learned age in the many
regions of the earth which are now open to us."--Humboldt's Kosmos.
Sabines translation, 1848, vol. ii. p. 272]

AIM OF THE ADVENTURERS.

But besides the hopes and fears of each individual of the crew, the
conjoint enterprise had in it a life to be lived, and a career to be
worked out. It started to do something; fulfilled its purpose, or at least
some purpose; and then came back, radiant with success--from that time
forward to be a great fact in history. Or, on the other hand, there was
some small failure or mischance, perhaps early in the voyage; the sailors
then began to reckon up ill omens, and to say that little good would come
of this business. Further on, some serious misadventure happened which
made them turn, or from the mere lapse of time they were obliged to
bethink themselves of getting back. Safety, not renown or profit, now
became their object; and then hope was at last out the negative of some
fear. Thereupon, no doubt, ensued a good deal of recrimination amongst
themselves, for very few people are magnanimous enough to share
ill-success kindly together. Then, in the long dull evenings of their
voyage homewards, as they sat looking on the waters, they thought what
excuses and explanations they would make to their friends at home, and how
shame and vexation would mingle with their joy at returning.

CA DA MOSTO.

This transaction, teeming, as it did, with anxious life, makes but a poor
show in some chronicle;--they sailed, and did something, or failed in
doing, and then came back, and this was in such a year:--brief records,
like the entry in an almanack, or the few emphatic words on a tombstone.

At the period, however, we are now entering upon, the annals of maritime
discovery are fortunately enriched by the account of a voyager who could
tell more of the details of what he saw than we have hitherto heard from
other voyagers, and who was himself his own chronicler.

In 1454, Ca da Mosto, a young Venetian, who had already gained some
experience in voyaging, happened to be on board a Venetian galley that was
detained by contrary winds at Cape St. Vincent. Prince Henry was then
living close to the Cape. He sent his secretary and the Venetian consul on
board the galley. They told of the great things the prince had done,
showed samples of the commodities that came from the lands discovered by
him (Madeira sugars, dragon's blood, and other articles), and spoke of the