The pilot and transcript. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1840-1841, 1841-01-23
MERCEDES OF Castillo; OR THE
VOYAGE TO CATHAY.

BY J. FENNIMoRE CooPER.
CHAP. VIZ.
aHe that of such height h ath built his mind
And reared the dwelling of his thoughts so strong
As neither fear norhoPe can shake the frame
OF his resolved powers" DANIEL.
(Concluded.)
1t would be difficult to say whether Column
bus lost or gained in the opionions of his audi
tors, by this answer. The religious feeling of
the age was in perfect, consonance with the
sentiment; but to- the churchmen present it
seemed arrogantin an humble and unknown
layman, even to believe it possible that he
could be the chosen vessel, when so many
who appeared to have higher claims were re-
iected Still, no expression of this feeling was
permitted, for it was then as it is now, he who
seemed TO rely on the power of God carrying
with him weight and an influence that ordina-
riy checked rebukes.
you propose to endeavor TO reach Cathay,
by means of sailing forth into the broad Allan
TIC resumed the archbishop, and yet you de-
ny the existence of ESestor joint
Your pardon, holy prelate-I do propose to
reach Cathay and Cipango in the mode you
mention, but do not absolutely deny the exis-
tence of the monarch you have named. For
the probability Of the success ofmy enterprise,
| have already produced my proofs and rea-
sons, which have satisfied many learned
churchmen: but evidence is wanting to establish
the last"
sAnd yet Giovanni de Montecorvino, pious
bishop of our holy church, is said to have con-
verted such a prince to the true faith nearly
two centuries since
The power of Gsd can do any thing, Lord
Archbishop, and | am not one to question the
merits of his chosen ministers. All can an
swer 10 this point is, that find no scientific or
plausible reasons to justify me in pursuing
what may prove TO be as deceptive as the light
which recedes before the hand that would
touch it, As fer Cathay and its position and its
! wonders, we have the better established evil
dence of the renowned Venetians, Marco and
Nicolo Polo, who not only travelled in those
territories, but sojourned years at the court OF
their monarch. But, noble gentlemen, wheth-
sr there is Prestsr John or Cathay, there
is certainly limit 10 the western side of the
Atlantic, and that limit am ready to SEEK
The archbishop betrayed his incredulity in
the upward turn sf his eyes: but having his or
ders from those who were accustomed to be
obeyed, and knowing that the theory of Co.
lumbus had been gravely heard and reported
on, years before. at Salamanca, he determined
prudently to keep within his proper sphere,
and TO proceed at once to that into which it
was his duty to inquire.
You have set forth the advantages that you
think may be derived to the soyereigns, should
your project succeed, Ssnor,' he said, truly
they are notlight,i all your brilliant hopes may
be realized; but it now remainethto know W hat
conditions you reserve for yourself, as the re-
wards of all your risks and many years of anx-
ious labor
sAll that has been duly considered. illustrious
archbishop, aid you will find the substance OF
my wishes set forth in this paper, though many
of the smaller provisions will remain to be emu
merated.'
AS Columbus spoke, he handed the papers in
question to Ferdinand of Talavera. The pre-
late ran his eyes over it at first, bat second
time with more deliberation, and it would be
difficult to say whether ridiculs or indignation,
was most strongly expressed in his counte-
nance as he deridingly threw the documents
on table. When this act of contempt was
performed, he turned tow ards Columbus, as il
to satisfy himself that the navigator was not
mad.
cart thou serious in demanding these terms,
Senor!' he asked sternly, with look that
would have caused most men, in the humble
STATEN of the applicant, to swerve from their
purpose.
Lord Archbishop answered Columbus,
with dignity that was not easily disturbed,
this matter hath now occupied my mind quite
eighteen years. During the whole of this long
period have thought seriously of little else,
and it may be said to have engaged my mind
sleeping and waking / saw the truth early
and intensely, but every day seems to bring
itsbrighter and brighter before my eyes. Ifeel
reliance on success, that cometh from depen-
dence on Ged. think myself an agent chosen
/ for the Accomplishment of great ends, and ends
that will not be deceived by the success of this