Itinerary: Voyage to the East or Portuguese Indies

[nature] has hidden away in its chambers, of which some are common but many more are unknown to us. It would be a great sloth of the mind not to stretch our understanding further than our eyes can reach, or to be so overconfident as to allow nothing but what we can measure with our own experience or knowledge. Nevertheless, I will gladly leave everyone to their own feeling and judgment, both here and elsewhere, declaring for myself that I have never held any other intention than to simply and faithfully bring to light that which occurred to me while in the East Indies, as well as on the journey to and fro—things both special and noteworthy during a period of thirteen years—rather than, for the sake of appearances or out of reasonable guessing, adding something of my own. This is the path I have followed and maintained until now, and I do not doubt it will be found to be the truth.

And now, having applied all possible diligence to what I think or what was shown to be necessary for the clearer instruction of the benevolent reader, I have decided out of proper gratitude that, if there is anything here worth reading, I shall dedicate it all to Your Noble Mightinesses The Dutch abbreviation "V.M.E." stands for Uwe Mogende Edelheden, a formal address for the members of the States General., entirely and submissively. This is not only to make use of your high regard, praise, name, authority, and renown as a shield against those critics, ill-wishers, or "know-it-alls" The original Dutch neuzwijsheid implies a meddlesome or arrogant sort of cleverness., but much more (for the aforementioned matters concern me little) because of natural duty, by which I, along with all faithful subjects, gladly acknowledge owing all honor, thanks, and service to such a gracious government. I also gratefully recognize that through the favor and recommendation of the Honorable and Highly Learned Dr. François Maelson A prominent Dutch statesman and physician from Enkhuizen who was a key advisor to William the Silent and Prince Maurice.—who has been a Deputy in Your Noble Mightinesses' assembly for many years and is a Counselor Ordinary of the States of Holland and West Friesland, alongside His Excellency, etc.—our experiences in discovering the Northern Strait, the Strait original: "Estrecho," the Spanish word for strait. or Strait of Nassau A passage in the Arctic near Vaygach Island, which Linschoten explored in 1594-1595 while searching for a Northeast Passage to Asia., and the written declaration serving that purpose, pleased Your Noble Mightinesses through singular favor. Furthermore, you have honorably maintained me in the same service. If it shall please Your Noble Mightinesses to graciously accept my further labor, diligence, and effort under your banners, it shall give me good hope and singular courage to further (with the Lord's help) make the principal coasts of Asia and the surrounding islands known to our Fatherland before long, following my dutiful recommendation and submissive respect.

Herewith, High and Well-born, Mighty, Noble, Earnest, Wise, and Prudent Lords, I pray the Almighty to spare and preserve Your Noble Mightinesses for the administration of the common country’s affairs in all prosperity and welfare, in long and godly health. Done in Enkhuizen, in the year 1595.