Name, one that resolves, and therein joys to approve himself.

Your most humble and loyal subject,

FRANCIS DRAKE [BART.]



The Dedicatory Epistle, Intended To
QUEEN ELIZABETH
Written By SIR FRANCIS DRAKE, Deceased.

To The Queen's Most Excellent Majesty,
my most dread Sovereign.


Madam,

Seeing divers have diversely reported and written of these Voyages
and Actions which I have attempted and made, every one
endeavouring to bring to light whatsoever inklings or conjectures
they have had; whereby many untruths have been published, and the
certain truth concealed: as [so] I have thought it necessary
myself, as in a Card [chart] to prick the principal points of the
counsels taken, attempts made, and success had, during the whole
course of my employment in these services against the Spaniard.
Not as setting sail for maintaining my reputation in men's
judgment, but only as sitting at helm, if occasion shall be, for
conducting the like actions hereafter. So I have accounted it my
duty, to present this Discourse to Your Majesty, as of right;