“ Seeing the Almighty hath given me grace to return to my native country, after having for 
“ eighteen years coasted and travelled in the Indies, I thought it good, as briefly as I could, to write 
“ and set forth this voyage made by me, with the marvellous things I have seen in my travels. The mighty 
“ princes that govern those countries, their religion and faith that they have: the rites and customs which 
“ they use and live by: of the divers success that happened unto me; and how many of these countries 
“ are abounding with spices, drugs, and jewels. And that my countrymen may more commodiously rejoice 
“ at this my travel, I have caused it to be printed in this order; and I now present it to thee, gentle and 
“ loving reader, by whom, for the varieties of things herein contained, I hope that it shall be with great delight 
“ received. And thusGod of hisgoodness keep thee!” C. Fredericke, 1593. 
***** 
“ If then my fortunes can delight my friend, 
These pages, fruitful in events, attend: 
Another’s travels may thy ear enjoy, 
And distant scenes thy leisure hours employ. 
Here let us feast, and to the feast be join’d 
Discourse, the sweeter banquet of the mind ; 
Review the series of our lives, and taste 
The melancholy joy of dangers past !” Homer’s Odyssey. 
