He pointed out to the captain the hopelessness of attempting to overtake the Armada.

They should go down, he said, as the Diana had already done, and as the Princess was like at any moment to do, unless they took in every rag of sail, and did their best with their oars to gain the nearest port.

But in order that the rowers might exert themselves to the utmost, it was necessary that the soldiers, who were a useless incumbrance on deck, should go below.

Thus only could the ship be properly handled.

The captain, anxious to save his ship and his life, consented.