The Episode of the Vega of Grenada

The argument of Columbus before Queen Isabella of Spain, which took place at Santa Fe, in the Vega, or plain, of Granada, is recorded by Vinet:

Isabella. And so, Don Gomez, it is your conclusion that we ought to dismiss the proposition of this worthy Genoese.

Don Gomez. His scheme, your Majesty, seems to me fanciful in the extreme; but I am a plain matter-of-fact man and do not dream dreams or see visions.

Isabella. And yet Columbus has given us cogent reasons for believing that it is practicable to reach the eastern coast of India by sailing in a westerly direction.

Don Gomez. Admitting that his theory is correct, namely, that the earth is a sphere, how would it be possible for him to return up hill?

Columbus. Will your Majesty allow me to suggest that if the earth is a sphere, the same laws of adhesion and motion must operate at every point on its surface, and the objection of Don Gomez would be quite as valid against our being able to return after crossing the strait of Gibraltar.

Don Gomez. This gentleman, then, would have us believe the monstrous absurdity that there are people on the earth who are our antipodes, who walk with their heads down like flies on a ceiling.

Columbus. But, your Majesty, if there is a law of attraction which makes matter gravitate to the earth and prevents its flying off into space, may not this law operate at every point on the round earth's surface?

Isabella. Truly, it seems so to me, and I perceive nothing absurd in the notion that this earth is a globe floating or revolving in space.

Don Gomez. Were I not fearful of offending your Majesty I would quote what the great Lactantius says.

Isabella. Let us have the quotation.

Don Gomez. "Is there any one so foolish," he asks, "as to believe that there are antipodes with their feet opposite to ours, that there is a part of the world where all things are topsy-turvy, where trees grow with their branches downward, and where it rains and hails and snows upward?"

Columbus. Your Majesty, I have already answered this objection. If there are people on the earth who are our antipodes, it should be remembered that we are theirs also.

Don Gomez. Really, that is the very point, your Majesty, wherein we matter-of-fact men abide by our senses. We know that we are not walking with our heads downward.

Isabella. To cut short this discussion, you think that the enterprise which the Genoese proposes is unworthy of our serious consideration, and that his theory of an unknown shore to the westward is a fallacy.

Don Gomez. Speculation, mere speculation, your Majesty. When this gentleman can bring forward some solid facts that will induce plain matter-of-fact men to risk their money in such an enterprise it will then be time enough for royalty to give it heed.

Isabella. You bring forward no argument, Don Gomez, why Isabella should not give heed to this great and glorious scheme. Ay, sir, though it should fail, I am resolved to test it, if there is money in the treasury, and that forthwith.

Don Gomez. Your Majesty will excuse me if I remark that I have it from your royal consort himself that the finances are so exhausted by the late wars that he cannot consent to advance the necessary funds for fitting out an expedition of the kind proposed.

Isabella. Be mine, then, the privilege; I will assume this undertaking for my own crown of Castile, and am ready to pawn my jewels for the success of the enterprise.

Columbus. Your Majesty shall not repent your heroic resolve. I will return and lay at your feet such a jewel as never queen wore, an imperishable fame-a fame that shall couple with your memory the benedictions of millions yet unborn, in climes yet unknown to civilized men.