COLUMBUS. I'm glad to hear you say that, Captain.
RIVERRA. My ship is in the harbor now, and I must go. But I wish you well,
Columbus, I wish you well.
[_Columbus, throwing his maps on the stone bench near gates, takes
Riverra's hands in his. The Jester creeps up, takes maps, runs into the
court with them, and disappears._]
COLUMBUS (_with feeling_). I thank you, Captain--so few believe in me--
KING. Come now within, Columbus; I'll look at your maps and charts.
[_Riverra goes._]
COLUMBUS (_turning to take up maps_). Why, how is this! My maps were here
but just a moment ago!
KING. Who saw his maps?
(_Pause._)
The Courtiers are silent, sir.
COLUMBUS. I laid them there, sire!
KING. Then there they should be.
COLUMBUS. Some one has taken them--'t is a joke--
KING (_interrupting_). My Courtiers do not play jokes in my presence.
COLUMBUS. Those maps and charts are precious to me, sire!
KING. Come, now, I'm not so sure you ever had maps or charts.
COLUMBUS. Your Majesty!
KING. Well, produce them.
COLUMBUS. But, sire,--
KING (_interrupting_). I'll not hear excuses! Your maps, sir,--at once,
sir!
COLUMBUS. I'll make other maps and charts--
KING.
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