If there is huge gain, the King and
Queen but for him would not have their seven eighths. The
same reasoning applies to his tenth of all future gain from
continents and islands. You will say that some one else will
arise to do it for us on easier terms. Perhaps--and perhaps
not for a century, and another Crown may thrust in
to-morrow! France, probably. It is not impossible that
England might do it. As for what is named overweening
pride and presumption, at least it shows at once and for
altogether. We are not left painfully to find it out. It
goes with his character. Take it or leave it together with
his patience, courage and long head. Leave it, and presently
we may see France or England swallow him whole. He
will find India and Cathay and Cipango, and France or England
will be building ships, ships, ships! Blessed Virgin
above us!' said I, `If I could talk alone to the Sovereigns,
I think I could clench it!' "
" `Then let us go now to the palace,' says Don Alonso,
`and beg audience!'
"That did we, Don Cristoval, and so I hail you `Don'
and `Admiral', and beg you to turn that mule and reenter
Santa Fe! In a few days you and the King and Queen may
sign capitulations."
"Was it the Queen?"
"Just. The King said the treasury was drained. She answered,
`I will pawn my jewels but he shall sail!' Luis de
St.
Pages:
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73