they would equip another expedition, he stood ready to promise them any
quantity of gold, drugs, and cotton, as well as legions of people to be
converted to Christianity.

Indeed, he went much further, and made a solemn vow that he, from his
own personal profits in the discovery, would furnish, within seven
years, an army of four thousand horse and fifty thousand foot for the
purpose of reclaiming the Holy Sepulchre! Imagine a man pledging this,
just because he had gathered a few gold bracelets! And yet, as he stood
there in all the glamour of the court, with a whole nation regarding him
as a wonder, he was so carried away by the situation that he probably
actually saw himself leading a triumphant crusade! As for the king and
queen, so deeply affected were they that they fell on their knees then
and there and poured forth their thanks to God.

The good Bartolome de las Casas (the priest who devoted his life to the
Indians) was present and has described this memorable interview.
Columbus, he says, was very dignified and very impressive with his snow-
white hair and rich garments. A modest smile flitted across his face "as
if he enjoyed the state and glory in which he came." When he approached
the monarchs, they arose to greet him as though he were the greatest
hidalgo in the land; and when he dropped on his knee to kiss their
hands, they bade him rise and seat himself in their presence. Surely
this was a great day for the humble Genoese sailor. He was _Don_
Cristobal henceforth, with the right to select a noble coat of arms. For
his sake his brothers Bartholomew and Diego (James) were to receive
appointments, and his son Diego was to be brought to court and educated.
Then, after securing the welfare of these members of his family,
Columbus wrote to his old father, the wool-comber in Genoa, and sent him
some money.