* * * * *

Ordinances, instructions, and aduertisements of and for the direction of
the intended voyage for Cathay, compiled, made, and deliuered by the
right worshipfull M. Sebastian Cabota Esquier, gouernour of the mysterie
and companie of the Marchants aduenturers for the discouerie of Regiones,
Dominions, Islands and places vnknowen, the 9. day of May, in the yere of
our Lord God, 1553. and in the 7. yeere of the reign of our most dread
soueraigne Lord Edward the 6. by the grace of God, king of England,
Fraunce, and Ireland, defender of the faith, and of the Church of England
and Ireland, in earth supreame head. [Footnote: "Some of these
Instructions now indeed appear rather childish, but others might still be
used as rules for any well-ordered exploratory expedition."--
Nordenskiold, _Voyage of the Vega_, vol. I, p. 58.]

First the Captaine general, with the pilot maior, the masters, marchants
and other officers, to be so knit and accorded in vnitie, loue,
conformitie, and obedience in euery degree on all sides, that no
dissention, variance, or contention may rise or spring betwixt them and the
mariners of this companie, to the damage or hinderance of the voyage: for
that dissention (by many experiences) hath ouerthrown many notable intended
and likely enterprises and exploits.

2. Item, for as much as euery person hath giuen an othe to be true,
faithfull, and loial subiects, and liege men to the kings most excellent
Maiestie, his heires and successors, and for the obseruation of all lawes
and statutes, made for the preseruation of his most excellent Maiestie, and
his crown Imperiall of his realmes of England and Ireland, and to serue his
grace, the Realme, and this present voyage truely, and not to giue vp,