Those who have the first care of this New World will probably give it such directions and inherent influences as may guide and control its course and revolutions for ages to come.
THE TRIBUTE OF HEINRICH HEINE.
Heinrich Heine. Born December 12, 1799, in the Bolkerstrasse at Dusseldorf; died in Paris, February 17, 1856.
Mancher hat schon viel gegeben,
Aber jener hat der Welt
Eine ganze Welt geschenkt
Und sie heisst America.
Nicht befreien könnt'er uns
Aus dem orden Erdenkerker
Doch er wusst ihn zu erweitern
Und die Kette zu verlängern
(Translation.)
Some have given much already,
But this man he has presented
To the world an entire world,
With the name America.
He could not set us free, out
Of the dreary, earthly prison,
But he knew how to enlarge it
And to lengthen our chain.
COLUMBUS' AIM NOT MERELY SECULAR.
George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, one of the most eminent philosophers of the German school of metaphysics. Born at Stuttgart in 1770; died in Berlin, 1831. From his "Philosophy of History."
A leading feature demanding our notice in determining the character of this period, might be mentioned that urging of the spirit outward, that desire on the part of man to become acquainted with his world. The chivalrous spirit of the maritime heroes of Portugal and Spain opened a new way to the East Indies and discovered America. This progressive step also involved no transgression of the limits of ecclesiastical principles or feeling. The aim of Columbus was by no means a merely secular one; it presented also a distinctly religious aspect; the treasures of those rich Indian lands which awaited his discovery were destined, in his intention, to be expended in a new crusade, and the heathen inhabitants of the countries themselves were to be converted to Christianity. The recognition of the spherical figure of the earth led man to perceive that it offered him a definite and limited object, and navigation had been benefited by the new-found instrumentality of the magnet, enabling it to be something better than mere coasting; thus technical appliances make their appearance when a need for them is experienced.
These events—the so-called revival of learning, the flourishing of the fine arts, and the discovery of America—may be compared with that blush of dawn which after long storms first betokens the return of a bright and glorious day. This day is the day of universality, which breaks upon the world after the long, eventful, and terrible night of the Middle Ages.
THE BELIEF OF COLUMBUS.
Sir Arthur Helps, a popular English essayist and historian. Born, 1813; died, March 7, 1875. From his "Life of Columbus" (1869).