And, without losing confidence in it, he gave to Columbus an introduction to the king and queen, in which he cordially recommended him to their patronage.
This king and queen were King Ferdinand of Aragon, and Queen Isabella of Castile.

The marriage of these two had united Spain.

Their affection for each other made the union real, and the energy, courage and wisdom of both made their reign successful and glorious.

Of all its glories the greatest, as it has proved, was connected with the life and discoveries of the sailor who was now to approach them.

He had been disloyally treated by Portugal, he had been dismissed by Genoa.