We Put to Sea

Then, after having been delayed more than a month, did it seem as if we were in good truth on our journey, and yet before many hours had passed the northerly wind died away until we were of necessity come to anchor at Yarmouth, which caused no little fear among the gentlemen of our company, for if we were long detained on the coast of England, his lordship's enemies might find opportunity of throwing yet further troubles in our way.

Fortunately, however, a strong wind, which was almost a gale, sprang up during the night, causing confusion among the ships in the harbor. A French bark was blown from her anchorage and fell afoul of the Dove, which vessel was forced to put to sea immediately, otherwise she would have been driven on the shore, and, lest we be separated from her, the Ark  was obliged to follow.

The wind increased in strength until it was to me at times as if our ship stood upright, first on one end and then on the other, and again rolling to and fro until it seemed certain she would be overset. John, who had the same sickness in his stomach as had I, declared that because of our having sailed on Friday morning, were we sure to come to disaster by shipwreck.

Again and again, while the gale raged, did I say to myself that he had spoken truly, for of a verity it seemed as if nothing that had been fashioned by man could withstand the pounding of the enormous waves or the fury of the wind which I could hear screaming amid the rigging.