The court and all the nation are of the same opinion.
Should this purpose succeed, it is incredible how abundant this kingdom
must soon become in all kinds of riches and merchandize; and from hence
the ships of Venice in particular will have to bring their accustomed
articles of trade. To us truly, who formerly sustained this branch of
commerce entirely by our own resources, this decree will be injurious,
unless he shew us favour.
[1] This letter is dated 9th October 1501. It is probable that Pasquali
would hardly write this _from_ the court of Portugal to his brothers
in _Lisbon_; it being more likely that they resided in Venice. - E.
[2] The discovery here referred to, seems to have been the coast of
Labradore; and the other country under the north may possibly be
Greenland. This voyage was probably in quest of a north-west passage
to India. - E.
[3] In this passage we surely ought to read _ships may be built_. - E.
SECTION IV.
_Letter from Francis Sagitta of Cremona, from Lisbon, directed to the
Venetian orator Peter Pasquali, residing at the Court of Castile_[1].
Most excellent orator! In two former letters, I have promised to omit no
opportunity of informing your excellency what kind of merchandize might
be brought in four vessels which were expected daily from India.
