Here was the conqueror, not of man but of nature, not of flesh and blood but of the fearful unknown, of the elements, and, more than all, of the prejudices of centuries.

We may imagine the rumours that must have gone before his coming.

And now he was there.

Ferdinand and Isabella had their thrones placed in the presence of the assembled court.
Columbus approached the monarchs, and then, "his countenance beaming with modest satisfaction," knelt at the king's feet, and begged leave to kiss their highnesses' hands.

They gave their hands; then they bade him rise and be seated before them.