156 DISCOVERIES OF 1597- 



was completely bilged and still fast in the ice. 

 Oil the 13th of that month every thing was in 

 readiness for their departure ; previous to which a 

 statement was drawn up in writing by Barentz 

 and left in the wooden house, containing their 

 names, detaiHng their late misfortunes and what 

 had befallen them in that wretched abode; after 

 which, committing themselves to the will and 

 mercy of God, they left their Icy haven in the two 

 open boats, with a view to return the way they 

 had come, along the western shore of Nova 

 Zembla. They had not proceeded far, however, 

 before a misfortune befell them which over- 

 whelmed them all Vvith grief and despair. Poor 

 Barentz, in whom all their confidence had rested, 

 died on the 20th of June ; being ill when they left 

 their house, he, and another of the nam.e of Claes 

 Adrianson, had been obliged to be taken to the 

 boats on a sledge. On being told that Adrianson 

 was so sick that he conld not live, William Barentz 

 spake and said, " I thinke I shal not live long- 

 after him" — he then said to De Veer, " Gerrit, give 

 me some drinke; and he had no sooner drunke but 

 he was taken with so sodain a qualme that he 

 turned his eyes in his head and died." The same 

 day Adrianson died also. 



There are numerous instances on record of ex- 

 traordinary voyages being performed in rough 

 and tempestuous seas in open boats, with the 

 most scanty supply of provisions and water, but 

 there is probably not one instance, that can be 



