"Popular feeling took up the cry, from one end of France to the other, 'The navy must be restored.' Gifts of cities, corporations, and private individuals raised funds.

A prodigious activity sprang up in the lately silent ports; everywhere ships were building and repairing." The minister also recognized the need of restoring the discipline and tone, as well as the material of the navy.

The hour, however, was too late; the middle of a great and unsuccessful war is no time to begin preparations.

"Better late than never" is not so safe a proverb as "In time of peace prepare for war." The condition of Spain was better.
When war broke out, the English naval historian estimates that she had one hundred ships of all sizes; of these, probably sixty were of the line.

Nevertheless, although the addition of Spain to her numerous enemies might make the position of England seem critical, the combination in her favor of numbers, skill, experience, and prestige, was irresistible.