The Viceroy, through the voice
of Miguel the Herald, recited, denounced and warned, then
left Francisco Roldan and with suddenness made statement
that within a few days five ships would sail for Spain, and
that all Spaniards whomsoever, who for reasons whatsoever
desired Home, had his consent to go! Consent, Free Passage,
and No Questioning!
Whereat the place buzzed loudly, and one saw that many
would go.
Many did go upon the ships that sailed not in a few days
but a few weeks. Some went for good reasons, but many
for ill. Juan Lepe heard afar and ahead of time the great
tide of talk when they should arrive in Spain! And though
many went who wished the Admiral ill, many stayed, and
forever Roldan made for him more enemies, open or secret.
He sent, it is true, upon those ships friends to plead his
cause. Don Francisco de Las Casas went to Spain and
others went. And he sent letters. Juan Lepe, much in his
house, tending him who needed the physician Long-Rest
and Ease-of-Mind, heard these letters read. There was
one to the Sovereigns in which he related with simple eloquence
that discovery to the South, and his assurance that
he had touched the foot of the Mount of all the World.
With this letter he sent a hundred pearls, the golden frog
and other gold. Again he took paper and wrote of the
attitude of all things in Hispaniola, of Roldan and evil
men, of the Adelantado's vigilance, justice and mercy, of
natural difficulties and the need to wait on time, of the
Indians.
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