" Apocrypha, 2 Esdras vi. 42, 47.] any one by sailing due west must
surely come to land. So clear was his own vision of this land that he
almost saw it as he spoke; and his eloquence made his hearers almost see
it too. One after another they nodded their approval, and approval had
never before been won when he addressed a Spanish audience. But when
Archbishop Talavera, who was spokesman for King Ferdinand, asked the
would-be discoverer what reward he expected in case his voyage was
successful, the answer was so unexpected that nearly every man in the
room was indignant.
This answer is worth looking into carefully if one is to understand why
the Spanish nobility thought that Columbus drove a hard bargain. He
demanded of their Highnesses,
_First_: That he should be made Admiral over all seas and
territories he might discover, the office to continue for life and to
descend to his heirs forever, with all its dignities and salaries.
_Second_: That he should be made Viceroy and Governor-General of
all new territories, and should name the officers under him.
_Third_: That he should have one tenth part of all merchandise,
pearls, precious stones, gold, silver, or spices acquired by trade,
discovery, or any other method.
_Fourth_: That if any controversy or lawsuit should arise over such
goods, he or his officer should be the only judge in the matter.
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