The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1891-11-20

to be true. not merely to others, but to
himself.
CHAPTER XXI.
RECEPTION OF COLUMBUS BY THE SPANISH
COURT AT BARCELONA.
/ The letter of Columbus to the Span
ish monarchs had produced the greatest
sensation at court. The event he an
bounced was considered the most extra
ordinary OF their prosperous reign, and
following SO close upon the conquest OF
Granada was pronounced u signal mark
| OF divine favor for that triumph
achieved in the cause of true faith. The
sovereigns themselves were for u time
dazzled by this sudden and easy acquisi-
tion of new empire, of indefinite ex-
tent and apparently boundless wealth,
and their first idea was to secure it be-
yond the reach of dispute. Shortly after
his arrival in Seville Columbus re-
ceived letter from them expressing
their great delight and requesting him
to repair Immediately to court, to con-
cert plans for second and more extern
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-
pedition, 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 sDon Christopher
Columbus, our admiral of the ocean sea,
and viceroy and governor of the islands
discovered in the Indies" at the 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 a 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
dams and the various 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 of the fin
est and most populous provinces of Spain,
his journey appeared like the progress of
. 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 of him and of the In
dams. who were regarded with as 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 at 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 splendor 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 We're accustomed to decree to con-
| Querors. First were paraded 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 brilliant caval
cade Of Spanish chivalry. The streets
were 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 sated 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 solemn feeling with
the public joy. 1t was looked upon as a
vast and signal dispensation of Provi-
dence in reward for the piety of the
monarchs. and the majestic and venera-
BILE appearance of the discoverer, SO diff
ferent from the youth and buoyancy
generally expected from rowing enter
prise, seemed in harmony with the gran
deur aud 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 q benefit upon the nation. At
length Columbus entered the hall, sur
rounded by brilliant crowd of cava-
Tiers. among whom. says Las Casas, he
was conspicuous for his stately and com
manding person, which with his counte-
nance, rendered venerable by his gray