We might be appalled by learning that ships from widely remote parts, and troops from widely remote garrisons, had assembled at a single point within sight of our coast.

To trust to our fleet was to trust to the winds and the waves.

The breeze which was favourable to the invader might prevent our men of war from standing out to sea.

Only nine years ago this had actually happened.

The Protestant wind, before which the Dutch armament had run full sail down the Channel, had driven King James's navy back into the Thames.