[The providence of the Dutch.]
The fleete of Flemings which had beene in our company before, came
towring into the road, which certainly was a thing worth the noting, to
behold the good order the masters observed in guard of their fleete.
The admirall headmost, and the rest of the men of warre, spread alongst
to wind-ward, all saving the vice-admirall and her consort, which were
lee-most and stern-most of all; and except the admirall, which was the
first, that came to an anchor, none of the other men of warre anchored,
before all the fleete was in safetie; and then they placed themselves
round about the fleete; the vice-admirall seamost and leemost; which we
have taught unto most nations, and they observe it now a dayes better
then [The English authors of sea discipline.] we, to our
shame, that being the authors and reformers of the best discipline and
lawes in sea causes, are become those which doe now worst execute them.
And I cannot gather whence this contempt hath growne, [By them
againe neglected.] except of the neglect of discipline, or rather in
giving commands for favour to those, which want experience of what is
committed to their charge: or that there hath beene little curiositie in
our countrey in writing of the discipline of the sea; which is not lesse
necessary for us, then that of the law; and I am of opinion, that the
want of experience is much more tollerable in a generall by land, then
in a governour by sea: for in the field, the lieutenant generall, the
sergeant major, and the coronels supply what is wanting in the generall,
for that they all command, and ever there is place for counsell, which
in the sea by many accidents is denied; and the head is he that manageth
all, in whom alone if there be defect, all is badly governed, for, by
ignorance how can errors be judged or reformed? And therefore I wish all
to take upon them that which they understand, and refuse the contrary.
[The modesty of Sir Henry Palmer.]
As Sir Henry Palmer, a wise and valiant gentleman, a great commander,
and of much experience in sea causes, being appoynted by the queens
majesties counsell, to goe for generall of a fleete for the coast of
Spaine, anno 1583, submitting himselfe to their lordships pleasure,
excused the charge, saying, that his trayning up had beene in the narrow
seas; and that of the other he had little experience: and therefore was
in dutie bound to intreate their honours to make choice of some other
person, that was better acquainted and experimented in those seas; that
her majestie and their lordships might be the better served. His
modestie and discretion is doubtlesse to be had in remembrance and great
estimation; for the ambition of many which covet the command of fleetes,
and places of government (not knowing their compasse, nor how, nor what
to command) doe purchase to themselves shame; and losse to those that
employ them: being required in a [Parts required in a commander at sea.]
commander at sea, a sharpe wit, a good understanding, experience in
shipping, practise in management of sea business, knowledge in
navigation, and in command. I hold it much better to deserve it, and not
to have it, then to have it not deserving it.