Meaning: The quote you have shared is from William Adams, a British navigator and adventurer who became the first Englishman to reach Japan. Adams was born in Gillingham, Kent, in 1564 and was a skilled navigator and shipbuilder. In 1598, he set sail aboard the Dutch ship "Liefde" as the pilot-major of a fleet of five ships bound for the East Indies. However, the fleet encountered a violent storm in the Pacific Ocean, which led them to be separated. The "Liefde" eventually made landfall on the shores of Japan in April 1600.

The quote reflects Adams' longing to return home to England after spending five years in Japan. During his time in Japan, Adams had become an advisor to the ruling shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu and played a significant role in introducing Western shipbuilding techniques to the Japanese. Despite his influential position and the respect he garnered in Japan, Adams missed his family and desired to reunite with them.

Adams' reference to making supplication to the king highlights his respect for authority and his adherence to the societal norms of the time. As an Englishman, seeking permission from the king was a customary practice before undertaking significant endeavors, especially those involving international travel. Adams' desire to see his "poor wife and children according to conscience and nature" reflects his deep sense of duty and responsibility towards his family. It also underscores the emotional strain and longing he experienced while being separated from his loved ones.

The quote provides insight into the personal struggles and sacrifices made by early explorers and adventurers. While their exploits and achievements are often celebrated, it is essential to recognize the human aspect of their experiences. Adams' yearning to return home humanizes him and reminds us that even the most daring and intrepid individuals grappled with homesickness and the longing for familial connections.

The historical context of Adams' time in Japan is also crucial to understanding the significance of his quote. His arrival in Japan occurred during a period of intense political and social upheaval in the country. The power struggles among various warlords and the impending Battle of Sekigahara, which would ultimately lead to the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate, created a volatile environment. In this tumultuous setting, Adams' skills and knowledge proved invaluable, and he found himself deeply entrenched in the political and military affairs of Japan.

Adams' expertise in shipbuilding and navigation contributed to the development of Japan's maritime capabilities and facilitated the country's interactions with the outside world. His role as a trusted advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu highlights the respect and esteem he commanded in a foreign land. Despite his achievements and the respect he garnered in Japan, Adams' heart remained tied to his homeland, as evidenced by his plea to the king to allow him to return to England.

In conclusion, William Adams' quote encapsulates the complex emotions and personal sacrifices experienced by early explorers and adventurers. It sheds light on the human side of their extraordinary journeys and serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring pull of family and home. Adams' legacy as the first Englishman in Japan and his contributions to the country's history and development continue to be remembered and celebrated, making his quote a testament to the multifaceted nature of historical exploration and cultural exchange.