But the ships, small though they were, were in good condition.

They could sail, whether in pursuit or in flight, for the men who navigated them were thorough sailors.
The success of the defence was due to tact, courage, and seamanship.
At the first contact of the fleets, the Spanish towering galleons wished to close, to grapple with their contemptuous enemies, and crush them to death.

"Come on!" said Medina Sidonia.

Lord Howard came on with the Ark and three other ships, and fired with immense rapidity into the great floating castles.

The Sam Mateo luffed, and wanted them to board.