Ecclesiastical Revenues in Arragon. She exclaimed, "I undertake the
enterprise for my own crown of Castile, and will pledge my jewels to
raise the necessary funds!"

This was the proudest moment in the life of Isabella, as it stamped her
as the patroness of the great discovery.

Saint Angel assured her there was no necessity for pledging her jewels,
and expressed his readiness to advance seventeen thousand florins. A
messenger was dispatched to bring back the navigator, with the assurance
that all he desired would be granted; and so, turning the reins of his
mule, he hastened back with joyful alacrity to Santa Fe, confiding in
the noble probity of the Queen.

Articles of agreement were drawn up by the royal secretary at once.
Columbus was to have for himself during his life, and his heirs and
successors for ever, the office of admiral of all lands and continents
which he might discover.

Secondly: He was to be viceroy and governor-general over them.

Thirdly: He was to be entitled to receive for himself one-tenth of all
pearls, precious stones, gold, silver, spices, and all other articles
and merchandise obtained within this admiralty.

Fourthly: He or his lieutenant was to be the sole judge in all cases and
disputes arising out of traffic between those countries and Spain.

Fifthly: He might then, and at all after times, contribute an eighth
part of the expense in fitting out vessels to sail on this enterprise,
and receive one-eighth part of the profit.

The latter engagement he fulfilled through the assistance of the Pinzons
of Palos, and added a third vessel to the armament.

Thus, one-eighth of the expense attendant on this grand expedition,
undertaken by a powerful nation, was actually borne by the individual
who conceived it, and who likewise risked his life on its success.

The capitulations were afterwards signed by Ferdinand and Isabella on
the 17th of April, 1492, when, in addition to the above articles,
Columbus and his heirs were authorised to prefix the title of Don to
their names.

It was arranged that the armament should be fitted out at the port of
Palos, Columbus calculating on the co-operation of his friends Martin
Alonzo Pinzon and the Prior of the convent.

Both Isabella and Columbus were influenced by a pious zeal for effecting
the great work of salvation among the potentates and peoples of the
lands to be discovered. He expected to arrive at the extremity of the
ocean, and to open