If the Spanish fleet come to the narrow seas the Prince of Parma will play another part than is looked for." As the Armada approached Calais, Leicester was informed that the soldiers at Dover began to leave the coast.

It seemed that they were dissatisfied with the penuriousness of the government.

"Our soldiers do break away at Dover, or are not pleased.

I assure you, without wages, the people will not tarry, and contributions go hard with them.

Surely I find that her Majesty must needs deal liberally, and be at charges to entertain her subjects that have chargeably, and liberally used, themselves to serve her." The lieutenant-general even thought it might be necessary for him to proceed to Dover in person, in order to remonstrate with these discontented troops; for it was possible that those ill-paid, undisciplined, and very meagre forces, would find much difficulty in opposing Alexander's march, to London, if he should once succeed in landing.