ecognition from the older chroniclers. With a
sure sense of right emphasis, yet observing an austere simplicity, they
preserved for us an eloquent and adequate impression of the vital power
of the ships. One outstanding fact remains constantly impressed in their
records--that our island gates are set fast on the limits of tide-mark,
leaving no way out but by passage of the misty sea-line; there is no
gangway to a foreign field other than the planking of our vessels.

Grandeur of the fleets, the might of sea-ordnance, the intense dramatic
decision of a landing, stand out in the great pieces the early writers
and painters designed. Brave kingly figures wind in and out against the
predominant background of rude hulls and rigging and weathered sails.
The outline of the ships and the ungainly figures of the mariners are
definitely placed to impel our thoughts to the distant sea-marches.

Happily for us, the passengers of early days included clerks and learned
men on their pilgrimages, else we had known but little of bygone ship
life. With interest narrowed by bounds of the bulwarks, they noted and
recorded a worthy description. In the mystery of unknown seas, as in
detail of the sea-tackle and the forms and usages of the ship, they
penned a perfect register: down to the tunnage of the butts, we know the
ships--to the 'goun of faldying' and the extent of their lodemanage, we
recognize the men.

At later date we come on the seaman and his ships recorded and portrayed
with a loving enthusiasm. Richard Hakluyt--"with great charges and
infinite cares, after many watchings, toiles and travels, and wearying
out" of his weak body--sets out for us a wonderful chronicle of the
shipping to his day. He grew familiarly acquainted with the chiefest
'Captaines,' the greatest merchants, and the best mariners of our
nation, and acquired at first hand somewhat more than common knowledge
of the sea. He saw not only the waving banners of sea-warriors and the
magnificence of their martial encounters, but lauded victory in far
voyages, the opening to commerce of distant lands, the hardihood of the
Merchant Venturers. He realized the value of the seaman to the nation,
not alone to fight battles on the sea, but as skilful navigators to
further trade and intercourse. He was not ignorant "that shippes are to
litle purpose without skillfull Sea-men; and since Sea-men are not bred
up to perfection of skill in much lesse time than in the time of two
p