THE HOPE RKIAGE, PLEA AND ACHIEVE1V C O LtJ AM t\ yf T"> T T C LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. Chap.!__tl_. Copyright No. Shelf.. Lj5 JVS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. A VISION'S QUEST A DRAMA IN FIVE ACTS, Representing the Hopes and Ambitions, the Love, Marriage, Pleadings, Discouragements, and Achievements of CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, DISCOVERER OF AMERICA. */ BY ALICE E. LORD BALTIMORE: Cushing & Company. 1899. • PIES • i. iV» s DE W BegUter of Copyrights, psx \?s 55921 Copyright, 1899 By Alice E. Lord 6SCCND COPY, A VISION'S QUEST Act I. — In Lisbon. Columbus' life and pleadings with Dom Juan II of Portugal. Act II. — Discouragement. Dom Juan's treachery. Columbus leaves Portugal for Spain. Act III. — Christobal Colon argues before King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, and before the learned Juntas and Councils. Act IV. — Spanish sovereigns, Ferdinand and Isabella, conquer Moors in Spain. They grant Columbus aid for his quest. Act V. — Admiral Christobal Colon sails from Palos. Discovers New World. DRAMATIS PERSONS Christopher Columbus (Christobal Colon, in Spain), the mariner and discoverer. Dona Philipa Miinoz, Columbus' wife. Diego Columbus, his son. Bartolomeo Columbus, his brother. Domjuan II, King of Portugal. Maestros, Joseph, and Roderiguez, learned doctors of university. Bishops of Ceuta and of Viseau. Fra Juan Perez de Marchena, prior of La Rabida Monastery. Friend of Columbus. Fra Talavera, confessor to Queen Isabella of Castile. Cardi?ial Mendoza, Primate of Spain. King Ferdinafid, King of Aragon and Spain. Queen Isabella, Queen of Castile and Spain. Boabdil, Moorish King, defeated by Ferdinand and Isabella. Qui?itanilli, state treasurer of Spain. Luis de Santangel, treasurer of church of Aragon. Juan de Cabrera, court chamberlain of Spain. Beatrice Enriquez D'Ara?ia, Columbus' second love. Captain Martin Alonzo Finzon, mariner of Spain, accompanying Columbus. Captain Diego Pinzo?i, also accompanying Columbus to New World. Perez Vazquez, mariner of Portugal. Arabian Sorcerer, who foretold Columbus' discovery of New World. Soldiers, mariners, nobles, priests, knights, caballeros, and sefioras. 4 ACT I. SCENE I. (Room in Columbus' house, opening upon Patio beyond. Christopher Columbus, Pilot and Mariner ; Bartolomeo Columbus, his brother. Both seated.) Christopher Columbus. Nay ! By my sword, and all the holy saints ! I will not yield one jot or tittle of my claim. I tell thee, Barto, I have visited The happy isles where gold lies 'mid the sands, Enmeshed and threaded, waiting for man's grasp. Olives and pomegranates grow like weeds, And one may live without a thought or care, Plucking the fruits at will, as free as birds. And I have sailed the northern seas, to lands That frozen lie beneath the cold pole star, Where naught can grow But pine-trees, sea-kale, and a tangled moss, From which the white-faced women, clad in fur, Boil jellied mosses to eat with their fish, — Lands that would freeze the blood in southern veins, — Whose sun ne'er thaws the ice-cliffs and the frozen strand. These teach me of still further lands that lie Beyond the sea of darkness, — far into the West. 5 6 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Barto. Tis but a guess, from reasons far inadequate. Columbus. I tell thee, I am haunted by this dream Of lands that lie beyond the setting sun ! There lie the Indies, Cathay, Cipango, Where gold and diamonds spread along the coast Like shells and pebbles on our shingly beach. Barto. Nay, brother, rest thee ; leave these haunting dreams That ever drive thee, like some care-killed ghost, To plot and scheme, and plod as 'twere for thee To make anew the universe. I say 'tis tempting God To trifle thus with life and life's necessities ; To drift and change, and court this prince and that, And spend thy time and substance on these theories. What if they listen and believe thy tales ? What if they send thee into unknown seas, To toil and drift into the hurricanes, Perchance, to come back broken-winged, disgraced; Perchance, if thou art right, to find thy goal, To reach thy lands, what then ? I' faith thou art Thy patrons' tool, to dig out gold for them. Columbus. Nay ! but I tell thee they must promise me That I, who find these lands for them, and plant The blazonry of Portugal along those coasts, Shall share the gold, and be their viceroy. Think you that I would risk my life and work, Scene I] A VISION'S QUEST. 7 And turn my dream into reality, But to enrich the Portuguese ? My name Shall shine amid that galaxy of stars — The constellation of discoverers. The great philosophers discovered truths, And he who has but lately printed books, By stamps and presses, duplicating them Until the world can read all precious truths, These are but units in that galaxy. I, too, will shine some day. The time is rife For a new star ; there's portent in the air. Thou'lt see, Bartolomeo, I shall find A continent — and win a coronet! The Admiral Columbus ! It is worth, Long patience and long waiting. Yet I find 'Tis weary, weary, waiting upon Kings. (Sighing.) Barto. 'T is clutching shadows, throwing substance to the winds. (Knocking at door.) Columbus. What ho ! who knocks ? (Rising and going to door.) Who is it ? Enter, pray ! (Enter caballeros with mandolins, guitars and olive wreaths.) All. 'T is friends and neighbors, come to wish thee joy. We hear thy banns were called for Easter-tide When thou wilt wed the Dona Philipa. Good luck ! We bring the olive branch for peace ! (Crown him.) And here, the myrtle wreath to crown the groom. 8 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Come now, we'll drink thy health and happiness In ruby Lisbon port, warm as thy blood. (Columbus brings glasses and bottles and places them with fruit upon table — all drink to Columbus and bride.) DRINKING SONG TO BRIDEGROOM. The twinkling stars as they beam on the world, Are the eyes of the angels upon thee, And yon crescent moon, like a banner half-furled, Is the planet of her who has won thee. Chorus (with glasses). Then good luck to the groom and good luck to the bride, Whose wedding-bells ring at the gay Easter-tide ! When yon banner in full gleaming radiance is spread, The night of thy nuptials to herald, Remember the eyes that are watching o'erhead And be true, or thy bliss is imperilled ! Chorus (with clinking glasses). Then good luck, etc. Be true to the heart of thy beautiful bride, Be true to the vows thou hast plighted, Be true to thyself, to thy honor and pride; For joy shall seal true hearts, united. Chorus. Then good luck, etc. Columbus. I thank thee, friends, for thy good company And for kind wishes to myself and bride. Here's to the sweetest maid in Portugal ! I pledge my troth, and fealty, beside ! Scene I] A VISION'S QUEST. 9 Caballeros. We pledge her health. Here's to her raven hair Here's to her witching eyes that pierce men's hearts With love-tipped arrows, and with keenest darts ! We're all her lovers, so beware ! beware ! Good night, sweet dreams, and so beware ! beware ! (Exeunt all.) Barto. And I, my brother, echo back the wish That love may fill thy heart so brimming full, That these vain dreams shall find no resting-place. The heart, become a nest for love and peace Will hatch prosperity and happiness — And wealth and joy are, sure, no bastard brood. Columbus. When thinking of Philipa and home joys I could forego fulfilment of my dream. If it were manly, thus to yield to love, I could forever lay ambition's dreams aside. But wouldst thou have me traitor to myself ? Who have seen visions of a high career, Of grand achievements beckoning my aid ? Philipa is as true as she is fair, And she would clasp the belt and cutlass on ; Bidding God speed me to the goal I seek. E'en love will bid me hasten on my way, To find a continent and win a name. Barto (departing). Dream, then, to-night of love and of success ! (Columbus takes the candle to retire. — Curtain falls.) 10 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I SCENE II. (Chancel of All Saint's with cloister to left. Chanting of priests and nuns antiphonally ( — Latin chants with Gregorian music.) Columbus bowed in prayer, with rosary. Dona Philipa kneeling in chancel — Other worshippers in chancel. — Worshippers slowly rise and pass out cloister to left, passing to foreground, and exit. Columbus and Philipa rise and pass same way. Columbus takes Philipa's hand in cloisters and they pause in foreground. [Scene shifts to street outside of cottage.]) ( Christopher Columbus — Argonaut. Dramatis Persona < Doha Philipa Muhoz — ( and other worshippers. Columbus. Beloved, I did hope to find thee here, To see again thy sun-bathed, morning face At this sweet early hour, ere yet the heat Hath stolen back thy dews, and ere thy thoughts Have turned earthward from thy orisons. Didst pray for me, beloved ; did thy thoughts Stray from confessional and flit like doves, to him, The blest of God — who holds thy maiden heart ? Philipa. Aye ! ere thou earnest, my prayers had followed thee, With blessings for thy life and work to-day — Is 't not to-day thou goest to Eldora, To see the sorcerer and learn thy horoscope ? 'Twere meet, I should pray doubly for a charm Scene II] A VISION'S QUEST. II To keep thee from all prophecy of harm. I tremble, Christo, lest the magi's art Should work thee evil, being Catholic. The conjurer's art is not of God nor Heaven, 'Tis the black art. The evil one, methinks Has nearer converse with it. Is 't not so ? Columbus. I know not how to answer thee, sweetheart. 'Tis not of God nor priestly craft, and yet Since He hath made all mysteries of life, And holds them in his hands ; these secrets, hid From untaught eyes are learned by watching signs And combinations of the elements. 'T is not of Heaven ; yet neither is 't of Hell. Wise men have studied it e'er since the days, The shepherds watched upon the plains for signs, And saw the star that led to Bethlehem. My dreams that I have told thee of, beloved — — These visions of a golden, jewelled land, Lying beyond the trackless western sea — Need help ; strong human aid of wealth and power, Ere I can start upon my quest to win Honors and riches, and a throne for thee, my queen. The Arabian magi, studying the stars And influence of stone and substances Upon our lives, through Nature's secret laws, Can read and shape our destinies, 'tis said. I go to learn my fate. Sweet, pray for me ! 12 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Pray God, his angels, and the blessed saints, Keep me from evil and discouragement. Philipa. Adieu, thou need'st not ask, I'll watch and fast, And prayerful vigil keep till thou return. Prayer is our means to move God's mighty arm, And love is strong prevailing. Now, adieu. (Embrace.) (She disappears in doorway of cottage. He walks slowly away, stopping to hear her Ave Maria. [From upper window.]) PHILIPA (softly). Ave Maria, We need thy tender care Ora pro nobis Oh save us from despair ! Grant thy favor to us, O'er life's hopes and dreams. Ora, Mater, ora, Help, from thy mercy, streams. Ora pro nobis Our lives are reaching out Grasping Nature's secrets Struggling 'gainst our doubt. Ora, Mater, ora, Light in darkness send ! Ave Maria, Be our constant friend ! (Curtain falls.) Scene II] A VISION'S QUEST. 13 SCENE III. (Sorcerer's Cave. — Dark grove of Cedars — deep shade — vines around door of cavern. — Columbus knocks three times — door opens wide. [Scene shifts back — shows interior.] Dark with circle of flame — apes, parrots, skulls and cross-bones - magic circle of stones within entrance.) _ . „ ( Christopher Columbus. Dramatis Persona \ . _ . _ _ . . C Arabian Magician. Columbus (entering). Buona notte, seer ! I would consult Thy wisdom on my horoscope. — In Genoa born, October fourteenth, Fourteen-thirty-six — My star is Saturn, in ascension, right ; — A mariner who knows the heavens well, As well the astrolabe and cosmograph. Yet have I come to learn of thee. Canst tell, By magic art, if maybe I may hope To win fruition of my schemes and plans ? Seer. Aha ! thou comest to me now, when thy schemes have failed ! Where is thy priest-craft, where thy sages wise, Who guard the gate of Heaven, and who provide Heaven for this one, and Hell for that. Eternal life, eternal death, and hope beyond the grave ? Do they not know the secrets of this life ? Columbus. Our holy Church guards spirit, soul. She takes small cognizance of human weal or woe, 14 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Save as they mould the soul, and touch the Church But for these plans of mine — my destiny — That I would fain see consummated facts, If thou hast wisdom to interpret it, I pray thee, Arab, read my horoscope. I am aweary, heaving up, like Sisyphus, My burden, which forever rushes back. If I could know my fate were favoring, I could plod on, though earth and hell opposed. Seer (sneering). Hast thou no God to hear and answer prayer ? Methinks you Christians trust your Deity With the uncertainties of your future state, With small affairs of right and wrong in life ; But in the great events that make or mar, Ye fear to trust His guidance ! Columbus (abashed). Nay! thou wrong'st Our God and His true followers. We do not grasp our faith firm as we might, Perchance our faith is stricken by our fears, As I do feel mine now. I see the sin Of coming to one for an augury Who scorns the Church and mocks its ministry. I will away ! 'T is tempting Providence I (Turns angrily away and is grasped by Arabian.) Seer. Hold ! Christian, stay ! I have some truths for thee ! I see a nimbus round thy head, vouchsafed Scene III] A VISION'S QUEST. 15 To scarce a mortal in a century. It is not I who placed it there. Nor mine To mark thy path 'mid the world's galaxy of stars — But, like a meteor, thou shalt arise, And like a comet, with its fiery trail, Span all the arc, from East to furthest West. Ho, master ! (Uncovering head.) It is thou, whose art could teach Mysteries to seers and to the world. Columbus (excitedly). I prithee quick! Consult thy oracles, Assure me of the everlasting truth Of what I dream and seek to prove unto the world. (Arabian forms a circle of stones, bones, etc., round him, making passes in the air — sul- phur fumes and flames — red light glows — thunder rolls — lightning gleams and phosphorous letters form upon walls, which seer interprets.) Seer. Man chosen of the gods, Allah writes, Kismet. (Vision of ships on rolling seas appears back of Columbus.) I see a vision ; 'tis the sea and caravels — Three ships nigh swallowed in the surging sea ! They live, they touch a low-browed sunny land, Whose shining sands kiss the encircling main. (Another vision of mariners landing. Tableau in rear.) The vision changes ! One with flashing sword, And cross, and flowing banner, mounts the shore. J T is thou, Columbus ! 'T is the flag of Spain Thou bearest ! How now ? 'T is Spain, not Portugal 7 16 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Columbus (excitedly). Look ! look again, great seer, — not Spain's ! 'T is Portugal's emblazonry thou seest. 'T is Dom Juan Seconda's crest and crown, Woven on that banner — white and azure — see ! Seer. 'T is gone ! 'T is faded into lurid flame. Thy words, rash Christian, have dispelled the scene Ere I could read aright those fluttering signs. But if these eyes saw true — and I ne'er had A clearer view, or brighter vision given — 'T was Spanish flag, not Portuguese I saw. (Columbus falls upon his knees in ecstacy of prayer.) Begone ! rise ! dost thou dare to bring Thy Popish mockeries 'mid my sorcery ? Columbus (prays). My God! I thank Thee, Thou hast heard our prayers — Mine and the orisons of that dear saint ! Thanks for this vision — sent through this, Thy tool ! 'Twill nerve my arm with strength, and give this tongue The eloquence of Paul to plead my cause, Since it is Thine as well. (To seer, rising. ) I tell thee, seer, Thou art a prophet, whether sent by God Or by thy Allah, or by influence of him Whom we e'en fear to name ; and since thy prophecies Have done me noble service, honor, thanks ! Believe not I could mock thee ; but with gratitude Scene III] A VISION'S QUEST. 17 The rather, humbly bow before Thy mysteries That read the hidden secrets of the world. Perchance, He, who created all, and veiled Our future from our too inquiring sight, Means us to live and work our destinies, Without assurance of success, until Fulfilment crown endeavor. For to man, The foreknown certainty of loss would kill All effort, all desire to work our best. Yet such a vision as thou saw'st to-day Would nerve one on, though hell's host barred the way, Through all discouragement to victory. Wilt take my hand in token of good faith ? Seer. Aye! here is mine, to man of science given, Not to the Christian who wastes prayers and mummeries, On empty air. There are more dormant truths Concealed in Nature's laws, than man Or sage has yet discovered — forces hid, Which in new contact with the elements Shall move the world. Lightning, that force but known In its destructive power, might be a slave To drag her chariots, and carry messages, From earth back to the stars, if used aright. And light, which paints the rose, and all things, color, gives, Will so be harnessed to the car of use In days to come, that it shall picture scenes, And give them back as doth a mirror's face. 1 8 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Fire and water now have uses, then why not The other, subtler forces of the air ? The wind, unseen, but mighty as a host To level and destroy, shall be a messenger To build and carry at men's bidding. Columbus. Ha ! this is food for thought to feed upon. If thou canst prophesy such uses for These simple elements, why not divulge the plan, To utilize thy vision's promises ? Seer. 'Tis but events and prophecies my art can reach. The alchemists, and such as thou, must bridge The road that leads to such discoveries O'er the great chasm of possibilities. But this I tell thee, time is not yet rife To chain these forces, as men's servitors. Columbus. Such prophecies seem wild, romantic dreams, Yet if they be thy visions, I believe them true, And stand in dumb amazement at thy fields That fallow lie, for human minds to dig — Aye, dig and delve and sow and fertilize. What labor, ere such harvest shall be ripe ! And yet, thou say'st it is sure to be ? Well ; I must be content and sow my seed, And till the fertile minds of kings and noblemen To reap the blessed truths thou 'st painted me. Scene IV] A VISION'S QUEST. 19 Adieu, adieu ! May I not come again, If my slow harvest seems to mildew in the bud ? Seer. Come when thou wilt; but Christian, hearken this, Naught can be won in life, but by hard toil : The victor's crown oft costs his heart's best blood. (Exeunt Columbus. — Curtain falls.) SCENE IV. (Wedding procession along the promenade of Lisbon to the Cathedral — Caballeros and Sefioras bearing palm and olive branches — flowers strewn along path by Senoras and Caballeros.) Dramatis Persona < Caballeros. Lisbon. Promenade to Cathedral. Senoras. Christopher Columbus. — Bridegroom. ^ Dona Philip a Muhoz. — Bride. First Caballero. See how distrait the noble bridegroom seems ; I' faith, methinks him more in love with self And his dry studies than with Philipa. Second Caballero. 'Tis shame to see so sweet and fair a maid Pour out her soul and comely innocence, Upon a caballero with such gait. 20 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I He rolls and struts, as though this promenade Were but a galley's deck, and he were pacing it, To guide her helm from storms and jutting rocks ! First Caballero. Well, he is sailor born ; they say that he Hath lived upon the sea. He's masterful ; For he hath guided ships in many seas — The Captain Christopher Columbus, he is called. Second Caballero. Aye ! that he's brave and gallant on the sea I have no doubt ; but will he sail so well on land ? Amid the quicksands of connubial bliss, One needs to steer away from shoals, and yet not veer Too close upon the rocks of prejudice, ha ! ha ! (Maidens twining garlands and throwing them around the necks of Caballeros.) First Maiden. Happy Philipa to have won so fair a lord ! See how the sun weaves gold among his locks. He hath most noble bearing, yet methinks He seems a trifle masterful. See how she smiles — 'T would seem as though he were Apollo's self. Second Maiden. He is too serious for me. They say He studies maps and charts all day and night, And that his heart is set upon some scheme Of sailing to the west, to find the pot of gold Hid where the setting sun drops in the sea. Methinks 't is but a doubtful compliment to her, Scene IV] A VISION'S QUEST. 21 That he should wish to sail away from her ; I'd rather hold my lover's heart so close That he'd no farther sail than my eyes steer ; Or far enough to come to port each night And whisper confidences 'neath the lemon boughs. First Maiden. Ha ! ha ! thou'lt never trust thy favored swain Beyond the reach of thy two guiding stars ! Second Maiden. Not for the fear that other maidens could Draw him to deeper waters than my own. First Maiden. Perhaps, perhaps ! But Philipa's sweet eyes Would hold a man a captive 'gainst his will. And this great captain seems a willing slave. See how he bends on her his all-protecting glance And seems to cover her with his devouring eyes ; I' faith it makes my own heart palpitate. First Caballero (close to her ear). Waste not those perfumed sighs on him. He 's lost, But let them flutter towards me with this kiss, (Kisses her.) Like butterflies poised in the sun, that sip The honey of the wedding cup, then drown. (She pelts him with roses, while he twines a floral chain round her, dancing and kissing her. [Scene shifts to cathedral aisle and chancel.] Priests chanting — organ pealing softly — procession winds up aisle. — The pair kneel — chanting — benedic- tion (organ). — Procession turns — the pair coming first to foreground.) 22 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Columbus. At last, beloved, thou art mine — all mine Mine to protect, to cherish, to adore, My bride, my wife, now and forevermore ! Philipa. Thine, heart and soul, to do with as thou wilt. All thine. These orange flowers no more can bloom or bear, Torn from their root, than I from thee, apart. Thou art my root and branch ; and from thy heart My happiness shall spring ; thine be my care. Columbus. My heart shall be thy home, though seas divide. Philipa. Ah, name it not to-day. Let not the thought Of voyaging and parting e'er be fraught With wedding bliss, our union to deride. (Procession winds and turns — [Scene shifts to the Patio with galleries in rear] — Orange trees, vines, fountains, — lights, lanterns amid trees — fountains — small tables with vine trellises with fruits and wine. — [Procession separates] — Spanish dances (cachuca) the caballeros sing drinking chorus with clinking glasses to guitar and mandolin.) Chorus (with mandolins). Tra la la (la la la) tra la la (la la la) Sing we thy wedding song. Joy to these hours belong. Bliss of the honey-bee, Sipping so merrily, Nectar in every flower, Each rose a wedding bower; Such joys we wish to thee Kisses as full and free : Trala la (la la la) trala la (la la la). Scene IV] A VISION'S QUEST. 23 Trala la (la la la) trala (la la la) . Sweet eyes their love unveil When sings the nightingale, 'Mid fragrant orange boughs, Fitly exchanging vows. Cupid has sent his darts, Into a score of hearts. Here in love's meshes caught, Mischief is quickly wrought. Trala (la la la) trala la (la la la). GUITAR SONG. In the dense lemon bowers With the fruit ripe and gold, Mid fragrance and flowers Love never grows old. The azaleas and rose And sweet jasmine sprays, Breathe perfume and love Through the long, honeyed days. But the nights are the best, When nested birds sigh; When hearts, love-oppressed, Tell their tale 'neath the sky. The soft bliss in the air Thrills the love-laden breast, Eyes seek eyes in despair, Lips meet lips, and there rest. (Caballeros and donas whisper and flirt amid the vines and fountains — The donas circle round the bride, while the chosen cavalier takes off the bride's garter and wears it upon his arm. — Columbus and Philipa withdraw and are seen in the gallery above Patio, gazing down upon the lovely scene beneath.) 24 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Columbus. Sweet, I have won thy dearest love to wear Upon my heart close pressed ; I have great fear Thy lovely charms will weave so close a web To bind me, that I may not find the strength To break away and seek my land of gold. Philipa. Dearest, I fain would hold thee here, for aye, No farther off than these two arms can reach ; But I have vowed to hinder thee no more From working out thy destiny. Thy dreams Shall reach the pinnacle the seer hath promised thee. But that means absences and dangers, Love. We will forget it all to-night in present bliss, For very joy that we are one, Love, thou and I. (Adieus from guests. — Curtain falls.) SCENE V. (In palace of Dom Juan II. [Golden throne. Pages, attendants, courtiers.] ) Dramatis Per s once X _ _ _ i> ' _ , _ (. Columbus, the Argonaut oj G-enoa. (Enter Columbus bowing low.) Columbus. Your Majesty, I have craved audience To bring a subject to your cognizance, Fraught with deep interest to Portugal. Scene V] A VISION'S QUEST. 25 'T is of discoveries, from careful studying Of charts, cosmography, and of the seas That lie beyond these coasts of Portugal. This is an age, Sire, of discoveries, Within this century men have had their sight Opened to facts that have existed long, But they, too blind to see, have groped incognizant. I mean, Sire, the stupendous truth that earth, Instead of being like a wheel, is spherical. 'T was hinted at by Ptolemy and Seneca ; 'T is now assured, by our astronomers, 'T is no mere theory, but fact ; and here Is based my idea and discovery. Dom Juan. We have not thought upon these subjects yet, Nor serious consideration given. They seem within the province of wise men, Who give their lives to studying the laws, And reading mysteries of earth and skies. Columbus. Behaim and Regiomontanus concur, In teaching this belief. Dom Juan. Well, granting this, what wouldst thou, mariner ? We are prepared to listen to thy proofs, If thou hast made discoveries of truth. Thou art a mariner of Italy, I hear ? Columbus. An Argonaut, Sire, born in Genoa, 26 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I And schooled in Pavia, in the colleges. Trained to cosmography, astronomy, and all Pertaining to the sea, with service there, As pilot, and as captain, since my youth. Whence I have come to Portugal for aid — The centre of intelligence and cult, Which has been foremost in discoveries, Upon the sea and in astronomy. Sire, if the world be round, beyond this sea Lies land, the other coast of Orient lands. If round, why sailing from the west towards the west We sail and sail until we reach the east. Is it not so ? I come to prove to you That I will sail out towards the west, until After awhile, I shall sail on, and reach The Indies, where Golconda lies, and where Rubies and gems and spices, (fabled wealth That Marco Polo writes of) can be found. I shall need ships, well stored and manned To cross that sea of darkness ; galleys strong To face the hurricanes that sweep the sea, There, where the sun dips down and leaves us night. Dom Juan. This seems a mad, wild vision of thy brain. What proof canst bring that thou couldst find a land Upon the further shore of a great, boundless sea? 'T is madness, Christobal Colon. Thou hast come Far from the Italian coast, to Portugal, Scene V] A VISION'S QUEST. 27 To air thy lunacy in futile schemes, And find some other madman, sane as thou, To grasp thy theories. Hast turned to Italy To give a hearing to thy plan ? Columbus. Aye, Liege ! I will confess to thee, that I did try At Genoa to move men to credulity. All were too busy with their own designs Of war, or pillaging, or art, or poesy, Or lapped in drowsy ease and love, and stupefied In luxury and dolcefar ?iiente, To heed such earnest schemes. But Portugal Is cultured and alert, whose schools and kings Seek wisdom and discoveries. She has enriched The world with truths, and has patrolled the seas. Dom Henry spent his life and substance in the quest Of Tangiers. Lusitania gave the world Madeira, with its wealth of fruits and spice, The Azores, and Cape Verde, and golden sands Of Africa, whose molten drops are coined Into the crown of Portugal this day. Now noble Liege, I promise you a land Direct in line with your own coast, Whose fertile mines yield diamonds and gems And gold in quantities to shame Scherazzin's boast. You for its sovereign, I for viceroy, And I would crave of you a fleet and men. 28 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Dom Juan. Thou dost provide well for thyself, methinks, A golden land, and thou the viceroy ! Columbus. Certes ! My Liege, if I do add this land By my own search and knowledge, to your crown, An admiralty were but fair return, And right to rule the land in your own stead. King. Thou'rt bold, nor blessed with over modesty. Columbus. Nay, Sire, 't would ill beseem to plead so great a cause With stinginess ! 'T is grand truth given willingly, That I can sail out through the western sea And plant thy blazonry on jewelled shores. King. If such a tale were true, dost thou suppose Thou and a handful could appropriate a land, Whose wealth is pictured by those voyagers ? Columbus. Sudden surprise, well planned, with armed men Could wrest much gold and plant your standard there, And other fleets could follow, for the spoils. King. With feudal wars, and traitorous barons here, And strife of mine own nobles' jealousy, Think you that I could turn my arms and ships To wrest a dreamland from a dreamer's foes? Columbus. Nay ! I beseech you, call your learned And bid your privy council ask my proofs. men Scene V] A VISION'S QUEST. 29 My Liege, I should have handed first, This letter from the learned astronomer, Th' Italian, Toscanelli (Florentine by birth), But by his science, child of the whole world. He also doth believe the world a sphere And maps it so in this chart, I hold here. (Hands letter and chart.) KlNG (To pages — after reading letter). Summon the wise men to my council hall, The learned doctors, Maestro Roderiguez. And Maestro Joseph from the college halls ; Send messengers on steeds to summon here In instant audience, the prelates of the church, The bishops of Ceuta, and of Viseau — Who are but now in Lisbon. We must settle this. Meanwhile, Sir Argonaut, I'll put thy words Into the cup of my reflections, sipping them And tasting them again, with Lisbon wine. (Exit Columbus, bowing low. — Curtain falls.) 30 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I SCENE VI (Council Hall, Lisbon. The bells in minarets chime, great gong strikes twelve, and Columbus and brother Bartolomeo, are ushered in by pages, bearing globe, astro- labe, compass — Columbus and Barto, bow low to King, Bishops and Doctors.) Domjuan of Portugal and his Court and lackeys, etc. Bishops of Ceuta and Viseau. Maestro foseph — Maestro Rodriguez — Doctors of the University. Christopher Columbus, with maps, globe, astrolabe, com- pass, etc. Dramatis Personce King. We summon thee to Junta's conference, To state thy theories and plead thy cause. Columbus. But yesterday, your Majesty, I broached to you The scheme, whose magnitude has filled my horizon. My lords, these instruments invented recently, (Pointing to astrolabe, compass and quadrant) For measuring stars from the horizon, And the sun's pathway through the zodiac, Have taught men paths in any sea. Now, when the stars are veiled in clouds, or when The sun drowns all the zodiac in light, This needle still points straight to the pole star. See, Sire, turn as I may, it quivers back, From any point to where the lode-star beams. Scene VI] A VISION'S QUEST. 31 With these and cosmographs, a mariner, Trained to the knowledge of his art, may sail Round the whole world, yet all his bearings know. In seas unknown, the firmament is still His map ; the constant stars his guides. (Showing globe.) This, Liege and Lords, is a rude emblem of the world. Here, land ; this Europe, and this Africa, Spain, Portugal, and this is ocean, Sire ; The sea of darkness — stretching towards the West, Yet not indefinitely — if the world be round The western limits of this sea strike East And wash the coast of India and Cathay. There must be balance 'twixt the land and sea, Else would our universe one-sided be. God made this great world round, like yonder sun, Though man for centuries has lived thereon And deemed it flat, according to his ken. Now, Liege and Lords, I leave the fact to you, And state my theory. It is my view, That sailing West, instead of East, we come To India. 'Tis not mere dream; conviction speaks. I ask ships and supplies and armed men, To prove the theory and claim the land, For a new star in Portugal's galaxy. King. How doth it strike you, peers, and you, prelates, And learned doctors, what think ye of this ? 32 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Seems it like visions of diseased brain, Where the distorted fancies seem all truth ? Or is it reasoned well ? 'T is daring thought To fling upon so old a world, forsooth ! 'Tis somewhat elderly to learn it is a sphere. Bishops. 'T is certainly strange truth to hold so firm, Ere yet the Church has sanctioned the belief. St. Augustine has branded heresy, Upon the belief in the Antipodes. Columbus. That was when heretics did publish it ; But I, a servant of the Church do wait To offer this discovery to her. Take it, for what 't is worth. It would be joy To plant the cross upon this new-found world — New but to conquer and convert, but old As hoary Egypt and the Isles of Greece. Maestro Joseph. The world's geography is not yet complete Hid in the sea, doubtless new islands lie, But to announce new lands, East of the West, Is stretching the imagination far — Too far, methinks. Yet I would not be one To scorn discoveries, or sneer at truth. For centuries the Lusitanians Have ridden seas, and bridled distant isles To work in harness with our Portugal. But Lusitania knows no western paths. Scene VI] A VISION'S QUEST. 33 Our navigators never yet have guessed At lands beyond our isles, in Occident. Roderiguez. 'Tis so ! We give this man his due, — A pilot and brave captain, who has read These tales of travellers. Versed in astronomy, Reading the constellations, wheeling round The pole, his astrolabe and cosmographs Have taught him much. Yet is he somewhat wrecked Upon this thought, dwelt on too steadily. The human mind is strained by dwelling long Upon a single wish or an idea. Columbus. Alas, my lords ! Alas, your Majesty ! Let not this fallacy destroy my cause ! Discoveries await our reaching grasp ; I pray you test my reasoning in this ; Call not my arguments insanity ! I do beseech you ponder yet awhile, Ere you do kill the hopes that burn in me. As I do know God lives in heaven, and hears Our prayers, so I do know that land lies westerly. Prithee, postpone your answer to a later time, Give it your studious thought, your prayerful care. Perhaps, perhaps, conviction may arise To show you reason in my theory. O God ! Perchance an intimacy with the thought May breed a friendship for it in your minds. 34 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Dom Juan. We will consider it again, meantime, 'T were best thou cravedst less share in thy discovery. Discoverers should rather dwell upon The benefits they give mankind, than aim To let their greed grasp at great personal demand. Columbus (bowing). I thank your Majesty for further hope, Which God and all the saints grant verified ; Yet if by help of yours, this glorious quest, Bring the fulfilment I expect, is 't boon too great For the discoverer to share the spoils, And crave the honors he has justly won ? Dom Juan. Well, well ! Of this anon. Thou art dismissed. (Columbus departs.) My Lords, what think you of his theories ? Is he a madman, dreaming of some scheme That hath possessed his brain, or doth it seem Truth speaks through him ? The world seems turning round And casting up new thoughts with every tide. The old philosophers seem growing stale, In the new ferment of men's thought and dreams. Prelates. Sire, we have fears of this man's probity ; He seems self-seeking, as if greed had bit Like rust into the temper of his steel. The Church, too, hesitates to grasp new beliefs And sanction theories which might subvert Her hold upon men's minds. Scene VI] A VISION'S QUEST. 35 King. The Church must not expect To kill discoveries ; she would not crush Truth out, as men extinguish flames. She must Adopt new truths — if they be truths, and cover them As doth the hen her brood beneath her breast. Bishop of Ceuta. The Church, your Highness, does not know the word You use so freely — must — at least not as applied Unto herself. The church commands, decides. The fledgelings hatched by inquiring minds Must take their chance, according to their worth. Dom Juan. True, true ! What sayest thou, Maestro Roderiguez ? Roderiguez. We will consider all the bearings of the case, Whether the man has studied science well, Whether philosophers have hinted this. There must be more in it than seems at sight. King. So be it ! I will send him on a cruise To keep his mind employed, and test his powers Whilst thou art studying his theories. (Junta is dismissed. The king and council marching from the hall — Curtain falls.) 36 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I SCENE VII. (Patio of Columbus' house [vines, flowers around the square court] where sits Columbus drawing charts and maps at table. Philipa sitting by his feet upon divan. Colum- bus leaning head upon crossed arms.) Columbus. I am aweary Philipa, 't is months Since the commission met, and by a hair The sword of fate, hung, o'er my enterprise. Philipa. Nay, dearest, not of fate, hast thou forgot The Arab's promises ? Have better faith, Kings may not crush God's will. God overrules. Trust him to make a way for thee to work, And carry out thy destiny and fate. Columbus. Again, my Comforter, thou giv'st me hope, And without hope one's wings are clipped 'gainst flight. Thank God, I have thy faith to anchor on, And thy encouragement to stay my restless soul. A helping, trusting wife is God's best gift, She strengthens weakness, doubles strength, and gives A refuge from the heartless storms of life. 'T is this thou art to me, Philipa ! (Knocking at gate.) Hold ! what now! (Enter king's messenger with sealed letter.) Scene VII] A VISION'S QUEST. 37 Messenger. From the King John to Christopher Columbus. Columbus. It is my answer ! Pray be seated, sir, Philipa offer hospitality ! (She gives fruits and wine. — Reads) " The learned men appointed to discuss The question of thy new strange theories Regarding the round world, and western course, Across the ocean to the East, decide again. 'T is futile to attempt that which no man Hath ever undertaken, with no proof That it is possible. They deem it worse Than useless risk of life and means. Now for this question : to be strictly just We will convene a great High Council of the realm. Write all thy arguments and state thy cause With utmost clearness, with authorities, And reasons and all facts and proofs. These we will hand ourself. Meanwhile we send A caravel to Ceuta, giving thee command. Prepare to sail into the tropic seas." (Philipa shows agitation Columbus (to page). Carry, I prithee, to his majesty My grateful sense of his beneficence. I shall be ready at his word to sail. (Exit messenger.) (To Philipa.) See, in defeat, he bids me hope and wait (Sighs.) And our first parting comes ! 38 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act I Philipa. Ah ! blessed saints ! I am a seaman's daughter, and the wife Of one whose home is on the cruel sea. I must be brave. I will be brave, O love ! The awful, dreary days when thou art gone ! The parting ! Oh, the cruel vengeful sea ! (Weeping.) Columbus. Nay, love, thou art my refuge. Make it then, less hard To leave thy dear, beloved presence. Bid me go ; (She shakes her head weeping.) When I have writ these papers for the councillors. (She places ink and quills ready and sits with head upon his knee — he writes — she clings to his knees until the evening falls — he turns. Sunlight falls upon their faces.) Columbus. Here, sweetheart, is my oft-told tale again, Ready to meet its dull inquisitors. Would every word were a sharp arrow-point, To pierce the thick hide of their ignorance. Philipa. Hush ! this is treason, and leaves whisper tales. Add not a danger to our cup of woe. Columbus. Beloved, when I am upon the deep, And the sun seeks, as now, its westering, Trailing its golden fleece athwart the sky, From my lone post, I'll send my thoughts to Portugal To meet thee at this same sweet, sunset hour. Pray for me then ; for here our prayers can meet, Scene VII] A VISION'S QUEST. 39 In this warm lap of day, ere night shall fall. And in the night, when thou dost think of me, Turn to the pole star with thy love and prayers, And I will meet thee there, so far above The earth's sad partings that our spirits meet As at God's thone. This thought shall comfort us, This meeting at God's footstool, give us strength Until that happy day unites us here. Philipa. In all these months of wedded bliss have we Lain in each other's arms, and in each other's thoughts, Without a day, or separating thought, between. Now will I follow thee by night and day, Meet thee at sunset and at the pole star. Ere thou return, our hope shall be fulfilled And I receive alone, the treasure of our home. Columbus. 'T is true, what comfort will those tiny arms Bring to thy heart — what dangers too ! ah, me ! I dare not think of it — and I at sea. Philipa. God shall be with us both, and with our babe. Santa Maria, Ave Maria, hear, Ora pro nobis ! Mater sanctissima. (They bow their heads together in prayer. — Curtain falls.) END OF ACT I. 4° A VISION'S QUEST. [Act II ACT II. SCENE I. (Lisbon. House of Christopher Columbus — Ten years later. — Room opening upon Patio — Columbus [older and more worn], Bartolomeo and Philipa and son — a lad of ten years.) r Christopher Columbus, mariner and maker of maps and charts. Dramatis Personce -i Philipa Columbus, his wife. I Diego Columbus, his son, lad of ten years. I Bartolomeo Columbus, his brother. Bartolomeo. I tell thee, brother, it were best, To set aside these hopes that age thy looks, And wear thy heart to shreds, since ten long years. After the council found impossible, To send a fleet across those unknown seas, Thou should'st have let it rest, and lived thy life For wife and child, earning a competence By making maps and charts and astrolabes, For which thy skill is famed, here and abroad. Philipa. Yes, husband, it is better thus. We need — I and our boy — thy daily ministering. Thou'rt teaching him thy wisdom and philosophy, Scene I] A VISION'S QUEST. 41 And all thy work in astrolabes and maps Is scarce sufficient for our daily needs, Through these ten years of alternating hopes and fears. Give up those haunting visions of the sea, Since they have brought but cold discouragement. I've hoped and prayed, until my faith Lies shattered, 'mid the ruins of our lives. Nothing but poverty and grinding care Meet those who plan achievements for the world. My brothers, who have shared thy hopes, now say, 'Tis better not to fight against the times, Since they progress so slowly towards thy end. Some argonauts more fortunate have found, Islands of plenty, within men's easy reach. But thou art ever struggling for the never seen, And losing chances for advancement, here. Columbus. Now art thou not my refuge from my fate ! Thou hast lost confidence, and losing that, Hast dragged my hopes down to low ebb. True thou hast had discouragements and fears And disappointments — so have I — yet hope To win help and success. Philipa. That canst thou never do, The time is past ; The fools and councillors Who do surround Dom Juan, believe thee mad; And I do sometimes fear this menaces. 42 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act II Columbus. Silence ! I bid thee ! Would'st thou stifle me Beneath this veil of ignorance and despair ? These voyages, the king hath sent me on, To Africa and Tangiers, and the North, Show that he doth not think me mad. E'en yet Though God hath bound his sight in blindness — no, Not God ; but he who rules the evil upon earth — He shall be brought to see the truth of this, And stretch his hands out to the promised land. Philipa. Dost thou forget the Arab's prophecy ? 'T was Spain, not Portugal, he prophesied Should plant its blazonry upon the land. Columbus. His vision placed me there, he saw not clear Whose colors barred the standard in my hand. My Philipa, and thou Diego, come, And bid me prosper in my future quest. Philipa (rising and blessing). God bless thee, dearest ! 'Tis all I can say ! Diego. God help thee, father, on thy anxious way ! (They embrace him.) Columbus. Now I have courage for the years to come — (Rising and pointing — vision on wall.) Behold ! I see a land beyond yon sea, With golden sands, 'neath shining morning sun. Scene II] A VISION'S QUEST. 43 Gems sparkle on that coast, like twinkling eyes. I ride there like a conqueror in state, And thou beside me, sittest like a queen ; It seems a tropic land, so fair and green ; With palms, and orange trees, and lofty date. (Tableau — Curtain falls.) SCENE II. (Dom Juan alone in anteroom of palace. Enter Perez Vazquez, a Portuguese pilot.) KlNG (after looking behind portiere). I have grave matters to discuss with thee ; Art thou discreet and brave ? I hear thou art. Therefore I choose thee, from among my mariners. Vazquez. Gladly I'd forfeit life, my liege, for you. Gladly risk all to serve your purposes. King. This then, my plan — but first swear secrecy, That thy left hand know not its fellow's work. Vazquez. By all the saints, and by Mahomet's beard ! Death could not wring one utterance nor look. 44 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act II Dom Juan. Mahomet's beard is naught ! The iron teeth Of inquisition, punish broken vows. Vazquez. I swear by word of honor to my King ! King. This madman, Christopher Columbus holds The earth is round, not flat, and being so, He claims he can reach India, by sailing West, By sailing past the West, to East again, And so find India, and finding, keep, Since it would lie in line direct from Portugal ! My council and the wise men believe it false ; But I believe there's something in the tale. Could you, all secretly, prepare a caravel, With skillful men and all necessities, To find that land he speaks of — on pretence Of carrying provisions to Cape Verde ? Vazquez. I can do all another man has done, And dare do something, man has never tried ; But if this be vain dream, if no land lies, Within a month's sail towards the setting sun, Shall we return ? Or if we reach that point, Where the hot sun drops in the boiling sea, And brews the cyclones, shall we still proceed ? King. Fool ! hast thou thus long watched the setting sun And know'st not this same sun that sets at eve, Scene II] A VISION'S QUEST. 45 Doth rise out of the east for a new day, And rolls around our planet every day ? Vazquez. So landsmen say, Your Majesty, But seamen say it dips into the sea, And stirs the hurricanes for tropic lands. King. Pof ! Out upon thee for a very fool ! I have great mind to give the quest Unto some other, better versed than thou In science of astronomy. Vazquez. Pardon, Your Majesty, you scarce will find One better versed in seamanship, or, one, Who would more faithfully do your behest. I do not claim to be astronomer, Yet know the pole star and the compass, well. King. Provision well thy caravel, and take Arms to assert our right, and plant our colors there. Columbus, at our castle at Minos Will never know thy course ; provisioning Cape Verde Will be thy pretext to thy mariners, And reason to all, for thy voyage West. Sail on and on for two months, steadily, This distance West will set the point at rest. Vazquez (aside). And set us resting too, methinks ! (Aloud). Aye ! aye ! My Liege. 46 A VISION'S QUEST. [Act II I'll test this thing, and do your will, or else No more shall Vazquez sail a caravel. King. You'll find the vessel waiting at Santos. Vazquez. Aye ! aye ! My Liege, I will prepare at once. (Exit Vazquez.) King (meditating). Why should I hesitate to send this man ? I'm master in mine own lands. Church and State Denounce Columbus for his wild demands. I, if I find his story true, can give Such compensation to him as is fair ; But share all profits and all honors ? No ! I might e'en give him the estates I wrenched From Duke of Mazina, for treason — or at least, Divide 'twixt him, and offering to the Church. Columbus is far hence upon the Afric' coast With Geraldi, our court astronomer ; To study tropic skies and seas, near the great line ; That marks the sun's path through the zodiac. (Curtain falls.) Scene III] A VISION'S QUEST. 47 SCENE III. (Inn at Porto Santo — Enter Columbus and Pedro Correa — his wife's brother, who lived upon the family inheritance — the Isle of Porto Santo. — Small inn with sea- man's surroundings, nets, etc.) Columbus, just returned from cruise. Pedro Correa, brother of Columbus' wife, Dramatis Personce