[484] This expression is unknown to the dictionaries, and it is difficult to conjecture its meaning: it may be a synonym for 'bank' or 'shore,' or for 'seaweed,' which would be found in the shallower water near the shore.
[485] N.W. Spain. MS. 'Ortingall.'
[486] Apparently 'bent' was in use at this period in speaking of the tide when it had turned and begun to ebb or flow with full force. Cf. Luke Ward's narrative (1582) in Hakluyt (vol. xi. p. 174): 'Being at anchor, I manned our boat and would have gone aboard the Admiral, but could not, the flood was bent so strong.'
[487] I.e. make way against.
[488] Brother of Sir John Trevor, and a naval officer of distinction; knighted in 1604.
[489] The captain, or commanding officer. 'Commander' as a substantive rank dates only from 1793.
[490] MS 'Gundamar.' Diego Sarmiento d'Acuna, Count of Gondomar. He played an important part in the foreign policy of Great Britain from 1613, when he was sent to England as ambassador to bring James into accord with Spanish policy. It was Gondomar who secured the execution of Ralegh.
[491] MS. 'Sylla.' He means the principal island, St. Mary.
[492] I.e. the ship first beat to windward, tacking two or three times, and then laid her course for the anchorage with the wind on her quarter.
[493] Castle Hugh, near Hugh Town, the capital.