Queen Isabella’s Resolve.

Epes Sargent.

Characters:

Isabella. And so, Don Gomez, you think we ought to dismiss the proposition of this worthy Genoese?

Don Gomez. His scheme, your Majesty, is fanciful in the extreme. I am a plain man. I do not see visions and dream dreams like some men.

I. And yet Columbus has given us good reasons for believing that he can reach India by sailing in a westerly direction.

D. G. Delusion, your Majesty! Admitting that the earth is a sphere, how would it be possible for him to return, if he once descended the sphere in the direction he proposes? Would not the coming back be all up-hill? Could a ship accomplish it even with the most favorable wind?

I. What have you to say to these objections, Columbus?

Col. With your Majesty’s leave, I would suggest that if the earth is a sphere, the same laws of adhesion and motion must operate at every point on its surface.

D. G. Don’t try to make me, a grandee of Spain, believe such stuff as that there are people on the earth who walk with their heads down, like flies on a ceiling! Would not the blood run into my head if I were standing upside down?

Col. I have already answered that objection. If there are people on the earth who are our antipodes, it should be remembered that we are also theirs.

I. To cut short the discussion, you think that the enterprise, which Columbus proposes, is one unworthy of our serious consideration?

D. G. As a matter-of-fact man, I must confess that I do so regard it. Has your Majesty ever seen an embassador from this unknown coast?

I. Have you ever seen an embassador from the unknown world of spirits?

D. G. Certainly not. Through faith we look forward to it.

I. Even so, by faith, does Columbus look forward, far over the misty ocean, to an undiscovered shore. Know, Don Gomez, that the absurdity, as you style it, shall be tested, and that forthwith.

D. G. Your Majesty will excuse me if I remark that I have from your royal consort himself the assurance that the finances of the government are so exhausted by the late wars that he cannot consent to advance the necessary funds for fitting out an expedition of the kind proposed.

I. Be mine, then, the privilege! I have jewels, by the pledging of which I can raise the amount required; and I have resolved that they shall be pledged to this enterprise without more delay.

Col. Your Majesty shall not repent your heroic resolve. I will return—be sure I will return—and lay at your feet such a jewel as never queen wore yet, an imperishable fame that shall couple with your memory the benedictions of millions yet unborn in climes yet unknown to civilized man. There is a conviction in my mind that your Majesty will live to bless the hour you came to this decision.