So two of them, whose names were Santangel and Quintanilla, rushed into the queen's room and begged her, if she wished to become the greatest queen in Christendom, to call back this wandering sailor, agree to his terms and profit by his labors.
What if he does ask a great deal?
they said.

He has spent his life thinking his plan out; no wonder he feels that he ought to have a good share of what he finds.

What he asks is really small compared with what Spain will gain.

The war with the Moors has cost you ever so much; your money-chests are empty; Columbus will fill them up.

The people of Cathay are heathen; Columbus will help you make them Christian men.