[Many COURTIERS and LADIES are seen in audience-room of palace; a throne is in the background. Enter the FIRST COURTIER.]
FIRST COURTIER. The King and Queen!
[Enter KING FERDINAND and QUEEN ISABELLA, followed by COURTIERS, LADIES and the WISE MEN. All bow as the King and Queen cross to throne and sit. Enter the MONK; he advances to throne and bows.]
KING. Speak, good Father.
MONK. I pray your Majesties to see one Christopher Columbus.
KING (inquiringly). Columbus?
MONK. The Italian who thinks he can find a short route to the Indies, sire.
KING (nodding). Ah, I remember. You brought his plans to us some time ago, good Father.
QUEEN (nodding). Let us see him to-day, sire.
KING (to First Courtier). Admit this Christopher Columbus.