^^o V/ /^^\ \..^^^ :W^^ %.^^ :& ml ^«p^- Dptized.hytKe internet Archive ,s»^o \v// r^' 0^ "^ in 2010^wfth fuMn-prom .o^ '^ *-« .0^ . . ^ - * , %The klferary of Co^resa^"^ ♦g.^^ '^"o Jp-'*^ ^'. ^^^^ ci^ H^^ -1 . » .0' . ♦a ^^ <^ "ftp » "4*1% '^ ^^s^fc*" ^ -^^^"i.!!' /*"^*'\#^ '\'*»"«'%q'^ \.**"^**\#^ ' . COLOMBO, A Drama in Four Acts, BY aVE. KOSS, Descriptive of the Struggles and Triumphs OF THE DISCOYEKEE OF AMERICA. PRICE 2^ CENTS, ARGUS STEAM PRINT, ALPENA, MICH 1895. 33^/^' ^^' CAST OF CHARACTERS. King Ferdinand Colombo ,-P ^ { * L Duke of Sidonia . 1\ 7 ? ^ Don Garcia — Friend of Sidonia Don Manuel — Rival of Garcia Bobadilla — Enemy of Colombo Santangel — Treasurer of Arragon Talavera — Queen's Confessor Fr. Martinez — Enemy of Colombo Fr. Perez de Marchena — Friend to Colombo Fr. Deza — Prior of Salamanca Beppo — Servant to Colombo Guevara — Servant to Bobadilla Gutierrez — Passenger to Cipango Sailors, Courtiers, etc. Queen Isabella Donna Margarita de Cell — Maid of Honor. Copyrighted, 1895, by A. E. Ross. All Rights of Translation and Stage Presentation Reserved. COLOMBO. ACT r. Scene I. — A Street in Cordova. Enter Duke of Sidonia, Fr. Martinez, r. Garcia l. Sidon. — Garcia, welcome home. 'Tis to be hoped That fair Seville has showered her best upon Your head, to compensate Cordova for Her loss at your departure. Garc. — Your grace's present smile denotes that I Have been the loser. Good Sevillian wine May cheer the ennuyed soul, and fair Sevillian maids may make us wish we had A thousand hearts; but old Cordova is The centre of this earth and gay Sidonia is The sun which gives Cordova light. Fr. Mart. — Your grace, from morn to eve you, doubt- less, hear The song of parasites as chanted by Our noble dons; but none can strike the lyre With such consummate skill As Don Garcia. He could even coin A compliment for mad Colombo. Garc. — Colombo! Who is he? Sidon. — The crazy Genoese who claims The earth is round. He talks so glib upon His favorite theme that even wise men Listen and believe. Fr. Mart. — Which means that wisdom, as enshrined In gay Sidonia, worshipped at the feet Of mad Colombo. )Sido7i. — A Solomon would listen while he talks And, listening, would forget his wisdom. My cousin of Celi, as wise a man COLOMBO. Act I. As lives in all Castile, became his dupe, And fed the rogue for two full years. No wonder, then, that giddy young Sidonia, too, forgot the little wisdom that The priests have left him. Garc. — The Genoese! Is this the dreaming sage On whom King John of Portugal once tried To steal a march? Sidon — The same. And yet a scurvy trick it was For royalty to play. If I forgot My wisdom, John forgot his rank, and I Would rather bear the name of noble fool, Than be a fool and royal knave, to boot, Garc. — Your grace may think it strange to hear Garcia say that, though Colombo is To me unknown, I give him credit for A knowlege greater far than that of those Who jeer and titter as he passes by. If'r. Mart. — Is Saul among the prophets? Gay Garcia taken captive by the strolling Mountebatik! Will wonders ever cease? Your grace resigned the cap and bells to deck This new Colombo's fool. Garc. — The wit of priests is often like their prayers, So pointless that the hearers heed it not; Or, if 'tis heard it is o'erlooked, because, ^ Like men of old, "they know not what they do." Sidon. — A truce to this, good friends. Sharp wit, Like yours, is like the tiger's claw, — it hurts. Not only when it strikes, but leaves A rankling wound behind. How come you, good Garcia, thus to speak of one who follows What the learned call delusions, — Vain hallucinations which, if followed, Lead to madness? Garc. — I am not learned, like his reverence here, And cannot always give such reasons for My thoughts as sages skilled in science do. But I have read and heard of wondrous things Seen far from any land upon the great Atlantic,— wood unlike the kinds which grow In any country known to man, great canes Which held four quarts of wine from joint to joint; Scene I. COLOMBO. And on the island Flores men were washed Ashore, broad-faced and copper-colored, different In race from any seen before or since. Beyond the Azores St. Brandani lies, — Mysterious island of the trackless sea. And other signs denote that lands unknown, Great continents, mayhaps, are waiting, To enrich the man who dares to penetrate The vast unseen. Fr. Mart. — For legends wild, like these, the wise Garcia pins his faith on mad Colombo. Gave. — For legends wilder far than these Wise priests have pinned their faith On ankles neat and faces fair. Sidon. — Garcia has your reverence there. Your fair Huelva'sfeet are running In his mind. But, good Garcia, think you this Enough to pit against experience In the past and all the gathered knowledge of This learned age? Garc. — Our royal mistress sent me once To Denmark on important business. There I heard strange tales of great adventures on The western seas. I met an aged sailor there, Whose father once had sailed from Iceland, south And west until he came to land, — A continent, he said, both rich and fair. And there he met some natives, copper-colored men, Of splendid bearing. Grapes and fruits. Of many new delicious kinds, grew wild. He shewed me trinkets and a copper Hatchet, brought from that far distant land. In truth, I heard and saw so much that, faith, I now believe the so-called mad Colombo Is the sanest man in all Castile. Fr. Mart. — There goes he now and with him is The ancient cobbler fool, who loves the ground He treads upon, — a fit companion for The sanest madman seen in all Castile. Sidon. — His father's servant, so he says. But have you heard the news, my good Garcia? War is now declared and swords like brave Garcia's soon will find a sheath 6 COLOMBO. Act I. In Moorish hearts before Granada's walls. Garc. —Good news, by our St Ferdinand. I leave your grace, to see the king and offer him My service 'gainst the Moorish dogs. \^Exeunt Garcia R. — Sidonia and Fr. Martinez i.] Scene II — Room in royal palace. Queen Isabella and Donna Margarita Celi dis- covered. Queen. — Art glad that Don Garcia has returned From fair Seville? Thou need'st not blush Our Margarita fair. We more than once Have seen his glances fixed on thee, When royal eyes were turned away to give Him favor. By our halidoni, a maiden may Be proud of such a knight as he. Art glad petit ^} Marg. [pouting) — I heard Don Manuel assert That half the maidens of Seville were courted by The don, and that the other half Were angry with the favored ones. Queen. — It needs no sage to know Don Manuel Was sure that you could hear. He likes not Don Garcia, nor would let this rumor lose Its pith, by him rehearsed, when, you were near. He comes this morning for an audience. Marg. — And will your highness need My presence vvhile he's here? Queen — Ma chere, you need not run like Frightened deer from such a hunter. Father Martinez and Senor Bobadilla come With him along. And here they are. l£Jnter Fr. Martinez, Manuel and Bobadilla l.] Queen. — We welcome you. sir priest, and you, Our noble friends. We hope our royal greeting Finds you now in health. What would you, gentlemen? Man. — We thank yonr majesty, and trust That we may go away with hearts as light As when we came, and that our mission here May raeet with royal favor. Scene II. COLOMBO. Queen — We see no reason why your hopes Should not be gratified. Such faithful subjects Would not ask their queen for aught, unless It tended to the public weal. Speak out At once, for business presses on our time. Man. — We hope to merit all your highness says. It is because the public weal is threatened That we come. This Genoese, Colombo, causes Fretful ferment in the public mind. The people view his presence with displeasure, Fearing, should his prayer be granted, All the heavy burdens which will fall Upon the state. Queen {frowning). — We had not meant the tax To fall upon the public purse were our Approval granted to Colombo's plans. What has the learned prior heard Regarding this? Fr. Mart. — Your gracious majesty, a humble Servant of the church pays little heed To any of these earthly squabbles. Higher duties claim our notice first. And yet, your majesty, the words Don IVTanuel Has spoken can be heard on every corner. Men are restless, shake their heads And mutter discontentment when they meet. The war has added to the imposts laid. Upon their lauds and, though they grudge Not this, because they look upon it as A holy war to free the country from The curse of Moslem dogs, they fear Such added tax as may be laid To gratify this crazy Genoese. But this is not the worst. There is a deeper and More dreadful fear upon the people's minds. Queen — Go on, sir prior. Why this pause? Castile is dear to Isabella's heart, And never yet has Isabella slighted What concerns her subjects' weal. Speak, sir, At once and say what further ills they dream. Fr. Mart. — I ,jaused, your majesty, because I feel That what they dread is but a groundless fear. But by your royal order I must speak. COLOMBO. Act I. They tell in whispers dreadful stories Of Atlantic horrors, — tales which sailors Have recited in their ears, of ships Which sailed far out into the west, And never more were seen. And this Lies heavier on their hearts than anj' fear Of money tax. The latter they would Freely give to their beloved queen; but, if Colombo's suit should win, they ask with fear Who are to be the doomed companions of His voyage wild. 'Tis this, your majesty, Which stirs their fears; 'twas this which made Me pause before you ordered me to speak. Queen — And Seiior Bobadilia, what has he To say regarding good Colombo? Boh. — Your majesty, a blunt man speaks As blunt meu think. I like not this Colombo, nor His quest. He's but a foreigner, at best, A mere adventurer, who roves from court To court, ill search of noble fools and Royal dupes. King John of Portugal Unmasked the scheming rogue, and now he haunts Castile, as easy gudgeon for his glittering bait. Queen — Don Bobadilia speaks, he says, As blunt men do, and this blunt privilege Is granted, too, to queens. The trick Of royal John may scarce be quoted as A model for Castile. Our royal name Shall ne'er be smirched with stain of cheat; Nor does the name oi royal chtpes become The lips of subjects, when their queen can hear. — The junta soon will meet and Prior Martinez Will there have more authority than here. Don Manuel, so careful of the public purse That even Isabella is reproached, Can rest at ease. The junta will determine This momentous question. Other cares Need our attention now. We would not keep The prior from his beads. [^Exeunt Fr. Martinez. Manuel and Bobadilla l.} Queen {To Marg.) — They plot the ruin of Colombo. Even royal power must bow when money speaks. My child, this Manuel has baleful eyes. Scene III. COLOMBO. He'll bear our watching. {Patting Marg. on head) We love our little dove too well to s^ee Without concern such fowlers flv their cruel hawks. Marg. {Kneeling and kissing the queen s hand)-- Your gracious majesty takes place Of mother in my heart. Were she alive She scarce could love me more. My heart is yours, And shall be while I live. \_ Isabella kisses Margarita on forehead and both exeunt 7?.] Scene HI. — Street in Malaga after its capture. Enter Fr. Perez anb Sidonia R., in earnest con- versation. Sidon. — It seems a marvel how he disappeared. Alas! Garcia slain by traitorous blow Of Spanish steel. The dying Pablo told Me all, and yet I scarcely can believe. A Spanish noble hiring cutthroats! Good Perez, I cannot credit this. [Enter Beppo L. Hides and Listens.] Er. Per. — The dying seldom leave the clay With lying words upon their lips. The soldier Pablo said that he was paid To strike the blow which killed Garcia. /Sidon. — 'Twas this he told to me. He would Not speak the name of him who thus becomes The real assassin. But to you he spoke Without reserve. The old Castilian blood Would spurn a deed like this. What trait'rous Coward so disgraced the honored name of Spain? Er. Per. — Confession's seal is sacred. Priests Dare never speak when that is laid upon their lips. Sidon. {starting)—! have it. Yes, I guess the truth. A taint is in the blood. For this much Heaven Be thanked — no pure Castilian thus Dishonored old Castile. Don Manuel Has hated poor Garcia since my cousin Margarita came to court. They both Have loved her, but she favored Don Garcia, And the false Bohemian blood ]() COLOMBO. Act I. His mother gave him sought revenge. I see your reverence knows that I am right. I^r. Per. — The innocent have died, because Conclusions drawn from circumstances seemed To prove them guilty. Sidon. — The guilty, too, have lived, because Conclusions drawn from circumstances hanged The innocent. On this we both agree — Garcia fell before the walls From mortal wounds, and next his body Vanishes from earth. What can it mean? Fi'. Per. — I loved the youth and grieve as much As you that he was foully slain. My tongue Is tied, and I can say no more. Beppo (aside). — I love a priest as much as priests Do love Colombo, Venerable vernnn! Living catacombs! I smell a secret When I see a friar's gown. ISidou. — I loved him well and I had cause, F(jr once he saved me from a Moorish cimeter. I know his father, too, — a grand old man, A true Castilian nobleman, and — yes, My good Perez, I shall c 'ufide in you: — I love Garcia's sister, whom he idolized, And for her sake I wish to give him Christian burial. PV. Per. — My prayers are with you that you may Succeed. But I must leave your grace. A sick Old man awaits my coming. Fare thee well. Sidon. — And I must to the field and search Again. Farewell, good father. {Exit V^nwL^. Sidonia SEES Beppo advancing. 1 Ho, there, old man. I've seen that face before. Ha! 'tis The servant of (Colombo. Bep. {Bowing). — Old Beppo, at your grace's service. Sidon. — Good Beppo, how does good Colombo fare? Bep. — On Fridays he eats fish; on other days He dines on bacon, with a taste of garlic. Sidoii. — I mean not that. But do his wishes prosper? Bep. — His wishes! He is full of wishes as An egg is full of meat; but, like a cat That wishes cream, he seldom has his wish. Scene III. COLOMBO. 11 Sidon. — Perverse! But is your master in jjjood health? Bep — I am not wise enough to know How he could have bad health. Sidon. — What quibble now? Explain your paradox. JBep. — The paradox consists in being in Sad health. I never knew that health was bad Sidon. — You're wiser, Beppo, than you seem. But are you cobbling still? Bep. — When cobblers cobble can they cobble still? Sidon. — Wise fool! What is your meaning now? Bep. — A cobbler moves when he is cobbling. If he is still he cannot cobble. Sidon — A play on words, good Beppo. I will try You with a question that you cannot twist. Whose shoe is that you carry home? Bep.— A dead man's shoe. Sidon. A dead man's shoe! Why have You soled it then? Bep. — Were I a quibbler, as you say, I'd tell You that I soled it for the dead man's soZe. Sidon. — Sacristo, Beppo, this is blasphemy You speak The man is dead, you say. Bep. — I cannot say. I heard you tell The priest the man was dead. {Looking meaningty) Sidon. — You heard me tell the priest The man was dead. What man was meant? Bep. — His name is Don Garcia. Sidon. — What? Don Garcia! Then, is this Garcia's shoe? Bep. — He says it is. Sidon. — My friend is living then? Bep — He was an hour or two ago. Sidon — Good Beppo, cease all quibbles now, And tell me where Garcia is. Bep. — Asleep at Senor Colombo's house. Sidon. — I pray you lead me to his side. Bep. [Seriously) — Your grace must pardon me if I Refuse. You cannot see him now. My master found him on the battlefield, And brought him to his house. The don 12 COLOMBO. Act T. Was vvoundefl in the side, and nearly bled To death. My master dressed the wound, — He studied leeehcraft while at school. And now brave Don Garcia does as well As you could wish. But master says he must Have quiet, and that is final. If you meet Me here again I'll bring you tidings Of his state. Siclon. — I thank thee, Beppo. Meet me here Tomorrow at this hour. Take this. And do not fail to come. ( Gives Beppo a pistole and exit L. Beppo exit R ) ScKNK IV. — Room in Colombo's House. Col. {Discovered) — They call medreamer — me, on whom The fates are heaping thoughts of highest moment. They are the dreamers — they, the common herd, Who eat and sleep and care for naught beside. The nobles dream of revels, — kings of pomp, — The priest of feasts,— the slave of freedom; And his a worthier dream than comes To all the gay, unthinking crowd. And I — I dream of what the sun, the moon And all the flittering stars by day and night To me prr.claim. I dream of this great world. Round wliich I travel in my sleepless thoughts. For this they call me dreamer, or in pitying Strain proclaim me madman. Yet like the slave, I would be free — free from the thrall of old Traditions, — free from the bonds of blinding Ignorance. — The sons of Jacob called Their brother Joseph dremner, yet he ruled The mighty land of Egypt, God's selected Instrument to save the chosen race. — Perhaps, the men of Tyre were dreamers When they passed the gates of Hercules, And sailing north enriched themselves and their Phaniician king with tin from English mines. This waiting wearies out my life. I shall to France or P^ngland if the junta Casts this hope into the grave. (Etifer Bkpio L, weeping) Col. — What grieves thee, Beppo? Scene IV. COLOMBO. 13 Sep.^1 weep, because I saw thee sraile. Col. — Good Beppo, must I always wear A gloomy mien, to cheer thy heart? Hep. — When storms are near dame Nature Smiles the sweetest. Coming evil follows close Behind Colombo's smile. I try to make The evil less by shedding tears, To serve as antidotes. Col. — My faithful Beppo, when did tears Appease the wrath of fate, or strengthen faith When men were false? Bep. — In Portugal, when John gave royal pledge That he would furnish what you asked. Col. — How, Beppo, how? jBep. — I wept and sighed, and sighed and wept Again, and, when the royal cheat sent out His caravel by stealth, I smiled with right good will. Col. — Well, Beppo, what was gained? JBep. — My master, when the scurvy trick was told, Made haste from Portugal and I — forgot To pay the debts I owed. Revenge is sweet. But here have I been gabbling, and forgot The message which I hear. The wounded senor Asks that he may wait on thee. Col. — Good Beppo, go at once and bring Him hither. {Exit Beppo L ) Truth is drawn at times From unexpected springs. Poor Beppo loves Me well, and love has sharpened ignorance To point so keen that intuition is Its offspring. Enter (Garcia L. leaning on Beppo's arm) Col. — This is kind, indeed. Is Don Garcia wise in risking thus The wound which yet is far from healed? Garc. — Most gracious senor, when the heart Is full of gratitude and hope. It gravitates around that other heart. Which gave it life for death. Col. — It is not always thus. A noble soul Feels kindness deepest; 'tis the coward and The caitiff who are ingrates. But this prating Indicates a sense of benefits conferred, 14 COLOMBO. Act I. Whereas the guerdon of congenial fellowship Makes me a debtor to your wound. Garc— And, thus, the soul that loves its kind Makes light of all the good it does, and counts As privilege what lower natures reckon Sacrifice. When I lay bleeding in That hidden trench I thought of home, of friends. Of youthful follies and of her who is My star of hope. The gaping wound Was draining off the crimson stream, And I could hear the clanking stride of death Appr(»aching fast. At last — oblivion, then A gracious presence near me, soothing as A strain of gentle music. I had passed The gates of Hades and, Orpheus — like, Colombo came and drew rae back to earth. The life you gave is henceforth yours. Col. — Enough of this, dear friend. The past is mine; the future may be yours. Next week will tell what fate designs Between Colombo and Castile. Garc. — I would not lightly dare intrude Upon your private business, but Garcia longs To know if he can serve Colombo then. Col. — Not then my friend. On Tuesday next The junta will assemble. Then the hopes And fears of years will be decided. The cardinal has spoken kindly, though At first he thought my plans heretical. And Talavera, too, encourages my hopes. The place of meeting will be Salamanca, For which I journey forth at dawn tomorrow. And glad I am that I can leave you now So far recovered that there need be no alarm. Garc. — Your patient courtesy has hitherto Prevented me from saying what I would. My absence in Seville and, afterwards. The outbreak of the present war kept you And n)e apart, until you rescued me From death. But now we know that each Is to the other — friend. I owe you much, And, knowing what 1 do, I bid you keep Close watch on Martinez. For reasons, now To rae unknown, the wily priest Scene IV. COLOMBO. 15 Is hostile to your suit, and tries on all Occasions how he may belittle you, And thwart your plans. Col. — 'Tis nothing new for me to meet Injustice such as you describe. Since first I entered on this quest sour prejudice And biting jealousy have joined their hands To cross my aims. For eight long years I have Endured the raillery of priests, the scoifs Of pedants, treachery and foul deceit From men of high estate. The road To ordinary knowlege oflTers few Obstructions, and the traveller sins against The vanity of none. But, when he leaves The beaten track, ascends the heights and brings New treasures from the mountain tops, The pedants stand aghast, routinists say Experience only can be trusted and the pack Of false impostors, owl-faced drones And gowned simpletons stand baying At the moon, as if that lifeless orb Had given birth to lunacy. But, Don Garcia, only patience can Attain the glorious end to which n)y life Is given. Yet mark my words, — the day Is coming, yea, is now at hand, When bigotry, false pride and ignorance Will bow before the truth which God is now Evolving. Truth must be triumphant; — So will I, the Genoese Colombo. Garc. — I glory in your high resolve, And yet will see the triumph which must come. But now I waste your time and, if the truth Be told, my strength is not the equal of my wish. Col. — I pray forgiveness, for my zeal Outran my prudence. Beppo, Beppo, come. These mighty projects and their great Results made me forget your wound. (Enter Beppo L.) Assist the senor to his chamber, Beppo; And, in my absence, see to all his needs. I go at early dawn. Sep. — I shall be ready, senor. Col. — Nay, Beppo; you remain at present here, Ifi COLOMBO. Act II. To nurse the Don Garcia. 7?e/>. (A(/hast) — Remain! Good master are you mad At last? A journey and no Bep,)o! Senor, senor. who will fetch your linen And your hose? Alas, alas! The moon Is at the full. {Exit Garcia L. leaning on-Beppo) ACT IF. Scene I. — Street in Seville. Enfe?- Talavera and Martinez L. Talav. — The cardinal himself, I find, had seen The queen and interceded for Colombo. Why this vagrant should impress a man Of learninsr, like the great Mendoza, Winning from him sympathy and trust, Is oast my skill to fathom. But his grace Mas openly declared himself a convert To Colombo's views. Mart. — Don Manuel and Bohadilla went With me to see the queen and press upon Her notice how the people feel. This happened at Cordova ere we left. Talav. — And how were you received? Mart. — Received with courtesy, dismissed With sharp rebuke. Talav — Rebuke! And how came this about? Mart.—Yy<~m Manuel but hinted that The public purse was threatened, and the queeit Received it as a personal affront. And Senor Bobadilla acted like a bull Within a china shop, as usual, Treading on the royal toes by hinting That Colombo easily made kings and queens His dupes, and ending with a compliment To John of Portugal, for whom her majesty Has little love. She treated Bobadilla To a scoring, then gave Manuel a slap For his remarks, and ended with a hint That I had better tell my beads. Scene I. COLOMBO. 17 She rapped us all with caustic force. Talav. — It is not hard to know the reason For her majesty's desire to show Some kindness to Colombo. Father Perez de Marchena interceded For his protegee. But I can still • Assist you, for a junta will be called, And I can so arrange that you will be Assigned to this important work and, when The junta meets, you then will have your chance. Why do you so dislike Colombo? Mart. — For reasons which I cannot tell you now, I, too, was born in Genoa and hereditary Feud exists between his father's house And mine. In Italy that means revenge. Is that enough? Talav. — 'Tis best to say no more. Here come Don Manuel and Senor Bobadilla. Enter Don Manuel and Bobadilla R, J/aw.-^-Well met, roost reverend fathers. Senor Bobadilla craves a conference With Father Martinez. Talav. — Your coming favors my desires. Her majesty expects me, and the prior Was detaining me. Vobiscum Deus. {Exit R ) Mart. — My time is yours. The senor 's face Imports some pressing care. .Bobad.--M.y visage never masks my thoughts. When I rejoice my face reveals the fact. It shows when I am sad, and trouble stamps Its impress on my features. And my tongue Is like ray face — it tells my inmost thoughts. Mart. — 'Tis best at times to keep both face And tongue in check, for not so very long ago The queen impressed that lesson on us all. What rests upon the senor's mind? J3obad. — This foreign mountebank is like A weight about my neck. But now "I have Him on the hip." He fought at Malaga And gained more credit than good Soldiers did. It now appears his fighting Was a mere pretext, to give him fitting chance 18 COLOMBO. Act 11. To kill a better man. He had a grudge Against the noble Don Garcia, And 'tis said that when the fight was hottest. Traitor that he was, he slew the don. Mm't. — How know you this? Tiohad — A Soldier told me that he saw him Strike the blow, and furthermore he went At night and carried off the corpse. Mart. — This should be followed up. I scarce believe it truej but, if the rumor gO' Abroad, it will increase the hatred Of the people for Colombo, and may Reach the king. What think you, Manuel? Man — To me 'tis passing strange that since The fight at Malaga the don has not been seen. He was reported dead and yet The searchers failed to find the body On the field. Bobad. — I think the mountebank could telF Us where Garcia lies, if he were brought to book. Mart — Let this impression creep abroad Among the people. 'Tis a leaven that Will suit our purpose. Time will bring It to the royal ears, but we should not Be known at present in the matter. Oueens have memories. Man — For me, my knowledge is confieaaed To what I heard from Bobadilla. Mart. — The leaven will work. Such news Will travel fast. A single word well placed Will soon become a volume. {Exeunt L. Scene n. — Room ik Salamanca University. Table in Center. Chairs and Benches. Dignitaries— TO hear Colombo. Talavera pre- sides. Takm. — Most grave and learned senors, fathers In the church, and students of the mysteries Of space, by royal order are you now Assembled here, to weigh a question which Scene II. COLOMBO. 19 Concerns the welfare of the state. It scarce becomes a tyro, like myself, To lead iu this assembly; but their majesties Have laid this burden on my head, — A duty meet for Plato, and I crave Indulgence for my lack of trained skill. The eyes of all Castile are on you, — nay, Of Christendom itself, for on your wisdom Hinges now a question which contains Great truth or grievous error. Most illustrious fathers, hear, I pray you, What Colombo has to offer for Your grave consideration. Col. {Rising.) — Most learned fathers, after many years Of fruitless labor God has heard my prayers. At last I come before the wisest in this land Of learning, confidently trusting that The truth of what I say will meet your quick Approval. Men like you need not be told That many of the most profound Astronomers of ancient and of modern times Agree in calling this our earth a great Terraqueous sphere. From Ptolemy Of Egypt, down to Toscanelli of today, The greatest minds deny the earth is flat, And Aifraganus clearly shows That eastern Asia extends so far That Europe is approached at northern points. Convinced of this, I now believe That, sailing west, a ship can reach The island of Cipango, which .Is separated by a narrow sea From Tartary, vast empire of the mighty Khan. The day is not far off". When men will launch upon the deep And, steering on from east to west, will reach The port from which they sailed. To gain This glory for Castile is now my great Ambition. Your decision will determine What the king and queen may do. And thus your names in future ages be Revered, as rescuing the fairest part Of earth from darkness to the light of Christ. Fr. Dez. — A great and blessed work, if it 20 COLOMBO. Aet II. Can be accomplished. But what proof Can you adduce that what you say is true? Col. — The proofs are many and of various kinds. On learned scholars, like yourselves, I need Not urge that this great earth is round. Fr. Mart. — It would be needless, for to say The earth is round compels us to believe That on the other side men walk with feet Above their heads, and roots of trees must be Above their tops. A man thus placed Would topple off in space. Col. — An orange, too, is round, but insects On the lower side do never topple off. Fr. Dez. — But, senor, how could sailors face The heat, which scorches all the torrid belt. To reach the antipodes? Col. — The sailors sent by Henry, king Of Portugal, to search the Afric coast, Endured this torrid heat without complaint. But ill the voyage which I plan we would "Not cross this torrid belt, because we sail From east to west. Talav. — Suppose a ship should start from Spain, Which lies upon the upper side of earth, And sail until it reached the lower side. I clearly see how it could downward go; But, when the lower side is reached, I cannot understand how it could climb The steep ascent and gain its home in Spam. It never could return. Col. — With due respect for Father Talavera's Wisdom, we should not forget that wise Astronomers have said our earth rotates Upon its axis once from noon to noon again. If this be true, — and stamp of truth Lies on its face,— a ship of Spain at no-)n Is on the upper side, at midnight on The lower side of this rotating globe. (Great commotion and smiles of derision.) Fr. Mart. — I cannot tell how others feel, But, for myself, I think this sounds Like infidelity most rank. In Holy Writ Scene II. COLOMBO. 21 The earth is spoken of as flat, and all The fathers, from Lactautius on to St. Augustine, say expressly antipodes Cannot exist. Fr. Dez. — I have not found in all the word Of God a place which says the earth is flat. While God does not declare it round, He does not say 'tis not. Will good Colombo state his reasons why he thinks it round? Col. — The learned Ptolemy believed it round, A.nd gave good reasons for his faith. But other proofs exist. Upon the ocean, when Two ships approach from any side, Their mastheads first are seen, and then their hulls. And, passing on, their hulls are lost to view, While still the masts are seen, till they, Too, disappear, as if the ships by slow Degrees wer-e climbing o'er a ridge, and then Descending on the other side. This could not be. Unless the water lay upon a convex sphere. Fr. Dez. — What reason canst thou give For thinking that Cipango can be reached By sailing westward? Col. — That land isthere is no uncertain thing. Vicenti saw, four hundred leagues from Cape St. Vincent, drifting from the west, a piece Of carved wood, a kind not known in Europe. Pine trees have also drifted from the west And landed at the Azores. To Flores, driven By western winds, came copper-colored Bodies, two in number, and of different race From any ever seen before. Reeds of Enormous size, like' those which grow In India, landed on the shore Of Porto Santo. Travellers, too, upnu ^ The western ocean tell of islands seen Far in the west. In Denmark men Are living now, whose fathers westward sailed Until a continent was reached, both tair And rich in many kinds of fruits. A brave young Spanish noble, Don Garcia, Told me that he saw a copper hatchet there And trinkets, brought from that Far-distant land. 22 COLOMBO. Act II. T^r. Mart. —Colombo scarce would speak Such words as these were dead Garcia here In life to verify or contradict The statements made. Col. {Indignant) — My life in Spain is known To many men of high repute, And no man living dare in justice say I lie. Garcia dead! In Malaga On Tuesday last 1 left him at my house Alive, recovering from a dangerous wound. But were Garcia here, much more than what I tell would he declare. I came to Salamanca With the thought that, out of self-respect And deference to the sovereigns of Castile And Arragon, the members of this junta would Devote ,(rofound investigation to A problem of such magnitude as this. I came not here to listen tamely while My truth is called in question. Fr. Dez. — For one I do not wonder at Coh)rabo's indignation. Father Martinez, Believing what has been reported here And elsewhere — Don Gardia's death, — forgot His courtesy, while sorrowing for his friend. We all expect that reparation will Be made at once to Senor Colombo. Fr. Mart. — The news which Senor Colombo tells Will justify my awkward speech, Which meant that Don Garcia would have said What go"id Colombo told, had he been here alive. And now, I ask the senor if he thinks That men of learning so profound as those We see assembled here can throw aside What science and all past experience prove, And credit tales which children ridicule. Col. — My hope and strong conviction when I journeyed hither was that, when Such weighty questions came before This learned junta, grave consideration would Be given to every point. With one or two Exceptions, all the dignitaries present here Have shown their bias from the first. A question which can stir the hearts of kings Has met no echo in these schoolmen's souls. Scene III. COLOMBO. 23 I know too well what verdict you will give, Aud henceforth I shall think no more of Spain. What grieves me most in this is, that the gracious queen, Who rules Castile, will miss an empire by Your act. Both France and England seek What you reject, and I shall hie lue hence. To treat with those who see what lies beyond The great Atlantic's waves. The passing years Will show what Spain has missed, and as The centuries roll on the men who this day throw Away the grandest heritage on earth Will be forgotten when my name will live. I leave you to your self-con ten tment and The execrations of your countrymen, When they discover what your lack of faith And blinded prejudice have done. With trust in God I ne'er shall yield Until my glorious mission is fulfiilled. And so, farewell. Exit R. Scene III. — Street in Malaga. Enter Beppo L. Bep. — When he was down upon his back Our larder was sufficient. But 'tis different now, When appetite returns. How can I feed Him? That's the rub. I gave him yesterday His choice of bacon and fresh garlic, or Stale garlic and fresh bacon. That was for His dinner, and he chose the bacon and Fresh garlic. Then for supper this was changed Around — stale garlic and fresh bacon. But, now the bacon's gone, variety is scant. Would he were a Jew, for then I'd still Have bacon in the house. But when it comes To garlic, or — more garlic, all The other dishes must be — garlic. He thus may think Colombo poor. That's where my old awl pricks — the sole Disturber of my peace. But here he comes And Don Sidonia, too, — another mouth To feed — on garlic. {Exit Beppo R.) Enter Garcia and Sidonia L. 24 COLOMBO. Act II. Garc. — How did you hear what you have told? Sidon.— My Q.(m?,m of Celi was journeying to Granada from Seville. 'Twas in Seville He heard the story told by Bobadilla who Is hostile to Colombo. Bobadilla said The Genoese was by your side When fighting near the trench and, as You leaped across, he plunged his sword Into your side. Garc. — I know not how 'twas done; but this I know without a doubt, — Colonibo was Not near. Colombo be a traitor! Sooner would I think the cardinal himself Would play the knave. Colombo has a soul Above reproach, a man among a thousand. Tell me, good Sidonia, how to help his need, — Relieve his wants, for poverty so has Him in its grasp that oft he knows not whence Necessities will come. 'Tis sad, and yet 'Tis mirth-provoking, too, to hear Old Beppo groan and fret about The larder, when he thinks I am not near. He loves Colombo more than many wives Do love their lords and fears lest I may see Their pressing wants. Tomorrow you and I Set out for old Cordova. We shall take Old Bpppo, too, and feed him till He'll burst his jerkin. Here he comes. Me enter Beppo R. Sidon. — Ho, Beppo, whither bound? .Bep — My joints are now too stiff to bound. Sidon. — Still quarreling with words. I mean. Where do you bend your steps? Bej). — A man may bend his head, his back. His knees; but how to bend a step I never learned. Sidon. — The gods grant patience! Beppo, Don Garcia through your kindness has At last regained his strength. He leaves Tomorrow for Cordova, and desires That you with him shall go along. Colombo will be there, and will expect you. Scene IV. COLOMBO. 2 5 Bep. — Colombo at Cordova! Thither will I hend my steps I start this hour. No journey is too long for me, to reach Colombo. Two score leagues! That's nothing, If Colombo's there. Garc. — Friend Beppo, you shall go with me. Take this (Hands money) and hire a mule. You shall Not bend a step, for I am much Your debtor. Go at once and make You ready 'gainst the morning. BepXLooJcing at money)— I bend ray body for Your bounty, Don Garcia. {Aside) Garlic. . Faugh! No more today. Pig's feet and liver, with A taste of honey and, perhaps, A carrot for a relish. Yes, old Beppo, you , Can be extravagant, for once. What, twenty pistoles! I could huy a mule For less. (Aloud) But, Don Garcia, name The hour for dinner. Garc. — I dine with Don Sidonia today. You need not longer think of me. Be ready in the morning. {Exeunt Sidonia and Garcia R.) Bep. — Not think of him, when eating liver And pig's feet. Yum, yum! I'll think Of him at every mouthful. (JExit L,) Scene IV. — Room in royal palace. King and Santangel playing Chess. R. ) 7^ . , Martinez and Talavera conferring. L. ) Enter Queen Isabella R. Queen. — Your majesty, I come A suppliant for royal favor. Art thou now In mood to grant a boon? King. — What boon so great that Isabella may not ask? And yet, 'twere worth A kingdom to be left alone when chess Demands attention. - Queen. — It is a kingdom that I wish To give to thee, — mayhaps, an empire. But the queen of fair Castile requests 26 COLOMBO. Act II. The king of Arragou to grant An audience to the sailor, Senor Colorabo. King — Cararabo, Isabel, hast lost thy wits? Carajo, why should sailors break a game Of chess? Sautangel would detest Colombo, were he balked in conquering The king, as now he's like to do. iSant. — I willingly would lose a ganae of chess. To gratify Queen Isabella's wish. Kimi. — In faith, thou art a traitor, Don Sautangel Well, this compact do I make: — If I shall win this game, the audience will Be granted But Colombo's chance is small, For, see, my queen is lost. I cannot save her. Queen {Looking at hoard) — A queen may well Be given for a pawn, {pointing to a move) if then A king is conquered. King—^ovi, by our halidom, fair spouse, Colombo is in fortune. That small pawn Santangel gives, secures the game, my queen Her boon and grants Colombo audience. That is check, Santangel. Sant. — I yield, ray liege. The queen's advice Is always worth attention and will hold Regarding good Colombo, Queen — An omen of success, our royal spouse. That game stood for an empire, and the pawn Santangel gave will send Colombo To the west. Art ready to admit him? King — From smaller things than this Results of magnitude have followed. Bring the sailor in. {Exit Queen R ) Talav. {Aside') — That game has won Colombo's suit Mart. {Aside) — May curses rest upon the pawn That did it. But there still is left a chance To block Colombo's game. The king should be Reminded of the junta's verdict. Wilt thou speak? Talav. — And trust my head between The royal jaws? Nay, Martinez, 'twere height Of folly now to kick against the pricks. The queen is on her mettle. {Re-enter Queen with Colombo R.) Scene IV. COLOMBO. 27 Queen — Your majesty, this worthy sailor Stands before you, after years of waiting, Now to hear your final answer to his suit. Both France and England send him urgent word To visit them, and Henry craves that England Shall not fall behind when Spain And Portugal are running races for New territory far beyond the sea. Castile and Arragon can balk Him In his greed. What thinks your majesty? ICing — We frankly own it seems to us A game of chance, a dangerous game, to boot. We much desire to gratify our royal spous^e, And that weighs heavy in the scale. But, should we send forth shij)s to run The risks of that forbidding sea, Remorse would eat our lives if they should ne'er Return. What think ye, reverend fathers? (Talavera and Martinez approach) Talav. (^Meeting Queen's eye)— 'Twere best to hear What good Colombo has to say. King — Colombo hath already plead His cause, both in our presence and before The junta. But, if he hath still further Reasons good to add, we would be just And hear him. Senor Colombo, speak; Or hence forever hold thy peace. Col. — Your gracious Majesty of Arragon, And thou, most Christian lady, Sovereign of Castile, the weal of countless nations rests Upon your wisdom. {As if prophetically) I see before me, spread as by the hand of God, A,wondrous land, — fair islands in the sea, And continents extending farther than Swift thought can reach. I see rich fertile fields And mighty rivers rolling through Great valleys rich beyond compare. Still farther on I see a splendid city. Filled with busy thousands. Behold Its temples, towers and palaces, with roofs Of gold, and jewels sparkling in the sun. I see the people pouring forth, to worship,-^*- Not the God whom we adore, but images Of stone, and brass, and gold. I see the priests 28 COLOMBO. Act II. Before the altars, offering sacrifice To hideous, lifeless statues. Horrible, Most horrible to tell, the victims Offered to the idols bear the likeness Of the Lord of Hosts. The gleaming knife Descends and slays old men, young maids. And helpless babes, until the stones are laved With blood. — King Ferdinand, to thee. And to thy gracious spouse these innocents Are calling, and the Lord presents a work So grand that millions now unborn Will bless your names. To Christianize That heathen land will bring to Spain And you a greater glory than was gained By conquering Granada. Queen {Enthusiastically) — My sovereign spouse. How can you hesitate when such A glorious work is offered. King — This is a work on which the church Should speak. Will Father Martinez express What seems to him our duty? Fr. Mart. — At Salamanca, sire, the junta met, — The learned fathers of the church. Save one or two, they all pronounced this quest A wild chimera, dangerous to The public peace, the offspring of A weakened brain, unfit for your Consideration. I agreed with what My colleagues said. Queen {In anger) — Sir priest, 'twere well That you should know your place. We learned From several quarters how your malice showed Itself at Salamanca, where the learned Prior Deza well rebuked your insolence. Remember this, — Castile may whisper to His Holiness at Rome that Martinez Requires a change of climate. We do not need you further here today. {Exit Martinez R.) King {Smiling) — We see that Isabella has Made up her mind, and Ferdinand Would not oppose her wish. 'Twere well. Scene IV. COLOMIiO. 2'.> However, to consider that the state Is now impoverished by war. Queen — We ask no money from tlie treasury. The queen of old Castile can find the means To fit the expedition forth, if we Should pawn our jewels for this purpose. Will Arragon now join us in the work? King — Our royal spouse shall have our full Consent. It now remains to see if we Can fittingly arrange the terms. Senor Colombo, have you reconsidered Your determination? Col. — Your majesty, T cannot change My terms. I care not for myself, But I have registered a sacred vow That from the profits I may gain I shall equip an array to redeem The sepulchre of Christ in Palestine, And wrest it from the grasp of Islam. King — So be it then. The papers shall be signed. We now may give Santaugel chance For his revenge at chess. 8ant. {Kneeling to Queen) — Santangel never h^st A game with lighter heart than now. Queen {Smiling) — And queen was never givpu For pawn with such results. (Queen and Colombo Exeunt R ) ACT III. Scene I. — On board Ship at Sea. Colombo alone forward; men aft consulting. Col. — The men are ill at ease, And discontent is ripening into threats. The pilots, when the compass varied, Thought the laws of nature were reversed, {Consults chart. Sailor heard speaking.^ Sail. — You're right, my mate, we all Shall perish soon, if we go on. CoL — Three thousand miles from Spain, And we are near where Toscanelli placed 80 COLOMBO. Act Til. Cipango on his map, a thousand miles Beyond where any ship has ventured. Day by day the signs of land have been Increasing, till to me our near approach To far Cipango is as certain as That Palos is in Spain, (Pauses. Sailor heard af/aln) Sail. — Correct. He's mad, and none Will blame us if we turn back. Col. — And yet the threats of these Poor, frightened men may ripen into Action ere we reach the object of our quest. I am alone among these reckless sailors; — Nay, I'm not alone, [pointing ttpwards) for God Is here, and He can stay the wrath Of men and guide the faithful out Of darkness into light. (Panse) Sail. — That's the thing. Throw him Overboard and back we go. Col. — Till now I have sustained The strongest and restrained the weak From yielding to their fears. But now I well Can see that they have reached the limit Of obedience to my will. {Pause. ) Sail. — Tomorrow morning be it. Pedro, yon go talk with him. Col. — The darkness gathers and with that I feel assured the leading spirits will Demand that we return to Spain. Thay come^ And now the crisis is at hand. Sail. {Advancing) — Senor Colombo. Col. — Heuriquez Armatero, Admiral Colombo waits to hear you. Sail. — I speak for others here, as well As for myself We left our home.'*, our wives, And children far away in Spain, Because our queen so ordered. We have sailed For days and weeks beyond where men Have ever dared to go. Till now we have Obeyed your will and when tomorrow dawns Full seventy days will end since we Bade home farewell. But every sign of late Scene [. COLOMBO. 31 Has failed, and we refuse to sacrifice Our lives to gratify the wild Ambition of a raadraan. Col. — Henriqnez, I have borne with patience Many words and deeds which other men Would quick have punished. But there is A limit to endurance. Royal orders sent You forth, and royal power made me Your officer. Sign after sign has come To show that we are nearing land. Yet you, when triumph is at hand. Would tamely turn your backs. I speak not now As plain Colombo, but as vested with The power of Spain. Be frank and say What you demand and I as frankly will reply. Sail. — The sailors one and all demand That you give orders for immediate Return to Spain. Col. — The orders given thus would not Be mine, but yours. Sail. — We care not whose they are. Will yoit Comply, or not? Col. — Before tomorrow at this hour You'll see the land we seek. Sail. — That song, so often sung, has lost Its former charm. It does not answer Our demand. Col. — My answer, then, is this: — what you Demand is treason to your queen, And I will not comply. 'Tis useless now To murmur or to threaten more. The voyage shall continue till the work Demanded by the king and queen of Spain Is faithfully performed. Sail. — This is your final answer, then? Col. — Save this. Return to duty now At once and even this offence may yet Be pardoned. Sail. — Tomorrow, then, at break of day The vessel's prow will point to distant Spain, {Men retire, and Cohwihus again looks ahead) Col. — Ha! AVhat is thi& I see ahead? 32 COLOMBO. Act HI. A light! [Looking steadily) My eyes are not deceived. It. comes and goes, as if a boat at sea Were moving up and down upon the waves. Call Gutierrez here at once. {Excitement on hoard) Mayhaps, some man is walking 'mong The trees with lantern in his hand. Ha! Gutierrez, cans't thou see a distant light? (riit.--! see it, admiral, and moving to and fro. Col. — I feared my eyes deceived me. There, It blazed aloft and — now, 'tis gone. — Yes, it has disappeared. (To men) I saw A light ahead, and watched it here With Gutierrez, till it disappeared. Gut. — It seemed to move, but this May have been caused by movements Of our ship upon the waves. Col. — Good cheer from Heaven. Our prayers Are heard, for with the morning light The land of promise will refresh Our weary eyes. Praise God from whom All blessings flow. Rest those who can. For me, I cannot close my eyes tonight. My hope will be at last fulfilled. (Scene closes.) vScKNE II. — Strkkt in Cordova. Enter Manukl and BoBADr^LA R. Man — He may return. The unexpected Always ha|)pens, and it happens when 'Tis least expected. Who that saw the n)adn)ai» But a year ago, or heard the verdict Of the junta could have dreamed that what Has happened since would e'er take place? J^ob. — 'Tis over half a year since fron> the port Of Palos sailed the ships upon Their crazy venture. Thanks to your Well planned design, the Pinta sailed Unfit for sea. Before she reached the Azores Her rudder broke; but, v/hen we heard the news. We also heard that mad Colombo had Repaired the ship and, hurrying out Of port, escaped the cruisers sent by John Scene II. COLOMBO. Of Portugal, at hint from you, to capture there The crafty Genoese. 8ix months unheard Frora! Long ere now the ships have foundered. Man. — Attribute not to me the careful schemes Of Martinez. 'Twas he who planned The Pinta's fitting out; 'twas he who warned King John of Portugal; 'tis he whose hate Pursues Colombo Mine is centered on A higher mark. I leave Colombo's case to you And Martinez, though if ray help prove useful, You may count it yours, provided you will aid Me should I ask your service in return. Boh. — A bargain. Who is he That has incurred your anger? Man. — I am not one who peddles round The street his loves and hates. I keep My counsel hid within my heart And, shutting close the gates, conceal my wrongs And schemes of vengeance. But revenge Is none less dear that 'tis conceived In privacy, brought forth in pain Of cherished wrong, and nursed upon The milk of secret hate. Yet there are times When, like an angry ulcer, throbbing, Growing day by day, at last it bursts The swelling heart and, oozing forth. Demands the salve of sympathy. Lest madness wreck the sufferer's reason. Thus, good Bobadilla, suffer I tonight. I hate Garcia, hate him as a tiger hates A lion, — hate him as did Cassius hate Triumphant Csesar. What my reason? Through my life he stands for ever in my way. Ai school he faster ran and higher leaped Than I; at college he outdid the best I tried; Upon the battlefield his star shone brighter than Did mine. And now he beats me in the race Of love. We both have sought to win A lady's favor. He has gained her heart. And I her scorn. Dost wonder that I long, As Cassius did, to see my rival humbled? I would kneel and bless the fiend himself To see Garcia burning in a lake of fire. 34 COLOMBO. Act III. Hoh, — And I would give ten years Of life to see Colombo by his side. Man. — The fire of hate is burning up My soul, and I do crave for vengeance With a thirst that tortures every fibre Of my being. Fate has granted you your wish. Colombo lies beneath the sea, no more To vex you. But Garcia lives, And while he lives I know no peace, Nor will, until I pay him back in kind The suffering he has caused me. Bob. — Could I believe what you have said, And were Colombo lying 'neath a thousand Leagues of water, I should be content. Man. — What hath he done to bring Such hatred to your heart? Bob. — In one respect your case and mine Are not unlike. I loved and, as I thought, - Was loved by her whom I had chosen. He came here and she — Ah, well, Don Manuel, I too can hate and, if I live, I, too, will have revenge should he return. Meantime, how can I help you? Man. — A scheme is brewing in my brain. By which I can get even with my rival, If I find occasion. It is not Matured as yet, but when the time shall come Your help will be of value. — Hark! I hear The sound of voices. Enter Sidonia and Garcia L. Sidon. — Whom have we here? Ha! Bobadilla and Don Manuel, The fates are kinder than we hoped. Garc. — I thank the fates with all ray heart. For Atropos, I think, will find some work To do before these gentlemen and I Shall part. Don Manuel, we have accounts To settle, which are pressing in their nature. And before the sun shall rise our obligations Must be cancelled. Man. — No time more welcome than The present hour to Manuel. But I had thought The injuries were mine. Wherein can Don Scene III. COLOMBO. 35 Garcia claim a wrong received from Manuel? Garc. — The tables might more fitly be Reversed. Then would Don Manuel be asked How, when, or where Garcia injured him. But this is bootless. You have asked A question, and my answer is: — the trench At Malaga and Pablo Estiraado Earning there by treacherous blow The money paid him by a Spanish nobleman, To kill a Spanish soldier fighting 'gainst The Moors. To give this picture greater force, 'Tis said Don Manuel was he who paid The bribe and that Garcia was the man Whose murder was thus foully planned. Man. — Speak on, for here Don Manuel Declares this speech will be the last Those hated lips will utter. Garc. — I would have let this matter pass Had my poor life been all your dastard heart Desired. But when to this base deed A baser still was added, — when you aimed Envenomed shafts at still a nobler soul And, ignorant that good Colombo saved My life, you tried to have the world believe That he had done the coward deed for which You paid your tool, 'tis time the world should know Your utter baseness.Here, in the presence of These gentlemen, I call you villain, sunk Below the level of a cutthroat. Draw, And now defend yourself. ( They fight. Manuel falls pierced through the heart.) Garc. — So may all base detractors of The upright perish from the earth. {Exeunt Sidonia and Garcia L.) (BoBADiLLA carries o^' Manuel's body R.) Scene IH. — In front op Cathedral at Barcelona. King and Queen seated. Margarita, Talavera, Martinez, Santangel, Sidonia, Garcia and others, Discovered. King. — Make way for Admiral Colombo. 36 COLOMBO. Act III. Bring him to our presence. {Enter Coi-OMBO, followed by Indians, eto. L. King and Queen rise — an timcsical honor.) King — Don Admiral Colombo, Lord Viceroy Of the Indies, welcome back to Spain. (Colombo kneels to kiss their hands) ICinc/— Arise, Don Admiral. The king And queen of Spain require no further proof Of thy devotion to their service than The labors which have proved thy fealty. Be seated in our presence, while We listen to the wondrous story which Thou hast to tell. Queen — When last we saw thy face We knew not what might be the fate which then Awaited thee. A sea unvisited By European ships lay dark before Thee. Gloomy terrors hung across the vast Mysterious ocean. Europe waited in suspense Whilst thou wert gone. Thy quick return Has lifted from our royal hearts A heavy load and given to Spain A glory which exceeds that gained By any Christian nation in the past Or present. Isabella joins her royal Husband when he says we know Thy faithful service, and we wait to hear What wonders thou hast now to tell. Col — Your gracious and most potent Christian majesties, I bow with gratitude Before the throne of God, the infinite Creator of the universe and render Him Most humble and most hearty thanks For all his goodness. Next, I thank Your majesties for this great honor To your loyal servant, who, with grateful Heart sees now accomplished what Has been his dream for many years. My letters sent from Portugal And Palos have acquainted your Most gracious majesties with all the chief Events of this unequalled voyage. To me is given an honor never till to-day Scene III. COLOMBO. 37 Acquired by man, — to lay before the feet Of Spain an empire greater far than all - The kings and queens of Europe, if combined, Possess, — a territory whose vast boundaries Imagination cannot grasp. To you, your Christian majesties of Spain, I tender this new world, the gift of God Himself, the King of Kings, whose favor hath Enabled me to be His instrument In bringing out of darkness into light The hidden wonders of the great. Mysterious west. I kneel before you now, To pay my homage, as the representative Of fhose vast territories which you have Acquired by right of their discovery. {Kneels^ King. — Don Christopher Colombo, Admiral of theocean sea, viceroy And governor of all the islands late Discovered in the Indies, we now join With you in thanks to God Almighty, that He hath preserved you and our other Faithful subjects in those far-off seas. And brought you back in safety to Our presence. Ferdinand of Arragon '■ Now renders thanks to thee, Don Admiral, For thy fidelity to this great work Committed to thy charge, foi; thine Unparalleled devotion, faith and courage. We offer our congratulations on thy safe Return, and now, as king of Arragon, We humbly and most gratefully accept The new dominions which, by God's Great goodnes? and thy zealous faith. We have acquired. Queen.r— And Isabella, queen of fair Castile, and spouse of royal Ferdinand, Records in presence of the King of Kings, Her sense of thy great services to uy And all mankind; And we, the Sovereign Of Castile, in presence of our subjects here Assembled, do most reverently ascribe To God the glory of this great achievement. Which will stand forever as the most Illustrious triumph given to any man 88 COLOMBO. Act III. Or nation. Fully do we realize The great responsib'Iity now laid Upon our throne, to spread the Christian light Through those benighted lands, and to This glorious work we consecrate Our future life. But, Don Colombo, tell Us now what perils you encountered on the sea, And how you were received on your Arrival at the Indies. Col. — Most high, most noble and most Christian king and queen of Spain, When sailing west our voyage was serene; 'Twas when returning that we met with storms Which threatened our destruction. When we reached San Salvador the people fled. They thought Our ships enormous birds, and in their ey s Our men appeared as gods, and, knowing not Our purpose, hid themfeelves at first. At last they ventured near and, being Kindly treated, sought to worship us. Your majesties can see by those whom we Have brought along, that they are gentle And well-formed, but of a race entirely Different from any seen before. King. — Were fruits abundant there, and were There products of the soil in plenty? Col. — On every hand kind nature Smiled upon the guileless people, And with lavish hand poured blessings On their heads Hispaniola is an Eden. Fish of many kinds abound, and fruits Delicious to the taste are seen on every hand. The boats are called canoes, and these are made From single trees of size so great that one Canoe we saw so large it held two hundred men. King. —And climate, — how is that? Coi. — Surpassed by none in any part of Spaio. King. — Can gold be found where you Have sailed, good Don Colombo? Col. — In many places there were traces Of the precious metals, and one river I Have named del Oro by reason of the proofs That, up the stream, much gold eould there be found. Scene III. COLOMBO. 39 I heard that ten days' westward sail Would bring us to a country where Such quantities of gold exist that it is used For rcrofe of houses. Queen.-^From what you saw, is God, The true Jehovah, known among the people? Co/.— Your majesty, it grieves me much To say they know not God. Their gentle hearts Can easily be reached, and missionaries there Would find a fruitful field. I am convinced This is the purpose which the God of Ages had In view when He directed your most Gracious majesties to send me thither. Queen. — The will of God in this is evident, And we shall strive with all our might To have it carried out. But Don Colombo Must be tired, and we shall now excuse Him from attendance. To-morrow we Shall hear much more of all those wonders Which thine eyes have seen. ( Curtain.) ACT IV. Scene I. — Room in Governor's House, at San Do- mingo. BOBADILLA AT TABLE, CENTRE, GUEVARA IN ATTENDANCE. DISCOVERED. £ob. — The ships will put to sea To-morrow with the dawn. Are all the new Indictments 'gainst Colombo Ready to be signed? Guev. — Most noble governor, they all Are ready for your honored signature. Sob. — Produce them, then, at once. {Exit Guev. L.) The madman's race is nearly run at last. No better fortune could have come to me Than this. The cipher which he wrote contains • Enough to hang him. It shall go to Spain With other evidences of his guilt, And Martinez will use them all To fitting purpose. Little did I think The night that Manuel was slain, 40 COLOMBO. Act IV. Or later still, when Ferdinand despatched The mountebank the second time, With greater honors than before, that I So soon would have my full revenge. {Re enter Guevara with papers. L.) Giiev. — Most noble governor. The happy people sing your praise On every, hand. But many threats are made That, if a chance is given, they Will kill Colombo. Bob. — He well deserves to suffer at Their hands the punishment his cruelty Has earned. But they must let the law Pursue its course. It were not well that be Should suffer death while in my hands. The king might, take it ill, and throw The blame on me. No, this we must prevent. Send f«)r Villejo, captain of the ship. And he shall'ta,ke his prisoner on board to-night. When thou hast sent the messenger to bring V-leji here, then go and bring Colombo. I would speak with him. {Exit Guevara, i.) I'll see how high the mountebank will hold His head, with iron chains about his neck. Instead of gold. {Begins to sign papers. After pause Guevara enters, with Colombo in chains. 72.*) Bob. — Guevara, you may go at present. But be ready when I call, to bring The prisoner back into his cell. {Exit Gtrevara. X.) Colombo, how do'st like the ornaments Which I have placed around thy neck? Art satisfied? Col. — A petty soul rejoices in misfortune. God is just, and will repay thee for degrading Thus a man who never injured thee. Bob. — Have never injured mef If I Could load thee down with chains until Their weight would bend thee to the earth; — If I could make thee thirst, like Tantalus, With water ever near thy lips; — If I could sear your flesh from head To foot with iron heated white: — Scene I. COLOMBO. 41 If I could tear your eyes from out Their sockets, break each bone in your Foul body, wrench your heart from out Your breast, and feed it to the dogs; — In short, if I could now invent A punishment so exquisite That even hell would stand appalled, — All this would I perform, because I hate thee. Col. (Amazed) — What have I done to thee That I should merit this? The iiend himself Could not be more remorseless. And yet I know not how I ever injured thee. £ob. — For years my soul has longed To crush thee. Once my arm was raised To strike thee dead; — another time I passed Thee on the street and would have killed thee; But ere the blow was struck she came Between us, and my hand was stayed. Col. {Con founded ) — She! Who was she? J^ob. — The woman whom I loved. For whom I would have sold my soul, And who, if you had not appeared, had been My wife— Beatrix Henriquez. Col. — Beatrix! Then, I praise the living God That she escaped a fate which would Have linked her to a human fiend. I now do know the reason why You hate me. But may God have pity on This wretched island when a thing like thee Has life or death within its power. May God have mercy on the people here. {Knocking at door) Hob. — Come in. {Enter Guevara L. Guev. — Most noble governor. The Senor Villejo waits thy pleasure. Bob. — Go bring him hither. {Exit Guevara L.) {To Colombo) The king will have no mercy On thy filthy carcass. If I dared, I'd quarter thee before the people whom Thou hast so deeply injured. ( Ville,)o has entered with Guevara and heard the last sentence.) Bob. {Seeing VUlejo) — Guevara, take 42 COLOMBO. Act IV. This murdering villain from my presence. ( Villejo looks at Colombo toith profound sympathy. Their eyes tneet. Colombo smiles resiynedly and exit R.) Bob. — Villejo, I am told the people Threaten to revenge their siifi'erings, By slaying that old tyrant when The darkness comes. T would not have This .'lappen while he's on this island, Although he merits death, with torture, too. I wish the king to judge his case. Convey him, then, and all the other prisoners On board your ship at once. F^7/.— Don Bobadilla, I will do i\s you direct. But, if the people threaten. Guards will be required. Sob. — I'll order out the troops. Be sure that this arch-fiend gets No indulgence on the ship. Perhaps,^ Before he reaches Spain the other fiend Will claim his own. How long before you will Be ready to receive him? Vill. — In half an hour. But, Senor Bobadilla, Here I wish to say you are inflicting Needless hardships on this old, defenceless man; And, if I do n(»t miss the mark, the king Will not indorse the course you take In sending Admiral Colombo 'cross The ocean chained, as now he is. Bob. — I take it that you enter, sir, Where angels fear to tread. Much more of this. And you yourself will go to Spain in chains. Vill — The angels meant must smell Of sulphur, for the other kind Will never visit you. If vou dislike my words, The remedy of gentlemen, if you do know What such a title means, is at your service. _ [Exit ViLLE.TO L.) ScENii: II. — Street ix Granada. Enter Garcia and Margarita R. Gcvrc. — Sweet Margarita mia, Scene II. COLOMBO. 43 Jacob waited seven years for Rachel; Then was cheated, and again he waited Seven years. Am I to be like Jacob? I will to the queen rayself, and on my knees Will plead with her to let me have my own. Marg. — Alonzo, if you dare to kneel To any other woman than myself, You'll pay a penance heavier far Than Jacob did for Rachel. Garc. — What penance could be heavier than that? Marg. — I'll keep you kneeling at my feet Until your hair is gray, and then I'll say You are too old to marry. Garc. — No penance that. I'd see your face. And hear your voice. Instead of penance, paradise Is held before ray eyes. I'll dye my hair, And thus until I die myself I'll gaze Into the eyes of her I love. I'll to The queen at once. Marg. — Small comfort that when I grow old And wrinkled. But the penance will Be greater still. I'll tie your tongue, — A punishment would kill a man in love. To make it stronger, I will blind your eyes, For then Alonzo cannot make me blush When feasting mine with gazing on his face. But here comes Beppo, He will teach me how To make you patient. {Enter Beppo L ) Here Beppo, tell me if you ever were in love. Bep. — In love! Ah, yes; I love Colombo. Marg. — No, no: good Beppo, that is not The kind of love I mean. It is the silly kind. Which some men give to women. {Looking archly at Garcia.) Were you ever thus in love, good Beppo. Sep. —Yes, even I was foolish once. I loved a witch. Marg. {Starting') — A witch! Good Beppo, what Is this you say? A witch! And did the creature Truly then bewitch you? Will you tell What looked she like? Mep. — Fair Donna Margarita, no offence Is meant; but, if my memory serves me right, 44 COLOMBO. Act IV She looked like you. Marg. — Like me! How dare you say she looked Like me, if she was hut a witch? Good Beppo, do you tijink that I Look like a witch? Bep. — She looked like you, because, Like you, she was so beautiful. Marg. — And yet you say she was a witch. T^ep. — I knoxc she was a witch. Marg. — How do you know, good Beppo? Bep. — Because I know that she bewitched myself. Marg. — Well, how did she bewitch you, Beppo? Bep. — As lovely women always do bewitch The men, — as you bewitch the Don Garcia. Garc. — I thank you, Beppo, for the truth You speak. I am bewitched and, what is more, I love the witch who has bewitched me. When the spell was laid on you How did you break it? Bej:) — I wedded fast the witch. And then the spell was broken quick. It very often is. Marg. — Thou art a traitor, Beppo. This is what The Don Garcia wishes now, and I Prefer the spell to bold. Bep. — Some witches are themselves bewitched. In these the charms they hold grow stronger when They wed the man bewitched. If both are 'neatb The spell, the charms increase as years roll on. Garc. — This suits my case in every jot. I never heard a cure so clearly to ray liking. I am ready now — this very hour, to have The witch increase her charms by wedding me. Marg. — 'Tis well the witch has royal friends. For Beppo will not help her. Bep. — I learned the witch's art and found A remedy that's always round. If this the witch will always wear. Her victim long the spell will bear. Marg. — Pray name it, Be,>po. Bep. — A wedding ring. , Scene III. COLOMBO. 45 Marg. — False Beppo, I had thought You were my frieud. Bep. — It is because I am your friend I wish the spell a happy end. Garc. — Sweet Margarita mine, the queen Will find another maid. You have confessed That she has looked with favor on ray suit, And hence will not oppose our union. Beppo, here, has pleaded well my cause, And in his presence I, too, plead That you at once will name the day. Marg. (^Blioshing) — I leave it to the queen to say. Garc. — I am content. Good Beppo, by your aid I gain my suit. I'm more your debtor now, For once you dragged me back to life. And now your spell wins me a wife. Sep. — Poor Beppo, then, a heavy load must carry, If he has helped a single man to marry; The only hope he has to be forgiven Is, if he chance to meet the two in heaven. {Exit Beppo L.) Marg. — How can we prove that Beppo's in the wrong? Garc. — By living happy as the day is long. {Exeunt li) Scene III.— Reception Room in Royal Palace AT Granada King and Queen standing before their thrones, Colombo kneeling before King. Courtiers and Attendants. Discovered. King. — Don Admiral Colombo, welcome back To Spain. We grieve to hear our royal orders have Been wantonly infringed, to thy great detriment. Arise. Thy services have had but poor Requital, if what we hear be true. {Colombo, sobbing, kneels before Qneen>\ Queen {Deeply agitated.^ — Don Admiral Colombo, Royal tears are seldom shed before the world, And royal hearts are said to be of adamant; But royalty is human after all. And suffering such as yours brings tears To royal eyes, unlocks the tide of human 46 COLOMBO. Act IV Sympathy in Isabella's heart, And makes the queen of Spain a womcoi. Don Christopher Colombo, rise and let Us hear the story of your wrongs. ( Colombo rises and stejjs down from dais.') King {Flushing.) — What means that chain around Thy neck, Don Admiral Colombo? When the tidings came of what had taken place Our orders were that you should be unmanacled. Col. — Your gracious majesty, your orders were Obeyed, and I was freed. But, in my deep Disgrace and sorrow, I had vowed that I Would wear this chain into the royal presence. To remind me of the instability Of human glory, and to show Your majesties how inhumanity Of man to man can break a bruised heart. Queen — Remove the chain, Don Admiral, And hand it to a servant of the household. Col. — Your pardon, gracious queen; But I have also vov/ed before the Lord That I would keep this chain forever As an heirloom. {Removes chain and places it on the floor beside him) Queen — A vow is sacred. Yours shall be Respected. Now proceed, and tell us how This shameful deed was done. Col. — Your gracious and most Powerful majesties, to tell of all That's happened in the Indies would Take many hours. 'Twould weary yoir, I wrote a full account of all events Which most concern the public welfare. Both in fair Hispaniola and the other Islands. This I leave in your possession. That a clearer comprehension of the facts May thus be gathered. King — 'Tis well. Now state in what condition Matters were at your departure. Col. — Your gracious majesties, 'tis right That you should know at once the dangers which Have sprung from Bobadilla's course. Arriving there without conception Scene IIL COLOMBO. 47 Of the ueeds of such a country he at oace Assumed that everythinj;^ that I had done Was wrong. Unfortunately many persons Of the lowest sort, both criminals A-od idle vagabonds, had gone From every part of Spain, expecting They could gather gold without exertion. Disappointed in their hopes, they robbed The natives, carried off their women and Committed outrages too vile to name. The leaders organized and soon defied Authority on every hand. Most rigorous Measures were required, and thus to painful acts Your viceroy then was driven. Hunting down Their armed bands we caught the leaders, and Of them made stern examples. Some were hanged And, when Don Bobadilla reached the scene, On either side the river hung the body of A leader in the insurrection which had been Completely quelled. Accepting this as proof Of cruelty of mine he did not then, or since. Investigate the facts as you had ordered him To do. He read his royal letters patent, Ordering me to render up the public Property at once. King — The royal orders were: — first, That he should make a fair investigation; — The second was, if guilt in those who wore Authority were found, that he should then Proclaim his royal license to be governor. And third, if need arose, that he should Supersede yourself. Col — Your royal majesties are noted For your love of justice and your wisdom; But, with most profound respect For royal sapience, your servant humbly Would submit, — you offered great temptation, When you gave together both the power to make Investigation and to supersede. King — We see it now. Proceed, Don Admiral. Col. — He superseded me at once, Then filled your royal letters blank, and sent Them to the rebels, greeting them 48 COLOMBO. Act IV. With special favor, and inviting thera To corue to San Domingo, which at once Was filled with villains., thieves and cutthroats. I was absent, but was ordered to appear Before him and, on doing so, was loaded down With chains and got no hearing. King — An outrage too atrocious To be overlooked. Strict justice shall be done. Col. — Your gracious majesties, no royal act Can ever wipe away the shame which I Have suffered, nor can punishment Of others e'er atone for what I have Endured while loaded with these chains. Indignities befitting criminals Of vilest stamp, were heaped upou the head Of him who gave to Spain the greatest Empire that the world contains. Your royal majesties, in this I make no boast. The time was ripe for God's beneficent Regard for those benighted creatures In the western seas, to take full shape, And I was made the instrument To execute His will. I waited patiently For many years, to do the work to me assigned. The great discovery came. Castile And Arragou have won an empire; — Colombo — shame, disgrace, dishonor. Who should bear the blame I know not. I am weak and am not free from faults. I may have erred, but in the sight of God, Who knows the inmost thoughts of human hearts, I here declare that never knowingly have I Been false to duty, never had one thought Disloyal to the highest interests of the king And queen of Spain. No matter what May henceforth come to me, while life shall last I ever shall remember all the kindness which Your majesties have heaped upon me. Queen — Don Admiral Colombo, words are weak When hearts are full. We blush that Spain Has been the cause of pain unmerited By such a noble soul. But Spain is not Ungrateful, and our royal aim shall be To prove that we esteem what thou hasi done Scene III. COLOMBO. 49 For Spain and for the human race. ( The king and queen here rise from their thrones and descend steps of dais. Coloinbo kneels and the queen takes his hand.) Queen — Of this be well assured, — that he, Who so misrepresented our authority, And, with the malice of a petty spirit, has Dishonored thee and thus disgraced the throne Of Spain, shall be himself divested Of the power he knows not how to use. We further pledge our royal word that all Thy property shall be restored and thou Thyself be reinstated in thy dignities, So nobly won. The queen of old Castile Calls Don Colombo — friend. Col. — Colombo's service and his prayers "For ever and for ever shall be yours." Curtain. COSTUMES. King: — Crimson Spanish dress, velvet purple robe, trimmed with ermine, crown and jewels, white shoes. (In chess game scene, no robe, nor crown.) Colombo: — First dress; — plain black Spanish dress, with shabby black cloak, hat without feather, black shoes. Second dress, — Scarlet Spanish dress, white cloak trim- med with gold, black hose and scarlet shoes with buckles, hat with feather, sword. Sidonia: — Purple Spanish dress, dark green cloak trimmed with gold spangles, purple hose, russet shoes, buckles, hat, sword. Garcia: — Golden brown Spanish dress, yellow cloak trimmed with silver spangles, brown hose, buckles, russet shoes, hat, sword. Manuel: — Green Spanish dress, gold colored cloak, green hose, scarlet shoes, buckles, hat, sword. Bobadilla: — Black Spanish dress, scarlet cloak trira- nied with black fur, black hose, buckles, hat, sword. Santangel: — Blue Spanish dress trimmed with lace, white cloak, trimmed with silver spangles, white shoes, buckles, hat, sword. Gutierrez — :Gray Spanish suit, gray hose, black shoes, buckles, hat. Guevara: — Plain brown Spanish suit, hose, shoes, buckles. Beppo: — Plain brown suit, plain gray cloak, brown "hose, cobbler's apron, black shoes, hat. Talavera, Martine'/, Perez and Deza: — All dressed as Franciscans. Queen: — First dress: — Handsome light blue brocaded silk house dress, trimmed with lace, jewelry, blue satin slippers. Second dress: — Salmon brocaded satin dress, with jewelled trimmings, white robe trimmed with ermine and spangles, crown, jewels — slippers to match dress. Margarita: — Pink silk house gown, trimmed with white lace, jewelry, slippers to match dress. Second dress: — Dark green silk walking dress, deep cardinal cloak with spangled trimmings, black lace mantilla for head dress, shoes to match dress. Xt07 ^ COLOMBO, A Drama in Four Acts, BY A. E. ROSS, Descriptive of the Struggles and Triumphs OF THE DISCOVERER OF AMERICA. PRICE 25 CENTS. ARGUS STEAM PRINT, ALPENA, MICH. 1895. ...J 5 ^ ^^0^ i >^ .. Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide ^- Treatment Date: Oct. 2009 * Ol^* '^ '-""^'l^^ * '^* A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATIOK . „ , /'.v VV ♦^*y'«^* ^ 111 Thomson Park Drive • A ^/, ••* *V Cranberry Township, PA 16066 /•O O*""* O -X* . • •■ ' (724)779-2111 'o ^v^ PreservationTechnologies « <&J^ A WORLD LEADER IN COLLECTIONS PRESERVATION <^ . •* oo S <^^ .t.«^ ''<^. n"^ ,o«o- '^^ '. "'^^o^ oV'^^^a"'- ^^^ -»^>,* '"^^ o WERT OOKBINOINC Crantv«le, Pa ;pp;-Oc( 1985 x^^'^ ^ ^