iiililiiiil^^ilSiii^ ■^..-^'^ I'VcxM'Uii'voi^ <>XvYtU-s ^(V>ty^M.c^^ COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER A DRAMA FY WALTER WARREN ^Ds^K^A BOSTON ARENA PUBLISHING COMPANY COPLEY SQUARE 1893 In Exclt. Columbia. Univ. Ub. Copyright 1893 by Arena Publishing Company All rights reserved ni-' t-. Arena Press. THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERS APPEAR ONLY IN THE FOLLOWING ACTS. In the First Act Only. James of Mallorca, Correo, Tailor, Grocer, In the Second Act Only. Fernandez, Talavera, St. Angel, Waiter, Felipa, Dona Correo, Woman. Zalora, Perez, Other Monk, Attendant. Only after the First, in the Second and later Acts. King Ferdinand, Arana, Gutierrez, Beatrix, Sanchez, Queen Isabella, Mendoza. Only after the Second and in later Acts. Escobar, Pintor, Roldan. Only in the Fifth Act. Velasquez, Gamez, Young Diego, Fernando, Indian. CHARACTERS. Columbus {Christopher) The Discoverer of America- Du'i^o {Columbus) (Brothers of Christopher Colum- Bartholomew {Columbus). \ bus. Foiiseca Archdeacon of Seville, Traveler in Portugal, afterwards Bishop of Badajos, Palentia and Burgos; then Patriarch of the Indies. Breviesca A Portuguese, friend of Fonseca, then later his Secretary, Treas- urer and Agent in Spain. A'///"- Fcrdi:iiiii.l Of Arragon, and, after Marriage, of Spain. Gutierrez Gentleman of the Spanish King's Bedchamber, and Otificer. Sanchez Officer, Inspector-General of Co- lumbus' Expedition. fames of Mallorca President of the Portuguese Naval School. Coj-reo Husband of Sister of Felipa, Co- lumbus' Wife. Fernandez '^'hysician and Scientist of Spain. Mendoza Archbishop of Toledo, Grand Car- dinal of Spain. Talavera TUshop of Avila, Confessor to the Queen. St. Angel Tieceiver of Ecclesiastical Rev- enues of Aragon. Zalora j ]:ishops of Spain. Arana \ Perez ^^ Monk, subsequently Prior of the Convent of La Rabida near Palos. vi CHA RA C TERS. ^''f''"' I Sailors with Columbus, Settlers \!"y' ( in the New World. Roldaii ; Velasquez Subtreasurer in Ilispaniola. Gaviez A young Spanish nobleman, Set- tler in the New World. Yming Dies;o Eldest Son of Columbus. Fe7-tiaH(/i> Youngest son of Columbus. Tailor ) Grocer [in the First Act. Waiter ) Aloor ) Other Monk [in the Second Act. Attendant ) Indian In the Fifth Act. Felipa . . . ., Wife of Columbus, Mother of young Diego. Beatrix Companion of Columbus after Felipa's death, Mother of P'er- nando Columbus. Queen Isabella Of Castile and, after Marriage, of Spain. Dotia Correo Sister of Felipa, wife of Correo. Woman In the First Act. Maid In First and other Acts. Citizens, Officers, Soldiers, Courtiers, Sailors, Settlers, Women, etc. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. ARGUMENT. This drama is intended to be a study, psychologic rather than historic, though not unhistoric, of the character of Columbus, as manifested and developed in connection with his experiences before, during and after his discovery of America. The general outline of the plot is as follows : ACT FIRST: In Portugal. Scene First: A public square. Talk about the plans of Columbus and about himself. His entrance, his introduction to Felipa, and invitation to her house. Scene Second : Room in the house of Felipa. Reasons why Columbus hopes for success, the failure of his hopes, and his betrothal. Scene Third : Same room ten years later, rearranged as study of Colum- bus. Hounded by his creditors and wronged by the King, he loses Felipa by death and decides to leave Portugal. ACT SECOND: In Spain. Scene First: A Spanish camp at midnight. Columbus has enlisted 2 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. as a soldier, is ridiculed for his schemes, has a talk with Beatrix, is present at an attempted assassina- tion of the Queen, and thus conies to meet the King^. Scene Second : The Council of Salamanca, called to confer with Columbus and discuss his projects. A summary of the popular objections urged against them. Scene Third : The exterior of the convent of La Rabida. To prevent Columbus from leaving her country, and to insure the sucess of his plans, the Queen pledges to him the Crown jewels of Castile. ACT THIRD : In TniJisif. Scene First : A street in Palos near its harbor. The difficulties and oppo- sition encountered by Columbus when preparing to sail, coming from his friends, as Beatrix, and from his enemies, who try even to destroy his boats. Scene Second : The deck of his ship at sea. The muti- neers, their talk when alone and when with Colum- bus, and his dealing with it. The midnight discovery of land, and the morning approach to it. ACT FOURTH: In Triumph. Scene First: Room in a house at Palos. Columbus welcomed by Beatrix, and urged to secure benefits from the Crown ; and his description to her and to Diego of his voyage and the new land. Scene Second : Recep- tion at the palace of Barcelona by the King, Queen and populace. Scene Third : Dining hall in the house of Cardinal Mendoza. The egg storv. ACT FIFTH: Li Chains. Scene First : Camp in COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 3 Hispaniola. Opposition to Columbus on the part of noblemen and imported criminals. Placed in chains by his enemies. Scene Second : House in Seville. Death of Columbus. Scene Third : A final tableau with hymn, representing a vision of Columbus, when dying, of the progress and present condition of America. ACT FIRST. Scene First. — A street or square in Lisbon, Portu- gal. Backing at the right, a Wineshop, in front of ivhich are ttuo tables each ivith four chairs about it. Backing at the left, a convent zuall ending against a chapel., the door of which faces the audience. At the sides to right and left, are houses and trees. En- trances at the Right Center through the door of the wi)ieshop ; at the Left Center through a curtain hang- ing in the doorway of chapel ; and at the Right and Left Sides through streets. The curtain rising dis- closes FoNSECA and James of Mallorca seated at the table to the extreme Right. As the scene opens., the folloiving is chanted by an unseen choir in the chapel. O Life divine, thou art the spring Of all that germs and grows, The Light behind the suns that bring The harvests to their close. O Life divine, thou art the source, Of truth within the soul ; Thou art the guide through all the course That leads it to its goal. O Life divine, what soul succeeds In aught on earth but he Who moves as all desires and deeds Are lured and led by thee ! 6 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Enter — Left Side — Breviesca, and sits at the table to the Left. FoNSECA {to James). And you came here? James. To see Columbus. Fonseca. Him ? A crank, — what's worse, a creaking crank ! James. Without Some crank to creak of it, men might forget The wheels of thought were made to move them on. Fonseca. You start thought on the right track once, you'll find What moves it on is not what moves it off. They differ. Breviesca (/(? ///V/z^c'^). Yes, I'll wait till church is out ; We'll meet by accident. I'll home with her, And fish an invitation to, her house — • A lovely girl, Felipa ! — As I live — Enter — L^eft Side — Diego. That man I met when traveling in Spain ! He's always looming up. I wonder what Should bring him here to Lisbon ? Diego {to Breviesca). Wliy — this you? Breviesca. Good-day, Diego, Diego {looking totaard the chapel). Same to you — I see — At your devotions that you told me of — Front door ones, too ! — No wonder you deemed stranoe COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 7 My studying for the jDriesthood ! Breviesca. But you said Tiiat you had turned from it. Diego. Oh yes ! Trutli is Tliat I'm in love too, — but I love myself. Breviesca. You're candid. Diego. Wish to be. That's why I changed. God started man ; man's deviltry the priest. For me, I like the thing God started best. Breviesca. Like others, eh } — yet like yourself. Diego. I do; That is, we two do — God and I. Breviesca. And now They style you, " Your Irreverence " ? Diego. I'm reverent. Breviesca. A different point of view ! Diego. That's all. Ay, ay ; Your soul-side down, 'tis one ; if up, the other. Fonseca {to Breviesca, rising and going toward kim with James). Breviesca, as I think. Breviesca (to Fonseca). Your thought is right. Fonseca. My name's Fonseca — Spaniard— met you once In Seville. You recall ? — Breviesca (rising). Archdeacon — yes. You honor me. Fonseca. You pleased me when we met. (Introducing James.) James of Mallorca, of the naval school. 8 COLUMBUS THE DISCOl'ERER. Breviesca {introducing Diego). And Don Diego of ijiesitating). Diego. The world. Breviesca. Quite true ! Diego. A traveler, knowing little — would know more. James. If so, a man to my own heart. We thought You might have seen Columbus here .'' Enter — Left Center — Felipa, Correo and Dona Correo. Breviesca. No. {Then seeing Y^hiv a.) Ah! Diego {to James, as he looks at Felipa). A pretty point, too, for his exclamation. James {to Diego). Would you see more of it? {To Felipa.) Good-day. Felipa and Dona Correo. Good-day. Correo {to all). Good-day. James {introducing Diego). The Don Diego, like ourselves, A traveler {introducing the three to Diego). The Dona Correo, Felipa and Don Correo — You'll sit, not so? And, waiter — Enter — Right Center — Wa iter. Wine here. Waiter. Red or white ? James {to all). What say you ? Dona C. None for me. thanks. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. James {to Felipa). You? Felipa. Nor me. James {to the others). The gentlemen, at least ? CoRREO. I don't know but- James. I thought it. {to other gentioneii.) You too ? — White, not so ? Its hue Will fit this sunny air, and make us think We're drinking in the sunshine ! {Fays the waiter for the wine.) \Exit — Right Center — Waiter. {All seat themselves at the tables, from left to right, in this order ■■ first empty chair, then Diego, D. Correo, Correo, Felipa, James, Breviesca and Fonseca. James continues to Correo.) Did you see Columbus in the church ? Correo. Don't know him. James. No?— A sailor, drawing maps now for our school — Fonseca. Who should be kept to that and facts — not draw So much upon his fancy. James. You should hear His arguments. Fonseca. Say feel them — all their points Dipped deep in pagan poison. James. Oh, not all ! lO COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. FoNSECA. Enough to make all deadly. James. I've no scent To follow up the trail of your dislike. FoNSECA. You know a priest should save the world from lies .'' James. I'm just as senseless. Enter — Right Center — Waiter with Jive glasses of wine, and sets them before the gentlemen. FoNSECA. Put it this way then : If what he says be right, the church is wrong. James. Oh, not so bad as that ! — has not found out. FoNSECA. If what he says be wrong, his dupes will drown, {to Correo.) Not so ? Correo. Beg pardon. 'Tis the first time yet I've heard of him. FoNSECA. You'll do it soon enough. The surest proof we men are not all fools, Is in the way we brute them when we find them. Diego. Ay, and the surest proof we're not all brutes, Exit— Right Center — Waiter. Is in the way our thinkers make us mind them. James. So, you're his friend, eh } Diego. Yes. Correo. Have known him long ? — Can tell us of him ? Diego. He's a Genoese. A mathematician, studied at Pavia. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVEKER. n Since then, till now, for more than twenty years, A sailor and a soldier — in the scrubs At Naples, Tunis, famous for his fights Against the infidel — last year, the man Who clampt his smaller bark against a huge Venetian galley, and when both took fire, Forced to the waters, holding but an oar, Swam in to Lisbon ; and that oar of his. All that he brought here, may yet prove to be The scepter-symbol of the mightiest sway Your sovereign ever dreamed of. CoRREO. Ah ! — How so ? Felipa. Yes, yes ! Diego. His plan is now to sail around The world ; and in the trail that's left behind Loop all to Portugal. Felipa. Around the world .■' James. Oh, you should hear him talk ! FoNSECA. No, no, should not — - A mad dog to be muzzled ! Diego {to Felipa). You should not — • Unless you wish to think and feel, and thrill To feel, that there's a larger world than this. Breviesca. Li one's imagination. Diego. Be it so. Imagination is the soul of thought. Breviesca. Well, take the soul, but we will keep to sense. (Fonseca nods at him approvingly.) 12 COLUMBCS THE DISCOVERER. Diego. There's many a joke had better not be cracked. The kernel's rot. Breviesca. You're free, sir, with your tongue. FoNSECA. Yes, too free for a stranger. James. Come, come, come. Enthusiasm needs a margin. FONSECA. But We may not need enthusiasm. James. What ? — And you say this t — a priest ? Breviesca. And, pray, why not? James. Why not ? — ^VVhy. friend, enthusiasm is The essence of religion Diego. Nothing worth With the uplift and the oversight. That wanting, 'tis a minor quantity Whose measure's not in worth but lack of it. {to James.) Not true .^ James. I think your training has been good. Diego. Yes, I have known Columbus. P'elipa {to CoRREo). How I wish That I had known him \ CoRREO. , You ? Felipa. Why, any man {pointing to Diego) To kindle fire like that CoRREO. Must have enough To keep a maiden warm and cosy, eh ? — COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 13 Think you that follows always? I've known men Whose thought would flash like lightning, lighting up Half heaven besides the whole of earth ; and yet A whirlwind, did you trust to its caress, Would never lead you in a madder dance. Diego. I said I knew Columbus. One less mad Does not exist. FoNSECA. Oh, you've been bit by him ! James. Come, come, the church is wise, perhaps, to put Her break on wheels that else would whirl us down. But how about those wheels when mounting up ? Enter — Left Center — Columbus. Diego. He's coming now. He'll speak too for himself. (Rising and extending hand to Columbus. ) Good-day. Columbus (aside). You here, Diego ? Diego (^7j-/>/ Maid. Oh, just the same as ever ! Woman. Nothing, eh ? {To the other Women, who have remamed near the door.) Come in. (to Maid.) We thought that we should like to see {Handling charts and impleinents on the table.) Maid. You really shouldn't touch them. Woman. No } Why not ? Maid. He wouldn't like it. Woman. Oh, of course not ! but He's never violent, is he ? — {Pointing to a ehart.) What a blotch ! Maid. A chart, you know. Woman. A chart ? — A chart of what ? I never saw a chart like that — looks like A crazy quilt. And so he wastes his time On things like these ? — Felipa dying too ! No wonder ! — Think of it ! — Ten mortal years Of this, and no one knows what more. At night, I wouldn't dare to stay alone with him, Would you ? — say, would you ? Maid. Why ! I — no — he never Woman. Of course not. You would be afraid, of course. I had a cousin once who went insane. 28 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. And all- his family had to play insane To keep him company. ''J'was royal sport Till, sure that he was royal and they slaves, He ordered off their heads. Maid. And then ? Woman. And then They left off playing, and made war in earnest ; And so dethroned him. They should do so here ; The sooner, too, the better ! Look at this : {Taking up a sharp instrument^) Not safe in hands like his ! {Knocking at the door at the RigJit.) Hark, hark ! What's that.' It can't be he ? Say, you can let us out {Starting for Lrft.) Tiie other door, not so ? Maid. No need of that ! 'Tis no one but the tailor. Woman. Sure of it } {Crossing room and hwking out jvindow at Right.) Maid. Comes every day. Woman. What for ? Maid. To bid us think Of Adam's fall that made us civilized, Wear clothes, and bear the curse of paying for them. {Openitig door at Right.) Enter — Right — Tailor, to ivhom she speaks. He's out. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 29 Tailor. Oh. yes, I know. He's alway.s out — Out of his head at least. Were he but out My breeches, 'twould be better. — Left no word ? Maid. He bade me say that he expects the king Tailor. If all the kings that are expected came, There's none would have a kingdom. Ugh ! I'll strip And cage his bareness for a jail-show. Ifgh I Maid, But, really, he is honest. He expects Enter— Right Side — suddetily, the Grocer, Grocer. Tell him his expectations are too old. Fresh expectations, like fresh eggs, may hatch. Not so with stale ones, though, however white, \^'oM AN (tiirfting from window at Right, where she has bee7i looking out, and gazing at the Grocer). The grocer, eh ? {^Speaking to the other women ^ And all the family Are coming now — Columbus too, I saw them. There'll be a scene here. I prefer the back- ground. Exit — Ltft — Woman, y/;//c^7C'(Y/ by the other Women. Tailor {to Grocer). Let's club together, friend — I mean let fly Our blows at him together — down him sooner ! Grocer (to Maid, and holding a paper toward her). I can't fulfill this order. 3° COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Maid, But you must. It's for his wife. Grocer. I can't afford, myself, To keep a wife. 7"ailor. Still less when keeping his. Enter — Right — Dona Correo and Cokk'EO pushing F EL I PA /;/ a chair iipoii wheels. Maid {to Grocer). His wife is ill. You would not let her die .-• Grocer. Not I, but he ; and there are other shops Maid. He's tried them all. Grocer. Then let him try the jail. They'll feed him there, or sell him out. Dona Correo. What's that "i Grocer {pointing toward charts and implements on table). He ought to sell these things and pay us off. Dona Correo. Not paid you yet ? Oh, well, you may be right ! Felipa (to D. Correo). They may be right ^ Why, this would ruin him. Dona Correo (to Felipa). Not outside things that men can take away Bring ruin, but the things that stay within, Which would they could take ! {To Grocer and Tailor.) Look you — there he comes. COLUMBUS THE DISCOUERKR. 31 Enter — Right — Columbus. Columbus {to Grocer and Tailor). Well, gentle- men ? Tailor {fwlding his bill toward Columbus). I've brought your bill. Grocer, And I. Tailor. We say an honest man Columbus {jnotioning toward Felipa). But not, please, now. My wife is ill. Tailor {pointing toward the table). We say — your sister too — An honest man would sell these traps ; not let His creditors go begging. Grocer, Ay, or come so. {appealing to Felipa.) You think it too. {to Columbus.) You see it in her face. Tailor {half aside). Oh, he sees nothing ! Give one's brain a whack. It flies from earth to stars. They're all in here. {poifitifig to his head.) Columbus {referri?ig to implejuents on table). These are the tools I work with, gentlemen. Grocer. Humph, they work poorly, better give them up ! Columbus. The king 32 COLUMBUS rilE DISCOVERER. Tailor. "Tis ten years since we heard of Iiim. Columbus. Your bill's but three months old. Tailor. I spoke of hearing, Columbus. The present king has not been on the throne But Grocer. Every king's the same to us — and you, You'll find. Columbus. Wait, gentlemen Tailor. We've learned that lesson. Columbus. My brothers will be here to-day. Tailor. And then ? Columbus. You'll find that I'm in favor at the court. Tailor. If so ? Columbus. 'Twill send me what will outpay more Than twenty score of times your paltry bills. What say you ? Grocer. Well, we'll wait, perhaps. Fact is, "Tis hard to break old habits. {to Tailor.) .Shall we, eh ? (Tailor bows 'm acquiescence. Grocer continues to Columbus.) But see we get what balances our claim, Or else we'll weigh these things against them yet, {Pointing to the table.') And sell them too by weight. Exeunt — Right .SV^/c— Grocer ^//^/ Tailor. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERKK. 33, Columbus. No doubt they will. 'Tis common in the judgments of this world For worth to yield to weight. Dona Correo. 'Tis a disgrace — A scene like this in my own sister's house ! Felipa. Why, sister, when the king Dona Correo. Oh, dear, you know The king's a fiction, like all else that's here. Felipa. But yet the king took interest in his charts, And sent for them. Dona Correo. Ay, ay, and found out so — 'Tis likely now — that he can't draw at all — Except from his own fancy. Who wants that ? A visionary man produces visions ; And in the world that is, men want what is. Columbus. Why, madam, I am accurate. Dona Correo. Perhaps. Who knows it though ? Yourself ? If one besides, You're not the great discoverer that you deem. And if there's no one knows it, all must judge By what they hear. What do they hear of you } Correo. Humph, I can tell. {to Columbus.) Forgive me; but 'tis time You knew the truth. I thought, perhaps, to lease A ship that you could sail, — make money by. But Dona Correo. Been too long from practice ? Correo. No, no ; worse ! 34- COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Dona Correo. Is such an idler, as they think ? CoRREO. Worse yet — A man who can't be trusted, sure to do The wrong thing for the right. Columbus. And you say that ? Correo. Not I, but those that give you reputation. Columbus. Am I to blame ? Correo. Who else is, pray ? They say That you would sail but heaven alone knows where. And I confess, I half believe you would. Felipa Oh brother ! Columbus {aside to Correo). Cruel, talking thus to her! {to Felipa.) The other room will be far better, dear, Than this. 'Tis nothing ! — They exaggerate. They hurt my feelings ? Oh, why, why, why, why, You never saw a fisher catch a fish Whose bait would not get tangled in the line. Just wait. I'll get the better of them yet. You trust to me. There, dear. {Gesturing- f J Maid to wheel Felipa.) I'm coming soon. Exeunt — Left — Maid wheeling Felipa /// her chair. Dona Correo {to Correo). You're right. The time has come to tell him truth. (7('' Columbus and gesturing toward Correo.) COLUMBUS 7' HE DJSCOl'EKER. 35 You think him cruel. What are you, yourself ? {Foi/ifing toivard the Left.) See what ten years of this have made of her ? I come, and find her wanting everything— Food, physic, nearly dying at your hands. Columbus. No, no ; do not say that. Dona Correo. I will. 'Tis time. Columbus. She still believes in me. Dona Corrf.o. As infidels In their Mohammed, and are cursed for it. Columbus. I think that you forget. How many men Of humble, foreign birth demand and get A summons to an audience with the king .' Say that of such importance that the king, To weigh it, calls his wisest counselors 1 Who argue it for days, with some, at least, Upon his side whom you think stands alone ? Dona Correo. How many on his side ? Columbus. Enough to make The king request his charts — the work of years That you think wasted. D(jna Correo. 'Twas five months ago ; And nothing's come of them. Columbus. There's too much life In truth of any sort, to let me doubt That where 'tis sown 'twill grow. 'Tis a begin- ning. Dona Correo. A verv small one. 36 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. And a seed is so, Whose growth's enormous. When one waits the dawn, A flush is better than a flash, which oft But bodes a rush-light. Enter — Right — DiFGO and Bartholomew, to whom Columbus noiv turns. Ah, they come at last ! — My brothers, welcome ! Diego {to Columbus). So to you. {to Dona Correo and Correo.) And you. Bartholomew. And all. {All greet each other?) Columbus {to Diego). You bring me news? Diego. Ay, by and by. {Glancing at Dona C. and Correo.) Columbus {to Dona C. and Correo). You will ex- cuse us ? D. Correo. Certainly. Exeunt — Left — Dona C. and Correo. Columbus {to Diego). This news ? Diego {sadly). My brother, can you bear it ? Columbus. I have borne With many things. Diego. You've been misunderstood, Misjudged, maligned ; but all were less than this. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVEREK. Columbus. How so ? Bartholomew. The kin Columbus. I'm waiting for a chance Diego. It promises ? What seem your prospects ? Columbus {pointing to the officers). Watch those men and see. We use sign-language here. Theirs means " Co- lumbus." The women, children, all have learned it, too, And point it now and then with exclamations. 46 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Diego {glancing angrily at the men). Outrageous ! I will stop them. Columbus {staying him luith his hand). Why, what use ? 'Tis better to be made a laughing stock, Than have men take in us no stock at all. Diego. Do you say this, who were so sensitive, High-spirited ? {The Officers cross the stage and Exeunt at the Right Rear) Columbus. One may have so much sense It holds the spirit down. Besides, our spheres Are stagnant and need movement. Make men take You gravely if you can ; if not, what though They laugh ? They're moved in that way. There are times The tiniest tinkles that can shake the air Ring up life's curtain for its grandest act. Diego. You talk like one that's lost all friends. Columbus. Why so ? 'Tis light that trails a shade. 'Tis those with friends Are sure of foes ; and only those with neither Are sure of neither. Diego. Then you have them ? Columbus. Yes. Diego. What class of people ? COLUMBUS TJJE DISCOVERER. 47 Columbus. Oh, both Dukes and Dons ; And, to make life complete, at least one woman, Diego. Aha ! Columbus. The image of my lost Felipa. Diego. You're then to marry ? Columbus. If I had the wish I could not have the will. Her family Are not agreeable Diego. To you ? Columbus. To her, When seen with me ; and — well ! — enough For one man to have sacrificed one woman To appease what he esteems as God. Diego. How so } Columbus. A woman craves attention and a home. Her lover's mission, let it oft withdraw His ear or sphere from her, seems then her rival. Diego. It would not, did she love the man's true self. Columbus. Mayhap, and yet the kinds of love men feel For mistress and for mission are so like ! What, if behind the mission's love should be Some sentient spirit too in realms unseen ? These women may be right. They may have rivals. But what J'elipa felt I could not help. Yet may avoid its repetition. Diego {doubtfully). Humph ! 48 C0LUMBU3 THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. This one is but a sister, name more sacred Than wife, I think, as wives go now. Diego. She thinks This too ? Columbus. She should, and you ? Diego. I think, perhaps, You ought to marry. Columbus. Oh no ! I have vowed Religiously — Diego. And might not be the first Religion led astray. Columbus. Astray! how so.? Diego, A brotherly or sisterly regard Grows up from family relationship. Train boys and girls together, side by side, As in one loyal household, holding all Humanity, and then perchance, may love's dis- honor Seem foul as incest, and imperilers of it. No longer vehicles of life humane, Unsouled of self-control, all flag themselves The death-trucks that they are, and make health scud From their contagion as from carrion. Columbus. You mean Diego. The young are not so trained in Spain — Not schooled to know each other, soul by soul ; And nothing but the soul can outweigh sense. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. In general, true ! — but she — 49 Diego. Our lives reflect The light of our surroundings. What are here ? — Accursed customs that distrust the soul, Ay, robe its every feature in their rags, Each draped to hint deformity beneath. Away with earthly habits that can hide God's image framed within ! E?iter — Left Side Front — the Monk, Juan Perez, another Monk, the officer Sanchez, and several Soldiers. Columbus {looking toward the Monk). Why, who are these .'' Perez {to Columbus). God greet you friends. Columbus. His messengers are welcome. Perez. And doubly so if from Jerusalem ? Columbus. The holy city } Perez. Yes. The grand Soldan Of Egypt sent us. Columbus. With a message t Perez. Yes. He vows that if the Spaniard will not stay This war against the Moor, he'll rouse the East, Pull down all Christian churches, and beneath Entomb their worshipers. Columbus. He thinks this threat Will influence Ferdinand ? 4 50 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Sanchez. It should not. Soldier. No. Columbus. But must the faithful suffer? Perez. They do now. At each pretext oppressed, reviled, deprived Of property and freedom, flayed and hung, And heaven knows what ; for it gets most of them. Sanchez. This should not be. Perez. Ah, when what should be is, What is will be beyond this earth. Sanchez. As soon As Spain's white line of ships have tailed for good. This flying kite of Africa, and cleared The blue about us, there should rest no ship Unarmed to right our brethren there. Soldier. Not one. Perez {to Sanchez). Would you go ? Sanchez. Ay, I would. Perez. The time may come Sanchez {to Soldiers). Meanwhile, the Moor ! Now, to your stations — march. Exeiiut — Right Side Rear — Sanchez and Soldiers. Diego {glancing at the Monks, and speaking aside to Columbus). They'll see the king — might speak for you, not so ? COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 51 Columbus {to Diego). They might. {To the Monks.) Perhaps you'll rest with us to- night ? Perez. We thank you — and your name: ? {The Monks and Dieco, as Columbus ges- tures to them, enter tent ^Columbus aiid sit. Columbus sits on the log to the left of his tent with his hack to center.) Columbus. Columbus. Perez. Oh ! I've heard of you. Columbus. Heard good ? Perez. Why — Columbus. Ah, have not. I understand. The silence of the good Damns more than bad men's curses. Yet my aims Are one with yours — to speed the truth to all. But " all " means more than most men deem. Perez. The wise Aim not beyond their reach. Columbus. The faithful aim Wherever they are called. Perez. You heard the call Just made ? Columbus. And not a breast could out-thrill mine With indignation at the tale. Perez. It failed To stir your lip to pledges. 52 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. When heaven crowns My present purpose Perez. You'll be like your mates, Ennobled, rich, and found a family. Columbus. My western mission is for Christ alone. Pray heaven with me that I fulfill it ; then I vow to live a life like yours, and more — • To give it to this eastern mission. See — {Drmubig his sword and shotving the cross forming its hilt.) This cross that aims the sword I wield. 'Twill find No final rest, till waved above the crescent, Perez, You seem a holy man. Enter — Left Center, from the royal tent, — Beatrix, advances across the stage, touches Columbus on his back, then 7vith- draws toward Right Side Rear, behind his tent. Columbus. Nay, none is that. When men seem holy do not think of them, But of the cause that has affected them. (Columbus ;v>,?i', as if looking for Beatrix.) Perez {to the other Monk). He seems inspired to purposes well worth The world's regard. Other MoNk. He does. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 53 Columbus {aside as he looks behind him). What's this ?— I think I know. (To Diego) Diego, will you guide our friends Across the pathway to the vacant tent ? There's one here who has business with me. Exeunt — Right— through the tento/CoLUU- Bus, Diego and the two Monks. Enter — Right— from behind the same tent, BEArRix. Columbus. You, Beatrix ? and here ? — this time of night ? Have you forgot ? Your father Beatrix. Is a bird, Flown southward, wrong, forgetting for a time The winter whence it fled ? Columbus. But there are ways Beatrix. I am not welcome then ? Columbus. Oh no — not that— But unexpected. Beatrix. I have heard you say Good fortune would be so. Columbus. You bring it, eh ? Beatrix. One door ajar to it. These worthy friars, Just in your tent, I hear, will see the king. They might commend you. Columbus. Yes, I thank you. Beatrix. VVell ? 54 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. How so? Beatrix. You're cold. Columbus. The night is. Beatrix. I am not. Columbus. No, no. forgive me. Beatrix. 1 have more to say. The Dona Bobadilla Columbus. Your old foe } Beatrix. New friend ; for your sake made and kept a friend By courtesies limbering my stiff limbs of pride Till limp and limping as humility. Columbus. But really Beatrix. Really, when one's inward sense Of mastership outweighs an outward show Of servitude, why, one but serves herself. This Dona Bobadilla has in mind To urge your claims upon the queen. Columbus. She has ? — What is it makes a woman serve like you A mere enthusiast without success ? Beatrix. That's better than to serve one with success. Columbus. Why so ? Beatrix. It shows a spirit as it is. It throw's one's manhood into full relief, Stript of all circumstance and accident. Columbus. This heart of mine were heavy were it not COL UMB US 1 IJE DISCO VERER 55 Made light by eyes so bright as to detect Beneath all veils disguising what it is, Its one sole virtue. — You forget that all The world is full of brains, and all the brains Of whims, and all that gives the whims more worth Than blood that churns them up to consciousness, Is that they leave the brain and live in deeds. Mine have not done this yet. Beatrix {sitting on log to left of tent of Coliiinbns, ami in doing so, letting the shawl that she has ivorn fall from her on to the log behind her. Colum- bus stands at the right, and after a little while sits beside her"). The deed that best Proves each man's workmanship is what he is. If God be the eternal, he who shows Eternal perseverance falls not far .From fellow-craft with Him. Columbus. You're like a myth You're not inspired, but yet inspiring ; not Religion, but could make a man religious. Beatrix. You speak in figures. Columbus. We all live in them. Beatrix. What then ? Columbus. Why, they are beautiful. Beatrix. And this Gives life its beauty ? Columbus. Ay, and interest. For every time a spirit veiled in them 56 COLUMBUS I'HE DISCOVERER. Reveals itself, why, it anticipates The resurrection of the soul, not so ? And that brings heaven, Beatrix. Then to reveal myself Columbus. Is very much in such a world as this — When one owns so much that is worth revealing. Beatrix. You jest. Columbus. No ; I'm in earnest. When one needs More strength of spirit, nothing save a spirit Can ever give it. You have given me yours. Beatrix. 'Tis true, I have. Not seldom I have thought That I could lose my soul to give it you. Columbus. Thank God, a brother's love need not accept The sacrifice. — But — should we linger liere } There's Beatrix. Well .-' Columbus. Your relatives — Beatrix. Of flesh, or soul } I care but for the latter. You Columbus. But yet Their reasons are the world's too. We're in Spain. You are — Enter — Right— from behind Coliimbtis' tent — The Moor, looks at Columbus and Bea- trix then begins to draiv azvay from the log the shawl that is beside and behind her. Beatrix. A virgin, yes, but were I the COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 57 CoLUMRUS. Do not say that — Beatrix. I could imagine times That you would seem divine. Columbus. "ris very strange How near together heaven and hell may be. Beatrix. 'Tis only earth and earthly thought that make It possible for sense to deem them two. Throne Ood in hell, all heaven would burst the gates And dream of blessed rest, though every foot Were sea'd upon a prostrate seething devil. {The shawl drawn by the Moor disappears from the h)g behind Beatrix. Just as it does so, Columbus eatrhes sight 0/ it. The Moor starts baek and 7vraps the shawl about him. Columbus rises.) Columbus. What's that ? {to Beatrix who also rises.) Your shawl Beatrix. Was taken ? Columbus. Yes— drawn off. Beatrix. Some one was listening ? Columbus. Yes— keep still. {Exit — Left Center — through the royal tent — The Moor. Columbus sees him. I see A form. It disappeared there in your tent. Beatrix. My shawl on ? Columbus. Yes. 58 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Beatrix. Why, all the ladies' tents — The queen's are reached through that. I'll follow. Columbus. No — A thief, — assassin, may be. No, let me — {Advancing tnvard the royal tent.) Beatrix (stopping him). Be thought a culprit ? — never ! Columbus {handing her a dirk.) Then take this, And call me. I will keep in hearing. — God ! I cannot bear to let you go. Beatrix. I must. Exit — Left Center — through the royal tent Beatrix with the dirk in hand. Columbus. How brave in her ! Yet what could one expect ! How brave in her to let me know her love ! And what unnatural, unmanned man am I, Who does not, will not dare, return it her ! Strange mixture life is of the right and wrong ! Should one be good, or kind ? and which is which ? How much that seems to lead to both is but A ray that falls to form a pathway here From the rent forms of clouds beyond our reach That, while they let the light in, bring the storm ! Voices {from within the tent at Left Center). Help, help ! Columbus. What's that ? COLUMBUS 2'HE DISCOVERER. 59 Beatrix (appearing at Left Center^ Columbus, come ! — A Moor Has killed the guard. Columbus. You rouse the camp. (Call 1)1 g aloud) A Moor ! Exit Left Center, Columbus. Beatrix {calling aloud). A Moor ! Enter — Left Side Rear ^ Second and Front — Sanchez <7«^/ Soldiers. Beatrix/(?z>2/j to Left Center. In there ! — He'll kill the queen. Exeunt — Left Center — Sanchez and Soldiers. Voices {from luithin the royal tent at L^ft Center). Ay, ay, take this and that. Enter from Left Center., Sanchez, Columbus and Soldiers dragging a dnrntny form of the Moor. Sanchez. Here — drag him out ! There's no life left him. Humph ! he's limp enough To make a rug of at the door. Enter — Right Side Rear — other Soldiers, the officer Gutierrez and the'KiNo. Gutierrez. The King. {All fall back. The King looks at the Moor) KiMG. Who is he ? Sanchez. An assassin — sought the queen — Surprised the guard. 6o COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. King. He did not reach her? Sanchez. No. {Pointiiigto Columbus.) Well nigh ! He tracked him in. We mastered him. King {to Columbus). Ay, ay ! Your name ? Columbus. Columbus. King {to all.) We'll to rest. {To Columbus). But you may come with me — Would see you further. Exeunt — Left Center — King, Gutierrez, Columbus, Soldiers, Beatrix. Exeunt at other entrances., Omnes. Scene Second. — Council Chamber in the Dominican Convent of St. Stephen at Salamanca. Dark wood paneling in ceiling and taalls. A long table in the Rear with chairs behind it and at both ends. En- trances at Right and Left sides. Enter — Left — Zalora and Fernandez. Fernandez. You here ? Zalora. Oh yes. One must obey the king. Fernandez. He must suppose the times ahead are dark. Zalora. How so ? Fernandez. In giving us \.\\\s pastime. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 6i Zalora. We have our holy days and holidays. I sometimes wonder which are holier. Fernandez. What, what ! and you a priest ? Zalora. An old one — yes. Like other earthly things, our lives move on Half light, half shadow, and with me The shadows came in youth. Fernandez. Your brilliancy Developed late, eh } like a winter's dawn — Or lightning from a cloud. You're right, though, yes, Life's like an air-ball : keep its youth-side in, 'Twill bulge out on its age-side. Say, does that Make preachers, eh ? sensational ? You should know. Zalora. You think sensations are acquired ? Enter — at Right — St, Angel and Perez and ex- change greetings with Fernandez and Zalora. Fernandez. I know A soul that squeals well, is a soul well squeezed. Sensation is the step-son of depression. You step on Zalora. Oh, go to ! —that spoils the form. St. Angel. What form .^ Fernandez {to St. Angel). Why, of a ball. {to Zalora) Not so ? {to St. Angel) Tell why A child's ball — say — and bishop are alike. 62 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Perez {laughing and pointing to Zalora). Because, like him, they're usually round I St, Angel. And sometimes, though not always, Jioly, eh ? Zalora (good-naturcd/y). Don't point your wit with personality. St. Angel. Oh never, never, when the person's blunt. But now the child's ball ? Fernandez. Why, the ba7ci/ is made {Brings /lis hands down as if ordaining., and also striking a blow) By laying on of hands. {All laugh.) Enter — Right — Mendoza and Talavera. Enter — Left — Arana, Fonseca, Breviesca and others. All in, or entering, the hall ex- change greetings. Talavera {to Fernandez). What's this you're at ? Fernandez. Our duty here — to deal with nonsense. You Should know. You sent for us. Zalora. And why for me ? I'm not an expert on insanity. Fernandez {to Zalora). Oh no, you're on beyond an 6'jcpert. Talavera. A present pert ? Fernandez. Beyond that too. Zalora. How so ? Fernandez. Beyond an apert is a^-2-pert. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER 63 Zalora. That's low down in tlie alphabet of wit. Fernandez. I know — the last of it — just where you shoo it. FoNSECA {to Arana /// another part of the hall). But think. — the danger. Arana. Oh, he'll never sail ! FoNSECA. It's not in that, but in his theories. You know they contradict the church. Arana. If this Be true — FoNSECA. It is. I say 'tis serious. Fernandez {to Fonseca). And what of that ? I say the best of physics For seriousness is laughter. Where there's bile, Well tickled throats will throw it up. Fonseca. To fool With fools is feeding folly. Fernandez. Feed a fool On folly, and he grows so fat with it That he protrudes, obtrudes, intrudes on all Till everybody sees the dude he is. Breviesca. But he himself must see it. Fernandez. If he's dull And off his balance, balance him, ay, ay — Get even with him — no great task for you ! Talavera. Come, come. We're making too much light of this. Fernandez. What better can enlighten dullness, pray, Than rnakin^ lis:ht of it ? 64 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Breviesca. He's more than dull. St. Angel. That must be proved. Zalora. Aha ! So you're his friend. Then tell us, if you can, just why we're here. St. Angel. Why, to report about Columbus. Fernandez. Humph ! About him's good. How far about him. pray } St. Angel. The truth. Fernandez. What, what ? We're not to exercise Our minds } — let them revolve about, and then Evolve Fonseca. Oh, cease your jesting ! All begin to take places ar omul the table, though not yet to sit. Talavera goes to the central seat behind it., Mendoza to his right, and St. Angel and Perez to the right o/Mkn- DOZA. Fonseca, Breviesca, Arana, Zalora and Fernandez are at Tala- vera's Zif//. Others sit where there are places. Fernandez. I'm in earnest. We're a committee sitting on Coluipbus. An old hen, even, doing this, I say, Would hatch out something. We're committee- men. Men are creative. All things else are creatures. Am I to act the man, or prate the parrot .-• Fonseca. We'll show you. St. Angel {to Perez). Ay, they'll show us, as I think. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 65 Birds of another s feather — birds oi prey. Perez. They follow their profession then. St. Angel. In that — And making mortals humble. Give one aught To plume himself on, he'll not go unplucked. But there's the victim. Enter — Right — Colum bus. Talavera {to those in the ehamber). Gentlemen, Columbus. {To Columbus and all.) I think you've met before. (Columbus and all exchange greetings.) We all are here. We'll sit, not so ? The others sit. Talavera motions to Columbus to do the same, which he does at the extreme Right. Where thought appeals to thought, The only sovereign is the wisest word, Which sometimes is the last one. Even if first, 'Tis always of the spirit, and needs not Accoutrements and courtesies of form To prove its prestige. We can waive them, then, And let the spirit prompt us as it may. {Turning to Columbus.) 'Tis said you wish to have a fleet and men, And outfit, too, involving much expense. What reasons have you ? Columbus. To extend the sway 5 66 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Of Spain and Christianity in lands Where now they are not known. Talavera. That wish is ours. What proof have you, though, that these hands exist ? Columbus. Reports of mariners — authority — ■ 'i'he nature of the world. Talavera. Do these off-set The dangers ? Columbus. Which ones t Arana. Like the boiling waves Of Africa, and giants on the shores. Columbus. Mere fables, all ! Why, I myself have sailed To Guinea, past where these were said to be. And have you never heard of Eudoxus Of Cyzicus, who left Arabia And reached Gibraltar ! how too from Gibraltar The Carthaginian Hanno, sailing back. Came to Arabia ? FoNSECA. All pagan lies ! Columbus. A statement that confutes a general faith At risk of reputation ; yet meantime Confirms our natural reasoning, seldom lies. Who would have said this, had it not been true ? Vet that it should be, what more natural ? Zalora. But sailing east is not the sam€ as west. Columbus. Enough is known to warrant even that. COL UMJ3 i 'S THE DISCO I 'ERKR. -'^7 Fernandez. St. Erandan and the seven cities, yes ! But then they've always melted into clouds To those who've sought them. Columbus. There are many more. Menpoza. Atlantis, eh ?• Columbus. Yes, and Antilla too, Well known to Carthage, Aristotle says. And many a modern vessel has been driven Where siiores have been descried by accident And other signs of FoNSECA. Desert islands. Columbus. No. Vicenti, twenty score of leagues beyond The Cape St. Vincent, came on floating wood Carved by men's hands. Zalora. Ay, from some other ship. Columbus. Then lost in many places. \\'ood carved thus Was found by my own brother Correo. And plants and trees too drift thus from the west. FoNSECA. Washed there, washed back. Columbus. No, different in kind From any in the East. They've found besides Two men's forms cast upon the isle of Flores, W^ith features not at all like men known here. Arana. And what of that ? Columbus. The men — not only they — The trees, the plants, are like in kind to those Described by Polo and by Mandeville. 68 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. As found in those great lands of Gengis Khan And Prester John, far in the Indies. Arana. But They're east, not west. Columbus. Just so, both east and west. Fernandez. What's that .' Breviesca {Jo Fernandez). You see Columbus. This seems a contradiction. It would not, did you think the world were round. Fonseca {laughing). No, never, no ! Arana. He's right, ha, ha ! Zalora {to Columbus sarcastica/Zy). You're right. Columbus. There is authority for thinking this. Arana. For fancying it, yes ; or anything. Columbus. But Aristotle, Seneca and Pliny Say one can sail from Cadiz to the Indies. Talavera. Yet wait. Besides this, is it not a fact That they too calculated three years' time, — Enough to starve a ship's crew ten times over Before her cruise could compass it ? Columbus. Some did ; Yet, judging by the globe of Ptolemy, Compared with one Marinus made, of Tyre, There's but a third of it that's unexplored, — Eight hours of twenty-four. You measure this. It can't be more tlian seven hundred leagues. Fonseca. You measure it ? — The whole thing's merely fancy. Arana. There's not a ray of reason in it. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 69 FONSECA. No. Arana {to Columbus). And, granting earth's a globe — What, then, forsooth } — Could sail around it, without tumbling off } FoNSECA {to Zal(jra). Ay, or without the water's tumbling off ? Arana. Same thing ! Fernandez {good-natitrcdiy to Columbus ). I think that you must be the man Fve heard of often, though Fve never seen him, Who wants to turn the whole world upside- down • Fonseca. Where roots of trees bear leaves, and rain spurts up. Breviesca. He'll be at home there — better let him go! His own head's upside down already. Fernandez. You wait now. This is science. They examined The feet of men they found at Flores ; not so ? Zalora. They did ? Fernandez. Oh yes ! and found them shaped like spider's, Made to walk up like this. {Gesturing with his ha/ids.^ Breviesca. Fve seen that kind Clawed on a pictured devil. Fonseca. If he sail. He'll see them soon enough upon a real one. 70 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Talavera. Oh, now ! FoNSECA. I mean it ; ay, I speak the truth. The holy father, St. Augustine, shows it : Men formed like this — to walk thus upside- down — Could not be sons of Adam. Did they live, 'Twould overthrow our whole historic base Of Christian faith. Arana. Just so ! FoNSECA. To argue it At all, grant it conceivable — what's that But heresy ? Zalora. Hear, hear ! Arana. You're right Breviesca. Ay, ay. Columbus. But are you sure these men are not like us ? Fonseca. You'll have to practice many years be- fore \'ou'll walk with your heels up. Columbus. But there, as here, The earth may seem to be below one. Arana. Ah ! We grant to fancy, man, a certain flight. We've witnessed one to-day. But do you dream It's wings could turn us all to flies Without our knowing it ? Columbus. There may be laws Of nature past our understanding. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 71 Breviesca. Yes. He means that when we lose our understanding — He's had experience of that — why then Talavera. Come, no more nonsense, gentlemen. Zalora {rising). No more ? Time to adjourn then, eh ? There's nothing else Before the house. Columbus {rising to address Zalora). In such a case as this, In which none know the truth Fonseca {rising). Your pardon, but The Scriptures say : " He stretcheth out the heavens " — How ?— like a ball .'—No, no ; but " like a tent." You dare throw doubt upon the word of Him Who framed creation ? Columbus. What you quote is but A figure. Fonseca. Fiction ? Columbus. Figure — not tiie same. Breviesca. Accuse of figuring — Him who knows the end From the beginning — all the sum at once .'' He does not figure up. He counts the whole. Talavera {to Breviesca). Oh, you mistake his meaning ! Breviesca {looking around incrcduloush^. What ? Fernandez {to Breviesca). Yes, yes. Columbus {paying no attention to Breviesca). 72 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Were one upon the other side the globe, The heavens might seem as Hke a tent as here. FoNSECA. They only might ? The Scriptures say they do. You make them doubtful ? Breviesca. Heretic ! Arana. Too true ! Columbus. My one desire, the purpose of my life Is to become an earthly instrument Through which the Scriptures may become fulfilled, That all the ends of earth — they are ends now — Be brought together with one Lord and God. Fonseca. What good would this do. if His word were false ? Columbus (/// surprise). You think I deem it so.^ Fonseca. We've heard you term Its affirmations figures, argue down — And that with pagan proofs — the fathers. Truth Can never change. Columbus. \\'e can. Fonseca. And change it? Columbus. Change Its bearings for us. Truth is of the heaven : The mind regarding it is of the earth. The one is infinite, the other finite : The one expressed in light itself, the other In forms that but reflect light ; and the truth, Made such but by reflection, cannot flash An equal ray to every view-point. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 73 Several. Oh ! Columbus. Give blind men sight. At first their new-viewed sun Will stand still in the heaven. But give them time, 'Twill set and rise. Then give them space, as well. Lift them a thousand miles above the soil, It may do neither. Arana. Dangerous doctrine that ! FoNSECA {to Columbus). There's no truth then } Columbus. There's truth enough for all. But truth expressed is coin to use, not hoard. For when it bears the stamp of times too old. It loses current value. FoNSECA. Hear that ! hear ! Why, that blasphemes tradition ! Breviesca. Just as if Antiquity itself did not prove truth ! Columbus. The moonlight guides us, if we have no sun. But forms that loom at midnight lie to those W'ho know them in the day ; and in the day No judgment of the distance can be true Except to him who pushes on to reach it. FoNSECA. Hold ! Hold ! Enough of this ! There is a law That ought to be enforced here. Arana. We shall see ! 74 COLUMBUS THE DISCO P'ERER. Columbus. The world will see in time that I am right. No theory spun for concepts immature Can ever fit their full maturity. Enter — Right — an Attendant. Talavera (rising). A moment, gentlemen. (To Attendant.) What is it .? Attendant. Here's The royal courier. Talavera. Ah, has come so soon .-• {To all.) Then for to-day our conference must end. {All who are sitting rise.) Columbus {to Talavera). And I withdraw ? Talavera {bowing in. assent and adieu to Columbus). We thank you for your candor. (Columbus boivs to all the council, and the council to him.) E.xeunt — Right — Columbus and Attendant, show- ing him out. Fonseca {?noving with others toward the Left). But we must see we have no more of it. Fernandez ( to Zalora, Talavera and Mendoza, who are walking behind Fonseca, Arana, Breviesca and others). A spark in hayloft ! bull in porcelain ! We'll have the whole church crackling round us yet. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. jr Exeunt — Left— Vo^SECK, Arana, Breviesca „nd others. Mendoza {to Fernandez). But racy as a bull fight ? Fernandez. !„ the which The bull did some tall tossing. Exeunt— Left—First Mendoza, then Zalora, Tala- VERA and Fernandez. Perez {to St. Angel). Did you hear .?— Strange words for him. St. Angel. Oh, no ! Fve always found The light mind is the bright mind. Wit and wits Are twins ; when one is absent, both are lacking. Exeunt— Right— ?,T. Angel and all others. Scene Tm^T>.— Exterior of the Con7rnt of LaRabida, near the little seaport of Ralos, in Andalusia, in Spain. Baeking, a wall, behind 7vhick are hills, trees, and a distant sea-7'iejv. At the right, agateivay opening into the Coni'ent. At the left, trees, etc. Entrances at Right Side Rear, behind the Consent; Right Side, further forward, through a gateivay opening into the Convent; Left Sidr Rear and Front through trees. Enter— Right Side 7?^v?/'— Beatrlx and Diego ift out-door costumes. Beatrix. I could not keep him back. ^6 COLUMBUS THE DISCOl'EREK. Diego, You tried to block His pathway, eh ? but he looked over you — Beyond you ? Beatrix. Humph ! poor treatment from a friend ! Diego. You wished to fill his whole horizon then ? Beatrix. Why — in a friend Diego. 'Tis easy enough to do : Make friends of little souls : they're common. Beatrix {offended). What .' Diego. A spirit's measure is its outlook. Find A man horizoned by a world of worlds, And all in all and always, he's a son Of God. He's here to do his J'ather's work ; And you must join in it, or not join him. Beatrix. Why should he go to France ? — no sailors there. Diego. A spirit conscious of a higher mission Is always on the wing. Bea frix. You know our king Gave weight to his suggestions, promised ships .' Diego. But would not place my brother in com- mand. Beatrix. 'Twas safer so. Diego. For whom .' Beatrix. Columbus. Diego. \Mmt >. You talked of his own safety to my brother.' Beatrix. Why, he had done his duty, sown his seed ; Then why not leave the rest to Providence ? COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 77 Diego. Fling seed to seas, or hope 'twill root in winds ; But do not trust your thoughts to Providence. Their soil is in humanity, nor there Spring, grow, or ripen without husbandr}-. Beatrix. He's talked and argued Diego. Oh, to talk the truth Is easy as to breathe. To live the truth, And, mailed in its pure radiance, burn to black The shade its white heat touches, needs a strength To suffer hatred and inspire to love. Half hell's, half heaven's, and wholly Christ's. Beatrix. And yet If others sail Diego. The goal is so far off, And so unseen, that all but faith will fail ; And this they lack. Beatrix. But yet, you told him, too, You thought 'twas vain to leave here. Diego. Feared 'twas vain. But you, you urged him to submit, not sail, Nor push his claims upon the king. Beatrix. Of course. Diego. Poor, lonely man ! Beatrix, His own fault — would not have A soul go with him. Diego. Why should he ? To minds In which the spirit so subdues the sense, A lack of sympathy itself is absence. 78 COLUMBUS THE DJ.SCOl'LRER. Beatrix. But you will join him ? Diego. Like a faithful slave Whom word, not thought, commands. Beatrix. Why should not I .'' Diego. You're better off at home than with a man With no home either for himself or you. He's often told you that. Beatrix. A home's a state, Not place. Diego. A state of happiness, and that He knows he could not give you. Beatrix. Do you think W^e'U really see him here.-* Diego. Why, yes, I think They'll find him ; and, if so, they'll bring him back. He can't oppose a meeting with the queen. Beatrix. You say she lunches with the monks to- day ? Diego. I heard so, yes — (^Pointing toward Left Side Rear.) And look she's coming now. Beatrix. I have some faith in her. Diego. Faith always waits On perfect womanhood. Show men a form Whose symmetry of outward nature frames A symmetry of soul, whose pure-hued face Complexions pureness of the character, Whose clear sweet accents outlet clear, sweet thought, COLUMBUS THE DISCOIERER. -9 Whose burning eyes flash flame from khidled love, And all whose yielding gracefulness of mien But fitly robes all gracious sympathy,— Ay, find a soul whose beauty of the shield But keeps more bright the blade of brain because Of what seems merely ornament, — to her All men must yield a spirit's loyalty. She's fairy-goddess of the world of fact. Dream-sister of the brotherhood of deeds, An angel minister as well as queen. Whom all the splendor of high station lifts But like the sun that it may light us all. Enter — Left Side Rear — the Queen .t;/^/ Attendants, amo)ig them St. Angel. Enter — at the same time — at Right Side through the eoni'enfs gateway^ Monks, among them Perez, behind them Sanchez a?id Columbus. Perez (to the Queen to whom all do reverence). We feel much honored by your presence Queen. Nay, You are the ministers of higher power. The honor comes to me. Beatrix {to Diego in the rear). There is Columbus. Diego. They've found him then. Beatrix. I wonder what he'll say. So COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Perez. Your majesty, your couriers have re- turned. They found Columbus. Queen. Yes ? and where .? Perez. Far up The mountains, just this side the boundary. Queen. Alone ? Perez Alone. {introducing Columbus) Columbus. (Columbus salutes the Queen.) Queen {to Columbus). As I hoped And you were leaving us ? Columbus. I was. Queen. Why so ? Columbus. I have an aim in life. (Beatrix, in her gestures towards Diego, to 7vhich she tries to attract the attention of Columbus, expresses disapproval of his answers which folloiv here.) Queen. I thought the king Had promised ships. Columbus. He had. Queen. And officers. Columbus. Not those for such an undertaking. Queen. You Can go with them. Columbus. Your pardon, but — I beg — Excuse me. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 8r Queen. Why ? Columbus. I have no time to waste. Queen. To waste } Columbus. 'Tis eighteen years since I began To urge this project. I'm no longer young. Queen. Why, ships and men, and you to sail with them ! — Columbus. Sail off, sail back — I have no time to waste. Queen. You think they would not persevere ? Columbus. The goal Is not of their discerning. — Why should they Be thought the ones to bring it to the light ? Queen, But they Columbus. To them 'tis but a madman's whim, A thing to flout. To me the one conception Of all that is most rational and holy. Which, then, would give his life that it might live ? Queen. Why, we had hopes that none would need do that. Columbus. And hopes well based ; yet any man who sails Across that unknown sea must show far more Than enterprise, experience, caution, skill, Knowledge of sail and compass, wind and star. His soul must be embarked upon the voyage With aims outreaching all that but concern The narrow limits of this earthly life. 82 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Queen. How few such men ! Where would you find your crew ? Columbus. Wherever mind is subject to ideas. Queen. And where is that? — You judge men by yourself. Columbus. I would not dare to boast such differ- ence, Or so humiliate my humanity, As to presume it possible that aims Inspiring my own soul, if rightly urged, Would not inspire, too, many another. Queen. Yes, I can believe it, with yourself to urge them. And were you given command, would you collect A crew and sail with them ? Columbus. No man can reach A problem's right solution, if he fail To calculate aright the means. Queen. Of course — And that Columbus. Has not been done in this case. Queen. No "i What more would you require ? Columbus. Ten times the sum That has been promised. Q'teen. 'Tis impossible. There's not that in the treasury. Columbus. I would give The whole I have^ — both property and life. COLUMBUS THE DJSCOVERER. ^7, Sanchkz. And I. Queen. You would ? — you're rich. Sanchez. 1 would. Diego {co7nini^for7cAT RoLDAN. ^ ' Or can.? Escobar. Humph ! let him k^'ep on here, a day or two. These floating weeds will hold us like a vise. RoLDAN. He says they're signs of land. Escobar. oh. yes, of land !— That fatal land afloat in fatal seas Entrapping in their meshes all the shijjs That dare to venture near. L.ofC. lOO COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. RoLDAN {looking for approTa/ to Pintor atul of her Sailors, lohonodto him in co/ijirmation ofi.'hat he says^ We've heard of that. Escobar. You have ? — Why, then, you're all a set of fools, Pintor. I've known that all along. 'Tis not our fault. FscoBAR. Not ? — Whose } Pintor. The government's. It forced us liere. Escobar. But we're not kept here by it. What does that Is one man's will, and he's a lunatic. Roldan. How did he ever gain the ear of Spain ? Escobar. By talking. Most men's thoughts are led, you know, In trains of their own talking. Talk them down, They've lost their leader. Keep on talking then. They'll find in you another. Any sound You choose to make, they'll take for sense. Why not? It's grown to be a habit with them. Pintor. Oh, 'Tis not through talk or thought he deals with us. But force. Escobar. Ay, and he'll find before he dies That men accept one's estimate of them. If he esteem tliem thinkers, give them thought, COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. loi They'll turn to him like thinking beings ; but If he esteem them brutes, and give them force, They'll turn upon him like a brute. RoLDAN. Who'll turn ?— Ourselves ? Escobar. \\'hy not ? — if he deserve it ? RoLDAN. But If we should mutiny, and then go home — E-.COBAR. The question's not between this place and home ; No, but the bottom of, the sea and land. And other lands are fertile as are Spain's. PiNTOR. Oh, you've no wife and children ! Escobar. Humph, that means My life is not behind me, but before— With precious little left of that. And yet What's life t — what's time worth, if we've no good times ? — And he who squeezes these all out our life, — Wrings our last drop of sweat to serve himself, — He deputies the devil, boss of despots. Roi.DAN. You're right. He doesn't care for us .? Escobar. What he ("ares for, is notoriety, and that's The bulge of contrast. Crush and hush your kind, You're seen and heard of. Pi>fT0R. Gad, what right has he To gem and offset Genoese mastership By making slaves of Spaniards.? I02 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. RoLDAN. Ay, that's what They ask at home ! Escobar. Just what they'll ask again, If we sail home without him. PiNTOR. That they will. Why, where's the man of station in the land Who'll not be glad to hear we've failed ? Escobar. And all The rest will see that, when we've sailed beyond All others on a sea like this, we've done The whole that Spain could ask. Roldan. And still Escobar. As if 'Twas not our duty, in a madman's hands, To use our reason, and resist him. PiNTOR. Yes, One should assert his reason. \\'e're not brutes. Escobar. We're worse than brutes in his view. Brutes, at times, To save their lives, will turn upon a man. But we — six score to one, but all afraid To call our souls our own. Let him appear, We fly like cry-girls from a buzzing bug One touch could crush in no time. RoLDAN. But the court Has clothed him with authority. Escobar. Mere sheep Would not be driven by another sheep Though clothed in bear-skin, could they only hear His old familiar bleat. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 103 RoLDAN. And yet you know He has the, power Escobar. Because we give it him, Who whine, — whine merely like a set of babes, Too weak to Uft a finger for ourselves. RoLDAN. Tne King Escobar. Oh, he's divine ! I grant it ; ay. What else could ever pick out, plying but A random sword, and prick and pin in place As many Spanish cowards as are here .-' RoLDAN. Man, you will have us hung for murder yet. Escobar. There's many a way that one can kill a cat. The best I know is drowning. Nights are dark. And one may slip against a man, and he, When slipped against, may tumble overboard. If so, he drowns — but how ? — he drowns himself. RoLDAN. He's coming — Hark! We — Down — Let's clear from this. Exeunt — Right Center — Roldan, Pintor and Escobar. Enter — Left Side Second — Columbus. Columbus {to himself). He comes on plotting. — That is plain enough. How form and face — mere garments that they are — Will siss and wrinkle to a twist of thought ! — • Fools ! — Yet without fools, where were sovereignty 104 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVER F.R. For wise men ? 'Twould be harder work than 'tis To do earth's thinking for it ; harder work To string the nerves that center in one's brain Through all the mass, and rein it to one's will. — Can [ do this with these men ? or must I, I who have given all these years to it, Ay, and uiy young love too, ni)- life, my all, — • Must I turn back? — I will not.though they kill me. {Looking at papo- in his hand) This reckoning shows seven hundred fifty leagues. 'Tvvas well I made a false one for the crew. Already that's six hundred. Humph, without it I might have had more trouble. In the time I served King Renier, and was sent to take The galley Fernandina ; and my crew, In fright to hear two ships were guarding her, Hid turned our helm, and thought we fiew away'; Ah. how I steered straight for her in the night ! And fought her at the dawn ! — I'll do so here. We men who think, have duties due our kind. On„' duty is, to block their finding out What are our thoughts, for fear they'll know too much. The truth is not a plaything for a babe. The truth's a gem, and sometimes needs encasing. ■ Yet, if we sail on long, the day will come When our true distance must be known. — What, then ? What then ? COLUMBUS THK JUSCOVERER. 105 Voices {beyond Left Side Rear). He shall turn back ! He shall ! We'll make him. Columbus. Hark! hark! — turnback.'' They dare speak out like that ? Oh, what a cruel destiny is mine To unfulfiUment doom'd, if 1 do not What even heaven itself has never done, — Give patience to a world of restlessness ! Oh, God, I think I serve thee. Give me power To calm these minds, as Christ made calm the sea. Enter — Lejt Side Rear — Escobar, Roldan, Pin- TOK, Sanchez, Gutierrez, and others. What's wrong, my men ? Escobar. We came to tell you, sir, 'Tis time that we turn back. CoLUMBi'S. Turn back ? A strange idea that ! Several. Oh, strange ! oho ! Columbus. Why yes, With what we've seen to-day— the herbs and flowers. PiNTOR. We've seen them many a day. Columbus. But not the same — Not fresh and green ; and then the small shore- fish And birds too. birds of kinds that never sleep, Nor light, except on land — the singing birds That perched upon our mast. lo6 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Escobar. If there were land — It's been called out three times — we've passed it now. Columbus. We're in a bay, perhaps. EscoBA. You wouldn't steer As Pinzon wanted. Columbus. No ; the birds all flew This other way. I thought them flying home. PiNTOR. Well, we're not birds. Escobar. We're going home though. RoLDAN. Yes. Columbus. A pleasant swim ! This ship is going on. Several. No, no. Columbus. Why, men, you've said the same before. Have you forgot how many of you cried, Ay, cried, in fear of burning skies above The Teneriffe volcano ? — and I said It would not harm you. Did it ? Then shot by That meteor ; and I said it too would pass. Did I mistake ? Then tireless western winds ; But east winds turned them. Then a glassy sea ; But billows broke it. Then these signs of land ; And now they multiply, as I had hoped. If so far I've been right, I've earned your trust. Escobar. Ugh ! Those are old tales now. Several. Yes. Columbus. Let them be. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 107 The land toward which we sail is not unknown ; And those who've seen it say, were all the gold In all of Europe grouped and fused to make A single mass, 'twould hardly form one cliff Of endless mountain ranges that are there. RoLDAN. Hear that now ! Columbus. They would be enough to make A lord, at home, of every one of you Without the title ; but, think you, the court, The courtiers, would not wish you this besides ? YoL", who had burned through unknown darkness here More brilliantly than comets through the sky ?— I mean it, for the trail you leave behind Will write in deathless light around the world The endless glory of our Christian Spain. RoLDAN and Others. Yes, yes. Escobar. No, no, come on ! {Moving toward Columbus, and urging others to do the same). PiNTOR (to KoLUA-!^ and those who hoid back). You're pledged to us. Lay hands upon him. Make him yield. Columbus {as Escobar gets near him). Stand back. I represent the king. Escobar. We're not your slaves. Columbus. Far better so than slaves to one another. I08 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Lay hands on me, 'twill not be I alone Have six score masters. Look you to your mates. You've pledged yourselves to stand together? What ?— Have you, or you, no foe in all this crew 1 And now you place your life in that foe's hands ? When all he needs to raise himself in Spain Is to speak truth of you, — you think he'll not ? Ay, kill me, drown me, yet I'll be avenged. When bad men band, 'tis traitors fill their camp ; And, if a fair foe fail, the foul will not, For in that fight are God and devil both. RoLDAN. That's true. I'll not be found here. {Tiiniiug away loifk others). PiNTOR. No, nor I. Columbus (asidir). At last the tide has turned. Heaven help me now. {to the sailors). I thought that I had officers and men Too manly to see one man stand alone, — That some would stand beside me. Was I wrong ? Sanchez. No. Gutierrez. No. (RoLDAN and those with him come beside Sanchez a//^/ Gutierrez. They approach Columbus. E.scobar_/ {Beckoning to Left Side Rear.) Here Pedro, Pedro Gutierrez. Enter — Left Side Rear — Gutierrez. Gutierrez. Ay. Columbus {pointing toward the Right Back). Can you see anything off there t GuriERREz. ^^■by yes — The Pinta. Columbus {pointing to the Left Back). No, the Pinta's here. Gutierrez. So 'tis. The Nina's gone ahead, then ? Columbus {pointing to Left). No, lool< back Gutierrez. 'Tis some ship's Hght. Columbus. You're sure 'tis not a star. Gutierrez. How can it be ? COL UM8 US THE DISCO I 'ERER. , 1 1 Columbus. There's Sanchez. I'll ask hi:n. Rodrego. {CaUing to some one beyond Left Side Front). Enter — Left Side Front — Sanchez. Sanchez. Eh, sir ? Columbus {pointing to the Fig/it Back). Can you see that light } Sanchez. Where 1 Columbus. There, beyond the Pinta's. Sanchez. Yes. I thought The Nina was behind us. Columbus {pointing to the Left). So she is. Sanchez. What ? can another ship have sailed off here ? Columbus. Another ship, eh ? Watch it further. Gutierrez. Why I think it moves. Sanchez. It does ! Columbus. Not up and down As if on waves, but to and fro .? Gutierrez. Just so! Columbus. Yes, some long distance to and fro. {The light makes this motion ^ S/NCHEz. Let's call The others. ':'olumbus. No, not yet, no false alarm ! Gutierrez. You think it land .' CoLirMRus {nodding). Inhabited by men. 112 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Gutierrez. By men ? — Good God ! Columbus. Yes, you may well say good. Gutierrez. I think I see what seems a line of surf. Columbus. Perhaps. If so, the Pinta's nearing it. It's almost daybreak. We shall hear her gun. Sanchez. Your order that a false report would rob Its starter of a chance to take the prize Pledged to the first discoverer of the land, Will keep the signal back until they're sure. Columbus. Best so ! If blind men all were born blind, none Were cursed by losing sight. In nights like this, 'Tis not unwakened hope I dread, so much As wakened disappointment. {The report of a gim is heard.') What ? so soon ? Sanchez. You see 'tis true ! Columbus. No doubt of it ! Gutierrez. No, none. {The stage is gradually beeoming brighter ivith the approachitig dawn. Voices of the Sailors are heard?) Columbus. The sailors ! I must go now. You receive them ; And wait till I return. An hour so grand As this is, should be welcomed fittingly. Exit — Left Side Second — into the cabin, Columbus. Enter — Right Center— from the hold — Escobar, Rol- DAN, Pintor, and others. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. n^ Enter — Left Side Rear — others. (RoLDAN rushes to the Right, and gazes towards where the light was first seen.) Escobar. A false report, of course ! PiNTOR. Of course, but then RoLDAN. Good heavens, 'tis true ! Escobar. 'Tis true > RoLDAN. There's land. Escobar. It can't be. RoLDAN. Yes it is. Look there. PiNTOR {contetnptuously, after looking not exactly where RoLDAN points.) A cloud. RoLDAN. Cloud ? No. As clear as daylight, man. 'Tis land. Escobar. It is, hurrah ! PiNTOR. You think so .? Escobar. Are you blind ? Tis no mistake, it is land ! (to the other Sailors). Boys, hurrah ! Sailors. Land, land ! RoLDAN. No doubt of it ! Sailors. Hurrah ! They embrace each other and make 7vild demonstra- tions of delight). Escobar {looking toward Left Side Secotid—and calling aloud). The admiral ! RoLDAN. Three cheers ! 8 114 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. PiNTOR. The admiral ! RoLDAN, He does not know it yet ? Sanchez. Trust him for that. Sailors (shouting). The admiral ! Hurrah ! The admiral ! Sanchez. " All hail the Queen," now. That will fetch him. Sing. (All remo7'e their caps and chant the following) : ALL HAIL THE QUEEN.* All hail the Queen. No thrills can fill the lover's breast For that first love he loves the best, Like ours that throb to each appeal Of her in whom, enthroned above The nation's heart, we see, we feel The symbol of the sway we love, The while we hail our Queen. All hail the Queen. No cause can rouse the soul of strife In men who war for child and wife, Like ours that, vowed to victory. Know not of rest until above The foe that falls, enthroned we see The symbol of the sway we love, The while we hail our Queen. * " The crew were now assembled on the decks of the several ships, to return thanks to God for their prosperous voyage, and their happy discovery of land, chanting the -Salve Regina and other anthems. -Such was the solemn manner in which Columbus celebrated all his discoveries." (Irving's Columbus : Hook VI., Chap. I.) COL UMB US THE DISCO I 'EREK. 1 1 5 All hail the Queen. No loyalty can make a son Show what a mother's love has clone, Like ours who press through land and sea, Our one reward to find above , Our gains that show what man can be, The symbol of the sway we love. The while we hail our Queen. ( While this song is being sung, the scenery at the back of the stage nioTes from Right to Left, thus representing the gradual approach of the ship to land. Before the music ceases, C0LUMBU.S appears in full uniform on the Left above the cabin. LLe is clothed in scarlet. Behind him stands a standard-bearer hold- ing aloft the royal standard, and on either side of this, two others hold the banners of the enterprise, emblazoned with a green cross flanked by the letters F and Y. the hiitials of Fernando and Lsabcl. (Lrving's Columbus. Book IV., Chap. I., also Book VI., Chap. I.) RoLDAN {catching sight Beatrix 70/10 is looking toward him}) Oh, he'll be wealthy as a king ere long. That ought to satisfy you. (77^ Columbus, referring to the erowd outside the house.) Yes, I sent Them off. Beatrix (to the two men, as she t:inis from ta/king to the Maid). I'm wanted, please excuse me. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 125 Beatrix bows to Columbus and DiegvO, and they bow to her. As Beatrix turns mvay, Diego begins to talk aside to Columbus, shaking his head as if disapproving of zvhat she has just said. Beatrix pauses near Right Side Entrance — to say aside — Now, I'll write at once to Dona Bobadilla, And have her tell the Queen our terms — Ours ? — yes — Why, I've been told a thousand times or more That what I wish, he wishes. They are ours. Exeunt — Right — Beatrix and Maid, ivho has waited for her just bifore the door. Diego (to Columbus as if continuing a conversation'). We'll waive that then. — Now tell me of the people. Columbus. A noble race, who live there in a state Almost of Paradise, their wants so few And nature so profuse — I tell you truth — They neither toil nor spin. Diego. Nor spin ? Why how About their clothing ? Columbus. They don't need it. Diego. \\'hat t Columbus. Oh, you get used to that ! Diego. You do ? — then what's Their character ? Columbus. That's not so much a thing Of clothes as civilization thinks, perhaps. 126 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Diego. But then Columbus. The Turks keep faces veiled ; turn all The body into private parts — what's gained .? If ill-desire be fruit of thought that's germed In curiosity, to clear away Some underbrush, and let in light might help To blight the marsh-weed, and reveal, besides, Part of the beauty that brought bliss to Eden. Diego. You mean Columbus. There's nothing like a length of robe, Material in substance and in sense, To stole an anti -spirit-ministry. It bags what heaven made that the world may deem The bag well baited for a game of he'l. Diego. You talk in riddles. Columbus. Read a page or two From human nature, they'll be solved. Out there, Except with chiefs — it is the same, you know. With our high classes — people live in pairs. As birds do ; and, myself, I saw no hint Of lust or competition. They all seem To love their neighbors as themselves, and own All things in common. Why, to us they gave Whatever we could ask ; and often too Without the dimmest prospect of return. Diego. They welcomed you ? Columbus. They thought us fresh from heaven. COLUMBUS THE DISCOyEKEK. 127 You know they're copper-colored. We looked white. Oh, what a race to be made Christians of ! Diego. What for ? Columbus. Why, only give such men religion • Diego. With lives of love, and welcoming guests from heaven — Where would you find much more in Christian Spain ? Columbus. Well, but Diego. Precisely what I mean — a butt. Columbus. You're always butting some thing, brother. Diego. Yes, A family trait with both of us, I think. Were I a man of action like yourself, I might not doubt but do. Columbus. Not undo, eh >.~ You mean you doubt my statements } Diego. Hardly that, But I was thinking Columbus. That's a dangerous thing. Diego. Yes, but for it I should have been a priest. At present, I'm confessor but to you. And my advice is, never to repeat What you've just said. Columbus. Why not ? Diego. 'Tis sure to make The world suspect you. 128 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. How? — and what ? Diego. Why, say, Your faith, Columbus. Impossible ! God knows — they know— The purpose of my life. — Diego. Your life ! But faith — That's not a thing to-day of life, but talk ; And God — He has not much to do with it. A man of faith, is one whose faith in those To whom he's talking, makes him talk their thoughts. None here will think that what you say can be. Columbus. Not even you ? Diego. Why, yes, — but yes and no. The power that makes imagination burst Through limits of our world, as you have done, To find this new world, makes it pass beyond them. The glories of that sunset land may all Be in the land you saw, or in the sky. Columbus. I see your meaning, Enter — Beatrix — Right. Diego. ' If your mounts of gold too Do not come tumbling very speedily To fill the itching lap of Spain, why then, There's some one will be blamed. Columbus. Oh, but they will ! Beatrix. Now, gentlemen, if you will walk in here {Motioning tozuard the Righr), COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 129 We'll have some luncheon ; and I've news for you, Both bright and black. Columbus. There's nothing bright can come, But brings behind it something in the shade. Beatrix. The court, so Dona Bobadilla writes, Will welcome you in state at Barcelona. Diego. They're bright in doing that ! Now what's the black ? Beatrix. That Pinzon's ship has reached Bayonne ; and there The man has claimed your honors as his own. Columbus. What perfidy ! — determined to turn back Before we found the land, and after that Deserting us. Diego. To herald his delight In what he made you do ! — I'm not surprised. The train of genius marshals everywhere Distrust before success, and envy after. Exeunt — at the Right — Beatrix, Columbus and Diego. Scene Second. — A grand temporary Pavilion., erected in frofit of the royal residence at Barcelona. In the extreffie background., beyond an open place., is the ex- terior of the house of Cardinal Mendoza. hi front Q I30 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. of this house, are awnings or curtains, whicli, at the conclusion i^Scene Second, are to be lifted or drawn aside in order to prepare for Scene Third. To the Right are parts of the Palace, to the Left are pillars supporting the Pavilion. Within the Pavilion, at the P^eft, near the hack of stage hut in front of the open place, is an elevated platform on which are four throne chairs. Nearer the Left Front of the stage is a place for a choir. Lin trances : — Right Side Rear — into the open place be- yond the Palace — Right Side Front — in front of the Palace ; Left Side Rear — open place beyond the Pavi- lion — Left Side Middle — between the pillars at the Left — and Left Side Front — in front of the Pavilion. The curtain rising discloses the King and Queen and Prince Juan, seated upon the throne, attended by the dignitaries of their court and the principal nobility of CdiSXWQ, Valentia, Catalonia <7//^Aragon ; also Gonzalez, Arana, Fonseca. Breviesca and others. The royal choir are at the extreme Left Front, and spectators of the more common sort at the Right arid in the Rear. All seem enthusiastic. Music by orchestra and choir, with the following words : HAIL TO THE HERO, HOME FROM STRIFE. Hail to the hero, home from strife, Pride of our hearts and hope of our Ufe, Hail to his glancing crest and plume, , Flashed like lightning into the gloom. COLUMBUS rilE DISCOVERER. 131 Hail to the grit that, lost to view. Out of the darkness brought him through. Sprout of the slough-pit, bud of the thorn, After the night The light of the morn. Crown him with flowers and have them bright. Crown him, the man of the land's delight. Hail to the hero, home from strife. Pride of our hearts and hope of our life. Hail to the ring of the voice that taught Drumming and roaring the rhythm of thought- Hail to the tones that turned to a cheer Groan and shriek of a startled fear, Hushing to rills the flood that whirred. Chorusing night With songs of the bird. Shout him a welcome, and shout with might. Shout for the man of the land's delight. Enter — /^/g/if s/i/i' Rear — during the song, the follow- iiig procession : First come Soldiers ivlio march across the stage to Left Side Rear — then halt., turn toward the audience., and stand on guard at the Rear. Next comes an officer who turns toward the Pavilion, marching in front of it., and down the Right. — Following him are Indians brought from America. They are painted accorditig to their savage fashion, and decorated with their national orna- 132 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. ments 0/ gold. As they and tJwse foHow- ing them approach fhcpavilio/i, each in turn salutes the Kinc; and Queen who reynain sitting. After the Indians, come men bear- ing various kinds of parrots together with stuffed birds and animals of unknown species and rare plants supposed to be of precious qualities. A display is also made of Indian coronets, bracelets, and other decorations of gold. After this, surrounded by a brilliant throng of Spanish cavaliers, comes Columbus. He is on horseback, but dismounts at the entrance of the pavil- ion and enters it. As he does so, the King and Queen both rise to welcome him. Columbus kneels, the King instaiitly takes his hand and motions to hint to seat him- self in the vacant chair beside them on the slightly elevated platform. He is the only one besides the King, Queen and Prince who is seated. {See Irving's Columbus : Book V. Chapter VI.) E?iter — Right Side Front — Diego and Beatrix, and stand watching the cereinonies. King {Just as Columbus seats himself beside him). Well done, thou good and faithful servant. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 133 Queen. Yes, The land was where you said. Columbus. "Fwas within less Than eighty leagues of M'here 1 reckoned it. Queen. A rich land too ? Columbus {motioning to the attendants who l>ring for- ward an i exhibit, as he nie?itions them, the differ- ent objects ivhich they are carrying^. You see what we have brought : — ■ These birds and animals unknown to .Spain, All promising vast wealth in plumes and furs ; These trees and plants that grow like reeds in swamps, And covered thick as leaves with ready food ; These aromatic herbs, in which all forms Of sickness find a sure and natural cure ; This gold that lies upon the soil like dust, Or else like pebbles tumbling from the cliffs, And easily moulded into ornaments ; These pearls and gems that line the river-beds ; .\dd these brave people, sons of God like us. With generous natures and compliant wills. Who met us kneeling, as we knelt on shore, With reverent souls prepared by heaven itself To welcome us as heavenly messengers ; And who to be made whole in holiness Need but the cleansing water of the church. Are these not eloquent beyond the power Of mortal lips } 134 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Queen. They are. King. They are. All. \"es, yes. Columbus. But what that land contains is in supply As far beyond the treasure here, as is A whole vast continent beyond the store That can be packed in one small vessel. Yes, That realm of boundless wealth in rock and soil And boundless progress for the state and soul, Past all that human fancy can conceive, Lies there, embed in crystal seas and skies, A wondrous gift, fresh from the hand of God, As if untarnished by the touch of man, Awaiting your most Christian Majesties. King. Give God the praise. Queen. Thank Ciod. Pegple. Amen, amen. King. Columbus, all the people speaks their thanks. We but fulfill their wishes, crowning you With every proof of royal approbation. We now decree that, through all time henceforth, You shall be known as Admiral, Viceroy, And, if once more you'll cross the sea for us, Commander-General of all armaments, And Governor of all realms awaiting there, The bearer of tlie royal seal, with power To name your own successor and to will COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 135 Your own itiheritance ; and evermore These arms here are decreed your family. Enter — Left Side Second — an attendant hearing a banner in ivhich the royal arms, the castle and lion, are quartered with a group of islands surrounded by waves and under them the motto : " To Castile and Leon Columbus gave a new worlds {See Lrving's Columbus : Book V. Chapter VII.) Diego {at the extreine Right Front — to Beatrix). You think lie needed all those titles? Beatrix. Why ? Diego. I think they sound like you. Beatrix. Well, what of that? Diego. When I've been hunting, I have found that birds Of brightest plumage are the soonest shot. This is a world where many men go shooting. King {continuing to Columbus), And more than this : of all the ships in Spain We authorize your choice of which you will, With power to force each captain, pilot, crew. Or owner of a vessel, arms or stores. To do your bidding ; and besides we pledge Two-thirds of all the royal revenues Derived from our church tithes, and all that comes From confiscating all the property Of all the Jews, whom now, to yield us this, We banish from our realm. 136 COLUMBCS THE DISCOVKRKR. People (%uitJi fcn-or and cxnltation'). God bless the king ! FoNSECA. God bless your Christian Majesties ! Others. God bless ! Columbus. You do me lionor, overmuch, I fear. And I too would give praise where all is due ; And that with deeds, not words. In view, this day, Of all the wealth that, with the power you give. Is certain now to come to me, I vow To raise and arm, inside of twice four years. Four thousand horse and twice as many foot. And just as many more in five years more. To drive to death the heathen Saracen And wrest from him the Holy Sepulchre. People. Oh, God ! we thank thee ! Others. Glory to the Lord ! Kino. Now let us, all together, seek the church. And praise Him, as is meet for these vast boons Vouchsafed to Christian Spain, there to convert {Motio?iing toward the Indians.) By holy baptism these heathen souls. Arana (to FoNSECA, exiiltiiigly). The day begins when all the earth and all Its wealth shall be converted unto us. Exeunt — Left Side Front — King, Queen, Prince, Columbus, Courtiers^ Indians, etc. Exeunt — Rig/it Side Front — Diego, Beatrix a /id others. ( While the rest are h-aving the ehoir chant as folhm's ■) COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 137 Oh soul, what earthly crown Is bright as his renown Whose tireless race Outruns the world's too halting pace, To reach beyond the things men heed A truth that all behind him need ! Oh soul, what man can be As near to Christ as he Who looks to life Not first for fame and last for strife ; But shuns no loss nor pain whereby To lift the truth and lower the lie ! Exeunt — Left Side Front — Choir. Atvnings infroiit of the house ^yAlENDOZA rise reveal- ing Scene Third Scene Third .• Interior of a Im/iqiieting hall in the house ^Mendoza. A table crosses the stage at the Rear. Behind it in the Center, on a seat slightly raised above the rest, is Columbus. At the right end of the table is Mendoza ,• at the left end, FoNSECA and Breviesca. Others arranged as s?iits convenience. Breviesca {to Fonseca). What native here has ever yet received Such royal honors ? — Why, the sovereigns both Stood up to greet him, hesitated, too. To let him kneel, and sat him in their presence. Fonseca. Here too he's on a throne. 13S COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Breviesca. I never saw A Spaniard treated thus. FONSECA. He takes it all As if his due. Breviesca. Hold on. I'll put him down — In thought, at least. {To Columbus, who sits playing with an egg on the tabic.) Say, Admiral, do you think If you had not made this discovery That there's no man in Spain who could have done it ? Columbus. Why, that's a new idea. Mendoza. So it is. Columbus. I never asked myself about that yet— Oh, by the way, can any of you here Make this thing stand on end } (Gonzalez, Breviesca and Fonseca begin to experiment, as do others, with eggs lying on the table jiear the?n.) Fonseca. An egg ? Columbus. An egg. Mendoza. Can it be done ? Columbus. Why, yes, you try it. Mendoza (trying). No ; I give it up. Fonseca. And I. Columbus {to Breviesca). You give it up ? COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Breviesca Why — yes — I don't see- ^39 Columbus {setting the egg down on its small end with enough force to break the shell and make it stand). Now you see it — there ! Mendoza. Oho ! Breviesca. That's nothing ! Columbus. Yes, like other things, "Tis easy enough, when once you've seen it done. (Laughter.) Curtain. I40 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. ACT FIFTH. Scene First: — A camp on tJic Island of Hispaniola, Backing, a clearing, amid woods with thick forests in the distance. At Right and Left, trees ; at the Left near the Front, the hut of Columbus. En- trances Right Side Rear, Second and Front — be- tween trees ; Left Side Rear — behind the hut of Columbus ; Left Side Second— from inside of it, Left Side Front — bet^veen trees. Enter — Right Side Rear — Escobar and Gamez. Escobar. Ojeda, when his boats were on the coast, Said that at home the Admiral's cause was lost. Our notes have reached there. They've found out, at last. How Spaniards, ay, and Spanish nobles too, Are lorded over by this Genoese. Gamez. And now you say he's superseded t Escobar. Yes, By Bobadilla. Gamez. Who is he ? Escobar. Enough, If he's a Spaniard. Gamez. Strange, though, all the same ! Escobar. 'Tis said Breviesca and his bishop there, Fonseca, they rule everything to-day. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 141 'Twas they, you know, who got the crown to give, Ojeda all the Admiral's charts and half His rights too ; and would grant indulgences Without a stint if they could have their way To any here who struck him down. Gamez. Why so? Escobar. You've never heard about his impudence. When brought before the bishops, years ago ? Gamez. At Salamanca, yes; but he was right. Escobar. Or how he knocked down Breviesca, when Fonseca's messenger ? — Besides, who wants To blacken Spain with shade from Genoa .'' Well, Bobadilla's landed now ; and when His troopers flash in sight here, why, these eyes That have been aching so to see him come Will scratch some blinks to cure their vision's itching. Enter — Right Side — an old Indian, and advances tozvard Escobar, who addresses him. Humph ! Who are you, old cove ? — \\'hat ? — Clear the air. Stand off a white man's shadow. Indian. Me would see The Admiral, Escobar. Use your eyes then. Are you blind ? Indian. Me thought you know Enter — Left Side Rear — Columbus, and stands be- hind the three. 142 COLUMBUS THE DISCO I't^RER. Escobar. Well, you've no right to think. And if we know, 'tis not our business To do your errands for you. (Indian, sc.yuig C'c>\xy\.v,V:'?,, passes toiuard Left Side Rear.) Gamez {laiighing/y to Escobar). Settled him. Columbus {to Indian). What's this ? Indian {to Columbus). Me wants to see you. Columbus {motioning toiuard his eahvi). Yes, but wait In there a moment, please. Exit— Left Side— into the hut of Columbus, the Indian. Columbus goes on to Escobar. It would be wise To keep the red-men friends ; and friendship's light Reflects but what is kindled in ourselves. Extinguish it within, and soon without We find our world in darkness.— Now, to work. The trenches must be dug, and no delay. There's danger of attack. Gamez. I'm not a man For work like that. Columbus. Like what .? Escobar. ^^'^e work that lets These common laborers wipe their dirty paws Upon one's coat. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVKRKR. 1 43 Columbus. Then take it off. Gamez. Ay, ay ; And grovel at their level. Columbus. Does your rank Depend upon your coat ? — pray heaven that you Be born again, a new man and a true one. Gamez. You did not promise this work, when we sailed. Columbus. The Spaniards had not shown their lust and greed, Defiled the native women, killed the men. And, sent in squadrons to preserve the peace, All grasping for the whole of all they saw, Beset their comrades like a set of bulls Becrimsoned with each other's gore. Mere brutes ! No wonder they have disenchanted thus The people who at first believed them gods. Now get you gone — no waiting ! (Columbus turns toward his hut.) Escobar {iisidi', shaking his Jist at Qo'lvmbvs^s back). Yes, until We get you gone, which'U not be very long. Exeunt — Right Side — Gamez and Escobar. Columbus {going to his cabin and motioning the Indian to come out.) Well now, my friend, what is it ? Indian. White man kill Our men and steal our women. 144 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. Yes — and I ? Indian. Kill white man. Columbus. What ? Enter — Left Side Rear — Bartholomew, and stands by Columbus. Indian. We Injun call you men Great-Spirit-men. Poor Injun when he die. When bad go here, when good go there, {Pointing first down and then ///.) Columbus. What, you — You Indians think this .'' Bartholomew. I shall write that home. 'Tis more than some there seem to think. Columbus. It is. {I'o Indian.) And what of that, my friend .'' Indian. White-spirit-chief Send bad men here and good men there. (^Pointing first down and then up). Columbus. I see — Put down the bad, put up the good. Yes, yes ; You're right. I'll try to learn the lesson, friend. Indian (^pointing in a halffirightened way toward the Right). Bad man come there. (Bartholomew steps toward the Right). Columbus. Humph, humph, please leave us then ; And wait in here again. {Motioning toward his hut.) COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. t45 Exit — Left Side — into the hut, Indian. Columbus turns totuard Bartholomew. Whom have we coming .^ Bartholomew. A crowd of captives — women, as i think. The men with them are Roldan's. Columbus. 'Twill be hard To deal with them. They're all old criminals. Suppose you bring a guard here. Bartholomew. Yes, I will. Exit — Left Side Front — Bartholomew. Columbus {looking toward the Right.) There's one of them seems coming on alone. That's fortunate. — Aha, and Pintor, too ! Enter — Right Side — Pintor. Columbus speaks ta him. You back ? What have you brought ? Pintor. Some household gods. Columbus. Whose are they ? Pintor. Ours. Columbus. Oh, yours ? — how came they yours .'' Pintor. By right of conquest. Columbus. What ? Pintor. We killed their men. Columbus. And left them widows ? Pintor. Mo ; we made them brides. That's better than to leave them wives; not so ? Columbus. Law-breakers ! ID 146 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. PiNTOR. Pugh ! with all that you have seized, Made slaves of, sent to Spain and sold Columbus. But they were captives from our foes. Enter — Left Side Rear — Bartholomew, Gutierrez and a guard wJw cross the stage at the back, and march forward between Pintor and the Right Side. PiNTOR. Well I Take any man who flushes red all over, As they do when I'm coming, as a foe. Columbus. The slaves we sent to Spain were taken there To be made Christians of. PiNTOR. And so with us — We're Christians, aren't we ? — Well, we'll have tliem washed And not made slaves, but take them to our homes, And let them lead a free and easy life. Columbus. And don't you see the danger .? Why, their tribe Will massacre us all ; if not, your vices Will bring you hell here, even while you live. Pintor. You know my story — was condemned to death — For nothing, though — and then the court decreed. Instead of this, that I should come out here : And if I make it hell, it .seems to me, That's where thev want me. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 147 Columbus {to Gutierrez). Take this man, Search him for arms, and march Jiim to the works. (To PiNTOR.) Hereafter keep a hold upon your tongue. PiNTOR. Ay, ay, sir ; but you'll not be hard on me. This land needs peopling. Exit — Right Side — Gutierrez and Soldiers with PiNTOR. Bartholomew. It will need it more, If Spain sends more of those vile wretches here. We'll all be murdered then. Columbus. We may, as 'tis. Bartholomew. Had I my way, a brute forever kicking Against the law should go in bit and bridle ; Ay, ay, to see a surgeon too. A touch Of horse-play — that's a cutting that would cure him And all his kind. The best should let their land Be peopled only by the best. Columbus. That might Be wise ; but where, pray, would you find the best 1 'Tis hard to tell which curse a country most ; — Its gentlemen who feel above all work ; Or workers so far down they feel beneath All obligation to be gentlemen. As for the first, heaven grant they'll soon find out 148 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. That this new world is not a place for them. As for the second, if we plan no way To keep them on the other side the sea, Farewell to all the good we hope for here. Enter — Right Side — Gutierrez. What now ? Gutierrez {/landing Columbus a note). We found this when we searched him. Columbus. Ay ? But it's not mine. Gutierrez. Perhaps it might be well For you to read it. Columbus (^reading it). So ?— I will.— What's this .? (77; Bartholomew. ) Bartholomew, a new conspiracy ! Bartholomew. But that man couldn't write. Columbus. Oh no; but then, You see he carries it from one who can. {Handing the note to Bartholomew.) This time, it seems the high and low will meet, And we, between them, will be crushed. Bartholomew {threateningly^. Perhaps. Columbus. It speaks about another fleet in port. I thought the treachery that had given my charts And right to govern islands west of here To Pinzon and Ojeda was enough. This speaks of one who claims a jurisdiction In our own island. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVEKEK. [49 Bartholomew. Bobadilla, yes. What will you do ? Columbus. Divide andv conquer. i^To Gutierrez.) Here ! Gutierrez. Ay, ay. Columbus. To chains with all those named in this. {Ilaniiing Gutierrez t/ic note.) They're mostly in their homes now. Be alert. Exit — Right Side — Guti errez. {To Bartholomew). Bartholomew, the rest of those condemned For sharing in that last conspiracy, Whom our too willing clemency has spared, Must be brought out to-day and hung. Bartholomew. But then Columbus. I see no other way. When mercy fails The cause is lost that does not call on justice. {A'^oisc's outside.) What noise is that — a txuiiult ? Bartholomew {zvho with Columbus looks toward Left Side). No ; they're cheers. Columbus. You make them out ? Bartholomew. Why, all the town is there ! And look — our prisoners too ! Columbus. What — those condemned To death ? Bartholomew. Ay, ay ; and have the leadership ; And with them — can it be ? — -'tis true ! there come The St. Domingo traitors. 15° COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Columbus. Is that so ? (^Looking totvard Right Side.) Here, here ! Enter — Right Side — Gutierrez luith the Soldiers. Ay, steady now. Stand there. On guard. Bartholomew (StiH /ooking toward the Left). They halt, consulthig. — What ? Can that be he ? — Velasquez, our sub-treasurer ? Not so? Juan de Travierra, too ! Columbus. How strange ! Why, they were friends — and yet Bartholomew. They've left the rest — Are coming here. Columbus. Alone .'' Bartholomew. I think so. Columbus. Ves. I recognize them now. You're right. 'Tis they. I can't conceive, though, what it means. Can you } Bartholomew. \^'ho could ?— The others have begun to follow. Columbus. Aha ! They think that these will seem our friends ; And make an opening through which all can enter. What keener point could treachery find to edge Its wedge of enmity, than tried old friendship.'' (To the Guard.) Make ready. — Wait. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. 151 Enter — Left Side Rear — Velasquez and anot/ier offieer. They bow and Columbus addresses them. Well, what's your business here ? Velasquez. We have beea sent Columbus. True men are never sent By their inferior. They will face him clown ; And not turn tail like driven beasts of burden. Velasquez. You do not know our message. Columbus. One may judge A message from its messengers. I see A crowd of common criminals. Were they Set free by you, yourselves are criminals. Velasquez. Your pardon ; but Columbus. You should have asked for that Before you freed your pals there. No one here Has any right to pardon men but me. Velasquez. But you mistake Columbus. I am the Viceroy. Traitors to him are traitors to the king. Velasquez. You may not be this now. Columbus. What mean you ? Velasquez {handing him an official paper of ivhich he holds many). Here, 'Tis from the court. Columbus (taking and reading it). An outrage ! Yet but gives This Bobadilla — who ? and what is he ? — Authority to make investigations. 152 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Insulting ! — Yet there's here no grant For freeing captives that have been condemned. Velasquez {handing Columbus another roll). But here's another paper. Columbus {t-eceiving and reading if). That I yield All prisoners, ships and royal property — Why yes, if the investigation Avarrants — Of course 'twill not. Velasquez. Ah. but he says it does. Columbus. It does ? Why, I have never seen this man. Velasquez. Yet he's investigated. Columbus. What ? Velasquez. Your papers. Columbus. My papers ?— Which and where ? Velasquez. Those in your house. Columbus. He's entered that .' Velasquez. He lives there. Columbus. In my house ? — And reads my private papers ? Velasquez. They were found, While carrying out his other orders. Columbus. More 1 Velasquez ijianding other papers to Columbus). Yes, these. Columbus {t-eeeiving and reading them). That I should pay all wages due With all arrears for royal services — What then .' COLUMBCS TJIF. J^JSCOVF.RER. , ^^ Velasquez. He takes them from your property. CoLUMHus. Without a word to me .' — Why this uieans ruin ! And who decides the chdms .?— a man without The means or incHnation, as it seems, To know the truth .?— whose first official act Is making friends by setting traitors free > And violating both the hiws of Spain And common courtesy i" — It is too much. Away, and tell him I defy him. Say, With all the rabble that are back of him. Enough are here yet that are loyal still To Spain and me, to crush one traitor more. VELA.SQUEZ. I fear the loyal must be on his side. {Handing Columbus another paper?) Read this:— a royal patent that invests This Bobadilla with all power and right Of governing these islands. Columbus (look/ng at the paper). Royal seals } It cann(;t be — but yet — {^Handing the paper to Bartholemew.) Can it be true .? I knew that we had enemies ; but not That they could be so powerful. Bartholemew. We'll resist. Columbus. It might be useless ; and it must be wise To keep the right, when with us, with us still. 154 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. No no ; we'll yield. My brother, there are times When wrongs are great that they may be per- ceived, And emphasize the need of their redress. {Turning to Gutierrez and the Guard.) My men, this royal patent takes from me The government ; bestows what powers were mine On Bobadilla. All the loyalty You've shown to me, for which my gratitude Will always thank you, now belongs to him. Gutierrez. No, never. Guard. Never. Enter — Left Side — Sanchez, Soldiers, Escobar, Gamez and a rahhlc. Enter — Right Side — Pintor. Columbus. 'Tis the sovereign's will. Help me by sharing with me what I bear. {to Valasquez.) Inform the governor we await his wishes. Vei^asquez. There is another order. Columbus. Eh ? Velasquez. It's with This ofificer. {Gesturing toward Sanchez.) Sanchez {advancing toward Columbus). My orders — not desire. Columbus. Am I to die for serving Spain so well t COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. j^^ Sanchez (/^ both Columbus a/../ Bartholemew) Not that— Your swords. Columbus {as he and Bartholemew give up their s7U()rds, as does also Gutierrez). But worse than that .'—What next .? Sanchez {motionius fo a Soldier who brings for- ward some handcuffs.) I act but for the court. Columbus. Are those for me.? What crime have I committed } ^■^^^^^^- I know none. Columbus. I said I would submit. You doubt my word } Or courage.?— or i^ersistency .?^or what.? Sanchez, You're to be sent to Spain. Columbus. i,-, chains ?-Who dares To place them on me .? {Looking at Sanchez and his Guard.) Sanchez {hesitating and /ooking around). There's a large reward For him that does it. Now 'tis offered.— Speak. {to Columbus.) You see we're all your friends. ^^^^o^- Not all ; not all ! {taking the handcuffs) Here, let me have them, boys. I'm used to them. A fair man gives what he receives, not so .? {Puts them on Columbus.) 156 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. Here, cvirse you ! Now fall overboard, and these Will sink you, as we meant to, years ago. {Turning to Bartholemew and fastening another pair on /lim.) Now you loo. Rabble. Ho, ho, ho ! Columbus (to BARTHOLEiNiEw). Bartholemew, A single bracelet is enough, men think, To show a common gratitude. ■ We've two. Thev think their debt is doubled. How 'twill 'thrill Ambition in the future sons of Spain To learn what badges of true servitude Await the souls that serve her best. We, we, Who've made of Spain the Empress of the West, Have weightier honors waiting us, — to be The slaves that, crushed to earth, will pedestal The towering contrast of her sovereignty. £xcnnt — Left Side Front — Sanchez, his Soldiers, Columbus and Bartholemew. Exeunt — to Left and Right — Omnes. Scene Second — A eourt belonging to a house in Seville. Baeking, and at the Right, parts of the l>ui/ding on either side of the eourt. The same at the Left, but near the L.eft Front entrance a CC'LUMBUS 7'///-: DISCOVER ER. 157 chair or hao and a sofa 7i.>itli one end raised on whii/i to rest the head. Entrances — at Right Side — ami Left Side. (Enter — RigJit Side — DiK(;o and Beatrix.) Diego. You must not talk about his poverty. Bea TRix. Why not ? DiEC.o. You're kiUing Iiim. Beatrix. I'm nursing him. DiEdo. Yes, all that grows toward death. Beatrix. If he had been Content to leave the land to others, when ' Twas found once Diego. Can a mother leave her child, \Mien born — no more ? 'Twas less the land he sought, Than those grand hopes his soul had based on it As a foundation. Beatrix. These he might have watched As well at home here. Diego. Why, I thought 'twas you That urged his seeking wealth. The wealth was there. And how about those titles .'' All of them Were labels not of use unless he sailed. Beatrix. Why did he use them arbitrarily .' Diego. I>ess use than their possession gave offense. Besides, we men are trained to government As much as manners. 'Tis the curse of force 158 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. That always its own method keeps alive Its first excuse for being. Tyranny May make of chaos order ; but, when throned, Knows not a subject that is not a slave. Would one of those o'er whom my brother ruled, Have bent the knee to an authority Not ermined in the old familiar guise Of arbitrariness ? Beatrix. Had he conceived How all would end ! Diego. 'Twas not conceivable. Beatrix. But you conceived it. Diego. I ? Beatrix. Why yes. You spake Of envy sure to follow. Diego. Did I so ? Beatrix. And it came true.— 'Tis often so with you — Not that I like you better for it, though. Diego. My words come true, eh ? — One might think they did ; They are believed so seldom. 'Tis one test Of prophets that they prophesy in vain. Beatrix. You might have urged your brother Diego. Oh, not I ! I never urge myself. Beatrix. But when you know — Diego. Imagine only — not the same as knowing ! Imagination dreams, its dreams anon COLUMBUS THE DISCOVER EK. 159 May leap Time's processes, or keen-eyed, spy The end from the beginning. Yet such dreams Come but to him so much in sympathy With nature's courses, so inspired to aim For nature's goals, so fired by nature's force, That sheer inertia of the soul outspeeds The pace of grosser matter. Beatrix. And to you At times Diego. The times come seldom. 'Tis not oft That fancy's flowers foretoken fruit ; not oft That fruit is laden on the limbs that bloom Most brilliant with the flowers. — I've seen it though, — • Imagination imaging true life, Life true to all its images ; and then I found a seer, earth's rarest product. Beatrix. That Is what some say that you are. Diego. To be true To life, when all the men that have life doubt me, I ought to join with them, and doubt myself. Beatrix. In that you're little like your brother. Diego. Ah, With him quick action follows on the thought. With me come only talk, and then more thought. He mounts to find success. I prophesy — Perhaps ; but where success is, at my best, Am only of the crowds that cheer it. I Go COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. {Looking to tJu- Left.) Here He comes, poor man — his faithful sons too. How I love them for their faithfulness I Alas, He's failing fast. If there was once a time We feared he might be wrecked, he's reached a time When wreckage has begun — with waves, too, worse Than waves without, as much as stabs than scratches. Fierce envy's made such havoc of his life, 'Twould not be strange if nature, in revolt, Should doff the guise this world has torn to rags And give him something richer. Enter — luft Side — Columbus, attendcJ by iiis two sons, Young Diego, a man, and Fernando, a youth. Columbus with help is seated on the sofa. Diego continues to Columbus. Well, what news ? Columbus. A new world has been found of bound- less wealth ; And he who found it, finds himself a beggar. A king and queen were throned in that new world. Who throned them there, they seized and bound in chains. Diego. Oh, yes ; but then the chains were taken off. COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. i6l Columbus. A nation has been made the first on earth. Who made it this, for this deed has been made The last in all that nation — not one shred Of all his property, or power, or rank, Stripped by injustice from him, when 'twas found To be injustice, has been given back. His name is left dishonored, and his sons Inherit nakedness. Beatrix. Yes, that is it. You see if he Diego {gesturing I'lolcntly to silence Beatrix). Not now. The time will come • Beatrix {suddenly turning her back upon Diego and speaking to herself ). Oh, when he prophesies, I always fear He's going to prophesy some ill of me. Exit — Left Side — Beatrix. Diego {to Columbus). There's nothing that can dim your well-earned fame. Columbus. A man who gave his life for what to all Appeared impossible, attained it, then Found charts and notes that told his stor}', stolen. And that which was his own discovery. Called not by his own name but by another's. Diego. Yes, it is very strange. Columbus. So very strange It seems that when I think it can be true, 1 1 1 62 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. I pause to listen to the morning bells To wake me from a dream. Diego. 'Tis but a dream. The force that keeps eternal worth from light Is but of time — a thing short-lived. Columbus. I know — If 'twere not for my children. Young Diego. They are proud Of one who, all his life, as now in age, Has stood alone, yet been victorious. Columbus. Alone, and yet not lonely. \\'hen one's true To his own mission, he is in the ranks With all that move toward all good ends that wait. {Lookmg at his so7is.) And but for you — think you I've lived my life To beg men for a badge to brag about ? — Enough, if I have been an influence. Diego. Ay, that is all that God is. Columbus. God .' Diego. 'Tis true. What voice, or face, or form, or robe, or crown, Or throne attests His Presence ? Who can trust In things like these — what spirit serve but them, And not be all through life — ay, out of it And even after death — a slave to sense. No brother of the Christ, no son of God ? (Columbus is seized by a sudden paroxysm and falls back upon the sofa.) COLUMBUS I HE DISCOVERER. 163 Fkrnando. Why, see ! He's fainting ! Young Diego. Help him ! Diego. Ah ? What's that ? Why, Christopiier ! {To tlic sons as all three bend over Columbus.) Go, call a doctor — priest ! Exeunt— Left Side Front — the two sons.) Columbus {reviving and pointing toward the center of stage). The new world — you must watch it — it will grow. Hark — there are words I hear — and look — Felipa ! {Q.oiMWBM'A sinks in death supported by Die(;o, who does not seem to notice what follows, being "ivholly absorbed in attending to Columbus.) Scene Third: — 77ie curtain forming the back of Scene Second rises disclosing at the Lipt the same convent chapel and zvall that occupy that place in Act First, Scene First. The co/ivent wall, however, extends across the stage to the Right, and the whole Scene is backed by a distant view of a fertile, cul- tivated, and populous country, including mountains and valleys, rivers spanned by bridges, and low lands filled with towns and cities, — all represeyiting the present condition of the western continent. Near the entrance of the chapel, stands Felipa, gazing 1 64 COLUMBUS THE DISCOVERER. tcnuard this laud, whik\ by a choir unseen within the chapel, the same hymn is chanted as ihaz with which the drama opens, as follows : O, Life divine, thou art the spring Of all that germs and grows ; The Light behind the suns that bring The harvests to their close. O, Life divine, thou art the source, Of truth within the soul ; Thou art the guide through all the course That leads it to its goal. O, Life divine, what soul succeeds In aught on earth but he Who moves as all desires and deeds Are lured and led by thee. Curtain. END. 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