I said that the thing was curious, and would buy it of him, if he was disposed to sell.

He said that it would be as much as his life were worth to part with it, to an Englishman; and, indeed, that it was only captains of ships trading in those seas who were allowed to have them, seeing that all matters connected with the islands were held as a state secret.

After some trouble and chaffering, however, he agreed to make me an exact copy, and to sell it me for ten gold pieces.
"This is the copy.

It is exact, for I compared it with the original, before I paid for it.

Now here, you see, are laid down the position and bearing of all the islands, together with all the ports and places where the Spaniards have their settlements.