for powder, match, and shot, would supply the cost of this provision in very ample manner. Of captains to serve in his majesty's ships. At all such times as his majesty's ships are employed in service, it were very convenient that such gentlemen as are his majesty's own sworn servants should be preferred to the charge of his majesty's ships, choice being made of men of valour and capacity, rather than to employ other men's men; and that other of his majesty's servants should be dispersed privately in those services to gain experience, and to make themselves able to take charge. By the which means his majesty should ever have gentlemen of good account his own servants, captains of his own ships, instead of petty companions and other men's servants, who are often employed, being, indeed, a great indignity to his majesty, to his shipping, and to his own gentlemen. For that in times past, it hath been reputed a great grace to any man of the best sort to have the charge of the prince's ship committed unto him; and by this means there would ever be true report made unto the prince what proceedings are used in the service, which these meaner sort of captains dare not do, for fear of displeasing the lords their masters by whom they are preferred, or being of an inferior quality have no good access to the presence of the prince, whereby to have fit opportunity to make relation accordingly. But now, forasmuch as I doubt not but that some contrary spirits may, or will, object this as a sufficient reason to infirm all those points that I have formerly spoken of, and say unto me, why should his majesty and the state be troubled with this needless charge of keeping and maintaining so great a navy in such exquisite perfection and readiness, the times being now peaceable, and little use of arms or ships of war, either at home or abroad, but all safe and secure, as well by the uniting of the two nations, as by the peace which we hold with Spain, and all other Christian princes? To this I answer, that this, indeed, may stand (at the first sight) for a pretty superficial argument to blear our eyes, and lull us asleep in security, and make us negligent and careless of those causes from whence the effects of peace grow, and by the virtue whereof it must be maintained. But we must not flatter and deceive ourselves, to think that this calm and concord proceeds either from a settled immutable tranquillity in the world, (which is full of alterations and various humours,) or from the good affections of our late enemies, who have tasted too many disgraces, repulses, and losses, by our forces and shipping, to wish our state so much felicity as a happy and peaceable government, if otherwise they had power to hinder it and therefore though the sword be put into the sheath, we must not suffer it there to rust, or stick so fast, as that we shall not be able to draw it readily, when need requires. For albeit our enemies have of late years sought peace with us, yet hath it proceeded out of the former trial of our forces in times of war and enmity; and therefore we may well say of them, as Annæus, prætor of the Latins, said of the Roman ambassadors, who seemed curious and careful to have the league maintained between them, (which the Roman estate was not accustomed to seek at their neighbours' hands;) and thereupon saith this Annæus, Unde hæc illis tanta modestia, nisi ex cognitione virum et nostrarum et suarum? for with the like consideration and respect have our late enemies sought to renew the ancient friendship and peace with us. And well we may be assured, that if those powerful means, whereby we reduced them to that modesty and courtesy as to seek us, were utterly laid aside and neglected, so as we could not again, upon occasion, readily assume the use and benefit of them as we have done; those proud mastering spirits, finding us at such advantage, would be more ready and willing to shake us by the ears as enemies, than to take us by the hands as friends: and therefore far be it from our hearts to trust more to that friendship of strangers, that is but dissembled upon policy and necessity, than to the strength of our own forces, which hath been experienced with so happy success. I confess, that peace is a great blessing of God, and blessed are the peacemakers; and therefore, doubtless, blessed are those means whereby peace is gained and maintained. For well we know, that God worketh all things here amongst us mediately by a secondary means, the which means of our defence and safety being shipping and sea-forces are to be esteemed as his gifts, and then only available and beneficial when he withal vouchsafeth his grace to use them aright. OBSERVATIONS TOUCHING TRADE AND COMMERCE WITH THE HOL- PRESENTED TO KING JAMES. WHEREIN IS PROVED THAT OUR SEA AND LAND COM- |