368 REIGN OF ELIZABETH. [CH. 60. tliink that she needed his friendship ; the King of Spain was on cordial terms with her ; and whether he was foe or friend, she could defend her own shores ; if the ships were not released, she would make open war upon the States. 1 They were surrendered instantly, with an apology to Winter, but the Queen was not satisfied. She said she had been insulted. Her honour was compromised. She thought of seizing Flushing, to hold as a pawn, in the coming settlement with Spain. It was at this time, and probably under the weight of this last blow, that the Prince meditated embarking with as many of the inhabitants of the States as their ships would carry, and migrating to a new hon 1 3 beyond the Atlantic. ' He was greatly amazed when he under- stood assuredly that her Majesty would be avenged of him by way of arms. Although necessity might have induced him to forget some part of his duty towards her Majesty, yet his state and condition was rather to be pitied and tendered with compassion, than persecuted with hatred, especially on a Christian Prince's part.' 2 Never however was Prince, either Christian or heathen, less open than Elizabeth to sentimental considerations. She was meditating: a complete reversal of August. policy, which if begun could hardly stop short of reunion with Rome. Warnings were not wanting, but the tone in which they were made showed how real the danger. 'Her Majesty/ wrote some one, who 1 Flanders MSS. May and June, 1576. M. de G. to Walsingham, August 30: MSS. Flanfars.
