victual to sail to the place, so much more to remain there if the
extremity of the winter hindered their return, and so much more also
for the time of their coming home.

Now this provision being made and carried aboard, with armour and
munition of all sorts, sufficient captains and governors of so great
an enterprise were as yet wanting: to which office and place,
although many men (and some void of experience) offered themselves,
yet one Sir Hugh Willoughbie, a most valiant gentleman, and well
born, very earnestly requested to have that care and charge
committed unto him: of whom before all others, both by reason of
his goodly personage (for he was of a tall stature) as also for his
singular skill in the services of war, the Company of the merchants
made greatest account: so that at the last they concluded and made
choice of him for the general of this voyage, and appointed to him
the admiral, with authority and command over all the rest. And for
the government of the other ships although divers men seemed
willing, and made offers of themselves thereunto, yet by a common
consent one Richard Chanceler, a man of great estimation for many
good parts of wit in him, was elected, in whom alone great hope for
the performance of this business rested. This man was brought up by
one Master Henry Sidney, a noble young gentleman and very much
beloved of King Edward, who this time coming to the place where the
merchants were gathered together, began a very eloquent speech or
oration, and spake to them after this manner following:-

"My very worshipful friends, I cannot but greatly commend your
present godly and virtuous intention in the serious enterprising
(for the singular love you bear to your country), a matter which (I
hope) will prove profitable for this nation, and honourable to this