NEWS Of Sr. Walter Rauleigh. WITH The true Description of GVIANA: As also a Relation of the excellent Government, and much hope of the prosperity of the Voyage.  
Sent from a Gentleman of his Fleet, to a most especial Friend of his in London.  
From the River of Caliana, on the Coast of Guiana, Novemb. 17. 1617.  
LONDON, Printed for H.G. and are to be sold by I. Wright, at the sign of the Bible without Newgate. 1618.   

NEWS OF Sr. Walter Rauleigh.  
IN these queasy and most dangerous times, wherein Truth is manacled by Opinion and Imagination, every man making his own thoughts a Comment upon other men's labours, and by screws or wrists winding every design to that which best suits with their fancies: I could not choose but borrow so much time from the necessity of mine occasions, as to acquaint you with some particular passages in our voyage: Which though in the value it may be much short both of what yourself and others expect, because at this time our design is but an embryon, conceived, and far from that happy perfection to which I doubt not (the divine will assisting us) but we shall, to the comfort of our noble and good friends, and the honour of our Nation, with all prosperity of fortune bring to pass: Yet in as much as I know the malice of many envious and evil disposed people, 
Against Backbiters.  who build the groundwork of their own honours upon other men's disgraces, and with the venom of their aspersions seek (as much as in their malice lies) to poison the worthy labours of the most noble attempters. To which our Voyage (being most hopeful to our friends, and most dreadful to our contraries) is infinitely subject, and that such rancour doth await and follow us, as the great Leviathan of the Sea pursueth the Bonittos, I doubt not but my present Relation shall give you (whose virtue I seek only to satisfy) that assurance of good hope in our attempt, as shall arm you against whatsoever slander or imputation shall be able (in misty thick fogs of disdain) to throw before you.  
And albeit to the judgement of every virtuous good man, there needeth no other Apology for the hope of our success, than the wisdom, experience, and undefatigable labours, in the like designs, of our General, who now setting all Christendom; nay, almost the whole world at gaze upon him, if he should not to such beholders give a renowned satisfaction, it were against all rules of worth and policy to imagine. Yet above all, this me thinks should satisfy every reasonable soul, and make Envy feed only upon his own Serpent, when not alone the entire wisdom of our Land, but the suffrage and allowance of our Sovereign (who is the very soul of that wisdom) doth both give way to our action, whose goodness what man would be so ingrateful to abuse, or what folly could be so strong in any sensible soul, as to seek to go invisible before God.  
But Sir, these arguments are needless against a slander of such weakness, nor will I trouble your ears with a confutation of them, who stand already confounded in all good men's opinions: suffice it, that hitherto our success is answerable to our hopes, and our hope as strong as any that hath passed from our Kingdom since the first discovery, and no doubt but the end will bring forth as worthy, if not a much better issue: In as much as we have had both the clear lights of all other men's experience, and the approved knowledge of a great part of our design in our General's noble and personal trial.  
Besides, we know that the tops of high Scales, Mountains, or Pyramids are not to be attained unto by leaping or jumping at, but by flow degrees, and by secure and safe steps, even lento pede, as the Parrot climbs with both beak and feet: For if we look into the courses of all the most excellent men of our Nation which have made it as famous for sea-actions as any Nation in the world, we shall find, how even by little and little, as Hannibal with Vinegar wasted the Alps, and made a passage (where never any before was discerned) for not himself alone, but a whole Army to pass over: So our famous and excellent Attempters have by degrees, man after man, adding step unto step, made such a way over the whole world, that except the very heart of all, (which as in the Anatomy of man's body, it is not to be found out, or touched, till a man have passed through first both all the exterior and interior members, and so likewise of the brain: Nature as it were defending all her most excellent works from every ordinary assault and invasion) so there is at this day not left any Climate unsearched or undiscovered, but only this, which as for its site and place, being the middle of the world, and also for the excellency of it, may well be styled The heart of the world, as the most principal and renowned part of it. At which if it be our fortunes to arrive, the work will be worthy the Doer, and a fair jewel for his Crown, who is the Royal Author and Comforter of so great an Attempt, by so many Kings and Princes attempted, and yet unachived.  
And that we may walk up this Scale, with as much ease and safety, as all mortal hope can allow us, let us turn back our eyes and look into the actions of most of the most famous & noble Gentlemen which have gone before us, and made those most fair and large paths, through which we daily walk: we shall see that M. William Haukins, 
M. William Haukins his travel.  the Father of Sir john Haukins a man of infinite virtue and great action made his first Discoveries but to the Southern islands, called the Grand Canaria, and found there great Trade, and great Commodity: which for the benefit might well have taken up the rest of any man's mind (whose end had been wealth and no other) but the Gentleman having a more worthy aim, (though then in the winter and last quarter of his age) from thence discovered some part of the small islands which belonged to the West Indies, learned intelligence of the main and out of his judgement saw what was fittest both for Traffic and other more material Discoveries. This (not able to furnish himself) he imparted to his most worthy Son Sir john Haukins, 
Sr. john Haukins Travel.  and making him rich with his knowledge, so armed him for the Enterprise, that in the year 1562. he made a Voyage thither, with three small Ships, and but 100 men, and made Discovery of the Island of Hispaniola, De Plata, Monte Christi, and the islands of Caicos, where by way of traffic he made such merchandise that he not only laded all his own ships, but divers other Hulks which he there hyres, and so returned home with more wealth and honour then ever any had done before his time.  
Yet since he had gone not a step higher than his father had done before him, and made the scale no larger nor easier for others that should pursue him; out of the excellency of his disposition and love to his Country, in the year 1564. he betook himself to the Sea again, 
Sr. john's second Voyage.  and with a Fleet of four Ships and 170. men, went again to the West Indies, and in his way did discover the Island Sambula, and other parts of Africa: thence to the Island called Sancta Dominica, so to Margarita, thence to Tortuga, after to Barbarotta, then to the islands of Curasao, Ranchario, Rio de la H●cha, and others, thence to Cape Sr. Anthony, and so to the sandy islands: and lastly by Florida, where he showned that excellency of good nature and rare humanity to certain distressed Frenchmen, that the remembrance will live whilst there lives any record of goodness, or any thankfulness in France: and thus he returned home the second time, laden with as much wealth and honour, as ever any had done before him, and to his brave heroical scale of Discovery, had now added divers noble and spacious Stairs, which albeit might have very well deterred him from any more trouble and vexation, both considering the goods and goodness he had gotten, and the honourable places, with the favour of his dearest Sovereign.  
Yet all this not valued with the debt he owed his Country, 
Sir john's third Voyage.  he went again the third time to Sea with a Fleet of six fair Ships, and traded in all such places as he had traded in before: and moreover discovered Carthagena, and divers other islands about it, after went to Sr. john Vllua, and other parts bordering upon Mexico, where he made himself Master of twelve Ships, in value, worth two hundred thousand pounds, and seized the Island: But out of his noble nature (considering the amity at that time betwixt Spain and England) restored all again; which, had his ends tended as much to lucre as his enemies did to perfidy and treachery, he might not only have brought home that, but six millions of treasure more, all which was at his commandment: thence he searched the whole Bay of Mexico, and thence went to Ponte Vedra, and so returned home.  
In this Discovery he got great perfection of knowledge touching the wonderful wealth and riches of those Southern parts, and though he had done more than any English man before his time, yet he saw there was a supper excellence remaining as it were hidden, and possible to be found out; at which, with all his endeavours, he aimed most earnestly, only he found that a greater strength & a greater industry: then either he was yet master of, or had occasion to use, must be employed in the same, and therefore the fourth time he returned unto the Sea with 27 tall Ships, 
Sir john's fourth Voyage.  and 2500. men: But it pleased God the design should be preserved either for some other man, or some other time, so that Sir john Haukins, falling sick, died at Sr. john de Puertorico, and by that means the great end of the journey failed, yet did he leave behind him such brave examples for imitation, and so fair a scale for others to ascend by; that many became his Scholars, and howsoever their renowns wan to themselves particular names of particular eminence, yet they arrived not beyond him, or got a skill that was to him unacquainted.  
Only that most famous and worthy Knight Sir Francis Drake, 
Sir Francis Drake travel.  who had (as it is reported) taken from him the most and greatest part of his breeding, being (as some men say) for a long time his ordinary household Servant, and one that had attended him in the success of some of his voyages, seeing and aquainting himself with the happy rules of such a happy master, betook himself to the Sea in the year of our Lord 1572. and discovered most of the hithermost parts of the small islands of America, and returned home with more knowledge than substance, and yet with more substance than might defray the charge of three times such a voyage, by the strength of which success he made himself fit for the Sea the second time, 
Sir Francis second Voyage.  in the year 1577. in which Voyage he made himself more familiar with all the richest parts of the West Indies, and with some parts of the main body of the same: and so returned home with a competent substance, yet far inferior to the largeness of his mind, because these two first attempts still opened to his judgement matters of much greater hope and renowned consequence, so that the third time again he put to Sea, in the year of our Lord 1585. with a full resolution to do something answerable to the greatness of his heart, 
Sir Francis 3. Voyage.  and the honour of the Nation he challenged, and in this voyage he went about the circumference of the whole World, and returned home with his Ship laden with gold and treasure, of that infinite and inestimable value, that never any man before him attained to any small degree in his comparison, and yet in this unspeakable journey for infinite wealth and infinite labour (not any mortal man having formerly done the like) the experience he gained did so far precede his riches, that he made it of no value, and knew that there yet remained that undiscovered (at least out of Christian commandment) which would make all he knew pitifully poor, & of no reckoning: and therefore to achieve this Magisteri or true Philosopher's stone, being indeed the mother of all mines and perfect treasure, he again betook himself to the Sca in the year of our Lord 1595. with a very goodly Navy, and many most noble and worthy personages, admirably well experienced both in Land and Sea services: But it was not the pleasure of the everliving God, that by him the work should be finished and therefore in this voyage he sickened, and in the West Indies died, so that the end of the journey being by a twofold way defeyted, as by his death, and the taking of a certain surgeon which belonged to a Ship, called the Solomon, as also by the taking of another Ship called the Francis, and by them the whole Voyage discovered to the enemy, the rest of the Fleet was enforced to return home altogether unsatisfied.  
Now whilst these Gentlemen were thus searching the South and south-west parts of the world, and had almost brought their hopes within a step or two of the highest scale, 
Sir Hugh Willoughbies travels to the North.  an honourable emulation raised up divers other Gentlemen of like virtue and fitness for action, to search into the North and Northwest Seas, for the finding out of the easiest most safe ways into the East Indies, a place esteemed for riches equal with the former: but in merchandise by much far beyond it, and in this Discovery Sir Hugh Willoughby was exceeding well deserving, who made divers fair steps to the Scale, and though he perished and died in the action, yet he left such excellent hopes behind him that many became pursuers of his project, amongst whom none is more remarkable and exquisite than that famous worthy Gentleman, Sir Martin Forbisher Knight, 
Sir Martin Forbisher to China.  who by many experiences and intelligences of the state, condition, Climate, and height, of China: knew that if a way might by any industry be found out from the Northwest to lead unto the same, that then it must needs be most short, most easy, & most safe, and that doubtless the wealth which would arise by rich Merchandise from thence, would exceed the whole trade of the world beside, nay that the mines, which was hopeful there to be found, might go near to countervail the great hopes which were built on the south-west, if not exceed it. And thereupon having all those experiences, which Sir Hugh Willoughby had left behind, together with his own knowledge, he betook himself to the Sea in the year 1576 with two good Ships, and having past the fair Island, and Swinborne in Scotland, he came to Fowlay in Friesland, thence to Labrador, so to the islands Gabriels' and Bourchers, where he saw and conferred with many people of that Island, being a Savage people, much like unto the Tartars, with broad faces, flat noses, and long black hairs below their shoulders, their attire only Seal skins, nor is there between the men and women any difference, more than a few blue streaks down their cheeks and about their eyes, these he saw on the water, not on the land, in certain small Boats which were made of Seal skins, being sharp at each end and broad in the bottom, with small wooden keels made of broad splinters, and in shape or proportion not much unlike unto the Spanish Shallops. With these people, whom he enticed to come to him by all fair and gentle means, and by giving them certain third points and other toys, in which they infinitely delighted, he had very much conference, both touching the nature of those Seas, and other occurrents meet for his Discovery, by whom he understood that the year time being then spent, and the Ice in those places infinitely increasing, it was at that time impossible to attempt further, without most assured loss, which accordingly he found by his own experience, and therefore returned homeward by Trumpets Island, and other places which both for victual and fresh water he found of great consequence for the furthering of this Discovery hereafter.  
Now having thus erected these few steps to this much wished for Scale, and finding great hope likely to ensue upon the attempt, he betook himself again to the Sea, 
Sir Martins Second Voyage to Cataya.  in the year of our Lord 1577. and taking a better advantage of the year time, passed all the former places, which before he had discovered and from thence held his course even unto the main of Cataia, though with many dangers and interruptions, for not any man that seeketh ways unknown, but must of necessity many times err, neither can the judgement be satisfied by the first superficial sight of the eye, but by a more serious time to contemplate and meditate upon the same, discourse ever crowning all actions with perfection. And hence it came that making a longer stay upon this Coast, then before he imagined any necessity would have drawn him, the year time so passed on, that he could by no possible means proceed further in the discovery, but was forced to approve what particular profits he could find in that place to recompense his travel, finding by the Climate & all other good likelihoods that of force there must be something of great valuation, whereupon after some curious search of many well experienced men in mineral business, 
Gold Mynes in Cataya.  (which at that time attended upon him) he found at length certain strange mines which yielded a kind of black shining Ore, both massy and wealthy, which they called the black stone, and by such small trial as that place (with the accommodation of their Shipping) could afford them, they found it a very rich gold o'er, so that not being able to stay there to refine any great quantity thereof, as well for the necessity of the year time, as the want of other most necessary provisions, he presently laded all his Ships with that Oar, being one tall Ship and two smaller Barks, and then taking a man, a woman, and a child of that Country into his Ship also, he returned with them home into England, to the much contentment of the Queen's Majesty his Sovereign, and all other adventurers which had then shared in his fortunes; and still he found an increase of his hopes and made his way larger and larger, so that the third time he put forth to the Sea in the year of our Lord 1588. 
St. Martin's third Voyage.  But it pleased God that he could not perfect his intent, only returned home with much wealth and a great deal of knowledge, which hath since been pursued by divers worthy Adventurers, and though not perfected in that exquisite height and perfection which the greatness of their minds and wishes aimed at, yet still it gave that lustre and strong hope of success in the action, that a very noble and worthy Gentleman, Mr. Thomas Cavendish led as well by their former attempts and experiences, 
Mr. Thomas Cavendish Travel.  as also by his own knowledge, drawn from certain approved assurances and intelligences, touching the wonderful and almost unexpressible wealth of China, with great judgement and advice of many most excellent Seamen, engaged himself into this worthy discovery, and finding many hard difficulties in the Northwest passage, by good advice resolved to try the contrary, which is the south-west, knowing that of necessity those lines must in the end meet in one period: And therefore with all good accommodations he betook himself to the Sea in the year of our Lord 1586. and passing the Grand Canaries, came to Cape Verde, and thence to the Tropic Line, discovering all the hithermost parts of the East Indies; and from thence attained the very main and body of China, where he fraught his Ships with that wealth (as Cloth of Gold, tissue, Velvets, Satins, Damasks, and a world of other commodities of no less value) that it is thought, excepting Drake, not any Englishman ever returned with the like wealth, insomuch that it set a world of noble hearts on fire, to enter into the like action.  
But he having compassed an end of his profit, (but not of his experience) refused to return back again by one and the same way, but keeping his course forward, went round about the whole Circumference of the earth; and in the end came into England without any abatement of the great substance he had formerly attained, to the infinite joy of all his friends, the great honour of the Kingdom, and the much admiration of all foreign Nations.  
But did this Experience give him a full satisfaction, or show that end to his designs, that he might with his honour or reputation say with Hercules, Ne plus ultra? No surely, but after a clean contrary manner, opened unto him such a fair way to greater glory and renown, that he accounted this neither worthy of his beast, nor fit in any small degree to contain the least part of his actions: being in comparison of those things which he heard there related, (and indeed not far removed from that Continent) but poor, base and beggarly.  
The glory of which famous action so enticed him, that the second time he went to the Sea, 
M. Cavendish his second Voyage  in the year of our Lord 1591. so accommodated with all necessary provisions, both of men, munition, and victuals, that not any Gentleman ever went forth (in his own particular) better or more bravely provided. But it pleased God (who is the strength and guide of these actions) not to mark him out for this great work: for in this Voyage he sickened and died, whose greatest directions living enclosed in his own breast, the Voyage quelled, and his ships returned home again for England, but the infinite profit which hath sprung his example may be beheld in our East Indian Trade, the like whereof I think no Nation in the world can boast, being of all other the wealthiest, the fruitfullest, and the most certain, affording us not only a nursery of Merchants and Seamen, but such an invincible strength of Shipping, and other warlike accoutrements, that any Nation under the Sun may tremble to offend us.  
To these Discoveries I could add the Discovery of Virginia, by the ever memorable and valiant Knight Sir Richard Grinuile, 
Sr Richard Grinuile his Discovery of Virginia.  and the Plantation there: which doubtless promiseth and already restoreth much benefit to our Kingdom, having continued there almost from the year 1585. till this hour; and how even in that Discovery he both heard and understood of the incomparable and not to be equalled wealth which yet lay hidden in the South parts of America.  
But I fear I have troubled your ears already too much with my tedious digression, which is not altogether vain and impertinent, since by it you may see how even from the infancy of our English travel, every man hath had a noble ambition, and most probable assurances of good hope to attain a height of honour and wealth, which yet rests unattained: 
Sir Walter Rauleigh.  At which questionless our General bends his aim, being divers ways wooed and induced thereunto, more than any Englishman whatsoever, both in respect of his former experience (at this day not to be paralleled) his wisdom, learning, and conference, with the experience of places he hath formerly held, that it is impossible any thing of note should be hidden from him: Therefore to reconcile those things already written, with the Relation I intent to pursue, you shall understand that whatsoever hath been done formerly by any of those already rehearsed, or by any other, whether English, Spanish, Dutch, French, or any other Nation of Christendom, all their knowledges and experiences have liberally been brought to his remembrance; Love, Duty, his place of Authority, or the chance of War, tendering the same unto him as a rent due to his noble mind and actions. And above all an English Knight, Sir Robert Dudley was an especial man that long since both from his experience at sea, 
Sir Robert Dudley.  (having consumed infinite wealth and much time in these Discoveries) as also by means of certain Letters which he had intercepted from the Spaniards and taken in his travels, gave our General a strong assurance, that yet there remained out of the hands of all the Kings and Princes in Christendom, in the South parts of America, the very Magazine of all rich Metals, and such an Empire as whosoever shall have the fortune to conquer it, shall so darken all the actions either of Cortes or Pescaro, that nothing but poverty will appear in their deeds, neither Mexico nor Peru be worthy to be compared with it, and what Prince soever shall possess it, shall be Lord of more gold, of a more beautiful Empire, and of more Cities and people then either the King of Spain or the great Turk. At this questionless our hopes promise that his noble ends do bend, for being full as great, and having been much greater than any man whatsoever of our nation that hath followed the like course to what should his great heart look? or what should he dedicate to so gracious and merciful a King as he enjoyeth, but the very ●oppe and Garland of all Heroical actions? But in as much as yet nothing is done worthy relation, because we are not yet arrived at the hithermost end of our designs, all our success remaining in hope, and lest my too much love might make me too saucy in prophesy, I will leave all to his holy will which governs all; only I will acquaint you with some particulars touching the general government of our Fleet, which although other men doubtless in their Voyages have in some measure observed, yet in all the great Volumes which have been written touching Voyages, there is no precedent of so godly, severe and Martial government, which not only in itself is laudable and worthy imitation, but also fit to be written and engraven in every man's Soul, that covets to do honour to his King and Country in these or the like attempts: The true Copy of which Laws, Articles, and especial Commandments, are these which here after follow; and at this present we observe.   

Orders to be observed by the Commanders of the Fleet, and land Companies, under the charge and conduct of Sr. Walter Rauleigh Knight, bound for the South parts of America or else where. Given at Plymouth in Devon. the third of May. 1617.  
FIrst, because no action nor Enterprise can prosper (be it by Sea or Land) without the favour and assistance of Almighty God, the Lord and strength of Hosts and Armies, you shall not fail to cause Divine Service to be read in your Ship morning and evening, in the morning before Dinner, and at night before Supper, or at least (if there be interruption by soul weather) once the day, praising God every night with singing of a Psalm at the setting of the Watch.  
Secondly, you shall take especial care that God be not blasphemed in your Ship, but that after admonition given, if the offenders do not refrain themselves, you shall cause them of the better sort to be fined out of their adventures, by which course, if no amendment be found, you shall acquaint me with all: For if it be threatened in the Scriptures, that The Curse shall not depart from the house of the Swearer, much less from the Ship of the Swearer.  
Thirdly, no man shall refuse to obey his Officer in all that he is commanded, for the benefit of the journey: no man (being in health) refuse to wait his turn as he shall be directed: the Sailors by the Master and Boatswain: the Landmen by their Captain, Lieutenant and others.  
You shall make in every Ship two Captains of the watch, who shall make choice of two Soldiers every night to search between the Decks, that no fire nor candle light be carried about the Ship, after the watch set, nor that any Candles be burning in any Cabin without a Lantern, and that neither but while they are to make themselves unready, for there is no danger so inevitable as the Ships firing, which may also as well happen by taking of Tobacco between the Decks, & therefore forbidden to all men but aloft the upper Deck.  
You shall cause the Land men to learn the names and places of the ropes, that they may assist the Sailors in their labours upon the Decks, though they cannot go up to the tops and yards.  
You shall train and instruct your Sailors, (so many as shall be found fit) as you do your land-men, and register their names in the Lists of your Companies, making no difference of professions; but that all be esteemed sailors and all Soldiers, for your troops will be very weak when you come to Land, without the assistance of your Seafaring men.  
You shall not give chase, or send aboard any Ship, but by order from the General: And if you come near any Ship in your course, if she be belonging to any Prince or State in league or amity with his Majesty, you shall not take any thing from them by force, upon pain of punishment as a Pirate, although in manifest extremity or want you may, (agreeing for the price) relieve yourselves with things necessary, (giving bond for the same) provided that it be not to the disfurnishing of any such Ship, whereby the Owner or Merchants be endangered for the Ship or goods.  
You shall every night fall a stern the generals Ship, and follow his light, receiving instructions in the Morning what course to hold, and if you shall at any time be separated by foul Wether, you shall receive certain billets sealed up, the first to be opened on this side the North Cape, (if there be cause) the second to be opened at the South Cape: the third, after you shall pass 23. degrees, and the fourth from the height of Cape de Vert.  
If you discover any sail at Sea, either to windward or to leeward of the Admiral, or if any two or three of our Fleet, shall discover any such sail which the Admiral cannot discern: If she be a great Ship and but one, you shall strike your main topsail, and hoist it again so often as you shall judge it to be 100 Tons of burden, as if you judge her to be 200. Tons to strike & hoist twice, if 300. thrice and so answerable to her greatness.  
If you discern a small Ship, you shall do the like with your fore topsail, but if you discover many great Ships, you shall not only strike your main topsail often, but put out your Ensign in the main top, and if such Ships or Fleet go large before the wind, you shall also (after your signs given) go large, and stand as any of the Fleet doth, I mean no longer than that you may judge the Admiral and the rest have seen your signs and your so standing. And if you went large at the time of the Discovery, you shall hale oft your sheats for a little time, and then go large again, that the rest may know that you go large, to show us that the Ships or Fleet discovered keep that course, so you shall do if the Ships or Fleet discovered have their tacks aboard, namely if you had also your tacks aboard at the time of the discovery, you shall bear up for a little time and after hale your sheet oft again to show us what course the Ship or Feet holds.  
If you discover any Ship or Fleet by night, if the Ship or Fleet be to windeward of you, and you to windeward of the Admiral, you shall presently bear up to give us knowledge: but if you think you might speak with her, than you shall keep your loof and shoot off a piece of Ordnance to give us knowledge thereby.  
For a General rule, let no man presume to shoot off any piece of Ordinance but in discovering a Ship or Fleet by night, or by being in danger of the enemy, or in danger of fire, or in danger of sinking, it may be unto us all a most certain intelligence of some matter of importance, and you shall make us know the difference by this, for if you give chase, and being near a Ship, you shoot to make her strike, we shall see and know you shoot to that end, (if it be by day) if by night, we shall then know that you have seen a Ship or Fleet more than our own, and if you suspect we do not hear the first piece, than you may shoot a second but not otherwise, and you must take almost a quarter of an hour between your two pieces: If you be in danger by a leak (I mean in present danger) you shall shoot two pieces presently one after another. And if in danger of fire three pieces presently one after another.  
In foul weather every man shall fit his Sails to keep company with the rest of the Fleet, and not run so far a head by day, but that he may fall a stern the Admiral before night: in case we should be set upon by Sea, the Captain shall appoint sufficient company to assist the Gunners, after which (if the fight require it) the Cabens between the Decks shall be taken down, all beds and sacks employed for Bulwarks; the Musketeers of every Ship shall be divided under Captains, or other Officers, some for the forecastle, others for the waist, the rest for the poop, where they shall abide (if they be not otherwise directed) the Gunners shall not shoot any great Ordnance at other distance then point blank. An Officer or two shall be appointed to take care that no loose powder be carried between the Decks, or near any linstock, or match in hand: you shall saw divers Hog's heads in two parts, and filled with water, set them aloft the Decks: you shall divide your Carpenters some in the hold, (if any shot come between wind and water) and the rest between the Decks, with plates of lead, plugs, with all things necessary laid by them: you shall also lay by your tubs of water, certain wet blankets to cast upon and choke any fire, the Master and Boatswain shall appoint a certain number of Sailors to every sail, and to every such company a masters mate, Boatswaines Mate, or quarter Master, so as when every man knows his charge and place, things may be done without noise or confusion, and no man to speak but the Officers: As for example, if the Master or his Mate bid heave out the main Topsail, the masters mate, Boat-swains mate, or quarter Master which hath charge of that sail, shall with his company perform it without calling out to others, and so for the foresail, fore topsail, spritsail, and the rest: the Boatswain himself taking no particular charge of any Sail, but overlooking all, and seeing every one do his duty.  
No man shall board a Ship of the enemy without order, because the loss of a Ship to us is of more importance, then of ten to the enemy, as also by one man's boarding all our Fleet may be engaged, it being a great dishonour to lose the least of our Fleet. Every Ship being under the lee of the enemy shall labour to recover the wind, if the Admiral endeavour it, and we find an enemy to leeward of us, the whole Fleet shall follow the Admiral, Vice-admiral, or other leading Ships within Musket shot of the enemy, giving so much liberty to the leading Ships after her broad side discovered, she may stay and trim her sails, then is the second Ship to give her side, and the third and fourth, which done they shall all take as the first Ship, and giving the enemy the other side shall keep him under a perpetual volley: Thus must you do to the windermost Ship of the enemy, which you shall batter in pieces, or force her to bear up and entangle the rest falling foul one of another to their great confusion.  
If the Admiral give chase and be head-most man, the next Ship shall take up his Boat if other order be not given: or if any other Ship be appointed to give chase, the next Ship, if the chase Ship have a boat at her stern, shall take her up: if any make a Ship to strike, he shall not enter her till the Admiral come up.  
The Musketeers divided into certain quarters of the Ship shall not deliver their shot but at such distances as their Commander shall direct them: you shall take a special care for the keeping of the Ship clean between the Decks, to have your Ordnance in order and not cloyed with trunks, and chests. Let those that have provision of victuals, deliver it to the Steward, and every man put his apparel in canvas Cloak-bags, except some few Chests which do not pester the Ship: Every one that useth any weapon of fire, be it Musket or other Piece, shall keep it clean, and if he be not able to amend it being out of order, he shall presently acquaint his Officer therewith who shall command the Armourer to amend it.  
No man shall keep any feasting or drinking between meals, nor drink any healths on the Ships provision: Every Captain by his Purser, Steward, or other Officer shall take a weekly account how the Victuals waste: The Steward shall not deliver any Candles to any private man, or to any private use.  
Whosoever shall steal from his fellows, either apparel or any thing else, shall be punished as a thief, or if any one steal any victuals, either by breaking into the hold, or otherwise, he shall receive the punishment of a thief and the murderer of his fellows.  
There is no man shall strike any Officer, be he Captain, Lieutenant, Ensign, Sergeant, Corporal of the Field, a quarter Master, nor the Master of any Ship, masters mate, Boatswain, or quarter Master, I say no man shall offer any violence to any of these, but the Supreme Officer to the inferior, in time of Service upon pain of death: No private man shall strike one another upon pain of receiving such punishment as a Marshal Court shall think him worthy of.  
No man shall play at Cards or Dice, either for his Apparill or Arms upon pain of being disarmed, & made a Swabber; and whosoever shall show himself a coward upon any landing or otherwise, he shall be disarmed, and made a Labourer and carrier of victuals for the rest.  
No man shall land any men in any foreign parts, without order from the General, the Sergeant Mayor or other chief Officer, upon pain of death; and wheresoever we shall have cause to land, no Man shall force any Woman, be she Christian or Heathen upon pain of death: And you shall take especial care when God shall suffer us to land in the Indies, not to eat any fruits unknown, such fruits as you do not find eaten by birds on the tree or beasts under the tree you shall avoid.  
You shall not sleep on the ground nor eat any new flesh till it be salted, two or three hours, which otherwise, will breed a most dangerous flux, so will the eating of over fat hogs or Turkeys: you shall also have a great care, that you swim not in any Rivers but where you see the Indians swim, because most of the Rivers are full of Alligators: you shall not take any thing from any Indian by force, for from thenceforth we shall never be relieved; but you must use them with all courtesy. And for trading or exchanging with them it must be done by one or two of every Ship for all the rest, and the price to be directed by the Cape Merchant, for otherwise all our commodities will be of small price, and greatly to our hindrance.  
For other orders on the Land we will establish them (when God shall send us thither) by general consent, in the mean time I will value every man's honour according to their degree and valour, and taking care for the service of God and prosperity of our enterprise.  
When the Admiral shall hang out a Flag or Ensign on the Missen shrouds, you shall know it to be a Flag of Counsel to come aboard.   

A Reference of the Voyage to the Directions.  
BY these Orders and Commandedements, you may see to what Coast we are bound, and namely to the South parts of America, and no doubt to the only best part thereof: For as all the Springs and Rivers in the world have but one head, namely, the Sea: so it is thought all the wealthy Ours in the world have but one Sovereign, which is an Empire placed in these parts, and that is the great Empire of Guiana, 
Of Guyani, and the wealth.  ruled by the great Emperor Inga: of the great wealth and riches whereof Francisco Lopez and others thus report; That all the vessels of the emperors house, Tables, and Kitchen were of Silver and Gold, and the very meanest of all of Silver and Copper, for the strength and hardness of the metal: That in his Wardrobe were hollow Statues of gold, which seemed giants, and Figures in proportion and bigness of all the Beasts, Birds, Trees, and Herbs, that the earth bringeth forth in pure Gold also, and of all the Fishes that the Sea and waters of that Empire breedeth. Also there was Ropes, Budgets, Chests, and Troughs of Gold and Silver; great heaps of Billets of Gold, which seemed wood marked out to burn; nay, that there was nothing in all that Empire (the most flourishing of the whole world) whereof there was not a counterfeit in pure Gold.  
Besides, there was seen in a certain Island near the emperors Court, a Garden of pleasure, in which was all kind of Garden-hearbs, flowers and trees, of Gold and Silver. As also in other places divers great infinits of Gold and silver unwrought, as in one place to the value of fifty two thousand Marks of pure Silver, and one Million and three hundred twenty and six thousand and five hundred Pesoes in Gold.  

A very strange custom.  Now it is to be understood that all this wealth belonged but to one Emperor: for the custom of the Country is, that whosoever dieth hath all his Treasure buried with him, so that even from the first Ruler to the Emperor now living, it is thought no less Treasure will be found in every Monument; which how unspeakable it is, I leave to judgement.  

Martin's his testimony, and first Christian that saw Guyana.  And this doth also witness Martin's, a Spaniard, who lived seven Months in the great City Manoa (which he called El Dorado, the place of gold) with the great Emperor Inga, and saw with his eyes what Lopez had written. And further, he did affirm of himself, that when he first entered into that City, (which for buildings, state and popularity, and all other outward excellencies, he thought the goodliest in the whole world) it was near noon, and then they uncovered his face (for in his whole travel he was led by the Indians blindfold before) and he traveled all that day till dark night, and the next day from Sunne-rise till Sunset, directly forward within the City, before he came to the emperors Court, which expresseth a mass of buildings far beyond our apprehensions.  
But here it will be objected by the curious, 
A curious Objection answered.  that without all question if this were possible to be so, that the Conquest thereof had been attempted many years ago, and that the Spaniard who hath got Peru and Mexico, would not have slept in a Design of this great consequence: Or if he had, that then these knowledges would have inflamed all the great Spirits of Christendom to have joined their forces together in so worthy a Conquest. And surely the Objection is true, nor hath either the Spaniard or other Princes been slothful in this attempt, though it hath please God their labours have not hitherto taken effect. For first, 
Oreliano the I. attempter for Guyana.  the marquess of Pescaro employed Oreliano about the Discovery of this Empire in the year 1542. and he was the first that found out the River of Amazons, but failed in his first purpose.  
After him Ordace, 
Ordace the attempter.  who was Knight of the order of St. jago, did attempt the same design, under whom Martin's (before mentioned) was master of the Munition, this Ordace was slain by a mutiny upon the Coast of Guiana, with all such as likewise favoured him; by reason whereof the attempt failed, and few or none of the Company returned, being six hundred foot, and thirty horse.  
After the death of Ordace, Pedro de Osua a Knight undertook the attempt, 
Pedro de Osua, the third attemptor.  and having spent much time and search in the River Amazons, and wearied his soldiers, was also by a mutiny stirred up by one Agiri, a man of mean quality, put to the sword, and with him all such as loved him.  
Then Agiri being chief, took on him the attempt; 
Agiri the fourth attemptor.  but not being able by that River to find any passage to Guiana, he returned back, and committing divers rebellious outrages, was in the end overthrown in Nueuo reigno, and finding no way to escape, first slew his Children to save them from defamation, and after himself.  
After him succeeded in this enterprise jeronimo Ortal de Saragosa, 
jeronimo Ortal de Saragosa, the fifth attemptor.  but failing of his entrance was cast on a contrary Coast, and so proceeded no further.  
Then followed Don Pedro de Siluas, 
Don Pedro de Siluas, the sixth attemptor.  but he also entering by the River Amazons, was by those warlike Women defeated, and but seven of his Company escaped, whereof but two only returned.  
Then came Pedro Hernandez de Serpa, 
Pedro Hernandez the seventh attemptor.  and undertook the action, but marching by Land to the River Orenoque, was met by an Army of the Indians and overthrown, so that of his whole power returned but eighteen persons.  
This overthrow heard of the Adalantado, Don Gonzales Cemenes de Casada undertook the action, 
Gonzales Cemenes, the eight attemptor.  and sought his passage by the River which is called Papamene, but he also, sailing in the true entrance, returned with the loss of much labour and cost: This Gonzales gave his Daughter in marriage to a very brave and stout Spaniard (but a little perfidious) called Bereo, binding him by his oath and honour to pursue the Action to his last substance, or the loss of his life, which Bereo undertook; 
Anthonio Bereo the ninth attemptor.  and all be it he had the experience of all those which had gone before, and of divers others, and was well persuaded of their errors and mistake, yet he failed as much as any other, nor ever could come to any true light thereof till he got conference with an ancient King of that Country called Carapana. This Bereo was after taken Prisoner by Sir Walter Rauleigh, 
Bereo taken Prisoner.  our noble General at Trinidado, from whom he exacted much of that hath been formerly written in the year of our Lord 1595. at which time Sir Walter attempted the discovery of Guiana, 
Sr. Walter Rauleigh first Discoverer of Guiana.  and proceeded further therein (being but himself and one hundred followers of all sorts) then ever any man had done before; he entered by one of the main branches of Orenoque, being nine in number which fall out of the North side, and seven out of the South, and passed the Country of the Tiuitiuas, 
Of the Tiuitiuas.  which are people that in the Summer dwell in houses on the ground, but in the Winter, upon the tops of trees.  

Of the River Amana.  Thence he came into the goodly River of Amana, on whose borders he saw grow abundance of fruit Trees, good and pleasant to eat, which was a very great relief to his Company when their victuals were spent, and such strange plants and flowers as was most wonderful.  
Then he went to a Town of the Arwacas, 
Of the Arwacas.  where he found relief of victuals, and other necessaries, and a most delicate and sweet Country, and in less than fifteen days after he came to descry the mountains of Guiana: thence he went to the Town of Toparimaca an Indian Casiquy, which Town is called Arwacas, and there feasted, was refreshed, and got a Pilot to bring him to Guiana; so that thence he passed by the Island Assapano, 
The Island Assapano, and others.  and the Island Icoana: thence to the I'll Ocaywita, whence he sent two Guianians to tell the Lord of that Country of his coming, so he passed by the plains of the Samay, which reach to Cumana and Caracas; thence he went up to Aromaia, which was the Country of Morequito, that was formerly slain by Bereo, where in the Port thereof he anchored, and the King of Aromaia came a foot, 
Sir Welter's conference with the King of Aromaia.  unto him, being fourteen English miles, and brought him all sorts of provisions, with this King (being a man of an hundred and ten years old) Sir Walter discoursed in private, and understood that Country to be a part of Guiana, and withal he learned from him the ways & passages to Manoa, the strength & government of the great Empire, and lastly, the nature & disposition of the people, and what Nations and Countries were adverse unto them. After this discourse Sir Walter gave him leave to depart, the old man promising him upon his return, all things necessary that he should want: Thence Sir Walter went to view the famous River Caroli, 
The great river Caroli.  and so to to the Island Caiama: thence to Canuria, where he had conference with the Cassique thereof, and from him learned also more of the state of Guiana, and of the great wealth, and of certain Silver Mynes, 
Discovery of Silver Mynes.  which were then upon the borders of that River, where he then anchored, and that also he was then very near unto Macureguarai the first civil Town of Guiana: But now the time of the year being past, and the rivers beginning to rise and break forth, he could ascend no further upward by water, yet he sent divers especial Gentlemen of good judgement over the land, who discovered a great part of that Country, & himself in person divers places of especial account also, amongst which he beheld the wonderful strange fall of waters which fell from the River Caroli, being about ten or twelve overfalls, every one higher than another above the height of an ordinary Church steeple: but touching the excellency of the Country, 
The excellenc● of those bordering Countries.  the beauty, riches, sweet air, and plenty of all things necessary for pleasure, as dear, foul, fish, and other commodities no Nation in the world could exceed it, and in this place he found divers very precious stones, and other Mineral things of great value, here also he saw the great Lake of Cassipa, 
The great Lake of Cassipa.  from which in the Summer time is gathered great abundance of grains of pure gold, and took also a full survey of many other Nations adjoining to both sides of that River, but by this time the Rivers grew to an extraordinary height above their banks, so as he was compelled to proceed no further in the attempt at that time, but returned back unto his Ships by the Easterly Coast, discovering all such Nations as on that side they had not beheld, and in this return he had conference with divers Kings and Cassiques of those Nations, whom with his virtue, wisdom, clemency, and noble cartiage, he so wan unto him, that they offered him all the aid and assistance (to any attempt he should take in hand) that either their lives or estates were able to accomplish; withal, giving him an account for the defects of other men's attempts upon that Country, and showing him the safe and readiest way how he might here after make himself Master of the same, with divers other cautions of great consequence, and here also he got some store of gold, of gold oar, and other jewels: hence he came into the Country of the Cassique Putüma who showed him a wonderful great Mine of Gold in manner of a Rock or hard golden stones, 
Of gold mines  which without especial strong engines which they wanted, was not to be pierced: Hence he came into another branch of the River of Orenoque, called Winicapora, where he beheld a mountain of Crystal, 
Of a Mountain of Crystal.  which to their eyes appeared like a white Church Tower of a most exceeding height: where also he saw and heard the greatest fall of water that any part of the world can produce. And in this place he was assured there was many rich Diamonds and other precious stones of inestimable value, which were to be beheld a great way off. But the year time being spent, the over flow of waters coming, and the way much impassable, at that time he would not come near unto it: here he received a great number of Spleen stones, and other wealth, besides much provision of food and other necessaries. Here also he got further intelligence, and further assurances of aid, if he should attempt any thing. Hence he came back to Assapano, and thence with much danger to Trinidado, where he found his ships, the sight and joy whereof hardly any can express that hath not tried the same hazard; and so thence returned home for England.  
Neither hath this Attempt been approved only by the Spaniard and English (as is before rehearsed) but hath also been taken in hand by divers brave spirits of France, 
Attempts by the French, for Guiana.  as Mounseir Vislieres and divers others, which were here very tedious to repeat: but they all likewise failed therein. For making their way by the River Amazons, they were ever crossed in their purpose, and could find no certain entrance into that wealthy Empire yet notwithstanding, in that River, and in the branches thereof they found great trade of Gold, which came from the borders of Guiana, and so ever returned home very wealthy, together with other rich merchandise of great estimation.  
Thus you may see this El Dorado, or golden seat, hath been sought by many worthy Spaniards, one Noble Englishman, and divers Frenchmen, yet none so successful as the English, which makes me Prophetiquely suppose, 
Hope of good hap.  that the glory of the action is reserved for us only, and the Kingdom such a Paragon and rich stone as shall adorn no crown but the crown of King james.  
The rest I leave to their judgement which shall read what hath been formerly written of it, or else these few protestations which do follow.  
First, Sir Walter Rauleigh himself protesteth from his own sight and knowledge, 
Sir Welter's protestation touching the wealth of Guyana.  that upon this main River in which he sailed, whose branches do run and divide into divers Nations and Countries, above two thousand miles to the East and West, and eight hundred miles South and North, a man may see as many several Kingdoms and Provinces as may satisfy any industrious judgement whatsoever; and of them, the most, either rich in Gold or in other Merchandise: that in this place the Soldier may fight for Gold, and pay himself in stead of pence with plates of gold a foot broad: that the Commanders which shoot at honour and abundance, may find there more beautiful Cities, more Temples adorned with Golden Images, more sepulchres filled with Treasure, the either was found in Mexico or Peru: and that the shining glory of this Conquest would eclipse all the beams of the Spanish Nation.  
Also he saith, there is no Country which yieldeth more pleasure to the Inhabitants, for the delights of Hunting, Hawking, Fishing, Fowling, and the rest, than these Lands which he saw did. They have also so many plains, clear Rivers, abundance of Pheasants, Partridges, Quails, Rails, Cranes, Herons, and all other Fowl: Deer of all sorts, porks, Hares, Lions, Tigers, Leopards, and divers other sorts of Beasts either for chase or food, that no Nation of the world can exceed them.  
And to conclude, he saith, that both for health, good Air, pleasure and riches, it is not to be equalled by any Region either in the East or West: and that there is in it great store of Brasill-wood, and divers Berries which die a most perfect Crimson and Carnation; and for painting, not all France, Italy, nor the East-Indies yield any such, for the more the skin is washed, the fairer the colour appeareth.  
Also there is great store of Cotton, of Silk, of Balsamum, and of those kinds most excellent, and never known in Europe. There are all sorts of Gums, of Indian Pepper, besides what the Country may afford inwardly, which he had not leisure to search, is yet unknown. Also the Soil is so excellent and so full of Rivers, that it will bear Sugar, Ginger, and all commodities that the West Indies hath.  
Now for the easiness of the Navigation, he saith it may be sailed in six weeks thither, 
Ensigns for Navigation.  and in six weeks back again: and by the way neither be shore, enemy's coast, rocks, nor sands; all which other Voyages are subject unto.  
Also he saith, the best time to sail from England thither, is in july, because the Summer in Guiana is in October, November, December, january, February, and March, and so shipping may return from thence in April, and arrive at home in England, in june; and by that means never be subject to winter weather, either coming, going, or staying, which no doubt is an excellent comfort to all men that shall undertake the Action.  
And thus much touching his worthy and noble Relation, who being an eye-witness, would not for his honour and virtues sake abuse his Sovereign with untruths.  
Now let us see what the Spaniards say of this rich Kingdom. First, Alonso, 
The testimony of the Spaniards for the wealth of Guina.  a chief Governor in the Grand Canaria, saith; that there was a Land newly discovered, called Nuevo Dorado, in which was abundance of Gold, and wonderful riches above imagination: that the course to fall with it, was fifty leagues to the windward to the Marguarita.  
Again he saith in another affirmation, that in Nueuo Dorado lately found out there was gold in that abundance, as the like hath never formerly been heard of, nor was any part of the world to be compared with it; and the like affirmeth Domingo de Vera who was Camp Master and General for Anthony Bereo in this Discovery, and no less saith Rodrigo de Caranca Register for the Sea, and many others: So that to conclude your trouble and the tediousness of my weary discourse, 
The conclusion  this Empire is that rich Magazany which yet hath her Maidenhead never sacked, turned, nor wrought, the face of the earth hath not been turned nor the virtue and salt of the soil spent by manurance, The graves have not been opened for Gold, the Mines not broken with the sledge or pickaxe, nor their Images pulled down out of their Temples. It hath never been entered by any army of strength, and never conquered or possessed by any Christian Prince: Besides by the report of all former Discoverers, especially our General, it is so defensible and easy to be kept from the assaults of any invaders, that if two Forts be builded in one of the Provinces which he beheld and took especial note of; the flood setteth in so near the bank where the channel also lieth that no Ship can pass up, but within a pikes length, of the artillery, first of the one, and afterwards of the other, which two Forts he supposeth will bea sufficient guard, both to the Empire of Inga, and to one hundred other several Kingdoms, all lying within the great River of Orenoque, even to the City of Quito in Peru.  
Of this Empire if it shall please God to make the King our Master Sovereign, what honour and reward it will bring him and his Subjects may easily be conjectured by what is before written; and since it is or may be undertaken by his own vassal, and one who is bound in extraordinary bond more than every common Subject, to spend the uttermost of his life in the same, no doubt but he will effect it with that wisdom, diligence, and care which shall be suitable to the greatness of the action, and the trust reposed, being thus far forth further encouraged by Anthonio Bereo the Spaniard, who in great earnestness, and upon his Souls health protested, 
A strange prophesy.  that he had seen amongst divers most ancient Prophecies in Peru (at such time as that Empire was reduced to the Spanish obedience) one that affirmed, that from Inglatierra (which is to say, England) those Ingas should be again in time to come restored and delivered from the servitude of the former Conquerors, and this he avowed to have seen in divers or their most principal and chiefest Temples, preserved with great reverence and care, and till this day believed of all the Indians: Now an entrance in former years our General did make, as you have read, with that success that not any before or since hath ever equalled & displanted the first garrisons, if then now he succeed and have fortune answerable to his rare wisdom, industry and direction, whether it be in this nor any other to himself only concealed, there is no doubt but (God assisting) he will with such honour and high thoughts, pass and go thorough the same, that his nation shall have praise, his friends comfort, and himself the true advancement of his merits.  
But to give you a little taste of what hath succeeded in our present journey, you shall understand that we departed from Plymouth to Cork in Ireland, where after some refreshment we set sail out of the river of Cork, and thence sailed more than three Months before we came to the Coast of Guiana, which albeit generally it be ever run in seven or eight weeks, yet were the winds so strangely cross unto us, (a thing seldom seen in that passage) that in less time we could not effect our purpose: So that upon the seventh day of November last passed, 1617. we discovered the Coast of Guiana, during which time of our being at Sea, we had a great visitation of Sickness, so that many were sick, and some are dead, amongst which, the most eminent persons that died were these. Captain john Pygot our Lieutenant General, worthy Captain Hastings, my Lord of Huntingdon, brother, a Gentleman of so much forward hope, and goodness, that he was covered with many tears, and much mourning; also there died Master Talbot Scholar, which hath been long employed by our General; M Newhall, the master Chirurgeon of our generals Ship, and others, with which I will not trouble your ears.  
Upon the discovering of the Coast, we came into the fair River of Caltana, being (as it appeareth to me) a branch of Oerenoque, where my Lord, our General cast Anchor, and doth purpose to refresh his sick men, and to take in fresh water and other necessary provisions, of which that Coast aboundeth, and so to proceed in his enterprise which God in his mercy prosper, for our hopes every day grow stronger and stronger. This part of Guiana in which we now are, is to me a very Paradise, and so excellent in all perfections and beauties, that Nature seems only here to have her Temple; we have even now (being the Month of November) a much more delicate Summer, then is in England at Midsummer, the Sun and Air so wholesome & pleasant without offence or scorching, the trees & ground so bravely flourishing, and every thing in General so absolute and full of fruitful promise, that more cannot be by man desired: for mine own part I dare assure you, that in my life time I never saw or tasted more strange, more delicate, & more pleasant fruits, than here we may continually gather in most infinite abundance, being beside so wondrous wholesome and unoffensive, that I have not heard any complain either of surfeit, or other accidental sickness, as worms, fluxes & such like, which commonly follow the much eating of sweet and pleasant fruit. To enter into a Description of the beautiful prospect of this Country which we now see, although it be but the out-borders and skirts of the Empire, so nearer a neighbour to the main Ocean, that in reason it should promise the least fertility; yet I say again, to describe the goodliness thereof, the bravery of the Hills, and comeliness of the valleys, both shadowed and adorned with goodly tall green trees; the pleasantness and coolness of the Rivers which run and mix themselves in the most convenientest places, plentifully stored with fish of several natures; the variety of rare coloured Birds which fly up and down in every place about us, no colour almost under the Sun but being revealed in their feathers: were to draw a Landscape of that excellent perfection, which no Art could better, hardly imitate. For truly hitherto to mine eye this Country hath appeared a very earthly Paradise, and therefore doubtless is full of strong promises, that our attempt cannot return without much honour and reward, a rent hopefully due to every such noble action. But since it yet resteth in hope, I will leave it to the will and direction of the great GOD of Heaven: To whose protection I refer you, with this assurance, that as our success shall happen, and the action either decrease or diminish, so you shall by writing more amply understand thereof.  
From the River of Caliana on the Coast of Guiana, this seventeenth of November. 1617. R.M.  
FINIS.