TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, MY SINGULAR GOOD MAYSTER, SIR CHRISTOPHER HATTON, KNIGHT, CAPTAINE OF THE QUEENES MAJESTIES GARDE, VIZCHAMBERLAINE TO HIR HIGHNESSE, AND ONE OF HIR MAJESTIES MOST HONOURABLE PRIVIE COUNSALE

Summary

[The Epistle Dedicatory.]

Right honorable, when I first entended the voyage of discoverie wyth Mr. Frobisher, for the finding of the passage to Cataya (beyng a matter in oure age above all other notable) I applyed myselfe wholy to the science of cosmographie, and secrets of navigation, to the ende, I might enable myselfe the better for the service of my countrie, not only to understande what I read and heard others speake, but also to execute in effect, and practise with my owne hands, the dutie and office appertayning to a marriner: and so thereby be better able to make a true reporte of al occurrents in the same voyage. And for that now the common reporte thereof is so vaine and uncertaine, by cause some men rather contendyng what they are able to say, than considering what in truth they should and ought to say, whereby, by sundrie men's fantasies, sundry untruths are spred abroad, to the gret slaunder of this so honest and honorable an action, I have thought good to lay open to your honorable judgement, the plain truth, and ful discourse of the whole service, which I have taken upon me (though altogether unable) to write, and to dedicate unto your Honor especially, for these speciall causes following.