he proposed to give Columbus the direction of four vessels which he
had in the harbor of Cadiz. But, of a sudden, he changed his mind. The
enterprise was so vast, he said, that it should be under the direction
of the crown. And, without losing confidence in it, he gave to Columbus
an introduction to the king and queen, in which he cordially recommended
him to their patronage.

This king and queen were King Ferdinand of Aragon, and Queen Isabella of
Castile. The marriage of these two had united Spain. Their affection for
each other made the union real, and the energy, courage and wisdom of
both made their reign successful and glorious. Of all its glories the
greatest, as it has proved, was connected with the life and discoveries
of the sailor who was now to approach them. He had been disloyally
treated by Portugal, he had been dismissed by Genoa. He had not
succeeded with the great dukes. Now he was to press his adventure upon
a king and queen who were engaged in a difficult war with the Moors, who
still held a considerable part of the peninsula of Spain.

The king and queen were residing at Cordova, a rich and beautiful city,
which they had taken from the Moors. Under their rule Cordova had been
the most important seat of learning in Europe. Here Columbus tarried at
the house of Alonso de Quintinilla, who became an ardent convert to
his theory, and introduced him to important friends. By their agency,
arrangements were made, in which Columbus should present his views to
the king. The time was not such as he could have wished. All Cordova was
alive with the preparation for a great campaign against the enemy. But
King Ferdinand made arrangements to hear Columbus; it does not appear
that, at the first hearing, Isabella was present at the interview. But
Ferdinand, although in the midst of his military cares, was interested
in the proposals made by Columbus. He liked the man. He was pleased by