velvets, silks, cloth of gold, cloth of silver, or such like, being
in those countries most plentiful, whereby it plainly appeareth in
what great estimation they would have the cloths of this our
country, so that there would be found a far better vent for them by
this means than yet this realm ever had; and that without depending
either upon France, Spain, Flanders, Portugal, Hamborough, Emden, or
any other part of Europe.

7. Also here we shall increase both our ships and mariners without
burdening of the State.

8. And also have occasion to set poor men's children to learn
handicrafts, and thereby to make trifles and such like, which the
Indians and those people do much esteem; by reason whereof, there
should be none occasion to have our country cumbered with loiterers,
vagabonds, and such like idle persons.

All these commodities would grew by following this our discovery
without injury done to any Christian prince by crossing them in any
of their used trades, whereby they might take any just occasion of
offence.

Thus have I briefly showed you some part of the grounds of my
opinion, trusting that you will no longer judge me fantastic in this
matter, seeing I have conceived no hope of this voyage, but am
persuaded thereunto by the best cosmographers of our age, the same
being confirmed both by reason and certain experiences.

Also this discovery hath been divers times heretofore by others both
proposed, attempted, and performed.