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Part 1.
Philip Second in his Cabinet--His System of Work and Deception--His vast but vague Schemes of Conquest--The Armada sails--Description of the Fleet--The Junction with Parma unprovided for--The Gale off Finisterre--Exploits of David Gwynn--First Engagements in the English Channel--Considerable Losses of the Spaniards--General Engagement near Portland--Superior Seamanship of the English It is now time to look in upon the elderly letter-writer in the Escorial, and see how he was playing his part in the drama.
His counsellors were very few.

His chief advisers were rather like private secretaries than cabinet ministers; for Philip had been withdrawing more and more into seclusion and mystery as the webwork of his schemes multiplied and widened.

He liked to do his work, assisted by a very few confidential servants.

The Prince of Eboli, the famous Ruy Gomez, was dead.