to the great commodity of Spaine and all the world: you will thinke then
this Northwest passage to be most worthy trauell therein.

For Columbus had none of the West Islands set foorth vnto him, either in
globe or card, neither yet once mentioned of any writer (Plato excepted,
and the commentaries vpon the same) from 942 yeeres before Christ, vntill
that day.

Moreouer, Columbus himselfe had neither seene America nor any other of the
Islands about it, neither, vnderstood he of them by the report of any other
that had seene them, but only comforted himselfe with this hope, that the
land had a beginning where the Sea had an ending: for as touching that
which the Spaniards doe write of a Biscaine, which should haue taught him
the way thither, it is thought to be imagined of them, to depriue Columbus
of his honour, being none of their countrey man, but a stranger borne.

And if it were true of the Biscaine, yet did he but roue at the matter, or
(at the least) gathered the knowledge of it, by coniectures onely.

And albeit myselfe haue not seene this passage nor any part thereof, but am
ignorant of it as touching experience (as Columbus was before his attempt
made) yet haue I both the report, relation, and authoritie of diuers most
credible men, which haue both seene and passed through some and euery part
of this discouery, besides sundry reasons for my assurance thereof: all
which Columbus wanted.

These things considered, and indifferently weighed togither, with the
wonderfull commodities which this discouery may bring, especially to this
realme of England: I must needes conclude with learned Baptista Ramusius,
and diuers other learned men, who said, that this discouery hath bene