ABSTRACT
… Although it has been said more than once that the preparations made by the King of Portugal, though ostensibly against Africa were in truth designed against the Queen of England, little credence is given thereto, since it is well known how many fleets have without combat been undone by the exceeding great natural strength of that island, aided by the rapid fall of the tides: nevertheless there is now a resurgence of the rumour that the preparations are to this end, and that the confederates are the Pope, the Catholic King [Philip II], the King of Portugal and the Grand Duke of Tuscany. 2 … 12 July 1578.
