sider this as a great
deliverance. There were six of these islands, exceedingly beautiful
and pleasant in appearance, which altogether could not be less than
thirty leagues in circumference. They were about twenty-five
leagues west from Mischievous island, and the Dutch called them the
Labyrinth,[2] having difficultly got clear of them by numerous tacks.

[Footnote 1: Aurora and Vesper are called in modern geography
Roggewein's or Palliser's Islands, in lat. 15 deg. 32' S, about 10 leagues
N. by W. of Pernicious Islands.--E.]

[Footnote 2: Perhaps Prince of Wales' islands are here alluded to, in
lat. 15 deg. 50' S. and long. 148 deg. 5' W. about 40 marine leagues W.N.W.
from Pernicious islands.--E.]

As it was very dangerous to anchor on the coast, and as none of the
inhabitants came off in their canoes, the Dutch did not think fit to
make any stay, but continued still a western course, and in a few days
discovered another island, which at a distance appeared very high
and beautiful; but, on a nearer approach they found no ground for
anchorage, and the coast appeared so rocky that they were afraid to
venture near. Each ship therefore embarked twenty-five men in their
boats, in order to make a descent. The natives no sooner perceived
their design than they came down in crowds to the coast to oppose
their landing, being armed with long spears, which they soon shewed
they knew how to use to the best advantage. When the boats drew near,
the shore was found to be so steep and rocky, that the boats could not
come to land, on which most of the sailors went into the water with
their arms in their hands, having some baubles fit for presents to the
natives tied upon their heads; while those who remained in the boats
kept up a continual fire to clear the shore. This expedient succeeded,
and the seamen got ashore without much resistance from the natives;
who were frightened by the fire of the musquetry, and retired up the
mountains, but came down again as soon as the Dutch ceased firing.

On the return of the islanders, the Dutch who had landed shewed them
small mirrors, beads, and other baubles, and the people came up to
them without fear, took their presents, and suffered them to search
where they pleased for herbs and sallading for the sick. They found
abundance of these, and soon filled twelve sacks, six for the Eagle
and six for the Tienhoven, the inhabitants even assisting them and
shewing them the best sorts. They carrie