COLUMBUS IN SPAIN
1.THE fame of the discoverer of the new world，had resounded throughout Spain；and，as the route of Columbus lay through several of the finest and most populous provinces，his journey appeared like the progress of a sovereign.Wherever he passed，the surrounding country poured forth its inhabitants，who lined the road，and thronged the villages.In the large towns，the streets，windows，and balconies，were filled with eager spectators，who rent the air with acclamations.His journey was continually impeded by the multitude，pressing to gain a sight of him，and of the Indians，who were regarded with as much admiration as if they had been natives of another planet.It was impossible to satisfy the craving curiosity，which assailed himself and his companions，at every stage，with innumerable questions.Popular rumor，as usual，had exaggerated the truth，and had filled the newly found country with all kinds of wonders.
2.It was about the middle of April，that Columbus arrived at Barcelona，where every preparation had been made to give him a solemn and magnificent reception.The beauty and serenity of the weather，in that genial season and favored climate，contributed to give splendor to this memorable ceremony.As he drew near the place，many of the more youthful courtiers and hidalgos of gallant bearing，together with a vast concourse of the populace，came forth to greet and welcome him.
3.First，were paraded the Indians，painted according to their savagefashion，and decorated with tropical feathers and with their nationalornaments of gold；after these，were borne various kinds of live parrots，together with stuffed birds，and animals of unknown species，and rare plants，supposed to be of precious qualities；while great care was taken to make a conspicuous display of Indian coronets，bracelets，and other decorations of gold，which might give an idea of the wealth of the newly-discovered regions.After these，followed Columbus，on horseback，surrounded by a brilliant cavalcade of Spanish chivalry.
4.The streets were almost impassable from the countless multitude；the windows and balconies were lined with the fair；the very roofs were covered with spectators.It seemed as if the public eye could not be sated with gazing on these trophies of an unknown world，or on the remarkable man by whom it had been discovered.There was a sublimity in the event，that mingled a solemn feeling with the public joy.It was looked upon as a vast and signal dispensation of Providence，in reward for the piety of the monarchs；and the majestic and venerable appearance of the discoverer，so different from the youth and buoyancy which are generally expected from roaming enterprise，seemed in harmony with the grandeur and dignity of his achievement.
5.To receive him with suitable pomp and distinction，the sovereigns had ordered their thrones to be placed in public，under a rich canopy of brocade of gold，in a vast and splendid saloon.Here，the king and queen awaited his arrival，seated in state，with the prince Juan beside them，and attended by the dignitaries of their court and the principal nobility of Spain，all impatient to behold the man who had conferred so incalculable a benefit upon the nation.
6.At length，Columbus entered the hall，surrounded by a brilliant crowd of cavaliers；among whom he was conspicuous for his stately and commanding person，which，with his countenance rendered venerable by his gray hairs，gave him the august appearance of a senator of Rome.A modest smile lighted up his features，showing that he enjoyed the state and glory in which he came；and certainly nothingcould be more deeply moving，to a mind inflamed by a noble ambition，and conscious of having greatly deserved，than the testimonials of the admiration and gratitude of a nation，or rather a world.As Columbus approached，the sovereigns rose，as if receiving a person of the highest rank.Bending his knees，he requested to kiss their hands；but there was some hesitation on the part of their majesties to permit this act of vassalage.Raising him in the most gracious manner，they ordered him to seat himself in their presence；a rare honor in this proud and punctilious court.
