experience (most certain master of all worldly knowledge), then for declaration of the truth you may send two or one, as you shall think may pass in safety: whereby the company being advertised of your proceedings, may further provide that which may seem most beneficial for the public wealth of the same: in which things your wisdoms and discretions are to be used, for that you be not ignorant, how many persons, as well the King's Majesty, the lords of his honourable council, this whole company, as also your wives, children, kinsfolk, allies, friends and familiars, be replen- ished in their hearts with ardent desire to learn and know your conditions and welfares, and in what likelihood you be in, to obtain this notable enterprise, which is hoped no less to succeed to you, than the Orient or Occident Indias have to the high benefit of the Emperor, and Kings of Portugal, whose subjects, industries, and travels by sea, have enriched them, by those lands and islands, which were to all cosmographers unknown.
No conspiracies, factions, false tales, untrue reports, which be the very seeds and fruits of contention, discord, and confusion, by evil tongues to be suffered, but the same, and all other ungodliness to be chastened charitably with brotherly love, and always obedi- ence to be used and practised by all persons in their degrees, not only for duty and conscience' sake towards God, under whose merciful hand navigators above all other creatures naturally be most nigh, but also for prudent and worldly policy, and public weal, so to endeavour yourselves as that you may satisfy the expectation of them, who at their great costs, charges and expen- ses, have so furnished you in good sort, and plenty of all neces- saries, as the like was never in any realm seen, for such an exploit, which is most likely to be achieved, and brought to good effect, if every person in his vocation shall endeavour himself according to his most bounden duty: praying to the living God, to give you his grace, to accomplish your charge to his glory, whose merciful hand shall prosper your voyage, and preserve you from all dangers. In witness whereof I Sebastian Cabot, Governor aforesaid, to these present ordinances have subscribed
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