Page:History of merchant shipping and ancient commerce (Volume 1).djvu/500

 In very deed of England, by the king. And it is so, God blessed mought he bee. So in likewise I would were on the sea, By the Noble, that swerde should haue power, And the ships on the sea about us here."

Throughout the whole document the dominion of the sea is urgently enforced, and the insolence of certain ships of the Hanse Towns loudly complained of. The folly of English merchants colouring the goods of foreigners is also condemned. The ninth chapter relates to the trade with Ireland, of which it furnishes a copious account. The author mentions gold and silver ore as being produced there in large quantities, and urges the importance of quelling the wild Irish, and keeping the country in strict obedience, all which, he states, cannot be done without good ships, and being masters of the seas. The trade of Iceland is also mentioned, and its important fisheries; and here follows a distinct mention of the mariner's compass, as having been recently introduced by merchant mariners.

There can be no doubt that the mariner's compass was at this period in general use as the "shipman's card" on board of English vessels; and further, that English seamen were extensively employed in the trade with Spain and Brittany.

"Of Island to write is litle nede Saue of stock-fish: yet forsooth indeed Out of Bristowe (Bristol), and costes many one, Men haue practised by nedle and by stone *