liues, and how like a reprobate inperfifting, he refolves
to die.
Which pleafure of yours, that I may the better and
more fullie accomplifh, and no way to feeme ingratefull
for your benefits received, in neglecting my paines, I be-
feech you, let it not be held unneceffarie by you, nor fu-
perfluous of the world, that I firft indevour, to deliver
truely, and of mine owne knowledge, the manner of his
firft going forth to Sea, and the forme that he ufed in un-
dertaking thefe courfes: fo fhall I the more directly, and
in order, delyinate his proceedings, defcribe his outra-
ges, dilate his cuftomes, paint out his oppreffions, pi-
cture his lufts, image his riotts, manifeft his ruins, and
in the end, give you to expect that which is alreadybe-
gun of him, his endleffe infamy, and deferved confufion.
Which defire of mine, being I know by your curte-
fie condifcended unto, and I perceive by your letter, is
expected of others, I pray you receive this that followeth
for truth.
This Ward, who now hath atchieved to himfelfe, the
title of Captaine, whofe defperate actions hath caufed
terrour to travellors by Sea , and whofe name hath
bred feare in the Marchants at home. In the laft yeare
of her late Maiefties raigne, was refident, and had his
dwelling, (as by my own knowledge I can certifie) in the
Weft countrie at the haven Towne of Plimouth, a fel-
low, poore, bafe, and of no efteeme, one as tattered in
cloathes, as he was ragged in conditions, the good paft,
that he could boaft of himfelfe, might bee, that hee was
borne in a Towne called Feverfham in kent, and there
lived as a poore fifherman, and the vertue prefent, that
he durft talke of was, he had abiding in Plimouth, wher-
fore a while keeping houfe, although I have never heard
that he paid his rent, all the day you fhould hardly faile
but finde him in an alehoufe : but bee fure to have him
drunke at home at night. Othes were almoft as ordina-
rie with him as words, fo that hee feldome fpake a fen-

tence,