"Now, fair sirs, let each to his post! I
am warden here on the forecastle. Do you, John, take charge of
the afterguard. Walter, James, William, Fitzallan, Goldesborough,
Reginald--you will stay with me! John, you may pick whom you
will and the others will bide with the archers. Now bear straight
at the center, master-shipman. Ere yonder sun sets we will bring
a red ship back as a gift to our ladies, or never look upon a
lady's face again."
The art of sailing into a wind had not yet been invented, nor was
there any fore-and-aft canvas, save for small headsails with which
a vessel could be turned. Hence the English fleet had to take a
long slant down channel to meet their enemies; but as the
Spaniards coming before the wind were equally anxious to engage
there was the less delay. With stately pomp and dignity, the two
great fleets approached.
It chanced that one fine carack had outstripped its consorts and
came sweeping along, all red and gold, with a fringe of twinkling
steel, a good half-mile before the fleet. Edward looked at her
with a kindling eye, for indeed she was a noble sight with the
blue water creaming under her gilded prow.
"This is a most worthy and debonair vessel, Master Bunce," said he
to the shipman beside him. "I would fain have a tilt with her. I
pray you to hold us straight that we may bear her down."
"If I hold her straight, then one or other must sink, and it may
be both," the seaman answered.
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