influence so largely, Fonseca's character had in it but little of the mild
and forbearing spirit of Christianity. A shrewd man of business, a hard
task-master, an implacable enemy, he displayed, during his long
administration of Indian affairs, all the qualities of an unscrupulous
tyrant, and was instrumental in inflicting on the islanders keener
miseries than ever have been brought by conqueror upon a subject race.


HOME OF THE GOLD.

Jealous of the rivalry of Portugal, the sovereigns took every means of
hastening the preparations for a second voyage to be undertaken by the
admiral. Twelve caravels and five smaller vessels were made ready, and
were laden with horses and other animals, and with plants, seeds, and
agricultural implements for the cultivation of the new countries.
Artificers of various trades were engaged, and a quantity of merchandize
and gaudy trifles, fit for bartering with the natives, were placed on
board. There was no need to press men into the service now; volunteers for
the expedition were only too numerous. The fever for discovery was
universal. Columbus was confident that he had been on the outskirts of
Cathay, and that the scriptural land of Havilah, the home of gold, was not
far off. Untold riches were to be acquired, and probably there was not one
of the 1500 persons who took ship in the squadron that did not anticipate
a prodigious fortune as the reward of the voyage. Nor was one of the great
objects of these discoveries uncared for. Twelve missionaries, eager to
enlighten the spiritual darkness of the western lands, were placed under
the charge of Bernard Buil, a Benedictine monk, who was specially
appointed by the Pope, in order to ensure an authorized teaching of the
faith, to superintend the religious education of the Indians.