8 Also one Scolmus a Dane entred and passed a great part thereof.

9 Also there was one Saluaterra, a Gentleman of Victoria in Spaine, that
came by chance out of the West Indias into Ireland, Anno 1568. who affirmed
the Northwest passage from vs to Cataia, constantly to be beleeued in
America nauigable. And further said in the presence of sir Henry Sidney
(then lord Deputie of Ireland) in my hearing, that a Frier of Mexico,
called Andrew Vrdaneta, more then eight yeeres before his then comming into
Ireland, told him there, that he came from Mar del Sur into Germany through
this Northwest passage, and shewed Saluaterra (at that time being then with
him in Mexico) a Sea Card made by his owne experience and trauell in that
voyage, wherein was plainly set downe and described this Northwest passage,
agreeing in all points with Ortelius mappe.

And further, this Frier tolde the king of Portugall (as he returned by that
countrey homeward) that there was (of certainty) such a passage Northwest
from England, and that he meant to publish the same: which done, the king
most earnestly desired him not in any wise to disclose or make the passage
knowen to any nation: [Marginal note: The words of the king of Portugall to
Andro Vrdaneta a Frier, touching the concealing of this Northwest passage
from England to Cataia.] For that (said the King) if England had knowledge
and experience thereof, it would greatly hinder both the king of Spaine and
me. This Frier (as Saluaterra reported) was the greatest Discouerer by sea,
that hath bene in our age. Also Saluaterra being perswaded of this passage
by the frier Vrdaneta, and by the common opinion of the Spaniards
inhabiting America, offered most willingly to accompanie me in this
Discouery, which of like he would not haue done if he had stood in doubt
thereof. [43]

[Sidenote: An obiection.] And now as these moderne experiences cannot be