CHAP, i.] WEST INDIES. 133 



the same period, were veiled in equal darkness, or 

 consigned to everlasting oblivion: happier still, if their 

 splendour had been transmitted to posterity through a 



if I chance to have a coffin or grave j for I would have the remembrance of 

 so unjust an action perish with me, and, for the glory of the Spanish name, 

 be eternally forgotten. Let it not bring a further ir.famy on the CastiU 

 lian name, nor let future ages know, there were wretches so vile in this, 

 that think to recommend themselves to jour majesty by destroying the 

 unfortunate and miserable Christopher Columbus : not for his crimes, 

 but for his services in discovering and giving Spain a New world. As 

 it was heaven itself that inspired and condu&ed me to it, the Heavens 

 will weep for me, and shew pity! Let the earth and every soul in it, that 

 loves justice and mercy, weep for me ! And you, O glorified saints 

 of God, that know my innocency and see my sufferings here, have mercy ! 

 for though this present age is envious or obdurate, sure]y those that are 

 to come will pity me, when they are told that Christopher Columbia, 

 with his own fortune, ran the hazard of his own and his brother's lives, 

 an.1, with little or no expense to the crown of Spain, in ten years, and 

 four voyages, rendered greater services than ever mortal /nan did to prince 

 or kingdom, yet was left to perish, without being charged with the least 

 ciime, in poverty and misery j all but his chains being taken from him j 

 so that he who gave Spain another woild, hnd neither safety in it, nor yet 

 a cottage for himself, nor his wretched family : but, should Heaven stiil 

 persecute me, and seem displeased with what I have done, as if the dis- 

 covery of this new world may be fatal to the old, and as a punishment 

 bring my life to a period in this miserable place, yet do you, good angels, 

 you that succour the oppressed and innocent, bring this paper to my gieat 

 mistress. She knows how much I have done, and will bciicve what I have 

 suffered for her glory and service, and will be so just ai.J pious, as not to 

 let the children of him that has brought to Spain such immense riches, 

 and added to it vast and unknown kingdoms and empires, want bread, or 

 subsist only on alms. She, if she lives, w'll consider that cruelty and 

 ingratitude will bring down the wrath of Heaven, so that the wealth I 

 have discovered, shall be the means of stirring up all mankind to revenge 

 and rapine, and the Spanish nation suffer heieaftci, Icr what envious-, 

 malicious, nnd ungrateful people, dj now. 



