At noon, on the fifteenth of March, 1493, they sailed into the harbor which they had left more than seven months before. All the people in the town crowded to the shore. For a long time they had thought that Columbus was lost at sea, and that they would never see him and his sailors again.
The first act of Columbus was to lead his men to the church, where they gave thanks to God for their safe return.
Very soon the good news spread over all Spain. Bells were rung, and great fires were lighted on the hilltops.
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella were several hundred miles from the seaport town where Columbus landed with his sailors. As soon as the king and queen heard of his safe return, they sent Columbus a letter asking him to come without delay to their court.
[COLUMBUS AT THE COURT OF SPAIN]
| third | thronged | bearing | honor |
| knelt | banners | received | turtle |
| praise | kingdom | officers | parrots |
| joined | listened | awaiting | account |
The time of year was delightful for the long journey through Spain. Every mile of the way Columbus and his men received a welcome. As they passed along the plains and over the mountains, men, women, and children came to see the brave sailors who had dared to cross the ocean.
When they reached the end of their journey, they were met by officers of the king. Then all marched into the city through crowded streets where banners were flying.