_]
KING. Silence! Columbus, I've a mind to listen, and give you ships and
money. Have you maps and charts to prove your plans?
COLUMBUS (_taking maps from cloak_). Yes, sire.
KING. Wait, then, till I have spoken with my Courtiers.
[_Columbus bows, retires, and unrolls maps._ CAPTAIN RIVERRA _crosses to
Columbus; talks with him aside._]
KING (_speaking softly to Courtiers_). You know, my Courtiers, that should
there be new lands, great glory will be given the discoverer of them.
FIRST COURTIER. Aye, sire, 't will bring him great honor.
SECOND COURTIER. And riches.
KING. 'T is I, and I alone, who should have the honor and the riches!
FIRST COURTIER. Aye, sire!
SECOND COURTIER. Aye, sire!
THIRD COURTIER. But nothing can be done without the Italian's maps and
charts. No one but he knows the route over the unknown seas.
KING. Well, we must have his maps and charts.
FIRST COURTIER. He'll not sell them, sire. You may depend on that.
KING. And we'll not buy them. Go, bid my fool take them.
(_Courtiers showing surprise._)
Go, I say, and see to it!
[_Courtiers talk aside with Jester._]
RIVERRA (_to Columbus_). I wish you well, sir, for I believe that what you
say is true.
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