[2] See Bernal Diaz, c. 203; and also a well-known portrait of Cortes, ascribed to Titian. Cortes was now in the 43d, Pizarro in the 60th year of his age.
[5] In the chancel of the cathedral of St. Domingo.
[6] The words of the epitaph. “A Castilia y a Leon nuevo Mundo dio Colon.”
[8] Afterwards the arms of Cortes and his descendants.
[11] ‘After the death of Guatimotzin,’ says B. Diaz, ‘he became gloomy and restless; rising continually from his bed, and wandering about in the dark.’.—‘Nothing prospered with him; and it was ascribed to the curses he was loaded with.’
A circumstance, recorded by Herrera, renders this visit not improbable. ‘In May, 1528, Cortes arrived unexpectedly at Palos; and, soon after he had landed, he and Pizarro met and rejoiced; and it was remarkable that they should meet, as they were two of the most renowned men in the world.’ B. Diaz makes no mention of the interview; but, relating an occurrence that took place at this time in Palos, says, ‘that Cortes was now absent at Nuestra Senora de la Rábida.’ The Convent is within half a league of the town.
In him was fulfilled the antient prophecy,
- - - - - venient annis Secula seris, quibus Oceanus Vincula rerum laxet, &c. SENECA in Medea, v. 374.
Which Tasso has imitated in his Giemsalemme Liberata.
Tempo verrà, chie fian d’Ercole i segui Favola vile, &c. c. xv. 30.
[b] _To lift the veil that cover’d half mankind!_
Dying, to-night I would fulfill my vow. Praise cannot wound his generous spirit now.
The Poem opens on Friday, the 14th of September, 1402.
In the original,’ El Almirante.’ In Spanish America, says M. de Humboldt, when _El Almirante_ is pronounced without the addition of a name, that of Columbus is understood; as, from the lips of a Mexican, _El Marchese_ signifies Cortes.
[d] _“Thee hath it pleas’d—Thy will be done!” he said,_
‘It has pleased our Lord to grant me faith and assurance for this enterprize—He has opened my understanding, and made me most willing to go.’ See his Life by his son, Ferd. Columbus, entitled, Hist. del Almirante Don Christoval. Colon, c. 4 & 37.
[e] _Whose voice is truth, whose wisdom is from heav’n,_
The compass might well be an object of superstition. A belief is said to prevail even at this day, that it will refuse to traverse when there is a dead body on board. Hist. des Navig. aux Terres Australes.