1380. N. AND A. ZENO, 15 



pense, and passed the Strait of Gibraltar, with an 

 intention of visiting England and the Low Coun- 

 tries; but, in the course of his voyage, a violent 

 storm arose, and his vessel was cast away on the 

 coast of a large island which is called Frisland. 

 Fortunately for him and his crew, he was saved 

 from a savage attack made on them by the natives 

 of the island, by the interference of a chieftain of 

 the name of Zichmni, under whose protection he 

 placed himself and all his people. This prince was 

 also lord of certain small islands to the southward, 

 called Borland^ and duke of Sorano^ lyi"g oppo- 

 site to Scotland. " Of these northern parts," says 

 the narrator, ^' I drew out a copy of a navigation 

 chart, which I still possess among the antiquities 

 of our house." 



This Zichmni, being a great warrior by sea, and 

 finding Nicolo a man of judgment and discretion, 

 and well experienced in sea affairs, engaged him 

 in an expedition to the westward. It consisted of 

 thirteen vessels, with which they took possession 

 of Ltdavo and Ilofe^ and some other small islands, 

 in which the Venetians obtained great renown, as 

 well for their valour as their skill in sea affairs. 

 On their return to Frisland, Nicolo was made 

 captain of Zichmni's fleet, and so well pleased 

 with the honours he received, that he wrote to his 

 brother Antonio to join him; who accordingly 

 fitted out a ship and proceeded thither, where he 

 remained fourteen years, ten of them alone, and 

 four in company with his brother Nicolo; the 



