16th-century Explorer Quotes

Jacques Cartier

Walter Raleigh

Samuel de Champlain

Henry Hudson

Humphrey Gilbert

William Alexander

I am rather inclined to believe that this is the land God gave to Cain.

Jacques Cartier

We are as near to heaven by sea as by land!

Humphrey Gilbert

I used all diligence to arrive at London and therefore I now gave my crew a certificate under my hand, of my free and willing return, without persuasion or force by any one or more of them.

It is not truth, but opinion that can travel the world without a passport.

We found shoal water, where we smelt so sweet and so strong a smell, as if we had been in the midst of some delicate garden abounding with all kinds of odoriferous flowers, by which we were assured that the land could not be far distant.

While as he yet doth breath extend, no man is blest; behold the end.

William Alexander

And when we saw all those cities and villages built in the water, and other great towns on dry land, and that straight and level causeway leading to Mexico, we were astounded...

Bernal Díaz del Castillo

The advice I give to all adventurers is to seek a place where they may sleep
in safety.

Samuel de Champlain