There was, he
said, a fair, tranquil shore, back of a fair, blue haven, and
his wife and his mother, long dead, walked there in talk.
Back of the shore rose, he said, a city with wonderful strong
walls and towers and a perpetual sweet ringing of church
bells. It seemed to climb to one great palace and church,
set about with orchards, with many doves. The whole
mounted like Monsalvat. The city seemed to be ready for
some one. They were hanging out tapestries and weaving
garlands and he heard musicians. Everywhere shone a light
of gladness. He returned to the seashore, and walking with
his wife and mother, asked them about the city. They said
that it was the Queen's City. Then, he said, he seemed to
hear trumpets, and far on the horizon made out a sail.--
Then city and shore and all were gone, and it was dark,
starry night, and he was in the Azores, alone, with a staff
in his hand that he had drawn from the sea.
It was Fray Juan Perez who brought him news of her
death. "Queen Isabella!" he said and turned to the wall
and lay there praying.
One day there came to see him Amerigo Vespucci who
sailing with Ojeda, knew Paria. They talked of that Vastness
to the south. The Venetian thought it might be a continent
wholly unknown alike to the ancients and the moderns.
"Known," answered the Genoese, "in the far, far past!
But unknown, I grant, for so long that it has become again
new.
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