ACT I.
(King and Queen on throne—courtiers around.)
(Columbus enters and bows before king and queen.)
Q. Isabella: You have come to us to talk about a shorter way to India?
Columbus: Yes, your Majesty. According to this map and the proof I have gathered, I believe India to be directly west. I have gone on long voyages and have talked to many seamen about the signs of land to the westward. I believe the world to be round and if your Majesty could aid me I know I could find this shorter route.
Queen: We would be glad indeed to aid you, but at the present time Spain has little money. The war has taken so much.
Wise Man of Spain: Your Majesty, this man thinks the world round. That is foolish. If you use your eyes you can see it is flat. To sail westward in the hope of getting to India is impossible and ridiculous.
Wise Man: Your Majesty, I think this man right. He says the world is round and I think if we study carefully, we will find it is so. If it is possible we should give him a chance.
End of Act I.