Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1891-10-29


acclamation3. His journey was contin-
ually impeded by the multitude pressing
TO gain sight of him and Of the In
dams, who were regarded with rs much
astonishment as if they had been natives
of another planet. 1t was impossible to
satisfy the craving curiosity which as
sailed him and his attendants ut every
stage with innumerable questions; pop
ular rumor, as usual, had exaggerated
the truth and had filled the newly found
country with all kinds of wonders.
About the middle of April Columbus
arrived at Barcelona, where every prep
aration had been made to give him a
solemn and magnificent reception. The
beauty and serenity of the weather in
that genial season and favored climate
contributed to give splen1or to this
memorable ceremony. AS he drew near
the place many Of the youthful courtiers
and hidalgos, together with vast con-
course of the populace, came forth to
meet and welcome him. His entrance
into this noble city has been compared
to one OF those triumphs which the Ro-
mans were accustomed to decree to con-
querors. First were paraded the In
dians, painted according to their savage
fashion and decorated with their na-
tional ornaments of gold, After these
were borne various kinds of live parrots,
together with stuffed birds and animals
of unknown species, and rare plants sup
posed to be of precious qualities, while
great care was taken to make a conspic-
uous display of Indian coronets, brace
lets and other decorations of gold which
might give an idea Of the wealth of the
newly discovered regions.
After this followed Columbus on horse
back, surrounded by brilliant cayal-
cade of Spanish chivalrv. The streets
We're almost impossible from the count
less multitude; the windows and balco-
MES were crowded with the fair; the
very roofs were covered with spectators.
1t seemed as if the public eye could not
be stated with gazing on these trophies
Of an unknown world or on the remark
able man by whom it had been discov-
cred. There was sublimity in this
event that mingled a solemn feeling with
the public JOY. It was looked upon as
vast and signal dispensation of Provi-
dence in reward for the piety of the
monarchs, and the majestic and venera-
bic appearance Of the discoverer, SO diff
ferent from the youth aud buoyancy
generally expected from rowing enter
prise, seemed in harmony with TIE gran.
deur and dignity of his achievement,
To receive him with suitable pomp
and distinction the sovereigns had or
dered their throne to be placed in public
under rich canopy of brocade Of gold,
in vast and splendid saloon. Here the
king and queen awaited his arrival,
seated in state, with the Prince Juan be-
side them, and attended by the dignita-
ries Of their court and the principal
nobility Of CASTLE, Valentia, Catalonia
and Arragon, all impatient to behold
the man who had conferred so incalcu-
liable benefit upon the nation. At
length Columbus entered the hall, sur
rounded by a brilliant crowd of cava-
liers, among whom, says Las Casas, ha
was conspicuous for his stately and COM
manding person, which with his counte-
nance, rendered venerable by his gray
hairs, gave him the august appearance
Of senator of Rome; Il moc-st smile
enjoyed the state aud glory in which he
came; and certainly nothing could be
more deeply moving to a mind intlamed
by noble ambition, and conscious of
having greatly deserved, than these tes-
timonials of the admiration and graft
tude of nation, or rather of a world.
AS Columbus approached the sovereigns
rose, as if receiving a person of the high
est rank. Bending his knees he offered
to kiss their hands, but there was some
hesitation on their part to permit this
act Of homage. Raising him in the
most gracious manner they ordered him
TO seat himself in their presence, a rare
honor in this proud and punctilious
court.
AT their request he now gave an &C.
count of the most striking events of his
voyage and description Of the islands
discovered. He displayed specimens of
unknown birds and other animals, Of
rare plants of medicinal and aromatic
virtues, of native gold in dust, in crude
masses or labored into barl@ric crna-
ments, and above all the u&'iYo, # these
countries, VINO were ouJrC - intense
pronounced mere harbugers Of greater
discoveries yet TO be made, which would
add realms of incalculpble wealth to the
dominions of their maJesties and whole
nations of proselytes to the true faith.
When he had finished, the sovereigns
sank on their knees and raising their
clasped hands to heaven, their eyes filled
with tears of JOY and gratitude, poured
forth thanks and praises to God for so
great providence; all present followed
their example, II deep and solemn enthu-
siasm pervaded that splendid assembly,
and prevented all common acclmnatious
of triumph The anthem "Te Deum
Laudamus," chanted by the choir of the
royal chapel, with the accompaninento Of
instruments, rose in a full body Of sacred
harmony, bearing mp, Is it We're, the
feelings and thoughts of the auditors 10
heaven, $50 that" says the venerable Las
Casas, sit seemed as if in that hour they
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