Of Victualling.

AS his Majesties due al∣lowance for Victualling of ships is very large and ho∣nourable,* and would be great∣ly to the incouragement and strengthning of the Marriners and Souldiers that serve in them, if it were faithfully di∣stributed, the Sea-service (in∣deed) being very miserable and painfull, So againe as it is abu∣sed and purloyned, it is very scant and dishonourable to the great slander of the Navy, to the discouragement of all them Page  30 that are prest thereunto, and to the hinderance of his Majesties service. For that many times they goe with a great grudging to serve in his Majesties Ships, as if it were to be slaves in the Gallyes. So much doe they stand in feare of penurie and hunger; The case being cleane contrary in all Merchants ships, and therefore the Pur∣veyors and Victuallers are much to be condemned, as not a little faulty in that behalfe, who make no little profit of those polings which is cause very lamentable, that such as sit in ease at home, should so raise a benefit out of their hunger and thirst, that serve their Prince and Country painfully abroad, whereof there hath a long time been great complai∣ning, but small reformation.