Part 37 (1/2)
At length the long wished-for day approached, and the eastern sky began to a.s.sume the tints that precede the appearance of the sun. As the light diffused itself athwart the dark blue ocean, and reached the island, the outlines of the latter became more and more distinct; then objects became visible on its surface, trees, glades, rocks, and irregularities, starting out of the gloom, until the whole picture was drawn in the gray, solemn colors of morning. Presently the direct rays of the sun touched it, gilding its prominent points, and throwing others into shadow. It then became apparent that the discovery was that of an island of no great extent, well wooded, and of a verdant and pleasant aspect.
The land was low, but possessed an outline sufficiently graceful to cause it to seem a paradise in the eyes of men who had seriously doubted whether they were ever to look on solid ground again. The view of his mother earth is always pleasant to the mariner who has long gazed on nothing but water and sky; but thrice beautiful did it now seem to men who not only saw in it their despair cured, but their most brilliant hopes revived. From the position of the land near him, Columbus did not doubt that he had pa.s.sed another island, on which the light had been seen, and, from his known course, this conjecture has since been rendered almost certain.
The sun had scarcely risen, when living beings were seen rus.h.i.+ng out of the woods, to gaze in astonishment at the sudden appearance of machines, that were at first mistaken by the untutored islanders, for messengers from heaven. Shortly after, Columbus anch.o.r.ed his little fleet, and landed to take possession in the name of the two sovereigns.
As much state was observed on this occasion as the limited means of the adventurers would allow. Each vessel sent a boat, with her commander.
The admiral, attired in scarlet, and carrying the royal standard, proceeded in advance, while Martin Alonzo, and Vicente Yanez Pinzon, followed, holding banners bearing crosses, the symbol of the expedition, with letters representing the initials of the two sovereigns, or F. and Y., for Fernando and Ysabel.
The forms usual to such occasions were observed on reaching the sh.o.r.e.
Columbus took possession, rendered thanks to G.o.d for the success of the expedition, and then began to look about him in order to form some estimate of the value of his discovery.[3]
[Footnote 3: It is a singular fact that the position and name of the precise island that was first fallen in with, on this celebrated voyage, remain to this day, if not a matter of doubt, at least a matter of discussion. By most persons, some of the best authorities included, it is believed that the adventurers made Cat Island, as the place is now called, though the admiral gave it the appellation of San Salvador; while others contend for what is now termed Turk's Island. The reason given for the latter opinion is the position of the island, and the course subsequently steered in order to reach Cuba. Munoz is of opinion that it was Watling's Island, which lies due east of Cat Island, at the distance of a degree of longitude, or a few hours' run. As respects Turk's Island, the facts do not sustain the theory. The course steered, after quitting the island, was not west, but south-west; and we find Columbus anxious to get south to reach the island of Cuba, which was described to him by the natives, and which he believed to be c.i.p.ango. No reason is given by Munoz for his opinion; but Watling's Island does not answer the description of the great navigator, while it is so placed as to have lain quite near his course, and was doubtless pa.s.sed unseen in the darkness. It is thought the light so often observed by Columbus was on this island.]
No sooner were the ceremonies observed, than the people crowded round the admiral, and began to pour out their congratulations for his success, with their contrition for their own distrust and disaffection.
The scene has often been described as a proof of the waywardness and inconstancy of human judgments; the being who had so lately been scowled on as a reckless and selfish adventurer, being now regarded as little less than a G.o.d. The admiral was no more elated by this adulation, than he had been intimidated by the previous dissatisfaction, maintaining his calmness of exterior and gravity of demeanor, with those who pressed around him, though a close observer might have detected the gleaming of triumph in his eye, and the glow of inward rapture on his cheek.
”These honest people are as inconstant in their apprehensions, as they are extreme in their rejoicings,” said Columbus to Luis, when liberated a little from the throng; ”yesterday they would have cast me into the sea, and to-day they are much disposed to forget G.o.d, himself, in his unworthy creature. Dost not see, that the men who gave us most concern, on account of their discontent, are now the loudest in their applause?”
”This is but nature, Senor; fear flying from panic to exultation. These knaves fancy they are praising you, when they are, in truth, rejoicing in their own escape from some unknown but dreaded evil. Our friends Sancho and Pepe seem not to be thus overwhelmed, for while the last is gathering flowers from this sh.o.r.e of India, the first seems to be looking about him with commendable coolness, as if he might be calculating the lat.i.tude and longitude of the Great Khan's doblas.”
Columbus smiled, and, accompanied by Luis, he drew nearer to the two men mentioned, who were a little apart from the rest of the group. Sancho was standing with his hands thrust into the bosom of his doublet, regarding the scene with the coolness of a philosopher, and toward him the admiral first directed his steps.
”How is this, Sancho of the s.h.i.+p-yard-gate?” said the great navigator; ”thou lookest on this glorious scene as coolly as thou wouldst regard a street in Moguer, or a field in Andalusia?”
”Senor Don Almirante, the same hand made both. This is not the first island on which I have landed; nor are yonder naked savages the first men I have seen who were not dressed in scarlet doublets.”
”But hast thou no feeling for success--no grat.i.tude to G.o.d for this vast discovery? Reflect, my friend, we are on the confines of Asia, and yet have we come here by holding a western course.”
”That the last is true, Senor, I will swear myself, having held the tiller in mine own hands no small part of the way. Do you think, Senor Don Almirante, that we have come far enough in this direction to have got to the back side of the earth, or to stand, as it might be, under the very feet of Spain?”
”By no means. The realms of the Great Khan will scarcely occupy the position you mean.”
”Then, Senor, what will there be to prevent the doblas of that country from falling off into the air, leaving us our journey for our pains?”
”The same power that will prevent our caravels from dropping out of the sea, and the water itself from following. These things depend on natural laws, my friend, and nature is a legislator that will be respected.”
”It is all Moorish to me,” returned Sancho, rubbing his eye-brows. ”Here we are, of a verity, if not actually beneath the feet of Spain, standing, as it might be, on the side of the house; and yet I find no more difficulty in keeping on an even keel, than I did in Moguer--by Santa Clara! less, in some particulars, good solid Xeres wine being far less plenty here than there.”
”Thou art no Moor, Sancho, although thy father's name be a secret. And thou, Pepe, what dost thou find in those flowers to draw thy attention so early from all these wonders?”
”Senor, I gather them for Monica. A female hath a more delicate feeling than a man, and she will be glad to see with what sort of ornaments G.o.d hath adorned the Indies.”
”Dost thou fancy, Pepe, that thy love can keep those flowers in bloom, until the good caravel shall recross the Atlantic?” demanded Luis, laughing.
”Who knoweth, Senor Gutierrez? A warm heart maketh a thriving nursery.
You would do well, too, if you prefer any Castilian lady to all others, to bethink you of her beauty, and gather some of these rare plants to deck her hair.”
Columbus now turned away, the natives seeming disposed to approach the strangers, while Luis remained near the young sailor, who still continued to collect the plants of the tropics. In a minute our hero was similarly employed; and long ere the admiral and the wondering islanders had commenced their first parley, he had arranged a gorgeous _bouquet_, which he already fancied in the glossy dark hair of Mercedes.