Martin Alonzo Pinzon, and Vincent Janez, his brother, put off in company in their boats, each bearing the banner of the enterprise, emblazoned with a green cross, having on each side the letters F. and I., the initials of the Castilian monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel, surmounted by crowns. 11. As they approached the shore, they were refreshed by the sight of the ample forests, which, in those climates, have extraordinary beauty of vegetation. They beheld fruits of tempting hue, but unknown kind, growing about the trees which overhung the shores. The purity and sweetness of the atmosphere, the crystal transparency of the seas which bathe these islands, give them a wonderful beauty, and must have had their effect upon the susceptible feelings of Columbus. 12. No sooner did he land than he threw himself upon his knees, kissed the earth, and returned thanks to God with tears of joy. His example was followed by the rest, whose hearts indeed overflowed with the same feelings of gratitude. Columbus, then rising, drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, and, assembling round the two captains, and the rest who had landed, he took solemn possession in the name of the Castilian sovereigns, giving the island the name of San Salvador. 13. Having complied with the requisite forms and ceremonies, he now called upon all present to take the oath of obedience to him as admiral and viceroy, representing the persons of the sovereigns. The feelings of the crew now burst forth in the most extravagant transports. 14. They had recently considered themselves devoted men, hurrying off to destruction; they now looked upon themselves as favourites of fortune, and gave themselves up to the most unbounded joy. They thronged around the admiral in overflowing zeal; some embraced him, others kissed his hand. Those who had been most mutinous and turbulent during the voyage were now most devoted and enthusiastic. Some begged favours of him, as of a man who had already wealth and honours in his gift. 15. Many abject spirits, who had outraged him by their insolence, now crouched, as it were, at his feet, begging pardon for all the trouble they had caused him, and offering for the future the blindest obedience to his commands. 16. The natives of the island, when, at the dawn of day, they had beheld the ships, with their sails set, hovering on their coasts, had supposed them some monsters which had issued from the deep during the night. They had crowded to the beach, and watched their movements with awful anxiety. Their veering about, apparently without effort, the shifting and furling of their sails, resembling huge wings, filled them with astonishment. 17. When they beheld their boats approach the shore, and a number of strange beings clad in glittering steel, or raiment of various colours, landing upon the beach, they fled in affright to their woods. Finding, however, that there was no attempt to pursue or molest them, they gradually recovered from terror, and approached the Spaniards with B great awe; frequently prostrating themselves on the earth, and making signs of adoration. 18. During the ceremonies of taking possession, they remained gazing in timid admiration at the complexion, the beards, the shining armour, and splendid dress of the Spaniards. The admiral particularly attracted their attention from his commanding height, his air of authority, his dress of scarlet, and the deference which was paid him by his companions, all of which pointed him out to be the commander. 19. When they had still further recovered from their fears, they approached the Spaniards, touched their beards, and examined their hands and faces, admiring their whiteness. Columbus, pleased with their simplicity, their gentleness, and the confidence they reposed in beings who must have appeared to them so strange and formidable, suffered their scrutiny with perfect acquiescence. 20. The wondering savages were won by this benignity. They now supposed that the ships had sailed out of the crystal firmament which bounded their horizon; or that they had descended from above on their ample wings, and that these marvellous beings were inhabitants of the skies. Washington Irving. QUESTIONS.-When night came on, in what part of the ship did Columbus station himself? About what time did he see a light? Whom did he call? Who first saw the land? How far was it from the ship? What was the date of the discovery? How did the island appear from the ship? What name did they give it? In what dresses did Columbus and his captains go on shore? What did they behold on reaching the land? What did Columbus do as soon as he stepped out of his boat? What did the other sailors do? What did Columbus name the island? In whose names did he take possession of it? How did the people receive them? fal'-chion, a curved sword clarʼ-i-on, a kind of trumpet low'-ers, threatens spec'-tral, ghastly gla'-ciers, fields of ice immense mass of moving snow hound, a St. Bernard dog se-rene', peaceful 1. The shades of night were falling fast, As through an Alpine village passed 2. His brow was sad; his eye beneath The accents of that unknown tongue, 3. In happy homes he saw the light Of household fires gleam warm and bright; 4. "Try not the Pass!" the old man said ; |