He might very easily say this, for he already had all the gold he needed.
He started out with a gay company of his friends. They sailed about among the islands, stopping here and there to feast and make merry.
Still they sailed on toward the north till at last they came in sight of a land beautiful with flowers. It was a glorious Easter Sunday. The air was sweet with delicious odors.
"I will call this place Florida," said Ponce de Leon, "because it is the Flowery Easter."
He and his men spent some time wandering about through the country, always looking for the wonderful fountain.
"It may be here," he would think as he picked his way through a forest.
"Listen!" one of his friends would cry as he heard the sound of running water and thought it might be the Fountain of Youth they were seeking.
They were disappointed again and again. At last they went back to the ships and sailed for Spain. They had found plenty of fruits and flowers. They had met many Indians, some of whom were friendly and gentle, but others were fierce and warlike. Their eager eyes never beheld the Fountain of Youth.
Ponce de Leon did not give up his hope of finding it, however. He told the king of Spain of the beautiful country of Florida and that he hoped to find gold there. The king said: