myself. Having prepared all Necessaries, I one Time placed myself and all my Utensils on the Top of a Rock at the River’s Mouth, and putting myself upon my Engine at full Sea, I caused Diego to advance the Signal, whereupon my Birds, twenty five in Number, rose all at once, and carried me over lustily to the Rock on the other Side, being about a Quarter of a League; I chose this Time and Place, because if any Thing had fallen out contrary to Expectation, the worst that could happen was only falling into the Water, and being able to swim well, I hoped to receive little Hurt in my Fall. When I was once safe over, O how did my Heart even swell with Joy and Admiration at my own Invention; how often did I wish myself in the Midst of Spain, that I might fill the World with the Fame of my Glory and Renown? Every Hour I had a longing Desire for the coming of the Indian Fleet to take me home with them, which then staid three Months beyond their usual Time: At length they arrived, being three Carricks much weather-beaten, the Men sick and weak, and so were constrained to refresh themselves in our Island a whole Month. The Admiral was called Alphonso de Xima, a valiant, wise Man, desirous of Glory, and worthy better Fortune than afterwards befel him; to him I discovered my Device of the Gansas, being satisfied, that it was impossible otherwise to persuade him to take so many Birds into his Ship, who for the Niceness of their Provision would be more troublesome than so many Men; yet I adjured him by Oaths and Persuasions to be secret in the Business, though I did not much doubt it, assuring myself he durst not impart the Experiment to any before our King were acquainted therewith. I had more Apprehension left Ambition, and the Desire of gaining to himself the Honour of so admirable
