He had also appeared to understand the necessity of covering the passage of Farnese from the Flemish ports into the Thames, by means of the great Spanish fleet from Lisbon.
Nevertheless he never seemed to be aware that Farnese could not invade England quite by himself, and was perpetually expecting to hear that he had done so.
"Holland and Zeeland," wrote Alexander to Philip, "have been arming with their accustomed promptness; England has made great preparations.

I have done my best to make the impossible possible; but your letter told me to wait for Santa Cruz, and to expect him very shortly.

If, on the contrary, you had told me to make the passage without him, I would have made the attempt, although we had every one of us perished.

Four ships of war could sink every one of my boats.

Nevertheless I beg to be informed of your Majesty's final order.