of the earth;) they were not able to leave letters, arts, and civility
to their posterity; and having likewise in their mountainous
habitations been used (in respect of the extreme cold of those
regions) to clothe themselves with the skins of tigers, bears, and
great hairy goats, that they have in those parts; when after they came
down into the valley, and found the intolerable heats which are there,
and knew no means of lighter apparel, they were forced to begin the
custom of going naked, which continueth at this day. Only they take
great pride and delight in the feathers of birds; and this also they
took from those their ancestors of the mountains, who were invited
unto it by the infinite flights of birds that came up to the high
grounds, while the waters stood below. So you see, by this main
accident of time, we lost our traffic with the Americans, with whom of,
all others, in regard they lay nearest to us, we had most commerce.

"As for the other parts of the world, it is most manifest that in the
ages following (whether it were in respect of wars, or by a natural
revolution of time,) navigation did every where greatly decay; and
specially far voyages (the rather by the use of galleys, and such
vessels as could hardly brook the ocean,) were altogether left and
omitted. So then, that part of intercourse which could be from other
nations to sail to us, you see how it hath long since ceased; except
it were by some rare accident, as this of yours. But now of the
cessation of that other part of intercourse, which might be by our
sailing to other nations, I must yield you some other cause. For I
cannot say (if I shall say truly,) but our shipping, for number,
strength, mariners, pilots, and all things that appertain to
navigation, is as great as ever; and therefore why we should sit at
home, I shall now give you an account by itself: and it will draw
nearer to give you satisfaction to your principal question.