155.] [Footnote 32: NOTE FF, p.274.This year, the nation suffered a great loss, by the death of Sir Francis Walsingham, secretary of state; a man equally celebrated for his abilities and his integrity.

He had passed through many employments, had been very frugal in his expense, yet died so poor, that his family was obliged to give him a private burial.

He left only one daughter, first married to Sir Philip Sidney, then to the earl of Essex, favorite of Queen Elizabeth, and lastly to the earl of Clanriearde of Ireland.

The same year died Thomas Randolph, who had been employed by the queen in several embassies to Scotland; as did also the earl of Warwick, elder brother to Leicester.] [Footnote 33: NOTE GO, p.276.This action of Sir Richard Greenville is so singular as to merit a more particular relation.

He was engaged alone with the whole Spanish fleet of fifty-three sail, which had ten thousand men on board; and from the time the fight began, which was about three in the afternoon, to the break of day next morning, he repulsed the enemy fifteen times, though they continually shifted their vessels, and hoarded with fresh men.