Next, if we look into _Flanders_, we shall find, [115]that on the 29th of _July_, the Duke of _Parma_ having paid his Addresses to our Lady of _Halle_, came to _Dunkirk_, tho’ something of the latest; for which Reason the _Spaniards_ received him in a very reproachful manner; as if, out of some By-Regards to Queen _Elizabeth_, he had designedly slipt so fair an Opportunity of doing Wonders for the Service of his Country. The Duke, to appease this Storm, punish’d those who had the Charge of Victualling his Fleet; but, however, he did not attempt to put to Sea, being still block’d up by the Lord _Henry Seymour_’s and Sir _William Winter_’s Squadron, which were returned from the Chace. In the mean time, he could not but secretly laugh at the saucy and insolent Brags of the _Spaniards_, whom he had heard talking at this vain rate, “That where ever they turn’d their Sails, a most certain Victory waited upon their Course, and that the _English_ would not have Courage enough to look them in the Face.” * * * * * To return now to the two Fleets. We left the _Spaniards_ sailing Northward, and the _English_ in Pursuit of them: [116]When the latter were come to fifty five Degrees thirteen Minutes North Latitude, and thirty Leagues East of _Newcastle_, the Lord High Admiral determined to attack the _Spanish_ Fleet again on the _Friday_ following, _August 2_, but he thought fit to alter his Resolution, chiefly upon these two Accounts: Because he plainly perceived by the Enemies Course, that they had no other Intention but to save themselves, by sailing North, round the _British_ Islands; and, because several of his Ships wanted Victuals and other Necessaries; which was not so much owing to any Neglect, as to the Victuallers not knowing where to send to the Fleet; for the Queen had most amply and carefully provided whatever was convenient and necessary. It was therefore concluded, to leave the _Spanish_ Fleet to pursue their Course, and to sail for the Firth of _Forth_; both to get Refreshment, and to perform some other Business which the Lord Admiral thought necessary to be done; but the Wind coming contrary, that is Westerly, the next Day his Lordship altered his Course, and sending only some Advice-Boats to observe the Enemies farther Motion, he returned with the whole Fleet back to _England_, where they arrived, some at _Yarmouth_, some at _Harwich_, and others at the _Downs_, about the 7th of _August_.