This Day the First of November, Anno Domini 1586.
A messenger has come from Whitehall, informing me that The Gay Dart has returned. Captain Fothering again successful. My portion doth increase my riches vastly and it is in my mind to soon make off to the Indies, and there establish myself. I am sore weary of this chancing game and vexed too often with the foul humors of my years. The Most Gracious Queen doth yet have fear of dangerous enemies, but there are those more capable than I to look to her protection. 'Tis a crabbed existence that weighs most heavy on me, and I would feign my dotage came in ease and quiet.
This night I must make end to that foulness I discovered. It is decided by me to take one other with me, and fire the cursed hole. Perhaps, like rats, the rogues can best be laid by the heels by-