At the same time, providing safe passage for shipping through the Straits of Malacca and other narrow seas is in the interest of both countries.

The atmosphere is “laden with clouds and mists” and the surface is covered by “numerous narrow ‘seas.’”

The first colonists would thus have needed boats to cross some narrow seas in order to settle this land.

His dazzling achievements as a general have obscured his more sober qualities as a ruler, and even the sound strategy, with which he aimed to be master of the narrow seas.

Complaints were lodged before Henry, but were almost ignored, “till the Earl of Surrey, then Treasurer and Marshal of England, declared at the council board, that while he had an estate that could furnish out a ship, or a son that was capable of commanding one, the narrow seas should not be so infested.”