Otherwise it was to be feared that the opportunity might be for ever lost.

Parma, crushing all opposition, might suddenly appear at any moment upon the channel; and the whole Spanish Armada, placing itself between him and his enemies, would engage the English and Dutch fleets, and cover his passage to Dover.

It would then be too late to think of the burning ships.
On the other hand, upon the decks of the Armada, there was an impatience that night which increased every hour.

The governor of Calais; M.de Gourdon, had sent his nephew on board the flag-ship of Medina Sidonia, with courteous salutations, professions of friendship, and bountiful refreshments.

There was no fear--now that Mucio was for the time in the ascendency--that the schemes of Philip would be interfered with by France.