At Lisbon, after a reception which was at first cordial, the Portuguese officers showed an inhospitality like that of Castaneda at the Azores.  But the king himself showed more dignity and courtesy.  He received the storm-tossed Admiral with distinction, and permitted him to refit his shattered vessel with all he needed.  Columbus took this occasion to write to his own sovereigns.

On the thirteenth he sailed again, and on the fifteenth entered the bay and harbor of Palos, which he had left six months and a half before.  He had sailed on Friday.  He had discovered America on Friday.  And on Friday he safely returned to his home.

His journal of the voyage ends with these words:  “I see by this voyage that God has wonderfully proved what I say, as anybody may convince himself, by reading this narrative, by the signal wonders which he has worked during the course of my voyage, and in favor of myself, who have been for so long a time at the court of your Highnesses in opposition and contrary to the opinions of so many distinguished personages of your household, who all opposed me, treating my project as a dream, and my undertaking as a chimera.  And I hope still, nevertheless, in our Lord, this voyage will bring the greatest honor to Christianity, although it has been performed with so much ease.”

CHAPTER VII. —­ COLUMBUS IS CALLED TO MEET THE KING AND QUEEN

—­His magnificent reception—­negotiations with the pope and with the king of Portugal—­second expedition ordered—­Fonseca—­the preparations at Cadiz.

The letter which Columbus sent from Lisbon to the king and queen was everywhere published.  It excited the enthusiasm first of Spain and then of the world.  This letter found in the earlier editions is now one of the most choice curiosities of libraries.  Well it may be, for it is the first public announcement of the greatest event of modern history.

Ferdinand and Isabella directed him to wait upon them at once at court.  It happened that they were then residing at Barcelona, on the eastern coast of Spain, so that the journey required to fulfill their wishes carried him quite across the kingdom.  It was a journey of triumph.  The people came together in throngs to meet this peaceful conqueror who brought with him such amazing illustrations of his discovery.

The letter bearing instructions for him to proceed to Barcelona was addressed “To Don Christopher Columbus, our Admiral of the Ocean Sea, Viceroy and Governor of the islands discovered in the Indies.”  So far was he now raised above the rank of a poor adventurer, who had for seven years attended the court in its movements, seeking an opportunity to explain his proposals.

As he approached Barcelona he was met by a large company of people, including many persons of rank.  A little procession was formed of the party of the Admiral.  Six Indians of the islands who had survived the voyage, led the way.  They were painted according to their custom in various colors, and ornamented with the fatal gold of their countries, which had given to the discovery such interest in the eyes of those who looked on.