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sp;                                          .S.
          
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                                                  Xpo FERENS.”

His delays were not pleasing to Ferdinand, who wanted to get rid of him, and he was invited to hurry his departure; but he still continued to go deliberately about his affairs, which he tried to put in order as far as he was able, since he thought it not unlikely that he might never see Spain again.  Thinking thus of his worldly duties, and his thoughts turning to his native Genoa, it occurred to him to make some benefaction out of the riches that were coming to him by which his name might be remembered and held in honour there.  This was a piece of practical kindness the record of which is most precious to us; for it shows the Admiral in a truer and more human light than he often allowed to shine upon him.  The tone of the letter is nothing; he could not forbear letting the people of Genoa see how great he was.  The devotion of his legacy to the reduction of the tax on simple provisions was a genuine charity, much to be appreciated by the dwellers in the Vico Dritto di Ponticello, where wine and provision shops were so very necessary to life.  The letter was written to the Directors of the famous Bank of Saint George at Genoa.

“Very noble Lords,—­Although my body is here, my heart is continually yonder.  Our Lord has granted me the greatest favour he has granted any one since the time of David.  The results of my undertaking already shine, and they would make a great light if the obscurity of the Government did not conceal them.  I shall go again to the Indies in the name of the Holy Trinity, to return immediately.  And as I am mortal, I desire my son Don Diego to give to you each year, for ever, the tenth part of all the income received, in payment of the tax on wheat, wine, and other provisions.  If this tenth amounts to anything, receive it, and if not, receive my will for the deed.  I beg you as a favour to have this son of mine in your charge.  Nicolo de Oderigo knows more about my affairs than I myself.  I have sent him the copy of my privileges and letters, that he may place them in safe keeping.  I would be glad if you could see them.  The King and the Queen, my Lords, now wish to honour me more than ever.  May the Holy Trinity guard your noble persons, and increase the importance of your very magnificent office. 
          “Done in Seville, April a, 1502.

“The High-Admiral of the Ocean-Sea and Viceroy and Governor-General of the islands and mainland of Asia and the Indies, belonging to the King and Queen, my Lords, and the Captain-General of the Sea, and a Member of their Council.

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Xpo FERENS.”