This force of transports he pronounced sufficient, when properly protected by the Spanish Armada, to carry himself and his troops across the channel.

If, therefore, the matter did not become publicly known, and if the weather proved favourable, it was probable that his Majesty's desire would soon be fulfilled according to the plan proposed.

The companies of light horse and of arquebusmen, with which he meant to make his entrance into London, had been clothed, armed, and mounted, he said, in a manner delightful to contemplate, and those soldiers at least might be trusted--if they could only effect their passage--to do good service, and make matters quite secure.
But craftily as the King and Duke had been dealing, it had been found impossible to keep such vast preparations entirely secret.

Walsingham was in full possession of their plans down to the most minute details.

The misfortune was that he was unable to persuade his sovereign, Lord Burghley, and others of the peace-party, as to the accuracy of his information.