2 Kings 19:28

Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.

Ver. 28. Because thy rage against me and thy tumult.] Such as was also that of the proud Spaniard in 1588, when, as learned Beza sang,

“ Straverat innumeris Iberus classibus aequor, &c. ”

The seas were turreted with such a navy of ships, as her swelling waves could hardly be seen for their multitude, or heard for their tumult: the flags, streamers, and ensigns were so spread in the wind, that they seemed to darken even the sun, &c. These were all soon sunk and sent packing; which made the Zetlanders stamp a new coin, having on the one side the arms of their country with this inscription, Glory be to God alone; and on the other side the Spanish fleet with this motto, Venit, Vidit, Fugit, It came, it saw, it fled. The Hollanders also stamped new moneys with the Spanish fleet, having this word, Impius fugit nemine sequente, The wicked fleeth when no man pursueth him. Of the English there were not a hundred lacking, and but one small ship lost. Their impress was, the navy confounded, and in honour of the queen inscribed, Dux femina facti. a

Is come up into mine ears.] So were the Spanish brags of an invincible armada, and their confident triumph before the victory, vainly and falsely printed by Don Bernardin Mendoza, the Spanish ambassador in France in that time. b

Therefore I will put my hook into thy nose, &c.] I will tame thee, and take thee a link lower, as they say, leading thee by the nose to the slaughter house, as they do the wild ox and other fierce creatures.

And my bridle in thy lips.] As men deal by sturdy steeds.

And I will turn thee back by the way, &c.] So in 1588 God did not those Spaniards the honour to return the same way; who, coming by southeast, a way they knew, went back by south-west, a way they sought; chased by our ships past the fifth degree of northern latitude, then and there to be pursued after by hunger and cold; and to fall into the hands of the wild Irish, and others more savage and barbarous than they.

a Speed. Carleton.

b Camden's Elisab.