So vast an empire had not yet been heard of, or imagined possible, in the history of the world.

No wonder that its shimmer dazzled the eyes not only of contemporaries, but of posterity.
According to Macaulay, {433} Philip's power was equal to that of Napoleon, and its ruin is the most instructive lesson in history of how not to govern.
How hollow was this semblance of might was demonstrated by the first stalwart peoples that dared to test it, first by the Dutch and then by England.

The story of the Armada has already been told.

Its preparation marked the height of Philip's effort and the height of his incompetence.

Its annihilation was a cruel blow to his pride.