10 INTRODUCTION. 



singularly calamitous, is evident from the disappearance of 

 an extensive island in the northern Atlantic, peopled Avith 

 polished inhabitants dwelling in a hundred towns, which, 

 shortly after its discovery, was suddenly overwhelmed in 

 the ocean, and disappeared with every living creature on its 

 surface. 



About that time, the spirit of discovery was much in- 

 dulged, and almost every country produced ardent ad- 

 venturers. The people of Britain and Ireland Avere not in- 

 active in this respect ; the latter being represented as trading 

 to West Friesland, the island above-mentioned, for the 

 sake of the fisheries. As no existing history of Ireland 

 makes mention of this circumstance, the doubt may be 

 lessened by stating, that it was part of the policy of Queen 

 Elizabeth to deprive that island of her records, by which 

 probably more mischief was done to the great cause of 

 history than could be balanced by the Uttle triumph of 

 humbling a nation's pride. 



t» Columbus, in entering on his immortal pursuit, came to 

 Britain to carry his purpose by kingly assistance. He was 

 refused the protection he sought ; and Spain profited by 

 his disappointment. Two noble Venetians following his ex- 

 ample, obtained a ship in Ireland, and sailed to West 

 Friesland, which their surprise at finding populous and 

 flourishing caused them to announce as having been by 

 them first discovered. The names of these Venetians are 



4 



