As he approached the shore, Columbus,
who was disposed for all kinds of agreeable impressions, was delighted
with
the purity
and
suavity
of the atmosphere, the crystal transparency of the sea, and the
extraordinary beauty of the vegetation. He beheld, also, fruits of
an unknown kind
upon the trees which overhung the shores. On landing he threw himself
on his knees, kissed the earth, and returned thanks to God with
tears of joy. His example was followed by the rest, whose hearts
indeed
overflowed with the same feelings of gratitude. Columbus then rising
drew his sword, displayed the royal standard, and assembling round
him the two captains, with Rodrigo de Escobedo, notary of the armament,
Rodrigo Sanchez, and the rest who had landed, he took solemn possession
in the name of the Castllian sovereigns, giving the island the
name of San Salvador. Having complied with the requisite forms and
ceremonies,
he called upon all present to take the oath of obedience to him,
as admiral and viceroy, representing the persons of the sovereigns.
The natives of the island, when, at the dawn of day, they had beheld
the ships hovering on their coast, had supposed them monsters which
had issued from the deep during the night. They had crowded to the
beach and watched their movements with awful anxiety. Their veering
about. apparently without effort, and the shifting and furling of
their sails, resembling huge wings, filled them with astonishment.
When they beheld their boats approach the shore, and a number of
strange beings clad in glittering steel, or raiment of various colors,
landing upon the beach, they fled in affright to the woods. Finding,
however, that there was no attempt to pursue nor molest them, they
gradually recovered from their terror, and approached the Spaniards
with great awe ; frequently prostrating themselves on the earth,
and making signs of adoration. During the ceremonies of taking possession,
they remained gazing in timid admiration at the complexion, the beards,
the shining armor, and splendid dress of the Spaniards. The admiral
particularly attracted their attention, from his commanding height,
his air of authority, his dress of scarlet, and the deference which
was paid him by his companions ; all which pointed him out to be
the commander.
When they had still further recovered from their fears, they approached
the Spaniards, touched their beards, and examined their hands and
faces, admiring their whiteness. Columbus was pleased with their
gentleness and confiding simplicity, and suffered their scrutiny
with perfect acquiescence, winning them by his benignity.
