LAURENCE KEYMIS a.d. 



1596. 

 of a Spanish shippe, that was taking in of fresh water, 

 at the Northwest side of the Island, wee wayed ancor to 

 seeke him. Hee discrying us, stole away by night. 

 The Indians of this place have determined to remoove, 

 and joyne with them of Guanipa, against the Spaniardes, 

 who lately dispeopled one of their Islands, and at our 

 being there one of their Canoas returned from Guanipa, 

 and certified us, that the tenne Spanish shippes at Trini- 

 dad doe ride, some of them at Conquerabia, the rest 

 at the small Hands neere the disemboging place. Here- 

 hence we steered North and by East, taking the directest 

 course to shorten our way homewards. 



Thus have I emptied your purse, spending my time [III. 683.] 

 and travell in following your lordships directions for the 

 full discoverie of this coast, and the rivers thereof. Con- 

 cerning the not making of a voyage for your private 

 profite, I pretend nothing. Sorie I am, that where I 

 sought no excuse, by the Spaniardes being there I found 

 my defect remedilesse. And for mine owne part, I doe 

 protest, that if the consideration of the publique good 

 that may ensue, had not overpoysed all other hopes and 

 desires : I would rather have adventured by such small 

 and weake meanes as I had, to doe well with danger, 

 then to returne onely with safetie. Nowe although in a 

 cause not doubtfull, my allegation is no way needefuU : 

 yet because the weightiness thereof, and the expectation 

 of others, seemeth of due and right to claime something 

 to bee sayde by mee, whome your especiall trust and 

 favour hath credited and graced with this employment : 

 Pardon it (I beseech your honour) if, where my lampe 

 had oyle, it borrow light also ; and my speach, which 

 is altogether unsavourie, season it selfe with some 

 of the leaven of your owne discourse touching this dis- 

 coverie. The particular relation of some certaine things 

 I have reserved as properly belonging to your selfe, who 

 onely, as knowing most, can make best use thereof. So 

 much in generall is here touched, as (I hope) may serve 

 to refresh the memorie of this worthie enterprise in those 



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