diuine then humane, to saile by
the West into the East where spices growe, by a way that was neuer knowen
before, by this fame and report there increased in my heart a great flame
of desire to attempt some notable thing. And vnderstanding by reason of the
Sphere, that if I should saile by way of the Northwest, I should by a
shorter tract come into India, I thereupon caused the King to be aduertised
of my deuise, who immediatly commanded two Caruels to bee furnished with
all things appertayning to the voyage, which was as farre as I remember in
the yeere 1496. in the beginning of Sommer. I began therefore to saile
toward the Northwest, not thinking to finde any other land then that of
Cathay, and from thence to turne toward India, but after certaine dayes I
found that the land ranne towards the North, which was to mee a great
displeasure. Neuerthelesse, sayling along by the coast to see if I could
finde any gulfe that turned, I found the lande still continent to the 56.
degree vnder our Pole. And seeing that there the coast turned toward the
East, despairing to finde the passage, I turned backe againe, and sailed
downe by the coast of that land toward the Equinoctiall (euer with intent
to finde the saide passage to India) and came to that part of this firme
lande which is nowe called Florida, where my victuals failing, I departed
from thence and returned into England, where I found great tumults among
the people, and preparation for wanes in Scotland; by reason whereof there
was no more consideration had to this voyage.

[Sidenote: The second voyage of Cabot to the land of Brazil, and Rio de
Plata.] Whereupon I went into Spaine to the Catholique king, and Queene
Elizabeth, which being aduertised what I had done, intertained me, and at
their charges furnished certaine ships, wherewith they caused me to saile
to discouer the coastes of Brazile, where I found an exceeding great and
large riuer named at this present Rio de la plata, that is, the riuer of
siluer, into the which I sailed and followed it into the firme land, more
then sixe score leagues, finding it euery where very faire, and inhabited
with infinite people, which with admiration came running dayly to our
ships. Into this Riuer runne so many other riuers, that it is in maner
incredible.

[Sidenote: The office of Pilote maior.] After this I made many other
voyages, which I nowe pretermit, and waxing olde, I giue myselfe to rest
from such trauels, because there ar