Legend of "the Island of Seven Cities.'

This legend was one of the popular traditions current at the time of Columbus.

It relates, that, at the conquest of Spain and Portugal by the Moors, the inhabitants fled in every direction to escape from slavery. Seven bishops, followed by a large number of people, took ships, and abandoned themselves to their fate upon the high-seas. After tossing about for some time, they landed on an island in the midst of the ocean.

The bishops burned the ships, to prevent desertion on the part of their followers, and founded seven cities on the island.

This mysterious island is said to have been visited by navigators, who, however, were never permitted to leave it.

It was said to abound in gold, and to have had many magnificent houses and temples and high towers, which shone at a great distance.