CHAP. V I ]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
107
CHAPTER VI.
APPLICATION TO THE COURT AT THE TIME OF THE SURRENDER OF GRANADA. [1492]
WHEN Columbus arrived at the court, he experienced a favorable reception, and was given in hospitable charge to his steady friend Alonzo de Quintanilla, the accountant-general.
The moment,
however, was too eventful for his business to receive immediate attention.
He arrived in time to witness the memorable surren
der of Granada to the Spanish arms.
He beheld Boabdil, the last
of the Moorish kings, sally forth from the Alhambra, and yield up the keys of that favorite seat of Moorish power; while the king and queen, with all the chivalry, and rank, and magnificence of Spain, moved forward in proud and solemn procession, to receive this token of submission. It was one of the most brilliant triumphs in Spanish history.
After near eight hundred years of
painful struggle, the crescent was completely cast down, the cross exalted in its place, and the standard of Spain was seen floating on the highest tower of the Alhambra.
The whole court and
army were abandoned to jubilee. The air resounded with shouts of joy, with songs of triumph, and hymns of thanksgiving.
On
every side were beheld military rejoicings and religious oblations; for it was considered a triumph, not merely of arms, but of Chris-