A really fascinating discussion. I've learned a lot. Thanks to everyone. I do have a few questions: Where is the evidence that the time of the event was during the period of Hank VIII or Betty I? My version says nothing about the time period other than it refers to "the Spanish enemy." (The same goes for any assumptions about how "big" that ship was?) Does the phrase "lowland sea" refer to the coast of Holland, or ?? Finally, Les from Hull makes a reference to "...the lovely Captain's daughter." How do you know the captain was so lovely? :-)

As I say, I've learned a lot, but as for the original question, I'm still satisfied with Rick's original reply (thanks, though, to Heather for suggesting a referral to the Mudcat or we'd have missed a fascinating discussion).

Reiver 2