I wish...

Italy is such a dull place, I wish that I could sail the sea and see the world, but what would an Italian boy do? In Italy, they already have enough sailors, they have no need for more, and the pay would not be sufficient. I have heard of men sailing for countries other than their homes, but which country would take me, the Italian boy who’s only sailing experience is just sailing on the open seas? Who will choose me? I have heard talk of Francis I from France about an expedition to the New World, and it is rumored that he has already chosen Antonio Gondi to finance the expedition, but has yet chosen a captain to lead the voyage to plant the French flag on the New World. Oh, if only that captain could be me!