The Right Reverend Cazadilla, being the King's confessor, and a bishop into the bargain, could speak on that matter of converting the heathen; and he was of opinion that it could not be done.
Joseph the Jew, having made voyages, and worked with Behaim at the astrolabe, was surely an authority on navigation; and he was of opinion that it could not be done.

Rodrigo, being also a very learned man, had read many books which Columbus had not read; and he was of opinion that it could not be done.

Three learned opinions against one Idea; the Idea is bound to go.

They would no doubt question Columbus on the scientific aspect of the matter, and would soon discover his grievous lack of academic knowledge.

They would quote fluently passages from writers that he had not heard of; if he had not heard of them, they seemed to imply, no wonder he made such foolish proposals.