming, but the weather fell out somewhat foule and the wind contrary, so that he rested at Chatham that night. The next day being Thursday the eight and twentieth of March, before seuen of the clocke in the morning his Lordship ha­uing commanded to be ready diuers barges and pin­nesses to carry himselfe and his followers aboord the ships, tooke his barge, and about tenne of the clocke the same day entered the ship called the Beare, lying in Quynborow Road as afore is said, together with the Dew-repulse and the Wast-spight, which three shippes kept company together and lay of purpose to transport his Lordship, the Ambassadour Lidger, and the other Lords, Knights and Gentlemen that were of the company and traine.

Now what by reason of staying for some of the Lords and Gentlemen, as yet not come a boord, for the better disposing and ordering all things concer­ning the voyage, as also for placing and appointing to euery man his roome accordingly. The weather likewise being not very faire to put to sea, we Ancho­red before Quinborow till Sunday morning being Easter day and the last day of March. At which time the wind comming about to the West and standing faire to put to sea, his Lordship commanded to wey and to set saile, which was done accordingly: Sailing as farre as the tide would giue them leaue, which was to a certaine Road, between the Sands neere to the Shoe Beacon, where they rested that night. The next day being very foule and the wind contrary, [Page 8] they were faine to ride it out til Tuesday morning be­ing the second of April. At what time the weather fell somewhat faire, and his Lordship being desirous to take all aduantage that might forward the iourny, commanded to wey againe and put to sea, but the wind being very slacke, he was becalmed and so dri­uen to a flatte neere the Spitts, where for that the tide was much spent, and the flood comming on, they cast Ancor about one of the clocke in the afternoone, there staying in expectation of wind till Wednesday morning, when although there was little or no wind stirring, yet his Lordship set forward, tiding it as far as they could that night. The next day being Thurs­day early in the morning the wind comming some­what towards the North, his Lordship caused to wey Ancor, and so with expence of time and much pains, the shippes recouered Douer Road, where they an­cored aswell for the receauing in of many of the com­pany as also for taking in fresh water and victualls. So soone as the fleet was discouered and comming neere Douer Road, aswell the forts and blockehouses as the castle of Douer saluted them with many shot: his Lordship answering them againe both out of his owne ship and out of the rest also with the like.

That night the Lordes and Gentlemen for whom they made stay at Douer came aboord, and that night also his Lordship minded to haue set forward, had not the Hoie called the George, by spending of her Mast, in her passage from Quynborow to Douer, caused a longer aboad.

Now for that the saide Hoie was appointed to [Page 9] carrie prouision and necessaries for the fleete, and could not be so soone made ready againe for seruice, as was desired, and for that, the winde standing at North-east was a faire and fitte winde for going for­ward: His Lordship aduised with Sir Richard Lew­son the Admirall of the fleet, that some course might be presently had to forward the iourney; Sir Richard therefore with great care and extraordinarie paines, labouring all that night, being seconded by Sir Iohn Treuor Surueyor of the Nauie, vnladed the saide Hoie, of all such necessarie prouisions as they were like to vse in the voyage, and hauing that night and the next morning dispersed her luggage some in one shippe and some in another, and being returned to to the shippes, about tenne of the clocke a warning peece was giuen; and about two howers after, they weyed, and sailed all that day being Friday, the fifth day of Aprill, vntill the next day being Saturday, and then being becalmed, were faine to cast ancor againe. That night the winde comming faire, they weied ancor, and so failed all that night till the next day, the winde againe altering, they lay at anchor till towards the euening, and then set forward, sayling vntill tenne of the clocke the next day, and then cast ancor. About tenne of the clocke in the euening they weyed ancor againe, and so sailed with a faire winde that night and the next day. On Wednesday as we sailed, his Lordship commaunded to hayle a Barke which was discouered to be a Barke of Barnstable in Deuonshire, and came from Bayon in Fraunce, who de­clared for newes that there was a yongue Prince [Page 10] borne in Spayne. Now it should seeme, his Lordship had receaued vnderstanding by letters from the right Honourable, the Vicount Cramborne, his High­nesse principall Secretarie, deliuered to him whilest we laie at road before Douer; that his comming was expected, and prouision made for him and his com­panie, by the King of Spayne at Saint Anderas. His Lordship hauing sent his prouision of Horses, Co­ches, Lytters, Hangings, and other his rich furni­ture and necessaries: together with his Herbengers and other Officers to the Groyne in seuerall Hoies ap­pointed for that purpose: the Kings shippe called the Aduantage, being their Conuoy. His Highnesse presents likewise vnder the charge of Thomas Knoell one of his Maiesties Ecquery, and appointed mes­senger for the deliuerie thereof to the King of Spaine, in their said companie. And being vncerteine, whe­ther the Kings designes were aswell knowen to the said Herbengers and the rest, as to himselfe: he com­maunded captaine Morgan, and one Master Pet a Ma­ster Shipwright, and a very good Mariner; to goe on bord the Resistance, being a shippe of London, and one appointed for cariage of prouision in this iour­ney, to make what way they possibly could for the Groyne, to commaund the said shippes prouisions and people, to meet him in the mouth of the harbour, thence to beare in his company for Saint Anderas. But the said shippe was becalmed as was the rest of the fleet likewise, and could make no way, but kept company with vs till Sunday morning; after which time we had no more sight of her till her comming to [Page 11] the Groyne, which was the next day after our arri­uall there.

On Munday morning earely the land was disco­uered by the fleet, and about fower of the clocke in the afternoone, they arriued into the road of the Groyne, being a very safe and pleasant harbour.

We were no sooner descried from the lande; but the Gouernour of the towne Don Lewys de Carilla de Toledo; Seigneur Peynte Corde de Carazena, and Go­uernour of Galicia, had commaunded to make ready for interteyning his Lordship, which was most royal­ly performed, being vpon entrance into the harbour, first saluted from a fort on the North side the towne with twentie great peeces of Ordinance. Then from the fort lately builte vpon the rocke with sixe and twentie peeces of great Ordinaunce; and from the towne and castle with thirtie great peeces of Ordi­nance at least. His Lordship comming to ancor with the rest of the shippes, gaue them their whole broad sides. Immediatly vpon his Lordships arriuall, the Gouernour of the Towne sent the foure princi­pall officers, Commanders of the Towne together with his Brother don Iohn de pacheco and Don Lewis de Carilla de Toledo his only sonne to giue his Lord­ship the welcome, wherein they demeand themselues so exceeding kindly, and with the most affable and respectiue speeches that might be, excusing their slender entertainment by reason of their late vnder­standing of his Lordships comming to the Groyne, for that they had intelligence his Lordship meant to haue gone to Saint Anderas. After a short time spent [Page 12] in complement with these Commanders, the Gouer­nour himselfe (being accompanied with diuers per­sonages of worth came aboard in a barge which see­med to haue been made of purpose for this vse. The Rowers and Mariners thereof (being clad in blew silke Cassoks and Caps, and the barge couered with blew veluet, and newly painted) reported to his Lord­ship, that the King his master had especially written to him in these words; That he should haue respect, what person he was that was comen Ambassadour, from whom he was come, and to whom he was sent; and this he should do euery thing for the honour of these three persons without sparing any thing that might be fitte for his Lordships entertainment. And therefore the Gouernour intreated his Lordship to go on Land, which he refused to do that night, but being much importuned, he promised to go on shore the next day. During the Gouernours abode on the ship there came many on board likewise, and they of all conditions. Doctors of Law, Churchmen, Friers, and of all other sorts of people; who all seemed much to wonder and admire the greatnesse and neatnesse of that Galeon as they termed her: exceedingly commending and applauding the same. At the de­parture of the said Gouernour from the shippes, his Lordship gaue many pieces of ordinance, which were againe receaued and answered from the towne and forts. The whole towne indeed being but a hold and fort, but very strong. That night they sent from the towne vnto his Lordship a present of fish & fruit, bread and such like commodities as the country yeel­ded, [Page 13] excusing that they were not able to shew their loue in better sort vnto his Lordship: for that Munday the day of his arriuall being Saint Markes day with them, and the Fishermen as then not going to sea, and also hauing feasted as that day for ioy of the birth of the yong Prince: they were the more vnfurni­shed of better present and more fitte for his entertain­ment.

On Tuesday the sixtienth day of April, his Lord­ship prepared to go on shore, to his lodging, which was prepared for him at the gouernours house, which house is the whole pleasure of the towne, for that it o­uerlooketh the whole harbor and is seated in the heart of the towne. The gouernour likewise hauing taken great care to receiue his Lordship in the most honou­rable manner: and therefore had vpon intelligence of our comming to the Groyne, caused to be builded a bridge of Timber aboue forty yards long and pain­ted the same, yellow red and blew, and garnished the same with many pencels of silke of like colours very formally and planted the way into the towne with bowes of Baies and Orange trees, and strewed the same with rushes and flowers. The whole company of the towne and many more of the Country (being as was supposed) drawen thither for this purpose on­ly, all ready to giue his Lorship entertainment after the best fashion; when the time came that his Lord­ship might conueniently land, for vntill three of the clocke after noone the flood was not, vpon which he must of necessity land, the Gouernour sent diuers of the Commanders of the town to giue notice, that he [Page 14] and other the Magistrates of the towne would attend vpon the bridge, his Lordship thereupon tooke his barge carying in the head therof, an Ancient of white silke, with the picture of the sunne in the vpper part thereof; his Moto or word being Desir Na' Repos, written in maner of a Beud, within the same, and so came in very honourable maner to the bridge, where staied for him the said Gouernor, Iudges and Magi­strates of the towne, enterteining the English as they landed, the whilest the musicke, being Shagbots and Hoboyes & placed for that purpose vpon the bridge, plaied sweet and delectable melody, and so the Spa­niards intermingling themselues with the English ac­cording to their degrees, euer giuing the right hand to the English, passed into the Towne in order as fol­loweth. First went foure of his Lordships seruants, who were appointed Marshals for his traine. After followed certaine of his officers in his house & cham­ber in their liueries. Next after followed the gentle­men his seruants and especiall officers in their liueries of blacke veluet. Then followed the Esquires and Knights euery one according to his degree: then with our Lords and Nobles, diuers Spanish Commanders and Iudges of the kingdome of Galicia. At their en­trance into the town, there was shot off an exceeding great volley of shot both great and small, and so they passed all on foot to the Condies house, and at the entrance of his Lordship into the house, there were shot off a great number of Chambers, being for that purpose, as it should seeme, planted ouer against the Condies gate. His Lordship being thus receiued was [Page 15] exceedingly well appointed and lodged. That night what by reason of the littlenesse of the roome and the muchnesse of the company, he was both lated, and could not but be much troubled at his Supping, wherein the Cond and his officers, did make manifest their exceeding care and respect to haue all things to content his Lordship, and the company with so much attendance and obseruance, as it was rather a trouble and offence to any well minded to see their extraordi­nary paines taken in ther seruice, than cause of excep­tion in any wise, especially for that it did appeare, There was prouided what the countrie could any way affoord.

There his Lordship rested from that time forward, sometimes riding abroad to take the aire on horse­backe, other times in his Carroch, & euer with much applause and admiration of the people. So that it could not but giue him much contentment to ob­serue how welcome he seemed generally to the whole country. In his passages abroad he tooke oc­casion to shew his bounty to the poore, which in that place abound greatly, many of them being very mise­rable creatures to see, and wherewith his Lordship was in mercy & charity much moued, not sparing his purse one houre in the day; for besides what he gaue abroad, he neuer shewed himselfe in his gallery but he prouided good summes of money to giue for re­liefe of those miserable poore people, who indeeed during his abode there made little account of other li­uing than of his reliefe.

Whilest we rested in the Groyne a certaine mari­ner [Page 16] being one of the Repulse, and hauing vpon Wed­nesday the seuenteenth day of the present moneth of April brought on shore some company and staying in Towne vntill amongst lewd company he became tipled; that thereby he gaue offence in his behauiour, by violent striking of one of the Churchmen of the towne, although it was not directly complained of by any, either of the Church or of the towne, yet by chance came to his Lordships knowledge, who for that he receaued such extraordinary kind and liberall vsage both for himselfe and his followers, and that generally from all, if no other cause might moue him but that, was much offended therewith, and therefore thought good to take due punishment of that so foule a fault, commanding that present inquiry should be made through all the shippes; who of them had been on shore, at last finding the offendour, he committed him presently to the Bibboes, there to remaine till the next day which was Friday, what time he appointed Sir Richard Lewson, his Admirall and Marshall to call vnto him the other Admiralls and Captaines of the fleete, and throughly to examine the offence and ac­cordingly to proceed without any respect or fauour. They calling before them the said offendour, and fin­ding indeed that the fellow was drunke and by no meanes could remember whether he had stroken the said Churchman or no; & although the maner of his striking was so slight, and the party said to be stroken so vile in reputation of the whole city, as they gene­rally pitied any man should once be called in questi­on for so base a person: the said Commissioners and [Page 17] Iurie proceeded and finding him guilty of striking the said Churchman, being contrary to Law and his Lordships former decrees in that behalfe, adiudged him to be presently hanged. Heere it is to be vnder­stood that the matter could not be so priuately caried but many of the Towne and some Churchmen also, had made meanes to get aboard and saw the procee­ding so austere & resolute, that presently they sollici­ted the Conde & the Honourable Condesse his wife vpon any condition to hinder the execution. Where­of, when the Conde, but especially the Condesse and her daughter had taken notice, they neuer left intrea­ting his Lordship to recall his auerred sentence and iudgement: and which to do his Lordship could not without offering much vnkindnesse refuse or denie. Many reasons were alleadged by the Conde and the Condesse, that the party offended was a man vile in reputation and esteemed as a man halfe Lunatike, that the offence was not a malicious or determinate wil­ful offence, and therefore, the premisses considered, his Lordship could not but with more iudgement passe it ouer, than so seuerely prosecute the execution of Iustice vpon so mean a cause, especially sithence no information or complaint was by the party offended, or by any other of the Court prosecuted on his be­halfe. His Lordship thus vrged, granted he should be deliuered vnto the Conde, to be vsed as he thought good, & therefore commanded he should be brought on land and deliuered vnto him, which was done, one of the Masters going along with him, the Boat­son leading him with a halter about his necke, who [Page 18] when he came before the Conde, fel on his knees, and would haue made much protestation, but the Hono­rable Conde, tooke him vp, tooke off the halter frō his necke, and commanded him to be carried to eat in the Buttery, for that the dolefull lookes of the man, mo­ued much pity in the Conde.

On Tuesday the foure and twentieth day of April, according to the computation of England, his Lord­ship solemnized the feast of Saint George, which was done in very solemne maner, and with the more re­gard for that the townesmen taking notice of his in­tendment to feast, came in troupes, to see and obserue the fashions of England: his Lordship therefore ha­uing desired sufferance of the Conde, to vse his owne officers for that day, appointed to be serued after the fashion of England, both in seruice and diet. And wheras the Conde had for his Lordships state, set vp a cloth of Estate with his proper armes, his Lordship commanded to set vp a state of his owne being rich of Bawdkim, without armes, other then the armes of his Highnesse with S. Georges crosse, as is the cu­stome, his owne armes was placed a good distance off vpon the hangings, and on the right hand of the cloth of Estate, for that both the roome was most conueni­ent as also it was thought the Conde would haue di­ned with his Lordship, as he was desired. After pri­uate praiers in his chamber, and that most of his com­pany was come to him, & dinner being serued in ac­cordingly, his Lordship came forth in his robes of S. George, to meet the Conde. But the Conde fearing to do any thing that might impeach the honour of his [Page 19] Master or be present there to heare any thing pro­nounced, which might offend him in respect of the honour of his Master, after that he had staied to see his Lordship wash and set at the Table praied leaue and so went to his priuate lodging. At the comming in of the second course, according to the fashion of England, the Kings stile was proclaimed in three seue­rall languages by Somersett herauld crying, Largesse, who had a liberall reward for the same. And so his Lordship being serued very honourably by persons of the better sort, and very richly in diet and in plate, ended his dinner, sitting alone at the table, but diuers other Lords, Knights and Esquires sitting in the same roome at two other tables by.

After dinner, the Conde came to congratulate his Lordship seeming much to repent him, that he kept not him cōpany at dinner, sithence he had vnderstood by his brother (who stood all dinner time there, and well obseruing all) that there was not any thing, that might giue the least cause of offence or exception. Therfore the Conde discouered that he much desired to keepe him company at Supper, which he did, his Lordship sitting as he did at dinner, vnder the esko­cheon of his own armes, the Conde on the same side but on the left hand the cloth of Estate and at the lower end of the table. Whilest they sate at Supper, much company came in to see them, diuers Ladies and other Gentlemen of the better sort comming priuately to obserue the fashion of our state, which his Lordship performed most honourably and order­ly, to the glory of our nation, and to no small honour [Page 20] of himselfe.

Wednesday, the foure and twentieth day of the said moneth of April about noone, there came a gentleman from the Court, who gaue notice to the Conde and his Lordship, that, that night Don Blasco de Aragon nephew to the Duke of Terra noua: one that had been formerly in England with the Consta­ble would be there, who indeed about seuen of the clocke that night, came accordingly, to salute his Lordship from the King his master, and to giue vn­derstanding both of the preparation for his Lord­ship and his company vpon the way as also what or­der should be presently taken, for their more speedie Iourney.

Tuesday, the thirtieth of April, there was appoin­ted a Communion on shipboord, to the which resor­ted diuers Knights and Gentlemen, and as many as could conueniently come to the same.

On Wednesday & Thursday his Lordship treated with the Conde, the saide Don Blasco and Don Iaspar de Bullion the Aposentador, Mayor to the King, which saide Iaspar de Bullion was lately come from the Court of purpose to prouide for his Lordship and his traine with commission from the King to see them furnished of all necessaries for their Iourneying.

In this conference (notwithstanding it had beene formerly vnderstood, there should be no want of meanes or necessaries, for his Lordship and his peo­ple in their iourney to Court) it appeared that the company being numbred by the pole to be 650. per­sons of all sorts, besides their carriages which were [Page 21] very many: the country could by no meanes supply the whole number: therefore it was thought good to lessen them, as much as conueniently they might, re­soluing to leaue diuers of his Lordships owne people abord the ships, till they returne: some also were di­spatched for England, with the Carroches, Litters and Mares, and such other his furniture, as by Don Blasco was vnderstood he should haue little vse of. And for that, besides riding mules we vnderstood there were sent thither by the King foure litters, and foure coches which staied for vs at villa Franca, for the more ease of his Lordship when he pleased and for thereliefe of any Gentleman that might happen to be sicke vpon the way, which in so long and tedious a iourney was likely to be. And indeed as it happened most of them were put to vse, one coch and one litter being appoin­ted for his Lordships owne vse, another coch and litter appointed to the Ambassadour-Leager, and the other seruing sometimes one and sometimes another, as occasion serued and they desired.

Thursday the second day of May, there was prepa­red in the market place, a certaine peece of ground railed in square the space of twenty yeards or more, with Scaffolds, built of purpose about the same: wherein the English were very sufficiently appointed and placed, for the seeing of these sports. His Lord­ship and other the Noblemen were placed in seuerall windowes, in a very faire roome in the Kings State­house, being for that purpose hanged with rich Arras and seuerall clothes of Estate ouer the windowes, on the wall on the outside the house: they being come [Page 22] to their standings, the Ladies and better sort of the towne being likewise placed in a conuenient roome for that purpose, they began their sports after this maner. First, there was brought in a castle wherein a Lady was enclosed, and kept by foure monsters. The said castle being placed in the middest of the Squa­dron, there appeared foure Knights armed, with their Pages going before them with Drums and Fife play­ing: who presently assailed the castle, surprized the monsters, relieued the Lady and so set fire of the ca­stle. This deuise being, as we vnderstood of it, as much to shew the strangenesse of the fire works, which in­deed were many, as for any other reason which we obserued by the same.

These repre­sented the iudgement of Paris.Then came Venus, Pallas, Iuno, Cupid euery one led seuerally by Sauages, after whom followed foure other armed Knights, in colours painted blew and white. Then came a third company being foure in number, in coloured armours likewise, with crosses on their breasts in shew like knights of Matta, bring­ing in with them a chariot wherein the chiefe sate Peace, Plenty and other vertues, being likewise plan­ted in the same: with their seuerall names written on their backes. After whom likewise followed foure o­ther knightes armed, with trumpets sounding. When they had all appeared, they fell to Barriers according to the direction of certaine Gentlemen appointed to marshall the same. Some of our English Lords and Knights being intreated by the Spaniards to assist them therein also: they encountered one another single first by two, after increasing their number ac­cording [Page 23] to the pleasure of the Iudges and Marshals; when they had broken their staues (or at least done their best to breake them) retiring, fell to it againe with their swords, according to the maner of Barriers, fiue blows a peece. In a Scaffold directly opposite a­gainst the place, wherein the Lords stood, sate the Iudges of these sports amongst whom the Lord Ho­ward of Effingham was intreated by the Magistrates of the towne to be one, which Iudges vpon euery en­counter gaue reward to the best deseruer: as Scarfes, Gloues, Choppimors, Ribbens, and such like which were by the Knights thankefully receaued, and be­stowed as fauoures vpon their mistresses; at last the Knights encountered pell mell, one another; and as it seemed in a very furious maner. But the Barre being made in fashion like a trough, and many fire works being cunningly contriued in the same, and duely tooke fire, and so with flame and smoake they were parted.

These sports ended, there was a banquet caried vp to his Lordship & other the Lords and Ladies which were in another roome next adioining, being indeed both plentifull and costly, and serued in by the chiefe Gentleman of the Country and Towne. The ban­quet ended, and night comming on there were brought into the same place diuers fire works: one in the fashion of a Chariot, another like the wheele of Fortune, another like a Castle, and such like garded and attended with diuers wild men, with clubbes and wheeles, with seuerall fire works: men riding with speares in their hands all conteining squibbes and fire­workes, [Page 24] with which they ranne at one another, as in maner of Tilt. The diuersities of the fire workes were many, and for the strangenesse and maner of perfor­mance thereof, generally commended and so well liked as two houres spent in that pastime seemed but a moment.

Friday the third day of May his Lordship hauing his company furnished, with conuenient Mules for riding, as also for cariage of their trunks and necessa­ries, about eleuen of the cloke accompanied with the Gouernour and other the Magistrates of the towne, set forward on his iourney. Don Blasco de Aragon, and Don Iaspar de Bullion the chiefe Herbenger for the King, accompanying his Lordship for the purposes aforesaied: in the passage from the towne the waits and shagbots were placed playing all the while; at our departing from the towne and our leaue taking of the Gouernour, they gaue a small volley of shot out of the towne. His Lordship being halfe a mile out of the towne and yet within sight of the ships as they lay at Road, the said shippes tooke their leaue also of vs with many peece of ordinance.

The said Gouernour, as before is mentioned is na­med Don Lewis, de Carilla de Toledo &c. and is of the countrie of Castilla, but appointed heere by the King as Gouernour of the Groyn and all the country of Gal­licia: a man of very mild and affable behauiour, very curteous and most respectiue of the English in ge­nerall, as by the great care and good vsage of vs whilest we lodged in the Groyn appeared.

That night being as is aforesaied the third day of [Page 25] May, according to the computation of England we rode to Bytaunce, being distant three leagues from the Groyn, where his Lordship and his company were well entertained and lodged.

Saterday the fourth day of May, we rode from By­taunce to a certaine town called Villa Alua, 6. leagues, where our entertainment was such as the towne could affoord, by reason of the meanes thereof.

Sunday the fifth day of May we rode forward to a very faire towne called Lugo, being distant from Villa Alua seuen leagues. The Alcaylde and other officers of the town, meeting his Lordship about halfe a mile without the gates, and accompanying vs into the towne, the streets being decked with bowes and the wals of their houses garnished with their best hang­ings and furniture. In the way comming thither his Lordship receaued letters of intelligence and congra­tulations from the Conde at the Groyne, which he accepted very kindly.

The messenger being dispatched from Lugo, and rewarded with a chaine of Gold of good value: on Munday we rode to a certaine towne called Terra Ca­stella distant from Lugo eight leagues.

Tuesday the seuenth day of May, we trauelled all the morning vp to a high mountaine by the space of six leagues, and dined at a litle village called çebrera, where we receiued such intertainmēt vnexpected, as was altogether in an arbor of green bowes made of purpose of such a conuenient length, that that recei­ued his Lordship and all the better sort of his traine. And after dinner we rode to a certaine towne called [Page 26] Villa Franca, being distant six leagues, where his Lord­ship was receaued with the townesmen, the streets by all the way where we passed being garnished with bowes and strewed with hearbs and flowers: musicke being likewise placed neere the house where his Lordship should lodge.

Wednesday for that the company were somewhat weary, his Lordship disposed himselfe to rest: chiefly, for that the Ambassadour Leadger complained of sickenesse, as also to relieue the Mules, forbearing to trauell in so foule weather as it fell out to be the same day.

Thursday the ninth day of May we rode by a town called Congusta, to Beubibre, to bed, where his Lord­ship was lodged in a castle of the Conde de Alualista, but very old and meane. The towne being so poore and men also, as if the officers of his Highnesse, had not then, as indeed they did, taken more than ordi­nary paines and care, it had not been possible to haue lodged halfe the Company.

Friday the tenth day of May, we came to Astorga being a city walled and standing in a pleasant and champion country, and conteining in it many Chur­ches, amongst which one is a Cathedrall, two Frie­ries and two Noneries. A mile without the towne we were met with the Alcayldy and Officers of the towne, ouer the gates hung diuers guidons and ban­ners of silke: one of them being a large white banner of Damaske, in fashion of a Guydon and placed in the middest of the rest. Musicke likewise playing all the way as we passed, the houses garnished with their [Page 27] best hangings, and the streets strewed with hearbs and flowers.

Saturday the eleuenth day of May his Lordship hauing had vnderstanding of the fairenesse of the ca­stle there belonging to the Marquess of Astorga, and being desired by Don Blasco to take view thereof, in passing out of the towne, alighted to see the same: the house indeed being a very strong castle and hauing in it a very faire gallery with many goodly pictures and pieces of painting both large and costly, and also a rich library with many fine rarities in the same. After riding foure leagues to a certaine towne called La Ban'esa, where in the way comming we were mette with diuers Gypsies (as they termed them) men and women dauncing and tumbling much after the Mo­risco fashion, continued till we came to the towne.

Sunday the twelfth day of May we rode eight leagues to a towne called Benavente, where a mile without the towne Alcaylde & chiefe Officers of the towne met vs: bringing with them a company of Gypsies likewise, singing and dauncing, playing and shewing diuers feats of actiuity: conducting his Lordship to the Conde of Benevante his house where he lodged that night.

Munday we rode forward eight leagues, to a cer­taine towne called Villa Garcia, where we were recea­ued with a morrise daunce of certaine comely gen­tlemen, being in number eight, as also with eight Boyes attired like Satyres or Shepheards with Shep­heards hookes, who as they daunced plaied with the same after the fashion of Mattachyna.

In this Towne is a very faire Colledge wherein is only taught the rules of Grammar, and grounds of the Latine tongue. It conteineth about 600. Scholers: the Church a very faire Church, very richly set out with many goodly peeces of painting: the Altar and Quier exceeding rich and faire. From hence his Lordship receaued order by the Kings officers to go to a certaine towne called Simancas, which though it was rather further in distance than Valladolid, yet for that his Lordship should not come late nor his com­pany ouer-wearied, this towne was appointed to re­ceiue him before our comming to the Court. Other reasons were giuen, that is, in the right way between Villa Garcia and Valladolid, a bridge was lately bro­ken, whereby of necessity we must haue passed; and also that the King desired we should enter through the high street and the best part of the towne, which we did: and therefore appointed our way by Cimancas. Accordingly we came to Simancas on Tuesday at night somewhat late, being ouertaken with extraor­dinary foule weather, and greatlie annoyed with the same.

In the way between Villa Garcia and Simancas we passed by a very faire monastery of Monkes of the or­der of S. Benedick, being not long sithence builded, but exceeding faire and rich: whereunto there is be­longing inclosed as much ground, as the wal thereof, being of stone, is in circuit, a league, or better: with­in which is all kind of game royall as Phesants, Par­tridges, Hares, Conies and such like. The Church heere is very curiously and workemanly built, and [Page 29] garnished with many curious peeces of painting, with Copes very rich, and very curiously wrought.

That night at Supper, his Lordship had notice, that it was the Kings pleasure, we should rest at Si­mancas all Wednesday, and not till Thursday come to the Court.

On Wednesday after dinner, there came from the Court Don Iuan de Suniga eldest sonne to the Conde de Villa mediana Ambassadour in England: as also Don Pedro de Tassis the new appointed Ambassa­dour for England, accompanied with diuers others, who hauing congratulated his Lordship, staying with him some halfe houre or there abouts, de­parted.

That night we vnderstood that it was the Kings pleasure, his Lordship should come to Court on Thursday, whereupon euery one taking notice there­of made preparation accordingly.

Thursday being the sixteenth day of May, we staid till after dinner expecting to receaue more particular directions from Court, at which time there came to attend his Lordship thither. The marquesse of Came­rassa, Don Pedro de Suniga, Don Iuan de Tassis, Don Blasco de Aragon, and diuers other Knights and Gen­tlemen of the Kings house and chamber, bringing with them diuers coches, so that his Lordship was in­tertained by Don Blasco, and the Marquesse in the first coch; the Ambassadour Leager, by some others in the second; other Knights and Gentlemen filling as­well the other coches, which came along from the Groyne, as those which were brought from Court by [Page 30] these Lords. After we had trauelled about foure En­glish miles (for from Cimancas to the Court it was accounted but six) and hauing been met with many of the better sort, in their coches, his Lordship was moued by Don Blasco and the rest, to go into a certain banquetting house which stood vpon the high way, to see the delicacy of the orchards and gardens, as to tast of the variety of fruits within the same. But we rather suppose to make stay for such Nobles as were appointed by the King to giue meeting to his Lord­ship, and were not as then come forward. During his Lordships stay in this garden there was a horse pre­sented vnto him from the King, which the King him­selfe did vse to ride on. After they had staied there by the space of a long houre or more, there came from the Towne diuers Noblemen, the chiefe wher­of was, the Duke of Fryas Constable of Castilla, the Kings late Ambassadour in England: the Duke of In­fantasgo: the Duke of Alberquerques: the Duke of Cea: the Duke of Sesa: the Duke of Pastraua: The Marquesse of S. German: the Conde of Chincou: the Conde of Punion en Rostro: the Marq. de Lauanessa: the Conde of Aguyllar: the Conde de Berosa: the Conde de Nieua: the Conde de Cornua: the Conde de Paredes: the Conde de Lodosa: the Marquesse del Carpio: the Marquessods Tauera: the Marquess de Vil­la Nueua: the Conde Apala: Conde de Salinas: Marq. de Ceralua: Marq. de Fuentes: Marq. de Alcanes: Conde de Galues, the Admirall of Aragon, and many other Lords and Knights in great number. His Lordship setting forward in very good order, accom­panied [Page 31] with a great multitude of Nobles, Knights and Gentlemen, as afore is saied. The weather being all that time extraordinarily hot, suddenly to the great disordering of all the company, there fell so great a shewer of raine as the like was not seene of long time before: and continuing till the company could get to the towne, notwithstanding which his Lordship kept still his horse backe, accompanied with many of the chiefe of the company, and riding for­ward to his appointed lodging, which was in a very faire house of the Conde of Salinas, and not farre di­stant from the Court; an infinite number of people, 800. coches filled with Ladies were gotten out of the towne to meet and see his Lordship and his compa­ny, all which tooke part of this great shewer to their no little discomfort.

The order of our going into the towne was ap­pointed as followeth: First rode two Trumpets, all the sumpter and carriages being about two houres before sent into the towne: after whom followed certaine Gentlemen seruants to the Knights and Lords, as also the Leadger Ambassadours seruants in liueries very faire to the number of sixty. Then followed six Trumpeters of his Lordships in suits of Damaske holding their Trumpets in their hands, but not sounding. Then came diuers Gentlemen of good sort, with whom also followed his Lordships Gentlemen and principall Officers in their Liueries of blacke veluet to the number of thirty. Then fol­lowed the Esquires, Knights and Lords euery one ac­cording to their degree, being accompanied with [Page 32] seuerall Spanish Knights and Lords; after whom came his Lordship accompanied with the Nobles a­fore mentioned; which order, for that the raine fell so exceedingly, could not be continued as was ment, but by reason thereof, diuers made what hast they could to their lodging; and yet were throughly wet before they could get thither. His Lordship accom­panied as afore and entring into the towne at the Gate called La Puerta del Campo, passed through the chiefe parts of the towne and along by the Court gate. The King, Queen and Ladies (as it was sa d) standing in seuerall windowes to take view of the company; about six of the clocke came to the place appointed for his Lordships lodging.

That night came diuers Noble men as also the Mayordomo to the Queen to visit his Lordship from her Highnesse, which was much wondred at by the Spaniards themselues, for that (if they speake true) they neuer knew the like fauour done to any Ambassa­dour whatsoeuer.

The next day being Friday the seuenteenth day of May, there came to visit his Lordship the Duke of Lerma, Don Francisco Gouees de Sandoual &c. a man of especiall regard and account with the King, ac­companied with diuers Dukes and Condes.

Thither also that day came the Duke of Medyna de Ryoseco, a youth of ten yeares of age, Admirall of Ca­stilla by inheritance, accompanied with diuers other Lords and men of great account.

Vpon Saterday the eighteenth day of May in the morning the King sent the Conde d' Guklues, and [Page 33] diuers others of his Priuy chamber to visit his Lord­ship the same day.

The first audience somewhat before dinner; his Lordship had intelligence that the Kings Maiesty in­tended to giue him audience in the after noone; whereof the English Lords, Knights and Gentlemen taking notice prepared themselues to giue their at­tendance, although not in so good fashion as they desired, & would, had they had vnderstanding there­of ouer night: his Lordship therefore staying his Highnesse pleasure, about three of the clocke in the after noone.

The Constable accompanied with twenty No­blemen or more, whereof three or foure of them were of the Grandes of Spaine; and diuers other men of dignity and esteeme in the Court, bring­ing with them many coches, came to conduct his Lordship and the company to the Court; many peo­ple were gathered in the streets to see the passage of his Lordship & his company. The number of the co­ches was about twenty; but notwithstanding many of our Noblemen and Knights rode vpon their rich footeclothes, the Kings guard waited euen from the vttermost gate of the Pallace to the Presence cham­ber dore, being all newly suited in colloured veluet yellow & red, but in seuerall habits; that thereby they might be the better distinguished being in number 300. whereof there are 100. Swissers, 100. Spanish horsemen, and 100. Wallons. At the Pallace gate stood diuers Noble men, Knights and Gentlemen, a­mongst whom was the Duke of Infantasgo, the Mar­quesse [Page 34] of Vellada, and others all appointed to receaue and giue his Lordship entertainment, and to conduct and guide the company vp into the Presence, where the King sate vnder a rich cloth of Estate, and by him stood eight Grandes of Spaine couered. It is not law­full for any to stand coue­red in the presence of the King, ex­cept he be a Grande. The care these Lords tooke to giue contentment to the Eng­lish was so great, that we might easily perceiue, they spared not to put out of the saide roome all man­ner of people of what condition soeuer, of purpose to make way, and giue place euen to the meanest of the English, which would presse in to see the King, not keeping out any of how meane condition soeuer.

His Lordship hauing deliuered his mind in Orati­on by the mouth of Master Gyles Porter his Interpre­ter, as also the Kings Maiesties Letters into his High­nesse owne hands: the King descending from his chaire gaue intertainment to his Lordship with most kind and affable behauiour, appointing him to sitte downe by him and that very neere, which especiall fauour was much obserued, and reported as a thing neuer vsed to any Ambassadour before that time. Some short time spent in conference with his Lord­ship, his Highnesse was pleased to take notice of such Nobles and Gentlemen, as accompanied his Lord­ship in this his long and painfull iourney: and there­upon required they should draw neere, which they did, each after other, to do their reuerence, and, as they say, Besar las manos, which was only in bowing low to the ground, without touching either hand or foot, or any other part of his garments: this done his [Page 35] Lordship tooke his leaue, and the King appointed the Constable and others to conduct his Lordship and company to the Queenes side: where in a very faire presence, sate her Highnesse with the Infanta by her, vnder a rich cloth of Estate, accompanied with many Ladies and Maides of Honour, diuided on ei­ther side the same roome, a good distance each from other, standing close by the wall, almost from one end of the chamber to the other. The Gentle­men, Knights and Lords going along and before his Lordshippe, were receiued by the Mayor do­mo to the Queene, and so conducted to her pre­sence.

After some conference and complement his Lord­ship taking leaue of her Maiesty, for that it began to be late, all the Lords, Knights and Gentlemen, were called vp to the Queen, as formerly they had been to the King, euery one after other bowing himselfe in o­beysance and kissing the skirt of her Highnesse kirtle departed: being conducted by the said Dukes and Lords which both brought them to the Court and accompanied them backe againe to his lodging.

Sunday, the nineteenth day of May, the Kings Ma­iesty went in procession, first going into the Church neere the Pallace called Saint Paules, & after through the towne to a Church called Saint Maries; in maner as followeth:

First went many Friers singing, bearing amongst them diuers crosses, banners, and other ceremonious reliques of the Church, the Sacrament being like­wise caried by foure church-officers.

Then followed diuers Noblemen according to their degrees.

Next before the Kings owne person went the yon­ger of the Princes of Sauoy.

Then the king himselfe in person: after whom fol­lowed the Cardinal being Archbishop of Toledo, and with him the Prince of Sauoy the elder brother. Then followed together, the Prince of Moroco, the Empe­rours Ambassadour: the Ambassadour of France: the Ambassadour of Venice: after whom followed diuers Gentlemen of the Kings chamber, and the rest of the traine. After dinner there was preparation made for the christening of the Prince, and for that the Court stood from the Church, there was set vp of purpose, for a more close and conuenient passage, a very large Scaffold adioining to the end of a long Gallery, and to the Church likewise, the timber whereof was all couered with cloth of Gold very rich, and the Scaf­fold being high was a good meanes to giue sight to all the people. The manner of their comming to Church was in this sort: The Kings Trumpets were placed neere and before the Church, in seuerall com­panies, alwaies sounding and one answering other: about foure of the clocke in the after noone, there ap­peared, descending by the Scaffold afore mentioned, to go into the Church of S. Paules, which, as is like­wise said, adioining to the scaffold; the Knights, Lords and Grandes going before: and some Dukes of espe­ciall name, bearing diuers ceremonies likewise; as the Salera or Salt borne by one, the Taper of wax by another, the Chrisome by another: then the Crown [Page 37] borne by the Constable, before whom went the King of Armes. The Prince was borne by the Duke of Lerma, in his armes; but tied to him with a rich scarfe or Band: he was assisted by the Prince of Sauoy and the Conde of Miranda. Then followed the Infanta in a chaire as it should seeme made for that purpose, and borne by diuers Gentlemen of the Kings bed and Priuy chamber, on their shoulders, assisted by the yonger Prince of Sauoy. At the Church doore the Cardinal staied for them in his Pontificalibus accom­panied with three Bishops and other especiall officers of the Church: the singing men going before, and so conducting them to the Font, which was richly prepared and couered with a Canapy of cloth of gold; the Cardinall performed all the ceremonies ac­cording to the order of their Church, and so with Church musicke, noise of Trumpets and many other wind Instruments they finished their ceremonies, returning in such maner as they went, being accom­panied also with most of the great Ladies of the king­dome, and those of the Court.

He was Christened Phillippe Domingo Victor.

His Godfather was the elder Prince of Sauoy, of whom he tooke his name, Victor.

His Godmother was the Infanta his Sister.

His Lordship was placed conueniently in the house of the Conde d' Rubadauia, in the morning, both to see the procession, as also the going of the Prince to Christening. But so soone as they were passed by, he with some other were priuately con­ueied through a gallery on the backeside of a Mona­stery [Page 38] into the Church, into a place appointed of pur­pose for him and the Lords that were of his com­pany.

On Munday in the after noone the Ambassadour Leadger was by his Lordship presented to the King, and by him gratiously receaued and allowed. That day in the after noone, came diuers Ambassadours to visit his Lordship: as first, Don Francisco de Me­schite Ambassadour for the state of Venice; as also the French Ambassadour, Monsieur Baron de Barault Cheualier, who after some short stay departed. At the time of the French Ambassadours being there, came likewise the Ambassadour resiaunt for the Emperour. His Lordship euer shewing much affability and cur­tesie and accompanying them on their way to their coches with kind behauiour of his, being greatly ob­serued, caused an extraordinary respect and an excee­ding loue of all men towards him.

That night also came to visit his Lordship the Car­dinall of Toledo: being a very stately Prelate, well di­scended, very rich, in his cariage very curteous; and in his expence liberall, as by the apparelling of his pages and seruants, and by his rich Sumpter cloths, hangings and such like might well appeare.

Tuesday, the one and twentieth of May, his Lord­ship was conducted by Don Blasco vnto the church called S. Maries, to see the ceremony and state of the Queenes churching, whither the King and Queene came together; the King riding on horsebacke, the Queene in a very rich chariot of cloth of gold drawen by foure horses all trapped and harnessed with cloth [Page 39] of golde: in which chariot likewise sat the Infanta. Next followed in another chariot, the yoong Prince in the armes of an ancient Ladie. After followed two other caroches of blacke veluet, wherein sat diuers Duchesses, Countesses, and other great personages, widowes.

Then followed foure other caroches, all of one fa­shion, wherein sat seueral Ladies the Queenes Maids.

This was the first day of the Queens going abroad, and as we accounted of it, her Churching day.

This day his Lordship was inuited to dinner to the Constables, where he was accompanied by the Duke of Alberquerque, the Duke of Cesa, and others. The maner of feasting being not vsuall in Spaine, and our company being many, could not all receiue that con­tentment which the Constable desired to giue in ge­nerall. For the countrey considered, it is much to be maruelled, how they could do what they did; but it plainly appeared, nothing was left vndone for want of cost, and that all preparation was made that the coun­trey could any way affoord for their enterteinment.

Wednesday his Lordship was visited by the Conde de Lemos, accompanied with diuers Noble­men and men of good quality.

That day likewise, and Thursday, his Lordship vi­sited aswell the Ambassadors afore mentioned, as also diuers other Lords and Ladies in the towne.

Friday, the foure and twentieth day of May, Tho­mas Knoell Esquire, his Highnesse seruant and Mes­senger for the deliuerie of certaine Presents to the King of Spaine, expecting and attending the Kings [Page 40] pleasure therein, was sent for by Don Blasco to come and bring the sayd Presents into a priuate Garden be­longing to the Duke of Lerma, where the King and Queene came in person to receiue the same. The Presents were six Horses (three for the King, and three for the Queene) with saddles and clothes very richly imbroidered and costly; two Crosbowes with sheifs of Arrowes; foure Fowling-pieces, with their furni­tures, all very richly garnished and inlayed with fine plate of golde; and one couple of Lime hounds of an extraordinary goodnesse. Which Presents were ac­ceptably receiued; the King and Queene very much obseruing and admiring the richnesse and fashion thereof.

On Saturday the fiue and twentieth day of May, there came to visit his Lordship the Bishop Salustius Taernsius Bishop of Montepolitan in Hetruria, and Ambassador for the Duke of Florence. After dinner came likewise to visit his Lordship D. Iuan de Bourch Conde de Figaroa, President of Portugall, with his foure sonnes. That day also came to visit him, toge­ther with the Constable, the Conde de Oliuares ac­companied with diuers Marquesses and Earles. This Conde was one of them that was in England in the time of Queen Mary. The same day in the afternoon his Lordship visited the Queen and deliuered her a faire rich Iewell as a token from the Queen of Eng­land.

Sunday and Munday his Lordship went abroad to visit diuers Nobles that had formerly been with him, as also spending some part of the same time in [Page 41] concluding with the Councell of Spaine of matters concerning his Ambassage: and of all things necessa­ry for the effecting and performing the same.

Tuesday the eight and twentieth day of May, his Lordship and all the rest of the company were inui­ted to dinner to the Duke of Lerma; where they were most honourably intertained, receauing there all con­tentment that might be, for besides the plenty of his cheare the manner of the entertainment could not be bettered. At the Table his Lordship was accompa­nied with the Duke of Lerma, the Duke of Infantasgo, the Duke of Alberquerque.

They were attended vpon at this feast by diuers Nobles, Marquesses and Earles, with many Knights and Gentlemen of the Kings priuy chamber and few others.

And besides the seuerall sorts of musicke, during the time of dinner, his Lordship and the rest hauing receiued what could be possibly giuen at the Table, they were caried downe into a faire court, paued with square stone, in the middest whereof was a foun­taine of cleare water. The whole Court couered with canuas to defend and keepe off the heat of the sunne, which at that time shone extreamly. In this Court was of purpose a stage erected, with all things fitting for a play, which his Lordship and the rest were in­uited to behold. The King and Queen being in pri­uate likewise Spectators of that Interlude. To write of euery particular of the Dukes entertainment, were too much: for he tooke exceeding care to performe al things with the greatest state, as well appeared in this: [Page 42] that for that the kitchin was crosse a square Court, there were set vp high posts of timber with canuas strained, to couer and defend the same in the passage of the meat from the dresser. The ground being like­wise couered with hangings of leather that no dust should arise whilest the seruice passed by. At this feast seuerall Healths were druncke to the Kings of Great Brittaine and Spaine, and to the happy continuance of the peace: begun by the Duke of Lerma, seconded by his Lordship, and performed by all the company at the table. Many Ladies of great account came pri­uately to see and obserue his Lordship and the com­pany as they sate at meat, well allowing and applau­ding the plenty and bounty vsed at this feast, being in­deed such a one as the like was not seene in Spaine many yeares before.

Wednesday his Lordship concluded with the Constable and Alexander Rouida, Senatour of Mil­laine, as concerning all matters touching the taking of the Kings oath.

Thursday the thirtieth day of May, being Corpus Christi day, the King went in Procession, and for that he would be seene by the English, the course was ap­pointed by the gate where his Lordship lodged. The manner was, as followeth:

First, came eight great Giants, three Men, three Women, & two Mores with a Taber and Pipe play­ing and they dauncing. Then followed certaine Pil­grimes clad in blew. After whō came many Crosses, being in number, 25. or 26. borne & attended by the officers of the seuerall Churches to which they be­longed. [Page 43] Amongst whom were also mingled diuers pictures of Saints: as Saint Iohn, S. George killing the Dragon, Saint Michaell, Saint Francis, Saint An­drew, Saint Dominicke, Saint Martin, the picture of Christ in seuerall formes, Mary Magdalen, our Lady in diuers fashions also. Many holy and pretious re­liques, Friers Mories dancers, in maner of Gypsies, beasts with fire-works, Wild-men and such like toies, as it should seeme to draw the people more readily with admiration. After these followed diuers other Church reliques, Friers Augustines. Other Friers of the order of Saint Francis with their reliques. Ma­ny Churchmen with lighted tapers in their hands; the Kings Pages bearing torches: Then the Sacra­ments borne by foure Churchmen in rich Copes: Then the Lords and Grandes of Spaine; Then fol­lowed the King bearing a lighted taper of Virgin wax; after whom followed the Cardinall, the Empe­rours Ambassadour, the French Ambassadour, and the Venetian Ambassadour; the Prince of Sauoy, the Prince of Moroco and others, all bearing their tapers lighted in their hands.

The same day his Lordship staied till foure of the clocke after noone, vntill his Highnesse pleasure were knowen, that he was pleased as that day to take the oath formerly agreed on between them. About which time there came to his Lordship Don Blasco de Aragon, who brought word that the King expected his Lordships comming to the Court as that day, and therefore for the more conuenient passage of the Nobles and Gentlemen that were to attend him thi­ther, [Page 44] order was taken, that all should be supplied with Gennets that wanted and would send to the Kings stable for the same. Euery man being furnished, his Lordship set forward to the Court, the Constable & Don Pedro de Suniga being sent to accompany his Lordship thither, as also diuers other Knights and Lords, whose names, for the sodainnesse of their com­ming and the number of them being so many, could not be had. His Lordships owne Gentlemen were in seuerall coches afore and staied at the Court gate expecting his Lordships comming thither, where likewise great preparation was made: diuers Noble men and others staying there to receaue his Lord­ship and his company. Amongst whom were the Duke of Lerma and some other Grandes and those of the greatest Lords in Spaine.

His Lordship being thus receaued, was conueied vp through a long Gallery into a Presence, and so in­to another inner roome: the Gentlemen, Knights and Lords euer going before in very good order. In which roome his Maiesty staied for the comming of his Lordship, receauing him with affable and kind congratulation, and tooke him along with him by his side. The Kings Sergeaunts at Mace going first, after following all the Graundes and Lords of Spaine one among another: then the foure Kings of Armes in their coats of Armes: then the Duke of Lerma bea­ring the Sword naked, wherein one thing is especi­ally to be noted, that the Duke bare not the Sword vpright, as is the custome of England, but bare it lying vpon his right shoulder: so the King and his Lords [Page 45] went together into a very faire banquetting house ve­ry lately built, the Ambassadour Leadger, the Lords and diuers others following.

The King sitting in his Estate, his Lordship and the Ambassadour Leadger were placed vpon his left hand: the Grandes and other the Noblemen of Spaine being seated on the other hand, two degrees lower. Before the King was brought a little Table, whereon lay the Bible and a Crucifix vpon it. The Archbishop of Toledo read the oath with a reaso­nable loud voice: at one part of the oath his Lordship held the Kings hands between his: to which oath the King sware kneeling and laying his hand vpon the Booke, and afterwards subscribed to the Ar­ticles and Agreements drawen and concluded by both Kings.

Friday, the one & thirtieth day of May, his Lordship dined early, for that there was that day appointed a sport, which they call Inego de Toro, and also Inego de Canas: and for that his Lordship and all his company from the meanest to the highest, should haue the pleasure of the sights, there were some appointed to see euery Englishman furnished of conuenient roome: which they did; Don Blasco himselfe taking an especiall care and respect thereof. About the middest of the day came the King and Queen riding on horse­backe with many Lords and Ladies all on horsebacke likewise, after the Spanish fashion, euery Lady ac­companied with one or other man of worth: his Lordship was placed in the standing with the King [Page 46] and Queene; and the other Lords were placed not farre off. There were that day killed foureteene Buls; the maner whereof was in this sort: First, the market place, being very square and of a great largenesse, was round built with Scaffolds very strong; the ground couered very thicke with sand, so that they were faine diuers times to bring in many carts of water, both to allay the dust as also to coole the reflection of the sunne vpon the place. In which, none were appoin­ted to be but such as were designed to play the sports. The Bull being turned out, they shotte sticks with sharpe pins and pricks which might sticke fast in his skinne, thereby the more madding him, he seemed to be most valiant that durst afray the Bull in the face and escape vntouched: but some escaped not well, for it cost them their liues. There was another maner of striking the Bull in the face with short speares, to the which diuers Lords and Gentlemen very well mounted, their pages following them with diuers hand-speares for that purpose; wherein many shew­ed good valour, and strake the Bull very cunningly and manly: but yet some of their Gennets payed deare for it, being both hurt and killed. To this sport came two Gentlemen one after another, and as it was reported, supplying the places of Champions to the King, riding on horses blinded, and so taking their stand, waiting for the comming of the Bull against them, very manly with a speare of good length and strength, strake him in the head, and escaped with­out hurt, though not being without danger.

After this, beganne their sports of Inego de Canas, wherein the King himselfe was an Actor. First came riding twelue Drummers with Kettle-drummes play­ing; then followed thirtie Trumpetters, all clad in red and white silke coats; then followed twelue Açe­mulaes or great Mules with couerings of red veluet, bearing bundles of Canes, tied and chained with great hooks of siluer: then followed the Kings Gen­tlemen and Pages richly suited, being to the number of two and thirtie or thereabout. After them were led by seuerall Groomes six and twentie riding horses richly couered.

For the two Princes of Sauoy were shewed: First two Pages riding, bearing on their armes Targets all white: after whom were ledde three horses couered with caparisons of blacke veluet imbrodered richly with pearle: then followed twelue other horses, clad likewise in blacke veluet, but imbrodered with siluer.

For the Duke of Lerma were led six horses with caparisons of white and red: the Groomes and Pages attending, and all alike suited.

For the Constable were led foure and twenty hor­ses of seruice couered with white and greene: his Pa­ges and Groomes also alike suited.

The number of horsemen that shewed themselues in these sports were fourescore, whose names hereaf­ter follow, according to a note thereof deliuered by one of good woorth and of especiall respect with the King.

The King.

The Duke of Lerma.

Duke of Cea.

Conde de Gelues.

Marq. of S. German.

Don Hen. de Goseman.

Conde de Mayalde.

Don Petro de Castro.

Marq. de la Venessa.

Don Garçia de Figuroea.

Don Diego de Sandouall.

D. Antonio de S. Fago.

D. Alonso Lopes de Mella.

D. Diego de Sebro.

D. Lewys de Alcarath.

D. Galuan.

D. Diego Nino.

Don Pedro de Aryetta.

D. Diego de Lieua.

D. Hieronomo de Sandouall

Duke of Infantasgo.

D. Diego Sarmiento.

Conde de Barasa.

Conde de Paredes.

Conde de Coruna.

Conde de Lodosa.

Conde de Nieua.

Don Iuan de Tassis.

The Admyrall of Aragon.

D. Lewys Enriques.

The Constable of Castilla.

Marq. de Cuelar.

Conde de Aguillar.

Marq. del Carpio.

D. Bernardino de Velasco.

D. Fran. de Velasco.

D. Antonio de Velasco.

D. Alonso de Velasco.

D. Manuell de çuniga.

D. Andreas Velasques.

The Duke of Alua

Conde de Salinas.

Marq. de Villanueua.

D. Martyn Valerio.

D. Pedro de çuniga S. de Flores.

D. Manuell de Alencastro.

Marq. de Tarara.

D. Diego Piementel.

Conde de Ayala.

Marq. de çerralua.

The Duke of Pastrana.

Conde de Cosentagua.

Comendador Mayor de Montesa.

D. Carlos de Borsa.

Marq. de Fuentes.

D. Lewys Nino.

D. Pedro de Fonseca.

D. Ferdinand: de la Cerda.

D. Bernard de Rozas.

D. Iuan Vicentela.

Conde de Alualista.

D. Bernard: de Toledo.

D. Fernando de Toledo.

D. Anto: de Toledo.

D. Philippo de Valencia.

D. Fran. Congusta.

D. Lewys de Gozman.

D. Iuan de Gozman.

Marq. de Alcanes.

Marq. de Fales.

The Prince of Sauoy.

The Prior of Ivan.

Mar. Doste.

D. Diego de las marinas.

D. Fran. de Cordoua.

D. Iuan de Heredia.

D. Aluard de Mendoza.

D. Pero Mune.

D. Francisco Finea.

D. Pedro de Licamo.

At their first appearance they came riding in by couples two after two, very swiftly, richly attired with their Targets on their shoulders, holding and shaking long staues such as the Moores or Arabians are described to vse. When they were all come, they diuided thēselues to sides, euery side into foure squa­drons, euery squadron being tenne in number; when they were ready holding their staues in their hands, the Kings side gaue the first charge; the other side vn­dertaking the same and charging on them likewise; thus they continued still chasing one another, squa­dron vpon squadron throwing their Canes one after other, by the space of a long houre or better: and so their sports ended.

Saturday the first of Iune his Lordship was inuited by the King to see a muster of armed men, in a place called El campo, being launces, light horsemen and Carbynes, to the number of two thousand, whereof the Duke of Lerma was the Generall. His Lordship stood with the King and Queene, the rest of the En­glish were placed in a Scaffold, built for them of pur­pose: which said souldiers being diuided made some shew of salies each vpon other, very pleasingly and warlike: and after a few skirmishes, drew themselues into a ring, and marching along vnder the window where his Maiesty stood, departed.

Sunday, Munday and Tuesday were vsed as daies of rest after their great feasts: and spent onely in visitation and matters of complement with one or other.

Wednesday his Lordship dispatched Sir Iohn Tre­uor [Page 51] for England with letters of intelligence to his Highnesse: who tooke with them the Aduantage, which lay at Saint Andreas with the rest of the Shippes.

Thursday, the sixth day of Iune, his Lordship was appointed both to dine and suppe early, which he did, because both his Lordship, as also all other the English Lords and Gentlemen, were inuited to see a maske, about six of the clocke therefore came Don Blasco to conduct his Lordship and the rest through a priuate Gallerie of the Kings which ioined to his Lordships lodging, to the appointed place, which was the new built banquetting house formerly spo­ken of, by them termed the Grandsala: where was ap­pointed very conuenient roome for his Lordship and the rest of his Followers. The roome was garnished with three hundred and twenty lights of wax, al set in standerds of siluer, of diuers fashions, some great and some small. After two or three seuerall songs song by diuers voices in parts, placed seuerally in the same hall for that purpose; the maske appeared, and began as followeth:

First came thirty Musitions clad in long garments of red Taffaty garnished well to the shew, playing on seuerall instruments. After whom followed six Virgins dauncing: one bearing in her hand a Sunne, another a braunch of Oliue-tree: another an Ancor: another a Sword with two points: on either point a bunch of flowers.

Then followed a Charriot, made of an Antike fashion, being drawen by two liue horses, but excee­ding [Page 52] little. In the vpper part whereof sate the Infanta, with a scepter of gold in her hand: with the picture of a doue on the vpper end thereof; at her feet sate two other Virgins, who attended her. On either side went diuers Pages, bearing Torches of white wax.

At the vpper end of the Hall was appointed a very rich State all of Masons worke, ascending vp by degrees richly gilded, and garnished with diuers statues all gilt ouer; in which were planted three chaires: two great, and one lesser, and that between the other two. In which middle chaire the Infanta being taken out from her Charriot was placed. The two Virgins neere her, and the other six vpon the de­grees at the foot of the Estate. At the neather end of the said hall stood the Maskers in a Gallery contriued for the purpose, who vpon the drawing of a Curtyn, appeared as it were in clowds. The number of them were eight and twenty Knights and Ladies, beside torch bearers, wherof the King and Queen were two: the rest all Grandes and men of great Honour. The Ladies were all the Queens Maides. The said Galle­ry being built in manner of an arch, and fully set with looking glasses, with the light of the torches shone as if it had been garnished with infinite number of starres. The musicke playing, the Maskers descen­ded by foure and foure at a time in a stage made in fashion of a clowde, and so dauncing to the vpper end of the Hall, before they could returne backe o­ther foure appeared, and so ioined altogether, vntill the number were come forth and then daunced al­together [Page 53] in good forme and measure.

After diuers daunces and measures appointed of purpose for this shew; the King and Queen, and so likewise all the company, vnmasked themselues; the King and Queen taking their seats in the places and chaires before mentioned: before whom were diuers Galiards daunced by the seuerall Lords and Ladies vnmasked. The Earle of Perth and the Lord Wil­oughby were inuited and daunced likewise. The King and Queen diuers times salied out from their chaires of Estate and daunced openly. At last they began a Calling daunce, which was begun by the Duke of Lerma holding a torch lighted in his left hand. The maner was; euery man called forth 2 women, chusing one especiall, conducted the other to her place, and left the chosen to call out 2. men, who likewise deli­uering the torch to one especiall, conducted the other to his seat. Thus it passed to and fro amongst many of the great Lords and Ladies; at last the King was cal­led, and his L. likewise; but the torch being deliuered to the King, his L. was againe brought to his seat. The King called forth the Queen and another, and af­ter a few trauerses, when the time came he should haue chosen and deliuered vp his torch, he deliuered it to a Page standing by, and so the sports ended.

Friday, the seuenth of Iune, his L. was appointed to take leaue of the King, and so to set forward on his iourney for England; therefore taking notice of his L. desire of returne, ordered he should haue audience in the after noone. In the meane time his Highnesse sent by Don Pedro çuniga and some other, diuers [Page 54] chaines of gold to the number of 14. or thereabouts, to some of the Kings seruants & his L. chiefe officers: hauing likewise before sent by Don Pedro çuniga vnto the Lords and many other Knights and especial men of his L. company and traine seuerall Iewels and chaines, very rich. About foure of the clocke in the after noone, his Highnesse sent to his L. a very rich present of Iewels, both for himselfe and his Lady, which were presented to him by Don Blasco and brought by the masters & officers of the Iewel house, who were by him well gratified and rewarded.

Not long after, the Constable and others came to giue his L. knowledge of the conueniency of the time for our comming to the Court: whereupon his L. ac­companied with the Lords, Knights, & Gentlemen of his traine in seueral coches, went to the Court, where they were receaued by diuers Lords and Officers of the Court, at the Pallace gate, from whence the Kings guard made a passage euen to the kings Chamber. The King staied to receiue his L. in a gallery, which was long but narrow, with whom his L. had confe­rence in priuate by the space of three quarters of an houre: and fearing to giue offence by tediousnesse, made motion to his Highnesse, that the lords▪ and others of his company might likewise take their leaues. The king very well pleased therewith; the Lords, Knights & Gentlemen took their leaues, being generally well respected of his Maiesty. To conclude all, his L. tooke his leaue also, receauing many grati­ous and kind words from his Maiesty, as also a ring with a Diamond, said to be of the valew of 3000. [Page 55] pounds, which he put vpon his L. finger, and as he said in tokē of wedding him in true loue perpetually, commanding the Duke of Infantadgo, to conduct his L. and the rest to the Queen in like manner to take their leaue of her Maiesty.

Being brought to the Queen where she sate vnder a cloth of Estates with the Ladies & Maids of honor, about her: for that it was late his L. made no long stay, after a short time spent in complement tooke his leaue of her Highnesse: as also, so did all other the Lords and Knights of his traine: to whom the Queen most respectiuely bowing her selfe, with much fauor and grace, gaue them a kind Farewell.

His L. being now throughly furnished of all con­uenient meanes for his iourney, about 5. of the clocke the same day, being Saturday and the 8. day of Iune, set forward, being accompanied in his coch with the Constable & diuers other noblemen in other coches, accompanying his L. a mile or more out of the town, where they taking their leaues departed. That night we rode 6. leagues to a towne called Duenas. The next day being Sunday we rode 9. leagues to a town called Fromista, where for that Don Blasco and others were behind, his L. thought good to stay all Munday, least the weather being very hot, might too much trouble them in riding post, and that were to come after. That night Don Blasco, ouertooke his Lordship at Fromista.

Tuesday, the 11. of Iune, his L. dined at Osorno, and somwhat late after dinner rode to Herrera to bed, where he was lodged in a faire house of the Con­stable [Page 56] of Castilla. Within this house are placed diuers pillars with letters engrauen after the maner of the Romane inscription, & so they plainly appeare to be monuments of the Romanes, and left as reliques of their being in that country.

Wednesday, the 12. of Iune, his Lordship rode from thence 8. leagues and lodged at a towne called Aguilar de Campo: the Marquesse of Aguilar being Lord thereof.

Thursday, we rode forward 7. leagues to a towne called Rynoso: a towne seated in the middest of the mountaines.

On Friday, his L. rode to Villa Concha to dinner, being 3. leagues and very ill way; after dinner we rode 4. leagues further to a towne called Villa Ciuil, to bed; being the worst way and the worst place of intertainment we had in the whole country of Spaine, being indeed seated amongst moūtains which harbor many beares, wolues & other wild beasts, and where­with the country round about is much troubled.

Saturday, the 15. day of Iune, we came to S. An­dreas being distant from Villa Ciuil 7. leagues, where his L. was receaued by the Magistrates and officers a mile out of the towne. All the streets were strawed with rushes and hearbs, and decked with bowes, and at his entrance into the towne, they gaue him many great ordinance, with volly of small shot.

That night the Ambassador Leadger, Don Pedro de çuniga, who accompanied the King to Burgos, came also to S. Andreas, where during the time of his stay, his L. expressed his bounty by rewarding Don Blasco [Page 57] the Aposentador and all the Kings other Officers and seruants with great chaines of golde, faire iewels of good value, and large summes of money, to their ge­nerall contentment.

Sunday, Munday and Tuesday his Lo. rested at S. Anderas, aswell for that the horses sent by the King, his L. owne horses, & the Ambassador Leadgers hor­ses came not till Tuesday, as also for furnishing the ships with fresh water and victuals for his returne for England. And on Sunday in the afternoone his Lo. inuited the Aposentador Mayor, Don Blasco de Aragon, and others, aboord the ships, where he made them a very great banquet; and at their going off saluted them with many pieces of ordinance.

His L. hauing on Wednesday the 19 of Iune, with all expedition that conueniently might be, shipped the horses, and supplied the ships with all needfull prouisions, about three of the clocke in the afternoon came aboord his ship called The Beare, lying at road a long English mile from the Towne, bringing also with him Don Pedro de çuniga, who taried and sup­ped with his Lordship that night. After supper his Lordship commanded his Barge to conuey him to his appointed lodging, which was in the Repulse, where he entred, the Trumpets sounding, and being saluted with many shot of great Ordinance.

In the same road his L. ancored till Thursday; and vpon Thursday we put to sea: but for that the tide was spent, and the winde falling out contrary, after an houre or two sailing, we were driuen to cast ancor; resting that night till the next tide: at which time his [Page 58] Lo: hoisted saile and put to sea, and with scant winde sailed Friday and Saturday. On Sunday the weather fel out very foule and stormy, insomuch as the Wast­spight spent in that storme her maine mast, but esca­ped further danger. Munday, Tuesday and Wednes­day we sailed but with very vnconstant windes, being many times becalmed. On Thursday afternoone the land was descried, but very farre off. That day and night we sailed within sight of land: and vpon Friday about foure of the clocke in the afternoone we came to an ancor before Portsmouth, but somewhat farre into the sea. That night also came the Waste-spight, who made great meanes to come so soone, hauing spent her maine-mast, as is aforesayd. Some of our company made hard shift that night to go on shore, enduring the hardnesse of the weather, which fell out ill all that euening.

On Saturday morning early his Lordship went in his Barge to the Repulse, wherein Don Pedro was, and knowing that the sayd Don Pedro much desired to be on land, hauing indeed endured much sicknesse at sea; tooke him into his Barge, and so with the company of some other Boats and Pynnesses, came on shore at Portsmouth before eight of the clock in the morning, where they were receiued with many shot of great Ordinance from the Castles, Forts, and Walles of the Town. On the shore stood Sir Lewis Lewkus knight, accompanied with the Mayor and Officers of the Towne, ready to receiue the sayd Ambassadours, be­ing (as it should seeme) appointed so to doe by the King and Lords of the Counsell. That day euery one [Page 59] hastened to get off their luggage from the ships, pre­paring to goe forward likewise on their way toward London.

The next day, being Sunday, his Lordship rested there, went to the Church, and heard a sermon pub­lickly.

Munday his Lordship hauing aswell by meanes of the Kings officers and seruants, who were sent for the purpose thither, as by his owne care, prouided for all necessaries to supply him in his iourney towards Lon­don; about eleuen of the clocke set forward, riding in his Caroch, and taking the sayd Don Pedro along with him: and so came that night to Alton, where they lodged that night.

Tuesday the second of Iuly, his L. rode from Alton, and lodged that night at Guilford, hauing taken espe­ciall care, both that Don Pedro the Ambassador Leid­ger, whom his Lo. had brought along in company, should be respectiuely prouided for himselfe as was fitting, as also all other his followers most plentifully supplied for all necessaries in their trauell, and that freely without charge or expence to any of them.

Wednesday they rode forward towards Kingston, where the Conde de Villamediana and others stayd ex­pecting the comming of the sayd Ambassadour: and where also his Lordship had bountifully prouided for their entertainment in generall.

Thursday his L. hauing appointed the L. Howard of Effingham and some others of the better sort to ac­company the said Ambassadour and the Conde de Villa mediana to London: he himselfe with the rest of [Page 60] his company rod for Windsor castle, where as then the King lay for his pleasure of hunting, who there presenting themselues to his Maiesty, were of him most gratiously intertained and welcomed. At what time also his Lo. receaued further order from his Highnesse when he would be pleased to giue audi­ence to the said Ambassadour, and to admit him to his royal Presence, according to appointment, which was accordingly performed, at the Court at White hall, on Sunday the 14. day of the said moneth of Iuly following.

Now for that it doth not fully appeare by this for­mer relation of his Lo. trauell & iourney, how hono­rably and with what respect, he and his whole cōpa­ny were receaued & intertained: Ye shall vnderstand, that first, vpon our landing at the Groyne, the Gouer­nour of the country of Galicia, as is afore rehearsed; and as it should seeme, by direct order from his Ma­ster; vpon the former arriuall of certaine shippes, wherein were the horses and other presents sent from his Maiesty to the King of Spaine; had drawen toge­ther much people, and that of the better sort of the whole country, of purpose to make shew both of the strength of the country, as also to be the more ready to do seruice in supplying the English with all neces­saries; and for this purpose also, their greatest care was, that during our abode there, there might ap­peare no want of any thing. His Lo. as is aforesaid, was lodged in the Gouernors house, which of it selfe was very little, and not able to giue intertainment to so great a company. Therefore especiall care was ta­ken, [Page 61] that euery man might according to his estate, be lodged as conueniently and as sufficiently as the place would giue leaue. The towne being much decaied by reason of the late warres; nor as yet reedified si­thence the saccage thereof, by Sir Iohn Norrys and Sir Francis Drake. But we must acknowledge that for the greatest part euery man was lodged there without exception. The care for lodging was not so much as was their exceeding care they had for prouision of victualls and viands to serue the companie: that countrie of Galicia being indeed verie mountainous and vnfruitfull. And therefore, although his Lo. was very sufficiently prouided for at the Gouernours house, and that sithence the roome there, being little, could not by any meanes supplie all: order was ta­ken that in euery house, wherein any Englishman lodged, prouision of diet was made for him and his seruants at the Kings proper cost, wherein of necessity we must obserue both the great charge, as also the great care, that was taken to supply all necessaries in the best fashion: notwithstanding which, there was daily prouided so large a table as conueniently could be, for all such Knights and Gentlemen as would at their pleasure come to attend and keep his Lo. com­pany at meat. This interteinment beginning the first day of our arriuall at the Groyne, which was the 16. day of April: and continuing all the time of our being in the Groyne, which was till the third of May follow­ing, what time we set forward on our land iourney, being then likewise furnished of Mules both for ri­ding and cariage, all vpon the Kings charge.

The number of Mules sent to his Lo. for riding and cariage were 800. or there abouts, whereof 24. were great Assmuilas of the Kings prouision, and appoin­ted for his Lo. owne cariages: beside the mules for the Spaniards themselues and their necessaries, which were esteemed aboue 400. the Muletters to regard these Mules were numbred to be aboue 300.

The company of English were accounted 650. Be­sides these the king sent many of euery office in court, some with the Aposentador Mayor afore mentioned as diuers others Aposentadors or harbengers; Stewards, Vshers for the Chambers, Sewyers & officers for the Table, officers of the Ewery, Pantry, Seller, Chaun­dry, 40. of the Spanish guard to serue the Table, cooke pastelers, and such like. Euery of these being particularly furnished with such necessaries as belon­ged to his office, as we might well perceaue, for that through the whole iourney, they were faine to carie by mules from place to place all the said necessaries for their seruice, as plate, linnen, bedding, hangings, chaires, tables, formes, pastry boards, kitchin furni­ture, racks, spits, pannes, and such like: as also, most of their prouision of meale, wine, oile, vineger, herbs, fruit, sweete-meates, and such other. Wherein the saide officers, did so carefully and wisely behaue themselues, that it appeared there wanted no will in them either in care or paines, to giue content­ment to the whole company of the English. This charge of the kings endured, vntill the returne of his Lordship to the shippes at S. Andreas: with very little difference either of meats or seruice at any time. [Page 63] Whither, for that the way from the Groyne was by experience found to be both long and ill, his Lo. had formerly directed the shippes to go, there to a­bide and stay his returne, being indeed not aboue halfe the way from Vallodelid, in comparison of his iourney from the Groyne. Both in our going and re­turne we might well obserue, how ioifull our com­ming seemed to the common people, both by their manner of behauiour, which was curteous, as also by their speeches, which were most kind: who for that they found by experience the ill reports made hereto­fore of our nation altogether vntrue, admiring our ciuility and good behauiours; being cleane contrary to that which had been formerly preached vnto them by their Churchmen and Friers; we receaued that kind congratulation and vsage, that was possible for them to giue and vs as strangers and trauailers to re­ceaue. Insomuch, as well we obserued as we passed, the countrey had taken exceeding care to make the waies both easie and pleasing for vs to passe, digging downe hils in many places, and mending the waies with timber, stones and earth; no doubt to their great paines and charge.

By which it most plainly appeared, with what ioy and comfort they receaued the peace generally, ma­nifesting the same aswel by their deeds as words. And no doubt performed much more thankfulnesse to their King for procuring it, than they would make shew of ioy to vs for obtaining it.

And yet what words might expresse, that might we daily heare, for we might obserue, how they prea­ched [Page 42] the same in pulpits and spake of the same euen in their open plaies and Interludes, making, as they said, many feasts and ioies for the blessed peace.

The bounty of the King in gifts aswell to his Lo. as to diuers other of his followers, together with the great charge his Highnesse was at during our aboad there, gaue vs not so good contentment in generall, as did the good esteeme and behauiour we found in all from the highest to the meanest, vpon euery oc­casion ministred to them to shew the same: either in particular or in generall. His Lo. receauing all very thankfully, and not without a reciprocall shew of his bounty and good will againe, being indeed of his purse not sparing, and (with pardon be it spoken) as liberall in his degree as was necessary: whose cariage and behauiour during the whole iourney being such, and vpon good intelligence, sufficiently knowen to his Maiesty, who imploied him, and by him is both gratiously allowed and accepted; he himselfe hath cause sufficient of gladnesse, and no other cause of ex­ception in any sort. So concluding with the blessing of our Sauiour, Beati pacifici, let vs pray to Almighty God to make his Maiesty as carelesse of warre, as hee from time to time in his great iudgement shall finde peace to be necessary; his people and subiects euer obedient to all his designes and appoint­ments either in warre or peace, and his Maiesty himselfe blest with long life, health and ability to vndergoe either, as it shall seeme best to the diuine Maiesty. Amen.