portrait of Martin Frobisher (explorer) 
Sr Martin Frobisher Knight  

The noble flames that glowd in his stout breast  
Can ne'er be quenched, nor by that ●●● oppressed  
Of Northern Seas; His praise let him not ●rant  
Whose worth deserves a print of Adamant  
That he may still guide ships whose fame let grow  
So long as sea shall have an Ebb and flow. A. H.     

A TRUE DISCOURSE of the late voyages of discovery, for the finding of a passage to Cathaya, by the Northweast, under the conduct of Martin Frobisher General: Divided into three Books.  
In the first whereof is showed, his first voyage. Wherein also by the way is set out a Geographical description of the World, and what parts thereof have been discovered by the Navigations of the Englishmen.  
Also, there are annexed certain reasons, to prove all parts of the World habitable, with a general Map adjoined.  
In the second, is set out his second voyage, with the adventures and accidents thereof.  
In the third, is declared the strange fortunes which happened in the third voyage, with a several description of the Country and the people there inhabiting. With a particular Card thereunto adjoined of Meta Incognita, so far forth as the secrets of the voyage may permit.  
AT LONDON, Imprinted by Henry Bynnyman, servant to the right Honourable Sir CHRISTOPHER HATTON Vizchamberlaine. Anno Domini. 1578.   

What commodities and instructions may be ●eaped by diligent reading this Discourse.  

1 FIrst, by example may be gathered, how a Discoverer of new Countries, is to proceed in his first attempt of any Discovery.  
2 Item, how he should be provided of shipping, victuals, munition, and choice of men.  
3 How to proceed and deal with strange people, be the● never so barbarous, cruel and fierce, either by lenity or otherwise.  
4 How trade of Merchandise may be made without money.  
5 How a Pilot may deal, being environed with mountains of Ice in the frozen Sea.  
6 How lengths of days, change of seasons, Summers and Winters, do differ in sundry regions.  
7 How dangerous it is to attempt new Discoveries, either for the length of the voyage or the ignorance of the language, the want of Interpreters, new and unaccustomed Elements and airs, strange and unsavoury meats, danger of thieves and robbers, fierceness of wild beasts and fishes, hugeness of woods, dangerousness of Seas, dread of tempests, fear of hidden rocks, stéepenesse of mountains, darkness of sudden falling fogs, continual pains taking without any rest, and infinite others.  
8 How pleasant and profitable it is, to attempt new Discoveries, either for the sundry sights & shapes of strange beasts and fishes, the wondered works of nature, the different manners and fashions of diu●rse nations, the sundy● sorts of government, the sight of strange trees, fruit, fowls, and beasts, the infinite treasure of Pearl, Gold and Silver, the news of new found lands, the sundry positions of the Sphere, and many others.  
9 How valiant Captains use to deal upon extremity, and otherwise.  
10 How trusty soldiers dutifully use to serve.  
11 Also here may be seen a good example to be observed of any private person, in taking notes, and making observations of all such things as are requisite for a Discoverer of new Countries.  
12 Lastly, the Reader here may see a good pattern of a well governed service, sundry instructions of matters of cosmography, Geographie, and Navigation, as in reading more at large may be seen.    

  

¶ TO THE RIGHT Honourable, my singular good Master, Sir Christopher Hatton, Knight, captain of the Queen's majesties Guard, Vizchamberlaine to her Highness, and one of her majesties most honourable privy Counsel.  
RIGHT honourable, when I first intended the voyage of Discovery with Mr. Frobisher, for the finding of the passage to Cataya (being a matter in our age above all other, notable) I applied myself wholly to the science of cosmography, & secrets of Navigation, to the end, I might enable my s●lf● the better for the service of my Country, not only to understand what I read and heard others speak, but also to execute in effect, and practise with my own hands, the duty and office appertaining to a Mariner: and so thereby be better able to make a true report of all occurrents in the same voyage. And for that now the common report thereof is so vain and uncertain, because some men rather contending what they are able to say, than considering what in truth they should and aught to say, whereby, by sundry men's fantasies, sundry untruths are spread abroad, to the great slander of this so honest and honourable an action: I have thought good to lay open to your honourable judgement, the plain truth, and full discourse of the whole service, which I have taken upon me (though altogether unable) to writ, and to dedicated unto your Honour especially, for these special causes following first, the world doth witness, and I myself by good proof have tasted & found (being a man by your Honourable goodness and good countenance, specially supported, and even (as it were) the handy work of your own hands) how honourable a regard you bear to Virtue, how ready to countenance the meanest man that truly serveth his Country, how willing to give unto such both grace and opinion with her Majesty, how ready to procure reward there, for those that shall justly merit the same. And therewithal, considering the sound judgement you have to discern, as well in this, as in all other causes of weight: And knowing well, what place you hold with her highness, (who, for the faithful service you daily do her, as well in Court, as common Weal, which now by the true tuchstone of time, and long experience, she hath found, and therefore confirmeth a fast and sure opinion in you with the chiefest) I have specially thought it necessary, besides my duty (which above all the world my allegiance reserved, I own you most) for these respects to make relation of this service unto your Honour above others. And for that this action, both for the worthiness of the attempt, for the good and quiet government, for the great and marvelous dangers, for the strange and unknown accidents of the unknown corners of the world, above all others, may appear most notable and famous: I have been the rather desirous to take some pain therein, and what I have aship-boorde rudely and unorderly framed or observed, to commend to your Honourable construction the same: being willing rather to hazard mine own shame, by showing myself an insufficient writer (which perchance may sleme somewhat besides my profession) than that so honest and worthy attempts of our own nation, wi●h the example of so well a governed service, should lie hidden from your Honour's sight. And for that I will be injurious to no man, which in this action hath borne place, and well discharged the same, and that those men with the manner of their daily proceedings there, by name may be known unto you, I have in their place remembered them in order as becometh: and have not only named each principal, but every private person (if by any special service he hath merited the same) to the end, that the well deserving man, receiving the due commendation of his desert, may be encouraged to continued, and take pleasure in well doing after, and others being animated by like example, may for hope of like reward also, desire to deserve well.  
By this Discourse, it may please your Honour to behold the great industry of our present age, and the invincible minds of our English nation, who have never left any worthy thing unattempted, nor any part almost of the whole world unsearched, whom lately, neither storms of Seas by long and tedious voyages, danger of dark fogs and hidden rocks in unknown coasts, congealed and frozen Seas, with mountains of fleeting Ice, nor yet present death daily before their face, could any whit dismay, or cause to desist from intended enterpises: but rather preferring an honourable death before a shameful return, have (notwithstanding the former dangers, (after many perilous repulses) recovered their desired port. So that, if now the passage to CATAYA thereby be made open unto us, (which only matter hitherto hath occupied the finest heads of the world, and promiseth us a more riches by a nearer way than either Spain or Portugal possesseth) whereof the hope (by the good industry and great attempts of these men is greatly augmented) or if the Gold over in these new Discoveries found out, do in goodness, as in great plenty answer expectation, and the success do follow as good, as the proof thereof hitherto made, is great, we may truly infer, that the Englishman in these our days, in his discoveries, to the Spaniarde and Portugal is nothing inferior: and for his hard adventures, and valiant resolutions, greatly superior. For what hath the Spaniarde or Portugal done by the Southeast and Southweast, that the Englishman by the North-east and Northweaste hath not countervailed the same?  
And albeit I confess that the English have not hitherto had so full success of profit and commodity of pleasant place (considering that the former nations have happily chanced to travel by more temperate climates, where they had not only good meats and drinks, but all other things necessary, for the use of man) all which things, the English, traveling by more intemperate places, & as it were with main force, making way thorough seas of Ice, have wanted, which notwithstanding, argueth a more resolution; for Difficiliora pulchriora, that is, the adventure the more hard the more honourable: yet concerning the perfecter knowledge of the world, and Geographical description, (wherein the present age and posterity also, by a more universal understanding is much furthered, as appeareth by my universal Map with pricked bounds here annexed) herein, the Englishman deserveth chief honour above any other. For neither Spaniard nor Portugal, nor any other besides the English, have been found by so great dangers of Ice, so near the Pole, to adventure any discovery, whereby the obscure and unknown parts of the world (which otherwise had lain hid) have been made known unto us.  
So that it may appear, that by our Englishmens industries, and these late voyages, the world is grown to a more fullness and perfection: many unknown lands and islands, (not so much as thought upon before) made known unto us: Christ's name spread: the Gospel preached: Infidels like to be converted to Christianity, in places where before the name of God hath not once been heard of: Shipping and Seafaring men, have been employed: navigation and the Navy, (which is the chief strength of our Realm) maintained: and Gentlemen in the Sea service, for the better service of their Country well experienced. All which things, are (no doubt) of so great importance, as being well weighed, may seem to countervail the adventures charges: although the passage to CATAYA were not found out, neither yet the gold over prove good, where of both, the hope is good & great. But notwithstanding all these, even in this (if no otherwise) her most excellent Majesty hath reaped no small profit, that she may now stand assured, to have many more tried, able, & sufficient men against time of need, that are, (which with out vaunt may be spoken) of valour great, for any great adventure, & of government good for any good place of service. For this may truly be spoken of these men, that there hath not been seen in any nation, being so many in number, & so far from home, more civil order, better government or agreement. For even from the beginning of the service hitherto, there hath neither passed mutiny, quarrel, or notorious fact, either to the slander of the men, or danger of the voyage, although the Gentlemen, Soldiers, and Mariners (which seldom can agreed) were by companies matched together.  
But I may perchance (right Honourable) seem to discourse somewhat too largely, especially in a cause that (as a party) somewhat concerneth myself: which I do, not for that I doubt of your Honourable opinion already conceived of the men, but for that I know, the ignorant multitude is rather ready to slander, than to give good encouragement by due commendation to good causes, who, respecting nothing but a present gain, and being more than needfully suspicious of the matter, do therewithal condemn the men, and that without any further respect, either of their honest intents, either of their well performing the matter they did undertake (which according to their direction, was specicially to bring home over) either else of their painful travel (which for their Prince, and the public profit of their Country's cause they have sustained.)  
But by the way, it is not unknown to the world, that this our native country of England, in all ages hath bred up (and specially at this present aboundeth with) many forward and valiant minds, fit to take in hand any notable enterprise: where by appeareth, that if the Englishman had been in times past as fortunate and foreseeing to accept occasion offered, as he hath been always forward in executing any cause once taken in hand: he had been worthily preferred before all nations of the world, and the West Indies had now been in the possession of the English.  
For Columbus, the first Discoverer of the west Indies, made first offer thereof, with his service, to King Henry the seventh, than King of England, and was not accepted: Whereupon, for want of entertainment here, he was forced to go into Spain, and offered there (as before) the same to Ferdinando King of Castyle, who presently accepting the occasion, did first himself, and now his successors, enjoy the benefit thereof.  
Also Sebastian Cabota, being an Englishman, and borne in Bristol, after he had discovered sundry parts of new found land, and attempted the passage to CATAYA by the northester, for the King of England, for lack of entertainment here, (notwithstanding his good desert) was forced to seek to the King of Spain, to whose use he discovered all that tract of Brasile, & about the famous river Rio de la Plata, and for the same, and other good services there, was afterwards renowned, by title of Piloto Maggiore, that is, Grand Pilot, and constituted chief officer of the Contractation house of Sivilla: in which house, are handled all matters concerning the West Indies, and the revenues thereof: and further, that no Pilot should be admitted for any discovery, but by his direction.  
But there hath been two special causes in former age, that have greatly hindered the English nation in their attempts. The one hath been, lack of liberality in the Nobility, & the other want of skill in cosmography, and the A●t of Navigation. Which kind of knowledge, is very necessary for all our noble men, for that we being Islanders, our chiefest strength consisteth by Sea. But these two causes are now in this present age (God be thanked) very well reformed: for not only her majesty now, but all the nobility also, having perfect knowledge in cosmography, do not only with good words, countenance the forward minds of men, but also with their purses do liberally and bountifully contribute unto the same, whereby it cometh to pass, that Navigation, which in the time of King Henry the .7. was very raw, & took (as it were) but beginning (and ever since hath had by little and little continual increase) is now in her majesties reign, grown to his highest perfection.  
Thus right Honourable, as I have in these my first travels in these late voyages, upon such occasions as passed there now, rendered your honour this bore and true account: So being further resolved to offer myself a continual sacrifice with the first, for her Majesty and my country, in this or any other like service, I intent (God willing) according to this beginning, if any thing hereafter fall out worth the memory, to present your honour therewithal, and from time to time, to advertise you of every particular. And in all these things which I deliver now, or shall hereafter advertise, I humbly pray, your honour would vouchsafe to give some credit thereunto, and rather to think, I may be deceived, than that I mean to deceive, colour, or conceal any thing: for I neither can, nor will, use any flourish in the matter, but a bore truth in all: And thereupon I give my poor credit unto your honour in pawnne. And herein I humbly pray pardon, for my rude order of writing, which proceedeth from the barren brain of a soldier and one professing arms, who desireth rather to be well thought of with your honour, for his well meaning, than for any his cunning writing at all.  
And thus, having presumed to present these untimely and unripe fruits to your honours best and favourable construction, I humbly take my leave, beseeching God to bless you, as I do faithfully serve, and will honour you ever.  
The handy work of your Honour's hands and faithfully to serve you ever, GEORGE BEST.   

THE PRINTER to the Reader.  
FOrasmuch as (gentle Reader) these three voyages lately by our Countrymen performed, do both for the matter of discovery, for the strange and unknown accidents, for the rare and hard adventures, and also for the good and discrete order of government, appear above all others most notable and famous: I have been especially desirous, by all means possible I could, to procure the publication thereof, thinking it too great an injury to our common wealth, to bury in oblivion so worthy attempts of our own nation, and to hide the ensample of so good and so well a governed service. And for that (as I understand) many trifling Pamphlets have been secretly thrust out, not only without the consent of the Captains and executioners of the same, but also rather to the great disgrace of the worthy voyage, than otherwise, I having intelligence of a substantial discourse which was diligently written thereof, and privately dedicated to my very Honourable Master, Sir Christopher Hatton Knight, by a Gentleman of his own, who was personally present a Captain in all the same service, I have, without first making privy the Author, procured his Copy out of the hands of a friend of mine, who had the writing and perusing thereof, and have presumed to publish and imprint the same, to the end that thereby I might (gentle Reader) as well satisfy thy greedy expectation, by unfolding these new and unknown matters, whereof the nature of man is most desirous, as also to perform that duty which I owe unto my said Honourable Master, in publishing such things as are directed unto him. And for that the matter is worthy to pass under the protection of his honourable name, I have herein been willing, rather to bear the burden of the authors private displeasure, if therewith he should afterwards be offended, than not by publishing that same, seem not only to do a public injury unto my native Country, but also show a light regard of my duty, in obscuring the doings and travels of him, or any of his, whose honour (as I am chiefly bound) I tender more than my own safety. And albeit I have in a few places somewhat altered from my Copy, and wronged thereby the author, and have sought to conceal upon good causes some secrets, not fit to be published or revealed to the world (as the degrees of Longitude and Latitude, the distance, and true position of places, and the variation of the compass,) &c which nevertheless, by a general, and particular Map concerning the same, hereunto annexed, is so sufficiently explained, that easily any thing appertaining unto the voyage, or in this discourse mentioned, may sensibly be understood: And though the matter be entirely the Authors own, yet am I contented (for thy sake) rather than the same should not be published, to bear the burden of blame, and to abide the reproof of the faults escaped, taking upon me that reproach of presumption, and hazarding my name to the world, all which things the Author peradventure taketh for so great disgraces, as willingly he would not adventure in his own name the publishing thereof. But specially, for that the commendation of a History consisteth in truth and plainness, I have desired to bring forth, & prefer (before other Pamphlets) the same, knowing that the author thereof, in nothing more than in truth, desireth to maintain credit with this honourable parsonage, unto whom with his own hand written, he hath privately dedicated the same, as by the Epistle Dedicatory may appear. If therefore thou shalt accept my well meaning in good part, and yield but deserved praise to the author for doing, and thanks to me for publishing the same, it shall suffice to make me think my travel well therein employed. And so far you well.   

¶ The first Book of the first voyage of Martin Frobisher Esquire, Captain General for the discovery of the passage to Cataya and the East India, by the northester, first attempted in Anno Dom. 1576. the .15. of May.  
MAN is borne not only to serve his own turn (as Tully sayeth) but his kinsfolk, 
Cicero O●fi●● Lib. 1.  s●●eds, & the common wealth especially, look for some furtherance at his hands, and some fruits of his labour: whereupon sundry men finding themselves as it were tied by this bond and duty of human society, have willingly endeavoured sundry ways, to show themselves profitable members of their common weal. Some men by study of the mind, have employed themselves to give out good laws and ordinances for government, as Solon, Lycurgus, and others. Some have spent their time in devising Arts and Sciences, for the better sharpening of Man's wit, and the easier expressing his conceits, as in time past Aristotle for Logic and Philosophy, Cicero and Demosthenes for Rhetoric, Euclid and others for Arithmetic and Geometry. Others again by long and diligent observation, have found out the motion and courses of the celestial Orbs, that thereby man might have the distinction of times and seasons, 
Astronomy.  the better to direct his doings, both for taking pains & rest, as occasion and circumstance do●h require. Some delight in feats of Arms, thereby to be better able to defend their Countries from the force of the enemy, and rightfully (when occasion is) to enlarge their Dominions. And many others in sundry faculties & sciences, have both heretofore, and especially now in these later days, do so bestow and employ their time, that rightly they may be said to have deserved the name of profitable members in the common wealth: so that now by continual practice, and exercising of good wits, the world is waxed finer, and grown to more perfection, not only in all the speculative Arts and Sciences, but also in the practical application of the same, to Man's use, whereof as the one doth exceedingly delight the inward mind, in seeing the sequel of things by art and reason, so the other in the Mecanicall and practical application (which of late years, 
This is the flourishing age.  more than ever heretofore hath been used) doth so pleasure and profit the world, that this time only may rightly be called the liberal and flourishing age. For when was there ever heard of such abundance of gold and silver (which no doubt being well used, is the great benefit and good blessing of God to Mankind) as in these our days. Not, Solomon himself, with all the precious metal of Ophir, which he (one only King) had in that only place, can not be comparable to the great store of gold, and all other metals, which daily are digged out of the bowels of the earth, almost in all parts of the world, and now lately in the supposed hard and congealed frozen Lands, almost under the Poles. Yea now every private man can witness this with me, that he is no more contented with the wealth and riches that his Ancestors had, but thinks himself base minded, if by his industry he increase not his private wealth proportionally, as the whole world increaseth in common wealth, and not only of gold & silver is such great increase, but also of all other things, serving as well for pleasure, and delights of the mind, as for the necessary uses of man's life. For as we are placed in these lower Elements, 
Abundance of all things.  first to know and acknowledge the high Creator, and then thankfully to take the fruition of things for our maintenance, 
To what end Man is created.  which are especially two, that is, meat and drink, to sustain the body, and coverture, to defend the same from the rigour of heat and cold, and so thereby to glorify God in his works: what age hath been ever heretofore, that hath so abounded with store, not only of necessary meats, but also of pleasant & delectable confections, to delight man withal? for whats●euer sundry sort of corn, grain, & meats former years have had, we not only have all the same in far greater abundance, but thereunto are added thousands of new things simple and compound, never heretofore seen or heard of. And as for coverture to defend the body, the matter is grown to such excellency of Architecture and building, to such fineness of cloth & silks of all sorts and colours, that man studieth no more to multiply the increase thereof, so much as to devise fashions, to make it serve more for ornament, than for necessary uses. And the chiefest cause of all these effects (next after the divine Providence) is the searching wit of man, which being more curious and inquisitive of new and strange devices, than heretofore, bringeth out daily more strange inventions, and causeth others, through emulation, to do the like, not only in providing the necessary things aforesaid, but also a continual care & constancy to found out other new Arts occupations & faculties. For to remember one or two inventions for all, found out of late years. The use and benefit of Printing Books, 
Printing of Books.  a devise so commodious & necessary, saving within these few years in respect, hath lain utterly hid and unknown. The Art of War is now grown to that excellency, 
The art of War.  that if Achilles, Alexander the Great, julius Caesar, and other, should come in these later days, they themselves would more admire & wonder at the courages of our men, their engines, and their policies in war, than the ignorant and barbarous multitude in their days did to them, in celebrating their solemnities with all the honour that might be. But to draw near to my purposed scope, that is, to discourse of inventions by way of discoveries, I say, that one of the excellentest arts that ever hath been devised, is the Art of Navigation, 
Navigation.  which in times past was so raw, and unknown, that no man durst travel by Sea, saving only alongst the shore: and if by wind, currant or tempest, he were driven, against his will, so far from the land, that he lost the sight thereof, he made no other account, but to be cast away, his vessel was so rude, and his skill so little.  
In those days they knew not the singular use and benefit of the Load stone, called in Latin Magnes, 
The Stone called Magnes.  which besides the property of drawing Iron unto it, it directeth, and with opposite points showeth two principal parts of the World, the North, and the South, and that more distinctly, than the rising of the Sun doth show East and West (except it be only in the days of Aequinoctium, which is but twice a year) which rare property of the Load stone, if any Man desire at large to see, let him put the said stone into a round dish, and they both so together in some vessel of water, wherein they might swim at pleasure voluntarily, which dish when it standeth still, then do the two principal and opposite points of the stone firmly and constantly point out North and South: and if before the quarters of North and South were known, by this experience he may found out the two principal points of the stone, so that the one being known, the other can not be wanting. And that a man may be the better persuaded of this effect, let him remove or turn round the dish after it hath once stood still, and he shall ever find it to return constantly to the same point again. Also, a pillar, or piece of steel, being but touched with the foresaid Magnes, playing Aequilibra upon some Pyramid or point, receiveth such virtue, that it produceth like effect. Whereunto, if wood or paper in circular form divided into .32. equal parts, be handsomely compacted, 
Two and thirt● points of the compass.  it will distinguish and point out all parts of the Horizon, and direct into all coasts of the world, and that only by the influent Spirit of the two principal points, respecting ever North and South.  
This excellent property and benefit of the loadstone, I the rather remember at large, because some Seamen which know this rare and miraculous effect as well as I, do not sufficiently admire the same, because it is now so commonly known, and yet indeed is to be preferred before all precious stones in the world, which only tend to ornament, and have no other virtue, whereas this serveth to so necessary use. The virtue of this stone, as it is not long since it was first found, so in these days it is like to receive his perfection, concerning his north-easting and Northwesting to be brought in rule, & particularly in this noble voyage of our worthy Captain Martin Frobisher, who, as you shall after understand in the discourse, hath diligently observed the variation of the Needle. 
The variation of the Needle,  And such observations of skilful Pilots, is the only way to bring it in rule, for it passeth the reach of natural Philosophy. The making and pricking of Cards, the shifting of Sun and Moon, the use of the compass, the hour glass for observing time, instruments of Astronomy to take Longitudes and Latitudes of countries, and many other helps, are so commonly known of every Mariner now adays, that he that hath been twi●● at Sea, is ashamed to come home, if he be not able to ●ender account of all these particularities. By which skill in Navigation, is brought to pass, that the people of Europe can as easily and far more easilier make long voyages by Sea than by land, whereby hath come to pass, that within the memory of man within these four score years, there hath been more new Countries and regions discovered, 
New discoveries.  than in five thousand years before, yea, more than half the world hath been discovered by men, that are yet (or might very well for their age be) alive. When I name the world in this sense, I mean the uppermost face an● Superficies of the Earth and Sea, which unite together, make one Globe or Sphere. And this face of the Earth, which Almighty God hath given man as most convenient place to inhabit in, thorough the negligence of man hath, until of late days, lain so hid and unknown, that he hath lost the fruition, and benefit of more than half the earth.  
A marvelous thing, that man, who hath always abhorred so much thraldom and restraint, and so greedily desired liberty, could be contented so many thousand years, to be shut up in so narrow bounds. For it is to be thought, that only such Countries in times paste have been known as either did bound and hung together, or else were separated by very narrow Seas, as are Europa, Africa, & Asia, out of which, from either to other, a man may travail by land, or else shall find in some places very narrow Seas, separating them, and so might sail from the one to the other, only by land marks, without the Art of Navigation, because the one was within a ken of the other.  
For even the great strength and stoutness of Hercules himself, when out of Graecia Westward he had traveled, 
The W●east 〈◊〉 of ●●e 〈…〉.  & conquered all the Regions and Countries coming to the strait between Spain and Barbary, made account to have been at the West end of the world, and therefore there erected two Pillars, as a perpetual monument of his f●●e, which to this day are called Herculeae Columnae, the P●ll●●s of Hercules, the one standing in Spain of Europe, the other in Africa, and called the strait Fretum Herculeum: and now commonly is named the straights of Mal●ga, or Gibraltar. And having come so far Westward, contented himself, and said: Non plus ultra, no further.  
Likewise Alexander Magnus out of Macedonia in Greece, passing thorough Armenia, Persia and India, coming to the great River Ganges, & conquering all these Country's ●althoughe he was persuaded, that Asia extended somewhat further into the East and north-east (yet knowing them not to be very great Countries, and thinking them to be of small moment, erected there certain Altars, which are yet called Arae Alexandrinae, as beyond which, no man else in those days had passed, or need to pass more Eastward, 
The E●st ●nd o●●●e old Worl●●.  and this was accounted, as it were a ●ounder of the east side of the world, although indeed Asia doth extend further .20. degrees, and is environed with More Eo●m, and the strait Anian, which our Captain Frobisher pretendeth to find out.  
Touching the South parts of the world towards Africa, Ptolomeus King of Egypt, a famous Cosmographer, who was more solicit and curious in describing all the face of the Earth, than any King before him or after, (except of late days,) delivered in plat described & known only 16. degrees beyond the Equinoctial to the southwards or pole Antartique, 
The end of the old ●orld Southward.  and that bounder was called Montes Lunae, out of which the great river Nilus is supposed to have his beginning & spring. And as for the known land on the North parts of the world, Thyle being one of the islands of Orcades (more probably than Iseland) was so long pronounced and continued Vltima, that it was esteemed a great error for any man to imagine any land more North than that. 
The end of the old ●orld Northward.   
Thus have I briefly named the four principal bounders of the world, which was only known from the beginning of the world (as some think) until within these 80. last years. That is the straits of Gibraltar or Malega Weastward. The East part of Asia beyond Arae Al●xandrinae Eastward. Vltima Thyle by Scot●ande Northward: & .16. Grades beyond the Equinoctial Southward. But these 16. degrees of South latitude, are to be understood only in the continent of Africa, which extendeth not passing .70 degrees in longitude. Therefore, whatsoever Countries or Regions have since been discovered and known beyond 180. degrees in longitude .60. degrees in North latitude, and 16. degrees in South latitude, 
The great discoveries of late years.  all the commendation, honour, renown, glory, and fame thereof, must be attributed to the Englishmen, Spaniards, Portugese's, frenchmen and Italians, whose valiant courage and high minds, be such, that either they already have, or shortly will discover and search out, every narrow corner of the world. By these men's valours and industries, the known Regions of the world, which before were divided into three parts, that is, Europa, Aff●ica, and Asia, are now made six, by addition of other three. For like as the whole Massy frame of the world, being first divided into two principal regions, the one Elemental, the other Heavenly, the Elemental containeth four parts, that is, the four Elements, the Earth, the Water, the Air, and the Fire: the Heavenly Region, although one yet for diversity of motion, may be counted two, that is, Primum Mobile, moving only upon the poles, Arctic and Antarctic, and all the rest of Orbs and Planets, moving upon the poles of the Zodiac are by this difference of motion imagined two, whereby ariseth the number of six substantial parts of the world, that is, the four Elements, and the two variety's of Orbs. So likewise the inferior world, I mean the Superficies of the Earth, is also divided into six parts, that is, 
The Earth de●ided into six parts.  Europa, Africa, Asia, Terra Septentrionalis, America, & Terra Austrialis, whose bounders because this division seemeth somewhat strange, I thought good for the more particularity, here briefly to repeat.  

The chief bounders of the principal parts of the world.  
EVropa is bounded on the West side with our west Ocean: 
〈◊〉  on the South side with Mare Mediter●aneum: on the East with Mare Aegeum, Pontus Euxinus, and the river Tanais, following the Meridian thereof Northward: On the North side it was thought sometime to be bounded with Islands, Hebrides, Orcades, and Hyperbore● montes in Sarmatia of Europe. But now, by the navigation of the englishmen, the bounds are extended unto that Sea, which compasseth Norway, Laplande, and Moscovia.  
Africa is bounded Westward with the Sea Atlanticum, 
〈◊〉  Southward with the South Ocean, passing by Cape d'buona Speranza, Eastward with the read Sea, and Northward by the Sea Mediterraneum.  
Asia is bounded on the South side with the South Ocean, 
As●●  on the east side with Mare Eoum, and the straight Anian, on the North side with the Scythian Sea, on the west side with the Meridian of the river Tana●●, & pa●te of the Sea Mediterraeneum, as Pontus Euxinus, Mare Egeum, Sinus Issicus, and the read Sea.  
Terra Septentrionalis is divided from Asia by the Scythian Sea, 
Terra S●p●●ntriona●●s.  from Europe by the North Sea about Iseland, called in times past Mare Congela●um, the frozen Sea, and from America is divided by frobisher's straits. It lieth round about the Pole Arctic, & is included by a Parallel, passing about .70. degrees in North latitude, as it is also more at large described in Mercators' and Ortelius universal Maps.  
This part of the world hath been most or only made known by the Englishmens industry. For as Mercator mentioneth out of a probable Author, there was a Friar of Oxford, a great Mathmatician, who himself went ver●● far North, above .200. years ago, and with an Astrolabe described almost all the land about the Pole, f●●ding it divided into four parts or Islands, by four great gutters, indrafts, or channels, running violently, a●d delivering themselves into a mostrous receptacle, and swallowing sink, with such a violent force and currant, that a Ship being entered never so little within one of t●ese four indraftes, cannot be holden back by the force of any great wind, but runneth in headlong by that deep swallowing sink into the bowels of the earth. He report●th, that th● Southweast part of that land, is a fruitful, and a wholesome soil. The North-east part (in respect of England) is inhabited with a people called Pygmaei, which are not at the uttermost above four foot high. One of these four great monstrous gulfs wy●h his violent raging course, followeth the Meridi●n of the fortunate Islands, a●d receiveth the Ocean with thee mouths, and is frozen o●er three months in the year, and is .37. leagues in breadth: the ne●te Eastward beyond the Island Vag●ts, is 〈…〉. degrees in longitude, and receiveth the East Ocean w●th ●●ue months, and being narrow and swift, is never frozen. The third is at. 19●. degrees in longitude, & ●●ceiu●th the East Ocean with ninetéen receipts. The fourth is at. ●●●. degrees in longitude. All these indraftes & raging channels, run directly towards a point under the Pole, where is also said to be a monstrous great Mountain of wonderful great height, & about .35. leagues in compass at the foot.  
Gui●●elmus Postellus saith, that here under and about the Pole is best habitation for man, and that they ever have continual day, and know not what night or darkness meaneth. But this seemeth contrary to the principles of the Sphere, which alloweth well that they should see the Sun half a year together without any night. During the time of his being in the North signs from the one Equinoctium t● the other, yet, that in the other half they should have continual night without any day. But I think Postellus (being a good Astronomer) doubted nothing of the reason of the sphere, but meaneth that for their great twiligh●s, & the high swelling of the earth, & the high mountain under the Pole, they have continual light: but hereof you shall hear more ●t large hereafter in this treatise, when I speak of the ●ep●rature of the North Regions. This so particular a description of the land & countries lying about the Pole, argueth, that this Oxford Friar took great pains therein, and endureth gre●t probability & likelihood of the truth thereof, because he obliqued so diligently by measure, the breadth of the incrafty, w●●t time, and how long they continued frozen, & with how ●an●e mouths or receipts every one of them received the Ocean.  
Upon the bounds & description of this part of the earth, I have the longer stayed, because I found it discovered only by the English nation. And although the greatest part hereof was ma●e known .200: & odd years passed, yet some bounders thereof were described & set out by the travel of S. Hugh Wi●●oby ●night, an Englishman, who ventured & lost his life in the cause, & so died an honourable death, & with him Ric. Chancellor, chief Pilot in that voyage, in An. 1554. who discovered & found out, the Norway & Lapland. etc. conjoined not to Groneland, or any part of the Northern regions, as one firm & continent, but that by sea a man might travel to the country of M●sc●u●a, & a great way more eastward, as far as the great river Obby. also our worthy General Ca Frobisher in his .3. last voyages, w●er of we are briefly to entreat in these .3. books, hath discovered & described a great part of the south-west bounds thereof, & meaneth (God willing) not only to describe the one half thereof in going to Cataia by the Northwest, but also to put in tria●●, whether he may return into England by the North-east, & so also to discrybe the other pa●t, which to do, is one of the weightiest matters of the world, & a thing that will 'cause other Princes to admire the fortunate state, & the great valour of the English nation. But to return again to the bounding of the other parts of the world.  

A●●ri●a.  America an Island is included on the East side with the Sea Antartique: On the West side with Mare del Sur, or Mare P●cificum: On the South side it is bounded with the strait of M●gellanus: and on the North with frobisher's straits.  

〈…〉  Terra A●strali● seemeth to be a great firm land, lying under and about the South pole, being in many places a fruitful ●oy●e, and is not yet thoroughly discovered, but only seen and touched on the North edge thereof, by the travail of the Portugese's and Spaniards, in their voyages to their East and West Indies.  
It is included almost by a Parallel, passing at .40. degrees in South latitude, yet in some places it reacheth into the Sea with great Promontories even unto the Tropic Capricornus. Only these parts of it are best known, as ever against Capo d'buona Speranza ●where the Portugese's 〈◊〉 popinjays commonly of a wonderful greatness, and again it is known at the South side of the strait of Magellanus, and is called Terra del Fueg●.  
It is thought this Southlande, about the pole Antar●●ke, is far bigger than the North land about the pole Arctic: but whether it be so or not, we have no certain knowledge, for we have no particular description hereof, as w● h●ue of the land under and about the North p●le.  
Thus I have briefly ●utted & bounded out all the parts o● the Earth, according unto this latter division into si●e p●rts. Which, that i● might be more apparent & sensible to every man's understandings I have here unto adjoined an universal Map, wherein my mind was to make known ●o the eye what Countries have been discovered of late years, and what before of old time. The old known parts have their bounds traced and drawn with whole lines, the new● dis●ou●r●d Country's 〈…〉 ●oun●s draw●n w●th points or broke● l●n●●, whereby the 〈◊〉 sh●ll at the first sight see both the shape and fashion of the whole universal face of the Earth, compared altogether, and also all the several parts thereof, whether ●hey were of old tim● discovered, or of l●te years, th● w●●ch M●ppe, though it be roughly framed, without degrees of Longitude or Latitude, yet is it sufficient for the purpose it w●s ordained, for herein, as in all the rest of this discourse, of the three voyages of our wo●th● General Capt●●ne F●obisher, my intent is, more to set out simply the true and plain proceeding and handling of th● whol● m●tter, than to use circumstance of many words, o● f●ne eloquent phrases, wherein if I should once go about to ●n●angle myself, it would do nothing else, but bewray my own ignorance, and lack of School sk●ll. Therefore, of me there is nothing else to be looked for, but such plain talk and writing, as Soldiers and Mariners do use in their daily meetings and voyages, and this of necess●t●e must any man use, that will deal with such a m●tter as this is, although he w●re curious to the contrary.  
By this discourse and Map, is to be seen, the v●liante courages of men in this later age, within th●s●. 8● years, that have so much enlarged the bound●● o● the Wo●lde● that now we have twice and thrice so mu●●e s●o●e for ●ure earthly peregrination, as we have had in 〈…〉, so th●t now men need no more contentiously to 〈◊〉 for ro●me to build an house on, or for a little 〈…〉, of one acre or two, when great Countr●●s, 〈…〉 worlds, offer and reach out themselves, 〈…〉 will first vouchsafe to possess, inhabit, and 〈…〉 there are Countries yet remaining 〈…〉 and possessors, which are fertile to b●●●g forth 〈…〉 of corn and grain, infinite sorts of land 〈…〉 Horse, Elephants, Kin●, Sheep, great variety 〈…〉 Fowls of the air, as Pheasants, Partridge, Quayle, Po●●ngeys, Ostriches etc. infinit● kind of fruits, as Almonds, ●ates, Quinces, pomegranates, Oranges, etc. wholesome mediem●ble, and delectable. Great variety of flowers continually springing. Winter and Summer beautiful, for colour odoriferous, and comfortable. Abundance of fair hills and valleys, furnished with all manner woods, and pleasant rivers. Millions of new fashions, and strange beasts a●d fishes, both in Sea and fresh waters. Mountains bringing forth a●l manner of Metals, as gold, silver, yron● etc. All sorts of precious stones and spices, in all which land waits nothing that may be desired, either for pleasure, profit, or necessary uses, which sundry Countries, to possess and obte●ne, as it is an easy thing, so would I not have our English Nation to be slack therein, le●st perhaps again they overshoot themselves, in refusing occasion offered, as it was in the time of King Henry the seventh, when all the West Indies were first pr●fered to the Englishmen, to be given into their hands, which they little regarding, was aft●●w●rd offered to the Spany●rdes, who presently accepted th● occasion, and now enjoy the infinite treasure and commodity thereof. I would not wish Englishme● to b● new unlike themselves, ●or in all the later discoveries the English n●tion hath been as forward, as an● other. ●s first●● by their Navigations North●●stward, the bounds of Europe, were made perfect on the North side, for Ptolemy, St●abo, and all other Geogr●phers ●e●te it described but onel● to the Islands Orcad●s i● I●elande, and Hyperboreos Montes in Sarmatic, a●d finding the l●nd on ●he North sid● o● ●●rm●ny, Poland, Moscovia, and Asia, 〈◊〉 e●tend Northw●●d, ●hey le●t ●on●u●●dly, ● kn●w ●ot whether it re●c●ed to the Pol●, as one 〈…〉, or 〈…〉 voyage hath since been perfected by the two brethren the borrows, & other valiant young men of our time Eastward, beyond the great River Obij, as far as the Empire of the great Cam or Cane of Tartari●, as ●ppéereth in my general Map by the pricked bounds thereof. Th●t voyage was then taken in hand, of the valiant Knight, with pretence to have gone Eastward to the rich Country of Cat●ya, & was grounded briefly upon these reasons. First, because there was a Unicorns horn found upon the coast of Tarta●ia by the River Obij, which (said he) was like by no other ways to come thither, but from India or C●taya, where the said Unicorns are only found, & that by some sea bringing it thither. Also a fisherman of Tartari● reported, that he sailed very far South eastward, & found no end of sea, or likelihood thereof. Lastly, a Tartarian, inhabiting near the Scythian Se●, reported such a stream and currant to run there continually towards the West, that if you cast any thing therein, it would presently be carried out of your sight towards the West, whereby necessarily followeth, there should be some passage to some larger sea, wherein this continual stream might empty itself. And by the experience of this vo●age, it w●s found, that the frozen ●ones were not frozen, bu● h●b table and navigable, a thing that almost all the old Philosophers did deny, & went about with sundry reasons ●o impugn, ●or ●n this voyage to Moscoui●, our men passed beyond .72. degrees in No●th Latitude, whereas the frozen Zone beginneth at .66 degrees & a half. This enterprise, although it t●ke not effect, to found the passage to Cataya Eastward, b●c●use the worthy knight, the chief Author thereof, died in the way thither, yet hath it been very beneficial to England, in finding out the trade to S. Nicholas, both for the maintenance of the N●u●e, & the yearly profit is reaped thereby, the which voyage is known to be more dangerous & painful, than any the Spaniards or Portugals have ever dealt in, for they being borne in a somewhat hot country, happened to deal with easy voyages, although they were long out, not much differing from their own temperature.  
And I thi●ke, a man might be bold to say, that in all their long voyages, to the East and West Indies, they were never so much distressed and oppressed with so infinite numbers, and sundry kinds of dangers, as our valiant General Captain Frobisher, and his company were in every one of these his three voyages, as reading it, you shall understand more at large. And yet they courageously persist and continued on their purposed enterprise, and will not surcease, until they have (God willing) found out that long wished passage to Cataya, to the everlasting renown, glory, and fame of the English nation.  
Also, the valour of the English men, did first of all discover and find out all that part of America, which now is called B●cc●laos: for Sebastian Cabot, an English man, borne in Bristol, was by commandment of King Henry the seventh, in Anno .1508. furnished with Shipping, munition, and men, and sailed along all that tract, pretending to discover the passage to Cataya, and went aland in many places, and brought home sundry of the people, and many other things of that Country, in token of possession, being (I say) the first Christians that ever there set foot on land.  
Also, the said Englishman Cabot, did first discover at the procurement of the King of Spain, all that other port of America, adjoining next beyond Brasill, lying about the famous River called Rio de la plata.  
Also, the English men have made sundry voyages to Guinea and Bynny, although the spaniards, and Portugals, because of their near dwelling thereunto, get thither the first start of them, and there prevented them in building Towns and Castles, whereby appeareth, that the English nation, by their long and dangerous Navigations, have diligently and paynefullie searched out by sea, the temperature of all the Zones, whether they were burning, frozen, hot, cold, or indifferent, even from the Pole Arctic, to the Equinoctial, and crossing it also, passed beyond the Tropic of Capricorn, and returned again. And therefore, as we are inferior to no other nation, in making great and long voyages by Sea, so know I no Nation comparable unto us, in taking in hand long travels and voyages by land. For what Nation is it, that hath ever had such a long trade by land, as is the Englishmens into Persia, which besides two Months sailing by Sea, along the West and Northern coasts of Norwey, and Lapland, by Wardhouse, unto the Bay of Saint Nicholas, it remaineth more in voyage by land and fresh rivers, about three thousand English miles: for from the Merchants house at Saint Nicholas, by the River Duina and Sughana, to the City Volugda, is counted seven hundred English miles, from thence to the City Yearuslane, standing upon the great River Molga, traveling by only land, is reckoned about .140. miles, where the Merchants making new Shipping for the fresh River Volga, go Eastward about .700. miles: then the said River Volga turning again South by many windings, at the last by the great City Astracan, delivereth itself into the South side of the Sea Caspium, that tract being above nine hundred miles: then after in two or three days, with a good wind crossing the Caspium Sea, they arrive at a port named Bilbill, where after by land journeying with Camels in one and twenty days, being almost .600 miles, they come to the famous City of Tauris or Teuris, being the greatest City of Persia, for trade of Merchandise. This long and painful voyage by land, was taken in hand by a worthy Gentleman Master Anthony jenkenson, who made thereof a Plate, with the first particular description that I have seen of the whole Country of Moscovia, which is yet extant, and therefore the Englishmen are to be preferred before all other Nations, in making long voyages by land. The Spaniards and Portugals undoubtedly are worthy immortal ●ame and glory, for their great enterprises, and good ●uccesses, they have therein: yet have they never seen nor hard such strange and extraordinary accidents of the Sphere, as hath happened unto the Englishmen. For neither Sp●nia●de nor Portugal, ever saw in all their long voyages, Sun and the Moon to make whole and perfect revolutions above the Horizon, as our men yearly do see in their voyage to Moscovia, where when they abide any time at Wardehouse, they see the Sun go continually above ground, the space of above two months together, where if they take no great heed, they shall not know what day of the month it is, after the order of our Calendar, for that they have no nights. But yet because once every 24. hours, the Sun draweth near to the Horizon in the North parts, it is there commonly shadowed with vapours and thick fogs, which usually rise from the Earth, and seem a little to shadow the body of the Sun: and that lowest approaching of the Snn to the Earthward, they count night, and so make good enough reckoning of the days of the month, according to our usual fashion. But one inconvenience there is, that dismayeth and deterreth most men, (though they be of valiant courage) from taking in hand large voyages, either by sea or by land, and that is, the new and uncustomed elements, and the extreme airs, of hot & cold, whereby (as some think) if they travel far Northward, they shall be frozen to death, in the hard congealed & frozen sea: and again, if they travel far toward the South, they fear they should be parched and broiled to death with the extreme heat of the middle burning: or else if perhaps they escape alive, yet at lest they should be burned as black as a coal, as the Indians or Black Moors there are & this to believe they are partly persuaded by the sight of those Indians, and partly by the persuasions of certain Philosophers, who went about with reasons to prove, that between the 2. Tropics was no dwelling or being, for the extreme heat, the Sun beating on them continually: neither near either Pole, for the extreme frosts, cold, and snow, which continually hath there (fr●m the beginning of the world as some think) increased, the Sun being so far distant from them. Which opinion of some, because it importeth very much, I thought good here to do m● endeavour to refel, both because I know the contrary, by my own experience, and also for that I find the course of the Sun in Zodiac, which God hath ordained to give light & life to all things, can induce no such kind of extremity: and so lastly to confirm all parts of the world to be habitable.   

Experiences and reasons of the Sphere, to prove all parts of the world habitable, and ●hereby to con●ute the position of the five Zones.  
FIrst it may be gathered by experience of our Englishmen in An. 1553. for Captain Windam made a voyage with Merchandise to Guinea, & entered so far within the Torrida Zona, that he was within .3. or 4. degrees of the Equinoctial, & abiding there certain months, returned with gain.  
Also the Englishmen made another voyage very prosperous & gainful, An● 1554 to the coasts of Binin, lying East from Guinea, being within 3. degrees of the Equinoctial. And yet it is reported of a truth, that all the tract from Cape de las Pa●mas trending by C. de tres puntas alongst by Benin until the isle of Saint Thomas (which is perpendicular under the Equinoctial) all that whole Bay is more subject to many bloming and smothering heats, with infectious and contagious airs, than any other place in all Torrida Zona: and the cause thereof is some accidents in the land. For it is most certain, that mountains, Seas, wood's, and lakes, etc. may 'cause through their sundry kind of situation, sundry strange & extraordinary effects, which the reason of the clime otherwise would not give. I mention these voyages of our Englishemenne, not so much to prove that Torrida Zona may be, and is inhabited, as to show their readiness in attempting long and dangerous Navigations. We also among us in England, have black Moors, Ethiopians, out of all parts of Torrida Zon●, which after a small continuance, can well endure the cold of our Country, and why should not we as well abide the heat of their Country. But what should I name any more experiences, seeing that all the coasts of Guynea and Bynnin are inhabited of Portugals, spaniards, French, and some Englishmen, and there have built Castles a●d Towns. Only this I will say to the Merchants of London, that trade yearly to Marochus, it is very certain, that the greatest part of the burning Zone, is far more temperate and cool, than the Country of Marochus, as shall appear by these reasons and experiences following. For let us first consider the breadth and bigness of this burning Zone, which as every man knoweth, is .47. Degrees each Tropic, which are the bounders thereof, being .23. degrees and a half distant from the Equinoctial. Imagine again two other Parallels, on each side the Equinoctial one, either of them distant from the Equinoctial about twenty Degrees, which Parallels may be described either of them twice a year by the Sun, being in the first Degrees of Gemini the eleventh of May, and in Leo the thirteenth of july, having North Latitude. And again, the Sun being in the first Degrees of Sagittarius, the twelfth of November, and in Aquarius the ninth of january, having South Latitude, I am to prove by experience and reason, that all that distance, included between these two Parallels last named, containing forty Degrees in Latitude, going round about the earth, according to Longitude, is not only habitable, but the same most fruitful and delectable, and that if any extremity of heat be, the same not to be within the space of twenty Degrees of the Equinoctial on either side, but only under and about the two tropics, and so proportionally the nearer you do approach to either Tropic, the more you are subject to extremity of heat (if any such be) and so Marochus being situate but .6. or .7. degrees from the Tropic of Cancer, shall be more subject to heat, than any place under or near the Equinoctial line●  
And first by the experience of sundry men, yea thousands, travailers and merchants, to the East and West Indies in many places both directly under, and hard by the Equinoctial, they with one consent affirm, that it aboundeth in the midst of Torrida Zona with all manner of grain, herbs, grass, fruit, wood, and cattle, that we have here, and thousands other sorts, far more wholesome, delectable, and precious, than any we have in these Northern climates, as very well shall appear to him that will read the Histories and Navigations of such as have traveled Arabia, India, intra and extra Gangem, the Islands Moluccae, America● etc. which all lie about the middle of the burning Zone, where it is truly reported, that the great herbs, as are radish, Lettuce, Coleworts, Borage, and such like, do wax ripe, greater, more savoury and delectable in taste than ours, within sixetéene days after the seed is sown. Wheat being sowed the first of February, was found ripe the first of May, and generally, where it is less fruitful, the Wheat will be ripe the fourth month after the seed is sown, and in some placest will bring forth an ear as big as the wrest of a man's arm, containing .1000. grains. Beans, Pease, etc. are there ripe twice a year. Also grass being cut down, will grow up in six days above one foot high. If our cattle be transported thither, within a small time their young ones become of bigger stature, and more fat than ever they would have been in these Countries. There are found in every wood in great numbers, such timber trees as twelve men holding hands together are not able to fathom. And to be short, all they that have been there, with one consent affirm, that there are the goodliest green Meadows and plains, the faireste mountains, covered with all sorts of trees & fruits, the fairest valleys, the goodliest pleasant fresh rivers, stored with infinite kind of fishes, the thickest woods, green and bearing fruit all the whole year, that are in all the world. And as for gold, silver, and all other kind of Metals, all kind of spices, and delectable fruits, both for delicacy, & health, are there in such abundance, as hitherto they have been thought to have been bred no where else, but there. And in conclusion, it is now thought, that no where else but under the Equinoctial, or not far from thence, is the earthly Paradise, and the only place of perfection in this world. And that the things may seem the less strange, because i● hath been accounted of the old Philosophers, that there could nothing prospero, for the extreme heat of the Sun continually going over their heads in the Zodiac, I thought good here to allege such natural causes as to me seem very substantial and sure reasons. First you are to understand, that the Sun doth work his more or less heat in these lower parts by two means, the one is● by the kind of Angle that the Sun beams doth make with the earth, as in all Torrida Zona, it maketh perpendicularly right Angles, in some place or other at noon, and towards the two Poles very obliqne and uneven Angles. And the other mean is the longer or shorter continuance of the Sun above the Horizon. So that wheresoever these two causes do most concur, there is most excess of heat: and when the one is wanting, the rigour of the heat is less. For though the Sun beams do beat perpendicularly upon any region subject unto it, if it hath no continuance or abode above the Horizon, to work his operation in, there can no hot effect proceed. For nothing can be done in a moment. And this second cause, mora solis supra Horizontem, the time of the suns abiding above the Horizon, the old Philosophers never remembered, but regarded only the manner of angles, that the Sun beams made with the Horizon, which if they were equal and right, the heat was the greater, as in Torrida Zona: if they were unequal & obliqne, the heat was the less, as towards both poles, which reason is very good & substantial: for the perpendicular beams reflect and reverberate in themselves, so that the heat is doubled, every beam striking twice, & by uniting are multiplied, and continued strong in form of a Column. But in our latitude of 50. & .60. degrees, the Sun beams descend obliqne & slanting wise, & so sthiketh but once & departeth, and therefore our heat is the less, for any effect that the angle of the Sun's beams make. Yet, because we have a longer continuance of the suns presence above our Horizon than they have under the Equinoctial, by which continuance the heat is increased, for it shineth to us xuj or xviii hours sometime, when it continueth with them but twelve hours always.  
And again, our night is very short, wherein cold vapours use to abound, being but .6. or .8. hours long, whereas theirs is always twelve hours long, by which two advantages of long days and short nights, though we want the equality of Angle, it cometh to pass, that in Summer our heat here is as great as theirs is there, as hath been proved by experience, and is nothing dissonant from good reason.  
Therefore, whosoever will rightly way the force of cold & heat in any region, must not only consider the Angle that the Sun beams make, but also the continuance of the same above the Horizon. As first to them under the Equinoctial the Sun is twice a year at noon in their Zenith perpendicular over their heads, & the ●●●re during the two hours of those two days the heat is very urgent, & so perhaps it will be in .4. or .5. days more, an hour every day until the Sun in his proper motion, have crossed the Equinoctial, so that this extreme heat caused by the perpendicular Angle of the Sun beams, endureth but two hours of two days, in a year. But if any man say the Sun may s●alde a good while, before and after it come to the Meridian, so far forth as reason leadeth, I am content to allow it, and therefore I will measure and proportion the suns heat, by comparing the Angles there, with the Angles made here in England, because this temperature is best known unto us. As for example, the .11. day of March, when under the Equinoctial it is half an hour past eight of the clock in the morning, the Sun will be in the East, because there it ariseth always at six of the clock, and moveth every hour 15. degrees above the Horizon, and so high very near will it be with us at London the said .11. of March at noon. And therefore look what force the Sun hath with us at noon, the .11. of March, the same force hath it under the Equinoctial at half hour past eight in the morning, or rather less force under the Equinoctial. For with us the Sun had been already six y hours above the Horizon, and so had purified and cleansed all the vapours, and thereby his force increased at noon, but under the Equinoctial, the Sun having been up but● 2½ hours had sufficient to do, to purge & consume the cold and moist vapours of the long night, and as yet had wrought no effect of heat. And therefore I may boldly pronounce, that there is much less heat at half hour past eight under the Equinoctial, than is with us at noon (a fortiori.) Butte in March, we are not only contented to have the Sun shining, but we greatly desire the same. Likewise the .11. of june, the Sun in our Meridian is .62. degrees high at London: and under the Equinoctial it is so high after .10. of the clock, and seeing than it is beneficial with us à fortiori, it is beneficial to them after .10. of the clock.  
And thus have we measured the force of the Sun's greatest heat, the hottest days in the year, under the Equinoctial, that is, in March and September, from six till after ten of the clock in the morning, and from two until sun set. And this is concluded, by respecting only the first cause of he●te, which is the consideration of the Angle of the Sun beams, by a certain similitude, that whereas the sun shineth never above twelve hours, more than eight of them would be cool and pleasant even to us much more to them that are acquainted always with such warm places. So there remaineth less than four hours of any excessive heat, & that only in the two summer days of the year, that is, the eleventh of March, and the fourteenth of September, for under the Equinoctial they have two summers, in March, and September, which are our spring and Autumn: and likewise two winters, in june, and December, which are our Summer and Winter, as may well appear to him that hath only tasted the principles of the Sphere. But if the sun be in either Tropic, ●or approaching near thereunto, then may we more easily measure the force of his Meridian altitude, that it striketh upon the Equinoctial. As for example, the twelfth of june, the sun will be in the first degree of Cancer. Then look what force the heat of the sun hath under the Equinoctial, the same force and greater, it hath in all that Parallel, where the Pole is elevated between 47. and 48. degrees. And therefore Paris in France, the 12. day of july sustaineth more heat of the Sun, than Saint Thomas Island lying near the same Meridian, doth likewise at noon, or the Islands Taprobana, Moluccae, or the firm land of Peru in America, which all lie underneath the Equinoctial. For upon the 12. day of june aforesaid, the sun beams at noon do make an Isocheles Triangle, whose Vertex is the Centre of the Sun, the Basis a line extended from Saint Thomas Island, under the Equinoctial, unto Paris in France, near the same Meridian: therefore the two Angles of the Base, 
In june is greater heat at Paris than under the Equinoctial.  must needs be equal p. 5. primi, Ergo the force of the heat equal, if there were no other cause, than the reason of the Angle, as the old Philosophers have appointed. But because at Paris the Sun riseth two hours before it riseth to them under the Equinoctial, & setteth likewise two hours after them, by means of the obliquity of the Horizon, in which time of the suns presence .4. hours in one place, more than the other, it worketh some effect more in the one place than in the other, & being of equal height at noon, it must then needs follow to be more hot in the Parallel of Paris, than it is under the Equinoctial. Also this is an other reason, that when the Sun setteth to them under the Equinoctial, it goeth very deep & low under their Horizon, almost even to their Antipodes, whereby their twylights are very short, and their nights are made very extreme dark and long, 
The Twylights are shorter, and the night's darker, under the Equinoctial all than at Paris.  and so the moisture and coldness of the long nights, wonderfully increaseth, so that at length the Sun rising, can hardly in many hours consume and drive away the cold humours and moist vapours of the night paste, which is clean contrary in the Parallel of Paris: For the Sun goeth under their Horizon but very little, after a sloping fort, whereby their nights are not very dark, but lightsome, as looking into the North in a clear night without clouds, it doth manifestly appear, their twilightes are long, for the Parallel Cancer cutteth not the Horizon of Paris at right angles, (but at angles very uneven, and unlike) as it doth the Horizon of the Equinoctial. Also the Summer day at Paris, is sixteen hours long, and the night but eight: where contrariwise, under the Equinoctial, the day is but twelve hours long, and so long is also the night, in what soever Parallel the Sunbe: and therefore look what odds and difference of proportion there is between the suns abode above the Horizon in Paris, and the abode it hath under the Equinoctial, (it being in Cancer) the same proportion would seem to be between the heat of the one place and heat of the other: for other things (as the angle of the whole acke of the suns progress that day in both places) are equal.  
But under the Equinoctial, the presence and abode of the Sun above the Horizon, is equal to his absence, and abode under the Horizon, each being twelve hours. And at Paris, the continuance and abode of the Sun is above the Horizon sixteen hours long, and but eight hours' absence, which proportion is double, from which, if the proportion of the equality be subtrahed to found the difference, there will remain still a double proportion, whereby it seemeth to follow, that in june the heat at Paris were double to the heat under the Equinoctial. For (as I have said) the angle of the Sun beams, are in all points equal, and the cause of difference is, Mora Solis supra Horizontem, the stay of the Sun in the one Horizon more than in the other. Therefore, whosoever could find out in what proportion the angle of the Sun beams heateth, and what increase the suns continuance doth add thereunto, it might expressly be set down, what force of heat and cold is in all regions.  
Thus you partly see by comparing a Climate to us well known, and familiarly acquainted by like height of the Sun in both places, that under the Equinoctial in june, is no excessive heat, but a temperate air rather tending to cold. For as they have there for the most part a continual moderate heat, so yet sometime they are a little pintched with cold, 
They use and have need of fire under the Equinoctial.  and use the benefit of Fire as well as we, especially in the evening when they go to bed, for as they lie in hanging beds tied fast in the upper part of the house, so will they have fires made on both sides their bed, of which two fires, that one they devise superstitiously to drive away Spirits, and the other to keep away from them the coldness of the nights.  
Al●o in many places of Torrida Zona, especially in the higher lands somewhat mountainous, the people a little shrink at the cold, and are often forced to provide themselves clothing, so that the Spaniards have found in the West Indies, many people clothed, especially in Winter, whereby appeareth, that with their heat, there is cold intermingled, else would they never provide this remedy of clothing, which to them is rather a grief & trouble than otherwise. For when they go to wars, they will put off all their apparel, thinking it to be cumbersome, and will always go naked, that they thereby might be more nimble in their fight. Some there be that think the middle Zone extreme hot, because the people of that Country can live without clothing, wherein they childishly are deceived, for our clime rather tendeth to extremity of cold, because we cannot live without clothing: for this our double lining & furring, & wearing so many clothes, is a remedy against extremity, & argueth not the goodness of that habitation, but inconvenience & injury of cold: & that is rather the moderate, temperate, & delectable habitation, where none of these troublesome things are required, but that we may live naked & bore, as nature bringeth us forth. Others again imagine the middle Zone to be extreme hot, because the people of Africa, especially the Ethiopians, are so coal black, & their hair like wool ●urled short, twhich blackness & crooked hair, they suppose to come only by the parching heat of the Sun, which how it should be possible I cannot see. For even under the Equinoctial in America, & in the East Indies, & in the islands Moluccae, that people are not black, but white, with long hair uncurled as we have, so that if the Ethiopians blackness came by the heat of the Sun, why should not those Americans and Indians also be as black as they, seeing the Sun is equally distant from them both, they abiding in one parallel: for the concave and convexs Superficies of the Orb of the Sun is concentrike, and equidistant to the earth, except any man should imagine somewhat of Aux Solis, & Oppositum, which indifferently may be applied aswell to the one place, as to the other. But the same is thought to give no otherwise heat, but by way of angle in reflection, not by his nearness, for throughout all Africa, yea in the midst of the middle, and in all other places, upon the tops of Mountains, there lieth continual Snow, which is nearer to the Orb of the Sun, than the people are in the valley, by so much as the height of these: Mountains amount unto, and yet the Sun notwithstanding his nearness, can not melt the Snow, for want of convenient place of reflections. Also the middle region of the Air, where all the Hail, Frost, and snow is engendered, is nearer unto the Sun than the earth is, and yet there continueth perpetual cold, because there is nothing that the suns beams may reflect against, whereby appeareth the nearness of the body of the Sun worketh nothing. Therefore to return again to the black Moors, I myself have seen an Ethiopian as black as a coal brought into England, who taking a fair English woman to Wife, begat a Son in all respects as black as the Father was, although England were his native Country, & an English woman his Mother: whereby it seemeth this blackness proceedeth rather of some natural infection of that man, which was so strong, that neither the nature of the Clime, neither the good complexion of the Mother concurring, could any thing altar, and therefore we can not impute it to the nature of the Clime. And for a more fresh example, our people of Meta Incognita (of whom and for whom this discourse is taken in hand) that were brought this last year into England, were all generally of the same colour, that many Nations be, lying in the midst of the middle Zone. And this their colour was not only in the face which was subject to Sun and Air, but also in their bodies, which were still covered with garments, as ours are, yea, the very sucking child, of twelve months age, 
The complexion of the people of Meta Incognica.  had his skin of the very same colour that most have under the Equinoctial, which thing can not proceed by reason of the clime, for that they are at lest ten degrees more towards the North, than we in England are, not, the Sun never cometh near their Zenith by .40. Degrees, for in effect, they are within three or four degrees of that, which they call the frozen Zone, and as I said, forty degrees from the burning Zone, whereby it followeth, that there is some other cause than the Climate, or the suns perpendicular reflection, that should 'cause the Ethiopians great blackness. And the most probable cause to my judgement is, that this blackness proceedeth of some natural infection of the first inhabitants of that Country, and so all the whole progeny of them descended, are still polluted with the same blot of infection. Therefore it shall not be far from our purpose, to examine the first original of these black men, and how by lineal discente, they have hitherto continued thus black. 
The cause of the Ethiopians blackness.  It manifestly and plainly appeareth by holy Scripture, that after the general Inundation and overflowing of the Earth, there remained no more men alive, but No & his three sons, Sem, Cham, and japhet, who only were left to possess & inhabit the whole face of the earth: therefore all the land that until this day hath been inhabited by sundry descents, must needs come of the offspring either of Sem, Cham, or japhet, as the only sons of No, who all three being white, and their wives also, by course of nature, should have begotten and brought forth white children. But the envy of our great and continual enemy the wicked Spirit is such, that as he could not suffer our old Father Adam to live in the felicity & Angelic state wherein he was first created, but tempting him, sought & procured his ruin & fall: So again, finding at this flood none but a father and three sons living, he so caused one of them to transgress & disobey his father's commandment, that after him, all his posterity should be accursed. The fact of disobedience was this. When No at the commandment of God had made & entered the Ark, 
The Ark of Noe.  & the floodgates of Heaven were opened, so that the whole face of the earth, every tree & Mountain was covered with abundance of water, he straightly commanded his sons & their wives, that they should with reverence & fear behold the justice and mighty power of God, & that during the time of the flood, while they remained in the Ark, they should use continency, & abstain from carnal copulation with their wives: & many other precepts he gave unto than, & admonitions, touching the justice of God, in revenging sin, & his mercy in delivering them, who nothing deserved it. Which good instructions & exhortations notwithstanding, his wicked son Chamdisobeyed, 
Chus the son of Cham accursed.  and being persuaded that the first child borne after the flood (by right & law of nature) should inherit & possess all the dominion of the earth, he, contrary to his father's commandment, while they were yet in the Ark, used company with his wife, & craftily went about, thereby to disinherit the offspring of his other two brethren, for the which wicked and detestable fact, as an example for contempt of Almighty God, and disobedience of parents, God would a son should be borne, whose name was Chus, who not only itself, but all his posterity after him, should be so black & loathsome, that it might remain a spectacle of disobedience to all the World. And of this black & cursed Chus came all these black Moors which are in Africa, for after the water was vanished from off the face of the earth, and that the land was dry, Sem chose that part of the land to inhabit in which now is called Asia, and japhet had that which now is called Europa wherein we dwell, and Africa remained for Cham, & his black son Chus, & was called Chamesis, 
A●frica was called Chamesis.  after the father's name, being perhaps a cursed, dry, sandy, & unfruitful ground, fit for such a generation to inhabit in. Thus you see, that the cause of the Ethiopians blackness, is the curse & infection of blood, & not the distemperature of the climate, which also may be proved by this example, that these black men are found in all parts of Africa, as well without the Tropics, as within, even unto Capo d'buona Speranza Southward, where, by reason of the Sphere, should be the same temperature as is in Spain, Laddigna, and Sicilia, where all be of very good complexions. Wherefore I conclude, that the blackness proceedeth not of the hotness of the Clime, but as I said, of the infection of blood, and therefore this their argument gathered of the Africans blackness, is not able to destroy the temperature of the middle Zone. We may therefore very well be ascertained, that under the Equinoctial, is the most pleasant and delectable place of the world to devil in, where, although the Sun for two hours in a year, be direct over their heads, and therefore the heat at that time somewhat of force, yet because it cometh so seldom, and continueth so small a time, when it cometh, it is not to be weighed, but rather the moderate heat of other times is all the year to be remembered. And if the heat at any time should in the short day ware somewhat urgent, the coldness of the long night there, would easily refresh it, according as Honterus saith, speaking of the temperature under the Equinoctial.  
Quodque die solis violento incanduit aestu  
Humida nox reficit paribusque refrigerat horis.  
If the heat of the Sun in the day time do burn or parch any thing, the moisture of the night doth cool and refresh the same again, the Sun being as long absent in the night, as it was present in the day. Also our Author of the Sphere, johannes d' Sacro bosco, in the Chapter of the Zodiac, deriveth the Etymology of Zodiacus, of the Greek word Zoe, which in Latin signifieth Vita, life, for out of Aristotle he allegeth, that Secundum accessum & recessum solis in Zodiaco, fiunt generationes & corruptiones in rebus inferioribus: according to the suns going to and fro in the Zodiac, the inferior bodies take their causes of generation and corruption. Then it followeth, that where there is most going too and fro, there is most generation and corruption: which must needs be between the two tropics, for there the Sun goeth too and fro most, and no where else, but there. Therefore, between the two tropics, that is, in the middle Zone, is greatest increase, multiplication, generation, 
Under the Equinoctial is greatest generation.  and corruption of things, which also we found by experience, for there is Summer twice in the year, and twice Winter, so that they have two Harvests in the year, and continual spring. Seeing then the middle Zone falleth out so temperate, it resteth to declare where the hottest part of the World should be, for we find some places more hot than others. To answer this doubt, reason persuadeth, the hottest place in the World to be under and about the two tropics, for there more than in any other place do both the causes of heat concur, 
Greatest hear under the Tropiks.  that is, the perpendicular falling of the Sun beams, at right Angles, and a greater continuance of the Sun above the Horizon (the Pole there being elevated three or four and twenty degrees.) And as before I concluded, that though the Sun were perpendicular to them under the Equinoctial, yet because the same continued but a small time, (their days being short, and their nights long) and their speedy departure of the Sun from their Zenith, because of the sudden crossing of the Zodiac with the Equinoctial, and that by such continual course and recourse of hot and cold, the temperature grew moderate.  
So now to them under the two tropics, the Sun having once by his proper permotion declined .20. degrees from the Equinoctial, beginneth to draw near their Zenith, which may be (as before, about the eleventh day of May, and then beginneth to sand his beams almost at right Angles, about which time, the Sun entereth into the first degree of Gemini, and with this almost right Angle, the Sun beams will continued, until it be past Cancer, that is, the space of two Months every day at noon, almost perpendicular over their heads, being then the time of So●stitium Aestivale, which so long continuance of the Sun about their Zenith, may 'cause an extreme heat (if any be in the world) but of necessity far more heat, than can be under the Equinoctial, where the Sun hath no such long abode in the Zenith, but passeth away therehence very quickly. Also under the tropics, the day is longer by an hour and a half, than it is under the Equinoctial, wherefore the heat of the Sun, having a longer time of operation, must needs be increased, especially seeing the night, wherein cold and moisture do abound under the tropics, is less than it is under the Equinoctial. Therefore I gather, that under the tropics is the hottest place, not only of Torrida Zona, but of any other part of the World, especially because there both causes of heat do concur, that is, the perpendicular falling of the Sun beams two Months together, and the longer abode of the suns presence above the Horizon. And by this means, more at large is proved, that Marochus in Summer, is far more hot, than at any time under the Equinoctial, because it is situate so near the Tropic Cancer, and also for the length of their days. Neither yet do I think, that the Regions situate under the tropics, are not habitable, for they are found to be very fruitful also, although Marochus, and some other parts of Africa near the Tropic, for the dryness of the native sandy soil, and some accidents, may seem to some to be intemperate for overmuch heat. For Ferdinandus Ouiedus, speaking of Cuba and Hispaniola, 
Cuba Hispaniola.  islands of America, lying hard under, or by the Tropic Cancer, sayeth, that these Islands have as good pasture for cattle, as any other Country in the world.  
Also, they have most wholesome and clear water, and temperate air, by reason whereof, the herds of Beasts are much bigger, fatter, and of better taste, than any in Spain, because of the rank pasture, whose moisture is better digested in the herb or grass, by continual and temperate heat of the Sun, whereby being made more fat and unctuous, it is of better and more steadfast nourishment. For continual and temperate heat doth not only draw much moisture out of the earth, to the nourishment of such things as grow, and are engendered in that Clime, but doth also by moderation, preserve the same from putrefying, digesting also, and condensating or thickening the said moist nourishment into a gummy and unctuous substance, 
Under the tropics is a mode●nte temperature  whereby appeareth also, that under the tropics is both wholesome, fruitful, and pleasant habitation, whereby lastly it followeth, that all the middle Zone, which until of late days hath been counted and called the burning, broiling, and parched Zone, is now found to be the most delicate, temperate, commodious, pleasant, and delectable part of the World, and especially under the Equinoctial.  
Having now sufficiently at large declared the temperature of the middle Zone, it remaineth to speak somewhat also of the moderate and continual heat in cold Regions, as well in the night as in the day all the Summer long, and also how these Regions are habitable to the inhabitants of the same, contrary to the opinion of the old writers.   

Of the temperature of cold Regions all the Summer long, and also how in Winter the same is habitable, especially to the inhabitants thereof.  
THe cold Regions of the World are those, which tending toward the Pole Arctic, and Antarctic, are without the circuit or bounds of the seven Climates, which agreeable to the opinion of the old Writers, is found, and set out in our Author of the Sphere, johannes de Sacrobosco, where he plainly sayeth, that without the seventh Climate, which is bounded by a Parallel, passing at fifty degrees in Latitude, all the habitation beyond that, 
Nine Climates.  to be discommodious and intolerable: but Gemma Phrisius a late writer, finding England and Scotland to be without the compass of those climates, wherein he knew to be very temperate and good habitation, added thereunto two other Climates, the uttermost Parallel whereof, passeth by .56. degrees in Latitude, and therein comprehendeth over and above the first computation, England, Scotland, Denmark, Moscovia, etc. which all are rich and mighty Kingdoms.  
The old writers persuaded by bore conjecture, went about to determine of those places, by comparing them to their own complexions, because they felt them to be hardly tolerable to themselves, and so took thereby an argument of the whole habitable earth, as if a Man borne in Morochus, or other part of Barbary, should at the later end of Summer, upon the sudden, either naked, or with his thin vesture, 
A comparison between Marochus, and England.  be brought into England, he would judge this Region presently not to be habitable, because he being brought up in so warm a Country, is not able here to live, for so sudden an alteration of the cold air: but if the same man had come at the beginning of Summer, and so afterward by little and little by certain degrees, had felt & acquainted himself with the Frost of Autumn, it would have seemed by degrees to harden him, and so to make it far more tolerable, and by use after one year or two, the air would seem to him more temperate. It was counted a great matter in the old time, that there was a brass pot broken in sunder with frozen water in Ponthus, which after was brought and showed in Delphis, in token of a miraculous cold region and Winter, and therefore consecrated to the Temple of Apollo.  
This effect being wrought in the Parallel of .48. degrees in latitude, it was presently counted a place very hardly and uneasily to be inhabited for the great cold. And how then can such men define upon other Regions very far without that Parallel, where they were inhabited or not, seeing that in so near a place they so grossly mistook the matter, and others their followers being contented with the inventions of the old Authors, have persisted willingly in the same opinion, with more confidence than consideration of the cause, so lightly was that opinion received, as touching the unhabitable Clime near & under the Poles.  
Therefore I am at this present to prove, that all the land lying between the last climate even unto the point directly under either Poles, is or may be inhabited, especially of such creatures as are engendered and bred therein. 
All the North regions are habitable.  For indeed it is to be confessed, that some particular living creature cannot live in every particular place or region, especially with the same joy and felicity, as it did where it was first bred, for the certain agreement of nature that is between the place, and the thing bred in that place, as appeareth by the Elephant, 
Elephant.  which being translated and brought out of the second or third climate, though they may live, yet will they never engender or bring forth young. Also we see the like in many kinds of plants and herbs: for example, 
Orange tree.  the Orange tree, although in Naples they bring forth fruit abundantly, in Rome and Florence they will bear only fair green leaves, but not any fruit: and translated into England, they will hardly bear either flowers, fruit, or leaves, but are the next winter pinched and withered with cold: yet it followeth not for this, that England, Rome, and Florence should not be habitable.  
In the proving of these cold regions habitable, I shall be very short, because the same reasons serve for this purpose, which were alleged before in the proving the middle Zone to be temperate, 
●●uses 〈◊〉  especially seeing all heat & cold proceed from the Sun, by the means either of the Angle his beams doth make with the Horizon, or else by the long or short continuance of the Sun's presence above ground: so that if the suns beams do beat perpendicularly at right Angles, than there is one cause of heat, and if the Sun do also long continued above the Horizon, than the heat thereby is much increased by access of this other cause, and so groweth to a kind of extremity. And these two causes, as I said before, do most concur under the two tropics, and therefore there is the greatest heat of the world. And likewise, where both these causes are most absent, there is greatest want of heat, and increase of cold (seeing that cold is nothing but the privation and absence of heat) and if one cause be wanting, and the other present, the effect will grow indifferent. Therefore this is to be understanded, that the nearer any region is to the Equinoctial, the higher the Sun doth rise over their heads at noon, & so maketh either right or near right angles, but the Sun tarrieth with them so much the shorter time, & causeth shorter days, with longer and colder nights, to restore the damage of the day paste, by reason of the moisture consumed by vapour. But in such regions, over the which the Sun riseth lower (as in regions extended towards either pole) it maketh there unequal Angles, but the Sun continueth longer, and maketh longer days, & causeth so much shorter and warmer nights, as retaining warm vapours of the day paste. 
Hot nights nearer 〈◊〉.  For there are found by experience Summer nights in Scotland and Gothland very hot, when under the Equinoctial they are found very cold. This benefit of the suns long continuance and increase of the day, 
Cold nights under the Equinoctial.  doth augment so much the more in cold regions, as they are nearer the poles, and ceaseth not increasing, until it come directly under the point of the Pole Arctic, where the Sun continueth above ground the space of six months or half a year together, & so the day is half a year long, that is the time of the Suns being in the North signs, from the first degree of Aries, until the last of Virgo, that is all the time from our .10. day of March, until the .14. of September. 
One day of six months.  The Sun therefore during the time of these .6. months without any offence or hindrance of the night, giveth his influence upon those lands with heat that never ceaseth during that time, which maketh to the great increase of Summer, by reason of the suns continuance. Therefore it followeth, that though the Sun be not there very high over their heads, to 'cause right angle beams, & to give great heat, yet the Sun being there sometimes almost 24. degrees high, doth cast a convenient and mean heat which there continueth without hindrance of the night the space of six months (as is before said) during which time, there followeth to be a convenient moderate and temperate heat. or else rather it is to be suspected, the heat there to be very great, both for continuance, & also, Quia virtus unita crescit, the virtue and strength of heat united in one increaseth. If then there be such a moderate heat under the Poles, and the same to continued so long time, what should move the old writers to say there cannot be place for habitation. And that the certainty of this temperate heat under both the Poles might more manifestly appear, let us consider the position & quality of the Sphere, the length of the day, and so to gather the height of the Sun at all times, and by consequent, the quantity of his Angle, and so lastly the strength of his heat.  
Those lands and regions lying under the pole, and having the Pole for their Zenith, must needs have the Equinoctial circle for their Horizon, therefore the Sun entering into the North signs, and describing every .24. hours a Parallel to the Equinoctial by the diurnal motion of Primum Mobile, the same Parallels must needs be wholly above the Horizon, and so look how many degrees there are from the first of Aries to the last of Virgo, so many whole revolutions there are above their Horizon that devil under the Pole, 
The Sun never letteth in a 18●. da●es.  which amounteth to .182. and so many of our days the Sun continueth with them. During which time, they have there continual day and light, without any hindrance of moist nights. Yet it is to be noted, that the Sun being in the first degree of Aries, and last degree of Virgo, maketh his revolution in the very Horizon, 
Horizon and Equinoctial all on under the Pole.  so that in these .24. hours, half the body of the Sun is above the Horizon, and the other half is under his only Centre, describing both the Horizon, and the Equinoctial circle.  
And therefore seeing the greatest declination of the Sun is almost .24. degrees, it followeth, his greatest height in those Countries to be almost .24. degrees. And so high is the Sun at noon to us in London about the .29. of October, being in the .15. degree of Scorpio, and likewise the .21. of january being in the .15. of Aquarius. Therefore look what force the Sun at noon hath in London the .29. of October, 
London.  the same force of heat it hath, to them that dwell under the Pole, the space almost of two months, during the time of the Summer Solstitium, and that without intermingling of any cold night ● so that if the heat of the Sun at noon could be well measured in London, (which is very hard to do, because of the long nights which engender great moisture and cold), then would manifestly appear by express numbers, the manner of the heat under the Poles, which certainly must needs be to the inhabitants very commodious and profitable, if it incline not to over much heat, and if moisture do not want.  
For as in October, in England we found temperate air, and have in our Gardens herbs, and flowers, notwithstanding our cold nights, how much more should they have the same good air, being continual without night. This heat of ours continueth but one hour, while the Sun is in the Meridian, but theirs continueth a long time in one height. This our heat is weak, and by the coolness of the night vanisheth, that heat is strong, and by continual access, is still increased and strengthened. And thus by a similitude of the equal height of the Sun in both places, 
Commodious d●elli●● under the Poles  appeareth the commodious and moderate heat of the regions under the Poles.  
And surely, I can not think that the divine providence, hath made any thing vncommunicable, but to have given such order to all things, that one way or other the same should be employed, and that every thing, and place, should be tolerable to the next. But especially all things in this lower world, be given to man, to have dominion and use thereof. Therefore we need no longer to doubt of the temperate and commodious habitation under the Poles, during the time of Summer.  
But all the controversy consisteth in the Winter, for then the Sun leaveth those regions, and is no more seen, for the space of other six moenths, in the which time all the suns course is under their Horizon, for the space of half a year, and then those regions (say some) must needs be deformed with horrible darkness, 
The nights under the Pole  and continual night, which may be the cause that beasts can not seek their food, and that also the cold should then be intolerable. By which double evils, all living creatures should be constrained to die, and were not able to endure the extremity and injury of Winter, and famine ensuing thereof, but that all things should perish before the Summer following, when they should bring forth their brood & young, & that for these causes the said Clime about the Pole, should be desolate & not habitable. To all which objections, may be answered in this manner: First, that though the Sun be absent from them those six months, yet it followeth not, there should be such extreme darkness, for as the Sun is departed under their Horizon, 
The twylights give light under the Pole almost all the Winter.  so is it not far from them. And not so soon as the Sun falleth, so suddenly cometh the dark night, but the evening doth substitute and prolong the day a good while after by twilight. After which time the residue of the night, receiveth light of the Moon and Stars, until the break of the day, which giveth also a certain light before the suns rising, so that by these means the nights are seldom dark, which is verified in all parts of the world, but lest in the middle Zone under the Equinoctial, where the twylights are short, & the night's darker, than in any other place, because the Sun goeth under their Horizon so deep, even to their Antipodes. We see in England in the Summer nights when the Sun goeth not far under the Horizon, that by the light of the Moon & stars, we may travel all night, & if occasion were, do some other labour also. And there is no man that doubteth, whether our cattle can see to feed in the nights, seeing we are so well certified thereof by our experience: 
The ending of twilight.  & by reason of the sphere, our nights should be darker than any time under the Poles.  
The Astronomers consent, that the Sun descending from our upper Hemisphere at the .18. Parallel under the Horizon, maketh an end of twilight, so that at length the dark night ensueth, and that afterward in the morning, the Sun approaching again within as many Parallels, doth drive away the night by access of the twilight. Again, by the position of the sphere under the Pole, the Horizon, & the Equinoctial, are all one. These revolutions therefore that are Parallel to the Equinoctial, are also Parallel to the Horizon, so that the Sun descending under the Horizon, & there describing certain Parallels not far distant, doth not bring dark nights to those Regions, until it come to the Parallels distant .18. degrees from the Equinoctial, that is, about the .21. degree of Scorpio which will be about the .4. day of our November, & after the Winter Solstitium, the Sun returning back again to the .9. degree of Aquarius, which will be about the .19. of january, during which time only, that is from the .4. of November, until the xix day of january, which is about six weeks space, those regions do want the commodity of twylights. 
But six weeks dark under the Pole.  Therefore, during the time of these said six months of darkness under the Poles, the night is destitute of the benefit of the Sun, & the said twilights, only for the space of six weeks or thereabout. And yet neither this time of six weeks is without remedy from Heaven. For the Moon with her increased light, hath access at that time & illuminateth the months lacking light every one of themselves severally half the course of the month, by whose benefit it cometh to pass, that the night named extreme dark, possesseth those regions no longer than one month, neither that continually, or all at one time, but this also divided into two sorts of shorter nights, of that which either of them endureth for the space of .15. days, & are illuminate of the Moon accordingly. And this reason is gathered out of the sphere, whereby we may testify, that the Summers are warm & fruitful, & the Winter's nights under the pole, are tolerable to living creatures. And if it be so, that the winter and time of darkness there be very cold, yet hath not nature left them unprovided therefore. 
The Creatures of that Country are are provided for the cold,  For there the beasts are covered with hair so much the thicker, in how much the vehemency of cold is greater, by reason whereof the best & richest furs are brought out of the coldest regions. Also the fowls of these cold countries have thicker skins, thicker feathers, & more stored of down, than in other hot places. Our Englishmen that travel to S. Nicholas, and go a fishing to Ward house, enter far within the circle Arctic, & so are in the frozen Zone, & yet there, as well as in Iseland, and all along those Northern Seas, ●hey find the greatest store of the greatest fishes that are, as Whales, etc. and also abundance of mean fishes, as herrings, cods, Haddocks, Brettes, etc. which argueth, that the Sea, as well as the Land, may be, and is well frequented and inhabited in the cold Countries.  
But some perhaps will marvel, there should be such temperate places in the Regions about the Poles, when at under degrees in latitude, our captain Frobisher and his company, were troubled with so many and so great mountains of fleeting Ice, with so great storms of cold, with such continual snow on tops of mountains, and with such barren soil, there being neither wood or trees, but low shrubs, and such like. 
An objection of Meta Incognita.  To all which objections may be answered thus: First those infinite Islands of Ice were engendered & congealed in time of winter, & now by the great heat of Summer, were thawed, and then by ebbs, floods, winds and currants, were driven to and fro, and troubled the Fleet, so that this is an argument to prove the heat in Summer there, to be great, that was able to thaw so monstrous mountains of Ise. As for continual snow on tops of mountains, it is there no otherwise, than is in the hottest part of the middle Zone, where also lieth great snow all the Summer long upon tops of mountains, because there is not sufficient space for the suns reflection, whereby the snow should be melted. Touching the cold stormy winds, and the barrenness of the country, it is there, as it is in Cornwall & Devonshire in England, which parts though we know to be fruitful & fertile, yet on the North side thereof all alongst the coast within seven or eight miles of the Sea, there can neither hedge nor tree grow, although they be diligently by Art husbanded & seen unto: And the cause thereof, are the Northern driving winds, which coming from the Sea, are so bitter & sharp, that they kill all the young and tender plants, and suffer scarce any thing to grow, and so is t in the islands of Meta Incognita, which are subject most to East & Northesterne winds, 
Meta Incognita inhabited.  which the last year choked up the passage so with Ice, that the Fleet could hardly recover their Port: yet notwithstanding all the objections that may be, the Country is habitable, for there are Men, Women, Children, and sundry kind of Beasts in great plenty, as Bears, Dear, Hares, Foxes, & Dogs: all kind of flying Fowls, as Ducks, Seamewes', Wilmots', Partridges, Larks, Crows, Hawks, and such like, as in the third Book you shall understand more at large. Then it appeareth, that not only the middle Zone, but also the Zones about the Poles are habitable. Which thing being well considered, and familiarly known to our General Captain Frobisher, 
Captain Frobi●her.  as well for that he is thoroughly furnished of the knowledge of the Sphere, and all other skills appertaining to the art of Navigation, as also for the confirmation he hath of the same by many years experience, both by sea and land, and being persuaded of a new and nearer passage to Cataya, than by Capo d'buon● Speranz●, which the Portugals yearly use. He began first with himself to devise, and then with his friends to confer, and laid a plain plat unto them, that that voyage was not only possible by the northester, but also as he could prove, easy to be performed. And further, he determined and resolved with himself, 
frobisher's first voyage.  to go make full proof thereof, & to accomplish, or bring true certificate of the truth, or else never to return again, knowing this to be the only thing of the World that was left yet undone, whereby a notable mind might be made famous and fortunate. But although his will were great to perform this notable voyage, whereof he had conceived in his mind a great hope by sundry sure reasons, and secret intelligence, which here for sundry causes I leave untouched, yet he wanted altogether means and ability to set forward, and perform the same. Long time he conferred with his private friends of these secrets, and made also many offers for the performing of the same in effect, unto sundry Merchants of our Country, 
Captain Frobisher pretended this discovery above xu years ago.  above xu years before he attempted the same, as by good witness shall well appear (albeit some evil willers which challenge to themselves the fruits of other men's laboure●, have greatly injured him in the reports of the same, saying, that they have been the first Authors of that Action, and that they have learned him the way, which themselves as yet have never gone.) But perceiving that hardly he was harkened unto of the Merchants, which never regard Virtue, without sure, certain, and present gains, he repaired to the Court (from whence, as from the fountain of our common wealth, all good causes have their chief increase and maintenance) and there laid open to many great estates and learned men, the plot and sum of his devise. And amongst many honourable minds, which favoured his honest and commendable enterprise, he was specially bound, and beholding to the right Honourable Ambrose Dudley, Earl of Warwick, whose favourable mind, and good disposition, hath always been ready to countenance and advance all honest actions, with the Authors, and executors of the same: and so by means of my Lord his honourable countenance, he received some comfort of his cause, and by little and little, with no small expense and pain, brought his cause to some perfection, and had drawn together so many adventurers, and such sums of money, as might well defray a reasonable charge, to furnish himself to Sea withal.  

Furniture for the first voyage.  He prepared two small Barks, of twenty, and five and twenty tun a piece, wherein he intended to accomplish his pretended voyage. Wherefore, being furnished with the foresaid two Barks, and one small Pinnace of ten tun burden, having therein victuals, and other necessaries for twelve Months provision, he departed upon the said voyage from Black wall the fifteenth of june Anno Domini. 1576.  
One of the Barks wherein he went, 
Gabriel and Michael  was named the Gabriel, and the other the Michael, and sailing northester from England, upon the first of Iul●, at length he had sight of a high and ragged land, which he judged Freeselande, (whereof some authors have made mention,) but durst not approach the same, by reason of the great store of Ice that lay alongst the coast, and the great mists, that troubled them not a little.  
Not far from thence he lost company of his small Pinnace, 
The Pinnace lost.  which by means of the great storm, he supposed to be swallowed up of the Sea, wherein he lost only four men.  
Also the other Bark named the Michael, mistrusting the matter, 
The Michael returned home.  conveyed themselves privily away from him, and returned home, with great report that he was cast away.  
The worthy Captain, notwithstanding these discomfo●tes, although his Mast was sprung, and his top Mast blown overboard with extreme foul weather, continued his course towards the northester, knowing that the Sea at length must needs have an ending, and that some land should have a beginning that way: and determined therefore at the lest, to bring true proof what land and Sea the same might be, so far to the Northweastwardes, beyond any man that hath heretofore discovered. And the twentieth of july, he had sight of a high land, which he called Queen Elizabethes' foreland, 
Queen Elizabeth's foreland.  after her majesties name. And sailing more Northerly alongst that coast, he descried another foreland, with a great gut, bay, or passage, dividing as it were two main lands or continents asunder. There he met with store of exceeding great ice all this coast along, & coveting still to continued his course to the northwards, was always by contrary wind detained overthwart these straits, and could not get beyond. Within few days after, he perceived the Ice to be well consumed, and gone, either there engulfed in by some swift currants or indraftes, carried more to the southwards of the same straits, or else conveyed some other way: wherefore he determined to make proof of this place, 
frobisher's first entrance within, in the s●reightes.  to see how far that gut had continuance, and whether he might carry himself through the same, into some open Sea on the back side, whereof he conce●ued no small hope, and so entered the same the one and twentieth of july, and passed above fifty leagues therein, as he reported, having upon either hand a great main or continent. And that land upon his right hand, as he sailed Westward, he judged to be the continente of Asia, and there to be divided from the firm of America, which lieth upon the left hand over-against the same.  
This place he named after his name Frobishers straits, 
Frobish●rs s●reytes.  like as Magellanus at the Southweast end of the world, having discovered the passage to the South Sea (where America is divided from the continente of that land, which lieth under the South Pole) and called the same straits Magellanes straits.  
After he had passed. 6●. leagues into this foresaid straight, he went ashore, and found sign where fire had been made.  

Dear:  He saw mighty Dear, that seemed to be Mankind, which ran at him, and hardly he escaped with his life in a narrow way, where he was fain to use defence and policy to save his life.  
In this place he saw and perceived sundry tokens of the people's resorting thither. And being ashore, upon the top of a hill, he perceived a number of small things fleeting in the Sea a far off, which he supposed to be Porpoises, or Ceales, or some kind of strange fish: but coming nearer, he discovered them to be men, 
The first sight of the Salvage.  in small boats made of leather. And before he could descend down from the hill, certain of those people had almost cut off his boat from him, having stolen secretly behind the rocks for that purpose, where he speedily hasted to his boat, and bend himself to his Holbert, and narrowly escaped the danger, and saved his boat. Afterwards, he had sundry conferences with them, and they came aboard his ship, and brought him Salmon and raw flesh and fish, 
Salmon  and greedily devoured the same before our men's faces. And to show their agility, they try●d many masteries, upon the ropes of the ship, after our Mariner's fashion, and appeared to be very strong of the●r arms, and nimble of their bodies. They exchanged coats of Ceale, and Bears skins, and such like, with our men, and received bells, looking glasses, a●d other toys in recompense thereof again. After great courtesy, and many meetings, our Mariners, 
Five Englishmen intercepted and raken.  contrary to their captains dy●rection, began more easily to trust them, and five of our men going a shore, were by them intercepted with their boat, and were never since heard of to this day again. So that the Captain being destitute of boat, bark, and all company, had scarcely sufficient number to conduct back his bark again. He could now neither convey himself a shore to rescue his men (if he had been able) for want of a boat, and again, the subtle traitors, were so wary, as they would after that never come within our men's danger. The Captain (notwithstanding) desirous to bring some token from thence, of his being there, was greatly discontented, that he had not before apprehended some of them. And therefore to deceive the deceivers, he wrought a pretty policy, for knowing well how they greatly delighted in our toys, and specially in bells, he rang a pretty Lowbel, making wise that he would give him the same that would come and fetch it. And because they would, not come within his danger for fear, he fling one bell unto them, which of purpose he threw short, that it might fall into the sea and be lost. And to make them more greedy of the matter, he rang a louder bell, so that in the end one of them came near the ship side, to receive the bell, which when he thought to take at the captains hand, he was thereby taken himself. For the Captain being readily provided, let the bell fall, & caught the man fast, & plucked him with main force, boat and all into his bark, out of the Sea: 
Ta●●ng of the ●irs● Sa●age  Whereupon when he found himself in captivity, for very choler & disdain he bitten his tongue in twain within his mouth: notwithstanding, he died not thereof, but lived until he came in England, and then he died, of cold which he had taken at Sea.  
Now with this new prey (which was a sufficient witness of the Captains far and tedious travel towards the unknown parts of the world, as did well appear by this strange Infidel, whose like was never seen, read, nor hard of before, and whose language was neither known nor understood of any) the said Captain Frobisher returned homeward, 
frobisher's return.  and arrived in England, in August following. An. 1●76. where he was highly commended of all men, for his great and notable attempt, but specially, famous for the great hope he brought of the passage to Cataya, which he doubted nothing at alto found, and pass thorough, in those parts, as he reported.  
And it is especially to be remembered at the first arrival in those parts, there lay so great store of Ice, all the coast along so thick together, that hardly his boat could pass unto the shore. At length, after diuer●● attempts, he commanded his company, if by any possible means they could get ashore, to bring him whatsoever thing they could first found whether it were living or dead, stock or stone, in token of Christian possession, which thereby he took in behalf of the queens most excellent majesty, 
The taking possession of Meta Incognita ●  thinking that thereby he might justify the having and enjoying of the same things that grew in these unknown parts.  
Some of his company brought flowers, some green grass, and one brought a piece of a black stone, much like to a seacole in colour, which by the weight seemed to be some kind of metal or Mineral. 
●ow the Ore was ●ounde ●● c●aunce.  This was a thing of no account, in the judgement of the Captain at the first sight. And yet for novelty it was kept, in respect of the place from whence it came.  
After his arrival in LONDON, being demanded of sundry his friends, what thing he had brought them ●ome of that country, he had nothing jest to present them withal, but a piece of this black stone. And it fortuned a gentlewoman, one of the adventurers wives, to have a piece thereof, which by chance she threw and burned in the fire, so long, that at the length being taken forth, and quenched in a little vinegar, it glistered with a bright Marquesset of gold. Whereupon the matter being called in some question, it was brought ●o certain Goldfinders in London, to make assay thereof, who indeed found it to hold gold, and that very richly for the quantity. Afterwards, the same Goldfinders promised great matters thereof, if there were any store to be found, and offered themselves to adventure for the searching of those parts from whence the same was brought. 
Many adventures.  Some that had great hope of the matter, fought secretly to have a lease at her majesties hands of those places, whereby to enjoy the Mass of so great a public profit, unto their own private gains.  
In conclusion● the hope of more of the same gold over to be found, kindled a greater opinion in the hearts of man●, to advance the voyage again. Whereupon, preparation was made for a new● voyage, against the year following, and the Captain more specially derected by commission, 
In the second voyage commission was given only for the bringing of Ore.  for the searching more of this gold over, than for the searching any further discovery of the passage. And being well accompanied with diverse resolute and forward gentlemen, her majesty then lying at the right honourable the Lord of Warwick's house in Essex, came to take their leaves, & kissing her highness hands, with gracious countenance, & comfortable words, departed towards their charge.    

¶ A true Report of such things as happened in the second voyage of Captain Frobysher, pretended for the Discovery of a new passage to Cataya, China, and the East India, by the Northwest. Anno. Do. 1577.  
Being furnished with one tall Ship of her Majesties, named the Aid, of two hundredth tun, and two other small Barks, the one named the Gabriel, the other the Micha●l, about thirty tun a piece, being fitly appointed with men, munition, victuals, and all things necessary for the voyage, the said Captain Frobysher, with the rest of his company, came aboard his Ships riding at Blackwall, intending (with God's help) to take the first wind and tide serving him, the five and twentieth day of May, in the year of our Lord God, a thousand five hundred, seventy and seven.  

The names of such Gentlemen as attempted this discovery, and the number of soldiers and Mariners in each Ship as followeth.  
Aboard the Aid being Admiral, were the number of one HUNDRED men of all sorts, whereof xxx or more were Gentlemen and Soldiers, the rest sufficient and tall Sailors  
Aboard the Gabriel being Uiceadmirall, were in all .18. persons, whereof six were Soldiers, the rest Mariners.  
Aboard the Michael were sixteen persons, whereof five were Soldiers, the rest Mariners.  
Aboard the Aid was 
General of the whole company for her Majesty 
Martin Frobysher.  His Lieutenant 
George Best.  His Ancient 
Richar. Philpot.  Corporal of the shot 
Francis Forder.  The rest of the Gentlemen 


Henry Carew.  
Edmund Stafford.  
john Lee.  
Harvey.  
Matthew Kynersley.  
Abraham Lyns.  
Robert Kynersley.  
Francis Brackenburye.  
William Armshow.    The Master 
Christofer Hall.  The Mate 
Charles jackman.  The Pylotte 
Andrew Dyer.  The M. Gunner 
Richard Cox.    
Aboard the Gabriel was 
Captain 
Edward Fenton.  One Gentleman 
William Tamfield.  The Master 
William Smyth.    
Aboard the Michael was 
Captain 
Gilbert York.  One Gentleman 
Tho. Chamberlain  The Master 
james Bear.     
ON whitsunday, being the .26. of May, Anno. 1577. early in the morning, we weighed Anchor at Blackwal, and fell that tide down to Gravesende, where were main until Monday at night.  
On Monday morning the .27. of May, aboard the Aid, we received all the Communion, by the Minister of Gravesende, and prepared us, as good Christians towards God, and resolute men for all fortunes: and towards night we departed to Tilberie Hope.  
Tuesday the .28. of May, about nine of the clock at night, we arrived at Harwitch in Essex, and there stayed, for the taking in of certain victuals, until Friday, being the thirtieth of May, during which time, came letters from the Lords of the Counsel, streightelye commanding our General, not to exceed his complement and number appointed him, which was, one hundred and twenty persons: 
The number of men in this voyage. The condemned men discharged.  whereupon he discharged many proper men, which with unwilling minds departed.  
He also dismissed all his condemned men, which he thought for some purposes very needful for the voyage, and towards night upon Friday, the one and thirtieth of May, we set Sail, and put to Seas again. And sailing Northward alongst the East coasts of England and Scotland, the seventh day of june, we arrived in saint Magnus' sound in Orckney Islands, 
The first arrival after our departing from England.  called in Latin Orcades, and came to Anchor on the South side of the Bay.  
Here our company going on land, the Inhabitants of these Islands began to flee, as from the Enemy, whereupon, the Lieutenant willed every man to stay together, and went himself unto their Houses, to declare what we were, and the cause of our coming thither, which being understood, after their poor manner they friendly entreated us, and brought us for our money, such things as they had. And here our Goldfyners found a mine of Silver. 
●●●ne of Silver ●ound in O●●ney.   
Orkney is the principal of the Isles of Orcades, and standeth in the Latitude of. ●●. degrees and a half. The Country is much subject to cold, answerable for such a climate, and yet yieldeth some fruits, and sufficient maintenance for the people, contented so poorly to live.  
There is plenty enough of Poultry, store of Eggs, Fish, and Fowl.  
For their bread, they have ●aten Cakes, and their drink is Ewes milk, and in some parts Ale.  
Their houses are but poor without, and sluttish enough within, and the people in nature thereunto agreeable.  
For their fire, they burn heath and turf, the Country in most parts being void of wood.  
They have great want of Leather, and desire our old shoes, apparel, and old ropes (before money) for their victuals, and yet are they not ignorant of the value of our coin. The chief town is called Kyrway. 
Kyrway the chief town of Orkney.   
In this Island hath been sometime and Abbey, or a religious house, called Saint Magnus, being on the West side of the isle, whereof this sound beareth name, through which we passed. 
Saint Magnus sound why so called  Their governor or chief Lord, is called the Lord Robert Steward, who at our being there, as we understood, was in durance at Edinburgh, by the Regent's commandment of Scotland.  
After we had provided us here of matter sufficient for our voyage, the eight of june we set sail again, and passing through Saint Magnus' sound, having a merry wind by night, came clear, and lost sight of all the land, and keeping our course West Northwest by the space of two days, the wind shifted upon us, so that we lay in traverse on the Seas, with contrary, making good (as near as we could) our course to the Westward, and sometime to the Northward, as the wind shifted. And héereabout we met with three Sail of English fishermen from Iseland, bound homeward, by whom we wrote our letters unto our friends in England. We traversed these Seas by the space of .26. days, without sight of any land, and met with much drift wood, and whole bodies of trees. 
Great bodies of trees driving in the Seas.  We saw many monstruous Fish, and strange Fowl, which sémed to live only by the Sea, 
Monstrous fis● & strange Fowl ●yuiug only by the Sea.  being there so far distant from any land. At length, God favoured us with more prosperous winds, and after we had sailed four days with good wind in the Poop, the fourth of july the Michael (being foremost a head) shot off a piece of Ordinance, and struck all her sails, supposing that they descried land, which by reason of the thick mists, they could not make perfect: howbeit, as well our account, as also the great alteration of the water, which become more black and smooth, did plainly declare we were not far off the coast. 
Water being black and smooth, signifieth land to be near.  Our General sent his Master aboard the Michael (who had been within the year before) to bear in with the place, to make proof thereof, who descried not the land perfect, but saw sundry huge islands of Ice, 
Islands of Ise.  which we deemed to be not past twelve leagues from the shore, for about ten of the clock at night, being the fourth of july, the weather being more clear, we made the land perfect, and knew it to be Fréeseland. 
The f●rste fight of Freeselande.  And the height being taken here, we found ourselves to be in the Latitude of .60. Degrees and a half, and were fallen with the Southermost part of this land. Between Orkney and Friesland are reckoned leagues.  
This Friesland showeth a ragged and high land, having the Mountains almost covered over with Snow, alongst the coast full of drift Ice, and seemeth almost inaccessible, & is thought to be an Island in bigness not inferior to England, and is called of some Authors, West Friesland, 
Friesland described.  I think, because it lieth more West, than any part of Europe. It extendeth in Latitude to the Northward very far as seemed to us, and appeareth by a description set out by two brethren Venetians, Nicholaus, and Antonius Genoa, who being driven off from Ireland with a violent tempest, made Shipwreck here, and were the first known Christians that discovered this land, about three hundred years sithence, and they have in their sea-cards set out every part thereof, and described the condition of the inhabitants, declaring them to be as civil and Religious people as we. And for so much of this land as we have sailed alongst, comparing their Card with the coast, we found it very agreeable. This coast seemeth to have good fishing, for we lying becalmd, let fall a hook without any bait, 
On easy kind of Fishing.  and presently caught a great fish called a Hollibut, which served the whole company for a days meat, and is dangerous meat for surfeiting. And sounding about five leagues off from the shore, our lead brought up in the tallow a kind of Coral almost white, 
white Coral got by sounding.  and small stones as bright as Crystal: & it is not to be doubted, but that this land may be found very rich, and beneficial, if it were thoroughly discovered, although we saw no creature there but little birds. It is a marvelous thing, to behold, of what great bigness and depth some Islands of I'll be here, some .70. some .80. fathom under water, 
Monstrous Isles of Ice, in ●ast fresh, wherehence they are supposed to come  besides that which is above, seeming islands, more than half a mile in circuit. All these Ice are in taste fresh, and seem to be bred in the sounds thereabouts, or in some land near the pole, and with the wind & tides are driven alongst the coasts. We found none of these islands of Ice salt in taste, whereby appeareth they were not congealed of the Ocean Sea water, 
The opinion of the frozen Seas is destroyed by experience.  which is always salt, but of some standing or little moving lakes, or great fresh waters, near the shore, caused either by melted snow from tops of Mountains, or by continual access of fresh rivers from the land, and intermingling with the Sea water, bearing yet the dominion (by the force of extreme frost) may 'cause some part of salt water to freeze so with it, & so seem a little brackish, but otherwise the main sea freezeth not, & therefore there is no Mare glacial or frozen Sea, as the opinion hitherto hath been. Our General proved landing here twice, but by the sudden fall of mists (whereunto this coast is much subject) he was like to loose sight of his Ships, & being greatly endangered with the driving Ice alongst the coast, was forced aboard, and feign to surcease his pretence, till a better opportunity might serve: and having spent .4. days & nights sailing alongst this land, finding the coast subject to such bitter cold & continual mists, he determined to spend no more time therein, but to bear out his course towards the straits called Frobishers straights, after the Generals name, who being the first that ever passed beyond .58. degrees to the Northwards, for any thing hath been yet known of certainty of New found land, otherwise called the continent or firm land of America, discovered the said straits this last year .1576. and hopeth that there will be found a thorough passage into the sea, 
F●obishers streigh●es,  which lieth on the back side of the said new found land called Mare pacificum, or Mare de Sur, by the which we may go unto Cataya, China, the East India, and all the dominions of the Great Cane of Tartary. Between Friesland & the straits we had one great storm, wherein that Michael was somewhat in danger, having her Stéerage broken, & her top Masts blown over board, 
The Steerage of the Micha●ll broken by Tempest.  & being not past .50. leagues short of the straits by our account, we struck sail, & lay a hull, fearing the continuance of the storm, the wind being at the North-east, and having lost company of the Barks in that flaw of wind, we happily met again the .17. day of july, 
The first entrance of the straights.  having the evening before seen divers Islands of fleeting Ice, which gave an argument that we were not far from land. Our General in the morning from the main top (the weather being reasonable clear) descried land, but to be better assured, he sent the two Barks two contrary courses, whereby they might descry either the South or North foreland, the Aid lying off & on at Sea, with a small sail by an Island of Ice, which was the mark for us to meet together again. And about noon, the weather being more clear, we made the North Forlande perfit, which otherwise is called halls Island, 
halls Island.  and also the small Island bearing the name of the said Hall, whence the Ore was taken up, which was brought into England this last year 1576. the said Hall being present at the finding and taking up thereof, who was then Master in the Gabriel with Captain Frobysher. At our arrival here, all the Seas about this coast were so covered over with huge quantity of great Ice, that we thought these places might only deserve the name of Mare glacial, and be called the Icy Sea.  

The description of the straights.  This North foreland, is thought to be divided from the continente of the Norther land, by a little sound, called halls sound, which maketh it an Island, and is thought little less, than the isle of Wight, and is the first entrance of the straits upon the Norther side, and standeth in the Latitude of .62. Degrees. ●●. Minutes, and is reckoned from Friesland leagues. God having blessed us with so happy a land fall, we bore into the straits, which run in next hand West, and somewhat to the Northward, and came as near the shore as we might for the Ice, and upon the eyghtéenth day of july, our General taking the Goldfiners with him, attempted to go on shore with a small rowing Pinnace, upon the small Island where the Ore was taken up, to prove whether there were any store thereof to be found, but he could not get in all that Island a piece so big as a Walnut, 
No more gold over found in the first Island.  where the first was found, so that it may seem a great miracle of God, that being only one rich stone in all the Island, the same should be found by one of our Countrymen, whereby it should appear, God's divine will and pleasure is, to have our common wealth increased with no less abundance of his hidden treasures and gold mines, than any other nation, and would, that the faith of his Gospel and holy name should be published and enlarged through all those corners of the earth, amongst those Idolatrous Infidels. But our men, which sought the other Islands thereabouts, found them all to have good store of the Ore, whereupon our General with these good tidings returned aboard about ten of the clock at night, and was joyfully welcomed of the company with a volie of shot. He brought Eggs, Fowl, 
Eggs and Fowls of Meta Incognita  and a young Seal aboard, which the company had killed ashore, and having found upon those Islands, gins set to catch fowl, 
Snares set to catch birds withal.  and sticks new cut, with other things, he well perceived, that not long before, some of the country people had resorted thither. Having therefore found those tokens of the people's access in those parts, and being in his first voyage well acquainted with their subtle and cruel dispotion, he provided well for his better safety, and on Friday the nineteenth of july in the morning early, with his best company of Gentlemen and soldiers, to the number of forty persons, went on shore, aswell to discover the Inland and habitation of the people, as also to find out some fit harborowe for our ships. And passing towards the shore with no small difficulty, by reason of the abundance of Ice which lay alongst the coast so thick together, that hardly any passage through them might be discerned, we arrived at length upon the main of halls greater Island, and found there also, aswell as in the other small islands, good store of the Ore. And leaving his boats here with sufficient guard, passed up into the country about two English miles, and recovered the top of a high hill, on the top whereof our men made a Column or Cross of stones heaped up of a good height together in good sort, and solemnly sounded a Trumpet, and said certain prayers, kneeling about the Ancient, 
The building of a Column, called Mount warwicke.  and honoured the place by the name of Mount Warwick, in remembrance of the Right Honourable the Lord Ambrose Dudley Earl of Warwick, whose noble mind, and good countenance in this, as in all other good actions gave great encouragement and good furtherance. This done, we retired our companies, not seeing any thing here worth further discovery, the country seeming barren and full of ragged mountains, in most parts, covered with Snow. And thus marching towards our boats, we espied certain of the country people on the top of Mount Warwick with a flag, wafting us back again, & making great noise, with cries like the mowing of Bulls, seeming greatly desirous of conference with us: 
The first sight of the country people, wafting with a Flag.  whereupon the General, being therewith better acquainted, answered them again with the like cries, whereat, and with the noise of our trumpets, they seemed greatly to rejoice, skipping, laughing, and dancing for joy. And hereupon we made signs unto them, holding up two fingers, commanding two of our men to go apart from our companies, whereby they might do the like. So that forthwith two of our men, 
●he meeting apart of two Englishmen, with two of that Countr,  and two of theirs met together a good space from company, neither party having their weapons about them. Our men gave them pings and points, and sued trifles as they had. And they likewise bestowed on our men, two bow cases, and such things as they had. They earnestly desired our men to go up into their Country, and our men offered them like kindness aboard our ships, but neither part (as it seemed) admitted or trusted the other's courtesy. Their manner of traffic is thus, they do use to lay down of their merchandise upon the ground, 
The order of thei● traffic  so much as they mean to part withal, and so looking that the other party, with whom they make trade, should do the like, they themselves do depart, and then, if they do like of their mart, they come again, and take in exchange the other's merchandise, otherwise, if they like not, they take their own and depart. The day being thus well near● spent, in haste we retired our companies into our boats again, minding forthwith to search alongst the coast for some harborowe fit for our ships, for the present necessity thereof was much, considering, that all this while they lay off and on between the two lands, being continually subject, aswell to great danger of fleeting ice, which environed them, as to the sod●in flaws which the coast seemeth much subject unto. But when the people perceived our departure, with great tokens of affection they earnestly called us back again, following us almost to our boats: whereupon our General taking his Master with him who was best acquainted with their manner, went apart unto two of them, meaning, if they could lay sure hold upon them, forcibly to bring them aboard, with intent, to bestow certain toys and apparel upon the one, 
Another mee●ing of two of our men with two of the●●  and so to dismiss him with all arguments of courtesy, and retain the other for an Interpreter. The General & his Master being met with their two companions together, after they had exchanged certain things the one with the other, one of the savages, for lack of better merchandise, cut off the tail of his coat (which is a chief ornament among them) and gave it unto our General for a present. But he presently upon a watchword given, with his Master suddenly laid hold upon the two savages. But the ground underféete being slippery, with the Snow on the side of the hill, thire handfast failed, and their prey escaping, ran away, and lightly recovered their bow and arrows, which they had hid not far from them behind the rocks. And being only two Saluagies in sight, they so fiercely, desperately, and with such fury assaulted and pursued our General and his Master, be-being altogether unarmed, and not mistrusting their subtlety, that they chased them to their boats, and hurt the General in the Buttock with an arrow, who the rather speedily fled back, 
The englishmen chesed to their boats.  because they suspected a greater number behind the rocks. Our soldiers (which were commanded before to keep their boats) perceiving the danger, & hearing our men calling for shot, came speedily to rescue, thinking there had been a more number. But when the Savages heard the shot of one of our calivers. And yet (having first bestowed their arrows) they run away, our men speedily following them. But a servant of my Lord of Warwick's, called Nicholas Conger, a good footman, and uncumbered with any furniture, 
One of that Count●u●en taken.  besides a dagger at his back, overtook one of them, and being a Cornishman, and a good wrestler, showed his companion such a cornish trick, that he made his sides ache against the ground for a month after. And so being s●ayed, he was taken alive, and brought away, but the other escaped. Thus with their strange and new pray, our men repaired to their boats, and passed from the main to a small Island of a mile compass, where they resolved to ●arrie all night, for even now a sudden storm was grown so great at sea, that by no means they could recover their ships. And here every man refreshed himself with a small portion of victuals, which was laid into the boats for their dinners, having neither eat nor drunk all the day before. But because they knew not how long the storm might last, nor how far off the ships might be put to Sea, nor whether they should ever recover them again or not, they made great spare of their victuals, as it greatly behoved them: For they knew full well, that the best cheer the country could yield them, was golden rocks and stones, a hard food to live withal, and the people more ready to eat them, than to give them wherewithal to eat. And thus keeping very good watch and ward, they lay there all night upon hard cliffs of Snow and Ice, both wet, cold and comfortless.  
These things thus happening with the company on land, the danger of the ships at Sea was no less perilous. For within one hour after the generals departing in the morning, by negligence of the Cook in over-heating, and the workman in making the chimney, the Aid was set on fire, 
The A●de set on fire.  and had been the confusion of the whole, if by chance a boy espying it, it had not been speedily with great labour and Gods help well extinguished.  
This day also, were diverse storms and flaws, and by nine of the clock at night the storm was grown so great, and continued such until the morning, that it put our ships at sea in no small peril: for having mountains of fleeting Ice on every side, we went romer for one, & loofed for another, some scraped us, & some happily escaped us, that the lest of a M. were as dangerous to strike, as any rock, 
The great danger of those rocks Ise.  & able to have split asunder the strongest ship of the world. We had a scope of clear without Ice, (as God would) wherein we turned, being otherwise compassed on every side about: but so much was the wind, and so little was our sea room, that being able to bear only our forecoast, we cast so often about, that we made fourteen boards in eight glasses running, being but four hours: but God being our best Steersman, and by the industry of Charles jackman and Andrew Dyer then masters mates, both very expert Mariners, and Richard Cox the master Gunner, with other very careful sailors, then within board, and also by the help of the clear nights which are without darkness, we did happily avoid those present dangers, 
Night without darkness in that country.  whereat since we have more marveled than in the present danger feared, for that every man within board, both better and worse, had enough to do, with his hands to hale ropes, and with his eyes to look out for danger. But the next morning, being the 20. of july, as God would, the storm ceased, and the General espying the ships with his new Captive, and whole company, came happily aboard, and reported what had passed a shore, whereupon, altogether upon our knees, gave God humble and hearty thanks, for that it had pleased him, from so speedy peril to sand us such speedy deliverance, and so from this Norther shore, we struck over towards the Southerland,  
The one and twentieth of july, we discovered a bay, which ran into the land, that seemed a likely harborough for our ships, wherefore our General rowed thither with his boats, to make proof thereof, 
Our first coming on the Southerland of the said straits.  and with his goldfiners ●o search for Ore, having never assayed any thing on ●he south shore as yet, and the first small Island, which we landed upon, here all the sands and cliffs, did so glister & had so bright a marquesite, that it seemed all to be gold, but upon trial made, it proved no better than black lead, and verified the proverb. All is not gold that shineth.  

A Mine of Blacklead.  Upon the two & twentieth of july, we bore into the said sound & came to Anchor a reasonable breadth of the shore, where thinking ourselves in good security, we were greatly endangered with a piece of drift Ice, which the Ebb brought forth of the sounds, and came thwart us, ere we were ware. But the gentlemen & soldiers within board, taking great pains at this pinch at the Capstone, overcame the most danger thereof, and yet ●or all that might be done, it struck on our stern such a blow, that we seared lest it had stricken away our rudder, and being forced to cut our Cable in the hawse, were fain to set our foresail to run further up within, and if our steerage had not been stronger, than in the present time we feared, we had run ●o the ship upon the rocks, having a very narrow Channel to turn in, but as God would, all came well to pass. And this was named jackmans' sound, after the name of the masters mate, 
jackmans' sound.  who had first liking unto the place.  
Upon a small Island, within this sound, called Smiths Island (because he first set up his forge there) was found a Mine of silver, but was not won out of the rocks without great labour Here our goldfyners made say of such Ore as they found upon the Northerlande, and found four sorts thereof to hold gold in good quantity. Upon another small Island here was also found a great dead fish, which as it should seem, had been embayde with ice, 
●m●th● Island  and was in proportion round like to a purpose, being about twelve foot long, and in bigness answerable, having a horn of two yards long, growing out of the snout or nostrils. This horn is wreathed and straight, 
The finding of an Unicorns horn  like in fashion to a Taper made of wax, and may truly be thought to be the sea Unicorn. This horn is to be seen and reserved as a jewel, by the queens majesties commandment, in her Wardrobe of Robes. The form whereof is here set down.  
Tuesday, the three & twentyth of july, our general with his best company of gentlemen, soldiers and sailors, to the number of seventy persons in all, marched with Ancient displayed, upon the continent of the Southerlande (the supposed continent of America) where, commanding a Trumpet to sound a call for every man to repair to the Ancient, he declared to the whole company, how much the cause imported, for the service of her Majesty, our country, our credits, and the safety of our own lives, and therefore required every man to be conformable to order, and to be directed by those he should assign. And appointed for leaders, Captain Fenton, Captain York, and his Lieutenant George Best, which done, we cast ourselves into a ring, and altogether upon our knees, gave GOD humble thanks, for that it had pleased him of his great goodness in preserving us from such imminent dangers, to bestow so great & hidden treasures upon us his poor and unworthy servants, beseeching likewise the assistance of his holy spirit, so to deliver us in safety, into our Country, whereby the light and truth of these secrets being known, it might redound to the more honour of his holy name, & consequently to the advancement of our common wealth. And so, in as good sort as the place suffered, we marched towards the tops of the mountains, which were no less painful in climbing, than dangerous in descending, by reason of their stéepenesse, & ice. And having passed about five miles, by such unwieldy ways, we returned unto our ships, without sight of any people, or likelihood of habitation. Here diverse of the gentlemen desired our general to suffer them to the number of twenty or thirty persons, to march up thirty or forty leagues in the country, to the end they might discover the Inland, and do some acceptable service for their country. But he, not contented with the matter he sought for, and well considering the short time he had in hand, and the greedy desire our country hath to a present savour and return of gain, bent his whole endeavour only to find a Mine, to freight his ships, & to leave the rest (by God's help) hereafter to be well accomplished. And therefore the twenty sixth of july he departed over to the Northlande, with the two barks, leaving the Aid riding in jackmans', sound, and meant (after he had found convenient harborowe, and freight there for his ships) to discover further for the passage. The Barks came the same night to Anchor, in a sound, upon the Northerland, where the tides did run so swift, and the place so subject to indraftes of Ice, that by reason thereof they were greatly endangered, and having found a very rich Mine, and got almost twenty tun of Ore together, upon the 28. of july the Ice came driving into the sound where the Barks road, in such sort, that they were therewith greatly distressed. And the Gabriel riding asterne the Michael, had her Cable gaulde asunder in the hawse, with a piece of driving Ice, and lost another Anchor, and having but one cable and anchor left, for she had lost two before, and the Ice still driving upon her, she was (by each side, with small Islands, lying of the main, which break the force of the Tides, and make the place free from any indraftes of ice, did prove a very fit harborough for our ships, where we came to Anchor under a small Island, which now together with the sound, is called by the name of that right Honourable and virtuous Lady, Anne Countess of Warwick. And this is the furthest place that this year we have entered up within the streyghtes, and is reckoned from the Cape of the Queen's foreland, which is the entrance of the straights, 
Thirty leagues discovered within the straits.  not above 30. leagues. Upon this Island was found good store of the Ore, which in the washing h●lde gold plainly to be seen: where upon it was thought best rather to lead here, where there was store and indifferent good, than to seek further for better, and spend time with ●●operdie. And therefore cure General setting the Miners to work, and showing first a good precedent of a painful labourer & a good Captain in himself, 
A good precedent of a good Captain showed b● Captain F●obi●her.  gave good examples for others to follow him: whereupon every man, both better and worse, with their best endeavours, willingly laid to their helping hands. And the next day, being the .30. of july, the Michael was sent over to jackmans' sound, for the Aid and whole company to come thither. Upon the main land over against the Countess' Island we discovered, and beheld to our great marvel, the poor caves and houses of those country people, which serve them (as it should seem) for their winter dwellings, 
The manner 〈…〉 hou●●● in 〈◊〉 Co●n●rey.  & are made two fathom under ground in compass round, like to an ●uen, being joined fast one by another, having holes like to a Fox or Conny berry, to keep and come together. They vnder●rench these places with gutters so, that the water falling from the hills above them, may slide away without their a●oi●unce: & are seated commonly in the foot of a hill, 
Wh●l●s bones used in 〈◊〉 of timber.  to shield them better from the cold winds, having their door and entrance ever open towards the South. From the ground upward they build with whales bones, for lack of timber, which bending one over another, are handsomely compacted in the top together, & are covered ever with Seals skins, which instead of tiles, sen●eth them from the rain. In each house they have only one roo●e, having the one half of the flower raises with broad stone● a foot higher than the other, whereon drawing Moss●, they make their nests to sleep in. They defile these 〈◊〉 most filthylie with their beastly ●ee●ing, & devil so lo●g in a plac● (as we think) until their own● 〈…〉 them, 
〈…〉 people.  they are forced to seek a sweeter air, and a new seat, and are no doubt) a dispersed and wandering nation, as the Ta●tarians, & live in hordes and troops, without any certain abode, as may appear by sundry circumstances of our experi●ce. Here our caitiff being ashore with us to declare the v●e of such things as we saw, stayd himself alone behind the cō●●ny, & did set up five small ●t●ckes round in a circle, o●● b● another, with one small bone placed just in the nuddest of a●l: which 〈◊〉 wh●n on● of ou● men perceived, 
A sign se● up by the savage Cap●i●e, and the meaning thereof.  he called us back to behold the mat●er, thinking that he had meant some charm or witchcraft therein. But the best conjecture we could make thereof was, that he would thereby his Countrymen should understand, that for our five men which they be●●●●●● the last year (whom he signified by the five sticks) he ●●s taken & kept prisoner, which he signified by the bone in the midst. For afterwards when we showed him the picture of his Countryman, which the last year was brought into England (whose counterfeit we had drawn, with boat, & other furniture, both as he was in his own, 
The savage captive amazed of his Countrey-mans picture  & also in english apparel) he was upon the sudden much amazed thereat, & beholding abuis●dly the same with silence a good while, as though he would strain courtesy whether should begin the speech (for he thought him no doubt a lively creature) at lengthy began to question with him, as with his companion, & finding ●im dumb & mu●e, seemed to suspect him as one disdeynful, & would with a little help have grown into choler at the fear, either else for policy, to draw our men from rescue further within their danger: wherefore our men construing their coming thither was but to seek advantage, followed speedily after them, but they rowed so swiftly awa●, that our men could come nothing near them. Howbeit they failed not of their best endeavour in rowing, and having chased them above two miles into the Sea, returned into their ships again,  
The morning following, being the first of August, Captain York with the Michael came into Iackm●ns sound, and declared unto the company there, that the l●ste night● past, he came to anchor in a certain bay (which he ●●thens was named York's Sound, 
Y●●●●● sound. ) about four leagues distant from ●ackmans sound, being put to l●warde of that place for lack of wind, where he discovered certain tents of the Country people, where going with his company ashmore, he entered into them, but found the people departed, as i● should seem, for fear of their coming. But among●st sundry straunce things, which these tents they 〈◊〉, there was raw and now killed flesh of unknown 〈◊〉, with dead carcases and bones of dogs, 
The apparel ●ound again of o●●e En●lis●m●n whitche the ●eare before were taken captive  and I know not what. They also beheld (to their greatest m●ru●ile) a du●le● of Canvas made after the English fashion, a shirt, a girdle, three shoes for contrary feet, and of unequal bigness, which they well conjectured to be the apparel of our five poor countrymen, which were intercepted the last year by these Country people, about fi●tye leagues from this place, further within the straights. Whereupon, our men being in good hope, that some of them might be here, and yet living, the Captain deu●s●ng for the best, left his mind behind him in writing, with pen, ink, and paper also, whereby our poor captive countriem●n if it might come to their hands, 
A good de●ic● of ca●t●ine York.  might know their friends minds, and of th●ir arrival, and likewise return their answer. And so without taking any thing away in their tents, leaving there also looking glasses, points, & other of our toys the better to allure than by such friendly means,) departed aboard his Bark, 
A good de●●●● of Cap●●●●● York●.  with intent to make haste to the Aid, to give notice unto the company, of all such things as he has there discovered: and so meant to return to these ten●s again, hoping, that he might by force or policy, entrap or enti●● the people to some friendly conference. Which things, when he had delivered to the company there, they determined forthwith to go● 〈◊〉 and with the matter. Hereupon Captain York 〈…〉 of the Aid & his mate (who the night before 〈…〉 at the te●●s, and came over from the other si●e in the Michael with him) being accompanied with divers of the Gentlemen & soldiers, to the number of. 3● or. 4●. persons in two small rowing p●nnesses, made towards the place, where the night before they discou●r●d the tents of those people, and setting Charles I●●kman, bring the Master mate, ashore with a convenient number, for that he could best guide them to the place, they marched over land, moving 〈…〉 on the one side, whilst t●e Captain with his 〈…〉 might entrap them on the other side. Bu● landing at last at the place where the night before they left them, they found them with their tents removed. Notwithstanding, our men which marched up into the country, passing over two or three tedious mountains, by chance espied certain tents in a valley underneath them near unto a creek by the Sea side, which, because it was not the place where the guide had ●in the night before, they judged them to be another company, 

T●● Savages have Bo●●es of ●undry big●●●●●.  
The English men p●rsue ●hose people of that country.   and b●s●tting them about, determined ●o take them if they could. But they having quickly descried our company, launched one great, & another small boat, being about .16. or .18. persons, & very narrowly escaping, put themselves to sea. Whereupon our soldiers discharged th●ir Calivers, and followed them, thinking the noise thereof being heard to our boats at sea, our men there would make what speed they might to that place. And thereupon indeed our men which were in the boats (crossing upon them in the mouth of the sound, whereby their passage was ●et from getting sea room, wherein it had been impossible for us to overtake them by rowing) forced them to put themselves ashore upon a point of land within the said sound (which upon the occasion of the slaughter there, 
The swift ro●ing of those people.  was since named the Bloody point) whereunto our men so speedily followed, 
The bloody point.  that they had little leisure left them to make any escape. But so soon as they landed, each of them broke his Oar, thinking by that means to prevent us, in carrying away their boats for want of Oars. And desperately returning upon our men, resisted them manfully in their landing, so long as their arrows and darts lasted, & after gathering up those arrows which our men shot at them, 
A boat skirmish between the English, and them of that country  yea, and plucking our arrows out of their bodies, encountered afresh again, and maintained their cause, until both weapons & life utterly failed them. And when they found they were mortally wounded, being ignorant what mercy meaneth, 
The desperate nature of those people.  with deadly fury they cast themselves headlong from off the rocks into the sea, lest perhaps their enemies should receive glory or pray of their dead carcases, for they supposed us be like to be Canibales, or eaters of man's flesh. In this conflict one of our men was dangerously hurt in the belly with one of their arrows, and of them were slain five or six. The rest by flight escaped among the Rocks, saving two wo●●●, whereof the one being old and ugly, our men ●●●●ght she had been a Devil or some Witch, & therefore 〈…〉 the other being young, & cumbered with 〈…〉 at her back, hiding herself behind the ●●cks, was espied by one of our men, 
The taking of the woman and her child.  who supposing she had been a man, shot through the hear of her head, & pierced through the child's arm, whereupon she cried out, & was taken, & our Surgeon meaning to heal her child's arm, 
A pretty kind of Surgery, ●●yche nature teacheth.  applied salves thereunto. But she not acquainted with such kind of surgery, plucked th●se s●lues away, & by continual with her own tongue, not much unlike our dogs, healed up the child's arm. And because the day was well near ●pent, our men made haste unto the rest of our company, which on the other side of the water remained at the ●entes, where they found by the apparel, ●e●ter, and other English furniture, that they were the same company which captain York discovered the night before, having removed themselves from the place where he left them.  
And now considering their sudden flying from our men, and their desperate manner of fight, we began to suspect, that we had already heard the last news of our men, which the last year were betrayed of these people. And considering also their ravennesse and bloody disposition, in eating any kind of raw flesh or carr●e●, howsoever stinking, it is to be thought, that they had s●aine and devoured our men. For the doublet which was sound in their tents had many holes therein, being made with their arrows and darts.  
But now the night being at hand, our men with their captives and such poor stuff as they found in their tents, returned towards their ships, when being at Sea, there arose a sudden flaw of wind, which was not a little dangerous for their small boats. But as God would, they came all safely aboard. And with these good news they returned (as before mentioned) into the Countess of Warwick's sound, unto us And between jackmans' sound, from whence they came, and the Countess of Warwick's sound, between land & land, being thought the narrowest place of the straits, 
The narrowest place of the null is .9. leagues over.  were judged nine leagues over at least: and jackmans' sound being upon the Southerlande, lieth directly almost over against the Countess' sound, as is reckoned, scarce thirty leagues within the straights from the Queen's Cape, which is the entrance of the straits of Southerland, being the supposed continent of America. This Cape being named Queen Elizabethe; Cape, 
The Queens' Cape.  standeth in the Latitude of degrees and a half to the northwards of New found land, and upon the same continent, for any thing that is yet known to the contrary.  
Having now got a woman captive for the comfort of our man, 
The manner of the meeting o● 〈◊〉 Captives, and their entertainment  we brought them both together, and every man with silence desired to behold the manner of their meeting and entertainment, the which was more worth the beholding, than can be well expressed by writing. A● their first encountering, they beheld each the other very wistly a good space, without speech or word uttered, with great change of colour and countenance, as though it seemed, the grief and disdain of their captivity had taken away the use of their tongues and utterance: the woman at the first very suddenly, as though she disdained or regarded not the man, turned away, and began to sing, as though she minded another matter: but being again brought together, the man broke up the silence first, and with stern and stayed countenance, began to tell a long solemn tale to the woman, whereunto she gave good hearing, and interrupted him nothing, till he had finished, & afterwards, being grown into more familiar acquaintance by speech, were turned together, so that (I think) the one would hardly have lived, without the comfort of the other. And, for so much as we could perceive, albeit they lived continually together, yet did they never use as man and wife, though the woman spared not to do all necessary things that appertained to a good housewife indifferently for them both, as in making clean their Cabin, and every other thing that appertained to his ease: for when he was Sea-sick, she would make him clean, she would kill and slay the Dogs for their eating, and dress his meat. 
The shame fastness and chastity of those savage Captives.  Only I think it worth the noting, the continency of them both, for the man would never shifted himself, except he had first caused the woman to departed out of his Cabin, and they both were most sha●● fast, lest any of their privy parts should be discovered, either of themselves, or any other body.  
On Monday the sixth of August, the Lieutenant, with all the Soldiers, for the better guard of the Miners, and the other things a shore, pitched their tents in the Countess●● Island, and fortified the place for their better defence as well as they could, and were to the number of forty persons, when being all at labour, they might perceive upon the top of a hill over against them, 
Another appearance of that Country people.  a number of the country people wasting with a flag, and making great out cries unto them, and were of the same company, which had encountered lately our men upon the other shore, being come to complain their late losses, and to entreat (as it seemed) for restitution of the Woman and Child, which our men in the late conflict had taken, and brought away: whereupon the General taking the savage Captive with him, and setting the Woman where they might best perceive her, in the highest place of the Island, went over to talk with them. This Captive at the first encountry of his friends, fell so out into tears, that he could not speak a word in a great space, but after a while, overcoming his kindness, he talked at full with his companions, and bestowed friendly upon them such toys and trifles as we had given him, whereby we noted, that they are very kind one to the other, and greatly sorrowful for the loss of their friends. Our General by signs required his five men which they took Captive the last year, and promised them, not only to release those which he had taken, but also to reward them with great gifts and friendship. Our Savage made signs in answer from them, that our men should be delivered us, and were yet living, and made signs likewise unto us, that we should writ our letters unto them, for they know very well the use we have of writing, 
These people know the use of writing.  and received knowledge thereof, either of our poor Captive Countre●men, which they betrayed, or else by this our new captive, who hath seen us daily writ, and repeat again such words of h●s language, as we desired to learn: but they for this night, because it was 〈◊〉, departed, without any letter, although the● called earnestly in haste for the same. And the next morning early, being the seventh of August, they called again for the Letter, which being delivered unto them, they speedily departed, 
● Letter sent unto ●he five English Cap●tiues.  making signs with three fingers, and pointing to the Sun, that they meant to return within three days, vnt●ll which time we heard no more of them, and about the time appointed, they returned, in such ●orte as you shall afterwards hear.  
This night, because the people were very near unto us, the Lieutenant caused the Trumpet to sound a call, and every man in the Island repairing to the ancient, he put them in mind of the place so far from their Country wherein they lived, and the danger of a multitude which they were subject unto, if good watch and w●rde were not kept, for at every low water, the Enemy might come almost dryfoote from the main unto us, wherefore, he willed every man to prepare him in good readiness upon all sudden occasions, and so giving the watch their charge, the company departed to rest.  
I thought the Captains Letter well worth the remembering, not for the circumstance of curious inditing, but for the substance and good meaning therein contained, and therefore have repeated here the same, as by himself it was hastily written.  
¶ The form of Martin Frobishers letter to the English Captives.  
IN the name of God, in whom we all believe, who I trust hath preserved your bodies and souls amongst these Infidels, I commend me unto you. I will be glad to seek by all means you can devise, for your deliverance, either with force, or with any commodities within my Ships, which I will not spare for your sakes, or any thing else I can do for you. I have aboard, of theirs, a Man, a Woman, and a Child, which I am contented to deliver for you, but the man which I carried away from hence the last year, is dead in ENGLAND. Moreover, you may declare unto them, that if they deliver you not, I will not leave a man alive in their Country. And thus, if one of you can come to speak with me, they shall have either the Man, Woman, or Child in pawn for you. And thus unto God, whom I trust you do serve, in hast I leave you, and to him we will daily pray for you. This Tuesdaye morning the seventh of August. Anno. 1577.  
Yours to the uttermost of my power MARTIN FROBISHER.  
Postscript.  
I have sent you by these bearers, Pen, Ink, and Paper, to writ back unto me again, if personally you can not come to certify me of your estate.  
NOw had the General altered his determination for going any further into the straits at this time, 
The cause why F●obishe● entered no further within the straits this year.  for any further discovery of the passage, having taken a man, and a woman of that Country, which he thought sufficient for the use of language: and having also met with these people here, which intercepted his men the last year, (as the apparel, and English furniture which was found in their tents, very well declared) he knew it was but labour lost to seek them further off, when he had found them there at hand. And considering also the short time he had in hand, he thought it best to bend his whole endeavour for the getting of Mine, and to leave the passage, further to be discovered hereafter. For his commission directed him in this voyage, only for the searching of the Gold over, and to defer the further discovery of the passage until another tyme.  
On Thursday the ninth of August, we began to make a small Fort for our defence in the Countess' Island, and entrenched a corner of a cliff, which on three parts like a wall of good height was compassed and well fenced with the Sea, & we finished the rest, with casks of earth, to good purpose, and this was called Bestes Bulwark, 
Bestes Bulwark.  after the Lieutenant's name, who first devised the same. This was done, for that we suspected more lest the desperate men might oppress us with multitude, than any fear we had of their force, weapons, or policy of battle: but as wisdom would us in such place (so far from home,) not to be of ourselves altogether careless: so the signs which our captive made unto us, of the coming down of his governor or Prince, which he calleth Catchoe, 
Their King called Catchoe.  gave us occasion to foresee what might ensue thereof, for he showed by signs, that this Catchoe was a man of higher stature far than any of our nation is, 
How he is honoured.  and he is accustomed to be carried upon men's shoulders.  
About midnight, the Lieutenant caused a false Alarm to be given in the Island, to prove as well the readiness of the company there a shore, as also what help might be hoped for upon the sudden from the ships if need ●●●●quired, and every part was found in good readiness v●●on such a sudden.  
Saturday the eleventh of August, the people showed themselves again, and called unto us from the side of a hill over against us. The General with (good hope to hear of his men, and to have answer of his Letter) went over unto them, where they presented themselves, not above three in sight, but were hidden in deed in greater numbers behind the Ro●kes, and making signs of delay with us, to entrap some of us, to redeem their own, did only seek advantage to train our Boat about a point of land from sight of our companie● whereupon our men justly suspecting them, kept aloof without their danger, and yet set one of our company a shore, which took up a great blather, which one of them offered us, and leaving a looking glass in the place, came into the Boat again. 
A bladder changed for a ●o●ing glass.  In the mean while, our men which stood in the Countess' Island to behold, who might better discern them, than those in the Boat, by reason they were upon higher ground, made a great outcry unto our men in the boat, for that they saw divers of the Savages creeping behind the Rocks towards our men, 
No news of the English Captives.  whereupon the General presently returned without tidings of his men.  
Concerning this Blather which we received, our Captive made signs, that it was given him to keep water and drink in, but we suspected rather, it was given him to swim and shifted away withal, for he and the woman sought divers times to escape, 
To what end the blather was delivered.  having loosed our Boats from a Stern our ships, and we never a Boat left to pursue them withal, and had prevailed very far, had they not been very timely espied, and prevented therein.  
After our generals coming away from them, they mustered themselves in our sight, upon the top of a hill, to the number of twenty in a rank, 
Those people dancing upon the hill toppes●  all holding hands over their heads, and dancing, with great noise and songs together, we supposed they made this dance and show for us to understand, that we might take view of their whole companies and force, meaning belike, that we should do the same. And thus they continued upon the hill tops until night, when hearing a piece of our great Ordinance, which thundered in the hollowness of the high hills, made unto them so fearful a noise, that they had no great will to tarry long after. And this was done, more to make them know our force, than to do them any hurt at all.  
On Sunday the twelfth of August, Captain Fenton trained the company, and made the soldiers maintain skirmish among themselves, 
A skirmish showed to th●se people.  as w●ll for their exercise, as for the Country people to behold in what readiness our men were always to be found, for it was to be thought, that they lay hid in the hills thereabout, and observed all the manner of our proceedings.  
On Wednesday the fourteenth of August, our General with two small Boats well appointed, for that he suspected the Country people to lie lurking thereabout, went up a certain Bay within the Countess' sound, to search for Ore, and met again with the Country people, who so soon as they saw our men, made great outcries, and with a white flag made of blathers, 
Their Flags made of brathens.  sowed together with the guts and sinews of beasts, wafted us amain unto them, but showed not above three of their company. But when we came near them, we might perceive a great multitude creeping behind the Rocks, which gave us good cause to suspect their traitorous meaning: whereupon we made them signs, that if they would lay their weapons aside, and come forth, we would deal friendly with them, although their intent was manifested unto us: but for all the sign●●●f friendship we could make them, they cam● still creeping towards us behind the rocks, to get more advantage of us, as though we had no eyes to see them, thinking belike, that our single wits could not discover so bore devices and simple drifts of theirs. Their spokesman earnestly persuaded us, with many enticing shows, to come, eat and sleep ashore, with great arguments of courtesy, and clapping his bore hands over his head in token of peace and innocency, willed us to do the like. But the better to allure our hungry stomachs, he brought us a trim bait of raw flesh, which for fashion sake with a boatehooke we caught into our Boat: but when the cunning Cater perceived his first cold morssell could nothing sharpen our stomachs, he cast about for a new train of warm flesh to procure our appetites, 
Great offers.  wherefore, he caused one of his fellows in halting manner, to come forth as a lame man from behind the rocks, and the better to declare his kindness in carving, he hoist him upon his shoulders, and bringing him hard to the water side where we were, left him there limping, as an easy pray to be taken of us. His hope was, that we would bite at this bait, & speedily leap a shore within their danger, whereby they might have apprehended some of us, to ransom their friends home again, which before we had taken: but I doubt, our flesh is so sweet meat for them, that they will hardly part from so good morsels, if we come once near their handling. The Gentlemen and Soldiers had great will to encounter them ashore, but the General more careful by process of time to win them, than wilfully at the first to spoil them, would in no wise admit that any man should put himself in hazard ashore, considering the matter he now intended, was for the Ore, and not for the Conquest: notwithstanding, to prove this Cripples footemanshippe, he gave liberty for one to shoot: whereupon the Cripple having a parting blow, lightly recovered a Rock, and went away a true and no feigned Cripple, and hath learned his lesson for ever halting afore such Cripples again. But his fellows which lay hid before, full quickly then appeared in their likeness, and maintained the skirmish with their slings, bows and arrows very fiercely, and came as near as the water suffered them: and with as desperate mind as hath been seen in any men, without fear of shot or any thing, followed us all along the coast, but all their shot fell short of us, and are of little danger. They had belayed all the coast along, and being dispersed so, were not able to be numbered, but we might discern of them above one hundredth persons, and to suspect, a greater number. And thus without loss or hurt we returned to our ships again.  
Now our work growing towards an end, and having only with five poor Miners, and the help of a few Gentlemen and Soldiers, brought aboard almost two hundredth of gold over, in the space of twenty days, every man therewithal well comforted, determined lustily to work afresh for a boon voyage, to bring our labour to a speedy and happy end.  
And upon Wednesday at night, being the one and twentieth of August, we fully finished the whole work. And it was now good time to leave, for as the men were well wearied, so their shoes and clotheses were well worn, their baskets bottoms torn out, their tools broken, and the ships reasonably well filled. Some with over-straining themselves received hurts not a little dangerous, some having their bellies broken, and others their legs made lame. And about this time the Ice began to congeal & freeze about our ships sides, which gave us a good argument of the suns declining Southward, and put us in mind to make more haste homeward.  
It is not a little worth the memory, to the commendation of the Gentlemen and soldiers herein, who leaving all reputation apart, with so great willingness, and with courageous stomachs, have themselves almost overcome in so short a time, the difficulty of this so great a labour. And this to be true, the matter, if it be well weighed, without further proof, now brought home, doth well witness. God grant for their forward minds, they may be as well considered, as their honest merits have well deserved.  
Thursday the .22. of August, we plucked down our tents, and every man hasted homeward, and making bonfires upon the top of the highest Mount of the Island, and marching with Ancient displayed round about the Island, we gave a volley of shot for a farewell, in honour of the right Honourable Lady Anne, Countess of Warwick, whose n●me it fears: and so departed aboard.  
The .23. of August, having the wind large at West, we set Sail from out of the Countesses sound homeward, but the wind calming, we came to Anchor within the point of the same sound again.  
The .24. of August, about three of the clock in the morning, having ●he wind large at West, we set Sail again, and by nine of the Clock at night, we left the queens foreland ast●rne us, and being clear of the straits, we bore further into the m●yne Ocean, keeping our course more Southerly, to bring ourselves the sooner under the Latitude of our own Climate.  
The wind was very great at Sea, so that we lay a hull all night, and had snow half a foot deep on the hatches. 
Snow ha●f● a foot deep in august.   
Fro●●he 24. until the .28. we had very much wind, but large keeping our course South Southeast, and were like to have lost the Ba●kes, but by good hap we met again. The height being taken, we were in Degrees and a half.  
The nine and twentieth of August, the wind blue much at North-east, so that we could bear but only a bu●t of our foresail, and the Ba●kes not being able to carry any sail at all.  
The Michael lost company of us, and shaped her course towards Orckney as we supposed, because that way was better known unto them.  
The thirtieth of August, with the force of the wind, and a surge of the Sea, the Master of the Gabriel, and the Boateson, were stricken both overboorde, 
The Master of the Gabriel stricken overboard.  and hardly was the Boateson recovered, having hold on a rope hanging overboard in the Sea, and yet the Bark was laced fore and after with ropes a breast high within board.  
This Master was called William Smyth, being but a young man, and a very sufficient Maryner, who being all the morning before exceeding pleasant, told his Captain he dreamt that he was cast overboard, and that the Boateson had him by the hand, and could not save him, and so immediately upon the end of his tale, his Dream came right evilly to pass, and in deed the Boateson in like sort held him by one hand, having hold on a rope with the other, until his force failed, and the Master drowned. The height being taken, we found ourselves to be in the Latitude of Degrees, and a half, and reckoned ourselves from the queens Cape homeward, about two hundredth leagues.  
The last of August, about midnight, we had two or three great and sudden flaws or storms.  
The first of September, the storm was grown very great, and continued almost the whole day and night, and lying a hull to tarry for the barks, our ship was much beaten with the Seas, every Sea almost overtaking our poop, that we were constrained with a bunte of our sail, to try it out, and ease the rolling of our ship. And so the Gabriel not able to bear any sail to keep company with us, and our ship being higher in the poop, and a tall ship, whereon the wind had more force to drive, went so fast away, that we lost sight of them, and left them to God and their good fortune of Sea. The second day of September in the morning, it pleased God of his goodness to send us a calm, whereby we perceived the Rudder of our ship torn in twain, and almost ready to fall away. 
The Rudder of the Ay●e torn in twain.  Wherefore taking the benefit of the time, we slung half a dozen couple of our best men overboard, who taking great pains under water, driving planks, and binding with ropes, did well strengthen and mend the matter, who returned the most part more than half dead out of the water, and as God's pleasure was, the Sea was calm until the work was finished. The fifth of September, the height of the stern being taken, we found ourselves to be in the latitude of degrees and a half. In all this voyage we took the latitude of the place by the height of the sun, because the long day taketh away the light not only of the Polar, but also of all other fixed Stars. And here the North Star is so much elevated above the Horizon, 
How the Latitudes were always taken in this voyage rather with the Staff than astrolabe.  that with the Staff it is hardly to be well observed, and the degrees in the Astrolabe, are too small to observe minutes. Therefore we always used the Staff and the Sun; as fittest instruments for this use.  
Having spent four or five days in traverse of the seas with contrary wind, making our Souther way good as near as we could, to raise our degrees to bring ourselves with the latitude of Sylley, we took the height the tenth of September, and found ourselves in the latitude of degrees and ten minutes. The eleventh of September about six a clock at night the wind came good sowthwest, we were shot and set our course southest.  
And upon Thursday, the twelfth of September, taking the height, we were in the latitude of and a half, and reckoned ourselves not passed one hundred and fifty leagues short of Sylley, the weather fair, the wind large at westsouthwest, we kept our course southest.  
The thirteenth day the height being taken, we found ourselves to be in the latitude of ● degrees, the wind westsouthwest, then being in the height of Sylley, we kept our course East, to run in with the sleeve or channel so called, being our narrow Seas, and reckoned us short of Sylley twelve leagues.  
Sunday, the fifteenth of September about four of the clock, we began to sound with our lead, and had ground at .61. fathom depth, white small sandy ground, and reckoned us upon the back of Sylley, and set our course east and by North, east north-east, and North-east among.  
The sixteenth of September, about eight of the clock in the morning sounding, we had .65. fathom osey sand, and thought ourselves thwart of Saint George's channel a little within the banks. And bearing a small sail all night, we made many soundings, which were about forty fathom, and so shallow, that we could not well tell where we were.  
The seventeenth of September we sounded, and had forty fathom, and were not far off the lands, and branded sand with small worms and Cockle shells, and were shot between Sylley and the lands end, and being within the bay, we were not able to double the point with a South and by East way, but were fain to make another board, the wind being at Southweast, and by West, and yet could not double the point, to come clear of the lands end, to bear along the Channel: and the weather cleared up when we were hard aboard the shore, and we made the lands end perfit, and so put up alongst Saint George's Channel. And the weather being very foul at Sea, we coveted some harborough, because our Stéeradge was broken, and so came to Anchor in Padstowe road in Cornwall. 
The arrival of the Aid at Padstow in Cornwall.  But riding there, a very dangerous road, we were advised by the Country, to put to Sea again, and of the two evils, to choose the less, for there was nothing but present peril where we road: where upon we plied along the Channel to get to Londy, from whence we were again driven, being but an open road, where our Anchor came home, and with force of weather put to Seas again, and about the three and twentieth of September, arrived at Milforde Haven in Wales, which being a very good harborough, made us happy men, 
Our coming to Milford Haven.  that we had received such long desired safety. And more happy we held ourselves, not for the safety of ourselves so much, as the comfort that we had that our Country should thereby have perfect knowledge of our discovery, to the great benefit of our common wealth.  
About one month after our arrival here, by order from the Lords of the Counsel, the Ship came up to Bristol, where the Ore was committed to keeping in the Castle there. Here we found the Gabriel one of the Barks, 
The arrival of the Gabriel at Bristol.  arrived in good safety, who having never a man within board very sufficient to bring home the Ship, after the Master was lost, by good fortune, when she came upon the coast, met with a Ship of Bristol at Sea, who conducted her in safety thither.  
Here we heard good tidings also of the arrival of the other Bark called the Michael, in the North parts, 
The Michael arrived in the North parts.  which was not a little joyful unto us, that it pleased God so to bring us to a safe meeting again, and lost in all the voyage only one man, besides one that died at Sea, which was sick before he came aboard, and was so desirous to follow this enterprise, 
Only one man died in this voyage.  that he rather chose to die therein, than not to be one to attempt so notable a voyage.  
FINIS.   

¶ The third voyage of Captain Frobisher, pretended for the discovery of Cataya, by Meta Incognito. Anno Do. 1578.  
THE General being returned from the second Uoyage, immediately a●ter his arrival in England, repaired with all haste to the Court ●éeing them at Windsor, to advertise her Majesty of his properous proc●eding, and good success in this last voyage, and of the plenty of gold over, with other matters of importance which he had in these Septentrional parts discovered. He was courteously entertained, and heartily welcomed of many noble men, but especially for his great adventure, commended of her Majesty, at whose hands he received great thanks, 
〈◊〉 comm●nded of her Majesty.  and most gracious countenance, according to his deserts. Her Highness also greatly commended the rest of the Gentlemen in this service, for their great forwardness in this so dangerous toiling and painful attempt: but especially she praised and rejoiced, 
The Gentlemen commended  that among them there was so good order of government, so good agreement, every man so ready in his calling, to do whatsoever the General should command, which due commendation graciously of her Majesty remembered, gave so great encouragement to all the Captains & Gentlemen, that they, to continued her highness so good and honourable opinion of them, have since ne●ther spared labour, limb, nor life, to bring this matter (so well begun) to a happy and prosperous end. And finding, that the matter of the gold over had appearance & m●de show of great riches & profit, and the hope of the passage to CATAYA, by this last vo●age greatly increased, her Majesty appointed special Commissioners, chosen for this purpose● 
Commissioners appointed ●o 〈◊〉 the goodness of ●he Ore.  Gentlemen of great judgement, art, & skill, to look thoroughly into the cause, for the true trial & due examination thereof, & for the full handling of all matters thereunto appertaining. And because that place & country, hath never heretofore been discovered, and therefore had no special name, by which it might be called & known, her Majesty named it very properly Meta Incognita, 
A name given to the place new discovered.  as a mark and bounds utterly hitherto unknown. The commissioners after sufficient trial & proof made of the Ore, & having understood by sundry reasons, & substantial grounds, the possibility & likelihood of the passage, advertised her highness, that the cause was of importance, & the voyage greatly worthy to be advanced again. Whereupon preparation was made of ships & all other things necessary, with such expedition, as the time of the year them required. And because it was assuredly made account of, that the commodity of Mines, there already discovered, would at that lest counterua●●e in all respects, the adventurers charge, & give further hope & likelihood of greater matters to follow: it was thought needful, both for the better guard of those parts already found, & for further discovery of the Inland & secrets of those countries, 
The hope of the passage to Cataya.  & also for further search of the passage to Cataya (whereof the hope continually more & more increaseth) that certain numbers of chose soldier's & discreet men for those purposes should be assigned to inhabit there. 
〈…〉  Whereupon the●e w●s a s●r●ng ●or●● or house of timber, artificially fr●med, & ●●●ingly devised by a notable learned man here at home, i● ships to be carried thither, whereby ●hose men that were appointed there to winter & make their abode the whole year, might aswell be defended from the danger of the falling snow and cold air, as also be fortified from the force or offen●e of those Country people, which perhaps otherwise with too great company's & multitudes might oppress them. And so this great adventure & notable exploit, many well minded and ●orward young Gentlemen of our country willingly h●ue offered themselves. And first Captain Fenton Lieutenant G●●●rall, for Captain Frobysher, and in charge of the company with him there, captain Be●t, & Captai●e 〈◊〉, unto whose good discretions the government of 〈◊〉 was chief commended, who, as men not regarding peril in respect of the profit and common wealth of their Country, were willing to abide the f●●s●e br●●nt & adventure o● those dangers among a savage and brutish kind of people, in a place hitherto ever thought ●or extreme cold not habitable. The whole number of men which had offered, & were appointed to inhabit Meta Inc●gnita all the year, were one hundredth persons, 
A hundredth men appointed to inhab●tn there,  whereof. ●l. should be Mariners, for the use of ships .30. Miners, for gathering the gold over together for the next year, &. 3●. soldiers for the better guard of the rest, within which last number are included the gentlemen, Gold●iners, Baker's, Carpenters, & all other necessary persons. To oath of the Captains was assigned one ship, as well for the further searching of the coast & country there, as for to return & bring back their companies again, if the necessity of the place so urged, or b● miscarrying o● the fleet in the year following, they might be disappointed of their further provision.  

Fifteen Sayle●  Being therefore thus furnished with all necessaries, there were ready to departed upon the said voyage● xv. Sail of good Ships, whereof the whole number was to return again with their loading of gold over in the end of the Summer, except those three Ships, which should be left for the use of those Captains which should inhabit there the whole year. And being in so good readiness, the General, with all the Captains came to the Court, then lying at Greenwich, to take their leave of her Majesty, at whose hands they all received great encouragement, and gracious countenance. Her Highness, besides other good gifts, and greater promises, bestowed on the General a fair chain of Gold, 
A chain of gold ●iuen to ●robishe●.  and the rest of the Captains kissed her hand, took their leave, and departed every man towards their charge.  

The names of the Ships with their several Captains.  1 In the Aid being Admiral, was the General 
Captain Frobisher.  2 In the Tho. Allen Vice-admiral 
Ca York.  3 In the judith Lieutenant General 
Ca Fenton.  4 In the Anne Frances 
Captain Best.  5 In the Hopewell 
Captain Carew.  6 In the Bear. 
Captain Filpot.  7 In the Thomas of Ipswich 
Cap. Tanfield.  8 In the Emanuel of Exeter 
Ca Courtney.  9 In the Frances of Foy 
Captain Moils.  10 In the Moon 
Captain Vpcot.  11 In the Ema. of Bridgewater 
Ca Newton.  12 In the Solomon of Weymouth 
Ca Randal.  13 In the Bark Dennis 
Captain Kendal.  14 In ●he Gabriel 
Captain Harvey.  15 In the Michael 
Captain Kinnersley.   
The said xu Sail of Ships arrived and met together at Harwitch, the seven and twentieth day of May Anno .1578. where the General, and the other captains made view, and mustered their companies. And every several Captain received from the General certain Articles of direction, for the better keeping of order and company together in the way, which Articles are as followeth.  

¶ Articles and orders to be observed for the Fleet, set down by Captain Frobisher General, and delivered in writing to every Captain, as well for keeping company, as for the course, the 31. of May.  
1 IN primis, to banish swearing, dice, and cardplaying, and filthy communication, and to serve God twice a day, with the ordinary service, usually in Churches of England, and to clear the glass, according to the old order of England.  
2 The Admiral shall carry the light, and after his light be once put out, no man to go a head of him, but every man to fit his Sails to follow as near as they may, without dangering one another.  
3 That no man shall by day or by night departed further from the Admiral, than the distance of one English Mile, and as near as they may, without danger one of another.  
4 If it chance to grow thick, and the wind contrary, either by day, or by night, that the Admiral be forced to c●st about, before her casting about, she shall give warning, by shooting off a piece, and to him shall answer the U●zeadmirall, and the Rereadmirall, with every one of them a piece, if it be by night, or in a fog, and that the Uizeadmiral sh●ll answer ●irste, and the Rereadmirall last.  
5 That no man in the Fleet descrying any Sail or sails, give upon any occasion any chase, before he have spoken with the Admiral.  
6 That every evening, all the Fleet come up and speak with the Admiral, at seven of the Clock, or between that and eight, and if weather will not serve them all to speak with the Admiral, than some shall come to the Uizeadmirall, and receive your order of your course of Master Hall, chief Pilot of the Fleet, as he shall direct you.  
7 If to any man in the Fleet, there hap any mischance, they shall presently shoot off two pieces by day, and if it be by night, two pieces, and show two lights.  
8 If any man in the fleet come up in the night, and hale his fellow, knowing him not, he shall give him this watchword, Before the world was God. The other shall answer him, if he be one of our Fleet After God came Christ his Son. So that if any be found amongst us, not of our own company, he that first descryeth any such Sail or sails, shall give warning to the Admiral by himself, or any other that he can speak to that Sails, better than he, being nearest unto him.  
9 That every Ship in the Fleet, in the time of fogs, which continually happen with little winds, and most part calms, shall keep a reasonable noise with Trumpet, Drum, or otherwise to keep themselves clear one of another.  
10 If it fall out thick or misty that we lay it to Hull, the Admiral shall give warning by a piece, and putting out three lights one over another, to the end, that eu●ry man may take in his Sails, and at his setting of Sails again do the like, if it be not clear.  
11 If any man discover land by night, that he give the like warning, that he doth for mischances, two lights, and two pieces, if it be by day one piece, and put out his slagge, and strike all his Sails he hath aboard.  
12 If any Ship shall happen to loose company by force of weather, than any such Ship or Ships, shall get her into the Latitude of .. and so keep that Latitude, until they get Freeselande. And after they be passed the West parts of Freeselande, they shall get them into the Latitude of .. and .. and not to the Northward of. and being once entered within the straits, all such ships shall every watch shoot off a good piece, and look out well for smoke and fire, which those that get in first, shall make every night, until all the Fleet be come together.  
13 That upon the sight of an Ensign in the Mast of the Admiral, and a piece shot of, the whole Fleet, shall repair to the Admiral, to understand such conference, as the General is to have with them.  
14 If we chance to meet with any enemies, that four ships shall attend upon the Admiral, viz. the Frances of Foy, the Moon, the Bark Dennis, and the ● and four upon my Lieutenant general in the judith, viz. the Hopewell, the Armenall, the Bear, and the Solomon: and the other four upon the Uizadmirall, the Anne Frances, the Thomas of Ipswich, the Emanuel, and the Michael.  
15 If there happen any disordered person in the fleet, that he be taken and kept in safe custody until he may conveniently be brought aboard the Admiral, and ther● to receive such punishment as his or their offences shall deserve.  By me Martin Frobysher.  

Our departure f●om England.  
Having received these articles of direction, we departed from Harwich the one and thirtieth of May. And sailing alongst the South parts of England westward, we at length came by the coast of Ireland, at Cape Clear the sixth of june, and gave chase there to a small bark which was supposed to be a Pirate, or Rover on the Seas, but it fell out in deed that they were poor men of Bristol, who had met with such company of Frenchmen, as had spoiled and slain many of them, and left the rest so sore wounded, that they were like to perish in the Sea, having neither hand, nor foot hole, to help themselves withal, nor victuals to sustain their hungry bodies. Our General, who well understandeth the office of a Souldioure, and an Englishman, and knoweth well what the necessity of the sea meaneth, pitying much the misery of the poor men, relieved them with Surgery and salves, to heal their hurts, and with meat and drink to comfort their pining hearts. 
A charitable deed.  Some of them having neither eat nor drunk more than olives & stinking water in many days before, (as they reported.) And after this good deed done, having a large wind, we kept our course upon our sa●de voyage without staying for the taking in of fresh water, or any other provision, whereof many of the fleet were not thoroughly furnished, (and sailing towards the Northwest parts, from Ireland, we met with a great currant from out of the south-west, which carried us (by our reckoning) one point to the Northestwardes of our said course, which currant seemed to us to continued itself towards Norway, and other the North-east parts of the World, whereby we may be induced to believe, that this is the same which the Portugals meet at Capo d'buona speranza, 
Mark● this Currant.  where striking over from thence to the straits of Magellanes, and finding no passage there for the narrowness of the said straits, runneth alongst into the great Bay of Mexico, where also having a let of land, it is forced to strike back again towards the North-east, as we not only here, but in another place also, further to the northwards, by good experience this year have found, as shall be hereafter in his place more at large declared.  
Now had we sailed about fourteen days, without sight of any land, or any other living thing, except certain Fowls, as Wylmots', Nodies, Gulls, etc. which there seem only to live by Sea.  
The twentieth of june, at two of the clock in the morning, the General descried land, and found it to be West Friesland, now named West England. 
West England.  Here the General, and other Gentlemen went ashore, being the first known Christians that we have true notice of, that ever set foot upon that ground: and therefore the General took possession thereof to the use of our Sovereign Lady the queens Majesty, and discovered here a goodly harborough for the Ships, where were also certain little Boats of that Country. And being there landed, they espied certain tents and people of that Country, which were (as they judge) in all sorts, very like those of Meta Incognita, as by their apparel, and other things which we found in their tents, appeared.  
The savage and simple people, so soon as they perceived our men coming towards them (supposing there had been no other World, but theirs) fled fearfully away, as men much amazed at so strange a sight, and creatures of human shape, so far in apparel, complexion, and other things different from themselves. They left in their tents all their furniture ●or haste behind them, where amongst other things were found a box of small nails, and certain red Hearings, boards of fir tree well cut, with divers other things artificially wrought, whereby it appeareth, that they have trade with some civil people, or else are in deed themselves artificial workmen.  
Our men brought away with them, only two of their Dogs, leaving in recompense bells, looking-glasses, and divers of our Country toys behind them.  
This Country no doubt, promiseth good hope of great commodity and riches, if it may be well discovered. The description whereof you shall find more at large in my second book, Page .5.  
Some are of opinion, that this west England is firm land with the North-east parts of Meta Incognita, or else with Groenlande. And their reason is, because the people, apparel, boats, and other things, are so like to theirs: and an other reason is, the multitude of Islands of Ice, which lay between it and Meta Incognita, doth argue, that on the North side there is a b●y, why●h cannot be, but by conjoining of these two lands together.  
And having a fair and large wind, we departed from thence towards Frobyshers' straits, the three and twentieth of june. But first we gave name to a byghe cliff in West England, the last that was in our sight, and for a certain similitude, we called it Charing Crosse. 
Charing Crosse.  Then we bore Southerly towards the Sea, because to the northwards of this coast we met with much driving Ice, which by reason of the thick mists and weather might have been some trouble unto us.  
On Monday the last of june, we met with many great Whales, as they had been Porpoises. 
A Whale mo●e a ship.   
This same day the Salamander being under both her corpses and bonnets, happened to strike a gr●●te Whale with her ●ull stem, with such a blow, that the ship stood still, and stirred neither forward nor backward. The Whale thereat made a great and ugly noise, and cast up his body and tail, and so went under water, and within two days after, there was found a great Whale dead swimming above water, which we supposed was that the Salamander stroke.  
The second day of july early in the morning, we had sight of the queens foreland, and bore in with the land all the day, and passing thorough great quantity of Ice, by night were entered somewhat within the straits, perceiving no way to pass further in, the whole place being frozen over from the one side to the other, and as it were with many walls, mountains, and bulwarks of ice, choked up the passage, and denied us entrance. 
frobisher's straits choked up with Ise.  And yet do I not think, that this passage or the Sea hereaboutes, is frozen over at any time of the year: albeit it seemed so unto us, by the abundance of Ice gathered together, which occupied the whole place. But I do rather, suppose these Ice to be bred in the hollow sounds and freshets thereabouts: which by the heat of the summers Sun, being loosed, do empty themselves with the ebbs into the Sea, and so gather in great abundance there together.  
And to speak somewhat here, of the ancient opinion of the frozen Sea in these parts: I do think it to be rather a bore conjecture of men, than that ever any man hath made experience of any such Sea. And that which they speak of Mare glacial, may be truly thought to be spoken of these parts: for this may well be called in deed the icy Sea, but not the frozen Sea, for no Sea consisting of salt water can be frozen, 
Salt water cannot freeze  as I have more at large herein showed my opinion in my second book page .6. for it seemeth impossible for any Sea to be frozen, which hath his course of ebbing and flowing, especially in those places, where the tides do ebb and flow above ten fathom. And also all these aforesaid Ice, which we sometime met a hundredth mile from land, being gathered out of the salt Sea, are in taste fresh, and being dissolved, become sweet and wholesome water.  
The cause why this year we have been more cumbered with Ice (than at other times before) may be by reason of the Easterly and Southerly winds, which brought us more timely thither now than we looked for. Which blowing from the Sea directly upon the place of our straits, hath kept in the Ice, and not suffered them to be carried out by the ebb to the main Sea, where they would in more short time have been dissolved. And all these fleeting Ice, are not only so dangerous, in that they wind and gather so near together, that a man may pass sometimes ten or twelve miles as it were upon one firm Island of Ice: But also, for that they open and shut together again in such sort with the tides and Sea-gate, that whilst one Ship followeth the other with full sails, the Ice which was open unto the foremost, will join and close together, before the latter can come to follow the first, whereby many times our Ships were brought into great danger, as being not able so suddenly to take in our sails, or stay the swift way of our Ships.  
We were forced many times to stem and strike great rocks of Ice, and so as it were make way through mighty mountains. By which means some of the fleet, where they found the ice to open, entered in, and pas●ed so far within the danger thereof, with continual desire to recover their port, that it was the greatest wonder of the world, that they ever escaped safe, or were ever heard of again. For even at this present, we miss two of the fleet, that is, the Judith, wherein was the lieutenant general Captain Fenton, and the Michael, whom both we suppoposed had been utterly lost, having not heard any tidings of them, in more than twenty days afore.  
And one of our fleet named the Bark Dennys, 
Bar● Den●is sunk.  being of an hundredth Tun burden, seeking way in amongst these Ice, received such a blow with a rock of Ice, that she sunk down therewith, in the sight of the whole fleet. Howbeit having signified her danger by shooting of a piece of great ordinance, new succour of other ships came so readily unto them, that the men were all saved with boats.  
Within this ship that was drowned, there was parcel of our house, 
Part of the house lost.  which was to be erected for them that should stay all the Winter in Meta Incognita.  
This was a more fearful spectacle for the Fleet to behold, for that the outrageous storm, which presently followed, threatened them the like fortune and danger. For the Fleet being thus compassed (as aforesaid) on every side with Ice, having left much behind them, thorough which they had passed, & finding more before them, thorough which it was not possible to pass, there arose a sudden and terrible tempest at the Southeast, which blowing from the main Sea, directly upon the place of the straits, brought together all the Ice a seaborde of us, upon our backs, and thereby debarred as of turning back to recover sea room again: so that being thus compassed with danger on every side, sundry men with sundry devices, sought the best way to save themselves. Some of the Ships, where they could found a place more clear of Ice, and get a little birth of sea room, did take in their Sails, and there lay adrift. Other some fastened and mored Anchor upon a great Island of Ice, and road under the ●ee thereof, supposing to be better guarded thereby, from the outrageous winds, and the danger of the lesser fleeting Ise. And again some were so fast shut up, and compassed in amongst an infinite number of great Countries and islands of Ice, that they were fain to submit themselves, & their Ships, to the mercy of the unmerciful Ice, and strengthened the sides of their Ships with iunckes of cables, beds, Masts, planks, and such like, which being hanged overboard, on the sides of their Ships, might the better defend them from the outrageous sway and strokes of the said Ise. But as in greatest distress, men of best value are best to be discerned, so it is greatly worthy commendation and noting, with what invincible mind every Captain encouraged his company, and with what incredible labour, the painful Mariners, and poor Miners (unacquainted with such extremities) to the everlasting renown of our nation, did overcome the brunt of these so great and extreme dangers: for some, even without board upon the Ice, and some within board, upon the sides of their Ships, having poles, pikes, pieces of timber, and Oars in their hands, stood almost day and night, without any rest, bearing off the force, and breaking the sway of the Ice, with such incredible pain and peril, that it was wonderful to behold, which otherwise no doubt had stricken quite through and through the sides of their Ships, notwithstanding our former provision: for planks of timber, of more than three inches thick, and other things of greater force and bigness, by the surging of the Sea, and billow, with the Ice, were shivered, and cut in sunder, at the sides of our Ships, that it will seem more than credible to be reported of. And yet (that which is more) it is faithfully and plainly to be proved, and that by many substantial witnesses, that our Ships, even those of greatest burdens, with the meeting of contrary waves of the Sea, were heaved up between Islands of Ice, a foot wellnear out of the Sea, above their watermarke, having their knees and timbers within board, both bowed, and broken therewith.  
And amidst these extremes, whilst some laboured for defence of the Ships, and sought to save their bodies: othersome of more milder spirit, sought to save the Soul by devout Prayer and mediation to the Almighty, thinking indeed by no other means possible, than by a divine Miracle, to have their deliverance: so that there was none, that were either idle, or not well occupied, and he that held himself in best security, had (God knoweth) but only bore hope remaining for his best safety.  
Thus all the gallant Fleet, and miserable men, without hope of ever getting forth again, distressed with these extremities, remained here all the whole night, and part of the ne●t day, excepting four Ships, that is, the Anne Frances, the Moon, the Frances of Foy, and the Gabriel, which being somewhat a Seaboorde of the Fleet, and being fast Ships, by a wind, having a more scope of clear, tried it out all the time of the storm, under Sail, being hardly able to bear a coast of each.  
And albeit, by reason of the fleeting Ice, which were dispersed here almost the whole Sea over, they were brought many times to the extremest point of peril, Mountains of Ice ten thousand times scaping them scarce one inch, which to have stricken, had been their present destruction, considering the swift course and way of the Ships, and the unwildynesse of them to stay and turn as a man would wish. Yet they esteemed it their better safety, with such peril to seek Searome, than without hope of ever getting liberty, to lie striving against the strea●e, & beating amongst the Icy Mountains, whose hugeness, and monstrous greatness was such, that no man would credit, but such as to their pains saw and felt it. And these four Ships by the next day at noon, got out to Sea, and were first clear of the Ice, who now enjoying their own liberty, began a new to sorrow and fear for their fellows safeties. And devoutly kneeling about their main Mast, gave unto God humble thanks, not only for themselves, but besought him likewise highly for their friend's deliverance. And even now, whilst amidst these extremities, this gallant Fleet and valiant men were altogether over-laboured, and forewatched, with the long and fearful continuance of the foresaid dangers, it pleased God with his eyes of mercy to look down from Heaven, to send them help in good time, giving them the next day a more favourable wind at the West northester, which did not only disperse and drive forth the Ice before them, but also gave them liberty of more scope and Sea room, and were by night of the day following perceived of the other four Ships, where to their greatest comfort they enjoyed again the fellowship of one another. Some in mending the sides of their ships, some in setting up their top Masts, and mending their Sails and tacklings. Again, some complaining of their false Stem borne away, some in stopping their Leaks, some in recounting their dangers past, spent no small time and labour, that I dare well avouch, there were never men more dangerously distressed, nor more mercifully by God's Providence delivered. And hereof both the torn Ships, and the forwéeryed bodies of the men arrived, do bear most evident mark and witness. And now the whole Fleet plied off to Seaward, resolving there to abide, until the Sun might consume (or the force of wind disperse) these Ice from the place of their passage: and being a good birth of the shore, they took in their Sails, and lay adrift.  
The seventh of july, as men nothing yet dismayed, we cast about towards the inward, and had sight of land, which rose in form like the Northerland of the straits, 
Another assaults  which some of the Fleet, and those not the worst Mariners, judged to be the North foreland: howbeit, othersome were of contrary opinion. But the matter was not well to be discerned, by reason of the thick fog, which a long time hung upon the coast, 
Fog, snow, and mi●●es hinder the Mariners marks.  and the new falling Snow which yearly altereth the shape of the land, and taketh away oftentimes the Mariners marks. And by reason of the dark mists, which continued by the space of twenty days together, this doubt grew the greater and the longer perilous. For whereas indeed we thought ourselves to be upon the North-east side of frobisher's straits, we were now carried to the Southweastwards of the Queen's foreland, and being deceived by a swift Currant coming from the North-east, were brought to the Southweastwardes of our said course, many miles more than we did think possible could come to pass. The cause whereof we have since found, and shall be at large hereafter declared.  
Here we made a point of land, which some mistook for a place in the straits, called Mount Warwick: but how we should be so far shot up so suddenly within the said straits, the expertest Mariners began to marvel, thinking it a thing impossible, that they could be so far overtaken in their accounts, or that any Currant could so deceive them here, 
A Currant●  which they had not by former experience proved and found out. Howbeit, many confessed, that they found a swifter course of flood than before time they had observed. And truly it was wonderful to hear and see the rushling and noise that the tides do make in this place with so violente a force, that our Ships lying a-hull, were turned sometimes round about even in a moment, after the manner of a whirlpool, and the noise of the stream no less to be heard a far off, than the waterfall of London Bridge.  
But whilst the Fleet lay thus doubtful amongst great store of Ice in a place they knew not, without sight of sun, whereby to take the height, and so to know the true elevation of the pole, and without any clear of light to make perfit the coast, the General with the Captains and Masters of his Ships, began doubtfully to question of the matter, and sent his Pinnace aboard to hear each man's opinion, and specially of james Bear, 
james Bear a good Mariner.  Master of the Anne Frances, who was known to be a sufficient and skilful Mariner, and having been there the year before, had well observed the place, and drawn out Cards of the coast. But the rather this matter grew the more doubtful, for that Christopher H●ll chief Pilot of the voyage, 
Christopher Hall chief Pilot.  delivered a plain and public opinion in the hearing of the whole Fleet, that he had never seen the foresaid coast before, and that he could not make it for any place of frobisher's straits, as some of the Fleet supposed, and yet the lands do lie and trend so like, that the best Mariners therein may be deceived.  
The tenth of july, the weather still continuing thick and dark, some of the Ships in the fog lost sight of the Admiral and the rest of the Fleet, and wandering too and fro, with doubtful opinion whether it were best to seek back again to seaward through great store of Ice, or to follow on a doubtful course in a Sea, bay, or straits they knew not, or alongst a coast, whereof by reason of the dark mists they could not discern the dangers, if by chance any Rock or broken ground should lie of the place, as commonly in these parts it doth.  
The Uizeadmirall Captain York considering the foresaid opinion of the Pilot Hall, who was with him in the Thomas Allen, having lost sight of the Fleet, turned back to Sea again, having two other Ships in company with him.  
Also the Captain of the Anne Frances having likewise lost company of the Fleet, and being all alone, held it for best to turn it out to Sea again, until they might have clear weather to take the suns Altitude, and with incredible pain and peril got out of the doubtful place, into the open Sea again, being so narrowly distressed by the way, by means of continual fog and Ice, that they were many times ready to leap upon an Island of Ice, to avoid the present danger, and so hoping to prolong life a while, meant rather to die a pining death.  
Some hoped to save themselves on chests, and some determined to tie the Hatches of the Ships fast together, 
Hard shifts to save men's lives.  and to bind themselves with their furniture fast thereunto, and so to be towed with the Shippeboate ashore, which otherwise could not receive half of the company, by which means if happily they had arrived, they should either have perished for lack of food to eat, or else should themselves have been eaten of those ravenous, bloody, and Man eating people.  
The rest of the Fleet following the course of the General which led them the way, passed up above .60. Leagues within the said doubtful and supposed straits, having always a fair continente upon their starreboorde side, and a continuance still of an open Sea before them.  
The General albeit with the first perchance he found out the error, and that this was not the old straits, yet he persuaded the Fleet always that they were in their right course, and known straits. 
Mistaken straits.  Howbeit I suppose he rather dissembled his opinion therein, than otherwise, meaning by that policy (being himself led with an honourable desire of further discovery) to induce the fleet to follow him to see a further proof of that place. And as some of the company reported, he hath since confessed, that if it had not been for the charge and care he had of the Fleet, and fraughted Ships, he both would and could have gone through to the South Sea, called Mare del Sur, and dissolved the long doubt of the passage which we seek to found to the rich Country of Cataya. 
Pr●bisher could ●aue passed to Cataya.   
1 Of which mistaken straits, considering the circumstance, we have great cause to confirm our opinion, to like and hope well of the passage in this place. For the foresaid bay or Sea, the further we sailed therein, the wider we found it, 
Fair open way.  with great likelihood of endless continuance. And where in other places we were much troubled with Ice, as in the entrance of the same, 
Reasons to prove a passage here.  so after we had sailed 50. or .60. leagues therein, we had no let of Ice, or other thing at all, as in other places we found.  
2 Also this place seemeth to have a marvelous great indraft, and draweth unto it most of the drift ice, and other things, 
Great indraftes.  which do fleet in the Sea, either to the North, or Eastwardes of the same, as by good experience we have found.  
3 For here also we met with boards, latthes, and divers other things driving in the Sea, which was of the wrack of the ship called the Bark Dennys, which perished amongst the Ice, as beforesaid, 
Currant.  being lost at the first attempt of the entrance overthwart the queens foreland, in the mouth of frobisher's straits, which could by no means have been so brought thither, neither by wind nor tide, being lost so many leagues off, if by force of the said Currant the same had not been violently brought. For if the same had been brought thither by the tide of flood, look how far in the said flood had carried it, the ebb would have recaryed it as far back again, and by the wind it could not so come to pass, because it was then sometime calm, and most times contrary.  
And some Mariners do affirm, that they have diligently observed, 
Nine hours 〈◊〉 to 〈◊〉 ho●res eb●e●.  that there runneth in this place nine hours flood to three ebb, which may thus come to pass● by 〈◊〉 o● the said currant: for whereas the Sea in most places o● the world, doth more or less ordinarily ebb and flow once every twe●ue hours, with six hours ebb, and si●e hours flood, so also would it do there, were it not for the violence of this hastening currant, which forceth the ●loud to m●ke appearance to begin before his ordinary time one hour and a half, and also to continued longer than his natural course by an other hour and a half, ●ntil the force of the ebb be so great, that it will no longer b● resisted (according to the saying: Naturam expellas furca li●●t ●●men usq recurrit, Although nature and natural courses be forced and resisted never so much, yet at l●ste it will have their own sway ●ga●ne.)  
Moreover, it is not possible, that so great course of floods and currant, so high swelling tides with continuance of so deep waters, can be digested here without unburdening themselves into some open Sea beyond th●s place, which argueth the more likelihood of the passage to be hereaboutes. Also we suppose these great indrafts do grow, and are made by the reverberation and reflection of that same Currant, which at our coming by Ireland, met and crossed us, of which in the first part of this discourse I spoke, which coming from the bay of Mexico, passing by, and washing the Southweast parts of Ireland, reboundeth over to the Northest parts of the world, as Norway, Island. etc. where not finding any passage to an open Sea, but rather is there increased by a new access, and another Currant meéeting with it from the Scythian Sea, passing the bay of Saint Nicholas Westward, doth once again rebound back, by the coasts of Groenland, and from thence upon frobisher's straits being to the Southwestwardes of the same.  
5 And if that principle of Philosophy be true, 
The sea moveth from East to Oest continually.  that Inferiora corpora reguntur à superioribus, that is, if inferior bodies be governed, ruled, and carried after the manner and course of the superiors, then the water being an inferior Element, must needs be governed after the superior Heaven, and so to follow the course of Primum mobile from East to West.  

Authority.  6 But every man that hath written or considered any thing of this passage, hath more doubted the return by the same way, by reason of a great downfall of water, which they imagine to be thereabouts (which we also by experience partly found) than any mistrust they have of the same passage at all. For we found (as it were) a great downfall in this place, but yet not such, but that we may return, although with much ado. For we were easilier carried in in one hour, than we could get forth again in three. Also by an other experience at an other time, we found this currant to deceive us in this sort: 
Hard, but yet possible turning back again.  That whereas we supposed to be 15. leagues off, and lying a hull, we were brought within .2. leagues of the shore, contrary to all expectation.  
Our men that sailed furthest in the same mistaken straits, (having the main land upon their starboorde side) affirm, that they met with the outlet or passage of water which cometh thorough Frobyshers' straits, and followeth as all one into this passage.  
Some of our company also affirm, that they had sight of a continent upon their larbordside, being .60. leagues within the supposed straits: howbeit except certain Islands in the entrance hereof, we could make no part perfect thereof. All the foresaid tract of land seemeth to be more fruitful and better stored of Grass, Dear, Wild foul, as Partridges, Larks, Seamews, Gulls, Wilmots', Falcons and tassel Gentiles, Ravens, Bears, Hares, Foxes, and other things, than any other part we have yet discovered, & is more populous. And here Luke Ward, a Gentleman of the company, traded merchandise, & did exchange knives, bells, looking glasses. etc. with those country people, 
Traffic.  who brought him foul, fish, bears skins, and such like, as their country yieldeth for the same. Here also they saw of those greater boats of the Country, with twenty persons in a piece.  
Now, after the General had bestowed these many days here, not without many dangers, he returned back again. And by the way sailing alongst this coast (being the backside of the supposed continent of America) and the Queen's foreland, he perceived a great sound to go thorough into Frobyshers straits. Whereupon he sent the Gabriel the one and twentieth of july, 
Return out of t●● mistaken straits.  to prove whether they might go thorough and meet again with him in the straits, which they did, and as we imagined before, so the Queen's foreland proved an Island, as I think most of these supposed continentes william. And so he departed towards the straits, thinking it were high time now to recover his port, and to provide the fleet of their lading, whereof he was not a little careful, as shall by the process and his resolute attempts appear. And in his return with the rest of the fleet, he was so entangled, by reason of the dark fog, amongst a number of Islands and broken ground that lieth of this coast, that many of the ships came over the top of rocks, which presently after they might perceive to lie a dry, having not half a foot water more than some of their ships did draw. And by reason they could not with a small gale of wind stem the force of the flood, whereby to go clear of the rocks, they were feign to let an anchor fall with two bent of Cable together, at a. C. and odd fathom depth, where otherwise they had been by the force of the tides carried upon the rocks again, & perished: so that if God in these fortunes, as a merciful guide, 
Great dangers.  (beyond the expectation of man) had not carried us thorough, we had surely more than ten M. times perished amidst these dangers. For being many times driven hard aboard the shore without any sight of land, until we were ready to make shipwreck thereon, héeing forced commonly with our boats, to sound before our ships, least we might light thereon before we could discern the same. It pleased God to give us a clear of Sun and light for a short time, to see and avoid thereby the danger, having been continually dark before, and presently after. Many times also by means of fog and currants, being driven near upon the coast, God lent us even at the very pintch one prosperous breath of wind or other, whereby to double the land, and avoid the peril, and when that we were all without hope of help, every man recommending himself to death, and crying out, Lord now he●pe or never: now Lord look down from Heaven and save us sinners, or else our safety cometh too late: even than the mighty maker of Heaven, and our merciful God, did deliver us: so that they who have been partakers of these dangers, do even in their souls confess, that God even by miracle hath sought to save them, whose name be praised evermore.  
Long time now the Anne Frances had lain beating off and on all alone, before the Queen's foreland, not being able to recover their port for Ice, albeit many times they dangerously attempted it, for yet the Ice choked up the passage, and would not suffer them to enter. And haveng never seen any of the fleet since twenty days past, when by reason of the thick mists they were severed in the mistaken straits, 
Anne F●aun●●e● met ●ith some of ●he ●●ee●e●.  did now this present three and twē●●th of july overthwart a place in the straits called Hattons' Hedland, where they met with seven ships of the Fleet again, which good hap did not only rejoice them, for themselves, in respect of the comfort which they received by such good company, but especially, that by this means they were put out of doubt of their dear friends, whose safeties long time they did not a little suspect and fear.  
At their meeting they haled the Admiral after the manner of the Sea, and with great joy welcomed one an other with a thundering voly of shot. And now every man declared at large the fortunes and dangers, which they had passed.  
The four and twenti●h of july we met with the Frances of Foy, 
France's of Foy.  who with much ado sought way back again thorough the ice from out of the mistaken straits, where to their great peril, they proved to recover their port. They brought the first news of the Uizeadmirall captain Yo●ke, who many days with themselves, and the Buss of Bridgewater was missing. 
Bri●gewater Ship.  They reported that they left the Uizeadmiral reasonably clear of the Ice, but the other ship they greatly ●eared, whom they could not come to help, being themselves so hardly distressed, as never men more. Also they told us of of the Gabriel, who having got thorough from the backside, and Wester point of the Queen's foreland, into Frobyshers' straits, fell into their company about the Cape of Good hope.  
And upon the seven and twentieth of july, the ship of Bridgewater goat out of the Ice, and met with the fleet which lay off and on under Hattons' Hedland. They reported of their marvelous accidents and dangers, declaring their Ship to be so leak, that they must of necessity seek harborowe, having their stem beaten within their huddings, that they had much ado to keep themselves above water. They had (as they say) five hundredth strokes at the poop in less than half a watch, being scarce two hours. Their men being so overwearied therewith, and with the former dangers, that they desired help of men from the other Ships. Moreover, they declared, that there was nothing but Ice and Danger, where they had been, and that the straits within was frozen up, And that it was the most impossible thing of the world, to pass up unto the Countess of Warwick's sound, 
straights frozen over.  which was the place of our port.  
The report of these dangers by these ships thus published amongst the Fleet, with the remembrance of the perils paste, and those present before their face, brought no small fear and terror into the hearts of many considerate men. So that some began privily to murmur against the General for this wilful manner of proceeding. Some desired to discover some harborowe thereabouts, to refresh themselves, and reform their broken vessels for a while, until the North and Northwest winds might disperse the Ice, and make the place more free to pass. Other some forgetting themselves, spoke more undutifully in this behalf, saying: that they had as lief be hanged when they came home, as without hope of safety, to seek to pass, and so to perish amongst the Ise.  
The General not opening his ears to the peevish passion of any private person, but chief caring for the public profit of his Country's cause, and nothing at all regarding his own ease, life, or safety, but especially respecting the accomplisment of the cause he had undertaken, (wherein the chief reputation and fame of a General and captain consisteth,) and calling to his remembrance the short time he had in hand, 
A valiant mind of F●ob●sher.  to provide so great number of ships their loading, determined with this resolution, to pass and recover his port, or else there to bury himself with his attempt, and if such extremity so befell him, that he must needs perish amongst the Ice, when all help should be paste, and all hope of safety set aside, having all the ordinance within board well charged, resolved with powder to burn and bury himself and all together with her majesties ships. And with this peal of ordinance, to receive an honourable knell, in steed of a better burial, esteeming it more happy so to end his life, rather than himself, or any of his company or any one of her majesties ships should become a pray or spectacle to those base bloody and man eating people.  
Notwithstanding, somewhat to appease the feeble passions of the fearefuller sort, and the better to entertain time for a season, whilst the Ice might the better be dissolved, he haled on the Fleet, with belief, that he would put into harborowe: thereupon whilst the Sheppes lay off and on, under Hattons' Hedlande, he sought in with his Pynnesses amongst the Islands there, as though he meant to search for harborowe, where in deed he meant nothing less, but rather sought if any Ore might be sound in that place, as by the sequel appeared.  
In the mean time, whilst the Fleet lay thus doubtful without any certain resolution what to do, being hard aboard the ●éeshoare, there arose a sudden and terrible tempest at the Southsouthest, whereby the Ice began marvelously to gather about us.  
Whereupon every man, as in such case of extremity he thought best, sought the wisest way for his own safety. The most part of the Fleet which were further shot up within the straits, and so far to the léewarde, as that they could not double the land, following the course of the General, who led them the way, took in their Sails, and laid it a hull amongst the Ice, and so passed over the storm, and had no extremity at all, but for a short time in the same place.  
Howbeit the other ships which plied out to seaward, had an extreme storm for a longer season. And the nature of the place is such, that it is subject diversly to divers winds, according to the sundry situation of the great Alpes and mountains there, every mountain causing a several blast, and pirrie, after the manner of a Levant  
In this storm being the six and twentieth of july, there fell so much snow, with such bitter cold air, that we could not scarce ●ee one another for the same, 
snow in I●ly.  nor open ●ure eyes to handle our ropes and sails, the snow being above half a f●ote deep upon the hatches of our ship, which did so wet thorough our poor Mariners clotheses, that he that had five or six shift of apparel, had scarce one dry thread to his back, which kind of wet and coldness, together with ●he overlabouring of the poor men amidst the Ice, bred no small sickness amongst the Fleet, which somewhat discouraged some of the poor men, who h●dde not exp●●ience of the like before, every man persuading himself, that the winter there must needs be extreme, where they be found so unseasonable a Summer. 
Extreme 〈◊〉.   

G●●at heat in 〈…〉.  And yet notwithstanding this cold air, the Sun many times hath a marvelous force of heat amongst those mountains, insomuch, that when there is no breath of wind to bring the cold air from the dispersed Ice upon us, we shall be weary of the bloming heat, & then suddenly with a perry of wind which cometh down from the hollowness of the hills, 
Unconstant weather.  we shall have such a breath of heat brought upon our face, as though we w●re entered within some bastow or hote-house, & when the first of t●e pirry & blast is past, we shall have the wind suddenly anew blow cold again.  
In this storm the Anne Frances, the Moon, and the Thom●● of Ipswich, who found themselves able to hold it up with a S●yle, and could double about the Cape of the Queen's foreland, plied out to Seawarde, holding it for better policy and safety, to seek Sea room, than to hazard the continuance of the storm, the danger of the Ice and the léeshoare.  
And being uncertain at this time of the generals private ●eterminations, the weather being so dark, that they could not discern one another, nor perceive which wa●e he wrought, betook themselves to this course ●or best and safest.  
The General notwithstanding the great storm, following his own former resolution, sought by all means possible, by a shorter way, to recover his Port, and where he saw the Ice never so little open, he got in at one gap, and out at another, and so himself valiantly led the way through before, to induce the Fleet to follow after, & with incredible pain & peril, at length got through the I●e, and upon the one and thirtieth of july recovered his long wished port after many attempts, 
The General recovereth his port.  and sundry times being put back, and came to Anchor in the Countess of Warwick's sound, in the entrance whereof, when he thought all peril past, he encountered a great Island of Ice, which gave the Aid such a blow, having a little be●ore weighed her Anchor a cock bill, that it struck the Anchor flouke through the Ships bows under the water, which caused so great a leak, that with much add they preserved the Ship from sinking.  
At their arrival here, they perceived two ships at Anchor within the harborough, whereat they began much to marvel, and greatly to rejoice, ●or those they knew to be the Michael, wherein was the Lieutenant general Captain Fenton, and the small Bark called the Gabriel, who so long time were missing, and never heard of before, whom every man made the last reckoning, never to hear of again.  
Here every man greatly rejoiced of their happy meeting, and welcomed one another after the Sea manner, with their great Ordinance, and when each party had reaped up their sundry fortunes and perils past, they highly praised God, and altogether upon their knees gave him due, humble and hearty thanks, and Master Wolfall a learned man, 
Master Wolfall Preacher.  appointed by her majesties Council to be their Minister and Preacher, made unto them a godly Sermon, exhorting them especially to be thankful to God for their strange and miraculous deliverance in those so dangerous places, and putting them in mind of the uncertainty of man's life, willed them to make themselves always ready, as resolute men, to enjoy and accept thankfully whatsoever adventure his divine Providence should appoint. This Master Wolfall being well seated and settled at home in his own Country, with a good and large living, having a good honest woman to wife, and very towardly Children, being of good reputation among the best, refused not to take in hand this painful voyage, for the only care he had to save Soul●s, and to reform those Infidels, if it were possible, to Christianity: and also partly for the great desire he had that this notable voyage so well begun, might be brought to perfection: and therefore he was contented to stay there the whole year, if occasion had served, being in every necessary action as forward, as the resolutest men of all. Wherefore in this behalf he may rightly be called a true Pastor and minister of God's word, which for the profit of his flock, spared not to venture his own life.  
But to return again to Captain Fentons' company, and to speak somewhat of their dangers (albeit they be more than by writing can be expressed.) They reported, 
The adventures of captain Fenton and his company.  that from the night of the first storm, which was about the first day of july, until seven days before the generals arrival, which was the six and twentieth of the same, they never saw any one day or hour, wherein they were not troubled with continual danger and fear of death, and were twenty days almost together fast amongst the Ise. They had their Ship stricken through and through on both sides, their false stem borne quite away, 
Extremity causeth men to devise new ar●●s and remedies.  and could go from their Ships in some places upon the Ice very many miles, and might easily have passed from one Island of Ice to another, even to the shore, and if God had not wonderfully provided for them, and their necessity, and time had not made them more cunning & wise to seek strange remedies for strange kinds of dangers, it had been impossible for them ever to have escaped: for among other devices, wheresoever they found any Island of Ice of greater bigness than the rest (as there be some of more than half a mile compass about, and almost .400. fathom high) they commonly coveted to recover the same, and thereof to make a bulwark for their defence, whereon having more● Anchor, they road under the lée thereof for a time, being thereby guarded from the danger of the lesser driving Ise. But when they must needs forego this new found fort, by means of other Ice, which at length would undermine, and compass them round about, and when that by heaving of the billow they were therewith like to be bruised in pieces, 
Hard shifts.  they used to make fast the Ship unto the most firm and broad piece of Ice they could found, and binding her nose fast thereunto, would fill all their Sails, whereon the wind having great power, would force forward the Ship, and so the Ship bearing before her the ice, & so one ice driving forward another, should at length get scope & searoome. And having by this means at length put their enemies to slight, occupied the clear place for a pretty season, among sundry Mountains, and Alpes of Ise. One there was found by measure to be .65. fathom above water, which for a kind of similitude, was called Salomons porch. Some think those islands eight times so much under water, as they are above, because of their monstrous weight. But now I remember. I saw very strange wonders, men walking, running, leaping, & shooting upon the main seas .40 miles from any land, without any Ship or other vessel under them. 
Strange wonders,  Also I saw fresh Rivers running amidst the salt Sea a hundred mile from land, which if any man will not believe, let him know that m●ny of our company leapt out of their Ship upon Islands of Ice, and running there up and down, did shoot at butts upon the Ice, and with their Calivers did kill great Ceales, which v●e to lie and sleep upon the Ice, and th●s Ice melting above at the top by re●lection of the Sun, came down in sundry streams, which uniting together, made a pretty brook able to drive a Mill.  
The said Captain Fenton recovered his port ten days before any man, and spent good time in searching for mine, and found good store thereof, which because it proved good, was after called Fentons' Fortune. He also discovered about ten Miles up into the Country, where he perceived neither Town, village, nor likelihood of habitation, but seemeth (as he saith) barrennous as the other parts which as yet we have entered upon: but their victuals and provision went so scant with them, that they had determined to return homeward within seven days after, if the Fleet had not then arrived.  
The General after his arrival in the Countess' sound, spent no time in vain, but immediately at his first landing, called the chief Captains of his Council together, and consulted with them for the spéedier execution of such things as then they had in hand. As first, for searching and finding out good Mineral for the Miners to be occupied on. Then to give good orders to be observed of the whole company on shore. And lastly, to consider for the erecting up the Fort and House for the use of them which were to abide there the whole year. For the better handling of these, and all other like important causes in this service, it was ordained from her Majesty and the Council, that the General should call unto him certain of the chief Captains and Gentlemen in council, to confer, consult, and determine of all occurrents in this service, whose names are here as follow. 

Captain Fenton.  
Captain York.  
Captain Best.  
Captain Carew.  
Captain Philpot.   And in Sea causes ●o have as assistants, Christopher H●l, and C●arles jackman, ●eing both very goo● Pilots, 〈…〉 ficient Mariners, whereof ●he one was chi●f● Pilot of ●he voyage, and the other for the discovery. From the place o● our habitation weastward, Master Selm●n was appointed Notary, to register the whole manner of proceeding ●n these affairs, that true relation thereof might be made, i● it pleased her Majesty to require it.  
The first of August every Captain by order, from the General & his counsel, was commanded to bring ashore unto the Countess' Island, all such gentlemen, soldiers, and Miners, as were under their charge, with such● provision as they had of victuals, tents, and things necessary for the speedy getting together of Mine, and fraught for the ships.  
The Muster of the men being taken, and the victuals with all other things viewed and considered, every man was set to his charge, as his place and office required. The Miners were appointed where to work, and the Mariners discharged their ships.  
Upon the second of August, was published and proclaimed, upon the Countess of Warwick's Island, with sound of Trumpet, certain orders by the general and his counsel, appointed to be observed of the company, during the time of their abiding there. The copy whereof here followeth.   

Orders set down by M. Frobisher Esquire, Captain General for the voyage to Cataya, to be observed of the company, during the tim● of th●ir abode in Meta Incognit●. Published the second day of August. Anno .1578.  
1 IN primis, the General in her majesties name, straightly chargeth and commandeth, that no person or persons, with Boat nor Pinnace, shall go ashore, for any cause, but to the Countess of Warwick's Island, and Winter's Furnace, without licence of the general, or his deputies. And if they fortune at any time, having licence, to meet with any of the Country people, that they shall not enter into any conference or arms with them, until they have given intelligence thereof to the General or his Lieutenant.  
2 Item that no person of what calling soever he be, shall make an assay of any manner of metal, matter, or Ore, in the parts now called Meta Incognita, but only such as shall be appointed by the General, or in his absence by his Lieutenant, to do the same: nor that any person shall take up and keep to his private use, any part or parcel of Ore, precious stone, or other matter of commodity to be had or found in that land, but he the said person, so seized of such Ore, stone, or other matter of commodity, shall with all speed, as soon as he can, detect the same, and make delivery thereof to the General, or his lieutenant General, upon pain to forfeit for every such ounce thereof, the value triple of any wages he is to receive, after the day of such offence committed: And further, to receive such punishment as to her Majesty shall seem good.  
3 Item that no ship or ships, shall take upon them to load any manner of Ore, without licence of the General, or he that shall be appointed deputy for him, for the view of the same.  
4 Item that all the Masters of every ship or ships within the Fleet, shall upon Mundaye next coming, by four of the clock in the morning, with all the most part of their companies, make their repair to the Countess' Island aforesaid, there to view and make such places, for loading and unloading of Ore and other things, as shall be most commodious and meet for that purpose.  
5 Item that no person or persons within this service, by sea or l●nde, shall use any discovered speeches, swearing, brawling, or cursing, upon pain of imprisonment.  
6 Item that no person or persons, either by Sea or land, shall draw his or their weapons in quarrelling manner, to the intent to offend or disturb the quiet of any person or persons within this service, upon pain that being so taken, he or they whatsoever, immediately to lose his right hand.  
7 Item that no person or persons, shall wash their hands or any other things, in the Spring, upon the Countess' Island, where the water is used, and preserved for the dressing of their victuals, upon pain to receive such punishment as shall be thought good, by the general or his Lieutenant, for the same. And for the better preservation and health of every man, that no person or persons shall do his easement but under the cliffs where the Sea may wash the same away upon pain that every one so offending, for the first time shall be imprisoned in the billow fourteen hours, and for the second time being so taken by the provest Martial, to pay twelve pens.  
8 Item, that no person or persons of what nature or condition soever, shall cast out of their ship or ships, any ballast or rubbish, into the road, where these ships now rideth, or may conveniently ride, within this sound, that thereby the same sound or road stead may be impaired, but shall carry the same, and lay it where it may not offend. Upon pain that every man so offending, the owner of such ship or ships, shall forfeit the fraught of one tun.  By me Martin Frobisher.  

IN the mean time, whilst the Mariners plied their work, the Captains sought out new mines, the Goldfiners made trial of the Ore, the Mariners discharged their ships, the Gentlemen for example sake laboured heartily, and honestly encouraged the inferior sort to work. So that small time of that little leisure, that was lest to tarry, was spent in vain.  
The second of August, the Gabriel arrived, who came from the Uizeadmirall, and being distressed sore with ice, put into harborrow near unto Mount Oxford. And now was the wheal Fleet arrived safely at their port, excepting four, besides the ship that was lost: that is, the Thomas Allen, the Anne Frances, the Thomas of Ipswich, and the Moon, whose absence was some let unto the works and other proceedings, aswell for that these ships were furnished with the better sort of Miners & other provision for the habitation.  
The ninth of August, the General with the Captains of his counsel assembled together, began to consider and take order for the erecting up of the house or fort, for them that were to inhabit there the whole year, and that presently the Masons and Carpentees might go in hand therewith. First therefore they perused the Bills of lading, what every man received into his ship, and found that there was arrived only the east side, and the Southside 〈◊〉 house, and yet not that perfect and 〈◊〉, for many 〈◊〉 thereof were used for fenders in many ships, and so b●●ken in pieces, whiles they were distressed in the Ise. And after due examination had, a true account taken, there was found want of drink and fuel, to serve one hundredth men, which was the number appointed first to inhabit there because their greatest store was in the ships, which were not yet arrived. Then Captain Fenton seeing the scarcity of the necessary things aforesaid, was contented, and offered himself to inhabit there, with sixty men. Whereupon they caused the Carpenters and Masons to come before them, and demanded in what time they would take upon them to erect up a less house for sixty men. They required eight or nine weeks, 
〈…〉  if there were Timber sufficient, whereas now they had but six and twenty days in all to remain in that Country. Wherefore it was fully agreed upon, & resolved by the General and his cownsell, that no habitation should be there this year. And therefore they willed Master Selman the Register, to set down this decree, with all their consents, for the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of her Majesty, the Lords of the Counsel, and the 〈◊〉.  
The Anne Frances, since she was parted from the Fleet, in the last storm before spoken of, could never recover above five leagues within the straights, the wind being sometime contrary, and most times the Ice compassing them round about. And from that time, being about the seven and twentieth of july, could neither hear nor have sight of any of the Fleet, until the third of August, when they descried a sail near unto Mount Oxford, with whom when they had spoken, they could understand no news of any of the fleet at all. And this was the Thomas of Ipswich, who had lain beating off and on at sea, with very foul weather, and contrary winds, ever since that foresaid storm, without s●ght of any man. They kept company not long together, but were forced to loose one an other again, the Moon being consort always with the Anne Frances, and keeping very good company plied up together into the straits, with great desire to recover their long wished port: and attempted as often, and passed as far as possible the wind, weather, and I'll, gave leave, which commonly they found very contrary. For when the weather was clear, and without fog, then commonly the wind was contrary. And when it was either easterly or southerly, which would serve their turns, than had they so great a fog, and dark mist therewith, that either they could not discern way thorough the Ice, or else the Ice lay so thick together, that it was impossible for them to pass. And on the o●her side, when it was calm, the Tides had force to bring the Ice so suddenly, about them that commonly than they were most therewith distressed, having no Win●e to carry them from the danger thereof.  
And by the sixth of August, being with much ado, got up as high as Leicester point, they had good hope to found the Souther shore clear, and so to pass up towards their port. But being there becaulmed, and lying a hull openly upon the great Bay which cometh out of the mystaken straits be●ore spoken of, they were so suddenly compassed with I'll round about, by means of the swift Tides which run in that place, that they were never afore so hardly beset as now. And in seeking to avoid these dangers, in the dark weather, the Anne Fra●ces lo●t sight of the other two ships, who being likewise hardly distressed, signified their danger, as they since reported, by s●●●ting off their ordinance, which the other could not hea●e, nor if they had heard, could have given them no remedy, ●●ing so busily occupied to wind themselves out of their own troubles.  
The Fléeboate called the Moon, 
The Moon●.  was here heaved above the water with the force of the I●e, and received a great leak thereby. Likewise the Th●mas of Ipswich, and the Anne Frances were sore bruised at that instant, having their false stem borne aw●y, and their ship sides strooken quite through.  
Now considering the continual dangers and contraries, and the little leisure that they had left to tarry in these parts, besides that, every night the ropes of their ships were so frozen, that a man could not handle them without cutting his hands, together with ●he great doubt they had of the Fleets safely, thinking it an impossibility for them to pass unto their port, as well for that they saw themselves, as for that they hard by the former reports of the ships which had proved before, who affirmed that the straits were all frozen over within. The● thought it now very high time, to consider of their estates and safety's that were yet left together. And hereupon the Captains and masters of these ships, desired the Captain of the Anne Frances to enter into consideration with them of these matters, 
The Anne F●ances the T●omas of Ipswich and the Moon consult.  wherefore Captain Tanfield of the Thomas of Ipswich, with his Pilot Richard Cox, and Captain Vpcote of the Moon, with his master john Lakes came aboard the Anne Frances the eight of August to consult of these causes. And being assembled together in the Captains Cabin, sundry doubts were there alleged. For the fearefuller sort of Mariners being overtyred with the continual labour of the former dangers, coveted to return homeward, saying that they would not again tempt God so much, who had given them so many warnings, and delivered them from so wonderful dangers: that they rather desired to lose wages fraught and all, than to continue and follow 〈◊〉 desperate fortunes. Again their ships were so leak, 〈◊〉 the men so we●rie, that to 〈…〉 ●he one, and refresh the other, they mu●●e of neces●it●●●●●ke into harborough.  
But on the o●her side, it wa● argued ag●ine, to the contrary, that to seek into ha●b●row thereabouts, was but to subject themselves to double dangers, for if happily they escape the dangers of rocks in their entering, yet being in, they were nevertheless subject there to the danger of the Ice, which with the swift tides and currants, is carried in and out in most harborowes thereabouts, and may thereby gaul their Cables asunder, drive them upon the shore, and bring them to much trouble. Also the coast is so much subject to broken ground & rocks, especially in the mouth and entrance of every harborough, that albeit the channel be sounded over and over again, yet are you never the near to discern the dangers. For the bottom of the sea, holding like sh●pe and form as the land, being full of hills, dales and ragged rocks, suffereth you not, by your soundings, to know and keep a true guess of the depth. For you shall sound upon the side or hollowness of one hill or rock under water, and have a hundredth, fifty, or forty fathom depth: and before the next cast, ere you shall be able to have your lead again, you shall be upon the top thereof, and come aground, to your utter confusion.  
Another reason against going to harborowe, was, that the cold air did threaten a sudden fréesing up of the sounds, seeing that every night there was new congealed Ice, even of that water which remained within their ships. And therefore it should seem to be more safe to lie off and on at sea, than for lack of wind to bring them forth of harborough, to hazard by sudden frosts to be shut up the whole year.  
After many such dangers and reasons alleged, & large debating of these causes on both sides, the Captain of the Anne Fr●nces delivered his opinion unto the company to this effect. First concerning the question of returning home, 
Ca●●a●ne 〈◊〉 resol●●i●n.  he thought i● so much dishonourable, as not to grow in any farther question: and a●ayne to return home at length (as at length they must needs) and not to be able to bring a certain report of the Fleet, whether they were living or lost, or whether any of them had recovered their port, or not, in the Countesses found (as it was to be thought the most part would if they were living) he said that it would be so great an argument, either of want of courage or discretion in them, as he resolved rather to fall into any danger, than so shamefully to consent to return hom●, protesting that it should never be spoken of him, that he wou●de ever return, without doing his endeavour to find the Fleet, and know the certainty of the General's safety. He put his company in remembrance of a pinnace of five tun burden, which he had within his Ship, which was carried in pieces, and unmade up for the use of those which should inhabit there the whole year, the which if they could find means to join together, he offered himself to prove before therewith, whether it were possible for any Boat to pass for Ice, whereby the Ship might be brought in after, and might also thereby give true notice, if any of the Fleet were arrived at their port or not.  
But notwithstanding, for that he well perceived that the most part of his company were addicted to put into harborough, he was willing the rather for these causes somewhat to enclu●● thereunto. As first, to search alongst the same coast, and the sounds thereabouts, he thought it to be to good purpose, for that it was likely to find some of the Fleet there, which being leak, and sore bruised with the Ice, was the rather thought likely to be put into an ill harborough, being distressed with foul weather in the last storm, than to hazard their uncertain safeties amongst the Ice: for about this place they lost them, and left the Fleet then doubtfully questioning of harborough.  
It was likely also, that they might find some fit harborough thereabouts, which might be hoveful for them against another time. It was not likewise impossible to find some Ore or Mine thereabouts, wherewithal to fraught their ships, which would be more commodious in this place, for the nearness to seaward, and for a better outlette, than further within the straits, being likely here always to load in a shorter time, howsoever the straight should be pestered with Ice within, so that if it might come to pass, that thereby they might either find the Fleet, Mine, or convenient harborough, any of these three would well serve their present turns, and give some hope and comfort unto their companies, which now were altogether comfortless. But if that all fortune should fall out so contrary, that they could neither recover their port, nor any of these aforesaid helps, that yet they would not depart the coast, as long as it was possible for them to tarry there, but would lie off and on at Sea athwart the place Therefore his final conclusion was set down thus, first, that the Thomas of Ipswiche and the Moon, should consort and keep company together carefully with the Anne Frances as near as they could, and as true Englishmen, and faithful friends, should supply one another's want in all fortunes and dangers. In the morning following, every Ship to send of his Boat, with a sufficient Pilot, to search out, and sound the harbours for the safe bringing in of their Ships. And being arrived in harborough, where they might find convenient place for the purpose, they resolved forthwith to join, and set together the Pinnace, wherewythall the Captain of the Anne Frances might according to his former determination, discover up into the straits.  
After these determinations thus set downe● the Thomas of Ipswiche the night following lost company o● the other ships, and afterward shaped a contrary course homeward, which fell out as it manyfestlie appeared, very much against their Captain Master Tanfieldes mind, as by due examination before the Lords of her majesties most Honourable print Counsel, it hath since been proved, to the great discredit of the Pilot Cox, who specially persuaded his company, against the opinion of his said Captain, to return home.  
And as the Captain of the Anne Frances doth witness, even at their conference together, Capta●ne T●nfield told him, that he did not a little suspect the said Pilot Cox, saying, that he had neither opinion in the man of honest duty, manhood, or constancy. notwithstanding the said Ships departure, the Captain of the Anne Frances being desirous to put in execution his former resolutions, went with his Shyppeboate (being accompanied also with the Moons Skyffe) to prove amongst the Islands which lie under H●ttons headland, if any convenient harborough, or any knowledge of the Fleet, or any good Ore, was there to be found. The ships lying off and on at Sea the while under Sail, and searching through many sounds, they saw them all full of many dangers, and broken ground, yet one there was, which seemed an indifferent place to harborough in, and which they did very diligently sound over, and searched again.  
Here the said Captain found a great black Island, whereunto he had good liking, & certifying the company thereof, they were somewhat comforted, & with the good hope of his words rowed cheerfully unto the place, where when they arrived, they found such plenty of black Ore of the same sort which was brought into England this last year, that if the goodness might answer the great plenty thereof, it was to be thought that it might reasonably suffice all the gold gluttons of the world. This Island the Captain for cause of his good hap, called after his own name, Bestes blessing, 
Bestes blessing  and with these good tidings returning aboard his Ship the ninth of August, about ten of the Clock at night, he was joyfully welcomed of his company, who before were discomforted, and greatly expected some better fortune at his hands.  
The next day being the tenth of August, the weather reasonably fair, they put into the foresaid harborough, having their Boat for their better security sounding before their Ship. But for all the care and diligence that could be taken, in sounding the Channel over and over again, the Anne Frances came aground upon a a sunken Rock within the Harbour, 
Anne Frances in danger.  and lay thereon more than half dry until the next flood, when by God's Almighty providence, contrary almost to all expectation, they came afloat again, being forced all that time to underset their Ship with their main yard, which otherwise was likely to overset and put thereby in danger the whole company. They had above two thousand strokes together at the Pump, before they could make their Ship free of the water again, so sore she was bruised by lying upon the Rocks. 
The Moon in harborough.  The Moon came safely, and road at Anchor by the Anne Frances, whose help in their necessity they could not well have miss.  
Now, whilst the Mariners were rummaging their ships, & mending that which was amiss, the Miners followed their labour, for getting together of sufficient quantity of Ore, and the Carpenters endeavoured to do their best, for the making up of the boat or pinnace, which to bring to pass, they wanted two special and most necessary things, that is, certain principal timbers that are called Knees, which are the chiefest strength of any boat, & also nails, wherewithal to join the planks together. Whereupon having by chance a Smyth amongst them, (and yet unfurnished of his necessary tools to work and make nails withal,) they were feign of a gunnne chamber to make an a●●ile to work upon, and to use a pickare in steed of a sledge, to beat withal, and also to occupy two small bellows in steed of one pair of greater Smiths bellows. And for lack of small Iron, for the easier making of the nails, were forced to break their tongues, grydiern, and fiershovell in pieces.  
The eleventh of August, the Captain of the Anne Frances, taking the Master of his Ship with him, went up to the top of Hattons' Hedland, 
Hattons' Hedlande.  which is the highest land of all the straits, to the end to descry the situation of the Country underneath, and to take a true plot of the place, whereby also to see what store of Ice was y●t ●●fte in the straits, as also to search what Mine matter or fruit that soil might yield. And the rather for the honour the said Captain doth own to that Honourable name which himself gave thereunto the last year, in the highest part of this Hedlande, he caused his company to make a Column or Cross of stone, in token of Christian possession. In this place there is plenty of black Ore, and divers pretty stones.  
The seventeenth of August, the Captains with their companies chased and killed a great white Bear, which adventured, and gave a fierce assault upon twenty men being weapned. And he served them for good meat many days after.  
The eighteenth of August, the Pinnace with much ado, being set together, the said Captain Beste determined to depart up the straits, to prove and make trial, as before was pretended, some of his company greatly persuading him to the contrary, 
A Pinnace there built.  and specially the Carpenter that set the same together, who said that he would not adventure himself therein, for five hundredth pounds, for that the boat hung together but only by the strength of the nails, and lacked some of her principal knees & timbers.  
These words somewhat discouraged some of the company which should have gone therein. Whereupon the Captain, as one not altogether addicted to his own selfe-wil, but somewhat foreseeing how it might be afterwards spoken, if contrary fortune should happen him (Lo he hath followed his own opinion and desperate resolutions, and so thereafter it is befallen him) calling the Master Mariners of best judgement together, declared unto them how much the cause imported him in his credit, to seek out the General, as well to confer with him of some causes of weight, as otherwise to make due examination and trial of the goodness of the Ore, whereof they had no assurance but by guess of the eye, and was well like the other: which so to carry home, not knowing the goodness thereof, might be as much as if they should bring so many stones. And therefore he desired them to deliver their plain and honest opinion, whether the Pinnace were sufficient for him so to adventure in or no. It was answered, that by careful heed taking thereunto amongst the Ice, and the foul weather, the Pinnace might suffice. And hereupon the masters mate of the Anne Frances called john Gray, manfully and honestly offering himself unto his Captain in this adventure and service, gave cause to others of his Mariners to follow the attempt.  
And upon the nineteenth of August, the said Captain being accompanied with Captain Vpcote of the Moon, & xviij. persons in the small Pinnace, having convenient portion of victuals & things necessary, departed upon the said pretended voyage, leaving their ship at anchor in a good readiness for the taking in of their freight. And having little wind to sail withal, they plied alongst the Souther shore, and passed above .30. leagues, having the only help of man's labour with Oars, and so intending to keep that shore aboard until they were got up to the farthest & narrowest of the straits, minded there to cross over, & to search likewise alongst the Northerland, unto the Countessss sound, & from thence to pass all that coast along, where by if any of the Fleet had been distressed by wrack of rock or Ice, by that means they might be perceived of them, and so they thereby to give them such help and relief as they could. They did greatly fear, and ever suspect that some of the Fleet were surely cast away, & driven to seek sour salads amongst the cold cliffs.  
And being shot up about .40. leagues within the straits, they put over towards the Norther shore, which was not a little dangerous for their small boats. And by means of a sudden flaw, were driven, and feign to seek harborough in the night amongst all the rocks and broken ground of Gabiels' Islands, 
Gabriels' Iland●  a place so named within the straits above the Countess of Warwick's sound: And by the way where they landed, they did found certaives great stones set up by the Country people, as it seemed for marks, where they also made many Crosses of stone, in token that Christians had bin there. The xxij of August, they had sight of the Countess' sound, and made the place perfect from the top of a hill, and keeping along the Norther shore, perceived the smoke of a fire under a hills side. whereof they diversly deemed, when they came nearer the place, they perceived people which wafted unto them, as it seemed, with a flag or ancient. And because the Cannibals and country people had used to do the like, when they perceived any of our boats to pass by, they suspected them to be the same. And coming somewhat nearer, they might perceive certain tents, and discern this ancient to be of mingled colours, black and white, after the English fashion. But because they could see no ship, nor likelihood of harborowe within five or six leagues about, and know that none of our men were wont to frequent those parts, they could not tell what to judge thereof, but imagined, that some of the ships being carried so high with the storm and mists, had made shipwreck amongst the Ice or the broken Islands there, and were spoiled by the Country people, who might use the sundry coloured flag for a policy, to bring them likewise within their danger. Whereupon the said Captain with his companies, resolved to recover the same Ancient, if it were so, from those base, cruel, and man eating people, or else to loose their lives, & all together. One promised himself a pair of garters, an other a scarf, the third, a lace to tie his Whistle withal, of the same. In the end, they discerned them to be their Countrymen, and then they deemed them to have lost their ships, and so to be gathered together for their better strength. On the other side, the company a shore feared, that the captain having lost his ship, came to seek forth the Fleet for his relief, in his poor pinnace, so that their extremities caused each part to suspect the worst.  
The Captain now with his pinnace being come near the shore, commanded his Boat carefully to be kept assote, lest in their necessity, they might win the same from him, and seek first to save themselves (for every man in that case is next himself. 
Proximus ●●m ●gome● mihi. ) They haled one another according to the manner of the Sea, and demanded what cheer? & either party answered the other, that all was well: whereupon there was a sudden and joyful outeshoote, with great flinging up of caps, and a brave voly of shot to welcome one an other. And truly it was a most strange case, to see how joyful and glad every party was to see themselves meet in safety again, after so strange and incredible dangers: Yet to be short, as their dangers were great, so their God was greater.  
And here the company were working upon new Mines, which Captain York being here arrived not long before, 
Captain York arriue●  had found out in this place, and it is named the Countess of Sussex Mine.  
After some conference with our friends here, the Captain of the Anne Frances departed towards the Countess of Warwick's sound, to speak with the General, & to have trial made of such metal as he had brought thither, by the Goldfiners. And so determined to dispatch again towards his ship. And having spoken with the General, he received order for all causes, and direction as well for the bringing up of his Ship to the Countess' sound, as also to freight his Ship with the same Ore he himself had found, which upon trial made, proved to be very good.  
The thirteenth of August, the said captain met together with the other Captains (Commissioners in counsel with the General) aboard the Aid, where they considered and consulted of sundry causes, which particularly registered by the Notary, were appointed, where and how to be done against an other year.  
The fourteenth of August, the General with two Pinnesses and good numbers of men, went to bears sound, commanding the said captain with his Pinnace, to attend the service, to see if he could encounter or apprehended any of the Cannibals, for sundry times they showed themselves busy thereabouts, sometimes with .7. or .8. boats in one company, as though they minded to encounter with our company, which were working there at the mines, in no great numbers. But when they perceived any of our ships to ride in that road (being belike more amazed at the countenance of a ship, and a more number of men) did never show themselves again there at all. Wherefore our men sought with their Pinnesses to compass about the Island, 
None of the people will be ●aken.  where they did use, supposing there suddenly to intercept some of them. But before our men could come near, having belike some watch in the top of the mountains, they conveyed themselves privily aways and left (as it should seem) one of their great darts behind them for haste, which we found near to a place of their caves and housing. Therefore, though our General were very desirous to have taken some of the●●●o have brought into England, they being now 〈◊〉 more wary by their former losses, would not at 〈…〉 ●ome within our dangers. About 〈…〉 Captain of the Anne France's 〈…〉 course over the 〈…〉 about fifteen 〈…〉 over, the five 〈…〉, to the great 〈◊〉 of his 〈…〉 ●●pected his coming, where 〈…〉 rigged and loaden. Wherefore 〈…〉 again the next morning towards the 〈…〉 ●ounde, where he arrived the eight and 〈…〉 same. By the way he set his Miners ashore a● Bears sound, for the better dispatch and gathering the Ore together, for that some of the ships were behind hand with their fraighte, the time of the year passing speedily away.  
The thirtieth of August, the Anne Frances was brought a ground, & had eight great leaks mended, which she had received by means of the rocks and Ise. This day the Masons finished a house which Captain Fenton caused to be made of lime and stone upon the Countess of Warwick's Island, 
● house builded and left there.  to the end we might prove against the next year, whether the snow could overwhelm it, the frosts break up, or the people dismember the same. And the better to allure those brutish & uncivil people to courtesy, against other times of our coming, we left therein divers of our country toys, as bells, and knives, wherein they specially delight, one for the necessary use, and the other for the great pleasure thereof. Also pictures of men & women in lead, men a horseback, looking lasses, whistles, and pipes. Also in the house was made an oven, and bread l●st● baked therein, for them to see and taste.  
We buried the timber of our pretended fort, with many barrels of meal, pease, grist, and sundry other good things, which was of the provision of those which should inhabit, if occasion served. And instead thereof we freight our ships full of Ore, which we hold of far greater price. Also here we sowed pease, corn, and other grain, to prove the fruitfulness of the soil against the next year.  
Master Wolfall on Winter's Furnace preached a godly Sermon, which being ended, he celebrated also a Communion upon the land, at the partaking whereof, was the captain of the Anne Frances, and many other Gentlemen & Soldiers, Mariners, & Miners with him. The celebration of divine mystery was the first sign, seal, & confirmation of Christ's name death & passion ever known in all these quarters. The said M. Wolfall made sermons, & celebrated the Communion at sundry other times, in several and sundry Ships, because the whole company could never meet together at any one place. The fleet now being in some good readiness for their lading, the General calling together the Gentlemen & Captains, to consult, told them, that he was very desirous, that some further discovery should be attempted, & that he would not only by Gods help bring home his Ships laden with gold over, but also meant to bring some certificate of a further discovery of the Country, 
Consultation for a further discovery.  which thing to bring to pass (having sometime therein consulted) they found very hard, and almost invincible. And considering, that already they had spent some time in searching out the trending and fashion of the mistaken straits, and had entered very far therein, therefore it could not be said, but that by this voyage they have notice of a further discovery, and that the hope of the passage thereby is much furthered and increased, as appeared before in the discourse thereof. Yet notwithstanding, if any means might be further devised, the Captains were contented and willing as the General should appoint and command, to take any enterprise in hand. Which after long debating, was found a thing very impossible, & that rather consultation was to be had of returning homeward, especially for these causes following. First, the dark foggy mists, the continual falling Snow and stormy weather which they commonly were vexed with, and now daily ever more and more increased, have no small argument of the Winter's drawing near. And also the frost every night was so hard congealed within the sound, that if by evil hap they should be long kept in with contrary winds, it was greatly to be feared, that they should be shut up there fast the whole year, which being utterly unprovided, would be their utter destruction. Again, drink was so scant throughout all the Fleet, by means of the great leakage, that not only the provision which was laid in for the habitation was wanting and wasted, but also each Ships several provision spent and lost, which many of our company, to their great grief, found in their return since, for all the way homewards they drank nothing but water. And the great cause of this lekage and wasting was, for that the great timber & seacole, which lay so weighty upon the barrels, brake, bruised, & rotten the hoops in ●under. Yet notwithstanding, these reasons alleged the General himself (willing the rest of the Gentlemen & Captains every man to look to his several charge, and la●ing, that against a day appointed, they should be all in a readiness to set homeward) himself went in his Pinnace, and discovered further Northward in the straits, and found that by bears sound and halls Island, the land was not firm, as it was first supposed, but all broken Islands in manner of an Archipelagus, and so with other secret intelligence to himself, he returned to the Fleet. Where presently upon his arrival at the Countess' sound, he began to take order for their returning homeward, and first caused certain Articles to be proclaimed, for the better keeping orders and courses in their return, which Articles were delivered to every Captain, and are these that follow.   

¶ Articles set down by Martin Frobisher Esquire, Captain General of the whole Fleet, appointed for the northester discoveries of Cataya, published and made known to the Fleet, for the better observing certain orders and course in their return homeward.  
1 first and principally he doth straightly charge and command, by virtue of her majesties commission which he hath, and in her majesties name, that every Captain and Captains, Master and Masters of the said Fleet, do vigilently and carefully keep company with the Admiral, and by no manner of means break company willingly now in our return homewards, upon pain of forfeiture his or their whole frayed, that shall be found culpable therein, and further, to receive such punishment, as to her Majesty shall seem good therein, and also to answer all such damages or losses as may happen or grow by dispersing and breaking from the Fleet. And therefore for the better keeping of company, the General straightly chargeth and commandeth all the Masters of these Ships, and every of them, that they repair to speak with the Admiral once every day, if he or they may conveniently do it, upon pain of forfeting of one tun fraighte to her Majesty, for every day neglecting the same.  
2 Item, that every Master in the said Fleet, observe and keep orderly and vigilantly, all such Articles as were outwards bound, drawn, and published by the General in her majesties name, whereof there was delivered to every Ship a copy.  
3 Item, that all Captains and Masters of every Ship and Ships, do proclaim, and make it known to their company, that no person or persons within the said Fleet, of what condition soever, do take or keep to their use or uses any Ore, or stones, of what quantity so ever it be, but forthwith upon publication hereof, to deliver them, and yield them to the custody of the Captain, to deliver unto the General his officers, that shall be appointed to call for them, upon pain or loss of his or their wages, and triple the value of them or him that shall be found guilty, the one half thereof to be given unto him that shall apprehended any such person, and the other half at her majesties appointment, and the party found guilty therein, to be apprehended as a felon.  
4 Item, that no person or persoos, convey or carry out of any Ship or Ships, any Ore or stone, or other commodity whatsoever were had or found in the land called Meta Incognita, before they come in the place appointed, which is against Dartford creek in the River of Thames, and then and there to deliver none to any person or persons, but such as shall be appointed by her highness most honourable privy Counsel, upon the pain and danger abovesaid.  
5 Item, forasmuch as in my voyage hither bound, I landed upon Friesland, and divers other of the said Fleet, which land I named West England, from which land some brought stones, Ore, and other commodities, whereby hereafter they might use coulorable means, to convey as well over, stones, and other things found in the abovesaid land, I do therefore charge every person and persons in the said Fleet, to deliver, or cause to be delivered, all manner of Ore, stones, and other commodities, found as well there, as here, to the Captains of every Ship or Ships, to be redelivered by him or them to the General, upon pain and danger abovesaid.  
6 Item, that if any Ship or Ships by force of weather, shall be separated from the Admiral, and afterwards happen to fall, or shall be in danger to fall into the hands of their enemies, that then all and every such Ship or Ships shall have special regard before his falling into their hands, to convey away, and cast into the Seas all such plats or Cards, as shall be in any such Ship or Ships, of the abovesaid discovered land, and all other k●●wle●●es thereof.  
7 Item, that if any such Ship or Ships by force of weather, shall be separated from the Fleet or Admiral, and shall afterwards arrive at any Port in England, that then in such case he shall not departed from that port, but shall give order and advertisement to Michael Lock, treasurer of the company, by whom he or they shall have order from the Lords of the privy Council, what they shall do.  
8 Item, forasmuch as sundry of the Fleets companies have had lent them Crows of Iron, pledges, pikeares, shovels, spades, hatchets, a●es, and divers other instruments for Mines, and mining used. And also divers of the said kind of instruments above named, was left at the Countess of Su●lex Mine by the Aids company, and are yet kept from their knowledge by such as wrought at the said M●ne, which instruments do appertain to the right honourable and worshipful company of the abovesaid discovery. I do therefore charge all Captains and Masters of every Ship or Ships, to make it known to his or their companies, to the end that all such instruments, as well those lente, as those that are otherwise detained and kept away, may be again restored, and brought aboard the Admiral upon pain and danger expressed in the third Article.  By me Martin Frobisher.  

The Fleets returning homeward.  
Having now received Articles and direction for our return homewards, all other things being in forwardness and in good order, the last day of August, the whole Fleet departed from the Countess' sound, excepting the judith, and the Anne Frances, who stayed for the taking in of fresh water, and came forth the next day, and met the Fleet lying off and on, athwart Bears sound, who stayed for the General, which then was gone ashore, to dispatch the two Barks, 
Return homeward.  and the Buss of Bridewater, for their loading, whereby to get the companies, and other things aboard. The Captain of the Anne Frances having most part of his company ashore, the first of September, went also to bears sound in his Pinnace, to fetch his men aboard, but the wind grew so great immediately upon their landing, that the Ships at Sea were in great danger, and some of them hardly put from their anchors, and greatly feared to be utterly lost, as the Hopewell, wherein was Captain Carew and others, who could not tell on which side their danger was most, for having mighty Rocks threatening on the one side, and driving islands of cutting Ice on the otherside, they greatly feared to make shipwreck, the Ice driving so near them, that it touched their board spirit. And by means of the sea, that was grown so high, they were not able to put to seas with their small Pynnesses, to recover their ships. And again, the ships were not able to tarry or lie athwart for them, by means of the outrageous winds & swelling seas. The General willed the Captain of the Anne France, with his company, for that night to lodge aboard the Buss of Bridgewater, & went himself with the rest of his men aboard the barks. But their numbers were so great, and the provision of the Barks so scant, that they pestered one another exceedingly. They had good hope, that the next morning the weather would be fair, whereby they might recover their ships. But in the morning following it was far worse, for the storm continued greater, the sea being more swollen, & the Fleet gone quite out of sight. So that now their doubts began to grow great, for the ship of Bridgewater which was of greatest receipt, and whereof they had best hope and made most account, road so far to leeward of the harborough mouth, that they were not able for the rocks (that lay between the wind and them) to lead it out to sea with a sail. And the Barks were so already pestered with men, and so slenderly furnished of provision, that they had scarce meat for six days, for such numbers.  
The General in the morning departed to sea in the Gabriel, to seek for the Fleet, leaving the Buss of Bridgewater, and the Michael, behind in Bears' sound. The Buss set sail, and thought by turning in the narrow channel within the harborough, to get to windewarde: but b●ing put to léewarde more. by that means was fain to come to Anchor for her better safety, amongst a number of rocks, and there left in great danger, of ever getting forth again. The Michael set sail to follow the General, and could give the Buss no relief, although they earnestly desired the same. And the Captain of the Anne Frances was le●●e in hard election of two evils: either to abide his fortune with the Buss of Bridgewater, which was doubtful of ever getting forth, or else to be towed in his small Pinnace at the s●●rne of the Michael thorough the raging seas, for that the Bark was not able to receive or relieve half his company, wherein his danger was not a little perilous.  
So after, resolved to commit himself, withal his company, unto that fortune of God and sea, he was dangerously towed at the stern of the Bark for many miles, until at length they espied the Anne Frances under sail, hard under their Lée, which was no small comfort unto them. For no doubt, both those and a great number more had perished for lack of victuals, and convenient room in the Barks, without the help of the said ships. But the honest care that the Master of the Anne Frances had of his Captain, and the good regard of duty towards his General, suffered him not to departed, but honestly abode to hazard a dangerous road all the night long, notwithstanding all the stormy weather, when all the Fleet besides departed And the Pinnace came no sooner aboard the ship, and the m●n entered, but she presently sheavered and fell in pieces, and sunk at the ships stern, with all the poor men's furniture: so weak was the boat with towing, and so so●●●●e was the sea to bruise her in pieces. But (as God would the men were all saved.  
At this present in this storm many of the fleet were dangerously distressed, and were severed almost all asunder. And there were lost in the whole Fleet well near xx. b●●tes and Pinnesses in this storm, and some men strokē●u●r board into the sea, and utterly lost. Many also spent their main yards and masts, and wi●h the continual frosts, and dew, the ropes of our ships were now grown so rotten, that they went all asunder. Yet thanks be to God, all the fleet arrived safely in England about 〈…〉  
The 〈…〉 
〈…〉 discovered.  southeastward 〈…〉 in the la●itude of Degrees, which w●s n●u●r y●●●ounde before, and sa●led thr●● days 〈◊〉 the co●st the land seeming to be fruitful, full of woods, and a champion country.  
There died in the whole Fleet in all this voyage not above forty persons, which number is not great, considering how many ships were in the Fleet, and how strange Fortunes we passed.   

A general and brief Description of the Country, and condition of the people, which are found in Meta Incognita.  
Having now sufficiently and truly set forth the whole circumstance, and particular handling of every occurrente in the three Uoyages of our worthy General, Captain Frobisher, it shall not be from the purpose to speak somewhat in general, of the nature of this Country called Meta Incognita, and the condition of the savage people there inhabiting.  

A 〈…〉 M●t● In●ognita.  First therefore concerning the topographical description of the place. It is now sound in the last voyage, that Queen Elizabethes Cape, being situate in Latitude at Degrees and a half, which before was supposed to be part of the firm land of America. And also all the rest of the South side of frobisher's straits, are all several islands and broken land, and likewise so will all the North side of the said straits fall out to be, as I think. And some of our company being entered above .60. leagues within the mistaken straits, in the third Book mentioned, thought certainly that they had descried the firm land of America towards the South, which I think will fall out so to be.  
These broken lands and Islands, being very many in number, do seem to make there an Archipelagus, which as they all differ in greatness, form, and fashion one from another, so are they in goodness, colour, and soil much unlike. They all are very high lands, Mountains, and in most parts covered with Snow, even all the Summer long. The Norther lands have less store of Snow, more grass, and are more plain Countries, the cause may be, for that the Souther islands receive all the Snow, that the cold winds, and piercing air bring out of the North. And contrarily, the Norther parts receive more warm blasts of milder air from the South, whereupon may grow the cause why the people covet and inhabit more upon the North parts, than the South, as far as we can yet by our experience perceive they do. The●e people I judge to be a kind of Tartar, or rather a kind of Samowey, of the same sort & condition of life that the Samoweides be to the Northeastwards, beyond Moscovy, who are called Samoweydes, which is as much to say in the Moscovy tongue, as eaters of themselves, and so the Russians their borderers do name them. And by late conference with a friend of mine (with whom I did sometime travel in the parts of Moscovy) who hath great experience of those Somoweides & people of the north-east, I find, that in all their manner of living, those people of the North-east, and these of the northester, are like. They are of the colour of a ripe Olive, which how it may come to pass, being borne in so cold a climate, I refer to the judgement of others, for they are naturally borne children of the same colour & complexion as all the Americans are, which devil under the Equinoctial line.  
They are men very active and nimble. They are a strong people, and very warlike, for in our sight, upon the tops of the hills, they would often muster themselves, and after the manner of a skirmish, trace their ground very nimbly, and manage their bows and darts with great dexterity. They go clad in coats made of the skins of beasts, as of Ceales, Dear, Bears, Foxes, and Hares. They have also some garments of feathers, being made of the cases of Fowls, finely sowed and compact together. Of all which sorts, we brought home some with us into England, which we found in their tents. In Summer, they use to wear the hairy side of their coats outward, and sometime go naked for too much heat. And in Winter (as by signs they have declared) they wear four or five fold upon their bodies with the hear (for warmth) turned inward. Hereby it appeareth, that the air there is not indifferent, but e●ther it is fervent hot, or else extreme cold, and far more excessive in both qualities, than the reason of the climate should yeelde● For there it is colder, being under Degrees in latitude, than it is at W●r●in● in the voyage to Saint Nicolas in moscovy, being at above 70. degrees in latitude. The reason hereof perhaps, may be, that this Meta Incognita is much frequented and vexed with eastern and Northeasterne winds, which from the sea and Ice bringeth often an intolerable cold air, which was also the cause that this year our straits were so long shut up. But there is great hope and likelihood, that further within the straights it will be more constant and temperate weather.  
These people are in nature very subtle, and sharp witted, ready to conceive our meaning by signs, and to make answer, well to be understood again. As if they have not seen the thing whereof you ask them, they will wink, or cover their eyes with their hands, as who would say, it hath been hid from their sight. If they understand you not, whereof you ask them, they will stop their ears. They will teach us the names of each thing in their language, which we desire to learn, and are apt to learn any thing of us. They delight in Music above measure, and will keep time and stroke to any tune which you shall sing, both with their voice, head, hand and feet, and will sing the same tune aptly after you. They will row with our Oars in our boats, and keep a true stroke with our Mariners, and seem to take great delight therein. They live in Caves of the Earth, and hunt for their dinners or pray, even as the Bear, or other wild beasts do. They eat raw flesh and fish, and refuse no meat, howsoever it be stinking. They are desperate in their fight, sullen of nature, and ravenous in their manner of feeding.  
Their sullen and desperate nature doth herein manifestly appear, that a company of them being environed of our men on the top of a high cliff, so that they could by no means escape our hands, finding themselves in this c●se distressed, chose rather to cast themselves headlong down the rocks into the Sea, and so to be brusen and drowned, rather than to yield themselves to our men's mercies.  
For their weapons, to offend their en●●ies, or kill their prey withal, they have Darts, slings, bows, and arrows headed with sharp stones, bones, and some with iron. They are exceeding friendly and kind hearted, one to the other, & mourn greatly at the loss or harm of their fellows, and express their grief of mind, when they pa●t one from an other, with a mournful song, and Dirges. They are very shamefast in bewraying the secrets of nature, and very chaste in the manner of their living: for when the man which we brought from thence into England the last voyage should put of his coat, or discover his whole body for change, he would not suffer the woman to be present, but put her forth of his Cabyn. And in all the space of two or three months, while the man lived in company of the woman, there was never any thing seen or perceived between them, more than might have passed between brother and sister: but the woman was in all things very serviceable for the man, attending him carefully, when he was sick, and he likewise in all the meats which they did eat together, would carve unto her of the sweetest, fattest, and best morsels they had. They wondered much at all our things, and were afraid of our horses, and other beasts, out of measure. They began to grow more civil, familiar, pleasant, and docible amongst us in a very short time.  
They have boats made of leather, and covered clean over, saving one place in the middle to sit in, plancked within with timber, and they use to row therein with one Ore, more swiftly a great deal, than we in our boats can do with twenty. They have one sort of greater boats wherein they can carry above twenty persons, and have a Mast with a Sail thereon, which Sail is made of thin Skins or bladders, sowed together with the sinews of fishes.  
They are good fishermen, and in their small Boats, being disguised with their coats of Ceales skins, they deceive the Fish, who take them rather for their fellow Ceales, than for deceiving men.  
They are good mark men. With their dart or arrow they will commonly kill Duck, or any other foul, in the head, and commonly in the eye.  
When they shoot at a great fish with any of their Darts, they use to tie a bladder thereunto, whereby they may the better find them again, and the fish not able to carry it so easily away, for that the bladder doth boy the dart, will at length be weary, and die therewith.  
They use to traffic and exchange their commodities with some other people, of whom they have such things, as their miserable Country, and ignorance of art to make, denieth them to have, as bars of iron, heads of iron for their darts, needles made foursquare, certain buttons of copper, which they use to wear upon their foreheads for ornament, as our Ladies in the Court of England do use great pearl.  
Also they have made signs unto us, that they have seen gold, and such bright plates of metals, which are used for ornaments amongst some people, with whom they have conference.  
We found also in their tents a Guinney bean, of red colour, the which doth usually grow in the hot countries: whereby it appeareth they trade with other Nations which devil far off, or else themselves are great travelers.  
They have nothing in use among them to make fire withal, saving a kind of Heath and Moss which groweth there.  
And they kindle their fire with continual rubbing and fretting one stick against an other, as we do with flints. They draw with dogs in sleads upon the Ice, and remove their tents therewithal, wherein they dwell, in summer, when they go a hunting for their pray and provision against Winter. They do sometime parboil their meat a little and seeth the same in kettles made of beasts skins: they have also pans cut and made of stone very artificially: 
Their Kettls and pans.  they use preaty gins wherewith they take foul. The women carry their sucking children at their backs, and do feed them with raw flesh, which first they do a ●ittle chaw in their mouths. The women have their faces marked or painted over with small blue spots: they have black and long hair on their heads, and trim the same in a decent order. The men have but little hair on their faces, and very thin beards. For their common drink, they eat Ice to quench their thirst withal. Their earth yieldeth no grain or fruit of sustenance for man, or almost for beast to live upon: and the people will eat grass and shrubs of the ground, even as our Cows do●. They have no wood growing in their country thereabouts, and yet we find they have some timber among them, which we think doth grow far off to the southwards of this place, about Canada, or some other part of new found land: for there belike, the trees standing on the cliffs of the Sea side, by the weight of Ice and snow in Winter overcharging them with weight, when the summers thaw cometh above, and also the Sea underfretting them beneath, which winneth daily of the land, they are undermined and fall down from those cliffs into the Sea, and with the tides and currants are driven to and fro upon the coasts further off, and by conjecture are taken up here by these country people, to serve them to plank and strengthen their boats withal, and to make darts, bows, and arrows, and such other things necessary for their use. And of this kind of drift wood we find all the Seas over, great store, which being ●utte or sawed asunder, by reason of long driving in the Sea, is eaten of worms, and full of holes, of which sort theirs is found to be.  
We have not yet found any venomous Serpent or other hurtful thing in these parts, but there is a kind of small fly or gnat that stingeth and offendeth sorely, leaving many read spots in they face, & other places, where she stingeth. They have snow and hail in the best time of their Summer, and the ground frozen three fathom deep. 
Frost and Snow.   
These people are great enchanters, and use many charms of Witchcraft: for when their heads do ache, they tie a great stone with a string unto a stick, and with certain prayers & words done to the stick, they little up the stone from ground, which sometimes with all a man's force they cannot stir, & sometime again they lift as easily as a feather, and hope thereby with certain ceremonious words to have ease and help. 
Enchanters.  And they made us by signs to understand, lying groveling with their faces upon the ground, and making a noise downward, that they worship the Devil under them.  
They have great store of Dear, Bears, Hares, Foxes, and innumerable numbers of sundry sorts of wild Fowl, as Seamews, Gulls, Wilmotes, Ducks, etc. 
Store of wild Fowl.  whereof our men killed in one day fifteen hundred.  
They have also store of Hawks, as Falcons, Tassels, etc. whereof two alighted upon one of our Ships at their return, & were brought into England, which some think will prove very good. They have also great herds of Dogs which they use for their ready provision to eat.  
There are also great store of Ravens, Larks, and Partridges, whereof the Country people feed.  
All these Fowls are far thicker clothed with down and feathers, and have thicker skins than any in England have: for as that Country is colder, so nature hath provided a remedy thereunto.  
Our men have eaten of their Bears, Hares, Partridges, Larks, and of their wild Fowl, and found them reasonable good meat, but not so delectable as ours.  
Their wild Fowl must be all fleyne, their skins are so thick: and they taste best fried in pans.  
The Country seemeth to be much subject to Earthquakes.  
The air is very subtle, piercing and searching, so that if any corrupted or infected body, 
The quality of their  especially with the disease called Morbus Gallicus come there, it will presently break forth and show itself, and cannot there, by any kind of salve or medicine be cured.  
Their longest summers day is of great length, without any dark night, so that in july all the night long, we might perfitly and easily wright & read whatsoever had pleased us, which lightsome nights were very beneficial unto us, being so distressed with abundance of Ice as we were.  
The Sun setteth to them in the Evening at a quarter of an hour after ten of the clock, 
The length of their day●●  and riseth again in the morning at three quarters of an hour after one of the clock, so that in Summer, their Sun shineth to them twenty hours and a half, and in the night is absent but three hours & a half. And although the Sun be absent these 3 ½ hours, yet is it not dark that time, for that the Sun is never above three or four degrees under the edge of their Horizon: the cause is, that the Tropic Cancer doth cut their Horizon at very uneven and obliqne Angles. But the Moon at any time of the year being in Cancer, having North Latitude, doth make a full revolution above their Horizon, so that sometimes they see the Moon above .24. hours together. Some of our company, of the more ignorant sort, thought we might continually have seen the Sun and the Moon, had it not been for two or three high Mountains.  
The people are now become so wary, and so circumspect, by reason of their former losses, that by no means we can apprehended any of them, although we attempted often in the last voyage. But to say truth, we could not bestow any great time in pursuing them, because of our great business in lading, and other things.  
To conclude, I find in all the Country nothing, that may be to delight in, either of pleasure or of account, only the show of Mine, both of gold, silver, steel, iron and black lead, with divers preaty stones, as blue Sapphire, very perfect and others, whereof we found great plenty, may give encouragement for men to seek thither. And there is no doubt, but being well looked unto and thoroughly discovered, it will make our Country both rich and happy, and of these prosperous beginnings will grow hereafter (I hope) most happy endings. Which GOD of his goodness grant, to whom be all Praise and Glory.   
Amen.   

 

  

  

   

AT LONDON, Printed by Henry Bynnyman. Anno Domini. 1578. Decembris. 10.