At the length, amongst many other reproaches and spiteful names; one of the Spaniards called Englishmen, Gallinas (hens). At which the great Lords fell a laughing. Hereupon one of the Dukes, pointing to the Spanish soldiers; bade me note how their King kept them–and indeed they were all wondrously brave in apparel; hats, bands, cuffs, garters, &c. : and some of them in chains of gold–and asked further, ” If I thought these would prove such hens as our English; when next year they should come into England?” I said, “No.” But being somewhat emboldened by his merry countenance, I told him as merrily, “I thought they would be within one degree of hens.” “What meanest thou by that?” said a Conde. I replied, “They would prove pullets or chickens.” “Darest thou then,” quoth the Duke of Medina, with a brow half angry, “fight with one of these Spanish pullets?”

“0 my Lord!” said I, “I am a prisoner and my life at stake; and therefore dare not to be so bold as to adventure upon any such action. There were here of us English, some fourteen thousand; in which number, there were above twelve thousand better and stouter men than ever I shall be: yet with the license of this princely assembly, I dare hazard the breaking of a rapier.” And withal told him, “He is unworthy of the name of an Englishman, that should refuse to fight with one man of any nation whatsoever.” Hereupon my shackles were knocked off; and my iron ring and chain taken from my neck.

Room was made for the combatants; rapier and dagger were the weapons. A Spanish champion presented himself, named Signior TIAGO: when, after we had played some reasonable good time, I disarmed him, as thus. I caught his rapier betwixt the bars of my poniard and there held it, till I closed with him; and tripping up his heels, I took his weapons out of his hands and delivered them to the Dukes.

I could wish that all you, my dear Countrymen! who read this relation had either been there, without danger, to have beheld us: or that he with whom I fought were here in prison, to justify the issue of that combat.

I was then demanded, “If I durst fight against another?” I told them, “My heart was good to adventure; but humbly requested them to give me pardon, if I refused.”

For to myself too well knew that the Spaniard is haughty, impatient of the least affront; and when he receives but a touch of any dishonour, disgrace or blemish (especially in his own country, and from an Englishman) his revenge is implacable, mortal and bloody.

Yet being by the nobleman pressed again and again, to try my fortune with another; I (seeing my life in the lion’s paw, to struggle with whom for safety there was no way but one, and being afraid to displease them) said “that if their Graces and Greatnesses would give me leave to play at mine own country weapon called the quarterstaff; I was then ready there, an opposite against any comer, whom they would call forth: and would willingly lay down my life before those Princes to do them service; provided my life might by no foul means, be taken from me.”

Hereupon, the head of an halbert, which went with a screw, was taken off, and the steel [handle] delivered to me; the other butt end of the staff having a short iron pike in it. This was my armour: and in my place I stood, expecting an opponent.

At the last, a handsome and well-spirited Spaniard steps forth, with his rapier and poniard. They asked me “What I said to him? “I told them, ” I had a sure friend in my hand that never failed me, and therefore made little account of that one to play with: and should show them no sport.”

Then a second, armed as before, presents himself. I demanded, “If there would come no more?” The Dukes asked, “How many I desired?” I told them, “Any number under six.” Which resolution of mine, they smiling at in a kind of scorn; held it not manly, it seemed, not fit for their own honours, and the glory of their nation, to worry one man with a multitude: and therefore appointed three only, so weaponed, to enter into the lists.

Now, Gentlemen! if here you condemn me for plucking, with mine own hands, such an assured danger upon mine own head; accept of these reasons for excuse.

To die, I thought it most certain; but to die basely, I would not. For three to kill one had been to me no dishonour; to them, weapons considered, no glory. An honourable subjection, I esteemed better than an ignoble conquest. Upon these thoughts I fell to it.

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