The feelings of the crew now burst forth in the most extravagant transports.... They thronged around the Admiral in their overflowing zeal. Some embraced him, others kissed his hands. Those who had been most mutinous and turbulent during the voyage, were now most devoted and enthusiastic. Some begged favors of him, as of a man who had already wealth and honors in his gift. Many abject spirits, who had outraged him by their insolence, now crouched as it were at his feet, begging pardon for all the trouble they had caused him, and offering for the future the blindest obedience to his commands.
Washington Irving
IMMORTAL MORN
Immortal morn, all hail!
That saw Columbus sail
By Faith alone!
The skies before him bowed,
Back rolled the ocean proud,
And every lifting cloud
With glory shone.
Fair science then was born,
On that celestial morn,
Faith dared the sea;
Triumphant over foes
Then Truth immortal rose,
New heavens to disclose,
And earth to free.
Strong Freedom then came forth,
To liberate the earth
And crown the right;
So walked the pilot bold
Upon the sea of gold,
And darkness backward rolled,
And there was light.
Hezekiah Butterworth
All hail, Columbus, discoverer, dreamer, hero, and apostle! We here, of every race and country, recognize the horizon which bounded his vision, and the infinite scope of his genius. The voice of gratitude and praise for all the blessings which have been showered upon mankind by his adventure is limited to no language, but is uttered in every tongue. Neither marble nor brass can fitly form his statue. Continents are his monument, and unnumbered millions, past, present, and to come, who enjoy in their liberties and their happiness the fruits of his faith, will reverently guard and preserve, from century to century, his name and fame.
Chauncey Mitchell Depew