reckoneth 2262.[1] In the situations likewise there may be differences. For there neuer sailed together in one fleete at sea from ten pilots to the number of 100 but that some of them found themselues by reckoning in one longitude and other some in another. But considering better with my selfe, that the difficulties are opened, and the differences amended by others of more exact iudgement and vnderstanding therein, I purposed notwithstanding to proceede in this worke of Discoueries.
Some there be that say, that the world hath fully beene discouered: and they alleage this reason, that as it hath beene peopled and inhabited, so it might be frequented, and nauigable, and the rather for that the men in that age were of a longer life, and of lawes and languages almost one.
Contrarie opinions touching the discouerie of the world. There be others of a contrarie opinion to this, holding that all the earth could not be knowne, nor the people conuersant one with another. For though it had beene so once, yet the same would haue beene lost againe by the malice of men, and the want of iustice among the inhabitants of the earth.
Who were the first discouerers since the flood. But bicause the best and most famous discoueries were made by sea, and that principally in our times, I desire to knowe, who were the first discouerers since the time of the flood.
The people of China say they were the first sailers by sea. Some affirme that they were the Greekes, others say, the Phœnicians, others also the Egyptians. The people of India agree not hereunto; affirming that they were the first that sailed by sea: namely the Tabencos, which now we call the Chinois. And they alleage for the proofe of this, that they be the Lords of the Indiaes euen vnto the Cape of Bona Sperança, and the island of S. Laurence, which is inhabited by them, and al along the sea: as also the Iauaes, Timores, Celebes, Macasares, Malucos, Borneos, Mindanaos, Laçones, Lequeos, Iapones, and other Islands being many in number, and the firme lands of Cauchin-China, Laos, Bramas, Pegu, Arracones, till you come vnto Bengala:
The inhabitants of the West Indies descended from China. And besides this, New Spaine, Peru, Brasill, the Antiles, with the rest adioyning vnto them, as appeereth by the fashions and maners of the men and women, and by their proportions, hauing small eies, flat noses, with other proportions
- ↑ Augustine de Ciuit. Dei, lib. 15. cap. 20.
