Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

CHAP. V. The third Voyage Northward to the Kingdomes of Cathaia, [ 40] and China, in Anno 1596. Written by GERAT DE VEER.

§. I. What happened to them at Sea, before they came to build their House.

AFter that the seuen Ships (as I said before) were returned backe againe from their North Voyage, with lesse benefit then was expected, the Generall States of [ 50] the Vnited Prouinces consulted together, to send certayne Ships thither a∣gaine, a third time, to see if they might bring the said Voyage to a good end, if it were possible to bee done: but after much Consultation had, they could not a∣gree thereon; yet they were content to cause a Proclamation to be made, that if any, either Townes, or Merchants, were disposed to venture to make further search that way, at their owne charges, if the Voyage were accomplished, and that thereby it might be made ap∣parant, that the sayd passage was to be sayled, they were content to giue them a good reward, in the Countries behalfe, naming a certayne summe of money. Whereupon in the beginning of this yeere, there was two Ships rigged and set forth by the Towne of Amsterdam, to sayle that Voyage, the men therein being taken vp vpon two Conditions: viz. What they should haue if [ 60] the Voyage were not accomplished, and what they should haue if they got through, and brought the Voyage to an end, promising them a good reward if they could effect it, thereby to encourage the men, taking vp as many vnmarried men as they could, that they might not bee disswaded by meanes of their Wiues and Children to leaue off the Voyage. Vpon these Conditions, those

two Ships were ready to set sayle in the beginning of May. In the one, Iacob Heemskerke Hen∣drickson, was Master and Factor for the Wares and Merchandizes; and William Barents chiefe Pylot. In the other, Iohn Cornelison Rijp, was both Master and Factor for the goods that the Merchants had laden in her.

The fifth of May, all the men in both the Ships were Mustered, and vpon the tenth of May, they sayled from Amsterdam, and the thirteenth of May got to the Vlie. The thirtieth of May we had a good winde, and sayled North-east, and wee tooke the height of the Sunne with our Crosse-staffe, and found that it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 47. degrees and 42. minutes, his Declination was 21. degrees and 42. minutes, so that the height of the Pole was 69. degrees [ 10] and 24. minutes.

The first of Iune we had no night, and the second of Iune we had the winde contrarie,* 1.1 but vp∣on the fourth of Iune we had a good winde, out of the West North-west, and sayled North-east. And when the Sunne was about South South-east, wee saw a strange sight in the Element: for on each side of the Sunne there was another Sunne, and two Raine-bowes, that past cleane tho∣row the three Sunnes, and then two Raine-bowes more, the one compassing round about the Sunnes, and the other crosse thorow the great rundle; the great rundle standing with the vtter∣most point, eleuated aboue the Horizon 28. degrees: at noone the Sunne being at the highest, the height thereof was measured, and wee found by the Astrolabium, that it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 48. degrees and 43. minutes, his Declination was 22. degrees and 17. minutes, the which [ 20] being added to 48. degrees 43. minutes, it was found that wee were vnder 71. degrees of the height of the Pole.

Iohn Cornelis ship held aloofe from vs, and would not keepe with vs, and would hold no course but North North-east, for they alledged, that if wee went any more Easterly, that then we should enter into the Wey-gates, but wee being not able to perswade them, altered our course one point of the Compasse, to meet them, and sayled North-east and by North, and should otherwise haue sayled North-east, and somewhat more East.

The fifth, wee saw the first Ice, which we wondered at, at the first, thinking that it had beene white Swannes, for one of our men walking in the Fore-decke, on a sudden began to cry out with a loud voyce, and said; that hee saw white Swannes:* 1.2 which wee that were vnder Hatches hea∣ring, [ 30] presently came vp, and perceiued that it was Ice that came driuing from the great heape, showing like Swannes, it being then about Eeuening, at midnight we sayled through it, and the Sunne was about a degree eleuated aboue the Horizon in the North.

The sixth, about foure of the clocke in the after-noone, wee entred againe into the Ice, which was so strong that we could not passe through it, and sayled South-west and by West, till eight Glasses were runne out, after that we kept on our course North, North-east, and sayled along by the Ice.

The seuenth, we tooke the height of the Sunne, and found that it was eleuated aboue the Ho∣rizon 38. degrees and 38. minutes, his Declination being 22. degrees 38. minutes; which being taken from 38. degrees 38. minutes, wee found the Pole to bee 74. degrees; there we found so [ 40] great store of Ice, that it was admirable: and we sayled along through it, as if we had past be∣tweene two Lands. The water being as greene as Grasse,* 1.3 and we supposed that we were not farre from Greenland, and the longer we sayled, the more and thicker Ice we found. The eight of Iune, we came to so great a heape of Ice, that we could not sayle through it.

The ninth of Iune, we found the Iland that lay vnder 74. degrees and 30. minutes,* 1.4 and as we ghest, it was about fiue miles long. The tenth, we put out our Boate, and therewith eight of our men went on Land, and as we past by Iohn Cornelisons ship, eight of his men also came into our Boat, whereof one was the Pilot. Then William Barents asked him, whether we were not too much Westward, but hee would not acknowledge it: whereupon there passed many words be∣tweene them, for William Barents sayd, he would proue it to bee so, as in truth it was.* 1.5 The ele∣uenth, going on Land, we found great store of Sea-Mewes Egges vpon the shoare, and in that I∣land [ 50] we were in great danger of our liues: for that going vp a great Hill of Snow, when wee should come downe againe, we thought we should all haue broken our neckes, it was so slipperie, but we sate vpon the Snow and slid downe, which was very dangerous for vs,* 1.6 to breake both our armes and legges, for that at the foot of the Hill there was many Rockes, which we were likely to haue fallen vpon, yet by Gods helpe we got safely downe againe. Meane time William Barents sate in the Boate, and saw vs slide downe, and was in greater feare then we,* 1.7 to behold vs in that danger. In the said Iland, we found the varying of our Compasse, which was 13. degrees, so that it differed a whole point at the least: after that wee rowed aboord Iohn Cornelisons ship, and there we eate our Egges.

The twelfth in the morning, we saw a white Beare, which wee rowed after with our Boate, [ 60] thinking to cast a Rope about her necke; but when we were neere her, she was so great,* 1.8 that we durst not doe it, but rowed backe againe to our Ship to fetch more men and our Armes, and so made to her againe with Muskets, Harquebusses, Halberts, and Hatchets. Iohn Cornelisons men comming also with their Boate to helpe vs: and so being well furnished of men and weapons,

we rowed with both our Boates vnto the Beare,* 1.9 and fought with her while foure Glasses were runne out, for our Weapons could doe her little hurt: and amongst the rest of the blowes that we gaue her, one of our men strooke her into the backe with an Axe, which stucke fast in her backe, and yet shee swamme away with it; but we rowed after her, and at last we cut her head in sunder with an Axe, wherewith she dyed: and then wee brought her into Iohn Cornelisons ship,* 1.10 where we flayed her, and found her Skinne to bee twelue foot long: which done, we eate some of her flesh; but wee brookt it not well. This Iland we called the Beare-Iland.

The thirteenth we left the Iland, and sayled North, and somewhat Easterly, the winde being West, and South-west, and made good way: so that when the Sunne was North, wee ghest that we had sayled sixteene miles Northward from that Iland. [ 10]

The fourteenth, when the Sunne was North, we cast out our Lead one hundred and thirteene fathome deepe, but found no ground, and so sayled forward till the fifteenth of Iune, when the Sunne was South-east, with mistie and drisling weather, and sayled North, and North and by East: about Eeuening it cleared vp, and then we saw a great thing driuing in the Sea, which we thought had beene a Ship: but passing along by it, we perceiued it to bee a dead Whale, that stunke monstrously; and on it there sate a great number of Sea-mewes: At that time, wee had sayled twentie miles.* 1.11

The sixteenth, with the like speed we sayled North and by East, with mistie weather; and as we sayled, we heard the Ice before we saw it▪ but after, when it cleared vp, we saw it, and then woond off from it, when as we ghest we had sayled thirtie miles. The seuenteenth and eigh∣teenth, [ 20] we saw great store of Ice, and sayled along by it, vntill we came to the point, which we could not reach, for that the wind was South-east, which was right against vs, & the point of Ice lay Southward from vs: yet wee lauered a great while to get beyond it, but we could not doe it. The nineteenth, we saw Land againe, then we tooke the height of the Sun, and found that it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 33. degrees and 37. minutes: her Declination being 23. degrees and 26. minutes: which taken from the sayd 33. degrees and 37. minutes, wee found that we were vnder 80. degrees and 11. minutes:* 1.12 which was the height of the Pole there. This Land was ve∣ry great, and we sayled Westward along by it, till we were vnder 79. degrees and a halfe, where we found a good road, and could not get neare to the Land, because the winde blew North-east, which was right off from the Land: the Bay reacheth right North and South into the Sea. [ 30]

The twentie one, we cast out our Anchor, at eighteene fathome before the Land; and then we and Iohn Cornelisons men,* 1.13 rowed on the West-side of the Land, and there fetched Balast: and when we got on boord againe with our Balast, we saw a white Beare that swamme towards our ship; whereupon we left off our worke, and entering into the Boate with Iohn Cornelisons men, rowed after her, and crossing her in the way, droue her from the Land, wherewith she swamme further into the Sea, and we followed her; and for that our Boate could not make good way af∣ter her, we manned our Scute also, the better to follow her: but shee swam a mile into the Sea; yet we followed her with the most part of all our men of both Ships in three Boats, and strooke oftentimes at her, cutting and hewing her, so that all our Armes were most broken in pieces. During our fight with her, shee strooke her Clawes so hard in our Boate, that the signes thereof [ 40] were seene in it; but as hap was, it was in the fore-head of our Boate: for if it had beene in the middle thereof, she had (peraduenture) ouer-throwne it, they haue such force in their Clawes: At last, after we had fought long with her, and made her wearie with our three Boates that kept about her, we ouercame her and killed her: which done, we brought her into our ship, and flay∣ed her:* 1.14 her Skinne being thirteene foot long. After that, we rowed with our Scute, about a mile inward to the Land, where there was a good Hauen, and good Anchor ground, on the East-side being sandie, there wee cast out our Lead, and found sixteene fathom deepe, and after that, ten, and twelue fathome, and rowing further, we found that on the East-side there was two Ilands, that reached Eastward into the Sea: on the West-side also there was a great Creeke or Riuer, which shewed also like an Iland. Then we rowed to the Iland that lay in the middle, and there [ 50] we found many Red Geese-egges,* 1.15 which we saw sitting vpon their Nests, and droue them from them, and they flying away, cryed red, red, red: and as they sate we killed one Goose dead with a stone, which we drest and eate, and at least sixtie Egges, that wee tooke with vs aboord the ship, and vpon the two and twentieth of Iune, we went aboord our ship againe.

Those Geese were of a perfit Red colour, such as come into Holland about Weiringen, and eue∣rie yeere are there taken in abundance,* 1.16 but till this time it was neuer knowne where they hatcht their Egges, so that some men haue taken vpon them to write, that they sit vpon Trees in Scot∣land, that hang ouer the Water, and such Egges as fall from them downe into the Water become young Geese, and swim there out of the water; but those that fall vpon the Land burst in sunder, and are lost: but this is now found to bee contrary, and it is not to be wondred at, that no man [ 60] could tell where they breed their Egges, for that no man that euer wee knew, had euer beene vnder 80. Degrees: nor that Land vnder 80. degrees, was neuer set downe in any Card, much lesse the red Geese that breed therein.

* 1.17It is heere also to bee noted, that although that in this land which we esteeme to be Green∣land,

lying vnder 80. Degrees, and more, there groweth Leaues and Grasse, and that there are such Beasts therein as eate grasse, as Harts, Buckes, and such like beasts as liue thereon, yet in No∣ua Zembla vnder 76. Degrees, there groweth neither Leaues nor Grasse, nor any Beasts that eate grasse or leaues liue therein, but such Beasts as eate Flesh, as Beares and Foxes: and yet this Land lyeth full 4. Degrees from the North Pole, further then Greenland aforesayd doth.

The three and twentieth, wee hoysted Anchor againe, and sayled North-westward into the Sea; but could get no further, by reason of the Ice; and so we came to the same place againe where we had layne, and cast Anchor at eighteene fathome: and at Eeuening being at Anchor, the Sunne being North-east, and somewhat more Eastward, wee tooke the height thereof, and [ 10] found it to be eleuated aboue the Horizon 13. degrees and 10. minutes, his Declination being 23. degrees and 28. minutes: which substracted from the height aforesaid, resteth 10. degrees and 18. minutes, which being substracted from 90. degrees, then the height of the Pole there was 79. degrees and 42. minutes.

After that, we hoysted Anchor againe, and sayled along by the West side of the Land, and then our men went on Land, to see how much the Needle of the Compasse varyed:* 1.18 Meane time there came a great white Beare swimming towards the Ship, and would haue climbed vp into it, if we had not made a noyse; and with that wee shot at her with a Piece, but she left the ship, and swam to the Land, where our men were: which we perceiuing, sayled with our ship to∣wards the Land, and gaue a great shout; wherewith our men thought that wee had fallen on a Rocke with our Ship, which made them much abashed; and therewith the Beare also being a∣fraid, [ 20] swamme off againe from the Land, and left our men, which made vs glad:* 1.19 for our men had no Weapons about them. Touching the varying of the Compasse, for the which cause our men went on Land, to trie the certaintie thereof: it was found to differ 16. Degrees.

The fiue and twentieth of Iune, we hoysted Anchor againe, and sayled along by the Land, and went South, and South South-west, with a North North-east winde, vnder 79. degrees. There we found a great Creeke or Riuer, whereinto we sayled ten miles at the least, holding our course Southward; but we perceiued that there we could not get through: there we cast out our Lead, and for the most part found 10. fathom deepe, but we were constrained to lauere out again, for the winde was Northerly, and almost full North, and we perceiued that it reached to the firme land, [ 30] which we supposed to bee Low-land, for that wee could not see it any thing farre, and therefore we sayled so neere vnto it, till that we might see it, and then we were forced to lauere, and vpon the seuen and twentieth of Iune we got out againe.

The eight and twentieth, we got beyond the point that Iay on the West side, where there was so great a number of Birds, that they flew against our Sayles,* 1.20 and wee sayled ten miles South∣ward, and after that West, to shun the Ice. The nine and twentieth, wee sayled South-east and somewhat more Easterly, along by the Land, till we were vnder 76. degrees and 50. minutes, for we were forced to put off from the Land, because of the Ice. The thirtieth of Iune, wee sayled South, and somewhat East, and then we tooke the height of the Sunne, and found that it was e∣leuated aboue the Horizon 38. degrees and 20. minutes, his Declination was 23. degrees and 20. [ 40] minuts, which being taken from the former height, it was found that we were vnder 75. degrees.

The first of Iuly wee saw the Beare-Iland againe, and then Iohn Cornelison and his Officers came aboord our ship, to speake with vs about altering our course,* 1.21 but wee being of a contrary o∣pinion, it was agreed that we should follow on our course, and hee his: which was, that he (ac∣cording to his desire) should sayle vnto 80. Degrees againe: for he was of opinion, that there he should finde a passage through, on the East side of the Land that lay vnder 80. Degrees.* 1.22 And vp∣on that agreement we left each other, they sayling Northward, and wee Southward, because of the Ice, the winde being East South-east.

The second, we sayled Eastward, and were vnder 74. degrees, hauing the wind North North-west, and then wee woond ouer another Bough, with an East North-east winde, and sayled [ 50] Northward. In the Eeuening the Sunne being about North-west and by North, we woond a∣bout againe (because of the Ice) with an East winde, and sayled South South-east, and about East South-east, and then we woond about againe (because of the Ice) and the Sunne being South South-west, we woond about againe, and sayled North-east. The third, we were vnder 74. de∣grees, hauing a South-east and by East winde, and sayled North-east and by North: after that wee woond about againe with a South winde, and sayled East South-east, till the Sunne was North-west, then the winde began to be somewhat larger.

The eight, wee had a good North-west winde, and sayled East and by North, with an indiffe∣rent cold gale of wind, and got vnder 72. degrees and 15. minutes. The ninth of Iuly, we went East and by North, the wind being West. The tenth of Iuly, the Sunne being South South-west, [ 60] we cast out our Lead, and had ground at one hundred and sixtie fathome, the wind being North-east and by North, and we sayled East and by South, vnder 72. degrees. The eleuenth, we found 70. fathome deepe, and saw no Ice, then wee ghest that we were right South and North from Dandinaes, that is the East-point of the White-sea, that lay Southward from vs, and had sandie ground, and the banke stretched Northward into the Sea, so that we were out of doubt that we

were vpon the banke of the White Sea, for wee had found no sandie ground all the Coast along, but onely that banke. Then the wind being East and by South, we sailed South, and South and by East, vnder 72. degrees, and after that, we had a South South-east Wind, and sayled North-east to get ouer the Banke.

The thirteenth of Iuly, we sayled East with a North North-east wind: then wee tooke the height of the Sunne, and found it to be eleuated aboue the Horizon 54. degrees and 38. minutes, his declination was 21. degrees and 54. minutes, which taken from the height aforesaid, the height of the Pole was found to bee 73. degrees, and then againe wee found Ice, but not very much,* 1.23 and we were of opinion, that we were by Willoughbies Land. The fourteenth, we sayled North-east, the wind being North North-west, and in that sort sayled about a dinner time, along through the Ice, and in the middle thereof we cast out our Lead, and had ninety fathome [ 10] deepe, in the next quarter wee cast out our Lead againe, and had an hundred fathome deepe, and we sayled so farre into the Ice, that wee could goe no further: for wee could see no place where it opened, but were forced (with great labour and paine) to lauere out of it againe, the wind blowing West, and we were then vnder 74. degrees and 10. minutes.

The fifteenth, we draue through the middle of the Ice with a calme, and casting out our Lead, had an hundred fathome deepe, at which time the wind being East, wee sayled West. The six∣teenth, we got out of the Ice, and saw a great Beare lying vpon it, that leaped into the water when shee saw vs: Wee made towards her with our ship, which shee perceiuing got vp vpon the Ice againe, wherewith wee shot once at her. Then wee sayled East South-east, and saw no Ice, ghessing that we were not farre from Noua Zembla, because we saw the Beare there vpon [ 20] the Ice, at which time we cast out our Lead, and found an hundred fathome deepe.

The seuenteenth, we tooke the height of the Sunne, and it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 37. degrees and 55. minutes, his declination was 21. degrees and 15. minutes, which taken from the height aforesaid, the height of the Pole was 74. degrees and 40. minutes: and when the Sunne was in the South,* 1.24 we saw the Land of Noua Zembla, which was about Lomsbay: I was the first that espied it. Then we altered our course, and sayled North-east and by North, and hoysed vp all our sayles, except the Fore-sayle and the Lesien. The eighteenth, wee saw the Land againe, being vnder 75. degrees, and sayled North-east and by North, with a North-west wind,* 1.25 and we gate aboue the point of the Admirals Iland, and sayled East North-east, [ 30] with a West Wind, the Land reaching North-east and by North. The nineteenth, wee came to the Crosse Iland,* 1.26 and could get no further, by reason of the Ice, for there the Ice lay still close vpon the Land, at which time the wind was West, and blew right vpon the Land, and it lay vnder 76. degrees and 20. minutes. There stood two Crosses vpon the Land, whereof it had the Name.

The twentieth, we anchored vnder the Iland, for we could get no further for the Ice. There we put out our Boat, and with eight men rowed on Land, and went to one of the Crosses, where we rested vs a while to goe to the next Crosse, but being in the way wee saw two Beares by the other Crosse,* 1.27 at which time we had no weapons at all about vs. The Beares rose vp vpon their hinder feet to see vs (for they smell further then they see) and for that they smelt vs: therefore [ 40] they rose vpright, and came towards vs, wherewith we were not a little abashed, in such sort that we had little lust to laugh, and in all haste went to our Boat againe, still looking behind vs, to see if they followed vs, thinking to get into the Boat, and so put off from the Land: but the Master stayed vs, saying, hee that first beginnes to runne away, I will thrust this Hake-staffe (which he then held in his hand) into his ribs; for it is better for vs (said hee) to stay all toge∣ther, and see if we can make them afraid with whooping and hollowing; and so we went soft∣ly towards the Boat, and got away, glad that we had escaped their clawes, and that we had the leasure to tell our fellowes thereof.

The one and twentieth we tooke the height of the Sunne, and found that it was eleuated a∣boue the Horizon 35. degrees and 15. minutes, his declination was 21. degrees, which being ta∣ken [ 50] from the height aforesaid, there rested 14. degrees, which substracted from 90. degrees, then the height of the Pole was found to be 76. degrees and 15. minutes, then we found the variation of the Compasse to bee 26. degrees.* 1.28 The same day two of our men went againe to the Crosse, and found no Beares to trouble vs, and wee followed them with our Armes, fearing least wee might meet any by chance, and when we came to the second Crosse, we found the foot-steps of two Beares, and saw how long they had followed vs, which was one hundred foot-steps at the least, that way that we had beene the day before. The two and twentieth being Munday, wee set vp another Crosse, and made our Marke thereon: and lay there before the Crosse Iland, till the fourth of August, meane time we washt and whited our Linnen on the shoare.

The thirtieth, the Sunne being North, there came a Beare so neere to our ship, that we might hit her with a stone, and we shot her into the foot with a Piece, wherewith shee ranne halting [ 60] away. The one and thirtieth of Iuly, the Sunne being East North-east, seuen of our men kil∣led a Beare, and slayed her, and cast her bodie into the Sea. The same day at noone (by our Instru∣ment) we found the variation of the Needle of the Compasse to be 17. degrees.

The first of August we saw a white Beare, but she ran away from vs. The fourth,* 1.29 we got out of the Ice, to the other side of the Iland, and anchored there: where, with great labour and much paine, we fetched a Boat full of stones from the Land. The fifth, wee set sayle againe towards Ice point, with an East Wind, and sayled South South-east, and then North North-east, and saw no Ice by the Land, by the which we lauered. The sixth, we gate about the point of Nas∣saw,* 1.30 and sayled forward East, and East and by South, along by the Land.

The seuenth, we had a West South-west Wind, and sayled along by the Land, South-east, and South-east and by East, and saw but a little Ice, and then past by the Trust-point,* 1.31 which we had much longed for: at Eeuening we had an East Wind, with mistie Weather, so that we were for∣ced to make our ship fast to a piece of Ice, that was at least thirtie sixe fathome deepe vnder the [ 10] water, and more then sixteene fathome aboue the water: which in all was two and fifty fathome thick, for it lay fast vpon ground, the which was thirtie sixe fathome deepe.* 1.32 The eight in the morning we had an East Wind, with mistie Weather.

The ninth, lying still fast to the great piece of Ice, it snowed hard, and it was mistie weather,* 1.33 and when the Sunne was South, we went vpon the Hatches (for we alwayes held watch) where as the Master walked along the ship, he heard a beast snuffe with his nose, and looking ouer-boord, he saw a great Beare hard by the ship, where hee cryed out, a Beare, a Beare;* 1.34 and with that all our men came vp from vnder Hatches, and saw a great Beare hard by our Boat, seeking to get in∣to it, but we giuing a great shout, she was afraid, and swamme away, but presently came backe againe, and went behind a great piece of Ice, whereunto we had made our ship fast, and climbed [ 20] vpon it, and boldly came towards our ship to enter into it: but we had torne our Scute Sayle in the ship, and lay with foure Peeces before at the Boot-sprit, and shot her in the bodie: and with that, shee ranne away; but it snowed so fast that wee could not see whither shee went: but wee ghest that shee lay behind a high Hoouell; whereof there were many vpon the piece of Ice.

The tenth, being Saturday, the Ice began mightily to breake, and then wee first perceiued that the great piece of Ice whereunto we had made our ship fast, lay on the ground; for the rest of the Ice draue along by it, wherewith wee were in great feare that wee should bee compassed about with the Ice, and therefore we vsed all the diligence and meanes that we could to get from thence, for we were in great doubt: and being vnder sayle, wee sayled vpon the Ice, because it was all broken vnder vs, and got to another piece of Ice; whereunto we made our ship fast againe [ 30] with our Sheate Anchor, which we made fast vpon it; and there we lay till Eeuening:* 1.35 and when we had supped, in the first quarter, the said piece of Ice began on a sudden to burst and rend in pieces, so fearefully that it was admirable; for with one great cracke it burst into foure hundred pieces at the least: we lying fast to it, weighed our Cable, and got off from it, vnder the water it was ten fathome deepe, and lay vpon the ground, and two fathome aboue the Water; and it made a fearefull noyse both vnder and aboue the Water when it burst, and spread it selfe abroad on all sides. And being with great feare, gotten from that piece of Ice, wee came to another piece, that was six fathome deepe vnder the Water: to which wee made a Rope fast on both sides. Then wee saw another great piece of Ice, not farre from vs, lying fast in the Sea, that was as sharpe aboue, as it had beene a Tower; whereunto wee rowed: and casting out our Lead, [ 40] we found that it lay twentie fathome deepe, fast on the ground vnder the Water, and twelue fa∣thome aboue the Water.

The eleuenth being Sunday, we rowed to another piece of Ice, and cast out our Lead, and found that it lay eighteene fathome deepe fast to the ground vnder the Water, and ten fathome aboue the water. The twelfth, wee sayled neere vnder the Land, the better to shunne the Ice, for the great flakes that draue in the Sea, were many fathome deepe vnder the Water, and we were better defended from them being at foure and fiue fathome Water, and there ranne a great current of water from the Hill. There we made our ship fast againe to a piece of Ice, and called that point, The small Ice point.

The thirteenth in the morning, there came a Beare from the East point of the Land,* 1.36 close to [ 50] our ship, and one of our men with a Peece shot at her, and brake one of her legs, but she crept vp the Hill with her three feet, and we following her, killed her, and hauing flayed her, brought the skinne aboord the ship. From thence wee set sayle, with a little gale of Winde, and were forced to lauere, but after, that it began to blow more out of the South, and South South-east.

The fifteenth, we came to the Iland of Orange, where we were inclosed with the Ice, hard by a great piece of Ice where we were in great danger to lose our ship,* 1.37 but with great labour and much paine, we got to the Iland, the Wind being South-east, whereby we were constrayned to turne our ship, and while we were busied thereabouts, and made such noyse, a Beare that lay there and slept, awaked, and came towards vs to the ship, so that wee were forced to leaue our [ 60] Worke about turning of the ship, and to defend our selues against the Beare, and shot her into the bodie, wherewith she ranne away to the other side of the Iland, and swamme into the wa∣ter, and got vp vpon a piece of Ice, where she lay still, but we comming after her to the piece of Ice where she lay, when she saw vs, she leapt into the water, and swamme to the Land: but we got betweene her and the Land, and strooke her on the head with a Hatchet, but as often as wee

strooke at her with the Hatchet, she duckt vnder the water, whereby wee had much to doe be∣fore we could kill her: after she was dead we flayed her on the Land, and tooke the skinne a∣boord with vs, and after that, turned our shippe to a great piece of Ice, and made it fast thereunto.

The sixteenth, ten of our men entring into one Boat, rowed to the firme Land of Noua Zembla, and drew the Boat vp vpon the Ice, which done, we went vp a high Hill, to see the situation of the Land, and found that it reached South-east, and South South-east, and then againe South, which wee disliked, for that it lay so much Southward: but when wee saw open water South-east, and East South-east, we were much comforted againe, thinking that we had wonne our Voy∣age and knew not how we should get soone enough aboord, to certifie William Barents thereof.

The eighteenth, we made preparation to set sayle, but it was all in vaine: for wee had almost [ 10] lost our Sheat Anchor, and two new Ropes, and with much lost labour got to the place againe from whence wee came: for the streame ranne with a mightie current, and the Ice draue very strongly vpon the Cables, along by the ship, so that we were in feare that wee should lose all the Cable that was without the ship, which was two hundred fathome at the least, but God proui∣ded well for vs, so that in the end, we got to the place againe from whence we put out.

The nineteenth it was indifferent good weather, the Wind blowing South-west, the Ice still driuing,* 1.38 and wee set sayle with an indifferent gale of Wind, and past by the point of Desire, whereby we were once againe in good hope, and when we had gotten aboue the point, we sailed South-east into the Sea-ward, foure miles, but then againe wee entred into more Ice, whereby wee were constrayned to turne backe againe, and sayled North-west vntill we came to the Land [ 20] againe, which reacheth from the point of Desire, to the head point, South and by West six miles: from the head point to Flushingers head, it reacheth South-west, which are three miles one from the other: from the Flushingers head, it reacheth into the Sea, East South-east, and from Flushingers head to the point of the Iland, it reacheth South-west, and by South, and South-west three miles: and from the Iland point, to the point of the Ice Hauen, the Land rea∣cheth West South-west foure miles: from the Ice Hauens point to the fal of Water, or the streame Bay, and the low Land, it reacheth West and by South, and East and by North seuen miles: from thence the Land reacheth East and West.

The one and twentieth, we sayled a great way into the Ice Hauen, and that night anchored [ 30] therein: next day the streame going exreame hard Eastward, wee haled out againe from thence, and sayled againe to the Iland point, but for that it was misty Weather, comming to a piece of Ice, wee made the ship fast thereunto, because the Wind beganne to blow hard South-west and South South-west.* 1.39 There we went vp vpon the Ice, and wondred much thereat, it was such manner of Ice: For on the top it was full of Earth, and there wee found aboue fortie Egges, and it was not like other Ice, for it was of a perfect Azure colour like to the Skies, whereby there grew great contention in words amongst our men, some saying that it was Ice, others that it was frozen Land: for it lay vnreasonable high aboue the Water, it was at least eighteene fathom vn∣der the water close to the ground, and ten fathome aboue the water: there wee stayed all that storme, the Wind being South-west and by West. The three and twentieth, wee sayled [ 40] againe from the Ice, South-eastward into the Sea, but entred presently into it againe, and woond about to the Ice Hauen. The next day it blew hard North North-west, and the Ice came mightily driuing in, whereby we were in a manner compassed about therewith, and with∣all the Wind beganne more and more to rise, and the Ice still draue harder and harder, so that the pinne of the Rother, and the Rother were shorne in pieces, and our Boat was shorne in pieces betweene the ship and the Ice,* 1.40 we expecting nothing else, but that the ship also would be prest and crusht in pieces with the Ice.

The fiue and twentieth, the Weather began to be better, and we tooke great paines, and be∣stowed much labour to get the Ice, wherewith we were so inclosed, to goe from vs, but what meanes soeuer we vsed it was all in vaine, but when the Sunne was South-west, the Ice began [ 50] to driue out againe with the streame, and we thought to saile Southward about Noua Zembla, to the Streights of Mergates, seeing we could there find no passage. Wee hauing past Noua Zem∣bla, were of opinion that our labour was all in vaine, and that we could not get through, and so agreed to goe that way home againe; but comming to the Streame Bay, wee were forced to goe backe againe, because of the Ice which lay so fast thereabouts, and the same night also it froze, that wee could hardly get through there, with the little wind that we had, the Wind then be∣ing North.

The six and twentieth, there blew a reasonable gale of Wind, at which time wee determined to sayle backe to the point of Desire, and so home againe, seeing that wee could not get through the Wergats, although we vsed all the meanes and industry wee could to get forward, but when [ 60] we had past by the Ice Hauen,* 1.41 the Ice began to driue with such force, that wee were inclosed round about therewith, and yet we sought all the meanes we could to get out, but it was all in vaine: and at that time we had like to haue lost three men that were vpon the Ice to make way for the ship, if the Ice had held the course it went, but as we draue backe againe, and that the

Ice also whereon our men stood, in like sort draue, they being nimble, as the ship draue by them, one of them caught hold of the beak head, another vpon the shrouds, and the third vpon the great brase that hung out behind, and so by great aduenture by the hold that they tooke, they got safe into the ship againe, for which they thanked God with all their hearts:* 1.42 for it was much likelier that they should rather haue beene carried away with the Ice, but God, by the nimblenesse of their hands, deliuered them out of that danger which was a pitifull thing to behold, although it fell out for the best, for if they had not beene nimble, they had surely dyed for it. The same day in the euening, wee got to the West-side of the Ice Hauen, where wee were forced in great cold, pouertie, miserie, and griefe, to stay all that Winter, the winde then beeing East [ 10] North-east.

The seuen and twentieth, the Ice draue round about the ship, and yet it was good weather, at which time we went on Land, and being there it began to blow South-east, with a reasona∣ble gale, and then the Ice came with great force before the bough, and draue the ship vp foure foot high before, and behind it seemed as if the keele lay on the ground, so that it seemed that the ship would be ouerthrowne in the place, whereupon they that were in the ship,* 1.43 put out the Boat, therewith to saue their liues, and withall put out a flagge to make a signe to vs, to come aboard: which we perceiuing, and beholding the ship to be lifted vp in that sort, made all the haste we could to get aboord, thinking that the ship was burst in pieces, but comming vnto it, we found it to be in better case then we thought it had beene.

[ 20] The eight and twentieth, we got some of the Ice from it, and the ship beganne to sit vpright againe, but before it was fully vpright, as William Barents and the other Pilot went forward to the bough to see how the ship lay, and how much it was risen; and while they were busie vpon their knees and elbowes to measure how much it was, the ship burst out of the Ice with such a noise, and so great a cracke, that they thought verily that they were all cast away,* 1.44 knowing not how to saue themselues.

The nine and twentieth, the ship lying vpright againe, wee vsed all the meanes wee could, with Iron hookes and other instruments, to breake the flakes of Ice that lay one heaped vpon the other, but all in vaine; so that we determined to commit our selues to the mercy of God, and to attend aide from him, for that the Ice draue not away in any such sort that it could helpe [ 30] vs. The thirtieth, the Ice began to driue together one vpon the other with greater force then before, and bare against the ship with a boystrous South-west winde, and a great snow, so that all the whole ship was borne vp and enclosed, whereby all that was both about it and in it, be∣gan to cracke, so that it seemed to burst in an hundred pieces, which was most fearefull both to see and heare, and made all the haire of our heads to rise vpright with feare: and after that, the ship (by the Ice on both sides that ioyned and got vnder the same) was driuen so vpright, in such sort, as if it had beene lifted vp with a Wrench or Vice.

The one and thirtieth of August, by force of the Ice, the ship was driuen vp foure or fiue foot high at the beake head, and the hinder part thereof lay in a clift of Ice, whereby wee thought that the Rother would bee freed from the force of the flakes of Ice, but notwithstanding,* 1.45 it [ 40] brake in pieces staffe and all: and if that the hinder part of the ship had beene in the Ice that draue, as well as the fore part was, then all the ship would haue beene driuen wholly vpon the Ice, or possibly haue runne on ground, and for that cause wee were in great feare, and set our Scutes and our Boat out vpon the Ice, if need were, to saue our selues, but within foure houres after, the Ice draue away of it selfe, wherewith wee were exceeding glad, as if wee had saued our liues, for that the ship was then on flote againe, and vpon that we made a new Rother and a Staffe, and hung the Rother out vpon the hookes, that if we chanced to bee borne vpon the Ice againe, as we had beene, it might so be freed from it.

The first of September being Sunday, while we were at prayer,* 1.46 the Ice began to gather toge∣ther againe, so that the ship was lifted vp two foot at the least, but the Ice brake not. The same [ 50] euening the Ice continued in that sort still driuing and gathering together, so that we made pre∣paration to draw our Scute and the Boat ouer the Ice vpon the Land, the wind then blowing South-east. The second, it snowed hard with a North-east wind, and the ship began to rise vp higher vpon the Ice, at which time the Ice burst and crackt with great force, so that wee were of opinion to carrie our Scute on Land in that foule weather, with thirteene barrels of Bread, and two hogsheads of Wine, to sustaine our selues if need were.

The third, it blew hard but snowed not so much, the wind being North North-east, at which time we began to be loose from the Ice, whereunto wee lay fast, so that the Scheck broke from the Steuen, but the plankes wherewith the ship was lined, held the Scheck fast, and made it hang on, but the Boutloofe and a new Cable (if we had falled vpon the Ice) brake by forcible [ 60] pressing of the Ice, but held fast againe in the Ice, and yet the ship was staunch; which was wonder, in regard that the Ice draue so hard, and in great heapes, as big as the Salt-hils that are in Spaine, and within a Harquebusse shot of the ship, betweene the which wee lay in great feare and anguish.

The fourth, the weather began to cleare vp, and we saw the Sunne, but it was very cold, the

wind being North-east we being forced to lie still. The fift▪ it was faire Sun-shine weather, and very calme, and at euening when we had supped, the Ice compassed about vs againe, and wee were hard enclosed therewith, the ship beginning to lie vpon the one side, and leaked sore, but by Gods grace it became staunch againe, wherewith we were wholly in feare to lose the ship, it was in so great danger: at which time wee tooke counsell together, and carried our old socke Sayle, with Powder, Lead, Peeces, Muskets, and other furniture on Land, to make a Tent a∣bout our Scute that we had drawne vpon the Land, and at that time we carried some Bread, and Wine on Land also, with some Timber, therewith to mend our Boat, that it might serue vs in time of need.

The sixt, it was indifferent faire Sea-weather, and Sun-shine, the wind being West, whereby we were somewhat comforted, hoping that the Ice would driue away, and that wee might get [ 10] from thence againe. The seuenth, it was indifferent weather againe, but we perceiued no ope∣ning of the water, but to the contrary, it lay hard enclosed with Ice, and no water at all about the ship, no not so much as a bucket full. The same day, fiue of our men went on Land, but two of them came backe againe, the other three went forward about two miles into the Land, and there found a Riuer of sweet water,* 1.47 where also they found great store of Wood that had beene driuen thither, and there they found the footsteps of Harts and Hinds, as they thought, for they were clouen footed, some greater footed then others, which made them iudge them to be so.

The eight, it blew hard East North-east, which was a right contrary wind to doe vs any good, touching the carrying away of the Ice, so that we were still faster in the Ice, which put vs in no small discomfort. The ninth, it blew North-east, with a little snow, whereby our ship [ 20] was wholly enclosed with Ice, for the wind draue the Ice hard against it, so that we lay three or foure foot deepe in the Ice, and our Sheck in the after Steuen, brake in pieces, and the ship began to be somewhat loose before, but yet it was not much hurt. In the night time, two Beares came close to our ship side, but we sounded our Trumpet, and shot at them, but hit them not, because it was darke, and they ranne away. The tenth, the weather was somewhat better, because the wind blew not so hard, and yet all one wind.

The eleuenth, it was calme weather, and eight of vs went on Land, euery man armed, to see if that were true as our other three companions had said, that there lay Wood about the Riuer, for that seeing we had so long woond and turned about, sometime in the Ice, and then againe got out,* 1.48 and thereby were compelled to alter our course, and at last saw that we could not get out of [ 30] the Ice, but rather became faster, and could not loose our ship, as at other times we had done, as also that it began to be Winter, we tooke counsell together what we were best to doe, according to the time,* 1.49 that we might winter there, and attend such aduenture as God would send vs: and after we had debated vpon the matter (to keepe and defend our selues both from the cold, and wilde beasts) we determined to build a house vpon the Land, to keepe vs therein as well as wee could, and so to commit our selues vnto the tuition of God, and to that end we went further in∣to the Land, to find out the conuenientest place in our opinions, to raise our house vpon, and yet we had not much stuffe to make it withall, in regard that there grew no trees, nor any other thing in that Countrey conuenient to build it withall: but wee leauing no occasion vnsought, as our men went abroad to view the Countrey,* 1.50 and to see what good fortune might happen vn∣to [ 40] vs, at last we found an vnexpected comfort in our need, which was, that we found certaine trees roots and all, (as our three companions had said before) which had beene driuen vpon the shoare, either from Tartaria, Muscouia, or else where; for there was none growing vpon that Land, wherewith (as if God had purposely sent them vnto vs) we were much comforted, being in good hope that God would shew vs some further fauour; for that Wood serued vs not onely to build out house, but also to burne, and serue vs all the Winter long, otherwise without all doubt, we had died there miserably with extreme cold.

The twelfth, it was calme weather, and then our men went vnto the other side of the Land, to see if they could find any Wood neerer vnto vs, but there was none. The thirteenth, it was calme but very misty weather, so that we could doe nothing, because it was dangerous for vs to [ 50] goe into the Land, in regard that we could not see the wilde Beares, and yet they could smell vs, for they smell better then they see. The fourteenth, it was cleare Sun-shine weather, but very cold, and then we went into the Land, and layed the Wood in heapes one vpon the other, that it might not bee couered ouer with the Snow, and from thence meant to carrie it to the place where we intended to build our house.

* 1.51The fifteenth in the morning, as one of our men held watch, we saw three Beares, whereof the one lay still behind a piece of Ice, the other two came close to the ship; which wee percei∣uing, made our Peeces ready to shoot at them, at which time there stood a Tub full of Beefe vp∣on the Ice, which lay in the water to be seasoned, for that close by the ship there was no water: one of the Beares went vnto it, and put in his head to take out a piece of the Beefe, but she fa∣red [ 60] therewith as the Dog did with the Pudding, for as she was snatching at the Beefe, shee was shot into the head, wherewith she fell downe dead, and neuer stirred: the other Beare stood still, and looked vpon her fellow, and when shee had stood a good while, shee smelt her fellow,

and perceiuing that she was dead, shee ran away, but wee tooke Halber••s and other Armes with vs, and followed her, and at last she came againe towards vs, and we prepared our selues to with∣stand her, wherewith she rose vp vpon her hinder feet, thinking to rampe at vs, but while shee reared her selfe vp, one of our men shot her into the bellie, and with that she fell vpon her fore∣feet againe, and roaring as loud as she could, ran away. Then we tooke the dead Beare, and ript her bellie open; and taking out her guts, we set her vpon her fore-feet, that so she might freeze as shee stood, intending to carrie her with vs into Holland, if wee might get our ship loose, and when we had set the Beare vpon her foure feet, we began to make a Sled, thereon to draw the Wood to the place where we went to build our house,* 1.52 at that time it froze two fingers thicke in the salt water, and it was exceeding cold, the wind blowing North-east.

[ 10] The sixteenth, the Sunne shone, but towards the euening it was misty, the wind being Easter∣ly, at which time we went to fetch Wood with our Sleds, and then wee drew foure beames aboue a mile vpon the Ice and the Snow, that night againe it froze aboue two fingers thicke. The seuenteenth, thirteene of vs went where the Wood lay with our Sleds, and so drew fiue and fiue in a Sled, and the other three helped to lift the Wood behind, to make vs draw the better, and with more ease, and in that manner we drew Wood twice a day, and laid it on a heape by the place where we meant to build our house.

The three and twentieth, wee fetcht more Wood to build our house, which wee did twice a day, but it grew to be misty and still weather againe, the wind blowing East, and East North-east, that day our Carpenter being of Pur••e••aet died, as wee came aboord about euening. The [ 20] foure and twentieth, we buried him vnder the sedges, in the clift of a hill, hard by the water, for we could not dig vp the earth, by reason of the great frost and cold, and that day wee went twice with our Sleds to fetch Wood.

The fiue and twentieth, it was darke wether, the wind blowing West, & West South-west,* 1.53 and South-west, and the Ice began somwhat to open, and driue away; but it continued not long, for that hauing driuen about the length of the shot of a great Peece, it lay three fathoms deepe vpon the ground: and where we lay the Ice draue not, for we lay in the middle of the Ice; but if we had layne in the mayne Sea, we would haue hoysed sayle, although it was then late in the yeere. The same day we raysed vp the principles of our house, and began to worke hard thereon, but [ 30] if the ship had beene loose, we would haue left our building, and haue made our after Steuen of our ship, that we might haue beene ready to sayle away if it had beene possible.

The sixe and twentieth, wee had a West wind and an open Sea, but our ship lay fast, where∣with we were not a little grieued, but it was Gods will, which we most patiently bare, and wee began to make vp our house, part of our men fetched Wood to burne, the rest played the Car∣penters: and were busie about the house, as then we were sixteene men in all, for our Carpenter was dead, and of our sixteene men there was still one or other sicke. The seuen and twentieth, it blew hard North-east, and it froze so hard, that as we put a nayle into our mouthes (as when men worke Carpenters worke they vse to doe) there would Ice hang thereon when we tooke it out againe, and make the bloud follow:* 1.54 the same day there came an old Beare and a young one [ 40] towards vs, as we were going to our house, being all together (for we durst not goe alone) which we thought to shoot at, but she ran away, at which time the Ice came forcibly driuing in, and it was faire Sun-shine weather, but so extreme cold, that we could hardly worke, but extremity forced vs thereunto.

The eight and twentieth, it was faire weather, and the Sunne shone, the Wind being West and very calme, the Sea as then being open, but our ship lay fast in the Ice and stirred not; the same day there came a Beare to the ship, but when she espyed vs, she ranne away, and we made as much haste as wee could to build our House. The nine and twentieth in the morning, the Wind was West, and after-noone it blew Northerly, and then wee saw three Beares betweene vs and the House, an old one and two young; but we notwithstanding drew our goods from the [ 50] ship to the House, and so got before the Beares, and yet they followed vs: neuerthelesse, we would not shun the way for them, but hollowed out as loud as we could, thinking that they wold haue gone away, but they would not once goe out of their foot-path, but got before vs, where∣with we and they that were at the house, made a great noyse, which made the Beares run away, and we were not a little glad thereof. The thirtieth the Wind was East, and East South-east, and all that night and the next day it snowed so fast, that our men could fetch no Wood, it lay so close and high one vpon the other: then wee made a great fire without the House, therewith to thaw the ground, that so we might lay it about the House, that it might bee the closer;* 1.55 but it was all lost labour, for the Earth was so hard, and frozen so deepe into the ground, that wee could not thaw it, and it would haue cost vs too much Wood, and therefore wee were forced to [ 60] leaue off that labour.

§. II. Their cold, comfortlesse, darke and dreadfull Winter: the Sunnes absence, Moones light, Sunnes vnexpected returne with miraculous speed. Of Beares, Foxes, and many ma∣ny Wonders.

THe first of October, the Wind blew stiffe North-east, and after-noone it blew North, with a great storme and drift of Snow, whereby wee could hardly goe in the Wind, [ 10] and a man could hardly draw his breath, the Snow draue so hard in our faces, at which time we could not see two ships length from vs. The second before noone, the Sunne shone, and after noone it was cloudie againe, and it snew, but the vveather was still, the Wind being North,* 1.56 and then South, and vvee set vp our House, and vpon it wee placed a May-pole made of frozen Snow.

The third before noone, it was calme Sun-shine vveather, but so cold, that it was hard to bee indured, and after-noone it blew hard out of the West, vvith so great extreme cold, that if it had continued, we should haue beene forced to leaue our vvorke. The fourth, the Wind was West, and after-noone North, with great store of Snow, vvhereby vve could not vvorke: at that time vve brought our Anchor vpon the Ice to lye the faster, vvhen vvee lay but an Arrovv shot from [ 20] the Water, the Ice was so much driuen away.

The fifth, it blevv hard North-west, and the Sea vvas very open and vvithout Ice, as farre as vve could discerne, but vve lay still frozen as vve did before, and our ship lay two or three foot deepe in the Ice, and vvee could not perceiue otherwise, but that vvee lay fast vpon the ground, and then it vvas three fathome and a halfe deepe. The same day vve brake vp the lower deck of the fore-part of our ship, and vvith those Deales vve couered our Houses, and made it slope o∣uer head, that the Water might runne off, at vvhich time it vvas very cold. The sixth, it blew hard West South-west, but towards Eeuening, West North-west, with a great Snow, that wee could hardly thrust our heads out of the doore, by reason of the great cold. The seuenth, it was indifferent good weather, but yet very cold, and wee calk't our House, and brake the [ 30] ground about it at the foot thereof:* 1.57 that day the Wind went round about the Compasse.

The eight, all the night before it blew so hard, and the same day also, and snowed so fast, that we should haue smothered, if we had gone out into the Ayre; and to speake truth, it had not beene possible for any man to haue gone one ships length, though his life had layen thereon: for it was not possible for vs to goe out of the House or ship. The ninth, the Wind still continued North,* 1.58 and blew, and snowed hard, all that day the Wind as then blowing from the Land, so that all that day we were forced to stay in the ship, the weather was so foule.

The tenth, the weather was somewhat fairer, and the Wind calmer, and blew South-west, and West, and South-west, and that time the Water flowed two foote higher then ordinary, which we ghest to proceede from the first North-wind, which as then had blowne. The same [ 40] day the weather began to be somewhat better, so that we began to go out of our ship againe: and as one of our men went out, he chanced to meet a Beare, and was almost at him before hee knew it, but presently he ranne backe againe towards the ship, and the Beare after him; but the Beare comming to the place where before we had killed another Beare, and set her vpright, and there let her freeze (which was couered ouer with Ice, and yet one of her pawes reached about it) shee stood still, whereby our man got before her, and climbed vp into the ship, in great feare, crying, A Beare, a Beare; which we hearing, came aboue Hatches to looke on her, and to shoot at her, but we could not see her, by meanes of the exceeding great smoke, that had so sore tormented vs (while we lay vnder Hatches) in the foule weather which we would not haue indured for any money, but by reason of the cold and snowie weather, wee were constrayned to doe it, if wee [ 50] would saue our liues, for aloft in the ship we must vndoubtedly haue died? the Beare stayed not long there, but ranne away, the Wind then being North-east. The same day about Eeuening, it was faire weather, and we went out of our ship to the House, and carried the greatest part of our Bread thither.

The eleuenth, it was calme weather, the Wind being South, and somewhat warme, and then we carried our Wine and other Victuals on Land: and as we were hoysing the Wine ouer-boord, there came a Beare towards our ship, that had layen behind a piece of Ice, and it seemed that we had waked her with the noyse we made: for wee had seene her lye there, but wee thought her to be a piece of Ice; but as she came neere vs, we shot at her, and she ranne away, so we pro∣ceeded in our worke. The twelfth, it blew North, and somewhat Westerly, and then halfe of [ 60] our men kept in the House, and that was the first time that we lay in it, but wee indured great cold, because our Cabins were not made; and besides that wee had not Clothes enough, and we could keepe no fire because our Chimney was not made, whereby it smoked exceedingly.

The thirteenth, the Wind was North and North-west, and it began againe to blow hard, and

then three of vs went aboord the ship, and laded a Sled with Beere, but when wee had laden it; thinking to goe to our House with it, suddenly there rose such a Wind, and so great a storme and cold, that wee were forced to goe into the ship againe, because wee were not able to stay with∣out, and wee could not get the Beere into the ship againe, but were forced to let it stand with∣out vpon the Sled: being in the ship, wee indured extreame cold, because wee had but a few clothes in it.

The fourteenth, as wee came out of the ship, wee found the Barrell of Beere standing vpon the Sled, but it was fast frozen at the heads, yet by reason of the great cold, the Beere that purged out, froze as hard vpon the side of the Barrell as if it had bene glued thereon, and in [ 10] that sort wee drew it to our House, and set the Barrell an end, and dranke it first vp, but wee were forced to melt the Beere, for there was scant any vnfrozen Beere in the Barrell,* 1.59 but in that thicke Yeast that was vnfrozen lay the strength of the Beere, so that it was too strong to drinke alone, and that which was frozen tasted like water, and being melted we mixt one with the other, and so dranke it, but it had neither strength nor taste.

The fifteenth, the Wind blew North and East, and East South-east, that day we made place to set vp our doore, and shoueled the Snow away. The eighteenth, the Wind blew hard East South-east, and then we fetched our Bread out of the Scute which wee had drawne vp vpon the Land, and the Wine also which as then was not much frozen, and yet it had layne sixe Weekes therein, and not withstanding that it had oftentimes frozen very hard.* 1.60 The same day wee saw [ 20] another Beare, and then the Sea was so couered ouer with Ice, that wee could see no open water.

The nineteenth, the Wind blew North-east, and then there was but two men and a Boy in the ship, at which time there came a Beare that sought forcibly to get into the ship, although the two men shot at her with pieces of Wood, and yet she ventured vpon them,* 1.61 whereby they were in an extreame feare, each of them seeking to saue themselues, the two men leapt into the Ballast, and the Boy climbed into the foot Mast top, to saue their liues, meane time, some of our men shot at her with a Musket, and then shee ranne away. The twentieth, it was calme Sunne-shine weather, and then againe wee saw the Sea open, at which time wee went on boord to fetch the rest of our Beere out of the ship,* 1.62 where wee found some of the Bar∣rels [ 30] frozen in pieces, and the Iron hoopes that were vpon the Iosam Barrels were also fro∣zen in pieces.

The two and twentieth, the Winde blew coldly, and very stiffe North-east, with so great a Snow, that wee could not get out of our doores. The three and twentieth, it was calme weather, and the Winde blew North-east, then wee went aboord our ship, to see if the rest of our men would come home to the House; but wee feared that it would blow hard againe, and therefore durst not stirre with the sicke man, but let him lye still that day, for hee was very weake.

The foure and twentieth, the rest of our men beeing eight persons, came to the House, and drew the sicke man vpon a Sled, and then with great labour and paine,* 1.63 wee drew our [ 40] Boat home to our House, and turned the bottome thereof vpwards, that when time serued vs (if God saued our liues in the Winter time) wee might vse it: and after that, perceiuing that the ship lay fast, and that there was nothing lesse to be expected then the opening of the water, wee put our Anchor into the ship againe, because it should not be couered ouer and lost in the Snow, that in the Spring time wee might vse it: for we alwayes trusted in God that hee would deliuer vs from thence towards Summer time, eyther one way or other. The Sunne, when we might see it best and highest, began to be very low, and we vsed all the speed we could to fetch all things with Sleds out of our ship into our House, not onely meate and drinke, but all other necessaries, at which time the Wind was North.

The fiue and twentieth, wee fetcht all things that were necessary for the furnishing of our [ 50] Scute and our Boate: and when we had laden the last Sled, and stood readie to draw it to the House, our Master looked about him and saw three Beares behind the ship that were comming towards vs, whereupon hee cryed out aloud to feare them away, and wee presently leaped forth to defend our selues as well as we could: and, as good fortune was, there lay two Hal∣berds vpon the Sled, whereof the Master tooke one, and I the other, and made resistance against them as well as we could; but the rest of our men ranne to saue themselues in the ship, and as they ranne, one of them fell into a Clift of Ice, which grieued vs much: for we thought verily that the Beares would haue ranne vnto him, to deuoure him, but God defended him: for the Beares still made towardes the ship after the men that ranne thither to saue themselues. Meane time, wee and the man that fell into the Clift of Ice, tooke our aduantage, and [ 60] got into the ship on the other side, which the Beares perceiuing,* 1.64 they came fiercely to∣wards vs, that had no other Armes to defend vs withall, but onely the two Halberds, which wee doubting would not bee sufficient, wee still gaue them worke to doe by throw∣ing Billets and other things at them, and euery time we threw, they ranne after them as a Dogge vseth to doe at a Stone that is cast at him. Meane time, wee sent a man

downe vnder Hatches to strike Fire, and another to fetch Pikes, but wee could get no Fire, and so wee had no meanes to shoote: at the last, as the Beares came fiercely vpon vs, wee strooke one of them with a Halberd vpon the Snowt, wherewith shee gaue backe, when shee felt her selfe hurt, and went away, which the other two that were not so great as shee, perceiuing, ranne away: and wee thanked God that wee were so well deliuered from them, and so drew our Sled quietly to our House, and there shewed our men what had happened vnto vs.

The sixe and twentieth, the Wind was North, and North North-west, with indiffe∣rent faire weather: then wee saw open Water hard by the Land, but wee perceiued the Ice to driue in the Sea, still towards the ship. The seuen and twentieth, the Wind blew North-east, [ 10] and it snowed so fast, that wee could not worke without the doore. That day our men killed a White Foxe,* 1.65 which they flead: and after they had rosted it, ate thereof, which tasted like Conies flesh: the same day we set vp our Dyall, and made the Clocke strike, and wee hung vp a Lampe to burne in the night time,* 1.66 wherein we vsed the fat of the Bear•• which wee melt, and burnt in the Lampe.

The nine and twentieth, the Wind still blew North-east, and then wee fetched Segges from the Sea-side, and layd them vpon the Sayle that was spread vpon our House, that it might bee so much the closer and warmer: for the Deales were not driuen close together, and the foule weather would not permit vs to doe it. The thirtieth, the Winde yet continued North-east, and the Sunne was full aboue the Earth, a little aboue the Horizon. The one and thirtieth, the [ 20] Winde still blew North-east, with great store of Snow, whereby wee durst not looke out of doores.

The first of Nouember, the Wind still continued North-east, and then wee saw the Moone rise in the East when it beganne to bee darke,* 1.67 and the Sunne was no higher aboue the Horizon then we could well see it, and yet that day we saw it not, because of the close weather, and the great Snow that fell,* 1.68 and it was extreame cold, so that we could not goe out of the House.

The second, the Wind blew West, and somewhat South, but in the Eeuening it blew North, with calme weather,* 1.69 and that day we saw the Sunne rise South South-east, and it went downe South South-west, but it was not full aboue the Earth, but passed in the Horizon along by the Earth: and the same day one of our men killed a Fox with a Hatchet, which was flayed, roasted [ 30] and eaten. Before the Sunne began to decline, wee saw no Foxes, and then the Beares vsed to goe from vs.

The third, the Wind blew North-west with calme weather, and the Sunne rose South and by East, and somewhat more Southerly, and went downe South and by West, and somewhat more Southerly; and then we could see nothing but the vpper part of the Sunne aboue the Ho∣rizon, and yet the Land where wee were was as high as the Mast of our ship, then wee tooke the height of the Sunne, it being in the eleuenth degree, and fortie eight minutes of Scorpio, his Declination being fifteene degrees and twentie foure minutes, on the South-side of the E∣quinoctiall Line.

* 1.70The fourth, it was calme weather, but then wee saw the Sunne no more, for it was no [ 40] longer aboue the Horizon, then our Chirurgion made a Bath (to bathe vs in) of a Wine∣pipe, wherein wee entred one after the other, and it did vs much good; and was a great meanes of our health. The same day wee tooke a White Foxe, that oftentimes came a∣broad, not as they vsed at other times: for that when the Beares left vs at the setting of the Sunne, and came not againe before it rose, the Foxe to the contrarie came abroad when they were gone.

The fifth, the Winde was North, and somewhat West, and then wee saw open water vpon the Sea, but our shippe lay still fast in the Ice, and when the Sunne had left vs, wee saw the Moone continuall both day and night,* 1.71 and neuer went downe when it was in the highest degree. The sixt, the Winde was North-west, still weather, and then our men [ 50] fetcht a Sled full of Fire-wood, but by reason that the Sunne was not seene, it was very darke weather.

The seuenth, it was darke weather, and very still, the Winde West, at which time wee could hardly discerne the Day from the Night,* 1.72 specially because at that time our Clocke stood still, and by that meanes wee knew not when it was day, although it was day, and our men rose not out of their Cabins all that day; but onely to make water, and therefore they knew not whether the light they saw, was the light of the day or of the Moone; whereupon, they were of seuerall opinions, some saying, it was the light of the day, the others of the night: but as wee tooke good regard thereunto, wee found it to bee the light of the day about twelue of the clocke at noone. [ 60]

The eight, it was still weather, the Winde blowing South, and South-west. The same day our men fetcht another Sled of Fire-wood, and then also wee tooke a White Foxe, and saw open water in the Sea. The same day wee shared our Bread amongst vs, each man hauing foure pound and tenne ounces,* 1.73 for his allowance in eight dayes, so that then

we were eight dayes eating a Barrell of Bread, whereas before wee ate it vp in fiue or six dayes: we had no need to share our flesh and fish, for we had more store thereof; but our drinke failed vs, and therefore we were forced to share that also:* 1.74 but our best Beere was for the most part who∣ly without any strength, so that it had no sauour at all: and besides all this, there was a great deale of it spilt. The ninth, the Wind blew North-east, and somewhat more Northerly, and then we had not much day light, but it was altogether darke. The tenth, it was calme wea∣ther, the Wind North-west, and then our men went into the ship to see how it lay,* 1.75 and wee saw that there was a great deale of water in it, so that the ballast was couered ouer with water, but that it was frozen, and so might not bee pumpt out. The eleuenth, it was indifferent wea∣ther, the Wind North-west. The same day we made a round thing of Cable yarne, and like to a [ 10] Net, to catch Foxes withall, that wee might get them into the House,* 1.76 and it was made like a Trap, which fell vpon the Foxes as they came vnder it, and that day we caught one.

The twelfth, the Wind blew East, with a little light: that day wee began to share our Wine, euery man had two Glasses a day, but commonly our Drinke was water,* 1.77 which we melted out of Snow, which we gathered without the House. The thirteenth, it was foule weather, with great Snow, the Wind East. The fourteenth, it was faire cleere weather, with a cleere Skie full of Starres, and an East-wind. The fifteenth, it was darke weather, the Wind North-east, with a vading light. The sixteenth, it was weather with a temperate Ayre, and an East-wind. The seuenteenth, it was darke weather, and a close Ayre, the Wind East. The eighteenth, it was foule weather, the wind South-east: then the Master cut vp a packe of course Clothes, and diui∣ded [ 20] it amongst our men that needed it, therewith to defend vs better from the cold. The nine∣teenth, it was foule weather, with an East-wind, and then the Chist with Linnen was opened, and diuided amongst the men for shift, for they had need of them, for then our onely care was to find all the meanes we could to defend our bodie from the cold. The twentieth, it was faire still weather, the Wind Easterly, then wee washt our sheets, but it was so cold, that when wee had washt and wrung them, they presently froze so stiffe, that although wee layed them by a great fire, the side that lay next the fire thawed, but the other side was hard frozen, so that wee should sooner haue torne them in sunder then haue opened them,* 1.78 whereby wee were forced to put them into the seething water againe to thaw them, it was so exceeding cold. The one and twentieth, it was indifferent weather with a North-east wind, then we agreed that euery man [ 30] should take his turne to cleaue Wood, thereby to ease our Cooke, that had more then worke e∣nough to doe twice a day to dresse meate, and to melt Snow for our Drinke, but our Master and the Pilot were exempted from that Worke.

The two and twentieth, the Wind was South-east, it was faire weather, then wee had but seuenteene Cheeses, whereof one we ate amongst vs, and the rest were diuided to euery man one for his portion, which they might eate when he list. The three and twentieth, it was indiffe∣rent good weather, the Wind South-east, and as we perceiued that the Fox vsed to come oftner, and more then they were wont, to take them the better, wee made certaine Trappes of thicke Planckes, whereon wee laid stones, and round about them placed pieces of shards fast in the ground, that they might not digge vnder them, and so got some of the Foxes.* 1.79 The foure and [ 40] twentieth, it was foule weather, and the Wind North-east, and then wee prepared our selues to goe into the Bath, for some of vs were not very well at ease, and so foure of vs went into it, and when we came out, our Surgeon gaue vs a Purgation, which did vs much good, and that day we tooke foure Foxes. The fiue and twentieth▪ it was faire cleere weather, the Wind West; and that day we tooke two Foxes with Springs that we had purposely set vp.

The six and twentieth, it was foule weather, and a great storme with a South-west Wind, and great store of Snow, whereby wee were so closed vp in the House, that wee could not goe out, but were forced to ease our selues within the House. The seuen and twentieth, it was faire cleere weather, the Wind South-west, and then we made more Spinges to get Foxes, for it stood vs vpon to doe it, because they serued vs for meate, as if God had sent them purposely for vs, [ 50] for we had not much meate. The eight and twentieth of Nouember, it was foule stormie wea∣ther, and the Winde blew hard out of the North, and it snew hard, whereby wee were shut vp againe in our House, the Snow lay so closed before the doores.

The nine and twentieth, it was faire cleere weather, and a good Ayre: the Wind Northerly, and we found meanes to open our doore by shoueling away the Snow, whereby wee got one of our doores open, and going out,* 1.80 wee found all our Traps and Springes cleane couered ouer with Snow, which wee made cleane, and set them vp againe to take Foxes: and that day wee tooke one, which as then serued vs not onely for meate,* 1.81 but of the skinnes wee made Caps to weare vpon our heads, wherewith to keepe them warme from the extreame cold. The thirtieth, it [ 60] was faire cleere weather, the Wind West, and six of vs went to the ship, all well prouided of Armes to see how it lay: and when wee went vnder the fore Decke, wee tooke a Foxe aliue in the ship.

The first of December, it was foule weather with a South-west Wind,* 1.82 and great store of Snow, whereby we were once againe stopt vp in the House, and by that meanes there was so

great a smoake in the House, that we could hardly make f••re, and so were forced to lye all day in our Cabins,* 1.83 but the Cooke was forced to make fire to dresse our meate. The second, it was still foule weather, whereby wee were forced to keepe still in the House, and yet wee could hardly sit by the fire, because of the smoake, and therefore stayed still in our Cabins, and then we heated stones,* 1.84 which we put in our Cabins to warme our feet, for that both the cold and the smoake were vnsupportable.

The third, we had the like weather, at which time as we lay in our Cabins, wee might heare the Ice cracke in the Sea, and yet it was at the least halfe a mile from vs, which made a huge noyse, and we were of opinion, that as then the great Hils of Ice which wee had seene in the Sea, in Summer time, brake one from the other, and for that during those two or three dayes, be∣cause [ 10] of the extreame smoake, we made not so much fire as we commonly vsed to doe, it froze so sore within the House, that the Wals and the Roofe thereof were frozen two fingers thick with Ice,* 1.85 and also in our Cabins where we lay all those three dayes, while wee could not goe out: by reason of the foule weather, we set vp the Glasse of twelue houres, and when it was runne out, wee set it vp againe, still watching it lest wee should misse our time. For the cold was so great,* 1.86 that our Clocke was frozen, and might not goe, although we hung more waight on it then before.

The fourth, it was faire cleere weather, the Wind North-east, and then we began euery man by turne to digge open our doores that were closed vp with Snow,* 1.87 for we saw that it would be often to doe, and therefore we agreed to worke by turnes, no man excepted but the Master [ 20] and the Pilot. The fifth, it was faire weather with an East-wind, and then we made our Sprin∣ges cleane againe to take Foxes. The sixt, it was foule weather againe, with an Easterly Wind, and extreame cold, almost not to bee indured, whereupon wee lookt pittifully one vpon the o∣ther, being in great feare, that if the extreamitie of the cold grew to bee more and more, wee should all dye there with cold, for that what fire soeuer we made, it would not warme vs, yea, and our Sacke which is so hot,* 1.88 was frozen very hard, so that when wee were euery man to haue his part, we were forced to melt it in the fire, which wee shared euery second day about halfe a pint for a man, wherewith we were forced to sustayne our selues, and at other times wee dranke water, which agreed not well with the cold, and we needed not to coole it with Snow or Ice, but we were forced to melt it out of the Snow. [ 30]

The seuenth, it was still foule weather, and we had a great storme with a North-east Wind, which brought an extreame cold with it, at which time wee knew not what to doe, and while we sate consulting together, what were best for vs to doe, one of our companions gaue vs coun∣sell to burne some of the Sea-coales that we had brought out of the ship, which would cast a great heate and continue long,* 1.89 and so at Eeuening we made a great fire thereof, which cast a great heat: at which time wee were very carefull to keepe it in: for that the heate beeing so great a comfort vnto vs, we tooke care how to make it continue long: whereupon wee agreed to stop vp all the doores and the Chimney, thereby to keepe in the heate, and so went into our Cabins to sleepe, well comforted with the heate, and so lay a great while talking together; but at last we were ta∣ken with a great swounding and dazeling in our heads,* 1.90 yet some more then other some, which [ 40] we first perceiued by a sicke man, and therefore the lesse able to beare it, and found our selues to be very ill at ease, so that some of vs that were strongest, start out of their Cabins, and first o∣pened the Chimney, and then the doores, but he that opened the doore fell downe in a swound vpon the Snow, which I hearing, as lying in my Cabin next to the doore, start vp, and casting Vinegar in his face, recouered him againe, and so he rose vp: and when the doores were open, we all recouered our healths againe,* 1.91 by reason of the cold Ayre, and so the cold which before had beene so great an Enemy vnto vs, was then the onely reliefe that wee had, otherwise without doubt, we had dyed in a sudden swound, after that the Master, when we were come to our selues againe, gaue euery one of vs a little Wine to comfort our hearts.

The eight, it was foule weather, the winde Northerly, very sharpe and cold, but we durst lay no more coales on, as wee did the day before, for that our misfortune had taught vs, that to [ 50] shunne one danger we should not runne into another. The ninth, it was faire cleare weather, the skie full of Starres, then we set our doore wide open, which before was fast closed vp with Snow, and made our Springes ready to take Foxes. The tenth, it was still faire Star-light wea∣ther, the winde North-east: then wee tooke two Foxes, which were good meate for vs, for as then our victuals began to bee scant, and the cold still increased, whereunto their Skinnes serued vs for a good defence.* 1.92 The eleuenth, it was faire weather, and a cleere ayre but very cold, which hee that felt not would not beleeue, for our Shooes froze as hard as hornes vpon our feete, and within they were white frozen, so that we could not weare our shooes, but were forced to make great Pattents, the vpper part being Sheepe-skinnes, which we put on ouer three or foure payre of Sockes, and so went in them to keepe our feet warme. [ 60]

The twelfth, it was faire cleere weather with a North-west winde, but extreame cold, so that our House walls and Cabbins were frozen a finger thicke;* 1.93 yea, and the Cloathes vpon our backes were white ouer with Frost, and although some of vs were of opinion, that wee should

lay more coles vpon the fire to warme vs, and that we should let the chimney stand open, yet we durst not doe it, fearing the like danger we had escaped. The thirteenth, it was faire cleere wea∣ther, with an East winde: then we tooke another Foxe, and tooke great paines about preparing and dressing of our Springes, with no small trouble,* 1.94 for that if wee stayed too long without the doores, there arose blisters vpon our Faces and our Eares. The fourteenth, it was faire weather, the winde North-east, and the skie full of starres, then we tooke the height of the right shoulder of the Rens, when it was South South-west, and somewhat more Westerly (and then it was at the highest in our Compasse) and it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 20. degrees and 28. minutes, his Declination being 6. degrees and 18. minutes, on the North-side of the line, which Declina∣tion [ 10] being taken out of the height aforesayd, there rested 14. degrees, which being taken out of 90. degrees, then the height of the Pole was 76. degrees.

The fifteenth, it was still faire weather, the winde East: that day wee tooke two Foxes, and saw the Moone rise East South-east, when it was sixe and twentie dayes old, in the signe of Scor∣pio. The sixteenth, it was faire cleere weather, the winde East: at that time wee had no more Wood in the house, but had burnt it all: but round about our house there lay some couered ouer with Snow, which with great paine and labour we were forced to digge out, and so shouell away the Snow, and so brought it into the house, which wee did by turnes, two and two together, wherein we were forced to vse great speed, for wee could not long endure without the House,* 1.95 because of the extreame cold, although we wore the Foxes skinnes about our heads, and double [ 20] apparell vpon our backes.

The seuenteenth, the winde still held North-east, with faire weather and so great Frosts, that wee were of opinion, that if there stood a Barrell full of water without the doore, it would in one night freeze from the top to the bottome. The eighteenth, the winde still held North-east, with faire weather: then seuen of vs went out vnto the Ship to see how it lay, and being vnder the decke, thinking to finde a Foxe there, we sought all the holes but we found none; but when we entred into the Cabbin and had stricken fire to see in what case the ship was, and whether the water rose higher in it, there wee found a Foxe, which we tooke and carryed it home, and eate it, and then we found that in eighteene dayes absence (for it was so long since we had beene there) the water was risen about a finger high, but yet it was all Ice, for it froze as fast as it [ 30] came in, and the vessels which wee had brought with vs full of fresh water out of Holland, were frozen to the ground.

The nineteenth, it was faire weather, the winde being South: then we put each other in good comfort, that the Sunne was then almost halfe ouer, and ready to come to vs againe,* 1.96 which wee sore longed for, it being a weary time for vs to bee without the Sunne, and to want the greatest comfort that God sendeth vnto man heere vpon the earth, and that which rejoyceth euery li∣uing thing. The twentieth, before noone it was faire cleere weather, and then we had taken a Foxe, but towards Eeuening, there rose such a storme in the South-west, with so great a snow, that all the house was inclosed therewith. The one and twentieth, it was faire cleere weather,* 1.97 with a North-east winde, then we made our doore cleane againe, and made a way to goe out, and [ 40] clensed our Traps for the Foxes, which did vs great pleasure when we tooke them, for they see∣med as daintie as Venison vnto vs. The two and twentieth, it was foule weather, with great store of snow, the winde South-west, which stopt vp our doore againe, and wee were forced to digge it open againe, which was almost euery day to doe. The three and twentieth, it was foule weather, the wind South-west, with great store of snow, but wee were in good comfort that the Sunne would come againe to vs, for as we ghest, that day hee was in Tropicus Capricorni,* 1.98 which is the furthest Signe that the Sunne passeth on the South-side of the line, and from thence it turneth Northward againe. The foure and twentieth, being Christmasse Eeuen, it was faire weather, then wee opened our doore againe, and saw much open water in the Sea: for we had heard the Ice cracke and driue: although it was not day, yet we could see so farre. Towards [ 50] Eeuening it blew hard out of the North-east, with great store of Snow, so that all the passage that wee had made open before, was stopt vp againe. The fiue and twentieth,* 1.99 being Christmasse day, it was foule weather, with a North-west winde, and yet though it was foule weather, we heard the Foxes runne ouer our House, wherewith some of our men sayd, it was an ill signe;* 1.100 and while we sate disputing why it should bee an ill signe, some of our men made answer, that it was an ill signe because wee could not take them, to put them into the Pot or roast them, for that had beene a very good signe for vs.

The sixe and twentieth, it was foule weather, the winde North-west, and it was so cold that we could not warme vs, although wee vsed all the meanes we could with great fires,* 1.101 good store of cloathes, and with hot stones and billets, layd vpon our feete and vpon our bodies, as we lay [ 60] in our Cabbins; but notwithstanding all this, in the morning our Cabbins were frozen, which made vs behold one the other with sad countenance, but yet wee comforted our selues againe as well as we could, that the Sunne was then as low as it could goe, and that it now began to come to vs againe, and we found it to bee true: for that the Dayes beginning to lengthen, the Cold began to strengthen, but hope put vs in good comfort, and eased our paine. The seuen and twentieth, it

was still foule weather, with a North-west wind, so that as then wee had not beene out in three dayes together, nor durst not thrust our heads out of doores, and within the house it was so ex∣treame cold,* 1.102 that as we sate before a great Fire, and seemed to burne on the fore-side, we froze behind at our backes, and were all white as the Countrey-men vse to bee, when they come in at the gates of the Towne in Holland with their Sleds, and haue gone all night.

The eight and twentieth, it was still foule weather with a West wind, but about Eeuening it began to cleere vp, at which time one of our men made a hole open at one of our doores, and went out to see what newes abroad,* 1.103 but found it so hard weather that hee stayed not long, and told vs that it had snowed so much, that the Snow lay higher then our house, and that if he had stayed out longer, his eares would vndoubtedly haue beene frozen off. The nine and twentieth, [ 10] it was calme weather, and a pleasant ayre, the wind being Southward: that day, he, whose turne it was, opened the doore, and digged a hole through the Snow, where we went out of the house vpon steps,* 1.104 as if it had beene out of a Celler, at least seuen or eight steps high, each step a foote from the other, and then we made cleane our Springes for the Foxes, whereof for certaine dayes we had not taken any: and as we made them cleane, one of our men found a dead Foxe in one of them, that was frozen as hard as a stone, which he brought into the house, and thawed it before the fire, and after flaying it, some of our men eate it. The thirtieth, it was foule weather againe, with a storme out of the West, and great store of Snow, so that all the labour and paine that we had taken the day before to make steps to goe out of our house, and to clense our Springes, was all in vaine, for it was all couered ouer with Snow againe, higher then it was before. The one and [ 20] thirtieth, it was still foule weather, with a storme out of the North-west, whereby we were so fast shut vp into the house, as if wee had beene prisoners, and it was so extreame cold, that the fire almost cast no heate:* 1.105 for as we put our feet to the fire, we burnt our hose before we could feele the heate, so that we had worke enough to doe to patch our hose: and which is more, if we had not sooner smelt, then felt them, we should haue burnt them ere we had knowne it.

After that with great cold, danger, and disease, wee had brought this yeere vnto an end, we entred into the yeere of our Lord God 1597. the beginning whereof, was in the same man∣ner as the end of Anno 1596. had beene,* 1.106 for the weather continued as cold, foule, and Snowie,* 1.107 as it was before, so that vpon the first of Ianuary wee were inclosed in the House, the winde then being West: at the same time wee agreed to share our Wine euery man a [ 30] small measure full, and that but once in two dayes: and as we were in great care and feare that it would bee long before we should get out from thence, (and we hauing but small hope therein) some of vs spared to drinke wine as long as we could, that if we should stay long there, we might drinke it at our need. The second, it blew hard with a West wind, and a great storme with both Snow and Frost, so that in foure or fiue dayes, we durst not put our heads out of the doores, and as then by reason of the great cold, we had almost burne all our Wood; notwithstanding, we durst not goe out to fetch more wood, because it froze so hard, and there was no being without the doore, but seeking about we found some peeces of wood that lay ouer the doore, which we cloue, and withall cloue the blockes whereon we vsed to beate our Stock-fish, and so holpe our selues so well as we could. The third, it was all one weather, and we had little wood to burne. The [ 40] fourth, it was still foule stormie weather, with much Snow and great cold, the winde South-west,* 1.108 and we were forced to keepe in the house: and to know where the wind blew, we thrust a halfe-pike out at the Chimney with a little cloath or feather vpon it, but as soone as wee thrust it out, it was presently frozen as hard as a peece of wood, and could not goe about nor stirre with the wind.

The fifth, it was somewhat still and calme weather: then wee digged our doore open againe, that we might goe out, and carrie out all the filth that had beene made, during the time of our be∣ing shut in the house; and made euery thing handsome, and fetched in Wood which we cleft, and it was all our dayes worke to further our selues as much as we could, fearing least we should be shut vp againe: and as there were three doores in our portall, and for that our house lay coue∣red [ 50] ouer in Snow, wee tooke the middle doore thereof away, and digged a great hole in the snow, that lay without the house, like to a side of a vault, wherein we might goe to ease our selues, and cast other filth into it: and when we had taken paines all day, we remembred our selues that it was Twelfth Eeuen, and then we prayed our Master that we might be merrie that night, and sayd, that we were content to spend some of the Wine that night which we had spa∣red,* 1.109 and which was our share euery second day, and whereof for certayne dayes wee had not drunke, and so that night we made merrie, and drunke to the three Kings, and therewith we had two pound of Meale, whereof wee made pan-cakes with Oyle, and euery man a white Bisket, which we sopt in Wine: and so supposing that we were in our owne Countrey, and amongst our friends,* 1.110 it comforted vs as well as if we had made a great banquet in our owne house: and we al∣so [ 60] made tickets, and our Gunner was King of Noua Zembla, which is at least two hundred miles long, and lyeth betweene two Seas.

The sixt, it was faire weather, the wind North-east, then wee went out and cleansed our Traps to take Foxes, which were our Venison, and we digged a hole in the Snow, where our fire∣wood

lay, and left it close aboue like a vault; and from thence fetched out our Wood as we nee∣ded it. The seuenth, it was foule weather againe, with a North-west wind, and some Snow, and very cold, which put vs in great feare to be shut vp in the house againe. The eight, it was faire weather againe, the wind North: then wee made our Springes ready to get more Veni∣son: which wee longed for, and then wee might see and marke day-light,* 1.111 which then began to encrease, that the Sunne as then began to come towards vs againe, which put vs in no little comfort.

The ninth, it was foule weather, with a North-west wind, but not so hard weather as it had beene before, so that we might goe out of the doore to make cleane our Springes. The tenth, it was faire weather with a North wind: then seuen of vs went to our ship well armed, which [ 10] we found in the same state wee left it in, and in it wee saw many footsteps of Beares,* 1.112 both great and small, whereby it seemed that there had beene more then one or two Beares therein; and as we went vnder hatches, we strooke fire, and lighted a Candle, and found that the water was risen a foot higher in the ship. The eleuenth, it was faire weather, the wind North-east, and the cold began to be somewhat lesse, so that as then we were bold to goe out of the doores, and went about a quarter of a mile to a Hill, from thence we fetched certaine stones, which we layd in the fire, therewith to warme vs in our Cabins.

The twelfth, it was cleare weather, the wind North-west: that euening it was very cleare, and the skie full of Starres, then wee tooke the height of Oculus Tauri,* 1.113 which is a bright and well knowne Starre, and we found it to be eleuated aboue the Horizon 29. degrees and 54. mi∣nutes, [ 20] her declination being 15. degrees 54. minutes on the North side of the Line. This decli∣nation being subtracted from the height aforesaid, then there rested 14. degrees, which subtra∣cted from 90. degrees, then the height of the Pole was 76. degrees, and so by measuring the height of that Starre, and some others, wee ghessed that the Sunne was in the like height, and that we were there vnder 76. degrees, and rather higher then lower.

The thirteenth, it was faire still weather, the wind Westerly, and then wee perceiued that day-light began more and more to encrease, and we went out and cast Bullets at the bale of the Flag-staffe, which before we could not see when it turned about. The fourteenth, it was faire weather and a cleare light, the wind Westerly, and that day we tooke a Foxe. The fifteenth, it was faire cleere weather, with a West wind, and sixe of vs went aboord the ship, where wee [ 30] found the Bolck-vanger (which the last time that we were in the ship, wee flucke in a hole in the fore decke, to take Foxes) pulled out of the hole, and lay in the middle of the ship, and all torne in pieces by the Beares, as we perceiued by their footsteps.

The sixteenth, it was faire weather, the wind Northerly, and then we went now and then out of the house to stretch out our ioynts and our limbs with going and running, that we might not become lame, and about noone time we saw a certaine rednesse in the skie,* 1.114 as a shew or mes∣senger of the Sunne that began to come towards vs. The seuenteenth, it was cleare weather with a North wind, and then still more and more wee perceiued that the Sunne began to come neerer vnto vs, for the day was somewhat warmer, so that when we had a good fire, there fell great pieces of Ice downe from the walls of our house, and the Ice melted in our Cabins,* 1.115 and the [ 40] water dropped downe, which was not so before, how great soeuer our fire was; but that night it was cold againe.

The eighteenth, it was faire cleare weather, with a South-east wind, then our Wood began to consume, and so we agreed to burne some of our Sea-coles, and not to stop vp the Chimney, and then we should not need to feare any hurt, which we did, and found no disease thereby, but we thought it better for vs to keepe the Coles, and to burne our Wood more sparingly, for that the Coles would serue vs better when we should sayle home in our open Scute.

The one and twentieth, it was faire weather, with a West wind: at that time taking of Foxes began to fayle vs, which was a signe that the Beares would come againe, as not long af∣ter we found it to be true, for as long as the Beares stay away, the Foxes came abroad, and not [ 50] much before the Beares come abroad, the Foxes were but little seene.

The two and twentieth, it was faire weather with a West wind: then we went out againe to cast the Bullet, and perceiued that day-light began to appeare, whereby some of vs said, that the Sunne would soone appeare vnto vs, but William Barents to the contrary said, that it was yet two weekes too soone. The three and twentieth, it was faire calme weather, with a South-west wind: then foure of vs went to the ship, and comforted each other, giuing God thankes that the hardest time of the Winter was past, being in good hope that we should liue to talke of those things at home in our owne Countrey: and when we were in the ship, we found that the water rose higher and higher in it, and so each of vs taking a Bisket or two with vs, wee went home againe.

[ 60] The foure and twentieth, it was faire cleare weather, with a West wind: then I, and Iacob Heemskerke, and another with vs went to the Sea-side, on the South side of Noua Zembla, where contrary to our expectation, I first saw the edge of the Sunne,* 1.116 wherewith wee went speedily home againe, to tell William Barents, and the rest of our companions that ioyfull newes: but

William Barents being a wise and well experienced Pilot, would not beleeue it, esteeming it to be about fourteene dayes to soone for the Sunne to shine in that part of the World; but we ear∣nestly affirmed the contrarie, and said, that we had seene the Sunne.

The fiue and twentieth, and sixe and twentieth, it was misty, and close weather, so that wee could not see any thing: then they that layed the contrary wager with vs, thought that they had won: but vpon the seuen and twentieth day it was cleare weather, and then wee saw the Sunne in his full roundnesse aboue the Horizon,* 1.117 whereby it manifestly appeared that wee had seene it vpon the foure and twentieth day of Ianuary. And as we were of diuers opinions tou∣ching the same,* 1.118 and that wee said, it was cleane contrary to the opinions of all old and new Writers; yea, and contrary to the nature and roundnesse both of Heauen and Earth; some of vs [ 10] said, that seeing in long time there had beene no day, that it might be that we had ouerslept our selues, whereof we were better assured: but concerning the thing in it selfe, seeing God is won∣derfull in all his workes, we will referre that to his almightie power, and leaue it vnto others to dispute of, but for that no man shall thinke vs to be in doubt thereof, if wee should let this passe without discoursing vpon it, therefore we will make some declaration thereof, whereby we may assure our selues that we kept good reckoning.

You must vnderstand, that when we first saw the Sun, it was in the fift degr. and 25. min. of Aquarius, and it should haue staid according to our first ghessing, till it had entred into the 16. deg. and 27. min. of Aquarius, before he should haue shewed there vnto vs, in the height of 76. deg. Which we striuing and contending about it amongst our selues, could not be satisfied, but won∣dred [ 20] thereat, and some amongst vs were of opinion, that we had mistaken our selues, which ne∣uerthelesse we could not be perswaded vnto, for that euery day without sayle, wee noted what had past, and also had vsed our Clocke continually, and when that was frozen, wee vsed our Houre-glasse of twelue houres long, whereupon wee argued with our selues, in diuers wise, to know how we should finde out that difference, and leaue the trueth of the time, which to trie, wee agreed to looke into the Ephemerid••s made by Iosephus Sch••la, Printed in Venice, for the yeeres of our Lord 1589. till A. 1600. and we found therein, that vpon the foure and twentieth day of Ianuary, (when the Sun first appeared vnto vs) that at Venice the Clocke being one in the night time, the Moone and Iupiter were in coniunction, whereupon we sought to know when the same coniunction should be ouer or about the house where wee then were, and at last wee [ 30] found that the foure and twentieth day of Ianuary was the same day whereon the coniunction aforesaid happened in Venice,* 1.119 at one of the clocke in the night, and with vs in the morning, when the Sunne was in the East: for we saw manifestly that the two Planets aforesaid approa∣ched neere vnto each other, vntill such time as the Moone and Iupiter stood one iust ouer the other, both in the signe of Taurus, and that was at sixe of the clocke in the morning, at which time the Moone and Iupiter were found by our Compasse, to be in coniunction ouer our house, in the North and by East-point, and the South part of the Compasse was South South-west, and there we had it right South, the Moone being eight dayes old, whereby it appeareth, that the Sunne and the Moone were eight points different, and this was about sixe of the clocke in the morning: this place differeth from Venice fiue houres in longitude, whereby we may ghesse how [ 40] much we were neerer East then the Citie of Venice, which was fiue houres, each houre being 15. degrees, which is in all 75. degrees, that we were more Easterly then Venice, by all which it is manifestly to be seene, that wee had not fayled in our account, and that also wee had found our right longitude, by the two Planets aforesaid, for the Towne of Venice lieth vnder 37. degrees and 25. minutes in longitude, and her declination is 46. degrees and 5. minutes, whereby it fol∣loweth that our place of Noua Zembla, lieth vnder 112. degrees and 25. minutes in longitude, and the height of the Pole 76. degrees, and so you haue the right longitude and latitude, but from the vttermost point of Noua Zembla to the point of Cape de Tabin, the vttermost point of Tarta••ia, where it windeth Southward, the longitude differeth 60. degrees; but you must vn∣derstand,* 1.120 that the degrees are not so great as they are vnder the Equinoctiall Line, for right vn∣der [ 50] the Line a degree is fifteene miles, but when you leaue the Line, either Northward or South∣ward, then the degrees in longitude doe lessen, so that the neerer that a man is to the North or South Pole, so much the degrees are lesse: so that vnder the 76. degrees Northward, where we wintred, the degrees are but three miles and two third parts; whereby it is to be marked, that we had but 60. degrees to saile to the said Cape de Tabin, which is, 220. miles, so the said Cape lieth in 172. degrees in longitude as it is thought: and being aboue it, it seemeth that we should be in the Streight of Anian, where we may sayle boldly into the South, as the Land reacheth. Now what further instructions are to be had to know, where wee lost the Sunne vnder the said 76. degrees vpon the fourth of Nouember, and saw it againe vpon the foure and twentieth of Ianuary: I leaue that to be described, by such as make profession thereof, it sufficeth vs to haue [ 60] shewed, that it failed vs not to appeare at the ordinary time.

The fiue and twentieth of Ianuary, it was darke cloudy weather, the wind Westerly, so that the seeing of the Sunne the day before,* 1.121 was againe doubted of, and then many wagers were layd, and we still looked out to see if the Sunne appeared, the same day we saw a Beare, (which

as long as the Sunne appeared not vnto vs we saw not) comming out of the South-west towards our house, but when we shouted at her she came no neerer, but went away again. The six & twen¦tieth, it was faire cleare weather, but in the Horizon there hung a white or darke cloude, where∣by we could not see the Sunne, vvhereupon the rest of our companions, thought that we had mistaken our selues vpon the foure and twentieth day, and that the Sunne appeared not vnto vs, and mocked vs, but vve were resolute in our former affirmation, that vve had seene the Sunne, but not in the full roundnesse: That Eeuening the Sicke man that was amongst vs,* 1.122 was very vveake, and felt himselfe to bee extreame sicke, for he had layne long time, and vve comforted him as well as vve might, and gaue him the best admonition that vve could, but hee dyed not [ 10] long after midnight.

The twentie seuen it was faire cleare weather, with a South-west wind, then in the morning we digged a hole in the snow hard by the house, but it was still so extreame cold, that we could not stay long at worke, and so wee digged by turnes, euery man a little while, and then went to the fire, and another went and supplied his place, till at last wee digged seuen foot depth where wee went to burie the dead man, after that when we had read certaine Chapters, and sung some Psalmes, wee all went out and buried the man, which done we went in and brake our fasts, and while we were at meate, and discoursed amongst our selues, touching the great quantitie of snow that continually fell in that place, wee said that if it fell out, that our house should bee closed vp againe with snow, wee would finde the meanes to climbe out at the chimney, whereupon our [ 20] Master went to trie if hee could climbe vp through the chimney, and so get out, and while hee was climbing one of our men went forth of the doore, to see if the Master were out or not, who standing vpon the snow, saw the Sunne, and called vs all out, wherewith we all went forth,* 1.123 and saw the Sun in his full roundnesse, a little aboue the Horizon, and then it was without all doubt, that wee had seene the Sunne vpon the foure and twentieth of Ianuary, which made vs all glad, and we gaue God heartie thankes, for his grace shewed vnto vs, that that glorious light appeared vnto vs againe.

The eight and twentieth, it was faire weather, with a West wind, then we went out many times to exercise our selues, by going, running, casting of the ball, (for then we might see a good way from vs) and to refresh our ioynts, for wee had long time sitten dull, whereby many of vs [ 30] were very loose. The nine and twentieth, it was foule weather, with great store of snow, the wind North-west, whereby the house was closed vp againe with snow. The thirtieth, it was darke weather, with an East wind; and we made a hole through the doore, but wee shoueled not the snow very farre from the portall, for that as soone as we saw what weather it was, wee had no desire to goe abroad. The one and thirtieth, it was faire calme weather, with an East wind, then we made the doore cleane, and shoueled away the snow, and threw it vpon the house, and went out, and wee saw the Sunne shine cleere, which comforted vs, meane time we saw a Beare,* 1.124 that came towards our house, but wee went softly in, and watched for her till shee came neerer, and as soone as she was hard by we shot at her, but she ran away againe.

The first of February, being Candlemasse Eeue, it was boisterous weather, with a great storme, [ 40] and good store of snow, whereby the house was closed vp againe with snow,* 1.125 and we were con∣strained to stay within doors, the wind then being north-west. The second it was foule weather, and as then the Sunne had not rid vs of all the foule weather, whereby wee were somewhat dis∣comforted, for that being in good hope of better weather wee had not made so great prouision of wood as we did before. The third, it was faire weather, with an East wind, but very mystie, whereby wee could not see the Sunne, which made vs somewhat melancholy, to see so great a myst, and rather more then we had had in the Winter time, and then we digged our doore open againe, and fetched the wood that lay without about the doore into the house, which we were forced with great paine and labour to dig out of the snow. The fourth, it was foule weather, with great store of snow, the wind being South-west, and then wee were close vp againe with snow, but then wee tooke not so much paines as we did before, to dig open the doore, but when we had [ 50] occasion to goe out we climbed out at the chimney, and eased our selues, and went in againe the same way.

The fifth, it was still foule weather, the wind being East, with great store of snow, whereby wee were shut vp againe into the house, and had no other way to get out but by the chimney,* 1.126 and those that could not climbe out, were faine to helpe themselues within as wel as they could. The sixth, it was still foule stormy weather, with store of snow, and we still went out at the chim∣ney, (and troubled not our selues with the doore,) for some of vs made it an easie matter to climbe out at the chimney. The seuenth, it was still foule weather, with much snow, and a South-west wind, and we thereby forced to keep the house, which grieued vs more then when the Sun shined not, for that hauing seene it, and felt the heate thereof, yet wee were forced not to inioy it. The [ 60] eight, it began to be fairer weather, the wind being South-west, then wee saw the Sun rise South, South-east, and went downe South South-west, by the Compasse that we had made of Lead, and placed according to the Meridian of that place, but by our common Compasse it differed two points. The ninth, it was faire cleere weather, the wind South-west, but as then wee could not

see the Sunne, because it was close weather in the South, where the Sunne should goe downe. The tenth,* 1.127 it was faire cleare weather, so that wee could not tell where the wind blew, and then we began to feele some heat of the Sun, but in the Eeuening it began to blow somewhat cold out of the west.

The eleuenth, it was faire weather, the wind South, that day about noone, there came a Beare towards our house, and wee watched her with our Muskets, but shee came not so neere as wee could reach her, the same night wee heard some Foxes stirring, which since the Beares began to come abroad againe we had not much seene. The twelfth, it was cleere weather and very calme, the winde South-west, then we made our Traps cleane againe, meane-time there came a great Beare towards our house, which made vs all goe in, and wee leuelled at her with our Muskets, and as shee came right before our doore, we shot her into the brest, cleane through the heart, the [ 10] bullet passing through her body, and went out againe at her tayle, and was as flatte as a Counter, the Beare feeling the blow,* 1.128 leapt backwards, and ranne twentie or thirtie foot from the house, and there lay downe, wherewith wee leapt all out of the house, and ranne to her, and found her still aliue, and when she saw vs, shee rear'd vp her head, as if she would gladly haue done vs some mis∣chiefe, but we trusted her not, for that we had tryed their strength sufficiently before, and there∣fore wee shot her twice into the body againe,* 1.129 and therewith shee dyed? Then we ript vp her belly, and taking out her guttes, drew her home to the House where we slayed her, and tooke at least one hundred pound of fat out of her belly, which wee molt and burned in our Lampe. This Grease did vs great good seruice, for by that meanes we still kept a Lampe burning all night [ 20] long, which before wee could not doe, for want of Grease, and euery man had meanes to burne a Lampe in his Cabbin, for such necessaries as hee had to doe. The Beares skinne vvas nine foot long, and seuen foot broad.

The thirteenth, it was faire cleere vveather with a hard West winde, at whith time we had more light in our house by burning of Lampes, whereby we had meanes to passe the time away, by reading and other exercises, which before (when we could not distinguish Day from Night, by reason of the darkenesse, and had not Lamps continually burning) vvee could not doe. The foureteenth, it was faire cleere weather, with a hard West wind before noone, but after noone, it was still weather, then fiue of vs went to the Ship to see how it lay, and found the water to increase in it, but not much. The fifteenth, it was foule weather, with a great storme out of the [ 30] South-west, with great store of Snow, whereby the House was closed vp againe, that Night the Foxes came to de••oure the dead body of the Beare, vvhereby we were in great feare, that all the Beares thereabouts would come thither, and therefore wee agreed, as soone as we could to get out of the house to burie the dead Beare deepe vnder the Snow.

The sixteenth of February, it was foule weather, with great store of Snow and a South-west vvind, that day was Shroue-tuesday, then wee made our selues somewhat merrie in our great griefe and trouble, and euery one of vs dranke a draught of Wine.

The nineteenth, it vvas faire cleere vveather, vvith a South-west winde, then we tooke the height of the Sunne, vvhich in long time before vvee could not doe, because the Horizon vvas not cleere; as also for that it mounted not so high, nor gaue not so much shadow, as vve vvere to [ 40] haue in our Astrolabium, and therefore vve made an Instrument that was halfe round, at the one end hauing 90. degrees marked thereon, vvhereon we hung a thread vvith a Plumet of Lead, as the vvater Compasses haue, and therewith vve tooke the height of the Sunne, when it was at the highest, and found that it vvas 3. degrees eleuated aboue the Horizon, his Declination 11. degrees and 16. minutes, which being added to the height aforesayd, made 14. degrees and 16. minutes, vvhich substracted from 90. degrees, there rested 75. degrees and 44. minutes for the height of the Pole, but the aforesayd 3. degrees of height, being taken at the lowest side of the Sunne, the 16. minutes might well be added to the height of the Pole, and so it was iust 76. de∣grees, as we had measured it before. The twentieth, it was foule weather, with great store of Snow, the vvind South-west, vvhereby vve vvere shut vp againe in the house. [ 50]

The two and twentieth, it vvas cleere faire vveather, vvith a South-west vvind, then vve made ready a Sled to fetch more Wood, for need compelled vs thereunto; for as they say, hunger driueth the Wolfe out of his denne, and eleuen of vs went together, all well appointed with our Armes, but comming to the place where we should haue the Wood, we could not come by it, by reason it lay so deepe vnder the Snow, whereby of necessitie we were compelled to goe further, where with great labour and trouble we got some: but as vve returned backe againe therewith, it was so sore labour vnto vs, that we were almost out of comfort, for that by reason of the long cold and trouble that we had indured, vve vvere become so vveake and feeble, that vve had lit∣tle strength, and we began to bee in doubt, that we should not recouer our strengths againe, and should not be able to fetch any more Wood, and so we should haue dyed with cold, but the pre∣sent necessitie and the hope wee had of better weather, increased our forces, and made vs doe [ 60] more then our strengths afforded, and when we came neere to our house, we saw much open vvater in the Sea, which in long time we had not seene, which also put vs in good comfort, that things would bee better.

The fiue and twentieth, it was foule weather againe, and much Snow, with a North winde, whereby we were closed vp with Snow againe, and could not get out of our House.

The eight and twentieth of February, it was still weather, with a South-west wind, then ten of vs went and fetched another Sled full of Wood, with no lesse paine and labour then wee did before, for one of our companions could not helpe vs, because that the first joynt of one of his great Toes was frozen off, and so hee could doe nothing.

The first of March, it was faire still weather, the wind West but very cold, and we were forced to spare our Wood, because it was so great labour for vs to fetch it, so that when it was day,* 1.130 we exercised our selues as much as we might, with running, going, and leaping, and to them that [ 10] lay in their Cabins, wee gaue hot stones to warme them, and towards night we made a good fire, which we were forced to endure. The second, it was cold cleere weather, with a West wind, the same day we tooke the height of the Sunne, and found that it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 6. degrees and 48. minutes, and his Declination was 7. degrees and 12. minutes, which substracted from 90. degrees, resteth 76. degrees for the height of the Pole. The third, it was faire weather with a West wind, at which time our Sicke men were somewhat better, and sate vpright in their Cabins, to doe some thing to passe the time away, but after they found that they were too ready to stirre before their times. The fourth, it was faire weather, with a West wind, the same day there came a Beare to our House, whom we watcht with our Pieces, as wee did be∣fore, and shot at her, and hit her, but shee runne away, at that time fiue of vs went to our Ship, where we found that the Beares had made worke, and had opened our Cookes cupbord, that was [ 20] couered ouer with snow, thinking to finde some thing in it, and had drawne it out of the Ship where we found it.

The seuenth, it was still foule weather and as great a winde, so that wee were shut vp in our House, and they that would goe out, must climbe vp through the Chimney,* 1.131 which was a com∣mon thing with vs, and still we saw more open water in the Sea, and about the Land, whereby wee were in doubt that the Ship in that foule weather, and driuing of the Ice, would bee loose (for as then the Ice draue) while we were shut vp in our House, and wee should haue no meanes to helpe it. The eight, it was still foule vveather, with a South-west storme, and great store of Snow, whereby vve could see no Ice in the North-east, nor round about in the Sea, whereby vve [ 30] were of opinion, that North-east from vs there was a great Sea. The ninth, it was foule vvea∣ther, but not so foule as the day before, and lesse snow, and then vve could see further from vs, and perceiue that the vvater vvas open in the North-east, but not from vs towards Tartaria, for there vve could still see Ice in the Tartarian Sea, otherwise called the Ice Sea, so that vve vvere of opinion, that there it was not very wide, for vvhen it was cleere vveather, vve thought many times that wee saw the Land and shewed it to our companions, South and South-east from our house, like a hilly Land, as land commonly showeth it selfe, when we see it.

The eleuenth, it was cold, but faire Sun-shine vveather, the vvind North-east, then we tooke the height of the Sunne vvith our Astrolabium, and found it to bee eleuated aboue the Horizon 10. degrees and 19. minutes, his Declination was 3. degrees and 41. minutes, which being added [ 40] to the height aforesayd, made 14. degrees, which substracted from 90. degrees, there resteth 76. degrees for the height of the Pole. Then twelue of vs went to the place where wee vsed to goe, to fetch a Sled of Wood, but still vve had more paine and labour therewith, because we were vveaker, and when we came home vvith it, and were very vvearie, we prayed the Master to giue each of vs a draught of Wine, which hee did, vvherewith we were somewhat releeued and com∣forted, and after that were the willinger to labour, vvhich vvas vnsupportable for vs, if meere extremitie had not compelled vs thereunto, saying oftentimes one vnto the other, That if the Wood vvere to be bought for Money, we would giue all our Earnings or Wages for it.

The twelfth, it was foule weather, the Winde North-east, then the Ice came migh∣tily driuing in, which the South-west Wind had beene driuen out, and it was then as cold, as it [ 50] had bin before in the coldest time of Winter.

The fifteenth, it was faire vveather, the Wind North, that day wee opened our doore to goe out, but the cold rather increased then diminished, and was bitterer then before it had beene.

The sixteenth, it vvas faire cleere weather, but extreame cold with a North Wind, which put vs to great extreamitie, for that vve had almost taken our leaues of the cold, and then it be∣gan to come againe. This continued till the one and twentieth.

The one and twentieth, it vvas faire weather, but still very cold, the Wind North, the same day the Sunne entred into Aries in the Equinoctiall Line, and at noone vvee tooke the height of the Sunne, and found it to be eleuated 14. degrees aboue the Horizon, but for that the Sunne [ 60] was in the middle Line, and of the like distance from both the Tropickes,* 1.132 there was no decli∣nation, neither on the South nor North side, and so the 14. degrees aforesayd being substracted from 90. degrees, there rested 76. degrees for the height of the Pole. The same day,* 1.133 we made shooes of Felt or Rugge, which we drew vpon our feete, for vve could not goe in our shooes, by reason of the great cold, for the shooes on our feet vvere as hard as hornes, and then vve fetcht a

Sled full of Wood home to our house, with sore and extreame labour, and with extremitie of cold which we indured, as if March meant to bid vs farewell, for our hope and comfort was, that the cold could not still continue in that force, but that at length the strength thereof would bee broken.

The three and twentieth, it was very foule weather, with infernall bitter cold, the wind North-east, so that we were forced to make more fire, as we had beene at other times, for then it was as cold as euer it had beene, and it froze very hard in the floore and vpon the walls of our house. The foure and twentieth, it was alike cold, with great store of snow, and a North wind, whereby we were once againe shut vp into the house, and then the Coles serued vs well, which before by reason of our bad vsing of them, we disliked of. The sixe and twentieth, it was faire [ 10] cleare weather, and very calme, then we digd our selues out of the house again, and went out, and then we fetcht another Sled of Wood, for the great cold had made vs burne vp all that we had.

The eight and twentieth, it was faire weather, the wind South-west, whereby the Ice draue away very fast. The same day, sixe of vs went aboord the ship to see how it lay, and found it still in one sort; but we perceiued that the Beares had kept an euill fauoured house therein.

* 1.134The second of Aprill, it was faire weather, the wind North-east and very calme, then wee tooke the height of the Sunne, and found it to be eleuated aboue the Horizon 18. degrees and 40. minutes, his declination being 4. degrees and 40. minutes, which being substracted from the height aforesaid, there rested 14. degrees, which taken from 90. degrees, the height of the Pole was 76. degrees. [ 20]

The sixt, it was still foule weather, with a stiffe North-west wind, that night there came a Beare to our house,* 1.135 and we did the best we could to shoot at her, but because it was moist wea∣ther, and the cocke foisty, our Peece would not giue fire, wherewith the Beare came boldly to∣ward the house, and came downe the staires close to the doore, seeking to breake into the house, but our Master held the doore fast to, and being in great haste and feare, could not barre it with the piece of Wood that wee vsed thereunto; but the Beare seeing that the doore was shut, shee went backe againe, and within two houres after shee came againe, and went round about and vpon the top of the house, and made such a roaring, that it was fearefull to heare, and at last got to the chimney, and made such worke there, that wee thought shee would haue broken it downe, and tore the sayle that was made fast about it in many pieces, with a great and fearefull [ 30] noise, but for that it was night, we made no resistance against her, because wee could not see her, at last she went away and left vs.

The fourteenth, it was faire cleare weather, with a West wind, then we saw greater hills of Ice round about the ship, then ouer we had seene before, which was a fearefull thing to behold, and much to be wondred at, that the ship was not smitten in pieces. The fifteenth, it was faire calme weather with a North wind, then seuen of vs went aboord the ship, to see in what case it was, and found it to be all in one sort, and as wee came backe againe, there came a great Beare toward vs, against whom we began to make defence, but she perceiuing that, made away from vs, and we went to the place from whence shee came to see her Den,* 1.136 where we found a great hole made in the Ice, about a mans length in depth, the entrie thereof being very narrow, and with∣in [ 40] wide, there we thrust in our Pikes to feele if there was any thing within it, but perceiuing it was empty, one of our men crept into it, but not too farre, for it was fearefull to behold, after that we went along by the Sea-side, and there we saw, that in the end of March, and the be∣ginning of Aprill, the Ice was in such wonderful manner risen and piled vp one vpon the other, that it was wonderfull, in such manner as if there had beene whole Townes made of Ice, with Towres and Bulwarkes round about them.

The sixteenth, it was foule weather, the wind North-west, whereby the Ice began some∣what to breake. The seuenteenth, it was faire cleare weather, with a South-west wind, and then seuen of vs went to the ship, and there we saw open water in the Sea, and then wee went ouer the Ice-hills as well as we could, to the water, for in sixe or seuen moneths we had not gone [ 50] so neere vnto it, and when we got to the water, there we saw a little bird swimming therein, but as soone as it espied vs, it diued vnder the water, which we tooke for a signe, that there was more open water in the Sea then there had beene before, and that the time approached that the water would open.

The eighteenth of Aprill, it was faire weather, the wind South-west, then wee tooke the height of the Sunne, and it was eleuated aboue the Horizon 25. degrees and 10. minutes, his declination 11. degrees and 12. minutes, which being taken from the height aforesaid, there rested 13. degrees and 58. minutes, which substracted from 90. degrees, the height of the Pole was found to be 75. degrees 58. minutes; then eleuen of vs went with a Sled to fetch more Wood, and brought it to the house, in the night there came another Beare vpon our house, which [ 60] we hearing, went all out with our Armes, but the Beare ran away.

The eight and twentieth, it was faire weather, with a North wind, then we tooke the height of the Sunne againe, and found it to bee eleuateed 28. degrees and 8. minutes, his declination 14. degrees and 8. minutes, which substracted from 90. degrees, there rested 76. degrees for the

height of the Pole. The nine and twentieth, it was faire weather, with a South-west wind, then we played at Colfe, both to the ship, and from thence againe homewards, to exercise our selues. The thirtieth, it was faire weather, the wind South-west, then in the night wee could see the Sunne in the North (when it was in the highest) iust aboue the Horizon, so that from that time wee saw the Sunne both night and day.

§. III. [ 10] Their preparation to goe from thence: they depart in a Boat and Scute both open, and come to Cola, 1143. miles. Their many dangers by Beares, Ice, Famine, Scorbute, in the way.

THe first of May, it was faire weather with a West wind, then wee sod our last flesh, which for a long time we had spared, and it was still very good,* 1.137 and the last morsell tasted as well as the first, and we found no fault therein, but onely that it would last no longer. The second, it was foule weather, with a storme out of the South-west, whereby the Sea was almost cleare of Ice, and then wee beganne to speake about getting from thence, for we had kept house long enough there. The third, it was still foule weather, with a [ 20] South-west wind, whereby the Ice began wholly to driue away, but it lay fast about the ship, and when our best meate, as flesh, and other things beganne to faile vs, which was our greatest sustenance, and that it behooued vs to be somewhat strong, to sustaine the labour that wee were to vndergoe, when we went from thence, the Master shared the rest of the Bacon amongst vs, which was a small Barrell with salt Bacon in pickle, whereof euery one of vs had two ounces a day, which continued for the space of three weekes, and then it was eaten vp.

The fourth, it was indifferent faire weather, the wind South-west, that day fiue of vs went to the ship, and found it lying still as fast in the Ice as it did before, for about the middle of March it was but seuenty fiue paces from the open water, and then it was fiue hundred paces from the water, and enclosed round about with high hills of Ice, which put vs in no small feare, [ 30] how wee should bring our Scute and our Boat through or ouer that way into the water, when wee went to leaue that place. That night there came a Beare to our house, but as soone as shee heard vs make a noyse, she ranne away againe, one of our men that climbed vp in the Chim∣ney, saw when shee ranne away, so that it seemed that as then they were afraid of vs, and durst not bee so bold to set vpon vs, as they were at the first. The fift, it was faire weather, with some snow, the wind East, that Eeuening, and at night wee saw the Sunne when it was at the lowest, a good way aboue the Earth. The sixt, it was faire cleare weather, with a great South-west wind, whereby we saw the Sea open both in the East and in the West, which made our men exceeding glad, longing sore to be gone from thence. The seuenth, it was foule weather, and snew hard, with a North wind, whereby we were closed vp againe in our house.

[ 40] The tenth, it was faire weather with a North-west wind, that night the Sunne by our com∣mon Compasse being North North-east, and at the lowest, we tooke the height thereof, and it was eleuated 3. degrees and 45. minutes, his declination was 17. degrees and 45. minutes, from whence taking the height aforesaid, there rested 14. degrees, which substracted from 90. degrees, there rested 76. degrees for the height of the Pole.

The fourteenth, wee fetcht our last Sled with fire-wood, and still ware our shooes made of Rugge on our feet.

The fiue and twentieth, it was faire weather, with an East wind, then at noone time wee tooke the height of the Sunne, that was eleuated aboue the Horizon 34. degrees and 46. mi∣nutes, his declination 20. degrees and 46. minutes, which taken from the height aforesaid, there rested 14. degrees, which taken from 90. degrees, rested 76. degrees for the height of the Pole. [ 50] The sixe and twentieth, it was faire weather, with a great North-east wind, whereby the Ice came in againe. The seuen and twentieth, it was foule weather, with a great North-east wind, which draue the Ice mightily in againe, whereupon the Master, at the motion of the companie, willed vs to make preparation to be gone.

The nine and twentieth in the morning, it was reasonable faire weather, with a West wind, then ten of vs went vnto the Scute to bring it to the house to dresse it, and make it ready to sayle, but wee found it deepe hidden vnder the snow, and were fayne with great payne and la∣bour to digge it out, but when wee had gotten it out of the snow, and thought to draw it to the house, wee could not doe it; because wee were too weake, wherewith wee became whol∣ly out of heart, doubting that wee should not bee able to goe forward with our labour, but [ 60] the Master encouraging vs, bade vs striue to doe more then wee were able; saying, that both our liues and our well-fare consisted therein: and that if wee could not get the Scute from thence, and make it ready, then hee said wee must dwell there as Burgers of Noua Zembla,* 1.138 and make our Graues in that place: but there wanted no good-will in vs but onely strength,

which made vs for that time to leaue off worke and let the Scute lie still, which was no small griefe vnto vs, and trouble to thinke what were best for vs to doe; but after noone being thus comfortlesse come home, wee tooke hearts againe, and determined to turne the Boat that lay by the house with her keele vpwards, and to amend it, that it might bee the fitter to carrie vs ouer the Sea, for wee made full account that we had a long troublesome Voyage in hand, where∣in wee might haue many crosses, and wherein wee should not bee sufficiently prouided for all things necessarie, although wee tooke neuer so much care, and while wee were busie about our worke, there came a great Beare vnto vs, wherewith wee went into our house, and stood to watch her in our three doores, with Harquebusses, and one stood in the Chimney with a Mus∣ket, this Beare came boldlier vnto vs then euer any had done before, for shee came to the nea∣ther [ 10] step that went to one of our doores, and the man that stood in the doore saw her not, be∣cause hee looked towards the other doore, but they that stood within saw her, and in great feare called to him, wherewith he turned about, and although he was in a maze, he shot at her, and the Bullet past cleane through her body, whereupon she ranne away. Yet it was a fearefull thing to see, for the Beare was almost vpon him before hee saw her, so that if the Peece had fayled to giue fire (as oftentimes they doe) it had cost him his life, and it may bee, that the Beare would haue gotten into the house: the Beare being gone somewhat from the house lay downe, wherewith wee went all armed and killed her out right, and when wee had ript open her bellie:* 1.139 we found a piece of a Bucke therein, with haire, skinne and all, which not long be∣fore shee had torne and deuoured.

The one and thirtieth of May, it was faire weather, but somewhat colder then before, the [ 20] wind being South-west, whereby the Ice draue away, and we wrought hard about our Boat, but when wee were in the chiefest part of worke, there came another Beare, as if they had smelt that wee would be gone, and that therefore they desired to taste a piece of some of vs, for that was the third day, one after the other, that they set so fiercely vpon vs, so that wee were forced to leaue our worke, and goe into the house, and shee followed vs, but we stood with our Peeces to watch her, and shot three Peeces at her, two from our doores, and one out of the Chimney, which all three hit her: but her death did vs more hurt then her life, for after we ript her belly, we drest her Liuer and eate it, which in the taste liked vs well, but it made vs all sicke, specially three that were exceeding sicke,* 1.140 and wee verily thought that wee should haue lost them, for all [ 30] their skins came off, from the foot to the head, but yet they recouered againe.

* 1.141The third of Iune, in the morning it was faire cleare weather the wind West, and then wee were somewhat better, and tooke great paines with the Boat, that at last we got it ready, after we had wrought sixe dayes vpon it: about euening it began to blow hard, and therewith the water was very open, which put vs in good comfort that our deliuerance would soone follow, and that we should once get out of that desolate and fearefull place.

The fourth, it was faire cleare weather, and indifferent warme, and about the South-east Sunne, eleuen of vs went to our Scute where it then lay, and drew it to the ship, at which time the labour seemed lighter vnto vs then it did before, when wee tooke it in hand and were for∣ced to leaue it off againe. The reason thereof was, the opinion that wee had that the snow as [ 40] then lay harder vpon the ground, and so was become stronger; and it may be that our courages were better, to see that the time gaue vs open water, and that our hope was that wee should get from thence; and so three of our men stayed by the Scute to build her to our minds: and for that it was a Herring Scute, which are made narrow behind, therefore they sawed it off be∣hind, and made it a broad stearne: and better to brooke the Seas, they built it also somewhat higher, and drest it vp as well as they could, the rest of our men were busie in the house to make all other things ready for our Voyage, and that day drew two Sleds with victuals and o∣ther goods vnto the ship, that lay about halfe way betweene the house and the open water, that after they might haue so much the shorter way, to carrie the goods vnto the water side, when wee should goe away: at which time all the labour and paines that wee tooke seemed [ 50] light and easie vnto vs, because of the hope that wee had to get out of that wilde Desart, irke∣some, fearefull, and cold Countrey.

The fift, it was foule weather, with great store of haile and snow, the wind West, which made an open water, but as then we could doe nothing without the house, but within we made all things ready, as Sayles, Oares, Masts, Sprit, Rother, Swerd, and all other necessarie things. The sixt, in the morning it was faire weather, the wind North-east, then wee went with our Carpenters to the ship, to build vp our Scute, and carried two sleds full of goods into the ship, both victuals and Merchandise, with other things, which wee meant to take with vs; after that there rose very foule weather in the South-west, with snow, haile, and raine, which wee in long time had not had, whereby the Carpenters were forced to leaue their worke, and goe home [ 60] to the house with vs, whereby also we could not be drie, because wee had taken of the Deales, therewith to amend our Boat and our Scute, there lay but a sayle ouer it, which would not hold out the water, and the way that lay full of snow began to be soft, so that wee left off our shooes made of Rugge and Felt, and put on our Leather shooes.

The eight, it was faire weather, and wee drew the wares to the ship, which wee had packed and made ready, and the Carpenters made ready the Scute, so that the same euening it was almost done, the same day all our men went to draw our Boat to the ship, and made ropes to draw withall, such as wee vse to draw with in Scutes, which wee cast ouer our shoulders, and held fast with all our hands, and so drew both with our hands and our shoulders, which gaue vs more force, and specially the desire and great pleasure wee tooke to worke at that time, made vs stronger.

The tenth, wee carried foure Sleds of goods into the ship, the wind then being variable, and at euening it was Northerly, and wee were busie in the house to make all things ready, the [ 10] Wine that was left we put into little vessels, that so wee might diuide it into both our vessels, and that as wee were enclosed by the Ice, (which wee well knew would happen vnto vs) wee might easilier cast the goods vpon the Ice, both out and into the Scutes, as time and place ser∣ued vs. The eleuenth, it was foule weather, and it blew hard North North-west, so that all that day we could doe nothing, and we were in great feare left the storme would carrie the Ice and the ship both away together, (which might well haue come to passe) then wee should haue beene in greater miserie then euer wee were, for that our goods both victuals and others, were then all in the ship, but God prouided so well for vs, that it fell not out so vnfortunatly. The twelfth, it was indifferent faire weather, then we went with Hatchets, Halberds, Shouels, and other instruments, to make the way plaine, where we should draw the Scute and the Boat to [ 20] the water side, along the way that lay full of knobs and hills of Ice, where wee wrought sore with our Hatchets and other instruments, and while we were in the chiefest of our worke, there came a great leane Beare out of the Sea vpon the Ice towards vs, which we iudged to come out of Tartaria: for we had seene of them twenty or thirty miles within the Sea, and for that wee had no Muskets, but onely one, which our Surgeon carried, I ranne in great haste towards the ship to fetch one or two, which the Beare perceiuing ranne after mee, and was very likely to haue ouer taken me, but our companie seeing that, left their worke and ranne after her, which made the Beare turne towards them, and left me, but when she ran towards them, she was shot into the body by the Surgeon, and ranne away; but because the Ice was so vneuen and hilly, she could not goe farre, but being by vs ouertaken, we killed her out right, and smote her teeth out [ 30] of her head, while she was yet liuing.* 1.142

The thirteenth, it was faire weather, then the Master and the Carpenters went to the ship, and there made the Scute and the Boat ready, so that there rested nothing as then, but onely to bring it downe to the water side, the Master and those that were with him, seeing that it was open water, and a good West wind, came backe to the house againe, and there hee spake vnto William Barents (that had beene long sicke) and shewed him, that he thought it good,* 1.143 (seeing it was a fit time) to goe from thence, and so willed the companie to driue the Boat and the Scute downe to the water side, and in the name of God to beginne our Voyage, to sayle from Noua Zembla: then William Barents wrote a Letter, which he put in a Muskets charge, and hanged it vp in the Chimney, shewing how he came out of Holland, to sayle to the Kingdome of China, [ 40] and what had happened vnto vs being there on Land, with all our crosses, that if any man chan∣ced to come thither, they might know what had happened vnto vs, and how we had beene for∣ced in our extremitie to make that house, and had dwelt ten moneths therein, and for that wee were put to Sea in two small open Boats, and to vndertake a dangerous and aduenturous Voyage in hand, the Master wrote two Letters, which most of vs subscribed vnto, signifying how wee had stayed there vpon the Land in great trouble and miserie, in hope that our ship would bee freed from the Ice, and that we should sayle away with it againe, and how it fell out to the con∣trary, and that the ship lay fast in the Ice, so that in the end the time passing away, and our vi∣ctuals beginning to faile vs, we were forced for the sauing of our owne liues, to leaue the ship, and to sayle away in our open Boats, and so to commit our selues into the hands of God. Which [ 50] done, he put into each of our Scutes a Letter, that if wee chanced to lose one another, or that by stormes or any other misaduenture we happened to be cast away, that then by the Scute that escaped, men might know how we left each other, and so hauing finished all things as we deter∣mined, we drew the Boat to the water side, and left a man in it, and went and fetcht the Scute, and after that eleuen Sleds with goods, as Victuals, with some Wine that yet remayned, and the Merchants goods, which we preserued as well as we could, vz. sixe packes with fine wool∣len Cloth, a Chest of Linnen, two packets with Veluet, two small Chests with Money, two Dri-fats with mens Clothes and other things, thirteene Barrels of Bread, a Barrell of Cheese, a flitch of Bacon, two Runlets of Oyle, sixe small Runlets of Wine, two Runlets of Vineger, with other packes belonging to the Saylers, so that when they lay all together vpon a heape, a [ 60] man would haue iudged that they would not haue gone into the Scutes, which being all put in∣to them, we went to the house, and first drew William Barents vpon a Sled to the place where our Scutes lay, and after that we fetcht Claes Adrianson, both of them hauing beene long sicke, and so we entred into the Scutes, and diuided our selues into each of them alike, and put into either of them a sicke man, then the Master caused both the Scutes to lie close one by the other,

and there we subscribed to the Letters which he had written, and so committing our selues to the will and mercy of God,* 1.144 with a West North-west wind, and an indifferent open water, we set sayle and put to Sea.

The fourteenth of Iune in the morning, the Sunne Easterly, wee put off from the Land of Noua Zembla, and the fast Ice thereunto adioyning, with our Boat and our Scute, hauing a West wind, and sayled East North-east all that day to the Ilands point, which was fiue miles, but our first beginning was not very good, for we entred fast into the Ice againe, which there lay ve∣ry hard and fast, which put vs into no small feare and trouble, and being there, foure of vs went on Land, to know the situation thereof, and there we tooke many Birds, which wee kild with stones vpon the clifts.

The sixteenth, we set sayle againe, and got to the Iland of Orange, with a South wind, which [ 10] is eight miles distant from the Point of Desire, there we went on Land with two small Barrels, and a Kettle, to melt snow, and to put the water into the Barrels, as also to seeke for Birds and Egges, to make meate for our sicke men. We put to the Sea againe with a South-east wind and drowsie miseling weather, whereby we were all dankish and wet, for wee had no shelter in our open Scutes, and sayled West, and West and by South, to the Ice-point, and wee made our Scutes fast to a great piece of Ice, and there eate somewhat, but the weather was still fouler and fouler, so that we were once againe enclosed with Ice, and forced to stay there.

The seuenteenth in the morning, when we had broken our fasts, the Ice came so fast vpon vs that it made our haires stare vpright vpon our heads, it was so fearefull to behold: by which meanes we could not make fast our Scutes, so that we thought verily that it was a fore-shewing [ 20] of our last end, for wee draue away so hard with the Ice, and were so sore prest betweene a flake of Ice, that we thought verily the Scutes would burst in a hundred pieces, at last, being in this discomfort, and extreme necessitie, the Master said, if we could take hold with a rope vp∣on the fast Ice, we might therewith draw the Scute vp, and so get it out of the great drift of Ice, but as this counsell was good, yet it was so full of danger, that it was the hazard of his life that should take vpon him to doe it, and without doing it, was it most certaine, that it would cost vs all our liues: this counsell as I said was good, but no man (like to the tale of the Mice) durst hang the Bell about the Cats necke, fearing to bee drowned, yet necessitie required to haue it done, and the most danger made vs choose the least, so that being in that perplexitie, I being [ 30] the lightest of all our companie,* 1.145 tooke on me to fasten a rope vpon the fast Ice, and so creeping from one piece of driuing Ice to another, by Gods helpe got to the fast Ice, where I made a rope fast to a high howell, and they that were in the Scute, drew it thereby vnto the said fast Ice, and then one man alone could draw more then all of them could haue done before, and when we had gotten thither, in all haste wee tooke our sicke men out, and layed them vpon the Ice, laying clothes and other things vnder them, and then tooke all our goods out of the Scutes, and so drew them vpon the Ice, whereby for that time we were deliuered from that great danger, making account that we had escaped out of deaths clawes, as it was most true.

The eighteenth, we repaired and amended our Scutes againe, being much bruised and crushed with the racking of the Ice, and were forced to driue all the nayles fast againe and to piece ma∣ny [ 40] things about them, God sending vs Wood, wherewith we molt our Pitch, and did all other things that belonged thereunto, that done, some of vs went vpon the Land to seeke for Egges, which the sicke men longed for, but we could finde none, but we found foure Birds, not with∣out great danger of our liues, betweene the Ice and the firme Land, wherein wee often fell, and were in no small danger.

The nineteenth, it was indifferent weather, the wind North-west, and West South-west, but we were still shut vp in the Ice, and saw no opening, which made vs thinke that there would be our last abode, and that we should neuer get from thence.

* 1.146The twentieth, Claes Adrianson and William Barents died, the death of William Barents put vs in no small discomfort, as being the chiefe Guide, and onely Pilot on whom wee reposed our [ 50] selues, next vnder God.

The two and twentieth in the morning, it blew a good gale out of the South-east, and then the Sea was reasonable open, but we were forced to draw our Scutes ouer the Ice to get vnto it, which was great paine and labour vnto vs; for, first we were forced to draw our Scutes ouer a piece of Ice of fifty paces long, and there put them into the water, and then againe to draw them vp vpon other Ice, and after drew them at the least an hundred paces more ouer the Ice, before we could bring them to a good place where we might easily get out, and being gotten vnto the open water we committed our selues to God, and set sayle the Sun being about East North-east, with an indifferent gale of wind out of the South, and South South-east, and sayled West, and West and by South,* 1.147 till the Sunne was South, and then we were round about enclosed with Ice [ 60] againe, and could not get out, but were forced to lie still, but not long after the Ice opened againe like to a sluce, and we past through it and set sayle againe, and so sayled along by the Land, but were presently enclosed with Ice,* 1.148 but being in hope of opening againe, meane time wee eate somewhat, for the Ice went not away as it did before: after that wee vsed all the meanes wee

could to breake it, but all in vayne, and yet a good while after, the Ice opened againe, and we got out, and sayled along by the Land, West and by South, with a South vvind.

The three and twentieth, wee sayled still forward West and by South, till the Sunne was South-east, and got to the Trust-point, which is distant from the Ice-point fiue and twentie miles,* 1.149 and then could goe no furtheer, because the Ice lay so hard and so close together, and yet it was faire weather: the same day we tooke the height of the Sunne with the Astrolabium, and also with our Astronomicall Ring, and found his height to be 37. degrees, and his Declination 23. de∣grees and 30. minutes, which taken from the height aforesayd, there rested 13. degrees and 30. minutes, which substracted out of 90. degrees, the height of the Pole was 76. degrees and 30. mi∣nutes, and it was faire Sun-shine weather, and yet it was not so strong as to melt the Snow, that [ 10] we might haue water to drinke,* 1.150 so that wee set all our Tinne platters and other things full of Snow to melt, and so molt it, and put snow in our mouthes, to melt it downe into our throates, but all was not enough, so that we were compelled to endure great thirst.

FRom the Low-land, to the Streame Bay, the course East and West, foure miles.* 1.151 From the Streame Bay, to the Ice-hauen point, the course East and by North, foure miles. From the Ice-hauen point, to the Ilands point, the course East North-east, fiue miles. From the Ilands point, to the Flushingers point, the course North-east and by East, three miles. From the Flushingers point, to the Head point, the course North east, foure miles. From the Head point, to the point of Desire, the course South and North, sixe miles. From the point of Desire, to the Iland of Orange, North-west, eight miles. From [ 20] the Ilands of Orange, to the Ice point, the course West, and West and by South, fiue miles. From the Ice point, to the point of Trust, the course West and by South, fiue and twentie miles. From the point of Trust, to Nassawes point, the course West, and West and by North, ten miles. From the Nassaw point, to the East end of the Crosse Iland, the course West and by North, eight miles. From the East end of the Crosse Iland, to Williams Iland, the course West and by South, three miles. From Williams Iland, to the Blacke point, the course West South-west, sixe miles. From the Blacke point, to the East end of the Admirable Iland, the course West South-west, seuen miles. From the East to the West point of the Ad∣mirable Iland, the course West South-west, fiue miles. From the West point of the Admirable Iland, to Cape Planto, the course South-west and by West, ten miles. From Cape de Planto, to Lombs-bay, the course West South-west, eight miles. From Lombs-bay, to the Staues point, the course West South-west, [ 30] ten miles. From the Staues point, to Langenesse, the course South-west and by South, fourteene miles. From Langenesse, to Cape de Cant, the course South-west and by South, sixe miles. From Cape de Cant, to the point with the Blacke clifts, the course South and by West, foure miles. From the point with the Blacke clifts, to the Blacke Hand, the course South South-east, three miles. From the Blacke Iland, to Constint-sarke, the course East and West, two miles. From Constint-sarke, to the Crosse point, the course South South-east, fiue miles. From Crosse point, to Saint Laurence Bay, the course South South-east, sixe miles. From Saint Laurence Bay, to Mel-hauen, the course South-east, sixe miles. From Mel-hauen to the two Ilands, the course South South-east, sixe miles. From the two I∣lands, where we crost ouer to the Russia Coast, to the Ilands of Matfloe and Delgoy, the course South-west, thirtie miles. From Matfloe and Delgoy, to the Creeke where we sayled the compasse round about, [ 40] and came to the same place againe, two and twentie miles. From that Creeke, to Colgoy, the course West North-west, eighteene miles. From Colgoy, to the East point of Camdenas, the course West North-west, twentie miles. From the East point of Camdenas, to the West side of the White Sea, the course West North-west, fortie miles. From the West point of the White Sea, to the seuen Ilands, the course North-west foureteene miles. From the seuen Ilands, to the VVest end of Kilduin, the course North-west, twentie miles. From the VVest end of Kilduin, to the place where Iohn Cornelis came vnto vs, the course North-west and by VVest, seuen miles. From thence to Cola, the course VVest Southerly, eighteene miles.

So that wee sayled in the two open Scutes, sometimes in the Ice, then ouer the Ice, and through the Sea, three hundred and eightie one miles Flemish, which is one thousand one hundred fortie and three [ 50] miles English.

The foure and twentieth of Iune, the Sunne being Easterly, we rowed heere and there in the Ice, to see where we might best goe out, but wee saw no opening, but when the Sunne was South, we got into the Sea, for the which we thanked God most heartily, that hee had sent vs an vnexpected opening, and then we sayled with an East winde, and went lustily forward, so that we made our account to get aboue the point of Nassawes close by the land, and wee could easily see the point of Nassawes, and made our account to bee about three miles from it.

The sixe and twentieth, it still blew hard out of the South, and broke the Ice whereunto we were fast in pieces, and we thereby draue into the Sea, and could get no more to the fast Ice, [ 60] whereby we were in a thousand dangers to bee all cast away, and driuing in that sort in the Sea, wee rowed as much as we could, but we could not get neere vnto the Land, therefore we hoy∣sed vp our Focke, and so made vp with our sayle, but our Fock-mast brake twice in peeces, and then it was worse for vs then before, and notwithstanding that there blew a great gale of Wind, yet we were forced to hoyse vp our great Sayle, but the winde blew so hard into it, that if wee

had not presently taken it in againe, we had sunke in the Sea, or else our Boate would haue been filled with water, for the water began to leape ouer-boord, and wee were a good way in the Sea, at which time the waues went so hollow, that it was most fearefull, and wee thereby saw no∣thing but death before our eyes, and euery twinckling of an eye looked when wee should sinke. But God that had deliuered vs out of so many dangers of Death, holpe vs once againe, and con∣trary to our expectations, sent vs a North-west wind, and so with great danger wee got to the fast Ice againe, when we were deliuered out of that danger, and knew not where our other Scut•• was, wee sayled one mile along by the fast Ice, but found it not, whereby we were wholly out of heart, and in great feare that they were drowned, at which time it was mystie weather, and so sayling along, and hearing no newes of our other Scute, we shot off a Musket, which they hea∣ring [ 10] shot off another, but yet we could not see each other, meane time approching neerer to each other, and the weather waxing somewhat cleerer, as wee and they shot once againe, we saw the smoake of their Piece, and at last we met together againe, and saw them lye fast, betweene driuing and fast Ice, and when we got neere vnto them, we went ouer the Ice, and holpe them to vnlade the goods out of their Scute, and drew it ouer the Ice, and with much paine and trou∣ble brought it into the open water againe, and while they were fast in the Ice, wee found some Wood vpon the Land by the Sea side, and when we lay by each other, we sod some Bread and Water together, and eat it vp warme, which did vs much good.

The eight and twentieth, when the Sunne was in the East, wee layd all our goods vpon the Ice, and then drew the Scutes vpon the Ice also, because we were so hardly prest on all sides, with [ 20] the Ice, and the wind came out of the Sea vpon the Land, and therefore wee were in feare to be wholly inclosed with the Ice, and should not be able to get out thereof againe, and being vpon the Ice, we layd sayles ouer our Scutes, and lay downe to rest, appointing one of our men to keepe watch, and when the Sunne was North, there came three Beares towards our Scutes, where∣with hee that kept the Watch cryed,* 1.152 three Beares, three Beares, at which noyse wee leapt out of our Boates with our Muskets, that were laden with hayle-shot to shoote at Birds, and had no time to discharge them, and therefore shot at them therewith, and although that kinde of shot could not hurt them much, yet they ranne away, and in the meane time they gaue vs leasure to lade our Muskets with bullets, and by that meanes wee shot one of the three dead, which the other two perceiuing ranne away, but within two houres after they came againe, but when they [ 30] were almost at vs and heard vs make a noyse, they ranne away, at which time the winde was West, and West and by North, which made the Ice driue with great force into the East.

The nine and twentieth of Iune, the Sunne 〈◊〉〈◊〉 South South-west, the two Beares came a∣gaine to the place where the dead Beare lay,* 1.153 where one of them tooke the dead Beare in his mouth, and went a great way with it ouer the rugged Ice, and then began to eate it, which vve perceiuing shot a Musket at her, but she hearing the noyse thereof ranne away, and let the dead Beare lye, then foure of vs went thither, and saw that in so short time she had eaten almost the halfe of her, we tooke the dead Beare and layd it vpon a high heape of Ice, that we might see it out of our Scute, that if the Beare came againe we might shoot at her, at which time we try∣ed the great strength of the Beare,* 1.154 that carryed the dead Beare as lightly in her mouth, as if [ 40] it had beene nothing, whereas wee foure had enough to doe to carry away the halfe dead Beare betweene vs.

The first of Iuly, it was indifferent faire vveather, with a West North-west wind, and in the Morning the Sunne being East,* 1.155 there came a Beare from the driuing Ice towards vs, and swam o∣uer the water to the fast Ice whereon we lay, but when she heard vs, she came no neerer but ran away, and when the Sunne was South-east, the Ice came so fast in towards vs, that all the Ice whereon we lay with our Scutes and our goods, brake and ran one peece vpon another, whereby vve were in no small feare, for at that time most of our goods fell into the water, but wee with great diligence drew our Scutes further vpon the Ice towards the Land, where vve thought to be better defended from the driuing of the Ice, and as we went to fetch our goods, we fell into [ 50] the greatest trouble that euer we had before, for that wee endured so great danger in the sauing thereof, that as we layd hold vpon one peece thereof, the rest sunke downe with the Ice, and many times the Ice brake vnder our owne feete, vvhereby we were wholly discomforted, and in a manner cleane out of all hope, expecting no issue thereof, in such sort that our trouble at that time surmounted all our former cares and impeachments, and vvhen wee thought to draw vp our Boates vpon the Ice, the Ice brake vnder vs, and we were carryed away vvith the Scute, and all by the driuing Ice, and when vve thought to saue the goods, the Ice brake vnder our feet, and with that the Scute brake in many places, especially that which wee had mended, as the Mast, the mast planke, and almost all the Scute, wherein one of our men that vvas sicke, and a Chest of money lay, which we with great danger of our liues got out from it, for as we were doing it, the Ice that was vnder our feet draue from vs, and slid vpon other Ice, vvhereby we were in danger [ 60] to burst both our armes and our legges, at vvhich time, thinking that wee had beene cleane quit of our Scute, vve beheld each other in pittifull manner, knowing not vvhat vve should doe, our liues depending thereon, but God made so good prouision for vs, that the peeces of Ice draue from

each other, wherewith we ranne in great haste vnto the Scute, and draw it to vs againe in such case as it was, and laid it vpon the fast Ice by the Boate, where it was in more securitie, which put vs vnto an exceeding and great and dangerous labour, from the time that the Sunne was South-east, vntill it was West South-west, and in all that time wee rested not, which made vs extreame wearie, and wholy out of comfort, for that it troubled vs sore, and it was much more fearefull vnto vs, then at that time when William Barents dyed, for there we were almost drow∣ned, and that day we lost (which was sunke in the Sea) two Barrels of Bread, a Chist with Lin∣nen Cloth, a Dry Fat with the Saylors Clothes, our Astronomicall Ring, a packe of Scarlet Cloth, a Rundlet of Oyle, and some Cheeses, and a Rundlet of Wine, which bouged with the [ 10] Ice so that there was not any thing thereof saued.

The fourth, it was so faire cleere weather, that from the time we were first in Noua Zembla, we had not the like. The fifth, it was faire weather, the Wind West, South-west, the same day dyed Iohn Franson of Harlem.

The seuenth, it was faire weather with some Raine, the Winde West, South-west, and at E∣uening VVest, and by North, then we went to the open water, and there killed thirteene Birds, which we tooke vpon a piece of driuing Ice, and laid them vpon the fast Ice.

The ninth, in the morning, the Ice began to driue, whereby we got open water on the Land side, and then also the fast Ice whereon we lay, beganne to driue whereupon the Master and the men went to fetch the Packe and the Chist, that stood vpon the Ice, to put them into the Scute, and then drew the Scute•• to the water, at least three hundred and fortie paces, which was hard [ 20] for vs to doe, in regard that the labour was great, and we very weake, and when the Sunne was South South-east we set sayle with an East-wind, but when the Sunne was West, we were for∣ced to make towards the fast Ice againe, because thereabouts it was not yet gone, the Winde be∣ing South, and came right from the Land, whereby wee were in good hope that it would driue away, and that we should proceed in our Voyage. The tenth, from the time that the Sunne was East North-east, till it was East, we tooke great paines and labour to get through the Ice, and at last we got through, and rowed forth, vntill we happened to fall betweene two great flakes of Ice that closed one with the other, so that we could not get through, but were forced to draw the Scutes vpon them, and to vnlade the goods, and then to draw them ouer to the open water on the other side, and then we must goe fetch the goods also to the same place, being at least one [ 30] hundred paces long, and when we were in open water againe, we rowed forward as well as we could, but we had not rowed long, before wee fell betweene two great flakes of Ice, that came driuing one against the other, but by Gods helpe, and our speedy rowing, we got from betweene them, before they closed vp, and being through we had a hard West Winde, right in our Teeth, so that of force we were constrayned to make towards the fast Ice that lay by the shoare.

The eleuenth, in the morning as we sate fast vpon the Ice, the Sunne being North-east, there came a great Beare out of the water running towards vs,* 1.156 but we watcht for her with three Mus∣kets, and when she came within thirtie paces of vs, wee shot all the three Muskets at her, and killed her out-right, so that she stirred not a foot, and we might see the fat runne out at the holes [ 40] of her skinne, that was shot in with the Muskets, swimme vpon the water like Oyle, and so driuing dead vpon the water, we went vpon a flake of Ice to her, and putting a Rope about her necke, drew her vp vpon the Ice, and smit out her Teeth, at which time we measured her bodie, and found it to be eight foot thicke, then we had a West Wind with close weather, but when the Sunne was South it began to cleere vp, then three of our men went to the Iland that lay be∣fore vs, and being there, they saw the Crosse Iland, lying West-ward from them, and went thi∣ther to see if that Summer there had beene any Russian there, and went thither vpon the fast Ice, that lay betweene the two Ilands, and being in the Iland, they could not perceiue that any man had beene in it since wee were there, there they got seuentie Egges, but when they had them, they knew not wherein to carrie them, at last one of them put off his Breeches, and tying them fast below, they carried them betweene two of them, and the third bare the Musket: and so [ 50] came to vs againe, after they had beene twelue houres out, which put vs no small feare to thinke what was become of them, they told vs that they had many times gone vp to the knees in wa∣ter, vpon the Ice betweene both the Ilands: and it was at least sixe mile to and fro, that they had gone, which made vs wonder how they could indure it, seeing we were all so weake. With the Egges that they had brought, wee were all well comforted, and fared like Lords, so that we found some reliefe in our great miserie, and then wee shared our last Wine amongst vs, whereof euery one had three Glasses.

The twelfth, in the morning, when the Sunne was East, the Wind began to blow East, and East North-east, with mystie weather, and at Eeuening sixe of our men went into the Land, to seeke certayne stones, and found some, but none of the best sort, and comming backe againe, ey∣ther [ 60] of them brought some Wood. The thirteenth, it was a faire day, then seuen of our men went to the firme Land to seeke for more stones, and found some, at which time the VVind was South-east. The fourteenth, it was faire vveather, with a good South VVind, and then the Ice began to driue from the Land, whereby wee were in good hope to haue an open water, but the

Wind turning Westerly againe, it lay still, when the Sunne was South-west, three of our men vvent to the next Iland that lay before vs, and there shot a Bercheynet, which they brought to the Scute; and gaue it amongst vs, for all our goods vvere common.

The sixteenth, there came a Beare from the firme Land, that came very neere vnto vs, by rea∣son that it was as vvhite as Snow, vvhereby at first vve could not discerne it to be a Beare, be∣cause it shewed so like the snow, but by her stirring at last we perceiued her, and as she came neere vnto vs, vve shot at her and hit her, but shee ranne away: that morning the Wind was VVest, and after that againe, East North-east with close weather. The seuenteenth, about the South South-east Sunne, fiue of our men went againe to the neerest Iland, to see if there appeared any open water, for our long staying there was no small griefe vnto vs, perceiuing not how wee [ 10] should get from thence, who being halfe way thither, they found a Beare lying behind a piece of Ice, which the day before had beene shot by vs, but shee hearing vs went away, but one of our men following her with a Boat-hooke, thrust her into the skinne, wherewith the Beare rose vp vpon her hinder feet, and as the man thrust at her againe, she strooke the Iron of the Boat-hooke in pieces, wherewith the man fell downe vpon his buttockes, which our other two men seeing, two of them shot the Beare into the bodie, and with that she ranne away, but the other man went after her with his broken staffe, and strooke the Beare vpon the backe, wherewith the Beare turned about against the man three times one after the other, and then the other two came to her and shot her into the bodie againe, wherewith shee sat downe vpon her buttockes, and could scant runne any further, and then they shot once againe, wherewith shee fell downe, [ 20] and they smote her Teeth out of her head: all that day the Winde was North-east, and East North-east.

The eighteenth, about the East Sun, three of our men went vp vpon the highest part of the land to see if there was any open water in the Sea, at which time they saw much open water, but it was so far from the land, that they were almost out of comfort, because it lay so far from the land, and the fast Ice, being of opinion that we should not be able to draw the Scutes and the goods so farre thither, because our strengthes still beganne to decrease: and the sore labour and paine that we were forced to indure more and more increased, and comming to our Scutes, they brought vs that newes, but we being compelled thereunto by necessitie abandoned all wearinesse and faint-heartednesse, and determined with our selues to bring the Boats and the goods to the water side, [ 30] and to row vnto that Ice, where wee must passe ouer to get to the open water, and when wee got to it, wee vnladed our Scutes, and drew them first ouer the Ice to the open wa∣ter, and after that the goods; it beeing at the least one thousand paces, then wee set sayle, till the Sunne was West and by South; and presently fell amongst the Ice againe, where wee were forced to draw vp the Scutes againe vpon the Ice, and beeing vpon it, wee could see the Crosse Iland; which wee ghest to bee about a mile from vs, the Wind then being East, and East North-east.

The nineteenth, lying in that manner vpon the Ice, about the East Sunne, seuen of our men went to the Crosse Iland, and being there they saw great store of open water in the West, where∣with they touch reioyced, and made as great haste as they could to get to the Scutes againe, but [ 40] before they came away they got 100. Egges, and brought them away with them, and comming to the Scutes, they shewed vs that they had seene as much open water in the Sea as they could discerne, being in good hope, that that would be the last time that they should draw the Scutes ouer the Ice, and that it should bee no more measured by vs, and in that sort put vs in good com∣fort, whereupon we made speed to dresse our Egges, and shared them amongst vs, and presently the Sunne being South South-west we fell to worke, to make all things ready to bring the Scutes to the water, which were to be drawne at least two hundred paces ouer the Ice, which wee did with a good courage, because we were in good hope that it would be the last time, and getting to the water, we put to Sea with Gods helpe, with an East, and East North-east Wind, and a good gale, so that with the West Sunne, we past by the Crosse Iland, which is distant from Cape [ 50] de Nassawes ten miles, and presently after that the Ice left vs, and wee got cleere out of it, yet wee saw some in the Sea, but it troubled vs not, and so wee held our course West and by South, with a good gale of Wind out of the East, and East North-east, so that wee ghest that betweene euery meale-tyde we sayled eighteene miles.

The twentieth, hauing still a good gale about the South-east Sunne, wee past along by the Blacke Point, which is twelue miles distant from the Crosse Iland, and sayled West South-west, and about the Eeuening with the West Sunne,* 1.157 we saw the Admirals Iland, and about the North Sunne past along by it, which is distant from the Blacke Point eight miles, and passing along by it, we saw about two hundred Sea-horses, lying vpon a flake of Ice, and wee sayled close by them, and draue them from thence, which had almost cost vs deere, for they beeing mightie [ 60] strong fishes, and of great force, swamme towards vs, (as if they would be reuenged on vs for the despight that we had done them (round about our Scutes) with a great noyse, as if they would haue deuoured vs, but we escaped from them, by reason that we had a good gale of Wind, yet it was not wisely done of vs to wake sleeping Wolues. The one and twentieth, we past by Cape

Plancio, about the East North-east Sunne,* 1.158 which lyeth West South-west eight miles from the Admirals Iland, and with the good gale that we had about the South-west Sunne, we sayled by Langenes, nine miles from Cape Plancio: there the Land reacheth most South-west, and we had a good North-east wind.* 1.159

The two and twentieth, we hauing so good a gale of wind when wee came to Cape de Cant,* 1.160 there we went on land to seeke for some Birds and Egges, but we found none, so we sayled for∣wards, but after that about the South Sunne we saw a Clift that was full of Birds, thither wee sayled and casting stones at them, we killed two and twentie Birds, and got fifteene Egges, which one of our men fetcht from the Clift, and if we would haue stayed there any longer, wee [ 10] might haue taken a hundred or two hundred Birds at least, but because the Master was somewhat further into Sea-ward then we, and stayed for vs, and for that wee would not loose that faire fore-wind, we sayled forwards along by the Land, and about the South-west Sunne, wee came to another point, where wee got a hundred twentie and fiue. Birds,* 1.161 which wee tooke with our hands out of their Nests, and some wee killed with stones, and made them fall downe into the water, for it is a thing certayne that those Birds neuer vsed to see men, and that no man had euer sought or vsed to take them, for else they would haue flowne away, and that they feared no ho∣die, but the Foxes and other wild beasts, that could not climbe vp the high Clifts, and that therefore they had made their Nests thereon, where they were out of feare of any beasts com∣ming vnto them, for we were in no small danger of breaking of our legges and armes, especially as we came downe againe, because the Clift was so high and so steepe, those Birds had euery one [ 20] but one Egge in their Nests, and that lay vpon the bare Clift without any straw or other thing vnder them, which is to be wondred at, to thinke how they could breed their young ones in so great cold, but it is to be thought and beleeued, that they therefore sit but vpon one Egge, that so the heate which they giue in breeding so many, may be wholly giuen vnto one Egge.

The foure and twentieth, it was faire weather, but the winde still Northerly, whereby wee were forced to lye still, and about noone we tooke the height of the Sunne with our Astrola∣bium, and found it to be eleuated aboue the Horizon 37. degrees and 20. minutes, his declination 20. degrees and 10. minutes which substracted from the height aforesaid rested 17. degrees and 10. minutes, which taken from 90. degrees, the height of the Pole was 73. degrees and 10. mi∣nutes, [ 30] and for that we lay stil there, some of our men went oftentimes on Land to seeke stones, and found some that were as good as euer any that we found.

The seuen and twentieth, wee had sayled from Cape de Cant, along by Constinsarke, to the Crosse Point, twentie miles, our course South South-east, the Wind North-west.

The eight and twentieth, it was faire weather with a North-east wind, then we sayled along by the Land, and with the South-west Sunne, got before Saint Laurence Bay, or Sconce Point,* 1.162 and sayled South South-east six miles, and being there, wee found two Russians Lodgies, or ships beyond the Point, wherewith we were not a little comforted, to thinke that we were come to the place where we found men, but were in some doubt of them, because they were so many, for at that time we saw at least thirtie men, and knew not what they were, there with much paine [ 40] and labour we got to Land, which they perceiuing, left off their worke, and came towards vs, but without any Armes, and we also went on shoare, as many as were well, for diuers of vs were very ill at ease, and weake by reason of a great scouring in their bodies, and when wee met toge∣ther, wee saluted each other in friendly wise, they after theirs, and wee after our manner, and when we were met, both they and wee lookt each other stedfastly in the face, for that some of them knew vs, and wee them, to bee the same men which the yeere before, when wee past through the Wey-gates had beene in our ship: at which time wee perceiued that they were a∣basht and wondred at vs, to remember that at that time wee were so well furnished with a great ship, that was exceedingly prouided of all things necessary, and then to see vs so leane and bare, with so small Scutes in that Countrey: and amongst them there were two, that in friendly manner clapt the Master and me vpon the shoulder, as knowing vs since that Voyage: for there [ 50] was none of all our men that was as then in that Voyage, but we two only, and asked vs for our Crable, meaning our ship, and we shewed them by signes as well as we could (for we had no In∣terpreter) that we had lost our ship in the Ice, wherewith they said, Crable pro pal (which wee vnderstood to bee, Haue you lost your ship?) and we made answere, Crable pro pal, which was as much as to say, That we had lost our ship, and many more words we could not vse, because we vnderstood not each other, then they made shew to be sorrie for our losse, and to be grieued that we the yeere before had beene there with so many ships, and then to see vs in so simple manner, and made vs signes that then they had drunke Wine in our ship, and asked vs what drinke wee had now, wherewith one of our men went into the Scute and drew some water, and let them [ 60] taste thereof, but they shak't their heads, and said, No dobbre (that is, It is not good) then our Master went neerer vnto them, and shewed them his mouth, to giue them to vnderstand that we were troubled with a loosenesse in our bellies, and to know if they could giue vs any counsell to helpe it, but they thought wee made shew that wee had great hunger wherewith one of them went vnto their Lodging, and fetcht a round Rie Loafe, weighing about eight pounds, with

some smored Fowles which we accepted thankfully, and gaue them in exchange halfe a doozen of Muschuyt, then our Master led two of the chiefe of them with him into his Scute, and gaue them some of the Wine that we had, being almost a Gallon, for it was so neere out: and while we stayed there, we were very familiar with them, and went to the place where they lay, and sod some of our Mischuyt with water by their fire, that we might eat some warme thing downe into our bodies, and wee were much comforted to see the Russians for that in thirteene moneths time, that we departed from Iohn Cornelison, we had not seene any man, but onely monsterous and cruell wild Beares.

The nine and twentieth, it was reasonable faire weather, and that morning the Russians be∣ganne to make preparation to bee gone, and to set sayle: at which time they digged certayne [ 10] Barrels with Trayne Oyle out of the sieges which they had buried there, and put it into their ships.

The thirtieth, lying at Anchor, the Wind still blew North-west, with great store of Raine, and a sore storme, so that although we had couered our Scutes with our Sayles, yet we could not lye dry,* 1.163 which was an vnaccustomed thing vnto vs: for wee had had no Raine in long time be∣fore, and yet we were forced to stay there all that day.

The one and thirtieth, in the morning, about the North-east Sunne, wee rowed from that Iland to another Iland, whereon there stood two Crosses, wee thought that some men had layne there about Trade of Merchandize, as the other Russians that wee saw before had done, but wee found no man there, the Wind as then beeing North-west, whereby the Ice draue still towards [ 20] the Wey-gates:* 1.164 there to our great good wee went on Land, for in that Iland wee found great store of Leple leaues, which serued vs exceeding well, and it seemed that God had purposely sent vs thither: for as then wee had many sicke men, and most of vs were so troubled with a scouring in our bodies, and were thereby become so weake, that wee could hardly row, but by meanes of those leaues we were healed thereof: for that as soone as we had eaten them, we were presently eased and healed, whereat wee could not choose but wonder, and therefore wee gaue God great thankes for that, and for many other his mercies shewed vnto vs, by his great and vn∣expected aide lent vs, in that our dangerous Voyage: and so as I said before, wee eate them by whole handfuls together, because in Holland we had heard much spoken of their great force, and as then found it to be much more then we expected. [ 30]

* 1.165The first of August, the Wind blew hard North-west, and the Ice that for a while had driuen towards the entry of the Wey-gates, stayed and draue no more, but the Sea went very hollow, whereby we were forced to remoue our Scutes on the other side of the Iland, to defend them from the waues of the Sea, and lying there wee went on Land againe to fetch more Leple leaues, whereby we had beene so well holpen, and still more and more recouered our healths, and in so short time, that we could not choose, but wonder thereat, so that as then some of vs could eate Bisket againe, which not long before they could not doe. The second, it was darke mistie weather, the Winde still blowing stiffe North-west, at which time our victuals beganne to decrease, for as then wee had nothing but a little Bread and Water, and some of vs a little Cheese. [ 40]

The third, about the North Sunne, the weather being somewhat better, wee agreed amongst our selues to leaue Noua Zembla and to crosse ouer to Russia, and so committing our selues to God, we set sayle with a North-west Wind, and sayled South South-west till the Sunne was East, and then we entred into Ice againe, which put vs in great feare, and about the South-west Sunne got cleere thereof, and entred into the large Sea, where we saw Ice, and then what with sayling and rowing we had made twentie miles, and so sailing forwards wee thought to approch neere vnto the Russian Coast; but about the North-west Sunne we entred into Ice againe, and then it was very cold.

The fourth, about the South-east Sunne, being gotten out of the Ice, we sayled forward with a North-west Wind, and held our course Southerly, and when the Sunne was South, at noone time we saw the Coast of Russia lying before vs, whereat we were exceeding glad, and going [ 50] neerer vnto it, we strooke our sayles and rowed on Land, and found it to be very low Land, like a bare Strand that might be flowed ouer with the water, there we lay till the Sunne was South-west, but perceiuing that there wee could not much further our selues, hauing as then sayled from the Point of Noua Zembla (from whence we put off) thither full thirtie miles, wee sayled forward along by the Coast of Russia, with an indifferent gale of Winde, and when the Sunne was North, we saw another Russian Iolle or ship, which we sayled vnto to speake with them, and being hard by them, they came all aboue Hatches, and wee cryed vnto them Candinaes Candi∣naes (whereby we asked if we were about Candinaes) but they cryed againe and said, Pitzora, Pitzora, (to shew vs that wee were there abouts) and for that wee sayled along by the Coast, [ 60] where it was very dry,* 1.166 supposing that we held our course West and by North, that so we might get beyond the Point of Candinaes, we were wholy deceiued by our Compasse, that stood vpon a Chist bound with Iron bands which made vs vary at least two Points, whereby we were much more Southerly then wee thought our course had beene, and also farre more Easterly, for wee

thought verily that we had not beene farre from Candinaes, and wee were three dayes sayling from it as after we perceiued, and for that we found our selues to bee so much out of our way, we stayed there all night till day appeared.

The twelfth of August, it was faire weather, at which time the Sunne being East, wee saw a Russia Lodgie come towards vs, with all his sayles vp, wherewith we were not a lit∣tle comforted, which we perceiuing from the Strand, where we lay with our Scutes, we desired the Master that we might goe vnto him, to speake with him, and to get some victuals of them, and to that end we made as much haste as we could, to launch out our Scutes and sayled toward them, and when we got to them, the Master went into the Lodgie, to aske them how farre wee had to Cardinaes, which we could not well learne of them, because wee vnderstood them not, [ 10] they held vp their fiue Fingers vnto vs, but we knew not what they meant thereby, but after we perceiued, that thereby they would shew vs, that there stood fiue Crosses vpon it, and they brought their Compasse out and shewed vs that it lay North-west from vs,* 1.167 which our Compasse also shewed vs, which reckoning also we had made: but when we saw we could haue no better intelligence from them, the Master went further into their Ship, and pointed to a barrell of Fish that he saw therein, making signes to know, whether they would sell it vnto vs, shewing them a peece of eight Rials, which they vnderstanding gaue vs one hundred and two Fishes, with so••e Cakes which they had made of Meale, when they sodde their Fish, and about the South Sunne wee left them.

The sixteenth of August in the Morning, sayling forward North-west, we perceiued that we [ 20] were in a Creeke, and so made towards the Russian Lodgie, which we had seene on our starre-boord, which at last with great labour and much paine wee got vnto, and comming to them a∣bout the South-east Sunne, with a hard winde, we asked them how farre we were from Sembla de Cool or Kilduin, but they shooke their heads, and shewed vs that wee were on the East-side of Zembla de Candinaes.

The seuenteenth lying at Anchor, in the Morning at breake of day, wee saw a Russian Lod∣gie that came sayling out of the white Sea, to vvhom we rowed, that vve might haue some instruction from him, and when we boorded him, vvithout asking or speaking vnto him, he gaue vs a loafe of Bread, and by signes shewed vs as well as he could, that hee had seene our Compa∣nions, and that there vvas seuen men in the Boate, but wee not knowing well what they sayd, [ 30] neither yet beleeuing them, they made other signes vnto vs, and held vp their seuen Fingers, and pointed to our Scute, thereby shewing that there was so many men in the Boate, and that they had sold them Bread, Flesh, Fish and other victuals: and while wee stayed in their Lodgie, vve saw a small Compasse therin, which we knew that they had bought of our chiefe Boatson, which they likewise acknowledged. About mid-night wee found a fall of fresh Water, and then we went on Land to fetch some, and there also wee got some Leple-leaues, and as wee thought to row forward, we were forced to sayle, because the flood was past, and still we lookt earnestly out for the point of Cardinaes, and the fiue Crosses, whereof we had beene instructed by the Russians, but we could not see it.

The Eighteenth, in the Morning the Sunne being East, we puld vp our Stone, (which we vsed [ 40] in steed of an Anchor) and rowed along by the Land, till the Sunne was South, and then we saw a point of Land reaching into the Sea, and on certayne signes of Crosses, which as vve went nee∣rer vnto we saw perfectly, and when the Sunne was West, we perceiued that the Land reached West and South-west, so that thereby we knew it certainely to bee the point of Candinaes, lying at the mouth of the white Sea which we were to crosse, and had long desired to see it. This Point is easily to bee knowne, hauing fiue Crosses standing vpon it, which are perfectly to be discer∣ned, and hauing a good North-east vvind (which was not for vs to slacke) we set forward in the Name of God, and when the Sunne was North-west we past the Point, and all that night and the next day sayled with a good Wind, and all that time rowed but while three Glasses were runne out, and the next Night after ensuing, hauing still a good vvind, in the Morning about the [ 50] East North-east Sunne, we saw Land on the West-side of the white Sea, which we found by the rushing of the Sea vpon the Land before we saw it, and perceiuing it to bee full of Clifts, and not low sandie ground with some Hills, as it is on the East-side of the white Sea, wee assured our selues that we were on the West-side of the white Sea, vpon the Coast of Lapland,* 1.168 for the which we thanked God, that he had helped vs to sayle ouer the white Sea in thirtie houres, it being for∣tie Dutch miles at the least, our course being West with a North-east winde.

The twentieth, we espied certayne Crosses, with Warders vpon them, vvhereby we vnder∣stood that it was a good way, and so put into it, and being entred a little way within it, we saw a great Russian Lodgie lying at Anchor, whereunto we rowed as fast as we could, and there also [ 60] we saw certayne Houses wherein men dwelt, and when wee got to the Lodgie, we made our selues fast vnto it and cast our tent ouer the Scute, for as then it began to rayne, then we vvent on land into the Houses that stood vpon the shoare, vvhere they shewed vs great friendship, lea∣ding vs into their Stoues and there dryed our wet Cloathes, and then seething some Fish, bade vs sit downe and eate somewhat vvith them. In those little houses wee found thirteene Russians,* 1.169

who euery morning vvent out to Fish in the Sea, whereof two of them had charge ouer the rest, they liued very poorely, and ordinarily eate nothing but Fish and Bread: at Eeuening when we prepared our selues to goe to our Scute againe, they prayed the Master and me to stay vvith them in their Houses, vvhich the Master thanked them for, would not doe, but I stayed with them all that night:* 1.170 besides those thirteene Men, there was two Laplanders more, and three Women with a Child, that liued very poorely of the ouerplusse which the Russians gaue them, as a peece of a Fish, and some fishes heads which the Russians threw away, and they with great thankful∣nesse tooke them vp, so that in respect of their pouertie, we hought our selues to bee well furni∣shed: and yet vve had little enough, but as it seemed their ordinary liuing was in that manner, and we were forced to stay there, for that the vvind being North-west, it was against vs. [ 10]

The one and twentieth, wee met our other Companie vvherewith we rejoyced, and shewed each other of our proceedings, and how vvee had sayled too and fro in great necessitie and hun∣ger, and yet they had beene in greater necessitie and danger then we, and gaue God thankes that hee had preserued vs aliue, and brought vs together againe, and then we eate something toge∣ther and dranke of the cleere Water, such as runneth along by Collen through the Rhene, and then vve agreed that they should come vnto vs, that we might sayle together.

The two and twentieth, the rest of our men vvith the Boate came vnto vs, about the East South-east Sunne, whereat wee much rejoyced, and then we prayed the Russians Cooke to bake a sacke of Meale for vs, and to make it Bread, paying him for it, vvhich hee did, and in the meane time, when the Fisher-men came with their Fish out of the Sea, our Master bought foure Cods [ 20] of them, which we sodde and eate, and vvhile were were at meate, the chiefe of the Russians came vnto vs, and perceiuing that we had not much Bread, hee fetched a Loafe and gaue it vs, and al∣though we desired them to sit downe and eate some meate vvith vs, yet we could by no meanes get them to grant thereunto, because it was their Fasting day, and for that vve had powred But∣ter and fat into our Fish:* 1.171 nor vvee could not get them once to drinke with vs, because our Cup vvas somewhat greasie, they were so superstitious touching their Fasting and Religion, neither would they lend vs any of their Cups to drinke in, least they should likewise bee greased, at that time the vvind was North-west.

The foure and twentieth, the wind blew East, and then the Sunne being East, we got the seuen Ilands, where we found many Fisher-men, of whom we enquired after Cool and Kilduin, [ 30] and they made signes that they lay West from vs, (which we likewise ghest to bee so) and with∣all they shewed vs great friendship, and cast a Codde into our Scute, but for that wee had a good gale of vvind, we could not stay to pay them for it, but gaue them great thankes, much wonde∣ring at their great courtesie, and so with a good gale of vvind we arriued before the seuen Ilands, when the Sunne was South-west, and past betweene them and the Land, and there found cer∣tayne Fisher-men that rowed to vs, and asked vs where our Crable (meaning our Ship) was, whereunto we made answer, with as much Russian language as wee had learned, and sayd, Cra∣ble pro Pal, (that is, our Ship is lost) which they vnderstanding, sayd vnto vs, Cool Brabouse Cra∣ble, whereby we vnderstood, that at Cool there was certayne Netherland Ships, but wee made no great account thereof, because our intent was to sayle to Ware-house, fearing least the Russians [ 40] or great Prince of the Countrey would stay vs there.

The fiue and twentieth, sayling along by the Land with a South-east vvind, about the South Sunne,* 1.172 we had a sight of Kilduin, at which time we held our course West North-west, and say∣ling in that manner betweene Kilduin and the firme Land, about the South South-west Sunne, we got to the West end of Kilduin, and being there looked if we could see any Houses or people therein, and at last we saw certayne Russian Lodgies that lay vpon the Strand, and there finding a conuenient place for vs to Anchor with our Scutes, while wee went to know if any people were to bee found, our Master put in with the Land, and there found fiue or sixe small Houses, wherein the Laplanders dwelt, of whom we asked if that were Kilduin, whereunto they made answer, and shewed vs that it was Kilduin, and sayd, that at Coola there lay three Brabants Cra∣bles or Ships, whereof two were that day to set sayle: wee found a small House vpon the shoare, [ 50] vvherein there was three Men and a great Dogge, which receiued vs very friendly, asking vs of our affaires, and how we got thither, whereunto we made answer, and shewed them that we had lost our Ship, and that wee were come thither to see if we could get a Ship that would bring vs into Holland: whereunto they made vs answer as the other Russians had done, that there was three Ships at Coola, whereof two vvere to set sayle from thence that day, then wee asked them if they would goe with one of our men by Land to Coola, to looke for a ship, wherewith wee might get into Holland, and sayd we would reward them well for their paines, but they excused themselues, and sayd, that they could not goe from thence, but they sayd they would being vs o∣uer the Hill, vvhere vve should finde certayne Laplanders whom they thought would goe vvith vs, as they did: for that Master and one of our men going with them ouer the Hill, found certaine [ 60] Laplanders there, vvhereof they got one to goe with our man, promising him two Ryals of eight for his paines, and so the Laplander going vvith him, tooke a Piece on his necke, and our man a Boat-hooke, and about Eeuening they set forward, the vvinde as then being East, and East North-east.

The sixe and twentieth, it vvas faire vveather, the vvind South-east, at vvhich time we drew vp both our Scutes vpon the Land, and tooke all the goods out of them, to make them the ligh∣ter; vvhich done, we went to the Russians and vvarmed vs, and there dressed such meates as wee had, and then againe we began to make two meales a day, vvhen we perceiued that we should euery day finde more people, and vve dranke of their drinke which they call Quasse, vvhich was made of broken peeces of Bread, and it tasted well: for in long time wee had drunke nothing else but Water. Some of our men went further into the Land, and there found blew Berries and bramble Berries, vvhich they plucked and eate, and they did vs much good, for we found that they healed vs of our loosenesse, the vvind still blew South-east.

The eight and twentieth, it was indifferent good weather, and then we drew the Scutes vp∣on [ 10] the Land againe, that we might take the rest of the goods out of them, because the wind still blew hard North, and North North-west, and hauing drawne the Scutes vp, we spred our sayles vpon them, to shelter vs vnder them, for it was still mystie and raynie weather, much desiring to heare some newes of our man, that was gone to Coola with the Laplander.

The nine and twentieth, wee spyed the Laplander comming alone without our man, whereat we wondred, and were somewhat in doubt, but when hee came vnto vs, he shewed vs a Letter that was writen vnto our Master, which he opened before vs, the Contents thereof being, that hee that had written the Letter wondred much at our arriuall in that place, and that long since hee verily thought that we had beene all cast away, being exceeding glad of our happie fortune, and how that he would presently come vnto vs with victuals, and all other necessaries to suc∣cour [ 20] vs withall, we being in no small admiration who it might bee, that shewed vs so great fa∣uour and friendship, could not imagine what he was, for it appeared by the Letter that he knew vs well: and although the Letter was subscribed, by me Iohn Cornelison Rip, yet wee could not bee perswaded that it was the same Iohn Cornelison, who the yeere before had beene set out in the other ship with vs, & left vs about the Beare Iland: for those good newes we payd the Lap∣lander his hyer; and besides that, gaue him Hose, Breeches, and other furniture, so that hee was apparelled like a Hollander: for as then wee thought our selues to bee wholly out of danger, and so being of good comfort, we layd vs downe to rest. Heere I cannot chuse but shew you how fast the Laplander went: for when he went to Coola, as our Companion told vs, they were two Dayes and two Nights on the way, and yet went apace, and when he came backe againe he was [ 30] but a Day and a Night comming to vs, which was wonderfull, it being but halfe the time, so that we sayd, and verily thought that hee was halfe a Conjurer, and he brought vs a Partridge, which hee had killed by the way as he went.

The thirtieth, wee saw a Russian Ioll come rowing with Iohn Cornelison, and our Companion that we had sent to Coola, who being landed, wee receiued and welcommed each other, with great joy and exceeding gladnesse, as if either of vs on both sides had seene each other rise from death to life againe: for we esteemed him, and hee vs to bee dead long since: hee brought vs a Barrell of Roswicke Beere, Wine, Aqua vit••, Bread, Flesh, Bacon, Salmon Suger, and other things, which comforted and relieued vs much, and we rejoyced together for our so vnexpected meeting: at that time giuing God great thankes, for his Mercie shewed vnto vs.

[ 40] The first of September, in the Morning with the East Sun,* 1.173 we got to the West-side of the Ri∣uer of Coola, and entred into it, where we rowed till the Flood was past, and then wee cast the Stones that serued vs for Anchors vpon the ground, at a point of Land till the Flood came in a∣gaine: and when the Sunne was South, wee set sayle againe with the Flood, and so sayled and rowed till mid-night, and then wee cast Anchor againe till morning. The second,* 1.174 in the Mor∣ning, we rowed vp the Riuer, and as we past along wee saw some Trees on the Riuer side, which comforted vs, and made vs glad as if we had then come into a new world, for in all the time that wee had beene out, we had not seene any Trees, and when we were by the Salt Kettles, which is about three miles from Coola, we stayed there a while, and made merrie,* 1.175 and then went forward againe, and with the West North-west Sunne, got to Iohn Cornelisons Ship, wherein we entred [ 50] and drunke: there wee began to make merrie againe, with the Saylers that were therein, and that had beene in the Voyage with Iohn Cornelison the yeere before, and bad each other welcome: then we rowed forward, and late in the Eeuening got to Coola, where some of vs went on Land, and some stayed in the Scutes to looke to the goods: to whom we sent Milke and other things to comfort and refresh them, and we were all exceeding glad that God of his mercie had deliuered vs out of so many dangers and troubles, and had brought vs thither in safetie.

The third, wee vnladed all our goods, and there refreshed our selues after our toylesome and wearie Iourney, and the great hunger wee had endured, thereby to recouer our healths and strengths againe.

[ 60] The eleuenth, by leaue and consent of the Bayart,* 1.176 Gouernour of the great Prince of Mosco∣uia, we brought our Scute and our Boate into the Merchants House, and there let them stand for a remembrance of our long, farre (and neuer before sayled way) and that wee had sayled in those open Scutes, almost foure hundred Dutch miles, through, and along by the Sea Coasts to the Towne of Coola.

The seuenteenth of September, Iohn Cornelison and our Master being come aboord, the next day about the East Sunne, we set sayle out of the Riuer Coola, and with Gods grace put to Sea, to sayle homewards, and being out of the Riuer, wee sayled along by the Land North-west and by North, the winde being South.

Vpon the nine and twentieth of October, wee arriued in the Mase, with an East North-east wind, and the next morning got to Maseland Sluce, and there going on Land, from thence row∣ed to Delfe, and then to the Hage, and from thence to Harlem. And vpon the first of Nouember about Noone, got to Amsterdam, in the same Clothes that wee wore in Noua Zembla, with our Caps furr'd with white Foxes skinnes. The newes thereof being spred abroad in the Towne, it was also carryed to the Princes Court in the Hage, at which time the Lord Chancellour of Den∣marke, [ 10] Ambassadour for the sayd King, was then at Dinner with Prince Maurice: for the which cause we were presently fetcht thither by the Scout, and two of the Burgers of the Towne, and there in the presence of those Ambassadours, and the Burger-masters, wee made rehearsall of our Iourney both forwards and backwards.

I thought good to adde hither for Barents or Barentsons sake, certaine Notes which I haue found (the one Translated, the other Written by him) amongst Master Hakluyts Paper.

This was Written by William Barentson in a loose Paper, which was lent mee by the Reuerend Peter Plantius in Amsterdam, March [ 20] the seuen and twentieth, 1609.

* 1.177THe foure and twentieth of August, Stilo nouo 1595. wee spake with the Samoieds, and asked them how the Land and Sea did lye to the East of Way-gates. They sayd after fiue dayes iourney going North-east,* 1.178 wee should come to a great Sea, going South-east. This Sea to the East of Way-gates, they sayd was called Marmoria, that is to say, A calme Sea. And they of Ward-house haue told vs the same. I asked them, if at any time of the yeere it was frozen ouer? They sayd it was. And that some∣times they passed it with Sleds. And the first of September 1595. Stilo nouo, the Russes of the Lodie or Barke affirmed the same; saying, that the Sea is sometimes so Frozen, that the Lodies or Barkes going sometimes to Gielhsidi from Pechora, are forced there to Winter: which Gielhsidi was wonne from [ 30] the Tartars, three yeeres past.

For the Ebbe and Flood there I can finde none; but with the Winde so runneth the streame. The third of September,* 1.179 Stilo nouo, the winde was South-west, and then I found the water higher, then with the winde at North or North-east. Mine opinion is grounded on Experience, That if there bee a passage, it is small: or else the Sea could not rise with a Southerly Winde. And for the better proofe to know if there were a Flood and Ebbe,* 1.180 the ninth of September, Stilo nouo, I went on shoare on the South end of the States Iland, where the Crosse standeth, and layd a Stone on the brinke of the Water, to proue whe∣ther there were a Tide, and went round about the Iland to shoote at a Hare, and returning, I found the Stone as I left it, and the Water neither higher nor lower: which prooueth as afore, that there is no Flood nor Ebbe. [ 40]

Notes

• * 1.1

  Iune. Three Sunnes and foure Rain-bowes. The like hath beene seene in England about the time this worke entred the Presse.
• * 1.2

  Ice.
• * 1.3

  Greene water.
• * 1.4

  Beares, or Che∣rie-Iland.
• * 1.5

  Egges.
• * 1.6

  Danger esca∣ped.
• * 1.7

  Variation of the Compasse.
• * 1.8

  Great white Beare.
• * 1.9

  Fight with her.
• * 1.10

  Beares skin 12. foot long.
• * 1.11

  Dead Whale.
• * 1.12

  80. Degrees and 11 minuts.
• * 1.13

  Another fight with a white Beare.
• * 1.14

  Beares skin 13. foot long.
• * 1.15

  Red Geese Egges.
• * 1.16

  Red Geese breed their young Geese, vnder 80. De∣grees in Green∣land.

  Fable of Bar∣nacles.
• * 1.17

  Note.
• * 1.18

  Beare assaults them.
• * 1.19

  Variation of the Compasse 16. Degrees.
• * 1.20

  Store of Birds.
• * 1.21

  Iuly. Cherie-Iland.
• * 1.22

  They part companie.
• * 1.23

  Willoughbies Land concei∣ted from some Maps.
• * 1.24

  Noua Zembla.
• * 1.25

  Admirals Iland.
• * 1.26

  Crosse Iland in 76. degrees 20. minutes.
• * 1.27

  Two Beares. Their sent.
• * 1.28

  Variation 26. degrees, per∣haps 16.
• * 1.29

  August.
• * 1.30

  Point Nassaw.
• * 1.31

  Trust-point.
• * 1.32

  Ice 52. fathom deepe.
• * 1.33

  Snow.
• * 1.34

  Beares assault.
• * 1.35

  Icie thunder.
• * 1.36

  Beare killed.
• * 1.37

  Orange Iland▪
• * 1.38

  Point Desire.
• * 1.39

  Earth on the top of Azure Ice.
• * 1.40

  Boat broken with Ice.
• * 1.41

  Inclosed with Ice.
• * 1.42

  Escape of three men.
• * 1.43

  Ship lifted vp, and beset with Ice.
• * 1.44

  Another dan∣ger.
• * 1.45

  Rother broken
• * 1.46

  September.
• * 1.47

  Riuer of fresh water, and Wood.
• * 1.48

  Ship fastned in Ice.
• * 1.49

  They deter∣mine to winter there.
• * 1.50

  How God in our extremest need, when we were forced to lie all the Win∣ter vpon the Land, sent vs Wood to make vs a house, and to serue vs to burne in the cold Winter.
• * 1.51

  Three Beares.
• * 1.52

  It freezeth in the salt water two fingers thicke in •• night.
• * 1.53

  House builded.
• * 1.54

  Hard and vio∣lent frost.
• * 1.55

  Ground not to be thawed.
• * 1.56

  May-pole of Snow.
• * 1.57

  Extreme Snow
• * 1.58

  Hence it may seeme, that the course of the Tides and Sea is from the North.
• * 1.59

  Beere melted▪
• * 1.60

  Sea couered with Ice.
• * 1.61

  Beare assault•• the ship▪
• * 1.62

  Barrels and I∣ron hoopes broken with Ice.
• * 1.63

  All come to the House.
• * 1.64

  Fight with Beares.
• * 1.65

  White Foxe.
• * 1.66

  Beares fat for Lampe.
• * 1.67

  Nouember.
• * 1.68

  Sun & Moone.
• * 1.69

  Sun riseth South South-east, and goeth downe South South-west, not full aboue the Earth.

  Foxes succeed Beares.
• * 1.70

  They see the Sun no more after the third of Nouember, Stilo nouo, or our Octob. 24.
• * 1.71

  Moone conti∣nually seene in the Sunnes ab∣sence.
• * 1.72

  Darknesse.
• * 1.73

  Bread shared and Beere.
• * 1.74

  Beere strength lesse with frost.
• * 1.75

  Ship ballast couered with water.
• * 1.76

  Fox-trap.
• * 1.77

  Wine shared. Drinke water.
• * 1.78

  Ill washing.
• * 1.79

  Bathing and purging.
• * 1.80

  Store of Snow.
• * 1.81

  Fox-skin-caps.
• * 1.82

  December.
• * 1.83

  Lye still in Ca∣bins.
• * 1.84

  Stone heated to heat them. Cold and Smoake.

  Ice cracking noyse.
• * 1.85

  Ice in the House.
• * 1.86

  Clock frozen.
• * 1.87

  Doore digged open.
• * 1.88

  Cold stronger then fire and Sacke.
• * 1.89

  Sea-coale fire.
• * 1.90

  Swounding & stifling by the Cole-vapour and closenesse.
• * 1.91

  Benefit of cold
• * 1.92

  Shooes on feet frozen within. They weare no shooes.
• * 1.93

  Clothes on their backes frozen.
• * 1.94

  Cold blisters▪
• * 1.95

  Extreame and terrible free∣zing.
• * 1.96

  Sunnes com∣fort.
• * 1.97

  House inclo∣sed with snow.
• * 1.98

  Sun in Tropicus Capricorni. 24. Decem. Stilo nouo.
• * 1.99

  Cold Christ∣masse.
• * 1.100

  Ill signe in∣deed.
• * 1.101

  Cold inuinci∣ble.
• * 1.102

  Burne before, freeze behind.
• * 1.103

  Snow higher then the house
• * 1.104

  Snow-steps.
• * 1.105

  Fire conque∣red, heat smelt before felt.
• * 1.106

  An. Dom. 1597.
• * 1.107

  Ianuary.
• * 1.108

  Vane.
• * 1.109

  Three Kings of Cullen.
• * 1.110

  King of Noua Zembla.
• * 1.111

  Day-light espied.
• * 1.112

  Beares in the ship.
• * 1.113

  Oculus Tauri.
• * 1.114

  Aurora blusheth to lie so long in bed.
• * 1.115

  Cold relenteth
• * 1.116

  Sunne appea∣reth againe, Ian. 24.
• * 1.117

  Sun fully seen.
• * 1.118

  How the Sun which they had lost the 4. of Nouember did appeare to them againe vpon the 24. of Ianuary, which was very strange, and contrary to all learned mens opinions.
• * 1.119

  Difference of longitude be∣twixt Venice and their win∣tring place.
• * 1.120

  Note for deg. of longitude.
• * 1.121

  Beares returne with the Sun.
• * 1.122

  Sicke man dieth.
• * 1.123

  The Summer▪
• * 1.124

  Beare.
• * 1.125

  February.
• * 1.126

  They goe out at the chim∣ney.
• * 1.127

  Heat of the Sunne.
• * 1.128

  Beare slaine.
• * 1.129

  100. Pound of fat taken out of a Beare, vse∣full for Lamps.
• * 1.130

  March.
• * 1.131

  Note.
• * 1.132

  Sol in Aries.
• * 1.133

  Shoots of Felt and Rugge.
• * 1.134

  Aprill.
• * 1.135

  Beare assault the house.
• * 1.136

  Beares Den.
• * 1.137

  May.
• * 1.138

  Burgers of No∣ua Zembla.
• * 1.139

  Bucke.
• * 1.140

  Beares Liuer venomous.
• * 1.141

  Iune.
• * 1.142

  Beare slayne.
• * 1.143

  They depart▪
• * 1.144

  The Letter is omitted. It was subscribed by Iacob Hems∣kerke, Peter Pe∣terson Vos, Ma∣ster Hans Vos, Laurence Wil∣limson, Peter Cornelison, Iohn Remarson, Wil∣liam Barents, Gerrat de Veer, Leonard Hen∣drickson, Iacob Iohnson Schea∣dam, Iacob Iohn∣son Sterrenburg. Orange Iland. Open Scutes.
• * 1.145

  Dangerous at∣tempt to draw the Boat ouer the Ice.
• * 1.146

  W. Barents dieth.
• * 1.147

  Enclosed again with Ice:
• * 1.148

  and againe.
• * 1.149

  Trust-point.
• * 1.150

  Extreame cold
• * 1.151

  The stretching of the Land from the house where we win∣tred, along by the North-side of Noua Zem∣bla, to the Straights of Wey-gats, where we past ouer to the Coast of Russia, and ouer the entrie of the white Sea to Cola, accor∣ding to the Card here in∣suing.
• * 1.152

  Three Beares.
• * 1.153

  One Beare carryeth ano∣ther in his mouth and eat it.
• * 1.154

  Strong Beare.
• * 1.155

  Iuly.
• * 1.156

  Huge Beare.
• * 1.157

  Admirals Iland.
• * 1.158

  Cape Plancio▪
• * 1.159

  Langenes.
• * 1.160

  Cape Cant.
• * 1.161

  Strange Bird•• breeding in strong cold.
• * 1.162

  Two Russian Lodies or Lod∣gies.
• * 1.163

  No Raine.
• * 1.164

  Scuruy-grasse, or Leple leaues cure their scowring and Scorbuti∣call infirmitie.
• * 1.165

  August.
• * 1.166

  Pitzora: Compasse de∣ceiueth by ill Neighbour∣hood.
• * 1.167

  Russian Com∣passe.
• * 1.168

  Lapland.
• * 1.169

  Russian Houses.
• * 1.170

  Laplanders mi∣••rable life.
• * 1.171

  Slutterie a fast breaker.
• * 1.172

  Kilduin.
• * 1.173

  September.
• * 1.174

  Trees a rare sight.
• * 1.175

  Coola.
• * 1.176

  Th••ir Scute and Boat layd vp for a Monu∣ment: how much more worthily then the old worlde Argo.
• * 1.177

  Intelligence from Samoyeds.
• * 1.178

  1595. Barkes going from Pechora to Gielhsidi: wintering there.

  Gielhsidi won from the Tar∣tars 1592.
• * 1.179

  1592. No Ebbe not Floud.
• * 1.180

  September 9.