Fabian. 



TO THE FAVOURABLE READER 



Genouoys to the most sage Prince of noble memorle 

 King Henrie the 7. with his prompt and cheerefull 

 acceptation thereof, and the occasion whereupon it became 

 fruitlesse, and at that time of no great effect to this king- 

 dome : then followe the letters Patentes of the foresaid 

 noble Prince given to John Cabot a Venetian and his 3. 

 sonnes, to discover & conquer in his name, and under 

 his Banners unknowen Regions : who with that royall 

 incouragement & contribution of the king himselfe, and 

 some assistance in charges of English Marchants departed 

 II with 5. sailes from the Port of Bristoll accompained with Robert 

 300. Englishmen, and first of any Christians found out 

 that mightie and large tract of lande and Sea, from the 

 circle Arcticke as farre as Florida, as appeareth in the dis- 

 course thereof. The triumphant raigne of King Henry 

 the 8. yelded some prosecution of this discoverie : for the 

 3. voyages performed, and the 4. intended for all Asia by 

 his Majesties selfe, do approove and confirme the same. 

 Then in processe of yeeres ariseth the first English trade 

 to Brasill, the first passing of some of our nation in the 

 ordinarie Spanish fleetes to the west Indies, and the 

 huge Citie of Mexico in Nova Hispania. Then im- 

 mediatlye ensue 3. voyages made by M. John Hawkins 

 now Knight, then Esquire, to Hispaniola, and the gulfe 

 of Mexico : upon which depende sixe verie excellent 

 discourses of our men, whereof some for 15. or 16. 

 whole yeeres inhabited in New Spaine, and ranged the 

 whole Countrie, wherein are disclosed the cheefest 

 secretes of the west India, which may in time turne to 

 our no smal advantage. The next leaves thou turnest, do 

 yeelde thee the first valiant enterprise of Sir Francis 

 Drake upon Nombre de Dios, the mules laden with 

 treasure which he surprised, and the house called the 

 Cruzes, which his fire consumed : and therewith is 

 joyned an action more venterous then happie of John 

 Oxnam of Plimmouth written, and confessed by a Span- 

 yard, which with his companie passed over the streight 

 Istme of Darien, and building certaine pinnesses on the 



