He was perhaps rather imprudent in the defiance he flung to the enemy.

"Let me have the four great ships and twenty hoys, with but twenty men a-piece, and each with but two iron pieces, and her Majesty shall have a good account of the Spanish forces; and I will make the King wish his galleys home again.

Few as we are, if his forces be not hundreds, we will make good sport with them." But those four great ships of her Majesty, so much longed for by Howard, were not forthcoming.

He complained that the Queen was "keeping them to protect Chatham Church withal, when they should be serving their turn abroad." The Spanish fleet was already reported as numbering from 210 sail, with 36,000 men,' to 400 or 500 ships, and 80,000 soldiers and mariners; and yet Drake was not ready with his squadron.

"The fault is not in him," said Howard, "but I pray God her Majesty do not repent her slack dealing.