Columbus was fond of stories of the sea and liked the study of geography. He was anxious to go to sea and while a boy made his first voyage. When he grew up to be a man, he went to Lisbon the capital of Portugal. The bold deeds of Henry of Portugal drew many seamen to this city.
Lisbon was full of learned men and sailors longing to go on long voyages. These sailors had tried to find a shorter way to India but without success.
Columbus thought this could be done by going directly west. He thought the world round although most people at that time thought it flat. After many trails he laid his plans before the Court of the King of Spain.
The first act will be Columbus at the Court of Spain.
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.