something meant for a picture of a beast and a tree.

We sailed west by south this day and the next. No more man-wrought
driftage came our way, but other signs multiplied. We saw many birds,
the water was strangely warm and clear, when the wind blew toward us it
had a scent, a tone, that cried land breeze! Then came by a branch with
yellow flowers, and upon one a butterfly. After this none doubted, not
Fernando nor any. "Gold flowers--gold flowers--gold, gold!"

This night we lay by so that we should not slip past land in the
darkness. When day came there showed haze south and west. A gentle wind
sang in our rigging. On board the _Santa Maria_, the Pinta and the
Nina all watched for land. Excitement and restlessness took us all.
The Admiral's eyes burned like deep gray seas. I could read in them the
images behind. _Prester John and the Release of the Sepulchre. The Grand
Khan a tributary Prince. Argosies of gold, silk and spices, sailing
steady, sailing fast over a waterway unblocked by Mahound and his
soldans. All Europe burning bright, rising a rich Queen. Holy Church
with_ _another cubit to her stature. Christopherus Columbus, the
Discoverer, the Enricher, the Deliverer! Queen Isabella, and on her
cheeks a flush of gratitude; all the Spanish court bowing low. All
the friends, the kindred, all so blessed! Sons, brothers; Genoa, and
Domenico Colombo clad in velvet, dining with the Doge_.

Dolphins were all about us; once there rose a cry from the mariners that
they heard singing over the waves. We held breath and listened, but if
they were sirens they ceased their song. But at eve, the sky pale gold,
the water a sapphire field, we ourselves sang mightily our "_Salve
Regina_."

The Admiral would speak to us. Now all loved him, with golden India
rising to-morrow from the sea, with his wisdom proving itself! He had
this eve a thrilling voice. God had been good to us; who could say
other? This very eve, at Palos, they thought of us. At Santa Maria de
la Rabida, chanting vesper hymn, they prayed for us also. In Cordova the
Queen prayed. In Rome, the Holy Father had us in mind. Would we lessen
ourselves, disappointing so many, and very God, grieving very Christ?
"No! But out of this ship we shall step on this land to come, good men,
true men, servants and sons of Christ in His kingdom. This night, in
India before us, men sigh, 'We weary of our idols! Why tarrieth true
God?' There the learned think, bending over their map