LondonPrinted for Samuel Macham, and are to be sold at his Shop in Pauls Churchyard, at the Signe of the Bul-head.1609.
To the Right Worshipfull Sir Thomas Smith, of London, Knight of one of his Majesties Councell for Virginia, and Treasurer for the Colonie, and Governour of the Companies of the Moscovia and East India Merchants, Peace, health, and happinesse in Christ.
Right worshipfull Sir,
Forasmuch as I have alwayes observed your honest zeale to God, accompanied with so excellent carriage and resolution, in actions of best consequence, I cannot but discover unto you for your further encouragement, the summe of a private speech or discourse, touching our plantation in Virginia, uttered not long since in London, where some few adventurers (well affecting the enterprise) being met together touching their intended project, one among the rest stood up and began to re- late (in effect) as followeth.
R. I.
Whereas in our last meeting and conference the other day, observing your sufficient reasons answering all objections, and your costant resolution to go on in our Plantation, they gave me so good content and satisfaction, that I am driven against my selfe, to confesse mine own error in standing out so long, whereby many of you (my friends) were engaged in the businesse before mee, at whose often instigations I was but little moved, and lightly estéemed of it till being in place, where observing the wise and prudent speech, of a worthy Gentleman, (well knowne to you all) a most painful mannager of such publike affayres within this Cittie, which moved so effectually, touching the publike utilitie of this noble enterprise, that withholding no longer, I yéelded my money and endeavours as others did to advance the same, and now upon more advised consideration, I must needes say I never accompted my poore meanes employed to better purpose, then (by Gods helpe) the successe of this may bee, and therefore I cannot but deliver (if you please to heare) what I rudely conceive of a suddaine.
There are divers monuments already publisht in Print to the world, manifesting and shewing, that the Coasts and parts of Virginia have beene long since discovered, peopled and possessed by many English, both men, women, and children, the naturall subjectes of our late Queene Elizabeth, of famous memorie, conducted and left there at sundrie times. And that the same footing and possession is there kept and possessed by the same English, or by their seede and of-spring, without any interruption or invasion, either of the Savages (the natives of the countrie) or of any other Prince or people (for ought wee heare or know) to this day, which argueth sufficiently to us (and it is true) that over those English and Indian people, no Christian King or Prince (other then James our soveraigne Lord and King) ought to have rule or Dominion, or can by possession, conquest or inheritance, truely claime or make just title to those Territories, or to any part thereof, except it bee (as wee heare of late) that a challenge is laid to all, by vertue of a Donation from Alexander the first Pope of Rome, wherein (they say) is given all the West Indies, including Florida and Virginia, with all America, and whatsoever Ilands adjacent.
But what is this to us? they are blind indeede that stumble here; it is much like that great donation of Constantine whereby the Pope himselfe doeth hold and claime the Cittie of Rome, and all the Westerne Empire, a thing that so crosseth all Histories of truth, and sound Antiquitie, that by the apt resemblance of those two Donations, the whole West Empire, from a temporall Prince to the Pope, and the whole West Indies, from the Pope to a temporall Prince. I doe verily gesse they be neere of kinne, they are so like each other, the one an olde tale vaine and fabulous, the other a new toy most idle and ridiculous.
When the flatterers of Cambises King of Persia, could find no law to warrant his immoderate lust and incestuous marriage with his owne daughter, yet they told him of another law which they had found, whereby the Kings of Persia might doe what they listed: if in these cases likewise there be a law that the Pope may doe what he list, let them that list obey him, for we beleeve not in him.
Letting goe (therefore) these legendarie fables, which howsoever some men holde authenticke as their Creede, yet are they in the judgement of wise men, things of no value, nor doe import to us, any cause of doubt or feare, but that we goe on in our honest enterprise, and lawfull purpose now in hand, that (as wee hope) his Majestie mindeth not the relinquishing his estate and enterest, derived to him by right of succession, from his immediate predecessor, but for the further planting and succouring our old Colony, hath given us leave to make new supplies, which wee lately sent thither under the conduct of Christopher Newport Captaine: And hath granted many gratious priviledges, under the great Seale, to us and to our Heirs for ever, that will adventure or plant in the said plantation: So I wish and intreat all well affected subjects, some in their persons, others in their purses, cheerfully to adventure, and joyntly take in hand this high and acceptable worke, tending to advance and spread the kingdom of God, and the knowledge of the truth, among so many millions of men and women, Savage and blind, that never yet saw the true light shine before their eyes, to enlighten their minds and comfort their soules, as also for the honor of our King, and enlarging of his kingdome, and for preservation and defence of that small number our friends and countrimen already planted, least for want of more supplies we become a scorne to the world subjecting our former adventurers to apparent spoile and hazard, and our people (as a prey) to be sackt and puld out of possession, as were the French out of Nova Francia, not many yeares ago, and which is the lest and last respect (yet usuallie preferred) for the singular good and benefite that will undoubtedly arise to this whole nation, and to everie one of us in particular, that will adventure therein, as by true relation (God willing) I shall make it manifestly appeare to all.
It is knowne to the world, and cannot bee forgotten, that the dayes and raigne of Queene Elizabeth, brought forth the highest degree of wealth, happinesse and honour, that ever England had before her time, whereof to let passe the particular praises, as impertinent to my purpose, I doe onely call to minde our Royall Fleetes and Marchants Shippes, (the Jewels of our land) our excellent navigators, and admirable voyages, as into all parts and round about the Globe with good successe, to the high fame and glorie of our Nation, so especially their aime and course was most directed to the new found world, to the maine land and infinite Ilands of the West Indies, intending to discover with what convenience to Plant and settle English Colonies, in places not already possessed and inhabited by subjects of other Christian Princes, wherein after many tedious and perilous adventures, howsoever strange seas and miserable famine, had devoured and distressed shipps and men of inestimable value, yet were not the remnant escaping, swallowed up of despaire, nor their hart and spirits daunted with feare, but daily armed afresh with invincible courage, and greater resolution (scorning to sit downe by their losses) made newe attempts, not induring to looke on whilst so huge and spacious countries (the fourth part of the world) and the greatest and wealthiest part of all the rest, should remain a wilderness, subject (for the most part) but to wild beasts and fowles of the ayre, and to savage people, which have no Christian, nor civill use of any thing, and that the subjects onely of one Prince Christian, which but within the memorie of man began first to creepe upon the fact of those Territories, and now by meanes of their remnants settled here and there, do therefore imagine the world to be theirs, shouldring out all other nations, accounting themselves Kings and Commanders, not onely in townes and places where they have planted, but over all other partes of America, which containe sundrie vast and barbarous Regions, many of which (to this day) they never knew, nor did ever setle foote therein: which notwithstanding, if it were yeelded them as due, yet their strength and meanes farre inferiour to their aspires, will never stretch to compasse or replenish the hundredth part thereof: and this we proved true not many yeares agoe, our Prince and theirs being then at open hostilitie, their best and chiefest residences were scattered with so poore and slender troups, that with handfuls of men (at sundry times) we ran thorow all, surprizing and sacking their strongest forts and townes in those parts, and might long since with ease, following and seconding our forces, have set them to their stint.
But seeing we so passed by their dwellings, that in seating our selves, wee sought not to unsettle them, but by Gods mercy, after many stormes, were brought to the Coast of another countrie, farre distant and remote from their habitations: why should any frowne or envie at it, or if they doe, why should wee (neglecting so faire an opportunitie) faint or feare to enlarge our selves. Where is our force and auncient vigour? Doth our late reputation sleepe in the dust? No, no, let not the world deceive it selfe, we still remaine the same, and upon just occasion given, we shall quickly shew it too: having now by Gods blessing, more meanes then ever heretofore, beeing strongly fenced where wee wonted to lie open: Our plant, we trust, is firmely rooted, our armes and limmes are strong, our branches faire, and much desire to spread themselves abroad.
But before I come to discribe this earthly Paradice, or to prove the points of my proposition mentioned before, you shall knowe, that the first discovery and actuall possession taken thereof was in the raigne and by the subjects of Henry the seventh of England, at which time did Spaine also discover, and by that right of discovery, doth retaine and holde their Nova Hispania, and all other their limmits upon that Coast: But that we now intend to ground upon is a more late Discoverie and actuall possession, taken in the name and right of Queene Elizabeth, in Anno 1584, the 13 of July, as it is truely set downe in the Booke of English Voyages, by sundry English Captaines and Gentlemen in that Voyage, whose names are recorded in that discourse (and many of which are yet living) whereof when her Majestie had true information, shée named the Countrey Virginia, and did assigne to Walter Raleigh (then a Gentleman of worth) power and Authoritie to Plant forces and Colonies there, at his pleasure, who transported thither in Anno 1587, by the conduct of John White chiefe Leader, above an hundred Men, Women, and Children at one time, and left them there to inhabite to this day: Notwithstanding, it is true indéede (as some may object.) It is now above twenty yéeres agoe since these things were done, and yet ever since in all this time, we never sawe or heard of any good that hath come from thence, nor of any hope, that might encourage us anew to engage our selves therein.
But let us rightly weigh the reasons of it, and then judge: Those hundred and upwards, conducted thither by John White and whose particular Names you may see Recorded in the same Booke of Voyages, were left there, with intent and promise, to be supplied from England, with more companies and all necessaries, the next yéere following: in the meane time, they were to Plant and fortifie themselves in best manner they could, and to make a discoverie of such Minerals, and other merchandize, as the countrey should yéeld by nature. But as all good Actions have their Crosses and their Bane attending on them, so had this: for that those which had the Managing of a new supply, being the next yéere sufficiently furnished to Sea for that ende, yet most unnaturally, being Tainted with that common corruption of time, turned their head another way, and with greedie minds, betooke themselves wholly to hunt after Pillage upon the Spanish Coast where spending their men, their time and provisions, they were not able (béeing come and arrived at the port) to make up into the land to visite and relieve their friends, but were forced to retire for England againe, whereby the edge of those adventurers that set them foorth was so abated, that this most honourable enterprise so happily begunne, was by this last occasion most unhappily ended, neither had our poore countri-men left there, any meanes from thence to visite us, nor in all this time to give us any light of their owne estate: whereas then, if those beginnings had béene followed as they ought, and as by Gods beginnings had beene followed as they ought, and as by Gods helpe wée now entend, that countrey had long since become a most royall addition to the Crowne of England, and a very nursery and fountaine of much wealth and strength to this kingdome.
When Christopher Columbus (the first bewrayer of this new world) was to make his proffer where he liked best, hee chose Henry the seventh of England, as in those dayes the most worthy, and best furnished for Navigations, of all the Kings in Christendome: offering to invest his Majestie with the most pretious and richest vaines of the whole earth, never knowne before, as he did also the like to the Kings of Portugale and Spaine, (as the story saith) for his poore apparell and simple lookes, and for the noveltie of his proposition, was of most men accounted a vaine foole, and utterly rejected: save that the Spanish better conceiving then some others, beganne to entertaine and make use of his skill, which within these hundred yeares, hath brought foorth those apparent fruits to the world as cannot be hidde. Their Territories enlarged, their Navigations encreased, their subjects enricht, and their superfluitie of coyne over-spreading all parts of the world, procures their Crowne to flourish, and highly commendeth the wisedome of Spaine: whose quicke apprehension and speedy addresse, prevented all other Princes: albeit (as you know) their greatness of minde arising together with their money and meanes, hath turmoiled all Christendome these fourtie yeares and more.
And this I but mention, to note the blind diffidence of our English natures, which laugh to scorne the name of Virginia, and all other new projects, bee they never so probable, and will not beleeve till wee see the effects: as also to shew how capable men ought to bee, in things of great importance, advisedly to take the first occasions. We reade of Haniball, when chasing home the Romanes to the gates of Rome, and neglecting then to scale the walles, could never after with all his strength and policies come neere the like advantage: yet I must briefely tell you now, what I conceive with joy, that howsoever the businesse of this plantation hath beene formerly miscarried, yet it is now going on in better way, not enterprised by one or two private subjects, who in their greatness of minde, sought to compass that, which rather beseemed a mighty Prince, (such as ours) or the whole State to take in hand: for it is not unknowen to you all, how many Noble men of Honourable mindes, how many worthy Knights, Merchants, and others of the best disposition, are now joyned together in one Charter, to receive equall priviledges, according to their several adventures: every man engaging his purse, and some Noble-men, Knights and Gentlemen, intending to goe in their owne persons, which I did heare to protest and vow, against anie people, whomsoever shall any way seeke to entrappe or impeach our proceedings, and utter revenge upon their bodies or goods, if they be to bee found upon Sea or land: whereby we have assured hope (God assisting us) to be effectually able to make good against all, and in short time to bring to a most happy event the thing we take in hand.
And now in discribing the naturall seate and disposition of the countrie it selfe: if I should say no more but with Caleb and Joshua, The land which we have searched out is a very good land, if the Lord love us, he will bring our people to it, and will give it us for a possession. This were enough to you that are willing, but yet a little more in particular observed, by the best Mappes and Printed discourses, and by conference of such as have beene lately there and seene it, I thinke good to deliver to satisfie others: First the Voyage is not long nor tedious, sixe Weekes at ease will send us thither, whereas sixe Moneths suffice not to some other places, where wee Trade: our course and passage is thorow the great Ocean, where is no feare of Rockes or Flattes, nor subject to the streights and restraint of forraine Princes, most Winds that blow, are apt and fit for us, and none can hinder us: when wee come to the Coast, there is continuall depth enough, with good Bottome for Anchor hold, and the Land is faire to fall with all, full of excellent good Harbours: the world affords no better for Shippes of all burdens, many pleasant Ilands great and small affronting the Coast: Two goodly Rivers are discovered winding farre into the Maine, the one in the North part of the Land by our Westerne Colonie, Knights and Gentlemen of Excester, Plymouth and others: The other in the South part thereof by our Colonie of London: Upon which River, being both broad, déepe and pleasant, abounding with store of fish, our Colony have begun to fortify themselves, and have built a towne, and named it (in honor of our King) James towne, fourescore miles within land, upon the North side of the River (as is London upon the River of Thames) from whence we have discovered the same River, one hundred myles further into the mayne Land, in the searching whereof, they were so ravisht with the admirable sweetnesse of the streame, and with the pleasant land trending along on either side, that their joy excéeded and with great admiration they praised God.
The country it selfe is large and great assuredly, though as yet, no exact discovery can bee made of all. It is also commendable and hopefull every way, the ayre and clymate most sweete and wholsome, much warmer then England, and very agreeable to our Natures: It is inhabited with wild and savage people, that live and lie up and downe in troupes like heards of Deare in a Forrest: they have no law but nature, their apparell skinnes of beasts, but most goe naked: the better sort have houses, but poore ones, they have no Arts nor Science, yet they live under superior command such as it is, they are generally very loving and gentle, and doe entertaine and relieve our people with great kindnesse: they are easy to be brought to good, and would fayne embrace a better condition: the land yeeldeth naturallie for the sustentation of man, aboundance of fish, both scale and shell: of land and water fowles, infinite store: of Deere, Kaine and Fallow, Stages, Coneys, and Hares, with many fruits and rootes good for meate.
There are valleyes and plaines streaming with sweete Springs, like veynes in a naturall bodie: there are hills and mountaines making a sensible proffer of hidden treasure, never yet searched: the land is full of mineralles, plentie of woods (the wants of England) there are growing goodly Okes and Elmes, Beech and Birch, Spruce, Walnut, Cedar and Firre trees, in great aboundance, the soile is strong and lustie of its owne nature, and sendeth out naturally fruitfull Vines running upon trees, and shrubbes: it yeeldeth also Rosin, Turpentine, Pitch and Tarre, Sassafras, Mulbery-trees and Silke-wormes, many Skinnes and rich furres, many sweete woodes, and Dyers woodes, and other costly dyes: plenty of Sturgion, Timber for Shipping, Mast, Plancke and Deale, Sope ashes, Caviare, and what else we know not yet, because our daies are young. But of this that I have said, if bare nature be so amiable in its naked kind, what may we hope, when Arte and Nature both shall joyne, and strive together, to give best content to man and beast? as now in handling the severall parts propounded, I shall shew in order as they lie.
For the first (if I forget not my selfe) how it may tend to advance the kingdome of God, by reducing savage people from their blind superstition to the light of Religion, when some object, wee seeke nothing lesse then the cause of God, beeing led on by our owne private ends, and secondly how we can warrant a supplantation of those Indians, or an invasion into their right and possessions.
To the first we say, as many actions both good in themselves, and in their successe, have béene performed with badde intents: so in this case, howsoever our naughtines of minde may sway very much, yet God may have the honor, and his kingdome advanced in the action done: but yet by the way, me thinks this objection comes in due time, and doth well admonish us, how to rectifie our hearts and ground our meditations before we begin: we doe generally applaud, and highly commend the goodness of the cause, and that it is such a profitable plough, as every honest man ought to set his hand unto, both in respect of God and the publike good, this is our generall voice, and we say truth, for so it is.
But wee must beware that under this pretence that bitter root of greedy gaine be not so settled in our harts, that béeing in a golden dreame, if it fall not out presently to our expectation, we slinke away with discontent, and draw our purses from the charge. If any shew this affection, I would wish his baseness of minde to be noted. What must be our direction then, no more but this: if thou dost once approve the worke, lay thy hand to it chéerfully, and withdraw it not till thy taske bee done, at all assayes and new supplies of money be not lagge, nor like a dull horse thats alwaies in the lash, for héere lies the poison of all good attempts, when as men without halling and pulling, will not be drawne to performance, for by this, others are discouraged, the action lies undone, and the first expence is lost: But are wee to looke for no gaine in the lewe of all adventures? yes undoubtedly, there is assured hope of gaine, as I will shew anon in due place, but look it be not chiefe in your thoughts, God that hath said by Solomon: Cast thy bread upon the waters, and after many daies thou shalt find it: he will give the blessing: And as for supplanting the savages, we have no such intent: Our intrusion into their possessions shall tend to their great good, and no way to their hurt, unlesse as unbridled beastes, they procure it to themselves: Wee purpose to proclaime and make it knowne to them all, by some publike interpretation that our comming thither is to plant our selves in their countrie: yet not to supplant and roote them out, but to bring them from their base condition to a farre better: First, in regard of God the Creator, and of Jesus Christ their Redeemer, if they will beleeve in him. And secondly, in respect of earthly blessings, whereof they have now no comfortable use, but in beastly brutish manner, with promise to defend them against all publike and private enemies. Wee can remember since Don Jon Daquila with his forces invading Ireland, a noble civill kingdome, where all (except a few runagates) were setled in the truth of Religion, and lived by wholsome laws, under the milde government of Christian Kings and Princes, long before his grandsiers cradle: yet hée thought it no robberie to proclaime and publish to the world, that his comming thither, was to none other end, but to free their Nation from their bondage, and tyrannous subjection, and to bring the blind soules to Catholike religion: a plausible pretence, the least end of his thought.
But if this were coyned in those dayes by the Printers themselves, to passe for currant thorow the world, howsoever base it was indéede, wée hope they will be as favourable to our case, and give as frée passage and allowance to our invasion, much more currant, and so farre different, as not to bring a people (according to our proverbe) out of the frying panne into the fire, but to make their condition truely more happy, by a mutuall enterchange and commerce in this sort: That as to our great expence and charge, wée make adventures, to impart our divine riches, to their inestimable gaine, and to cover their naked miserie with civill use of foode, and clothing, and to traine them by gentle meanes to those manuall artes and skill, which they so much affect, and doe admire to sée in us: so in lewe of this, wée require nothing at their hands, but a quiet residence to us and ours, that by our owne labour and toyle, we may worke this goode unto them and recompence our owne adventures, costs and travells in the ende: wherein, they shall be most friendly welcome to conjoyne their labours with ours, and shall enjoy equall priviledges with us, in whatsoever good successe, time or meanes may bring to passe. To which purpose, wee may verily beleeve, that God hath reserved in this last age of the world, an infinite number of those lost and scattered sheepe, to be won and recovered by our meanes, of whom so many as obstinately refuse to unite themselves unto us, or shall maligne or disturbe our plantation, our chattle, or whatsoever belonging to us: they shall be held and reputed recusant, withstanding their owne good: and shall be dealt with as enemies of the Common-wealth of their countrie: whereby how much good we shall performe to those that be good, and how little injury to any, will easily appeare, by comparing our present happinesse with our former ancient miseries, wherein wee had continued brutish, poore and naked Britanes to this day, if Julius Cæsar with his Romane Legions (or some other) had not laid the ground to make us tame and civill.
But for my second point propounded, the honor of our King, by enlarging his kingdomes, to prove how this may tend to that: no argument of mine can make it so manifest, as the same is cleere in it selfe: Divine testimonies shew, that the honour of a king consisteth in the multitude of subjects, and certainely the state of the Jewes was farre more glorious, by the conquests of David, and under the ample raigne of Solomon, then ever before or after: The twelve Tribes were then all subject: the bordering Nations tributarie, no doubt a happie subjection to many of them: whereby they had the better meanes to beleeve and know God the Creator of heaven and earth: Honourable I graunt is just Conquest by sword, and Hercules is fained to have had all his felicity, in subduing and rooting out the Tyrants of the world, but unfainedly it is most honourable indeede, to subdue the tyranny of the roaring Lion, that devoures those poore soules in their ignorance, and leads them to hell for want of light, when our Dominions shall be enlarged, and the subjects multiplied of a people so bought and ransomed, not by stormes of raging cruelties (as West India was converted) with rapiers point and Musket shot, murdering so many millions of naked Indians, as their stories doe relate, but by faire and loving meanes, suiting to our English natures, like that soft and gentle voice, wherein the Lord appeared to Elias: How honourable will this be, in the sight of men and of ages to come? but much more glorious in the sight of God, when our King shall come to make his triumph in heaven. The prophet Daniel doth assure, that for this conquest of turning manie unto righteousnesse, hee shall shine as the starres for ever and ever.
And yet this is not all that may be saide, the auncient law, the law of Moses settes it downe, as a blessed thing, when the Prince and people of God, shall bee able to lend to all, and neede to borrow of none, and it added very much to the fame and wisedome of king Solomon, which the world came farre and neere to wonder at, in that his kingdomes were replenished with golde and silver in aboundance, and with riches brought in by shippes sent yearely forth in ample trade of Merchandize, whereof wee reade not the like among all the kings of Israel. And upon good warrant I speake it here in private, what by these new discoveries into the Westerne partes, and our hopefull settling in chiefest places of the East, with our former knowne trades in other parts of the world, I doe not doubt (by the helpe of god) but I may live to see the dayes (if Marchants have their due encouragement) that the wisedome, Majestie, and Honour of our King, shall be spread and enlarged to the ends of the world, our Navigations mightily encreased, and his Majesties customes more then trebled.
And as for the third part, the releeving our men already planted, to preserve both them and our former adventures, I shall not neede to say much, the necessitie is so apparent, that I hope no Adventurer will be wanting therein.
Our Saviour Christ resembles them that give over in their best duties, to foolish builders, that having laid the foundation, doe gravell themselves in the midde way and so become ridiculous: It had béene extreame madness in the Jewes (when having sent to spy the land that flowed with milke and honey, and ten for two returned backe with tydings of impossibilitie to enter and prevaile,) if then they had retyred and lost the land of promise: No doubt, the Devill that envied then that enterprise of theirs, doth now the like in ours, and we must make accompt, and look to bee encountered with many discouragements, partly by our friends and neighbours, (such as we use to say) will neither goe to Church nor tarrie at home, as also (which is no new thing) even by such as have béen sent to spy the land, one while objecting the charge will be great, the businesse long, and the gaines nothing, and besides the Anakimes that dwell in the mountaines, will come and pull us out by the eares, with such like fooleries I know not what.
But wee must be prepared with Caleb and Josua (so highly commended) to oppose an extraordinarie zeale against the detractings of such, to rescue our enterprize from malicious ignorance, and to still their murmurings with reproofe, for though in ordinarie and common occasions, it be our duetie to be carried with ordinarie patience, méekness and humilitie, yet to shew an excellent spirit, when the cause is worth it, and in such a case as this, requiring passing resolution: It is but our weaknesse to stumble at strawes, and a basenesse to gnaw upon every bone that is cast in our way, which wée may observe by those noble dogges of Albania presented to king Alexander, whose natures contemned to encounter or prey upon séely beasts of no valour, but with an overflowing courage flying upon the Lion and the Tyger, did then declare their vertue.
And now it followes, how it can be good for this Commonwealth: which is likewise most apparant many waies. First, if we consider what strength of shipping may be raysed and maintained thence, in furnishing our owne wants of sundrie kindes, and the wants of other Nations too, in such needfull things arising thence which can hardly now be obtained from any other part of the world, as planck and tymber for shipping, with Deale and Wainscot, pipestaves and clabbord, with store of Sope ashes, whereof there grow the best woods to make them in great aboundance, all which we may there have, the wood for the cutting, and the Ashes for the burning, which though they be grosse commodities, yet no Marchandize is better requested, nor will sooner yeelde golde or silver in any our bordering Nations. England and Holland alone, spend in these about three hundreth thousand poundes sterling every yeare. we may transport hether or unto Hamborough, Holland, or other places, fiftie per centum better cheape, then from Prusia or Polonia, from whence they are onely now to be had, where also the woods are so spent and wasted, that from the place where the wood is cut and the ashes burnt, they are brought by land at least two hunded miles to ship. And from thence we may have Iron and Copper also in great quantitie, about which the expence and waste of woode, as also for building of Shippes, will be no hurt, but great service to that countrey; the great superfluity whereof, the continuall cutting downe, in manie hundred yeares, will not be able to overcome, whereby will likewise grow a greater benefite to this land, in preserving our woodes and tymber at home, so infinitely and without measure, upon these occasions cutte downe, and falne to such a sicknesse and wasting consumption, as all the physick in England cannot cure.
We doubt not but to make there in few yeares store of good wines, as any from the Canaries, by replanting and making tame the Vines that naturally grow there in great abundance, onely send men of skill to doe it, and Coopers to make caskes, and hoopes for that and all other uses, for which there is woode enough at hand.
There are Silke-wormes, and plenty of Mulberie-trees, whereby Ladies, Gentlewomen and little children, (beeing set in the way to doe it) may bee all imploied with pleasure, in making Silke, comparable to that of Persia, Turkey, or any other. We may bring from thence Sturgion, Caviare, and new land-fish of the best. There grows hempe for Cordage, an excellent commoditie, and flaxe for linnen cloth; which beeing sowen and well manured, in such a clymate and fertile soyle, will make great benefite, and will put downe that of other countries.
And for the making of Pitch, Tarre, Turpentine, Sope-ashes, Deale, Wainscott, and such like, wee have alreadie provided and sent thither skillfull workemen from forraine parts, which may teach and set ours in the way, whereby we may set many thousands a worke, in these such like services.
For as I tolde you before, there must be Art and industry with our helps and means extended, with a little pacience to bring these things to passe, wee must not looke to reape with joy, except we sow in tears: The aboundance of King Solomons golde and silver, did not raine from heaven upon the heads of his subjects: but heavenly providence blessed his Navigations and publike affayres, the chiefe meanes of their wealth.
Experience hath lately taught us by some of our neighbour Provinces, how excéedingly it mounts the State of a Commonwealth, to put forth Navigation (if it were possible) into all parts and corners of the world, to furnish our owne wants, and also to supply from one kingdome to another, such severall néedfull things, as for want of shipping and other meanes they cannot furnish of themselves, for this will raise experience, and men of skill, as also strength at Sea and land, with honour, wealth, and riches, returning still to the heads and fountaines, from whence their first occasions grew.
Wee may but looke a little backe, and wee shall see what a novice our nation was within these sixscore yeeres, in case of forraine trade, not knowing whence to fetch, nor which way to transport, but onely to some marte or staple towne, within two daies sailing, and that was counted so great a matter then, that therefore they were called Marchant adventurers, and the great Hulkes of Italy, which in those daies brought spices Corants and such like, and landes at Southampton, (the Storehouse then for Marchandize) are Chronicled for wonders in our English Stories for indeede we knew no better then, but were content (as babes) with Easterlings on the one hand and Lumbards on the other, which were continuall Liegers in London, and fed us as they listed.
And take this ever as a rule, that Domesticke Marchandizing brings forth but poore effects in a Commonwealth, whereof I needed not have shewed example further then our owne doores.
What was the case of England before the golden daies of Queene Elizabeth at whose comming to the crowne, the state of Marchants was so poore and meane, that renting out her customes in wardes, but at a very lowe rate, yet it brought the farmer upon his knées.
A man that markes the difference, and shall compare those times and these together, shall thinke it were impossible, (unlesse his knowledge taught him otherwise) that the dayes and raigne of one Elizabeth, whose hand was ever lending to distressed neighbour Princes, and her sword unsheathed continually, repulsing forraine enemies, should yet releeve and raise the state of her customes, the strength of her Navie, and the condition of her people, every way seven fold to that they were before, onely by encouraging the royall trade of marchandize, as wee see it this day apparant: Let God have the honour, and blessed be her memory, and the memoriall of those managers of State in her daies, for their worthy counsells, many of which though they now sléepe, and rest with their Soveraigne in peace, yet some doe still remaine, and doe succeede in place, where long may they stand and their séede after them, like the Pillars and Worthies of King David, to shielde the head and honour of our Solomon, and still to uphold and enlarge our happinesse for ever: and this I am driven to speake and mention by the way, where I meant it not in regard of some which upon a disaster beginne to waxe weary of all, discouraging themselves and others, from this and all other forraine adventures: to let them know, that each thing hath encrease, from whence it had beginning: and to put our selves in mind, that wee faile not in furthering those causes that bring forth such effects.
Another instance might be shewed in one particular, which taxeth very much our English Nation, and all the subjects of our soveraigne King, that enjoying such plentie of woodlands, and fruitfull soiles, within England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales: yet our want of industry to bee such, that Netherlanders which have not a stick of wood growing nor any land for sowing, should surpasse and goe beyond us in continuall plenty of corne and shipping, me thinks the reformation hereof should find more favour at our hands, that in such points of civil pollicie, no people of lesser meanes should cast us so behinde, and each well minded man should lend his helpe to heale and cure such staines and scarres in the face of our state, as being viewed and wayed well, may very well make us blush.
And now to our present businesse in hand, which so many stumble at, in regard of the continuall charge, I would have them know, that it cannot be great nor long, as the businesse may be handled. Two things are especially required herein, people to make the plantation, and money to furnish our present provisions and shipping now in hand: For the first wee neede not doubt, our land abounding with swarmes of idle persons, which having no meanes of labour to reléeve their misery, doe likewise swarme in lewd and naughtie practises, so that if we seeke not some waies for their forreine employment, wee must provide shortly more prisons and corrections for their bad conditions, for it fares with populous common weales, as with plants and trees that bee too frolicke, which not able to sustaine and feede their multitude of branches, doe admit an engrafting of their buds and sciences into some other soile, accounting it a benefite for preservation of their kind, and a disburdening their stocke of those superfluous twigs that suck away their nourishment. And we shall find that hence it was, the Gothes and Vandalles with other barbarous nations, séeing an overflowing of their multitudes at home, did therefore send their Armies out as raging floods at sundrie times, to cover the faces of Spain, Italy and other Provinces, to free their owne from pestering: so that you see it no new thing, but most profitable for our State, to rid our multitudes of such as lie at home, pestering the land with pestilence and penury, and infecting one another with vice and villanie, worse then the plague it selfe: whose very miseries drives many of them, by meanes to be cutte off, as bad and wicked members, or else both them and theirs to be reléeved at the common charge of others.
Yet I doe not meane, that none but such unsound members, and such poore as want their bread, are fittest for this imployment: for we intend to have of every trade and profession, both honest, wise and painefull men, whereof our land and Citie is able to spare, and furnish many (as we had experience in our last sending thither) which will be glad to goe, and plant themselves so happily, and their children after them, to holde and keepe conformitie, with the lawes, language and religion of England for ever.
Touching which, I doe earnestly admonish you to beware and shunne three kindes of people: the first, a most vile minded sort, and for the most part badde members of this Citie, by some meanes shaken out of their honest courses, and now shifting by their wittes, will be allwaies devising some unhappines to wrong the plantation: such as daily beate their braines, and séeke by lying suggestions, under colour of good pretence to the Common-wealth to infringe our auncient liberties, and would (if they were not mette withall and curbed by authoritie) make a monopoly to themselves, of each thing after other, belonging to the freedome of every mans profession, the very wrack of Merchandizing.
The second sort are papists, professed or Recusant of which I would not one, seasoned with the least taint of that leaven, to be setled in our plantation, nor in any part of that country, but if once perceived, such a one, weede him out, and ship him home for England, for they will ever be plotting and conspiring, to root you out if they can, howsoever they sweare, flatter, and equivocate, beleeve them not: keepe onely these two examples in minde.
Watson the Seminarie priest in his printed Quodlibets: he, of all other men protesteth the greatest truth and fidelity to his Prince and countrey; objecting all the bloudy plottes and treasons, to have come from the combination of Jesuits, and from Parsons, that Arch-Athiest in chiefe, but as for himselfe, hee wished no longer to live and breath, then the thoughts of his hart should be true and upright to his Prince and Countrey: Notwithstanding, this Watson was the very first wretch of all other, that had his hand in treason against our King, and reapt his reward according to his wish.
The other example is a Popish Pamphlet, called the Lay Catholikes Petition, offered to his Majestie for tolleration of Popery, protesting likewise their fidelitie and unfained love to his Majestie, offering to be bound life for life with good suerties for their loyail behaviour: happy men had we been to have taken their bonds, (no doubt) for even at that instant, when this petition was exhibiting, the chiefe heads of those lay Catholikes, were then labouring with all their might, to undermine the Parliament house, to shake the Pillers, and the whole frame of the Kingdome to shivers.
And which is more, there is newly dispersed an idle discourse against an honorable peasonage of this Land, by a Papist, that termes himselfe a Catholike Divine, defending Garnet the Popish Priest; saying, there was nothing against him at his arraignement, but onely his acquaintance with the Powder-plotte: which (saith hee) beeing revealed unto him in auricular confession, hee might not therefore by the lawe and righte of Catholike religion, disclose nor make it knowne.
How like you these Catholikes and this divinitie? If they grow so bold and desperate in a mighty settled State, howe much more dangerous in the birth and infancie of yours? Therefore if you will live and prosper, harbor not this viperous broode in your bosome, which will eat out and consume the wombe of their mother.
The third sort to avoide, are evill affected Magistrates, a plague that God himselfe complaines of by the Prophet Isaiah: O my people, they that leade thee, cause thee to erre. Touching which, I am no way able to speake enough, for herein lies the very life of all: let no partialitie preferre them, unless they be werthy men; if they be Papists or Popishly minded; if prophane Atheists, contemning God and his word, turning religion to policy, unchaste, idle, ambitious, proud and tyrannous, forgetting their allegiance to their King, and duety to their countrey, neglecting their commission of imployment, advancing vilde and vitious persons like themselves, and basely using those that are vertuous, godly, and well affected: then looke for no blessing nor assistance of God, but misery, crosses, and confusions in all wée take in hand: but in men of knowledge, and religious education, there is ever found true humilite, temperance and justice, joyned with confidence, valour and noble courage, such as was in Moses the man of God; whose justice excéeded, and courage was incomparable, and yet the meekest man that went upon the earth: tenne of such will chase an hundred: no adversitie can make them despayre, their provident care will ever be to repulse injuries, and represse the insolent, to encourage the paineful and best minded, to employ the sole to some honest labours, and to releeve with mercy and commiseration, the most feeble, weakest and meanest member.
And as for the generall sort that shall goe to bee planters, bee they never so poore, so they be honest, and painefull, the place will make them rich: all kinde of Artificers wee must first imploy, are Carpenters, Ship-wrights, Masons, Sawyers, Brickemakers, Bricklayers, Plowmen, Sowers, Planters, Fishermen, Coopers, Smiths, Mettel-men, Taylers, Turners, and such like, to make and fitte all necessaries, for comfort and use of the Colony, and for such as are of no trades (if they bee industrious) they shall have there imployment enough, for there is a world of means to set many thousands a worke, partly in such things as I mentioned before, and many other profitable workes, for no man must live idle there.
And by this imploiment, we may happily stop the course of those Irregular youths of no religion, that daily run from us to Rome and Rhemes for exhibition, which after a little hamering and trayning there by Parsons and his Impes, they become pliable for the impression of any villany whatsoever, as appeares by their positions and practises at home and abroad.
And hereby our Marriners shall not lie idle, nor our Owners sell their ships for want of freight: you know how many good ships are daily solde, and made away to forreine nations: how many men for want of imploiment, betake themselves to Tunis, Spaine and Florence, and to serve in courses not warrantable, which would better besseme, our owne walles and borders to bee spread with such branches, that their native countrey, and not forreine Princes, might reape their fruit, as being both exquisite Navigators, and resolute men for service, as any the world affords.
Wee intend to plant there (God willing) great plentie of Sugar Canes, for which the soyle and clymate is very apt and fit; also Linseed and Rapeseeds to make Oiles, which because the soyle is strong and cheape, may there be sowed and the oyle made to great benefite: wee must plant also Orenges, Limons, Almonds, Anniseeds, Rices, Cummin, Cotton wool, Carowey séeds, Ginger, Madder, Olives, Oris, Sumacke, and many such like, which I cannot now name, all very good Marchandize, and will there grow and increase, as well as in Italy or any other part of the streights, whence we fetch them now. And in searching the land there is undoubted hope of finding Cochinell, the plant of rich Indico, Graine-berries, Beaver Hydes, Pearles, rich Treasure, and the South sea, leading to China, with many other benefites which our day-light will discover.
But of all other things, that God hath denied that countrie, there is want of Sheepe to make woollen cloth, and this want of cloth, must alwaies bee supplied from England, whereby when the Colony is thorowly increased, and the Indians brought to our Civilitie (as they will in short time) it will cause a mighty vent of English clothes, a great benefit to our Nation, and raising againe of that auncient trade of clothing, so much decayed in England: whose lifting up againe (me thinkes I see apparantly approching,) by the good dispositions of our best sort of Citizens, who willingly engage themselves to undertake all new discoveries, as into this of the West, and by the North West to finde out China. And unto the East beyond the Cape, into the Red Sea, the gulfe of Persia, the streights of Sunda, and among all the Kings of India, for the good and honour of our Nation: Which calles to minde, a blind Prophesie in one of the Sibells, that before the ende of the world there shall be a discoverie of all Nations: which shall come to bee knowne and acquainted together, as one neighbour with another, which since the confusion of tongues have lyen obscure and hid.
But however that bee, yet these good mindes and resolutions, doe serve for imitation to others, and doe deserve assuredly the best encouragement, whereby wee shall not still betake our selves to small and little Shipping (as we dayly do beginne,) but shall reare againe such marchants Shippes both tall and stout, as no forreine Sayle that swimmes shall make them vaile or stoope: whereby to make this little Northerne corner of the world, to be in short time the richest Store-house and Staple for marchandize in all Europe.
The second thing to make this Plantation is money, to be raised among the adventurers, wherein the sooner and more deeply men engage themselves, their charge will be the shorter, and their gaine the greater, as in this last point which I have to speake for the good of each particular Adventurer, I will make it plaine.
First you shall understand, that his Majestie hath granted us an enlargement of our Charter, with many ample priviledges, wherein we have Knights and Gentlemen of good place: Named for the Kings counsell of Virginia to governe us: As also every Planter and Adventurer shall be inserted in the Patent by name. This ground being laide, wee purpose presently to make supply of Men, Women and Children (so many as we can) to make the Plantation. Wee call those Planters that goe in their persons to dwell there: And those adventurers that adventure their money and go not in person, and both doe make the members of one Colonie. We do account twelve pound ten shillings to be a single share adventured. Every ordinary man or woman, if they will goe and dwell there, and every childe above tenne yeares, that shall be carried thither to remaine, shall be allowed for each of their persons a single share, as if they had adventured twelve pound ten shillings in money. Everie extraordinarie man, as Divines, Governors, Ministers of State and Justice, Knights, Gentlemen, Physitions, and such as be men of worth for special services, are all to goe as planters, and to execute their several functions in the Colonie, and are to be maintained at the common charge, and are to receive their Divident (as others doe) at seven yeares end, and they are to be agréed with all before they goe, and to be rated by the Councell, according to the value of their persons: which shall be set downe and Registred in a booke, that it may alwaies appeare what people have gone to the Plantation, at what time they went and how their persons were valued: And likewise, if any that goe to bee planters will lay downe money to the Treasurer, it shall be also registred and their shares inlarged accordingly be it for more or lesse. All charges of setling and maintaining the Plantation, and of making supplies, shall be borne in a joint stock of the adventurers for seven yeares after the date of our new enlargement: during which time there shall be no adventure, nor goods returned in private from thence, neytheir by Master, Marriner, Planter, nor Passenger, they shall be restrained by bond and search, that as we supplie from hence to the Planters at our owne charge all necessaries for food and apparel, for fortifying and building of houses in a joynt stock, so they are also to returne from thence the encrease and fruits of their labours, for the use and advancement of the same joynt stocke, till the end of seven yeares: at which time wee purpose (God willing) to make a division by Commissioners appointed of all the lands granted unto us by his Majestie, to every of the Colonie, according to each mans severall adventure, agréeing with our Register booke, which wee doubt not will bee for every share of twelve pound tenne shillings, five hundred acres at least. Now if any thinke that wee shall bee tyed to a continuall charge, of making new supplies for seven yeares, let them conceive thus much, that if we doe it thorowly at the first, by engaging our selves at once, in furnishing many men and other meanes: assuredly after the second yeare, the returnes from thence will be able with an over-plus, to make supplies at large, so that our purses shall be freed, and the over-plus of stock will also grow to greatness, which stock is also (as the land) to be divided equally at seven yeares end or sooner, or so often as the company shall thinke fit for the greatness of it, to make a Divident.
And as by this wée shall be soone freed from charge and expence, so there grows a greater benefit to the planters (by bestowing their labours chéerfully) to make returne of stocke, for hereby the sooner they freeing us from disbursements, the more our shares and portions will be lessened in the Divident of Stocke and land at seven yéeres end, whereby the lesse comming to us, the more will be to them, so that héere is no discouragement any way, if men will be capable to doe themselves good. But if we will be so wise to linger, and lie in the winde, to heare what newes, to bring in our stocke next yeare, and when we are behinde for foure or five Adventures, we come dropping in with one or two and still runne in arrerages for twice so much: (For I know many that would bring in stocke amongst us, but they lie out to see what successe first: and upon such like termes.) Is this Gentleman-like, or Marchant-like, in truth it is paultry, and such as would bring all to naught, if we should bee so minded too, and I tell you true, our single shares will make but a hungry plantation, if we doe not at the least double them now: and therefore I urge it the more, for that the very life of all is now in the beginning by making our supplies thoroughly, and thence will our gaines arise both sooner and certain. Yet I grant that others may come in hereafter at any time, eyther to adventure his person or money, or both, but if there be spent one yeere of the seven before he comes in, or hée that comes in with the first shall notwithstanding bée a yeare behinde in supplies, they shall be both alike shortened in a seventh part of the Divident both of stocke and lands, and if two yeeres behind, then shortened two sevenths, and if but sixe moneths, yet a fourtéenth part, for every man is Registred according to the time, his money or person beganne to adventure, or made supply, so that they which come late, get not the start of those that bore the first brunt of the business, and this will neither advantage him that withholds, nor hinder him that is forward, for whatsoever falles from him that is slack, will be found of him that supplies in due time. But every man that comes in now in the first of these seven yéeres and shall afterwards upon all occasions perform in due time, every twelve pound tenne shillings so brought in shall bee accounted an entire single share, and shall receive accordingly without abridgement, as it had béene brought in, when the enterprise first beganne and not otherwise.
And as for the divisions of landes at seven yeeres ende which (some may object) will be little worth, and unequally divided: let them understand, that no man shall have his lot entirely in one place, to be all of the best, or all of the worst, but each man shall have proportionably to his adventures, in thrée or foure distinct differences, that may bee made in the goodnesse or badnesse of the groundes by Commissioners equally chosen by the Adventurers héere, and the Planters there; and as for the value and little worth now, of those grounds in Virginia, we know that in England within these thirty or fortie yeeres, the yéerely rent of those grounds (in many places) were not worth five shillings, that now do goe for fourtie and more.
And howsoever those grounds in Virginia are now but little worth indeede, yet time and meanes will make them better, considering how they passe our grounds in England, both in regard of the soile and clymate, fitte for many precious uses: And also in how many severall places we purpose to plant our Colony, and not to bestow our costs upon James-towne onely, and upon the grounds lying thereabout, and to let all the rest lie barren: for seeing his Majestie hath graunted to our Colony as much circuite of ground as all England almost, we purpose (God willing) if we may be supplied with sufficient meanes, to settle out of hand, sixe or seven plantations more, all upon, or neare our mainriver, as capitall townes, twenty myles each from other, and every plantation shall manure and husband the lands and grounds lying néere unto it, and allotted for the circuite thereof, and shall all endevour for a joynt stocke, and shall be still supplied from hence with more money and provisions, and against any publike injury shall be ready to unite, and joyne themselves together. And by this meanes wee shall come to have our Divident in landes of worth and well manured, which will be eyther bought or rented of us at a good value by the planters, or by such as intend hereafter to inhabite there, as also by these several plantations (which happily one place better fitting then another) wee shall bring forth more severall sorts of Marchandize, and be also better fortified: and besides the Planters will be in such hope to have their owne shares and habitations in those lands, which they have so husbanded, that it will cause contending and emulation among them, which shall bring foorth the most profitable and beneficiall fruites for the joynt stocke.
Whereby undoubtedly, wee shall be soone fréed from further expence, our gaines will grow, and our stock encrease, we shall fell our tymber, saw our planck, and quickly make good shipping there, and shall returne from thence with good imployment, an hundred saile of good shippes yearely, all which good and much more, wee shall withstand and bring our selves into a laborinth, if wee pinch and spare our purses now: therefore not to holde you longer with many wordes, (being neere Exchange time as I take it) remember what I have said in proving my proposition and take my conclusion in a word or two.
Seeing our provocations are so many, our cause and title good, avaunt all idle oracles that seeke to bar us: The wisedome of the wisest saith in these cases, Whatsoever thy hand shall find to doe, do it with all thy might.
Our forefathers not looking out in time, lost the prime and fairest proffer of the greatest wealth in the world, and wee taxe their omission for it, yet now it falles out, that wee their children are tryed in the like, there being yet an excellent portion left, and by Divine providence offered to our choice, which (seeing we have armes to embrace,) let it not be accounted hereafter, As a prize in the hands of fooles, that had no hearts to use it.
The honour of our nation is now very great by his Majesties meanes, and wee his subjects cannot enlarge and uphold it by gazing on, and talking what hath béene done, but by doing that good, which may bee commended hereafter, if we sitte still and let slip occasions, we shall gather rust, and doe unfeather our owne wings, committing the folly of the wise Romanes heerein, that in time of their glory, flowing with the conquestes and spoiles of the world, and having gotten the Goddesse Victoria to Rome, they clipt her wings, and set her up among their Gods, that shée might take her flight no more, as she had formerly done from the Gretians and others, and so effeminating their valour with idleness and security, it brought confusion and ruine to their state.
Let not such a prize of hopefull events, so lately purchased by the hazard of our valiant men, in the deepe Seas of forreine dangers, now perish in the Haven by our neglect, the lives of our friends already planted, and of those noble Knights and Gentlemen that entend to goe shortly, must lie at our mercy to be reléeved and supplied by us, or to be made a prey unto others, (though wee feare not the subjects of any Prince in amity, that they will offer wrong unto us: ) And howsoever wee heare tales and rumours of this and that, yet be not dismaid, for I tell you, if we finde that any miscreants have wronged, or goe about to hurt our few hundreds there, we shall be ready to right it againe with many thousands, like the giant Anteus, whose often foiles renued his strength the more.
And consider well that great worke of freeing the poore Indians from the devourer, a compassion that every good man (but passing by) would shew unto a beast: their children when they come to be saved, will blesse the day when first their fathers saw your faces.
If those undaunted English and Scottish Captaines that so often ventured their lives, and spilt their blood, to re-conquer Palestina from the Turks and Sarazens, had séen the gappe so open in their daies, and the way leading to so many goodly purchases, certainely it had not now béene left for us to doe. How strange a thing is this that all the States of Europe have béene a sleepe so long? That for an hundred yeares and more, the wealth and riches of the East and West should runne no other current but into one coffer, so long till the running over, spread it selfe abundantly among a factious crew of new created Friers, and that to no more speciall end, then with instigating bloody plots to pierce the heart of a Christian State and true Religion.
It is long since I read in a little treatise, made by Frith, an English Martyre, an excellent foretelling touching the happinesse of these Northerne Ilands, and of great wonders that should be wrought by Scots and English, before the comming of Christ, but I have almost forgotten, and cannot readily call it to minde as I would, and therefore I omitte it now, Protesting unto you, it would be my griefe and sorrow, to be exempted from the company of so many honourable men, and from this enterprise, tending to so many good endes, and then which, I truely thinke this day, there is not a worke of more excellent hope under the Sun, and farre excelling (all circumstances wayed) those Noble deedes of Alexander, Hercules, and those heathen Monarks, for which they were deemed Gods among their posterity.
And so I leave it to your consideration, with a memorable note of Thomas Lord Howard, Earle of Surry, when K. Henry the eight, with his Nobles at Dover tooke shipping for Turwin and Turney, and bidding the said Earle farewell, whom he made Governour in his absence; the Story sayth the Nobleman wept, and tooke his leave with teares, an admirable good nature in a valiant minde, greeving to be left behinde his Prince and Peeres in such an honourble service.
FINIS.