Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1891-10-08
CHAPTER XXI
RECEPTION OF COLUMBUS BY THE sPANIsE
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following SO close upon the conquest of
Granada was pronounced signal mark
Of divine favor for that triumph
achieved in the cause pl true faith. The
soTereigns themselves were for time
dazzled by this sudden and easy acquisi-
ton Of new empire, of indefinite ex-
tent and apparently bonndless wealth,
and their first idea was to secure it be-
yond the reach OF dispute Shortly after
his arrival in Seville Columbus re-
ceiyed letter from them expressing
their great delight and requesting him
to repair Immediately to court, to con
cert plans for a second and more exten-
sive expedition
As the summer the time favorable for
a voyage, was approaching, they desired
him to make any arrangements atSeville
or elsewhere that might hasten the ex-
petition, and to inform them. by the re-
turn Of the courier, what was to be done
on their part. This letter was addressed
to him by the title Of don Christopher
Columbus. our admiral Of the ocean sea,
and viceroy and governor Of the islands
discovered in the Indies" at tile same
time he was promised still further re-
wards. Columbus lost no time in COM
plying with the commands Of the sover-
eigns. He sent d memorandum Of the
ships, men and munitions requisite, and
having made such dispositions at Seville
as circumstances permitted. set out for
Barcelona, taking with him the six In
dians and the Tarious curiosities and
productions brought from the New
World.
The fame Of his discovery had re-
sounded throughout the nation. and as
his route lay through several CT the fin
est and mostpopulous provincesof Spain,
his journey appeared like the progress Of
q sovereign. Wherever he passed the
country poured forth its inhabitants,
who lined the road and thronged the
villages. The streets. windows and bal
comics of the towns were filled with
eager spectators, who rent the air with
acclamations His journey was contin-
ually impeded by the multitude pressing
to gain a sight cE him and Of the In
dians, who were regarded with as much
establishment as il they had been natives
Of another planet 1t was impossible to
satisfy the craving curiosity which as
sailed him and his attendants at every
stage with innumerable questions; pop
ular rumor. as usual had exaggerated
the truth and had filed tile 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
solemn and magnificent reception. The
beauty and serenity Of the weather In
that genial season and favored climate
contributed to give spleudor 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 We're par;lded the In
dians, painted according to their savage
fashion and decorated with their ma
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 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 a brilliant caval-
cade of Spanish chivalry The streets
were almost impossible from the count
less multitude; the windows and balcO-
nies were crowded with the fair; the
very roofs were covered with spectators.
1t seemed as if the public eye could not
be sated with gazing On these trophies
of an unknown world, or on the remark
able man by whom il had been discov-
cred There WIS Il sublimity in this
event that mingled solemn feeling with
the public joy Il was looked upon as
vast and signal dispensation of Provi-
dence In reward for the piety of the
monarchs, and the majestic and venera-
ble appearance Of the ,lisc0verer, SO diff
ferent from the youth and buoyancy
generally expected from rowing enter
prise, seemed IN harmony with the gran
deur and dignity Of his achievement.
70 receive him with suitable pomp
and distinction the soyereigns had or
dered their throne to be placed in public
under rich canopy Of brocade OF gold,
in a 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 Nalentia, Catalonia
and Arragon. all impatient to behold
the man who had conferred so incalcu-
liable benefit Haoa the nation AT
length Columbus entered the nall. sur
rounded by brilliant crowd Of cava-
Iiers, among whom. says Las Casas, he
was conspicuous far lis stately and com
handing person which WITH his counte-
nance, rendered venerable tly his gray
hairs, gave him the august appearance
Of a senator Of Rome. il modest smile
lighted up his features. showing that he
enjoyed the state aild glory III which he
came; and certainly nothing could be
more deeply moving te mind inhamed
by noble ambition and conscious of
having greatly deserved than these ties
tinonials Of the admiration and graft
tnde of nation or rather Of world.
As Columbus approached tue severeigns
rose as III receiving Il person Of the high
est rank Bending his knees he offered
to kiss their haiisls bui there was some
hesitation on their part e psrinit this
act of homage Khisis him in the
most gracious nauiiei Trey ordered him
to seat himself in their presence. rare
honor in this prniie and pnnrtilious
court
At their request he HOW gave M ac-
count of the most striking events of his
voyage and a description Of The islands
discovered IIe displayed specimens Of
unknown bissa and other animals. oi
sare plants O n.essisiii:ll and arninatic
firtues. Of native gold I'M dust. in crude