There was no difficulty now, about funds for a second expedition.

Directions were given that it might be set forward as quickly as possible, and on an imposing scale.

For it was feared at court that King John of Portugal, the successful rival of Spain, thus far, in maritime adventure, might anticipate further discovery.

The sovereigns at once sent an embassy to the pope, not simply to announce the discovery, but to obtain from him a decree confirming similar discoveries in the same direction.

There was at least one precedent for such action.