Seneca,
In His Third Book, Endeavouring To Give A Probable Reason For The
Existence Of Such Islands, Alleges That There Are Certain Rocks So Light
And Spongy In Their Substance, That Islands In India Which Are Composed Of
Such Do Actually Swim Upon The Water.
Therefore, even if it were actually
the case that Leme had seen the three islands, the admiral, was of opinion
that they must have been of that kind, such as those called the islands of
St Brandan are supposed to be, where many wonders are reported to have
been seen.
Accounts have also been propagated of other islands, which are
continually burning, and which lie far to the northward[8].
Juventius Fortunatus mentions an account of two floating islands
considerably to the west, and more southward than those of Cape Verd.
These and such like reports, might induce several of the inhabitants of
Ferro and Gomera, and of the Azores, to affirm that they saw islands
towards the west every year; of which they were so thoroughly convinced,
that many reputable persons swore that it was true. The same Fortunatus
relates, that a person came from Madeira to Portugal in the year 1484, to
beg a caravel from the king in which he might go in quest of an island
which he made oath that he saw every year, and always after the exact same
manner; with whom others agreed, who declared that they had seen the same
land from the Azores.
On these grounds, in all the former maps and charts, certain islands were
placed in that direction.
Enter page number
PreviousNext
Page 45 of 789
Words from 12173 to 12436
of 219607
