Chapter XIII: Part 13

Moneth D H Course. L Eleva- The winde. THE DISCOVRSE
a o e tion
y u a of the
e r g pole.
s. e u D M
s. e e i
s. g. n.
May
19 w.s.w. 50 30 n.e.
Westerly.
This day we departed from Dartmouth at two of the clocke at night.
20
21 35 w.s.w. 50 50 n.e.
Westerly.
This day we descried Silly N. W. by W. from vs.
22 15 w.n.w. 14 n.e. by e.
This day at noone we departed from Silly.
22 6 w.n.w. 6 n.e. by e.
22 3 w.n.w. 2
23 15 n.w. by w. 18 n.e.
23 39 w.n.w. 36 50 40
The true course, distance and latitude.
3 w.n.w. 2 n.n.e.
6 n.w. by w. 5 n.e. by n.
3 w.n.w. 3 n.n.e.
12 w.n.w. 12 n.e.
Noone the 24 24 w.n.w. 25 51 16.
Northerly.
The true course, distance and latitude.
3 w.n.w. 3 n.n.e.
3 w.n.w. 2-1/2 n. by e.
6 w. by n. 5 n.
6 w. by n. 5 n.
2 s. 1/2 n.
Now we lay vpon the lee for the Sunshine, which had taken a leake of 500
strokes a watch.
Noone the 25 24 w. by n. 20 51 30
The true course, distance and latitude.
Noone the 25 3 w. 3 n.n.w.
3 w.s.w. 2 n.w.
1 s.w. 1 w.n.w.
2 w.n.w. 1-1/2 n.
3 w.n.w. 1-1/2 n.
3 Calme
4 w.n.w. 4 s.s.e.
5 w. 6 s.s.e.
Noone the 26 24 w by n. 23 51 40
The true course, distance, &c.
Westerly.
11 w. 16 s.s.e.
6 w.n.w. 2 s.s.e.
We lay at hull with winde, raine, and fog.
7 w. 5 s.e.
Noone the 27 24 w. northerly 23
The common course supposed.
Noone the 28 24 w. 20 52 13 e.s.e.
We towed the pinnesse 18 houres of this day.
Noone the 28 28 w. by n. 43 52 13
Northerly.
The true course, distance, &c.
Noone the 29 24 n.w. 30 s. by e.
6 n.w. 10 s.
3 n. by w. 2 w. by n.
3 w. by w. 3 w. by s.
12 n. w. 12 s.s.w
Noone the 30 48 n.w. by n. 65 54 50
The true course, &c.
9 n.w. 12 s.w.
9 n.w. by w. 12 s.s.w.
3 w.n.w. 3 n.n.e.
Noone the 30 3 w. by n. 4 n.
30 24 w. n. w. 27 55 30
Northerly.
The true course, &c.
Iune 1 12 w. 10 n.n.w.
9 n.w. 8 e.n.e.
3 n.w. 2-1/2 e.n.e.
1 24 w.n.w. 17 55 45
Westerly.
The true course, &c.
12 n.w. 16 e.s.e.
6 n.w. 7 s.
6 n.w. 8 s.s.w.
Noone the 2 24 n.w. 32 56 55
Northerly
The true course, &c.
Noone the 5 72 w. by s. 45 56 20
Southerly
The true course &c., drawen from diurs trauerses.
Noone the 6 24 s.w. 16 w.n.w.
7 s.w. by w. 6 w. by n.
5 Calme.
3 w.n.w. 1 s.
Noone the 7 9 w.n.w. 12 s.
12 w.n.w 20 s.
3 w.n.w. 4 s.
Noone the 8 9 w.n.w. 7 s.
12 w.n.w. 5 s.
Noone the 9 12 w.n.w. 13 s.e.
Noone the 9 12 w.n.w 86 57 30
Northerly
The true course, distance, and latitude for 96 houres.
Noone the 9 3 w.n.w. 4 s.e.
3 w.n.w. 2 s.e.
6 w.n.w. 1 Calme
Noone the 10 12 w.n.w. 16-1/2 e.
7 w.n.w. 12 e.
2 n.w. 2 e.
Noone the 11 15 n.w. 18 e.n.e.
12 n.w. 12 e.n.e.
12 n.w. 13 e. by s.
Noone the 12 72 n.w. by w. 78 59 50
Northerly
The true course, &c. for 72 houres.
Noone the 13 24 n.n.w. 26 60 58 e. by n.
Westerly
Noone the 14 24 n.n.w. 32 62 30 n.e.
9 w.n.w. 7 n.
3 n.w. 2 n.n.e.
3 n.w. by n. 2 n.e. by n.
This day in the morning at fiue of the clocke we discouered land being
distant from vs at the neerest place sixteene leagues, This land in
generall lay Northwest and to the Westwards, being very mountainous. The
winde was this day variable, and the aire sometime foggie, and sometime
cleere. The foresayd land bare from vs (so neere as we could iudge)
North, Northwest, and Southeast.
15 9 n.n.w. 8 n.e.
Noone the 15 24 n.w.
Northerly 22 63 20
The true course, &c.
Noone the 16 24 n.n.e. 14 64
Easterly
The true course, &c. This 16 of Iune at 5 of the clocke in the
afternoone, being in the latitude of 64 degrees, through Gods helpe we
came to an anker among many low islands which lay before the high land.
Noone the 17
This 17 of Iune we set vp our pinnesse.
20
The 20 she was spoiled by Sauages. At midnight the 21 of Iune wee
departed from this coast, our two barks for their fishing voyage, and
myself in the pinnesse for the discouery. From midnight the 21 we shaped
our course as followeth.

At mid-
night the 21 8 w.n.w 7 s.e.
Noone the 22 4 n.w. 6 s.e.
13 n.w. 18 s.e.
11 n. 13 s.e.
At this time we saw great store of whales.
Noone the 23 36 n.w. by n. 42 65 40
The true course, &c.
Noone the 24 24 n. by e. 41 67 40 s.s.e.
northerly
2
The true course &c. Here the weather was very hot. This 24 of Iune at 6
of the clocke at night we met two sauages at sea in their small canoas,
vnto whom we gaue bracelets, and nailes, for skins and birds. At 9 of the
clocke they departed from vs.
Noone the 26 48 n. s.
3 n.w. 2 s.w.
The next day at 7 of the clocke in the morning, there came vnto vs 30
sauages 20 leagues off the shore, intreating vs to goe to the shore. We
had of them fish, birds, skinnes, darts, and their coats from their
backs, for bracelets, nailes, kniues, &c. They remained with vs foure
houres, and departed.
7 n.n.e. 10 s.
6 n. 8 s.w.
8 w.n.w. 5 s.e.
Noone the 27 72 n.
westerly 52 70 4
The true course for, &c. 72 houres.
Noone the 29 72 n. 43 72 12
30
The true course, &c. Since the 21 of this moneth I haue continually
coasted the shore of Gronland, hauing the sea all open towards the West,
and the land on the starboord side East from me. For these last 4 dayes
the weather hath bene extreame hot and very calme, the Sunne being 5
degrees aboue the horison at midnight. The compasse in this place varieth
28 degrees toward the West.

Iuly 1 30 w. by s. 44 71 36 n.w. by n.
westerley
The true course, &c. this day at noone we coasted a mighty banke of ice
West from vs.
2 24 s.e. 12 71 9
Noone the 3 8 n.n.w. 11 71 40 n.
This day we fell againe with the ice, seeking to double it out by the
North.
Noone the 5 48 s.s.e. 36 70 n.
The true course, &c.
6 24 s.s.w. 22 69 variable.
7
8
The true course, &c. This 6 of Iuly we put our barke thorow the ice,
seeing the sea free on the West side: and hauing sailed 5 leagues West,
we fell with another mighty barre, which we could not passe: and
therefore returning againe, we freed our selues the 8 of this moneth at
midnight, and so recouered the sea through Gods fauour, by faire winds,
the weather being very calme.
Noone the 9 72 e.s.e. 7 68 50 calme.
The true course, &c.
10 24 s.e. by s. 8 68 30 calme.
The true course, &c. This day we coasted the ice.
11 24 e.n.e. 11-1/2 68 45 variable.
The true course, &c.
12 24 s.s.e. 16 68 n.n.w.
The true course, &c.
13 24 e. by s. 20 s.
This day the people came to vs off the shore, and bartered with vs. Being
within the Isle, and not finding good ankorage, we bare off again into
the sea.
14 24 w. by n. 11 67 50 s.
The true course, &c.
15 24 w.s.w. 5 67 45 e.
The true course, &c. This day a great current set vs West 6 points from
our course.
16 24 s.w. by w. 23 67 10 s.
westerly
The true course, &c. This day we fell with a mighty banke of ice West of
vs.
Noone the 18 48 s. by w. 30 65 33 n. fog.
The true course, &c. Collected by diuers experiments.
19 24 w. 13 65 30 s. fog.
southerly
The true course, &c. This 19 of Iuly at one a clocke in the afternoone we
had sight of the land of Mount Ralegh, and by 12 of the clocke at night
wee were thwart the Streights which (by Gods helpe) I discouered the
first yere.
20
The 20 day wee trauersed in the mouth of the sayd Streights with a
contrary winde, being West and faire weather.
23
This 23 day at 2 of the clocke in the afternoone, hauing sailed 60
leagues Northwest, we ankered among an huge number of Isles lying in the
bottome of the sayd supposed passage, at which place the water riseth 4
fadome vpright. Here as we rode at anker, a great whale passed by vs, and
swam West in amongst the isles. In this place a S. W. by W. moone maketh
a full sea. Here the compasse varied 30 degrees.
24
The 24 day at 5 of the clocke in the morning we set saile, departing from
this place, and shaping our course S.E. to recouer the maine Ocean
againe.
25
This 25 we were becalmed almost in the bottome of the Streights, and had
the weather maruellous extreme hot.
26 s.e.
This day being in the Streights, we had a very quicke storme.
27 s.
Being still in the Streight, we had this day faire weather.
Noone the 29 64
At this present we got cleere of the Streights, hauing coasted the South
shore, the land trending from hence S. W. by S.
Noone the 30 s.s.w. 22 63
This day we coasted the shore, a banke of ice lying thereupon. Also this
30 of Iuly in the afternoone we crossed ouer the entrance or mouth of a
great inlet or passage, being 20 leagues broad, and situate betweene 62
and 63 degrees. In which place we had 8 or 9 great rases, currents or
ouerfals, lothsomly crying like the rage of the waters vnder London
bridge, and bending their course into the sayd gulfe.
Noone the 31 24 s. by w. 27 62 n.w.
This 31 at noone, comming close by a foreland or great cape, we fell into
a mighty rase, where an island of ice was carried by the force of the
current as fast as our barke could saile with lum wind, all sailes
bearing. This cape as it was the most Southerly limit of the gulfe which
we passed ouer the 30 day of this moneth, so was it the North promontory
or first beginning of another very great inlet, whose South limit at this
present wee saw not. Which inlet or gulfe this afternoone, and in the
night, we passed ouer: where to our great admiration we saw the sea
falling down into the gulfe with a mighty ouerfal, and roring, and with
diuers circular motions like whirlepooles, in such sort as forcible
streames passe thorow the arches of bridges.

August
Noone the 1 24 s.e. by s. 16 61 10 w.s.w.
The true course, &c. This first of August we fell with the promuntory of
the sayd gulfe or second passage, hauing coasted by diuers courses for
our sauegard, a great banke of the ice driuen out of that gulfe.
Noone the 3 48 s.s.e. 16 60 26 variable.
Noone the 6 72 s.e. 22 59 35 variable
southerly with calme.
The true course, &c.
7 24 s.s.e. 22 58 40 w.s.w.
The true course, &c.
8 24 s.e. 13 58 12 w. fog.
variable.
The true course, &c.
9 24 s. by w. 13 57 30 variable
and calme.
The true course, &c.
Noone the 10 24 s.s.e. 17 56 40 s.w. by w.
The true course, &c.
11 24 s.e. 40 55 13 w.n.w.
easterly
The true course, &c.
12 24 s.e. 20 54 32 w.s.w.
easterly
The true course, &c.
13 24 w.s.w. 4 54 n.w.
This day seeking for our ships that went to fish, we stroke on a rocke,
being among many iles, and had a great leake.
Noone the 14 24 s.s.e. 28 52 40 n.w.
This day we stopped our leake in a storme. The 15 of August at noon,
being in the latitude of 52 degrees 12 min. and 16 leagues from the
shore, we shaped our course for England, in Gods name, as followeth.
Noone the 15 52 12 s.s.w.
The true latitude.
16 20 e.s.e. 50 51 s.w.
halfe
point s.
The true course, &c.
17 24 e. by s. 30 50 40 s.
The true course, &c. This day upon the banke we met a Biscaine bound for
the Grand Bay or for the passage. He chased vs.
18 24 e. by n. 49 51 18 w.
northerly.
The true course, &c.
19 24 s. halfe 51 51 35 variable
point north. w. & s.
The true course, &c.
20 24 e.s.e. 31 50 50 s.w.
The true course, &c.
22 48 e. by n. 68 51 30 s.s.w.
The true course, &c.
23 24 e. by n. 33 51 52 s.
northerly.
The true course, &c.
24 24 e. by n. 31 52 10 variable.
The true course, &c. This 24 of August obseruing the variation, I found
the compass to vary towards the East from the true Meridian, one degree.
Noone the 27 72 e. 40 52 22 variable
northerly & calme.
The true coruse, &c for 72 houres.
Noone the 29 48 e.s.e. 47 51 28 variable w. & n.
The true course, &c.
Noone the 31 48 s.e. by e. 14 51 9 variable.
easterly
The true course, &c.
2 48 e. 65 51 n.w.
southerly.
The true course, &c.
3 24 e. by s. 24 50 50 w.n.w.
easterly.
The true course, &c.
4 24 s.e. by e. 20 50 21 n.n.e.
The true course, &c.
5 24 s.e. by e. 18 49 48 n.n.e.
The true course, &c. Now we supposed our selues to be 55 leagues from
Sillie.
6 24 e. by s. 15 49 40 n.
The true course, &c.
7 24 e.s.e. 20 49 15 n.n.w.
The true course, &c.
8 24 n.e. 18 49 40
9 24 w.s.w. 7 49 42
10 24 s.e. by e. 8-1/2 49 28 variable.
11 24 n.e. by e. 10 49 45 variable.
12 24 n.w. by w. 6 50 n.e.
13 24 e. by s. 15 49 47 n.e.
southerly
15
This 15 of September 1587 we arriued at Dartmouth.

Vnder the title of the houres, where any number exceedeth 24, it is the summe or casting vp of so many other dayes and partes of dayes going next before, as conteine the foresayd summe.

* * * * *

A report of Master Iohn Dauis of his three Voyages made for the discouerie
of the Northwest passage, taken out of a Treatise of his. Intituled the
worlds Hydrographicall description.

Now there onely resteth the North parts of America, vpon which coast my selfe haue had most experience of any in our age: for thrise I was that way imployed for the discouery of this notable passage, by the honourable care and some charge of Syr Francis Walsingham knight, principall secretary to her Maiestie, with whom diuer noble men and worshipfull marchants of London ioyned in purse and willingnesse for the furtherance of that attempt, but when his honour dyed the voyage was friendlesse, and mens mindes alienated from aduenturing therein.

[Sidenote: The 1. voyage.] In my first voyage not experienced of the nature of those climates, and hauing no direction either by Chart, Globe, or other certaine relation in what altitude that passage was to be searched, I shaped a Northerly course and so sought the same toward the South, and in that my Northerly course I fell vpon the shore which in ancient time was called Groenland, fiue hundred leagues distant from the Durseys Westnorthwest Northerly, the land being very high and full of mightie mountaines all couered with snowe, no viewe of wood, grasse or earth to be seene, and the shore two leagues off into the sea so full of yce as that no shipping could by any meanes come neere the same. The lothsome view of the shore, and irksome noyse of the yce was such, as that it bred strange conceits among vs, so that we supposed the place to be wast and voyd of any sensible or vegitable creatures, whereupon I called the same Desolation: so coasting this shore towards the South in the latitude of sixtie degrees, I found it to trend towards the West, I still followed the leading thereof in the same height, and after fifty or sixtie leagues it fayled and lay directly North, which I still followed, and in thirtie leagues sayling vpon the West side of this coast by me named desolation, we were past al the yce and found many greene and pleasant Iles bordering vpon the shore, but the maine were still couered with great quantities of snow, I brought my ship among those Isles and there moored to refresh our selues in our weary trauell, in the latitude of sixtie foure degrees or thereabout. The people of the countrey hauing espied our shippes came downe vnto vs in their Canoas, and holding vp their right hand to the Sunne and crying Yliaout, would strike their breasts: we doing the like the people came aboard our shippes, men of good stature, vnbearded, small eyed and of tractable conditions, by whome as signes would permit, we vnderstood that towards the North and West, there was a great sea, and vsing the people with kindeness in giuing them nayles and kniues which of all things they most desired, we departed, and finding the sea free from yce supposing our selves to be past al daunger we shaped our course Westnorthwest thinking thereby to passe for China, but in the latitude of sixtie sixe degrees we fell with another shore, and there found another passage of twenty leagues broad directly West into the same, which we supposed to be our hoped straight, we entred into the same thirtie or fortie leagues, finding it neither to wyden nor streighten, then considering that the yeere was spent (for this was the fiue of August) not knowing the length of the straight and dangers thereof, we tooke it our best course to returne with notice of our good successe for this small time of search. And so returning in a sharpe fret of Westerly windes the 19 of September we arriued at Dartmouth. [Sidenote: The 2. voyage.] And acquainting Master Secretary Walsingham with the rest of the honourable and worshipfull aduenturers of all our proceedings, I was appointed againe the second yere to search the bottome of this straight, because by all likelihood it was the place and passage by vs laboured for. In this second attempt the marchants of Exeter, and other places of the West became aduenturers in the action, so that being sufficiently furnished for sixe moneths, and hauing direction to search these straights, vntill we found the same to fall into another sea vpon the West side of this part of America, we should againe returne: for then it was not to be doubted, but shipping with trade might safely be conueied to China, and the parts of Asia. We departed from Dartmouth, and arriuing vpon the South part of the coast of Desolation coasted the same vpon his West shore to the latitude of sixtie six degrees, and there anchored among the Isles bordering vpon the same, where we refreshed our selues, the people of this place came likewise vnto vs, by whom I vnderstood through their signes that towards the North the sea was large. At this place the chiefe ship whereupon I trusted, called the Mermayd of Dartmouth, found many occasions of discontentment, and being vnwilling to proceed shee there forsook me. Then considering how I had giuen my faith and most constant promise to my worshipfull good friend Master William Sanderson, who of all men was the greatest aduenturer in that action, and tooke such care for the performance thereof, that he hath to my knowledge at one time disbursed as much money as any fiue others whatsoever, out of his purse, when some of the companie haue bene slacke in giuing in their aduenture: And also knowing that I should loose the fauour of M. Secretary Walsingham, if I should shrink from his direction; in one small barke of 30 Tonnes, whereof M. Sanderson was owner, alone without farther company I proceeded on my voyage, and arriuing at these straights followed the same 80 leagues, vntill I came among many Islands, where the water did ebbe and flow sixe fadome vpright, and where there had bene great trade of people to make traine. [Sidenote: The North Parts of America all Islands.] But by such things as there we found, wee knew that they were not Christians of Europe that had vsed that trade: in fine by searching with our boat, we found small hope to passe any farther that way, and therefore recouered the sea and coasted the shore towards the South, and in so doing (for it was too late to search towards the North) we found another great inlet neere 40 leagues broad, where the water entred in with violent swiftnesse, this we also thought might be a passage; for no doubt the North partes of America are all Islands by ought that I could perceiue therein: but because I was alone in a small barke of thirtie tunnes, and the yeere spent, I entred not into the same, for it was now the seuenth of September, but coasting the shore towards the South wee saw an incredible number of birds: hauing diuers fishermen aboord our Barke they all concluded that there was a great skull of fish, we being vnprouided of fishing furniture with a long spike nayle made a hooke, and fastened the same to one of our sounding lines, before the baite was changed we tooke more then fortie great Cods, the fish swimming so abundantly thicke about our barke as is incredible to bee reported, of which with a small portion of salt that we had we preserved some thirtie couple, or thereaboutes, and so returned for England. And hauing reported to M. Secretarie Walsingham the whole successe of this attempt, he commanded me to present vnto the most honourable Lord high Treasurour of England, some part of that fish: which when his Lordship saw, and heard at large the relation of this second attempt, I receiued fauourable countenance from his honour, aduising me to prosecute the action, of which his Lordship conceiued a very good opinion. The next yere, although diuers of the aduenturers fell from the Action, as all the Westerne marchants, and most of those in London: yet some of the aduenturers both honourable and worshipfull continued their willing fauour and charge, so that by this meanes the next yere two shippes were appointed for the fishing and one pinnesse for the discouerie.

[Sidenote: The 3. voyage.] Departing from Dartmouth, thorough Gods mercifull fauour, I arriued at the place of fishing, and there according to my direction I left the two ships to follow that busines, taking their faithful promise not to depart vntill my returne vnto them, which should be in the fine of August, and so in the barke I proceeded for this discouerie: but after my departure, in sixeteene dayes the two shippes had finished their voyage, and so presently departed for England, without regard of their promise: my selfe not distrusting any such hard measure proceeded for the discouerie, and followed my course in the free and open sea betweene North and Northwest to the latitude of 67 degrees, and there I might see America West from me, and Gronland, which I called Desolation, East: then when I saw the land of both sides I began to distrust it would prooue but a gulfe: notwithstanding desirous to know the full certainty I proceeded, and in 68 degrees the passage enlarged, so that I could not see the Westerne shore: thus I continued to the Latitude of 73 degrees in a great sea, free from yce, coasting the Westerne shoure of Desolation: the people came continually rowing out vnto me in their Canoas, twenty, forty, and one hundred at a time, and would giue me fishes dryed, Salmon, Salmon peale, Cod, Caplin, Lumpe, Stone-base and such like, besides diuers kinds of birds, as Partrige, Fesant, Guls, Sea birds, and other kinds of flesh: I still laboured by signes to know from them what they knew of any sea toward the North, they still made signes of a great sea as we vnderstood them, then I departed from that coast, thinking to discouer the North parts of America: and after I had sailed towards the West 40 leagues, I fel vpon a great banke of yce: the winde being North and blew much, I was constrained to coast the same toward the South, not seeing any shore West from me, neither was there any yce towards the North, but a great sea, free, large, very salt and blew, and of an vnsearchable depth: So coasting towards the South I came to the place where I left the ships to fish, but found them not. Then being forsaken and left in this distresse referring my self to the mercifull prouidence of God, I shaped my course for England, and vnhoped for of any, God alone releeuing me, I arriued at Dartmouth. By this last discouery it seemed most manifest that the passage was free and without impediment toward the North: but by reason of the Spanish Fleete and vnfortunate time of M. Secretaries death, the voyage was omitted and never sithens attempted. The cause why I vse this particular relation of all my proceedings for this discouery, is to stay this obiection, why hath not Dauis discouered this passage being thrise that wayes imploied? How far I proceeded and in what forme this discouery lieth, doth appeare vpon the Globe which M. Sanderson to his very great charge hath published, for the which he deserueth great fauor and commendations.[90]

* * * * *

The discouerie of the Isles of Frisland, Iseland, Engroneland, Estotiland,
Drogeo and Icaria: made by two brethren, namely M. Nicholas Zeno, and M.
Antonio his brother: Gathered out of their letters by M. Francisco
Marcolino.

In the yere of our Lord 1200 there was in the Citie of Venice a famous Gentleman, named Messer Marino Zeno, who for his great vertue and singular wisdome, was called and elected gouernour in certaine common wealths of Italy: in the administration whereof he bore himselfe so discretly, that he was beloued of all men, and his name greatly reuerenced of those that neuer knew or saw his person. And amongst sundry his worthy workes, this is recorded of him, that he pacified certaine grieuous ciuile dissentions that arose among the citizens of Verona: whereas otherwise, if by his graue aduise and great diligence they had not bene preuented, the matter was likely to broke out into hot broyles of warre. He was the first Podesta, or Ruler, that the Common wealth of Venice appointed in Constantinople in the yeere 1205 when our state had rule thereof with the French Barons. This Gentleman had a sonne named Messer Pietro, who was the father of the Duke Rinieri, which Duke dying without issue, made his heire M. Andrea, the sonne of M. Marco his brother. This M. Andrea was Captaine Generall and Procurator, a man of great reputation for many rare partes, that were in him. He had a sonne M. Rinieri, a worthy Senatour and prudent Counsellour: of whom descended M. Pietro Captaine Generall of the league of the Christians against the Turkes, who was called Dragon, for that in his shield, in stead of a Manfrone which was his armes at the first, he bare a Dragon. He was father to M. Carlo Il grande the famous Procurator and Captaine generall against the Genowayes in those cruell warres, when as almost all the chiefe Princes of Europe did oppugne and seeke to ouerthrow our Empire and libertie, wherein by his great valiantie and prowesse, as Furius Camillus deliuered Rome, so he deliuered his countrey from the present perill it was in, being ready to become a pray and spoile vnto the enemie: wherefore he was afterward surnamed the Lyon, and for an eternall remembrance of his fortitude and valiant exploits he gaue the Lyon in his armes. M. Carlo had two brethren, M. Nicolo, the knight and M. Antonio, the father of M. Dragon, of whom issued M. Caterino, the father M. Pietro da i Grocecchieri. This M. Pietro had sonnes M. Caterino, that died the last yere, being brother vnto M. Francisco, M. Carlo, M. Battista, and M. Vincenzo: Which M. Caterino was father to M. Nicola, that is yet liuing.

Now M. Nicolo, the knight being a man of great courage, after this aforesaid Genouan warre of Chioggia, that troubled so our predecessours, entred into a great desire and fansie to see the fashions of the worlde and to trauell and acquaint himselfe with the maners of sundry nations, and learne their languages, whereby afterwards vpon occasions he might be the better able to doe seruice to his countrey, and purchase to himselfe credite and honour. Wherefore he caused a ship to be made, and hauing furnished her at his proper charges (as he was very wealthy) he departed out of our seas and passing the straites of Gibraltar, he sailed for certaine dayes vpon the Ocean, keeping his course still to the Northwards, with intent to see England and Flanders. [Sidenote: The ship of M. N. Zeno cast away vpon Frisland in Anno 1380.] Where being assailed in those Seas by a terrible tempest, he was so tossed for the space of many dayes with the sea and winde, that he knew not where he was, till at length he discouered land, and not being able any longer to susteine the violence of the tempest the ship was cast away vpon the Isle of Friseland. The men were saued and most part of the goods that were in the ship. And this was in the yere 1380. The inhabitants of the Island came running in great multitudes with weapons to set vpon M. Nicolo and his men, who being sore weather-beaten and ouer-laboured at sea and not knowing in what part of the world they were, were not able to make any resistance at all, much lesse to defend themselues couragiously, as it behooued them in such a dangerous case. [Sidenote: A forraine prince hapning to be in Frisland with armed men, when M. Zeno suffered shipwracked there came vnto him and spake Latine.] And they should haue bene doubtlesse very discourteously intreated and cruelly handled, if by good hap there had not beene hard by the place a prince with armed people. Who vnderstanding that there was euen at that present a great ship cast away vpon the Island, came running at the noyse and outcryes that they made against our poore Mariners, and dryuing away the inhabitants, spake in Latine and asked them what they were and from whence they came, and perceiuing that they came from Italy and that they were men of the sayd Countrey, he was surprised with maruelous great ioy. Wherefore promising them all, that they should receiue no discourtesie, and that they were come into a place where they should be well vsed and very welcome, he tooke them into his protection vpon his faith. [Sidenote: Zichmni prince of Porland or Duke of Zorani.] This was a great Lord, and possessed certaine Islands called Porland, lying on the South side of Frisland, being the richest and most populous of all those parts, his name was Zichmni: and beside the said little Islands, he was Duke of Sorani, lying ouer against Scotland.[91]

Of these North parts I thought good to draw the copie of a Sea carde, which amongst other antiquities I haue in my house, which although it be rotten through many yeres, yet it falleth out indifferent well: and to those that are delighted in these things, it may serue for some light to the vnderstanding of that, which without it cannot so easily be conceiued. Zichmni being Lord of those Sygnories (as is said) was a very warlike and valiant man and aboue all things famous in Sea causes. [Sidenote: Frisland the king of Norwayes.] And hauing the yere before giuen the ouerthrow to the king of Norway, who was Lord of the Island, being desirous to winne fame by feates of armes, hee was come on land with his men to giue the attempt for the winning of Frisland, which is an Island much bigger then Ireland. Wherefore seeing that M. Nicolo was a man of iudgement and discretion, and very expert both in sea matters and martiall affaires, hee gaue him commission to goe aboord his Nauy with all his men, charging the captaine to honor him and in all things to use his counsaile.

This Nauy of Zichmni was of thirteene vessels, whereof two onely were rowed with oares, the rest small barkes and one ship, with the which they sayled to the Westwards and with little paines wonne Ledouo and Ilofe and diuers other small Islands: and turning into a bay called Sudero, in the hauen of the towne named Sanestol, they tooke certaine small barks laden with fish. And here they found Zichmni, who came by land with his armie conquering all the countrey as he went: they stayed here but a while, and led on their course to the Westwards till they came to the other Cape of the gulfe or bay, then turning againe, they found certaine Islandes and broken lands which they reduced al vnto the Signorie and possession of Zichmni. These seas for as much as they sailed, were in maner nothing but sholds and rocks, in so much that if M. Nicolo and the Venetian mariners had not bene their Pilots, the whole fleete in iudgement of all that were in it, had bene cast away, so small was the skill of Zichmnis men, in respect of ours, who had bene trained vp in the arte and practise of Nauigation all the dayes of their life. Now the fleete hauing done such things as are declared, the Captaine, by the counsaile of M. Nicolo, determined to goe a land, at a towne called Bondendon, to vnderstand what successe Zichmni had in his warres: where they heard to their great content, that he had fought a great battell and put to flight the armie of his enemie: by reason of which victory, they sent Embassadours from all parts of the Island to yeeld the countrey vp into his handes, taking downe their ensignes in euery towne and castle: they thought good to stay in that place for his comming, it being reported for certaine that hee would be there very shortly. At his comming there was great congratulation and many signes of gladnesse shewed, as well for the victory by land, as for that by sea: for the which the Venetians were honoured and extolled of all men, in such sort that there was no talke but of them, and of the great valour of M. Nicolo. Wherefore the prince, who was a great fauourer of valiant men and especially of those that could behaue themselues well at sea, caused M. Nicolo to be brought before him, and after hauing commended him with many honourable speeches, and praysed his great industrie and dexteritie of wit, by the which two things he acknowledged himselfe to haue receiued an inestimable benefite, as the sauing of his fleet and the winning of many places without any great trouble, he made him knight, and rewarded his men with many rich and bountiful gifts. Then departing from thence they went in tryumphing maner toward Frisland, the chiefe citie of that Island. In this gulf or bay there is such great abundance of fish taken, that many ships are laden therewith to serue Flanders, Britain, England, Scotland, Norway, and Denmarke, and by this trade they gather great wealth.

And thus much is taken out of a letter, that M. Nicolo sent to M. Antonio his brother, requesting that he would seeke some meanes to come to him. Wherefore he who had as great desire to trauaile as his brother, bought a ship, and directed his course that way: and after he had sailed a great while and escaped many dangers, he arriued at length in safetie with M. Nicolo, who receiued him very ioyfully, for that he was his brother not onely in flesh and blood, but also in valour and good qualities. M. Antonio remained in Frisland and dwelt there for the space of 14 yeres, 4 yeeres with M. Nicolo, and 10 yeres alone. Where they came in such grace and fauour with the Prince, that he made M. Nicolo Captaine of his Nauy, and with great preparation of warre they were sent forth for the enterprise of Estland, which lyeth vpon the coast betweene Frisland and Norway, where they did many dammages, but hearing that the king of Norway was coming towardes them with a great fleet, they departed with such a terrible flaw of winde, that they were driuen vpon certaine sholds: were a great part of their ships were cast away, the rest were saued vpon Grisland, a great Island but dishabited. The king of Norway his fleete being taken with the same storme, did vtterly perish in those seas: Whereof Zichmni hauing notice, by a ship of his enemies that was cast by chance vpon Grisland, hauing repayred his fleet, and perceiuing himself Northerly neere vnto the Islands, determined, to set vpon Island, which together with the rest, was subiect to the king of Norway: but he found the countrey so well fortified and defended, that his fleete being so small, and very ill appointed both of weapons and men, he was glad to retire. And so he left that enterprise without performing any thing at all: and in the chanels, he assaulted the other Isles called Islande, which are seuen, Talas, Broas, Iscant, Trans, Mimant, Dambere, and Bres: and hauing spoyled them all, hee built a fort in Bres, where he left M. Nicolo with certaine small barkes and men and munition. And now thinking he had done wel for this voyage, with those few ships which were left he returned safe into Frisland. [Sidenote: Engroneland.] M. Nicolo remaining nowe in Bres, determined in the spring to go forth and discouer land: wherefore arming out three small barkes in the moneth of Iuly, he sayled to the Northwards, and arriued in Engroneland. [Sidenote: Preaching fryers of Saint Thomas.] Where he found a Monasterie of Friers, of the order of the Predicators, and a Church dedicated to Saint Thomas, hard by a hill that casteth forth fire, like Vesuuius and Etna.

There is a fountaine of hot burning water with the which they heate the Church of the Monastery and the Fryers chambers, it commeth also into the kitchin so boyling hot, that they vse no other fire to dresse their meate: and putting their breade into brasse pots without any water, it doth bake as it were in an hot ouen. They haue also smal gardens couered ouer in the winter time, which being watered with this water, are defended from the force of the snow and colde, which in those partes being situate farre vnder the pole, is very extreme, and by this meanes they produce flowers and fruites and herbes of sundry sorts, euen as in other temperate countries in their seasons, in such sort that the rude and sauage people of those partes seeing these supernaturall effects, doe take those Fryers for Gods, and bring them many presents, as chickens, flesh, and diuers other things, they haue them all in great reuerence as Lords. When the frost and snowe is great, they heate their houses in maner before said, and wil by letting in the water or opening the windowes, at an instant, temper the heate and cold at their pleasure. In the buildings of the Monasterie they vse no other matter but that which is ministred vnto them by the fire: for they take the burning stones that are cast out as it were sparkles or cinders at the fierie mouth of the hill, and when they are most enflamed, cast water vpon them, whereby they are dissolued and become excellent white lime and so tough that being contriued in building it lasteth for euer. And the very sparkles after the fire is out of them doe serue in stead of stones to make walles and vautes: for being once colde they will neuer dissolue or breake, except they be cut with some iron toole, and the vautes that are made of them are so light that they need no sustentacle, or prop to holde them vp, and they will endure continually very faire and whole. By reason of these great commodities, the Fryers haue made there so many buildings and walles that it is a wonder to see. The couerts or roofes of their houses for the most part are made in maner following: first they rayse vp the wall vp to his full height, then they make it enclinining or bowing in by little and litle in fourme of a vaut. [Sidenote: Winter of 9 moneths.] But they are not greatly troubled with raine in those partes, because the climate (as I haue saide) is extreme colde: for the first snow being fallen, it thaweth no more for the space of nine moneths, for so long dureth their winter. They feede of the flesh of wilde foule and of fish: for wheras the warme water falleth into the sea, there is a large and wide hauen, which by reason of the heate of the water, doeth neuer freeze all the winter, by meanes whereof there is such concourse and flocks of sea foule and such abundance of fish, that they take thereof infinite multitudes, whereby they maintaine a great number of people round about, which they kepe in continuall worke, both in building and taking of foules and fish, and in a thousand other necessarie affaires and busines about the Monasterie.

Their houses are built about the hill on euery side, in forme round, and 25 foote broad, and in mounting vpwards they goe narower and narower, leauing at the top a litle hole, whereat the aire commeth in to giue light to the house, and the flore of the house is so hot, that being within they feele no cold at all. Hither in the Summer time come many barkes from the Islands there about, and from the cape aboue Norway, and from Trondon, and bring to the Friers al maner of things that may be desired, taking in change thereof fish, which they dry in the sunne or in the cold, and skins of diuers kindes of beasts. [Sidenote: Trade in summer time from Trondon to S. Thomas Friers in Groneland. Resort of Fryers from Norway and Sueden, to the Monastery in Engroneland, called S. Tho.] For the which they haue wood to burne and timber very artificially carued, and corne, and cloth to make them apparell. For in change of the two aforesaid commodities all the nations bordering round about them couet to trafficke with them, and so they without any trauell or expences haue that which they desire. To this Monasterie resort Fryers of Norway, of Suetia and of other countreys, but the most part are of Islande. There are continually in that part many barks, which are kept in there by reason of the sea being frozen, waiting for the spring of the yere to dissolue the yce. The fishers boates are made like into a weauers shuttle: taking the skins of fishes, they fashion them with the bones of the same fishes, and sowing them together in many doubles they make so sure and substanciall, that it is miraculous to see, howe in tempests they will shut themselues close within and let the sea and winde cary them they care not whether, without any feare either of breaking or drowning. [Marginal note: M. Frobisher brought these kinde of boats from these parts into England.] And if they chance to be driuen vpon any rocks, they remaine sound without the least bruse in the world: and they haue as it were a sleeue in the bottome, which is tyed fast in the middle, and when there commeth any water into the boat, they put it into the one halfe of the sleeue, then fastening the ende thereo with two pieces of wood and loosing the band beneath, they conuey the water forth of the boats: and this they doe as often as they haue occasion, without any perill or impediment at all.

Moreouer, the water of the Monastery, being of sulphurious or brimstonie nature, is conueyed into the lodgings of the principall Friers by certaine vesselles of brass, tinne, or stone, so hot that it heateth the place as it were a stone, nor carying with it any stinke or other noysome smell.

Besides this they haue another conueyance to bring hot water with a wall vnder the ground, to the end it should not freeze, vnto the middle of the court, where it falleth into a great vessel of brasse that standeth in the middle of a boyling fountaine, and this is to heat their water to drinke and to water their gardens, and thus they haue from the hill the greatest commodities that may be wished: and so these Fryers employ all their trauaile and studie for the most in trimming their gardens and in making faire and beautifull buildings, but especially handsome and commodious: neyther are they destitute of ingenious and paineful artificers for the purpose; for they giue very large payment, and to them that bring them fruits and seedes they are very bountifull, and giue they care not what. So that there is great resort of workemen and masters in diuers faculties, by reason of the good gaines and large allowance that is there.

[Sidenote: In the Monastery of Saint Thomas most of them spake the Latine tongue.] The most of them speake the Latine tongue, and specially the superiours and principals of the Monastery. And this is as much as is knowen of Engroneland, which is all by the relation of M. Nicolo, who maketh also particular description of a riuer that he discouered, as is to be seene in the carde that I drew. And in the end M. Nicolo, not being vsed and acquainted with these cruell coldes, fel sicke, and a litle while after returned into Frisland, where he dyed. [Sidenote: The end of the 2. letter.] He left behind him in Venice, two sonnes, M. Giouanni and M. Toma, who had two sonnes, M. Nicolo the father of the famous Cardinal Zeno, and M. Pietro of whom descended the other Zenos, that are liuing at this day.

[Sidenote: M. Zeno dyed in Frisland.] Now M. Nicolo being dead, M. Antonio succeeded him both in his goods, and in his dignities and honour and albeit he attempted diuers wayes, and made great supplication, he could neuer obtaine licence to returne into his countrey. For Zichmni, being a man of great courage and valour, had determined to make himself Lord of the sea. Wherefore vsing alwayes the counsaile and seruice of M. Antonio, he determined to send him with certaine barks to the Westwards, for that towards those parts, some of his fishermen had discouered certaine Islands very rich and populous: which discovery M. Antonio, in a letter to his brother M. Carlo, recounteth from point to point in this maner, sauing that we haue changed some old words, leauing the matter entire as it was.

Sixe and twentie yeeres agoe there departed foure fisher boats, the which, a mightie tempest arising, were tossed for the space of many dayes very desperately ypon the Sea, when at length, the tempest ceasing, and the wether waxing faire, they discouered an Island called Estotiland, lying to the Westwards aboue 1000 Miles from Frisland, vpon the which one of the boats was cast away, and sixe men that were in it were taken of the inhabitants and brought into a faire and populous citie, where the king of the place sent for many interpreters, but there was none could be found that vnderstood the language of the fishermen, except one that spake Latine, who was also cast by chance vpon the same Island, who in behalfe of the king asked them what countreymen they were: [Sidenote: Sixe were fiue yeeres in Estotiland.] and so vnderstanding their case, rehearsed it vnto the king, who willed that they should tary in the countrey: wherefore they obeying his commandement, for that they could not otherwise doe, dwelt fiue yeres in the Island, and learned the language, and one of them was in diuers partes of the Island, and reporteth that it is a very rich countrey, abounding with all the commodities of the world, and that it is litle lesse then Island, but farre more fruitfull, hauing in the middle thereof a very high mountaine, from the which there spring foure riuers that passe through the whole countrey.

The inhabitants are very wittie people, and haue all artes and faculties, as we haue: and it is credible that in time past they haue had trafficke with our men, for he said, that he saw Latin bookes in the kings Librarie, which they at this present do not understand: they haue a peculiar language, and letters or caracters to themselues. They haue mines of all maner of mettals, but especial they abound with gold. They haue their trade in Engroneland, from whence they bring furres, brimstone and pitch and he saith, that to the Southwards, there is a great populous countrey very rich of gold. [Sidenote: Many cities and castles.] They sow corne, and make beere and ale, which is a kinde of drinke that North people do vse as we do wine. They haue mighty great woods, they make their buildings with wals, and there are many cities and castles. They build small barks and haue sayling, but they haue not the load stone, nor know not the vse of the compasse. [Sidenote: A countrey called Drogio.] Wherefore these fishers were had in great estimation, insomuch that the king sent them with twelue barks to the Southwards to a countrey which they call Drogio: but in their voyage they had such contrary weather, that they thought to haue perished in the sea: but escaping that cruell death, they fell into another more cruell: for they were taken in the countrey and the most part of them eaten by the Sauage people, which fed vpon mans flesh, as the sweetest meat in their iudgements that is.

[Sidenote: The 6 fishermen of Frisland onely saved, by shewing the maner to take fish.] But that fisher with his fellowes shewing them the maner of taking fish with nets, saued their liues: and would goe euery day a fishing to the sea and in fresh riuers, and take great abundance of fish and giue it to the chiefe men of the countrey, whereby he gate himselfe so great fauour, that he was very well beloued and honoured of euery one.