Page:Voyages and adventures of the renowned Admiral Drake.pdf/17

17 That it was not only a direct breach of late treaties with Spain, but also of our old leagues with the House of Burgundy; and that the consequences would be much more fatal than the benefits reaped from it would be advantageous. However, on the 4th of April, 1581, Queen Elizabeth going to Deptford, went on board Capt. Drake’s ship, where she dined, and afterwards conferred on him the honour of Knighthood, declaring her absolute approbation of all that he had done, to the confusion of his enemies, and joy of his friends. Her Majesty also gave directions for the preservation of his ship, that she might remain a monument of his own and his country’s glory. This famous ship, which was contemplated for many years at Deptford, at length falling into decay, was broken up, and a chair made of some of her planks, was presented to the University of Oxford: Upon which the celebrated Abraham Cowley wrote the following verses.

In the year 1585, Sir, who was now made Admiral, was sent on an