We are lost, men!
SECOND SAILOR. What shall we do?
ALL SAILORS. What shall we do? What shall we do?
[_As their anger turns to despair, Columbus is touched._]
COLUMBUS. Listen, men,--I make you this promise: if we do not see land
within three days, we will return to Spain.
CAPTAIN. There, now,--that's a fair promise! Go now to your duties!
COLUMBUS. And let every man watch for land as he has never watched before!
SAILORS (_pleased_). Aye, aye, sir!
[_Sailors cross to a distant part of deck._]
COLUMBUS (_sadly_). Alas for my plans and my hopes, if these three days
bring not land!
[_He talks aside with the Captain._]
FIRST SAILOR. We were too easily won over, men.
SECOND SAILOR (_nodding_). Fearful things may happen to us in these three
days!
THIRD SAILOR. Suppose we reach the edge to-morrow!
FOURTH SAILOR. Suppose the sea-monster should come for us to-night!
ALL SAILORS. Aye! Aye!
FIRST SAILOR (_cautiously_). Come closer, men! There's something I would
say to you!
[_Sailors close about him; Captain goes._]
FIRST SAILOR (_pointing to Columbus, who stands in bow looking at the
stars_). Why should he not fall into the seas to-night?
SECOND SAILOR.
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